PAINTING WALKING SINGING SIGHTSEEING HOLIDAYS
Your mid-year Authentic update You might not think that there’d be much we could squeeze into eight pages, but trust us when we say there’s more to this deceptively diminutive newsletter than meets the eye... Because this isn’t just an update, it’s a passport. Flick through these pages and be instantly transported to the Moorish splendour of Andalucía (p.5); the wild mountains of southern Italy and cloud-wreathed peaks of Nepal (p.8); and our almost-continental cousin, the beach-fringed island of Jersey (p.3), with nary a queue or baggage check in sight. Of course, you’ll need the real thing when it comes to taking advantage of our late availability. Everything else (well, almost everything else) can be left up to us — keep reading for an up-to-date list of our tours with spaces still left for the rest of the year, handily arranged in date order. Painters can still set up their easels on sun-drenched Croatian peninsulas and lush Keralan hillsides; hikers are cordially invited to pack their walking boots for rambles in Italy’s craggy and colourful ‘five lands’; and there are high notes aplenty for our singers in Umbria or India, all in the remaining months of 2017. Turn to p.7 to see the full selection, and let the planning commence.
But as much as we enjoy reminiscing about our roots (and routes) and heralding our still-to-come sojourns, there’s yet more to be excited about in this edition of the Authentic Adventures newsletter. Because for the first time, we’re inviting you to have your say on next year’s programme — after all, who better to decide what our guests want to see than...well, our guests? On p.4, we’ve listed a few of our fledgling ideas for 2018 tours, complete with conundrums. What month makes the most of Saint-Malo? You decide. Madrid or Barcelona for our Spanish singing holiday? Pick your side. “Yee-ha!” or “hell nah” to a country-themed Nashville extension on our New Orleans tour? Up to you, partner. All in all, we think it’s safe to say that there’s a lot going on here at Authentic Adventures, and we’d love for you to get involved! For the answers to any questions, to book your place on any tour for this year or next, or to add our brand new luxury chauffeured transfers to your already set-in-stone journey (see overleaf for the finer details), don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re reachable 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday, on 01453 823328 or at info@authenticadventures.co.uk.
Channel Islands Italy Spain Madeira Malta Croatia Montenegro Bulgaria India
AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES: JULY NEWSLETTER
Door-to-Door Service What has two doors and no middleman? Why, that’d be our new luxury transfer service, of course... What if we told you that instead of fighting for the last space in the airport multi-storey, shelling out for exorbitant parking charges, or panicking about traffic taking you past check-in time, you could kick off your holiday the second you step off your stoop? For a little extra that makes a big difference to the way you start your holiday — and, as we say here, “start as you mean to go on” — get in touch with our customer care team today to learn more about how you can add our Club Class chauffeur service to your next Authentic Adventure. From your door to the departures lounge, our chauffeurs have got you covered. Simply give us a call to register your interest, let us take a few details, and we’ll calculate your round trip mileage to get you a quote. After that, it’s over to Club Class Chauffeurs, who’ll agree a pick-up time with you, whisk you away to your destination, and get you safely home again on your return. Now that’s what we call a stylish shuttle... Get in touch to get the ball rolling — give our customer care team a call on 01453 823328, or send an email to info@authenticadventures.co.uk to register your interest.
Introducing the Wonderful Charlotte Whenever you next decide to give us a call, you may well find yourself speaking to our lovely new team member Charlotte, the newest addition to the Authentic Adventures sales family. On hand to help with any of your questions or concerns, Charlotte has nurtured a genuine passion for customer care since the beginning of her career, and prides herself on always looking out for her customers’ best interests. Having started out in the motor trade, working for her family’s successful car dealership right here in scenic Salisbury, Charlotte recently joined our team in order to pursue her love of travel. A keen adventurer, Charlotte has already journeyed far and wide — and hopes to do much more. Born in the summer, some of us reckon her zeal for hot weather most likely began in the womb. Over the years she
Follow Authentic Adventures on Instagram We’re very pleased to announce that we’ve now joined what feels like the rest of the world on Instagram. Follow our account @authentic_adventures for interesting updates, on-tour photos and tonnes of travel inspiration. We’d love to feature some of our guests’ photos, too. If you have any great snaps from your adventures, be sure to tag us in them so that we can see! 2
Visit authenticadventures.co.uk To obtain a typical day-by-day itinerary of all our holidays.
has visited many a sun-kissed destination, including Sardinia, Egypt, and Turkey. But don’t assume she can’t stand the cold. In fact, Charlotte is also an enthusiastic skier. Not only fully certified as a ski instructor, during her teens she even competed for Southern England as a dry slope slalom racer! Intrepid, friendly, versatile, and experienced: in our eyes that makes Charlotte the ideal fit for the Authentic Adventures team. Once you’ve had the chance to talk to her yourself we’re certain you’ll agree. Any questions? You can get in touch with Charlotte and the rest of our friendly team from 9am–5pm, every Monday to Friday, on 01453 823328. We look forward to hearing from you!
“No-one can dispute the sheer beauty of St Brelade’s Bay” Very little is known about the mysterious monk after whom St Brelade’s Bay, carved from the coastline of the Channel Island of Jersey, is named. Sometimes referred to as Branwalader or Breward, this 6th-century figure made his mark not only on the Channel Islands, but also in the county of Cornwall, where a church erected in his honour can still be found on Bodmin Moor. As part of our fabulous painting trip to Jersey in October, we visit the medieval church and fisherman’s chapel which also bear his name. Nestling in a lush and leafy corner of the bay, these wonderfully atmospheric buildings are among the oldest churches on the island, and are thought by some to have originally been established as religious sites by St Brelade himself.
St Brelade’s Bay, Jersey, the Channel Islands
As we gaze out across the shimmering ocean, our sketch pads and pencils in hand, it is easy to imagine why the saint might have picked this spot on which to celebrate and reflect. After all, whatever their background or beliefs, no one can dispute the sheer beauty of St Brelade’s Bay. Shallow waters lap against golden sands, leafy canopies stir, and light clouds scud across the open sky. Few places in the United Kingdom are as well-suited to painters as this gorgeous seaside sanctuary, so be sure not to miss your own transcendent dose of colour, light and serenity this October. Book your place to join us, while spaces still remain, or Date Tutor Exc keep reading below for our selection of perfect 7 October Angela Corben £1,099 painting holidays. Single occupancy of double room £150
Colours, Canoes, Rivers & Reflections
Gorgeous Gomera
Between Sea & Sky in Cinque Terre
Jewel-bright birds hiding in emerald foliage, the flash of saris and the shimmer of water — Kerala is colourful in every sense of the word.
Waving palms, ancient woodlands, light-filled terraces — everywhere you look in La Gomera is a subject ready to be immortalised.
The remote ‘five lands’ of Italy have changed little since their soaring mountains and fishing villages first inspired wandering artists.
Date 20 January & 17 February 2018 Single occupancy of double room
Date 11 November 2017 Single occupancy of double room
Date Exc 7 October 2017 £1,549 No single supplement!
Exc £2,695 £405
Exc £1,499 £196
Call today on 01453 823328 | Email: info@authenticadventures.co.uk | Painting, Walking, Singing & Sightseeing Holidays
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AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES: JULY NEWSLETTER
All Change for 2018! Here at Authentic Adventures, summer is fast becoming our most-anticipated time of the year. It’s always had plenty to recommend it, of course — we know the thrill of being able to leave your jacket at home, not to mention hearing the siren song of the ice cream van — but now, the middle-most months of the year have taken on a new, exciting dimension. That’s because, as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s a sure sign that we’re about to start work on next year’s tours. All those new itineraries, new destinations, new discoveries, and new friends all seem to be just around the corner. And while it goes without saying that we’ve always been excited about the holidays we create, this year that excitement is off the scale. Why? Because for the first time ever, you can have your say. We’re asking you, our valued guests, what you’d most like to see on your next Authentic Adventure. Below, you’ll find some ideas fresh from the desks of our holiday-designing dream team — this is only a snippet of what we have in mind, but we just couldn’t wait to see what you think. Can you see yourself being whisked away to bustling Madrid for a singing sojourn, or is arty Barcelona more your speed? Are you enticed by the prospect of hiking to Table Mountain’s hidden waterfalls one day and kicking back with a glass of local South African vino the next? Would adding a little country flavour to a jazz-themed journey through the American South hit all the right notes? There’s only one way to find out... To have your say on our programme, head to authenticadventures.co.uk/have-your-say.aspx and fill in our quick survey. In exchange for a few minutes of your time (and it won’t be more than that, we promise!) you can play your part in shaping our 2018 tour programme. And who knows — you might even see your dream holiday in our next brochure...
Painting & Walking in the Outer Hebrides
Painting & Walking in Saint-Malo
This departure offers two wonderful ways to make the most of the picturesque Western Isles of Scotland. Walkers can rejoice in the rugged coastlines and rolling hills, while painters can...well, much the same! The Scottish Isles’ timeless landscapes provide ample inspiration for amblers and artists alike.
Join Susanna Bailey in the historic walled city of Saint-Malo for an atmospheric painting tour like no other. An imposing citadel fringed by soft-sanded beaches, its endless horizons dotted with colourful sailboats, it provides a profusion of subjects for our painters, and a lovely landscape for our walkers.
Month You decide!
Month You decide!
Tutor/Guide Brian Smith
Tutor Susanna Bailey
Singing in Spain Belting in Barcelona or mellifluous melodies in Madrid — we’re torn between these two equally delightful sites for our Spanish singing sojourn, so it’s over to you. The lively capital has music at its heart, while Spain’s stylish second city, with its dreamlike architecture, is the perfect place for creative expression. Date April 2018
Destination You decide!
Singing in New Orleans
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Painting, Walking & Photography in South Africa
The Big Easy plays host on this jazz odyssey in the American South. Join Faith Watson and friends for singing and sightseeing in one of the most characterful cities in the world, a whirlwind of historic clubs, picturesque parks and even paddleboats! Want to add a Nashville extension? Let us know...
One amazing destination, three ways to discover it. With opportunities to taste local wines, come face-to-face with the famous avian residents of Boulders Beach, take the Bushman’s rock art trail, ascend Table Mountain, and much more, this is the trip of a lifetime, no matter your particular passion.
Date November 2018
Date Autumn 2018
Tutor Faith Watson
Visit authenticadventures.co.uk To obtain a typical day-by-day itinerary of all our holidays.
Tutors/Guides Brian Smith
Simon Harding’s Star Turn “We have just returned from our trip to Andalucía, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The holiday was a success because of the appointment of Simon Harding as Tour Manager. Simon’s knowledge of the area, excellent language skills, comprehensive research and planning coupled with an insistence on getting the details spot-on made for a memorable visit. Above all, his good humour and burning enthusiasm for this area of his adoptive country meant that we were far more than mere passive tourists in this historic region of Spain.”
Now, we don’t like to blow our own trumpet (well, perhaps a little) but as Andalucía specialists, we like to think we know a thing or two about the southern Spanish region. Imagine our surprise, then, when our guests’ reviews came tumbling in from our latest getaway. What was their favourite part? Surely it was Granada, with its architectural love letters to a Moorish past. Perhaps the Roman ruins and cavernous cathedrals of sun-drenched Seville? Or Córdoba, where the scent of orange blossom perfumes the air and the courtyards ring with the steady music of trickling fountains? Actually, it was Simon Harding, our man in Andalucía and sightseeing guide extraordinaire. Our impressed guests commented on his humour, flair for the Spanish language, knack for organisation and logistics, and, above all, his all-encompassing passion for his adoptive home. If our testimonials have convinced you — and we wouldn’t blame you, we’re one click away from booking tickets ourselves — you can still book your place to travel with Simon this November, and experience the magic first-hand.
“I have just returned from your trip to Andalusia with guide Simon Harding. What a wonderful week! Simon’s knowledge of the area and excellent organisation skills made for an extremely enjoyable holiday in a stunningly beautiful region of Spain. The small numbers of the group was exactly what I was looking for and didn’t disappoint — it meant that we all got to know each other and no-one was left out. I certainly didn’t feel like a tourist being corralled around. Thank you, I will definitely be looking out for more tours of Andalusia.” Date Guide Exc 6 November Simon Harding £1,199 Single occupancy of double room £154
Call today on 01453 823328 | Email: info@authenticadventures.co.uk | Painting, Walking, Singing & Sightseeing Holidays
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AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES: JULY NEWSLETTER
Adventuring Artists Familiar faces return and new friends appear in our programme of upcoming painting tours — let us introduce you to experienced artist Brian Smith, and re-acquaint you with favourite tutor Susanna Bailey, both of whom are signed up for another year of exciting holidays. For an up-to-date list of our tours, visit authenticadventures.co.uk — it’s frequently being updated, so be sure to keep an eye out for the latest information!
Introducing: Brian Smith Brian Smith, our newest addition to the Authentic Adventures family, popped into our office recently for a chat. Naturally, we thought we’d take the opportunity to ask him a little about himself, and thankfully he was more than happy to oblige. If he could choose just one place in the world to paint, where would it be? Among the waterways and back streets of Venice. If he could only ever paint in shades of one colour, what would that colour be? Burnt sienna, of course. Ever the professional, even our curious questions about his kit didn’t stump him: does he carry anything out-of-theordinary, we wondered? Well yes, that would be a blunt butter knife. We wouldn’t be doing our job as travel professionals if we didn’t ask the obvious: what dream destinations has this wandering artist not yet managed to visit? The beautiful Maldives and the Seychelles are next on Brian’s list, so watch this space... Not that he hasn’t had his fair share of artistic adventure already; among the strangest places Brian has painted on his travels is an elephant sanctuary in one of
Sarees & Steam Original
our own favourite painting destinations: Kerala. Thankfully, Brian’s advice for those joining him on tour is comprised of insight we can all use, even without such majestic subjects at hand: be willing to stretch yourself; work small and fast to build confidence; and wherever possible, mix your pigments on the paper. Perhaps most importantly, he says, paint things that interest you. What better reason to keep an eye on our website for more details of where you could be joining Brian next year? With trips to South Africa, the Scottish Isles, and Spain on the cards, there should be plenty to pique your interest!
Rest & Reward
Dress Rehearsal
Susanna Bailey Susanna Bailey first travelled as an artist when she won the Nancy Balfour Scholarship during her postgraduate years at the Slade School. This fuelled her love of drawing and painting and has taken her all over the world as a tutor and as a working artist. Susanna is a colourist who works in several media, specialising in watercolour. Charismatic, popular and fun, she believes that careful teaching covering sketching, colour, composition, and the best use of available materials will lead to lasting confidence and wonderful paintings. What better souvenir could there be to bring home from a painting holiday? Susanna’s approach on her painting holidays is to give a structured week through a combination of demonstration and one-to-one tuition. If this appeals to you, you’re not alone: all of Susanna’s tours this year have sold out! Keep an eye on our website to see where you could be joining her on tour next year, and be sure to act quickly to book your place. 6
Visit authenticadventures.co.uk To obtain a typical day-by-day itinerary of all our holidays.
2017 HOLIDAY CALENDAR
September
October
Tenors, Todi and Titignano: Last spaces!
Discovering the Five Lands
Sing to your heart’s content in the ‘green heart of Italy’ itself — better yet, do so in the grounds of our own private estate, set among rolling hills and vineyards.
Follow in the footsteps of Shelley, Byron, and countless others as you make your way along the Italian Riviera, criss-crossed by unbelievably scenic routes.
3 Sept with Faith Watson
7 Oct with Cristiano Pignataro £1,399 exc flight
£1,399 exc flight
Illustrating Istria
Bays and Boats around St Brelade’s
From the smallest town in the world to grand waterside architecture with a Venetian past, bountiful charms are everywhere you look on this Croatian peninsula.
Shimmering puddled beaches and verdant valleys make for a striking contrast on Anglo-French Jersey; see it for yourself on our laid-back painting holiday.
16 Sept with Kevin Dean
7 Oct with Angela Corben
£1,599 exc flight
Immersion in the Istrian Peninsula With the Adriatic Sea serving as a mesmerising backdrop, explore a wonderfully varied terrain through truffle hunts, coastal walks and village visits.
16 Sept with Ilija Miloš
£1,399 exc flight
Wineries & Waterfronts The dreamy quality of islands makes them perfect for painting, and Ischia is dreamier than most, with serene coastal scenes and isolated medieval castles.
29 Sept with Susanna Bailey
£1,549 exc flight
Colours, Cliffs & Capri Take your creative cues from ancient Roman frescoes, spectacular Moorish architecture, and the characteristic charms of the colourful Amalfi coast.
22 Sept with Angela Corben
£1,599 exc flight
Coast, Contours & Capri
22 Sept with Marianna Polverino £1,399 exc flight
October
“The Gozo trip was lovely — I returned full of sun and song. I felt we made really quite an impressive sound after just a week; we even gave a little concert in the local church (after Friday mass; we had a trapped audience, although I think they enjoyed it)!”
Visit Kerala’s four distinct regions, each a sensory haven of tea plantations, spice gardens and lustrous lagoons, on this exuberant singing holiday.
28 Oct with Liz Martin
Take in the colourful coastal landscapes of Cinque Terre, the very same which have stirred the souls of artists and poets for centuries.
£1,549 exc flight
£2,595 exc flight
November Sightseeing in Andalucía Experience the best of both worlds on species-spotting trips through wild beauty spots, gorge-side lunches and backstreet tours among Moorish splendour.
6 Nov with Simon Harding
£1,199 exc flight
Gorgeous Gomera After a hard day admiring the waving palms and prickly pears that serve as our striking subjects, sit back, relax, and watch the sun sink into the Atlantic.
11 Nov with David Paskett
£1,499 exc flight
Colours, Canoes, Rivers & Reflections When we say Kerala is a colourful destination, we really mean it: be sure to prepare a rainbow of hues for the flash of wings, the swish of a sari, and much more.
11 Nov FULLY BOOKED 25 Nov FULLY BOOKED
Between Sea & Sky
7 Oct with Kevin Dean
Natural Harmonies
Guest, 2017
As you stand above the blue-green Med, or wander through fragrant olive groves, it becomes readily apparent that this is a trip for all the senses.
£1,099 exc flight
£2,595 exc flight £2,595 exc flight
January / February 2018 Colours, Canoes, Rivers & Reflections
Painting
Walking
Tea plantations, elephant sanctuaries, tiny villages and bustling backwaters — each of Kerala’s four distinct regions has its own wonders and idiosyncrasies.
Singing
Sightseeing
20 Jan & 17 Feb
Tutor: TBA
£2,695
Call today on 01453 823328 | Email: info@authenticadventures.co.uk | Painting, Walking, Singing & Sightseeing Holidays
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Summiting with Stefano Spinetti — a few words from our wonderful walking guide Native Italian and passionate rambler Stefano Spinetti is one of our most popular guides, and it’s easy to see why. Let’s learn a little more about the man himself...
As one of our brilliant walking guides, Stefano has some truly great tales about the great outdoors — and always manages to keep his adventurers as enthralled as the magical natural landscapes through which he leads them. While many of his favourite hiking trails can be found in Italy — among the bears and wolves, for example, of Abruzzo, his mountainous childhood home — Stefano’s wanderlust has taken him to some truly dizzying locations. The highest altitude he’s ever reached? Well, that would be 8,488 metres up on Chomolungma, the “goddess mother of mountains” known to most of us as Mount Everest. Thankfully, his hikes with Authentic Adventures aren’t quite as treacherous as that! For anyone planning to join any of our exciting walking tours on the horizon, Stefano has only two recommendations: in the lead up to your trip, take every opportunity you can to walk, and always swap lifts and escalators for the stairs.
If you’d like to trek with Stefano in years to come, we have two recommendations of our own: book soon, and pack a voice recorder — if you’re anything like us, you won’t want to miss a word of what this inspirational guide is saying! For a full, up-to-date list of our walking tours, visit our website authenticadventures.co.uk. It’s frequently being updated, so be sure to keep an eye out for the latest information!
Authentic Adventures The Clock Tower, Unit 4 Oakridge Office Park Southampton Road, Whaddon, Salisbury SP5 3HT www.authenticadventures.co.uk +44 (0)1453 823328