Art Fund cultural tours
A programme of exclusive accompanied holidays with Specialtours consisting of meticulously planned itineraries which often include access to wonderful private houses, art collections and gardens.
| Canada | 1-11 September 2006 |
| Trentino and the South Tyrol | 5-13 September 2006 |
| Dresden and Berlin | 22-30 September 2006 |
| Japan, Land of the Rising Sun | 24 September-10 October 2006 |
| Connoisseurs' Prague | 1- 6 October 2006 |
| Andrea Mantegna | 19-23 October 2006 |
| A Leisurely Stay in Madeira | 22-27 October 2006 |
Canada
1-11 September 2006 (11 days)
A new tour offering an insider's view of four east coast Canadian cities and their museums. From the cosmopolitan and charming city of Montreal to the capital Ottawa, to historic Quebec City, the cradle of French culture and finally to Toronto, a dynamic centre for the arts. There will be a day's excursion to the spectacular Niagara Falls.
- 9 nights' accommodation and most meals
- return flights, guides, entrance fees, tour manager
- £3,060
Contact Specialtours on 020 7730 2297 or visit http://www.specialtours.co.uk/tours-by-country/tours-canada-culture.shtml
Trentino and the South Tyrol
5-13 September 2006 (9 days)
Explore the old episcopal cities, castles and abbeys and glorious mountain scenery of this fascinating region of northern Italy. The tour will be based in the historic city of Trento and the old market town of Bolzano. Enjoy a walk in the valley of Campo di Dentro and appreciate the magnificent scenery of the Dolomites. In Bressanone, see early Renaissance frescoes, and illuminated manuscripts. Several private visits have been specially arranged.
- lecturer: Clare Ford Wille
- 5 nights' accommodation and most meals
- return flights, guides, entrance fees, tour manager
- £1,980
Contact Specialtours on 020 7730 2297 or visit http://www.specialtours.co.uk/tours-by-country/tours-italy-trentino.shtml
Dresden and Berlin
22-30 September 2006 (9 days)
An opportunity to visit the beautifully restored Frauenkirche and the treasury of the Green Vault, returned to its original location in Dresden's Royal Palace, as well as the splendid Zwinger. Visits in Berlin include the Schloss Kopenick, now housing part of the Museum of Decorative Arts, as well as the superbly remodelled Reichstag.
- lecturer: Peter Lauritzen
- 8 nights' accommodation and most meals
- return flights, guides, entrance fees, tour manager
- £2,480
Contact Specialtours on 020 7730 2297 or visit http://www.specialtours.co.uk/tours-by-country/tours-germany-dresden-berlin.shtml
Japan, Land of the Rising Sun
24 September-10 October 2006 (17 days)
Japan is a welcoming yet mysterious country of great variety and beauty which charms and surprises the western visitor. Travel back in time from 21st century Tokyo to the atmospheric early capitals of Kyoto and Nara, with their shrines and temples set in peaceful landscaped gardens. Other places on the itinerary include the attractive town of Kurashiki, with Japan's first museum of Western Art, and the 'White Heron' castle at Himeji. Additional highlights will include staying at a traditional ryokan, travelling on the Bullet Train and sampling the best of Japanese food and cooking.
Contact Special tours
- Lecturer: Amanda Herries
- 15 nights' accommodation and most meals
- return flights, guides, entrance fees, tour manager
- £4,680
Contact Specialtours on 020 7730 2297 or visit http://www.specialtours.co.uk/tours-by-country/tours-japan.shtml
Connoisseurs' Prague
1- 6 October (6 days)
An in-depth tour exploring hidden corners and places off the tourist trail as well as visiting familiar buildings and collections. Stay at an elegant small hotel in a renovated Art Nouveau palace on the edge of the Old Town. Highlights include the library of Strahov Monastery, the Lobkowicz Palace, the Kampa Museum, Nelahozeves Castle and a performance at the State Opera.
- lecturer: Lucy Abel Smith
- 5 nights' accommodation and most meals
- return flights, guides, entrance fees, tour manager
- £1,500
Contact Specialtours on 020 7730 2297 or visit http://www.specialtours.co.uk/tours-by-country/tours-czech-connoiseurs-prague.shtml
Andrea Mantegna
19-23 October (5 days)
This tour focuses on the life and art of the great Renaissance painter, Andrea Mantegna. Enjoy a special exhibition in Mantua marking the 500th anniversary of his death. Visit the artist's house, with its unusual circular courtyard, as well as Alberti's Basilica of Sant'Andrea, with the funerary chapel and tomb of Mantegna. Explore Verona, where Roman, Romanesque, Gothic and early Renaissance architecture offers a powerful sense of the past. Visit the historic university city of Padua, to see the remains of Mantegna's great frescoes and the Scrovegni Chapel, celebrated for the magnificent frescoes by Giotto and his pupils.
- lecturer: James McDonaugh
- 4 nights' accommodation
- return flights, guides, entrance fees, tour manager
- £1,080
Contact Specialtours on 020 7730 2297
A Leisurely Stay in Madeira
22-27 October 2006 (6 days)
Extend your summer with a relaxed stay at the island's celebrated Reid's Palace Hotel staying in the newly refurbished garden wing. There will be excursions to enjoy the spectacular landscape and beautiful gardens, with their abundant exotic flora. The programme includes the lesser known museums and churches of Funchal as well as two gardens which are not open to the public.
- 5 nights' accommodation and most meals
- return flights, guides, entrance fees, tour manager
- £1,690
Contact Specialtours on 020 7730 2297 or visit http://www.specialtours.co.uk/tours-by-country/tours-portugal.shtml
