2019 TOUR PROGRAM

Gateway to discovery

academytravel.com.au new tours

Siberia & the to Greece by Russian Far East St Petersburg to Venice land and sea

35 36 37 41

Opera in Italian Summer French Canada Northern Italy Music Festivals Private Homes & New England

45 50 63 69

Mexico Guatemala, Christmas Istanbul Honduras & Belize in New York Study Tour

72 73 75 82 2 contents

Gateway to discovery Italy 12 Europe 23 Dear Academy Traveller, Music & Theatre 42 We’re delighted to present the full range of tours available from January to December 2019. This brochure outlines 70 different tours, travelling to 38 Asia 52 different countries on five continents. This is an unrivalled range of tours and destinations for an Australian-based, small group cultural tour company. Australia & New Zealand 59

Behind the diversity of our tours however there lies a consistency of The Americas 65 philosophy and a consistency of approach. Academy Travel’s tours explore distinct themes, including history, archaeology, the visual arts, architecture, Africa & The Middle East 76 music and stage performance. Tours are designed and led by acknowledged Study Tours 80 experts in their fields, keen to share their knowledge, and experience with a like-minded group of travellers. 2020 Tour Program 84 Look out for the various styles of tour that we offer. Travellers wanting Tour Index 86 maximum depth and a relaxed pace should think about our residential and study tours, with long stays, regular background lectures, and time for individual exploration. Academy Travel is the market leader in this style of Visit our website Our website tour. If you love archaeology and ancient history, look for our tours to the contains Mediterranean basin, central Asia and Mesoamerica. And if the performing detailed arts are your thing, there’s a range of classical music and tours, with itineraries, carefully selected performances designed to appeal to connoisseurs, as well maps and tour as several tours to New York, with theatre, fine music and great dining. leader profiles. Our site also The backbone of our program is a range of tried-and-tested tours to features an online destinations favoured by cultural travellers, such as Italy, Germany, Egypt, booking form. Spain, Portugal, Greece, the islands of the Mediterranean and to the world’s academytravel.com.au great cultural capitals: Berlin, , London, New York, Rome and Venice. But More information we’re always adding new destinations to tempt regular Academy Travellers Detailed itineraries for and keep ahead of trends in cultural travel. Page two opposite lists some of all tours are available these new tours, including new destinations and new ways of approaching by calling us or by more traditional ones. downloading from our website. This brochure, and the tours it describes, are gateways to discovery – keys academytravel.com.au to unlocking the endless fascination of our world, its people, history and cultures. We hope you find a tour that’s right for you. Sold out tours (not listed) Egypt: from the Great Pyramid Robert Veel, Director to Abu Simbel On behalf of the Academy Travel team January 2019, with Lucia Gahlin Japan Unmasked: art, history & culture May 2019, with Dr Kathleen Olive Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan: a journey through central Asia May 2019, with Ben Churcher

tailored small Front: Gate of All Nations, also known as the group Journeys Gate of Xerxes, Persepolis, Iran › Inset: Frida Kahlo’s Self Portrait with Bonito, 1941 Expert tour leaders Brochure production: Damien Flint › Maximum 20 in a group Design: Pro Bono Publico › Carefully planned itineraries Tour Product Managers: Stuart Barrie, Robina Frosinini, Nick Gordon, Hannah Kleboe, Matthew Laing, Mark Lalor, Royna McNamara, Kathleen Olive and Robert Veel. Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside ) I Email: [email protected] 3 Why choose There are lots of tour operators out there, with academy travel? lots of tempting offerings. So why choose us?

Great Like-minded Long itineraries groups stays Academy Travel works hard to create Over the years we’ve been in Feedback from our clients itineraries that provide a balanced operation, we’ve developed a loyal consistently tells us that creating experience – walking tours, museum band of Academy Travellers, some itineraries with three and four-night and gallery visits, live performances, of whom have travelled with us stops, or even longer, is far more city and countryside. We’re proud more than 10 times. They say the appealing that rushing from place to be constantly innovating, from small groups (maximum 20, average to place. Wherever possible, we plan opening up new destinations, creating 17) and distinct themes of our our tours around a limited number tours around festivals and special tours attract like-minded travellers of stops, making your travels more exhibitions, to providing unrivalled and create a relaxed, convivial relaxed and more meaningful. depth in our residential tours. atmosphere. “What a wonderful trip! Venice “The tour was excellent in all “I really enjoyed the tour – good for 15 days was an outstanding respects, organisation and company, fantastic architecture, experience, with a good balance preparation were superb. The tour accommodation and an excellent between different activities. leader was excellent and the tour tour leader.” It was my third time to Venice manager was always cheerful, – Frank Lloyd Wright: to New but the first time to most of the positive and very well organised. York, May 2017. museums and many of the other An amazing experience.” places. The hotel was a good – Gardens of Southern England, choice, being right in the middle June 2018. of everything but quiet.” – Venice: City, Republic & Empire, October 2017.

4 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Special Expert tour Years of Events leaders experience A private viewing of the Sistine We work closely with a team of Academy Travel was founded in 2004 Chapel? Tickets to a sold-out concert academically qualified and highly by a team with decades of prior by the Berlin Philharmonic? A world- experienced tour leaders. They don’t experience in small group travel. On famous art fair? Access to private just ‘rattle off the facts’ – they help average, our tour leaders have over homes and gardens? Behind-the- us plan our itineraries and, on tour, 11 years’ experience, some with 25 scenes visits? Many of our tours freely share their deep knowledge or more years. To ensure quality, we feature access to places and events and genuine passion. Most of our have our own office in Rome, Italy that are usually not offered on tour leaders are still teaching at an and a network of trusted suppliers most group tours. advanced level and many are still around the world. undertaking academic research. “I didn’t want the tour to “For many years Academy Travel end! It was such a wonderful “I thought this tour, my first has been my ‘tour operator’ introduction to New York – a with Academy, was excellent, of choice. I have recommended city I had not visited. Matthew’s made so by the combined the company to many friends comments, notes, talks, knowledge and experience of and they all have agreed the humour and choices of theatre, the tour leaders. All up, the most attention to detail and choice restaurants and excursions made professional tour I have done.” of tour leaders is superior.” this such an exciting, memorable – Puglia to Pompeii, March 2018. – New York: music, theatre, art & food, experience. I’m still on a high, the March 2018. group was such fun.” – New York: music, theatre, art & food, March 2018.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 5 Our experts Academy Travel’s team of expert tour leaders offers genuine academic expertise, enthusiasm and the ability lead the way to communicate their knowledge to interested travellers. FIND OUT MORE

Chloe Sayer Dr Chris Carter Has conducted extensive research and Has an Honours and Master’s degree in fieldwork on traditional crafts and archaeology and has recently completed textiles throughout Mexico. Chloe lived a PhD. He has led tours to Central and and worked in Mexico for many years. South America for over 20 years. Upcoming tour: Page 72 Upcoming tours: Pages 68 &73

Elena Ortega Dr Estelle Lazer Holds degrees from the University of Is an archaeologist who has worked on Sydney and the National Art School. site at Pompeii for seven seasons and Born in Zaragoza, she lived for many has an international reputation for her years in Granada. research on the city’s skeletal remains. Upcoming tour: Page 26 Upcoming tour: Page 15

Dr Jenny Lawless Dr John Tidmarsh Has led tours to Turkey, Greece and Iran. Is the former president of the University Jenny has been awarded a Churchill of Sydney’s Near Eastern Archaeology Fellowship and a NSW Premier’s History Foundation, and a former lecturer Prize for her research and writing. in the Department of Archaeology. Upcoming tours: Page 27 & 82 Upcoming tours: Pages 41 & 79

Lindy Montgomery Lucia Gahlin Is a graduate of both the University of Is a UK-based Egyptologist with a wealth Sydney and the Sydney Conservatorium of experience as an educator, researcher, of Music, where she taught musicology archaeologist and museum curator. for 13 years. She has led tours to Egypt since 1994. Upcoming tour: Page 43 Upcoming tour: Page 77

Dr Michael Adcock Michael Carr Is a social and cultural historian who Has Honours in Art and Law from ANU specialises in the art and history of and over 20 years’ experience as an . He has led several highly art collector and historian, previously successful tours to Paris. opening a art dealership in Moscow. Upcoming tour: Page 81 Upcoming tour: Page 24

Robert Gay Robert Veel Is one of Australia’s leading music tour Holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of leaders and music educators. He has led Education. He is a director of Academy more than 90 performance-based tours Travel and leads tours to Europe, to Europe and the US. Scandinavia, the US & Australia. Upcoming tours: Pages 45, 46, 48, 49 & 51 Upcoming tours: Pages 16, 18, 22, 36 & 53

Dr Sophie Stuart Barrie Oosterwijk Is a director of Academy Travel and Is a Dutch art historian who specialises has over 30 years’ experience in travel, in Medieval, Flemish and Dutch art. including leading groups through Western Europe, Russia and the United States. Upcoming tours: Page 30 Upcoming tours: Page 74

6 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Ann MacArthur Ben Churcher Holds a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Has a wide range of experience as an Studies and speaks fluent Japanese. educator, and an archaeologist. Since She has over 20 years experience as a 1994 Ben has led tours to Jordan, museum educator. Greece, Syria, Egypt, China & Morocco. Upcoming tour: Page 56 Upcoming tour: Page 57

Christopher Christopher MEnz Bradley Is a former Director of the Art Gallery Specialises in the history and art of of SA. He has published extensively North Africa and Arabia. on the decorative arts and is a regular contributor to Australian Book Review. Upcoming tour: Page 58 Upcoming tours: Pages 29, 44 & 62

Gerald Deslandes Dr Jeni Ryde Is a former curator and cultural Has a wide-ranging knowledge of historian with a BA from Cambridge Italian history and cultural traditions. University, and has led more than Jeni has a PhD focusing on tourism, 50 tours to Europe and the UK. heritage and Renaissance studies. Upcoming tour: Page 17 Upcoming tours: Pages 14, 25, 26, 28 & 40

Judy Tenzing Dr Kathleen Olive Has a degree in South Asian History. Has a PhD in Italian Studies, speaks She has a lifelong passion for travel fluent Italian and lectures on the art, and over 30 years’ experience as a tour history and culture of Europe. Kathleen leader on the sub-continent and in Asia. has an outstanding knowledge of Italy. Upcoming tour: Page 55 Upcoming tours: Pages 13, 17, 25, 60 & 83

Dr Matthew Dr Matthew Laing Dal Santo Is a historian and political scientist with Is a writer, historian and foreign affairs a PhD from ANU. Matthew leads tours to commentator, with a focus on Russia. the United States and Scandinavia and lectures for Academy Travel. Upcoming tours: Pages 35 & 38 Upcoming tours: Pages 33,66,67,69,70,71 & 75

Michael Turner Dr Nick Gordon Is a garden historian and lecturer. Has a University Medal and a PhD in He is the former Senior Curator of the history and lectures on European art. Nicholson Museum at the University Nick is also a practising painter and of Sydney. brings this passion to the visual arts. Upcoming tours: Pages 19, 31 & 34 Upcoming tours: Pages 20, 21, 32, 37, 61, 63 & 64

Dr RosAMUND Royna McNamara Bartlett Is a musician, educator & conductor. Is a cultural historian with a deep She has a passion for travel and has knowledge of western history and music. spent extended periods of time working and travelling in Spain and Italy. Upcoming tours: Page 47 Upcoming tours: Page 50

Sue Rollin Thomas Abbott Holds degrees in Near Eastern history Holds a degree in art history, specialising and archaeology, South Asian studies in the architecture of Berlin, the art of and interpreting. Sue has led tours in 18th-century Germany and the Bauhaus. India, Central Asia and the Middle East. He has led many tours in Germany. Upcoming tours: Page 78 Upcoming tours: Page 39

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 7 Each of our tours is specifically designed around a distinctive historical, Tour artistic or cultural theme, allowing you to explore your passion for archaeology, music, painting, design or landscape. Use the symbols listed Themes on each page as an easy reference to find a tour that’s right for you.

Archaeology & Music Fine Arts Ancient History & Theatre & Design Qualified and experienced Enjoy great seats to opera and From Renaissance masterpieces to archaeologists design and lead our orchestral music in the grand the contemporary scene, indulge in-depth surveys of ancient cultures theatres of London, the United your passion for the visual arts on and pre-historic sites around the States and Europe, or catch the latest our fine art and design themed Mediterranean, Middle East & North Broadway plays on our carefully tours, exploring both masterpieces Africa and in Central Asia. curated performing-arts tours. from the past and cutting-edge contemporary.

Garden Residential SMALL SHIP Tours Tours TOURS Delight your senses as history, Unpack your bags and get to know Our land+cruise itineraries combine landscape and design come together the world’s great cities in depth on overland travel with a 6-9 night cruise on our select range of garden tours our residential tours. Extended stays on a select range of comfortable to the UK and Europe, covering in cities such as Rome, Paris, Venice, 40-90 berth ships. We only select everything from Renaissance villas New York, London and Berlin. cruise itineraries with a strong to 20th-century creations. historical or artistic component.

8 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Itineraries, Bookings & Airfares

Client services Fitness TOUR Booking team Requirements process Each of our tours has a dedicated, We have assigned a star grading to We’ve tempted you with one of our professional consultant who will each tour to give you an indication of tours, so what happens next? manage all aspects of your booking. the level of physical fitness required for Detailed itineraries We can organise your international participation. Academy Travel’s tours For each tour, we publish a detailed flights, additional travel before or after tend to feature extended walking itinerary providing day-by-day your tour, private airport transfers and tours and site visits, which require descriptions of the tour program and travel insurance. Your consultant is greater fitness than coach touring. other important information. This is your one-stop point of reference for Grade one published 12 months before departure. all matters relating to your travel. Grade One tours are appropriate for If you are interested in a tour, get in travellers in good health with good Booking on a tour touch with one of our consultants mobility. You should be able to participate Each person booking on a tour must below on 02 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 comfortably in up to three hours of complete and sign a booking form and outside of Sydney. physical activity per day on most days. send it to us together with a deposit of $500. Booking forms can be downloaded Grade two from our website, or you can book online Grade Two tours are designed for Lynsey Martin at academytravel.com.au people who lead active lives and can Groups administrator Welcome letter and updates [email protected] comfortably participate in up to five hours of physical activity per day on Once we have received your booking, most days, including challenging we will send you a letter confirming all archaeological sites and a more details of your booking and any special Hannah Kleboe demanding tour schedule with one requests. We will keep you updated on Groups travel manager night stops or several internal flights. other matters as they arise. [email protected] Grade three Pre-departure Grade Three tours are our most About a month before your tour physically demanding. To participate begins we’ll send you a comprehensive Kathy Wardrop on these tours, you should be able to package with your travel documents, Groups travel manager comfortably undertake in up to seven tour notes and practical information. [email protected] hours of physical activity per day, over several days. A note for older travellers Jamal Fairbrother If you are more than 80 years old, or Groups travel manager [email protected] have restricted mobility, you will find a number of our itineraries challenging. Grade Three tours are unsuitable for travellers more than 80 years old, unless you are exceptionally fit. We ask travellers more than 80 years old to contact Academy Travel before submitting a booking form, so that we can outline the physical requirements of the tour.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 9

Why we Choose to travel with Academy travel...

“We have been friends since our teens and frequent travel companions ever since. Our shared love of travel has taken us to many parts of the world, mostly under our own steam. Ten years ago, after researching how to get the most out of a visit to Pompeii, we decided that this fascinating site would best be appreciated as part of a specialist group tour. Luckily for us we discovered Academy Travel and its Bay of Naples tour and we haven’t looked back since. The qualities we enjoyed on that first trip have been maintained on all our subsequent tours with Academy Travel: amazingly knowledgeable tour leaders who bring the history to life with well-timed talks, the provision of excellent dining experiences (a memorable seafood meal on the island of Ischia has yet to be beaten) and fantastic boutique hotels located in the heart of the cities. Travelling with a friend on an Academy Travel tour has many advantages. The twin rooms have always been of good size, you have someone to share the moment with then later reminisce about those wonderful sights, memorable meals and, of course, the ongoing interest in the places you have been. We are hooked!” Diane Augee and Julie Lawrence. Since 2007, Diane and Julie have enjoyed five tours with Academy Travel.

Academy Travellers Diane Augee and Julie Lawrence at Villa Balbianello, overlooking Lake Como, Italy. Tours to Italy Academy Travel began by offering small-group cultural tours to Italy, and these remain a cornerstone of our operations. Our most popular itineraries include Sicily, Puglia to Pompeii and across northern Italy – all difficult to access for the independent traveller. Equally sought-after are our in-depth ‘residential’ visits to Rome, Venice and Florence, which offer an unrivalled chance to get to know these major centres of history, art and architecture.

FIND OUT MORE The Doge’s Palace, Venice Art Cities of Tuscany Pisa, Siena & Florence

$6,980 pp, twin share $1,240 single supplement January 7-21, 2019

Experience • The art and culture of medieval Tuscany, far beyond what most tourists see • Tuscany’s glorious small towns, villages, monasteries and villas – each one different from the other, each one beautiful, atmospheric and compelling • Renaissance masterworks by Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Botticelli • Tuscany beyond Florence, from Pisa’s maritime excellence to Siena’s Gothic glories • The rise of the Medici in Florence, their power and enduring artistic legacy • Regional diversity in landscape, FIND OUT gastronomy, art and architecture MORE

Overview Travellers flock to the cities and towns of Tuscany to admire the world’s greatest concentration of medieval and Renaissance art, but rarely devote sufficient time to fully appreciate its technical brilliance and intellectual richness. Unpack your bags and enjoy longer stays in Pisa, Siena and Florence on this new 15-day tour exploring the region’s economic and cultural flowering in the Middle Ages, and its rise to European super-power with the Medici. Tuscany’s simple, seasonal cuisine is at its best in winter, when there are also fewer visitors and the weather is generally mild. Highlights Your tour leader > World-class art in Florence’s Uffizi and Dr Kathleen Olive Accademia, Siena’s Pinacoteca and Pisa’s “Kathleen Olive does a great job – spectacular Museo di San Matteo so knowledgeable, so experienced, > Beautiful villages and atmospheric abbeys, considerate, generous and fun to be from Lucca and San Gimignano to San with.” – Masterpieces of Florence and Rome, Galgano and Monte Oliveto Maggiore January 2017. > Explore the careers of major Renaissance artists: Piero della Francesca in Arezzo, Getting there Masaccio in the Brancacci Chapel, Filippo Qatar Airways and Emirates offer flights into Lippi in Prato cities suitable for this tour. Contact us for > Elegant Siena: time to shop and enjoy the quotes and bookings. evening passeggiata over four nights > Savour Tuscany without the tourist hordes: winter cuisine, wine tastings in stunning contemporary settings, uncrowded museums Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: Explore Pisa. Day trip to Lucca. Pistoia Days 4–7: Visit Volterra and San Gimignano. Prato Discover Siena’s art and architecture, atmospheric Lucca Fiesole abbeys at San Galgano and Monte Oliveto Florence (7) Pisa (3) Maggiore, Renaissance Pienza. Bargino Day 8: Investigate Piero della Francesca in Arezzo. Days 9–11: Contemplate Florentine sculpture from San Gimignano the Middle Ages to Renaissance. Follow the rise of Arezzo Volterra the Medici in San Lorenzo and San Marco. Enjoy Siena (4) day trips to Prato and Pistoia. Days 12–15: Admire world-class art in Florence’s Uffizi and Accademia. Survey Fiesole’s Etruscan ITALY and Roman heritage. Enjoy Tuscany’s resurgence Pienza at a stunning contemporary winery.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 13 Sicily Siracusa, Agrigento & Palermo

$6,450 pp, twin share January 17-29, 2019 $1,150 single supplement

Discover • The history, art and architecture of Sicily, showcasing more than 3,000 years of Mediterranean civilisation • The island’s rich classical heritage at some of Europe’s best preserved Greek and Roman archaeological sites • Palermo’s extraordinary history, where medieval Arab and Norman rule is seen today in distinctive art and architecture • Varied and dramatic landscapes, from active volcanoes to rugged seaside cliffs and pristine coastlines FIND OUT • The benefits of low-season travel, MORE with fewer visitors and mild weather

Overview Sicily has been one of the most sought-after places in the Mediterranean. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards have each settled here, making it one of the most culturally dense and diverse regions of modern Italy. The setting for this long and distinctive history is unmatched – the towering volcano of Mount Etna, rolling hillsides in the interior and the dramatic coastline. Discover the beauty, history and culture of Sicily – from ancient cities and Greek temples, to Norman mosaics and elegant baroque towns – on this new 13-day tour, timed to take advantage of low-season visitor numbers and mild weather. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Jeni Ryde > Exceptionally well-preserved Greek and “Jeni Ryde was a most enthusiastic Roman archaeological sites in Siracusa, and caring leader. She always Agrigento and Taormina ensured that we knew where we > The exuberant ‘Sicilian Baroque’ architecture were by providing appropriate maps. She also of Siracusa and Noto made useful suggestions for activities in our > Delightful 4th-century mosaics in the palatial spare time.” – Grand Tour of Spain, April 2017. Roman villa at Piazza Armerina Getting there > Agrigento’s ‘Valley of the Temples,’ including some of the world’s finest surviving Emirates offers the best connections to examples of Greek architecture Rome. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > The remarkable medieval Arab-Norman architecture of Palermo > UNESCO World Heritage-listed mosaics in Monreale and in Palermo’s Palatine Chapel Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–5: Take a group flight from Rome. Arrive in Siracusa; tour the remarkable archaeological Palermo (6) park and museum, and admire striking baroque architecture here and in nearby Noto and Ragusa. Segesta Cefalu Take day trips to Taormina and Catania. Enjoy a Nero d’Avola wine tasting. Taormina Sicily Day 6: Travel to Agrigento to survey the impressive Greek temples, with an excursion to Agrigento (1) Catania the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina to admire the well-preserved mosaics. Siracusa (5) Ragusa Days 7–13: The tour ends in Palermo, exploring Noto the city’s fascinating heritage and enjoying visits to Monreale cathedral, the Norman Palace and its Palatine Chapel. Take day trips to Cefalù, Segesta and Marsala.

14 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Puglia to Pompeii Classical Southern Italy

$8,370 pp, twin share March 21 – April 6, 2019 $1,750 single supplement October 17 – November 1, 2019

Explore • The history and classical archaeology of southern Italy, from the Greek colonists at Paestum to the Romans at Pompeii and Herculaneum • Thousands of years of foreign rule and cultural influence, from the Arabs and Normans in the Middle Ages, to the Aragonese, Spanish and Bourbons in the modern era • Stunning natural beauty, from MORE rugged mountain ranges to dazzling MAR/APR Mediterranean coastlines • The prized regional culinary traditions of southern Italy MORE OCT/NOV

Overview Take ‘the road less travelled’ through Puglia and Basilicata and on to the stunning scenery and renowned archaeological sites of the Bay of Naples. This tour begins with the fascinating history of southern Italy, from the cave-dwelling people of Matera to ancient Greek colonies, Norman castles and cathedrals, and elegant Southern Baroque architecture in Lecce. It then continues to the Bay of Naples, justly lauded in antiquity for its superb scenery and relaxed lifestyle, and today a wonderland of art and archaeology, from Pompeii and Herculaneum to Caravaggio and his followers. Highlights Your tour leader > The medieval castles and cathedrals of Puglia, Dr Estelle Lazer built by Norman and German rulers “I cannot say strongly enough how > The battlefield of Cannae, where Hannibal much we learned from Estelle. She defeated the Romans in 216 BC worked so hard to make the tour a > The unique ‘sassi’ cave dwellings in the success.” – Sicily & the Aeolian Islands, Oct 2017. ancient city of Matera, one of Italy’s most remote cities Getting there > The hidden artistic and architectural gems of Emirates offers the best connections to Naples, seen by relatively few tourists Rome. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Europe’s premier archaeological sites, including Paestum, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis > Capodimonte, the Bourbon royal palace housing a remarkable collection of fine art Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: Take a group flight from Rome. Arrive in Lecce, explore the town, Otranto and Brindisi. Italy Days 4–5: Tour Taranto, see the ‘sassi’ of Matera. Rome Days 6–8: In Trani, visit Roman and medieval Trani (3) sites and sections of the Appian Way. Brindisi Days 9–11: Travel to Vietri sul Mare and spend Naples (5) a day at Paestum. Drive part of the Amalfi Coast Matera (2) Lecce (3) to the hill-top town of Ravello. Vietri sul Mare (3) Paestum Days 12–16/17: Explore the city of Naples, including the National Archaeological Museum. Visit key archaeological sites at Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis, as well as Capodimonte. Optional post-tour extension to Capri and Amalfi.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 15 Venice City, Republic & Empire

$7,730 pp, twin share March 27 – April 10, 2019 $1,960 single supplement

Explore • The history of Venice and its key role in the Mediterranean during the Crusades and the Renaissance • The unique art and architecture of Venice, visiting centuries-old sites and world-class museums • The all-important and all- encompassing relationship between Venice and the sea • The excellent food and wine of the Veneto region, from sparkling prosecco to excellent seafood • The Renaissance architecture of Andrea FIND OUT Palladio, from Venice to Vicenza MORE

Overview Unpack your bags for 15 days and discover the city that ruled the Mediterranean for 1,000 years. From a family-run four-star hotel just a few minutes from St Mark’s Square, this tour explores the art, history and culture of Venice, and uncovers the depth of Venice’s influence with day trips to Ravenna, Padua and the Palladian villas of the Veneto. The tour also takes in quiet lagoon islands, including Byzantine Torcello and Armenian San Lazzaro, and dines at some of Venice’s best restaurants. The off-season travel period means fewer crowds and cruise ships. Your tour leader Highlights Robert Veel > A legendary lunch at Locanda Cipriani “This was our second tour under on the island of Torcello Robert’s leadership and, once again, > Glittering 5th and 6th-century mosaics he did not disappoint. His knowledge in Ravenna, echoes of the Ostrogoths of Italian art, architecture, culture and and of Byzantium history is well renowned. This combined with > The baroque surrounds of opera his charm and ease of interaction with all at Venice’s rebuilt La Fenice tour members made this tour a memorable > The colours of Carpaccio, Bellini, Titian and experience.” – Lakes & Villas of Northern Veronese in palaces and churches Italy, May 2018. > The most complete cycle of Giotto’s work, Getting there in Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel Emirates has daily flights from most > Outstanding contemporary art at the Australian cities to Venice, via Dubai. Ca’ d’Oro and the Punta della Dogana Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Harmonious Palladian villas of the Connect this tour with Renaissance in and around Vicenza xx on page xx Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: Orient yourself with a trip around the Vicenza lagoon, to Burano and Torcello, and visits to key state history museums. Venice (14) Day 4: Day trip to Ravenna. Day 5: Explore medieval and early Renaissance Padua Venice – the world of the merchants and Crusades. Day 6: Day trip to Padua. Days 7–10: Tour the Ghetto’s synagogues, admire ITALY fine art in the Accademia, Frari and Scuola di San Rocco. Baroque exuberance in fine house museums.

Ravenna Day 11: Day trip to Vicenza and Palladio’s villas. Days 12–15: Modern art at the Guggenheim, glass on Murano. The islands of San Lazzaro and San Giorgio Maggiore.

16 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Sicily & the Aeolian Islands Jewels of the Mediterranean

$8,870 pp, twin share March 29 – April 14, 2019 $1,680 single supplement September 20 – October 6, 2019

Discover • The thriving colonies of the ancient Greek world – wealthy, cultured centres of literature and art • Ancient Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman societies, and their struggle to control the Mediterranean • The lasting legacy of medieval Arab and Norman rule, expressed in the impressive mosaics and architecture of Palermo • The distinctive period of Sicilian MORE Baroque architecture MAR/APR • Dramatic countryside, including active volcanoes and rugged limestone cliffs • The natural beauty and traditional MORE lifestyle of the Aeolian Islands SEP/OCT

Overview Sicily and the Aeolian Islands have a remarkable history and culture that is a blend of Mediterranean civilisations. From the well-preserved remains of Greek and Roman cities and temples, to Norman cathedrals with fine Byzantine mosaics and Arab-influenced cuisine, the island’s unique and varied history is tangible. This 17-day tour has been designed to give the first-time visitor an overview of Sicily’s diverse and fascinating past, its art and traditions, and shows how the extraordinary landscape – volcanoes, rugged coastlines and the jewel-like sea – has shaped the island’s vibrant history and culture. Highlights Your tour leaders > A scenic private boat trip of the Aeolian Gerald Deslandes (March) Islands, from Lipari to Stromboli and Panarea Gerald joins our program in 2019. > Outstanding archaeological museums in Gerald is a former curator and cultural Siracusa, Agrigento and Lipari historian. > The Sicilian Baroque architecture of Noto Dr Kathleen Olive (September) and Ragusa that evolved in the 17th and “The tour was excellent and had 18th centuries a good variety to the schedule. > The exceptionally well-preserved Kathleen is an exceptional tour 4th-century mosaics in the imperial leader and her knowledge is second to none. Roman villa at Piazza Armerina Brilliant.” – Rome to Turin, October 2017. > The UNESCO World Heritage-listed mosaics in the cathedral of Monreale and Getting there Palatine Chapel in Palermo, undertaken by Emirates offers the best connections to Byzantine masters for their Norman rulers Rome. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > An excursion to the summit of Mt Etna Fitness requirement

Itinerary Stromboli Days 1–4: Group flight from Rome to Siracusa; Lipari Islands (3) tour archaeological sites and the old town. (Aeolian Islands) Days 5–6: Travel to the Greek temples at Agrigento Palermo (4) Messina via the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina. Segesta Days 7–10: Explore the capital Palermo, including Selinunte Cefalu Monreale, the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel. Mt Etna Sicily Taormina (3) Visit the tiny island of Mozia. Piazza Armerina Days 11–13: Continue on to Cefalù en route to the Agrigento (2) Catania Aeolian Islands. Take a private boat trip from Lipari to Stromboli and Panarea. Siracusa (4) Days 14–17: From Taormina visit the Greco-Roman Ragusa theatre and Mount Etna, before taking a group Noto flight to Rome. Optional pre-tour extension to Malta.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 17 The City of Rome Easter in the eternal city

$6,670 pp, twin share April 16-26, 2019 $1,690 single supplement

Experience • 2,500 years of Western civilisation, a ‘living museum’ on display in the streets, piazze and palazzi of Rome • The complex legacy of ancient Rome in history and culture, especially from the Renaissance to the 20th century • Little-visited but wonderful sites tucked away in the heart of the city • La dolce vita: fine dining, excellent local trattorie, a symphony concert or opera • The masters of the Eternal City, from emperors and popes to Caravaggio FIND OUT and Bernini MORE

Overview Rome is a city of unique character and charm, and well worth an extended visit. Historic sites, stretching from Etruscan pre-history to the 21st century, are set among the ageless laneways and piazze of the old city. Our 11-day tour begins with ancient Rome, source of the city’s pride and traditions. We then explore the pivotal medieval, Renaissance and baroque periods, brimming with fine art and architecture by masters such as Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, before turning our attention to impressive 20th- and 21st-century sites. Accommodation is in the perfectly located four-star Hotel Ponte Sisto. Your tour leader Highlights Robert Veel > Private evening visit to the Vatican “Our tour leader Robert Veel was Museums and the Sistine Chapel humorous, very knowledgeable and > Walking tours and gallery visits, exploring had an attention to detail that was Rome from its earliest days to today quite exemplary. He was quite meticulous and > A full day surveying the remarkable art extremely well organised. One of the best tour of Caravaggio leaders I’ve ever had the pleasure of travelling > Visits to difficult-to-access sites, such as with.” – Palermo and Naples, January 2018. the home and studio of 20th-century artist Getting there Giorgio de Chirico and the Domus Aurea > Discover distinctive neighbourhoods, Emirates has daily flights from most cities including Trastevere, the Spanish Steps in Australia to Rome. Contact us for quotes and the Ghetto and bookings. > A day trip to Tivoli, visiting the splendid gardens of the Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Fitness requirement Itinerary Galleria Borghese Days 1–3: Explore ancient Rome, from the Etruscans to the age of Constantine, with walking

Spanish Steps tours and visits to museums. Days 4–5: Discover the gems of the Renaissance Vatican City and baroque city, from Bramante’s Tempietto and Raphael’s frescoes in the Villa Farnesina, to the Piazza Navona Pantheon playful architecture of Bernini and Borromini. Hotel Ponte Sisto Days 6–8: Enjoy a day trip to Tivoli, visits to special Capitoline Museum exhibitions, and a full day examining the works of Caravaggio in the city and at the Galleria Borghese. Trastevere Days 9–11: Get to know modern Rome. Visit the Forum and experience a private visit to the Vatican ROME Tivoli 10 nights Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

18 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy $8,670 pp, twin share $1,940 single supplement April 25 – May 9, 2019

Enjoy • Italy’s genius for art and architecture in spectacular lakeside and country sites • The sheer range of art and history in northern Italy, from medieval towns to villas and 21st-century estates • Some of the world’s most beautiful gardens still in private hands • Palladio’s finest Renaissance villas, from Villa Emo to Villa Capra “La Rotonda” and Villa Barbaro • The stunning colours and landscapes of pre-alpine Italy • The best of northern Italy’s regional cuisines, famous for prosciutto, FIND OUT parmigiano and prosecco MORE

Overview The villas and gardens of the Italian lakes are as spectacular as the alpine landscape surrounding them. This 15-day tour visits many of the finest villas and gardens of northern Italy, from the shores of Lake Como to the foothills of the Apennines, with its medieval towns and contemporary villas, and on to the Veneto to admire the Renaissance country houses of Andrea Palladio. The tour concludes on Lake Maggiore, best known for the baroque splendour of Isola Bella, and enjoy the lakes, villas and gastronomy of the region at a gentle pace. Highlights Your tour leader > The villas and gardens of Lake Como in Michael Turner bloom: Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta and Villa “Michael Turner led a very compatible Balbianello group of travellers, everyone being > Bergamo and Asolo: beautiful medieval enthusiastic every day. Northern hill towns with surprising histories Italy with its lakes, villas and hill towns is very > Elegant Verona, the historic Giusti Gardens beautiful and tranquil. The preservation of and a private visit to Villa Arvedi, still the its history is mind blowing, Italy with its rich home of the Counts of Arvedi countryside is hard to beat. A fabulous trip, > The fascinating towns of Lake Garda and thank you!” – Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy, tranquil Lake Orta May 2018. > Excellent regional cuisine and wine, Getting there including lunches in country restaurants, Emirates offers the best connections to at Villa d’Este and in scenic Valdobbiadene, . Contact us for quotes and bookings. home of prosecco > The Borromean Islands: baroque masterpieces on Lake Maggiore Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive in Bellagio and explore Lake Como by boat, visiting the 18th and 19th-century switzerland estates of Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi, with lunch at the Villa d’Este. Day trip to Bergamo. ITALY Days 5–6: From Cremona, explore the hill towns and medieval castles of Emilia-Romagna. Stresa (3) Lake Como Asolo (3) Days 7–9: Visit Vicenza en route to Asolo. Admire Lake Bellagio (4) Palladio’s country houses, palaces and theatre. Maggiore Verona (2) Days 10–11: Explore refined Verona and Milan Lake Garda Vicenza picturesque Bassano del Grappa. Days 12–15: Travel to Stresa via Lake Garda. Experience the extraordinary villas and gardens of Lake Maggiore and enjoy the tranquillity of Cremona (2) undiscovered Lake Orta.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 19 The Venice Biennale Modern & contemporary art

$5,730 pp, twin share June 5-13, 2019 $1,640 single supplement

Experience • The remarkable world of contemporary art by leading artists from around the globe, at the world’s largest and oldest art fair • The less well-known sites of Venice and its surrounds: quiet islands, hidden gems and Roman ruins • Stunning new modern art spaces in Rovereto, showcasing Italian and international art • The backstreets of Venice, home to unofficial exhibitions and performances • The renowned architecture of Venice, FIND OUT including the Arsenale – only open to MORE the public during the Biennale

Overview The Venice Biennale is the world’s oldest, largest and most prestigious contemporary art fair. Many of the fine Renaissance palaces of Venice, usually closed to the public, open as centres of modern and contemporary art for its duration. We explore the 2019 Biennale over nine days from our quiet hotel in the heart of the city, interspersing these visits with trips to Venice’s modern and contemporary galleries and some of the less well-known historic sites and galleries in the region, such as the Roman city of Aquileia and MART, a stunning art gallery at Rovereto. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Nick Gordon > Well-paced visits to the Biennale’s “The tour to the Venice Biennale exhibitions, in the historic Giardini and was everything we hoped for and Arsenale and in palaces throughout the city more – loved the accommodation, its > Visits to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection convenience etc. – I found everyone helpful. and Ca’ Pesaro in Venice Nick was always approachable, kind and > Day trips to two of northern Italy’s best new informative.” – Venice Biennale, August 2017. modern art galleries in the alpine town of Rovereto, and to the World Heritage-listed Getting there Roman ruins and mosaics at Aquileia Emirates offers good connections to Venice > The tranquil islands of San Lazzaro degli from Australian airports. Contact us for Armeni and Torcello, where we enjoy a quotes and bookings. meal at Locanda Cipriani > The best of today’s international See also Art Basel, Alsace & the Black contemporary art in one place Forest on page 32 Connect this tour with > The excellent food and wine of the xx on page xx Veneto region Fitness requirement

To Rovereto, Aquileia Itinerary and Grado To Torcello Days 1–3: Settle in to our hotel in central Venice; explore the national pavilions located in the Biennale Giardini, an open park with architecture Grand Canal by Alvar Aalto, Josef Hoffmann and Carlo Scarpa, and in the Arsenale, the historic shipyards of Venice. Rialto Bridge Days 4–6: Visit Rovereto, an alpine town with Giardini St. Mark's Square Arsenale excellent new galleries, and the Roman ruins at Peggy Guggenheim Aquileia. See hidden gems of Renaissance art San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice and explore the Biennale’s numerous collateral exhibitions and unofficial events. Days 7–8: Continue with the Biennale and visit VENICE Venice’s modern and contemporary galleries; enjoy 8 nights lunch at the legendary Locanda Cipriani on Torcello. San Lazzaro degli Armeni Day 9: Depart Venice in the morning.

20 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders The Venice Biennale & Film Festival $5,840 pp, twin share $1,610 single supplement August 29 – September 6, 2019

Enjoy • The Venice International Film Festival, the oldest and one of the most prestigious events of its kind • The remarkable world of contemporary art by leading artists from around the globe • The history of Venice from its commercial origins to the birth of the modern “Art City” • The less well-known sites of Venice: quiet islands, hidden gems and charming palaces • The Regata Storica – historical pageantry and the annual gondola FIND OUT race along the Grand Canal MORE

Overview During the Biennale, the fine Renaissance palaces of Venice open as centres of modern and contemporary art, showcasing many of the world’s best artists in a kind of ‘Art Olympics’. We explore the 2019 Biennale from our quiet hotel in the heart of the city, exploring art exhibitions by day and visiting the International Film Festival in the evening. The tour also coincides with Venice’s annual gondola race along the Grand Canal – an event by and for Venetians – and is rounded out with fine dining, Venice’s less-visited gems and tranquil islands. Highlights Your tour leader > The best of today’s art in one extraordinary Dr Nick Gordon city, including visits to the Giardini “Nick was a great tour leader – Biennale, Arsenale, and exhibitions in knowledgeable, professional, easy- historic buildings throughout the city going, tolerant and helpful.” > Excellent modern art collections, including – Venice Biennale & Film Festival, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and September 2017. Ca’ Pesaro Getting there > Four evenings at the Venice Film Festival, arriving in style by private launch Emirates offers the best connections to and from Venice. Contact us for quotes and > Tranquil lagoon islands, including lunch bookings. at Torcello’s legendary Locanda Cipriani > The glorious pageantry of Venice, a stage for social performance from the Middle Ages to today Connect this tour with xx on page xx > Special exhibitions and retrospectives coinciding with the Biennale Fitness requirement Itinerary

Days 1–3: Settle in to our hotel in central Venice, To Torcello explore the national pavilions in the Giardini Biennale and Arsenale, visit the best exhibitions throughout the city, and visit the Venice Film Festival. Grand Canal

Days 4–6: Witness the Regata Storica; visit special Rialto Bridge exhibitions timed to coincide with the Biennale; Hotel Al Codega Giardini take in films in competition at the Film Festival; St. Mark's Square Arsenale and discover Venice’s less-visited gems, including Peggy Guggenheim San Lazzaro degli Armeni. San Giorgio Maggiore Days 7–9: Continue exploring the Biennale, Film Festival and Venice’s modern and contemporary galleries. Visit Torcello, one of the oldest VENICE settlements in the lagoon, and enjoy lunch at 8 nights San Lazzaro degli Armeni Locanda Cipriani. Lido

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 21 Malta & Sicily Aboard the Sea Cloud II

$12,750 pp, twin share September 23 – October 9, 2019 $5,900 single supplement

Discover • The complex web of European and eastern influences that have created the unique and distinctive cultures of Malta and Sicily • The 5,000-year-old prehistoric civilizations on Malta • The flourishing colonies of the ancient Greek world on Sicily – wealthy, cultured centres of literature and art • The multi-ethnic kingdom of the Norman rulers of Sicily • The active volcanoes and stunning landscapes of Etna and the Aeolian FIND OUT Islands MORE

Overview Academy Travel is proud to offer a tour that explores the islands of the Mediterranean in style, The Sea Cloud II featuring a seven-day cruise on the luxury 50-cabin sailing yacht Sea Cloud II. As well as the The Sea Cloud II is a luxurious 3-masted ancient sites, travellers will encounter masterpieces of medieval Arab, Norman and Byzantine barque, traditionally crafted in teak, society and the exuberant baroque art and architecture of later periods. All this takes place in but with modern features. White cloth a setting of remarkable beauty – the spare, rocky shores of Malta, the dramatic mountains and sails and understated elegance create volcanoes of Sicily and the countless bays and cliffs of the coastline. a unique environment that is at once nostalgic and luxurious. Although most Your tour leader Highlights of the journey takes place under motor, Robert Veel > Cruising for six nights aboard Sea Cloud II, on some days the crew climb the rigging “A particular highlight for me was a very different experience to mainstream to set the square sails and jibs and you the Sea Cloud II, which was truly cruising, with outstanding service, fine food experience the thrill of ocean yachting. magnificent in my opinion. Robert and wine was truly professional as our tour leader. > Exploring the city-fortress of Valletta, He was simply outstanding.” – Malta & Sicily constructed by the Knights of St John aboard Sea Cloud II, October 2017. > Touring the Neolithic temple complex at Getting there Tarxien and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum > Caravaggio’s paintings in Malta and Sicily Emirates offer flights direct to Malta and home from Rome. It is also possible to travel > Sailing around the volcanoes of Stromboli via many major European cities to Malta. and Vulcano, viewing active eruptions Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Outstanding archaeological museums in Siracusa and Agrigento > The UNESCO World Heritage mosaics of Monreale and the Palatine Chapel in Palermo Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–5: Arrive in Valletta and tour Malta’s main sites, including the Neolithic complex of Tarxien Lipari and the medieval walled town of Mdina. Days 5–11: Six-night cruise on Sea Cloud II, Palermo (3) Trapani Taormina disembarking in Siracusa. Ports-of-call include Sicily Trapani, Palermo, Lipari and Taormina, plus a full day at sea. Agrigento (1) Siracusa (2) Days 11–12: Explore Siracusa’s archaeological (6) sites and baroque architecture. Days 13–14: Travel to Agrigento’s Greek temples via the spectacular Roman villa at Piazza Armerina. Valletta (4) Days 15–17: Explore Palermo, including stunning Malta mosaics in Monreale and the Palatine Chapel, and breathtaking stucco oratories.

22 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Tours to Europe Our range of cultural tours to Europe is designed to explore the history, art and architecture of the continent in a way that is more relaxed than most Europe trips, but at the same time offering depth and focus. We offer broad survey tours through Spain, Germany, France, Central Europe and Scandinavia, as well as more specialised explorations of Portugal, Berlin, Moscow and St Petersburg and the gardens of England.

FIND OUT MORE Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, Winter in Moscow & St Petersburg $10,795 pp, twin share January 6-20, 2019 $1,675 single supplement

Get to know • The significance of winter in Russian culture, from Orthodox Christmas to cityscapes immortalised by Russia’s literary giants • Russia’s incredible history from imperial power, to revolution and beyond • Vast repositories of fine and decorative arts in Russia’s diverse array of museums and galleries • Rivalry with the West: from the tsars to distinctively Russian movements in modern and contemporary art • The art of the palace: from the might FIND OUT of the Kremlin to Catherine the Great’s MORE country retreats

Overview Winter has a special place in Russian culture, permeating its literature, performing arts and national story of triumph through hardship. This new 15-day tour explores the incredible wealth of culture, history and art in St Petersburg and Moscow at a time of year that brings quintessential elements of Russian culture to the fore. Experience Russia at its most magnificent, from the palaces of Catherine the Great, to superb fine and decorative art collections, including the Hermitage, Fabergé Museum and Tretyakov Gallery, and its cutting- edge contemporary and performing arts scene. Your tour leader Highlights Michael Carr > Marvel at the treasures housed in the Michael joins our program in 2019. State Armoury and Diamond Fund He has Honours in Art and Law from > Orthodox Christmas and the joy of the ANU and over 20 years’ experience festive season as an art collector and historian, previously > Cathedrals of the Kremlin, site of the opening a art dealership in Moscow. coronation and funeral processions of the Tsars Getting there > A private tour with a curator through the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art Emirates has daily flights to Moscow and returning from St Petersburg. Contact us for > Masterpieces of Russian and European art quotes and bookings. at the Tretyakov Gallery > Art and architecture in St Petersburg, including the Hermitage, Fabergé Museum and the Yusupov Palace > The magnificent palaces of Catherine the Great Fitness requirement Itinerary Day 1: Arrive into Moscow. Days 2–3: Tour Red Square. Admire the decorated Metro stations and wander through Gorky Park. Day 4: Day trip to Kuskovo Park and Estate and Pushkin Galleries. St Petersburg (7) Peterhof Days 5–7: See the Tretyakov collections, Kremlin, Pushkin State Armoury and Diamond Fund. Visit the RUSSIA Tolstoy House Museum and Novodevichy Convent. Day 8: Travel by fast train to St Petersburg. Days 9–11: Explore St Petersburg’s extraordinary Moscow (7) Kuskovo landmarks, cathedrals, palaces and museums, including a full day at the Hermitage. Days 12–15: Day trips to Catherine’s palaces at Pushkin, Pavlovsk Park and Oranienbaum.

24 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Sardinia & From the Stone Age to Napoleon

$8,450 pp, twin share March 29 – April 13, 2019 $1,850 single supplement October 11-26, 2019

Explore • The history of these Mediterranean islands, whose diverse landscapes, cultures and past belie their proximity • Remarkable archaeology, offering fascinating evidence of prehistoric and classical civilisation • The influence of Pisa, Genoa and Catalonia, medieval maritime empires whose presence remains in Romanesque architecture and modern MORE notions of independence MAR/APR • Evocative scenery, combining dramatic coastlines with sweeping dry interiors • Vibrant contemporary cultures that MORE have remained defiantly independent OCTOBER

Overview Sardinia and Corsica each have a unique history, stretching back 5,000 years. In spite of centuries of invasion and occupation, each island has maintained a distinctive culture, reflecting both their current status as part of modern Italy and France, and millennia of ancient and diverse Mediterranean influences. This tour showcases the very best of each island – from prehistoric archaeological sites, to Romanesque architecture, and the history of Napoleon – and explores how their history has been shaped by the superb mountainous landscapes and coastlines, living on in the distinctive cuisines and local traditions. Highlights Your tour leaders > Key Bronze Age and Roman sites in Dr Jeni Ryde (March) Sardinia, particularly Nuraghic towers, “Jeni is outstanding. We particularly tombs and fortress-villages enjoyed Jeni’s surprises on tour.” – > Distinctive Pisan Romanesque architecture Puglia to Pompeii, March 2018. on both islands Dr Kathleen Olive (October) > Bonifacio, a citadel perched on southern “Kathleen – tour leader extraordinaire! Corsica’s precipitous limestone cliffs With your knowledge, insight and > Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, and the humour our visits to sights were Musée Fesch, the extraordinary art collection enhanced – your sense of story a delight.” – acquired by his uncle Burgundy, Provence & The Riviera, June 2018. > Scenic drives along Sardinia’s west coast and the high mountains of central Corsica, Getting there plus the Scandola Nature Reserve Several airlines offer daily connections to > The fresh and distinctive food and wine Rome. Contact us for quotes and bookings. of the islands Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: Group flight from Rome. Stay in the resort Bastia (2) town of Pula, visit sites at Nora and Su Nuraxi. Italy Days 4–5: Travel to Santa Caterina, visit the Ajaccio (3) Corsica Rome Punic-Roman site Tharros. Days 6–8: Explore Alghero’s Catalan influences, Bonifacio (2) take a boat trip to the ‘Grotte di Nettuno’ and Santa Teresa Gallura enjoy a wine tasting. Days 9–10: Marvel at the Costa Smeralda on the Alghero (3) way to the ferry for Corsica. Explore Bonifacio. SARDINIA Days 11–13: Travel to Ajaccio via prehistoric Santa Caterina Filitosa. Boat trip to the Scandola Nature Reserve. di Pittinuri (2) Cagliari Days 14–16: Admire vestiges of Pisan rule in the Romanesque architecture outside Bastia, Pula (3) a picturesque port.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 25 Grand Tour of Spain Granada to Barcelona

March 31 – April 16, 2019 $8,980 pp, twin share October 13-29, 2019 $2,290 single supplement

Experience • The Moorish kingdoms of Andalucía in Spain’s south, a medieval by-word for sophistication, luxury and tolerance • Spain in the 16th century: from east to west, the most powerful empire on earth • The art of Renaissance and baroque Spain, including Velásquez, Titian, El Greco and Goya in the Prado MORE • The excellent regional food and MAR/APR wine traditions of Spain • The distinctive culture and modernista art and architecture of Catalonia in MORE Spain’s north, from Gaudí to Picasso OCTOBER

Overview Take a comprehensive tour of Spain and discover its fascinating history, art and traditions. The tour begins by exploring Granada, Cordoba and Sevilla – great medieval cities whose cosmopolitanism is preserved in their Moorish architecture – and then travels forward in time to , capital of a unified Spain whose impressive palaces and museums reflect the power of an empire that once spanned the Atlantic. The tour concludes with three days in exuberant Barcelona, home to Spain’s finest modernist art and architecture. Dining in carefully selected restaurants throughout the tour showcases the outstanding culinary traditions of each region. Your tour leaders Highlights Elena Ortega (March) > The 13th-century Alhambra in Granada, Elena is Spanish-born but has lived a complex of palaces and water gardens in Australia since 1992. She has > Cordoba’s renowned Mesquita (mosque), a passion for Fine Arts, European a blend of Visigothic and Islamic art history and literature. > Visiting the mighty cathedral and wandering Dr Jeni Ryde (September) the lanes of Sevilla, the city of and “Tour great, tour leader Jeni great, Don Juan and a lovely person. I would happily > The art collections of the Prado and travel with Jeni again. Thank you!” Thyssen-Bornemisza museums in Madrid – Grand Tour of Spain, April 2017. > Philip II’s monastery-palace of El Escorial, Getting there the epitome of Spanish imperial power > Segovia’s ancient Roman aqueduct, proudly We recommend Emirates flights into Madrid or dominating this historic town Barcelona, with connecting flights to Granada. > Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona, in the context of his other works Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: Discover Granada, from the Alhambra to the lime-washed alleyways of the Albaicín and Barcelona (3) Flemish art in the magnificent cathedral. spAIN Days 4–6: In Cordoba, explore the Mesquita and Moorish sophistication at Medina Azahara. Madrid (4) Days 7–9: Three nights in Sevilla. Visit the Alcázar, dazzling seat of the Christian kings, and relax in atmospheric plazas. Cordoba (3) Days 10–13: In Madrid, tour the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza, Philip II’s El Escorial and Sevilla (3) Granada (3) Segovia’s Roman acqueduct. Days 14–17: Travel to Barcelona, centre of Catalonian art and culture, from the Romanesque at MNAC to Gaudí’s flourishing Modernisme.

26 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Classical & bronze age Greece $8,975 pp, twin share $1,525 single supplement April 8-24, 2019

Discover • The extraordinary history of ancient Greece, preserved in its excellent museums • Icons of cultural achievement and their modern legacies: the Acropolis in Athens, and the Olympic Games • The fascinating Mycenaean civilisation, dating back to the 2nd millenium BC • Ancient legends and heroes and their stories: from the Delphic Oracle and King Agamemnon, to the Battle of Thermopylae • Spectacular landscapes and cultures of relaxation: Venetian Napflio and island FIND OUT life on Santorini’s volcanic caldera MORE

Overview Explore ancient Greece and its incredible legacy on this 17-day tour. The tour begins in Athens, with guided visits of its iconic monuments and excellent museums, before travelling to the spiritual centres of Greek civilisation at Olympia and Delphi and delving into the history and archaeology of the classical period on the Peloponnese. The tour also steps back in time to the Aegean Bronze Age, entering the world of Mycenaean kings with their forbidding palaces and monumental burial sites on the mainland and at Santorini, where there is also time to enjoy island life. Highlights Your tour leader > The incomparable museums, acropolis Dr Jennifer Lawless and agora of Athens Jennifer joins our program in 2019. > Ancient feats of engineering: Epidaurus’ She has co-authored over ten books well-preserved 4th-century BC theatre on ancient history that are widely and the citadel of Tiryns used in senior history classes. Jennifer has > Mycenae’s iconic Lion Gate and the world been awarded a number of scholarships of Agamemnon and awards for her writing and research, > Olympia’s legacy and the values that have including a prestigious Churchill Fellowship. carried through to the modern era Getting there > Mystical Delphi and its excellent museum, Emirates and Etihad Airways have daily home to the most famous oracle in antiquity flights to Athens. Contact us for quotes and > Stunning Santorini, the perfect place to bookings. enjoy unique beaches, sunsets, museums and island villages

Fitness requirement

Itinerary GREECE Days 1–3: Arrive in Athens; visit the Acropolis Delphi (2) and the National Archaeological Museum. Days 4–7: Admire modern engineering at the Corinth canal and enjoy Venetian architecture in pretty Nafplio. Explore excellent archaeological Athens (5) sites at Epidaurus, Mycenae and Tiryns. Olympia (2) Days 8–9: At Olympia, survey the Temples of Zeus Nafplio (4) and Hera and take in the history of the games. Days 10–11: Consult the oracle at Delphi, and visit the Persian War site of Thermopylae. Days 12–14: Drive through Marathon and fly to Santorini, explore Minoan Akrotiri and Theran prehistory. Santorini (3) Days 15–17: Return to explore Athens.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 27 Northern Spain & Portugal Bilbao to Lisbon

$9,120 pp, twin share April 19 – May 7, 2019 $2,250 single supplement

Experience • The history of Christian reconquest and pilgrimage along the Camino to Santiago de Compostela • Medieval architecture – shaped by pilgrims from France • Modern art and contemporary architecture in stunning locations • Inspiring landscapes: coastlines, lush river valleys and rugged mountains • The Age of Exploration and its legacy in Lisbon’s many layers of history and art • Celebrated regional cuisine: tapas, seafood and the fine wines of the Rioja FIND OUT and Rías Baixas regions MORE

Overview Northern Spain and Portugal have distinctive cultures and preserve the keystones of Europe’s history. This 19-day tour explores these regions in depth, from the Romanesque chapels, cathedrals and cloisters in Castilla, León and Asturias that bear witness to the Christian reconquest of the Iberian peninsula, to the devotion of pilgrims on the Camino, the Age of Exploration in Lisbon – once the centre of the world’s first global trading empire – and the modern revival epitomised by Bilbao’s stunning contemporary architecture. The tour is complemented by visits to premier wine regions and dining in some of Spain’s finest restaurants. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Jeni Ryde > Frank Gehry’s extraordinary design at the “Jeni Ryde is an excellent tour leader, Guggenheim in Bilbao very professional and helpful to all > Wine-tasting at the avant-garde Bodega our group. A pleasure to travel with Ysios winery in the Rioja and we would be happy to travel with her > The exquisite Romanesque and Gothic again on another tour.” – Northern Spain churches and cathedrals along the Camino & Portugal, April 2018. > A mountain walk and lunch in the clear air Getting there of the majestic Picos de Europa in Asturias > Fine tapas in San Sebastián, and Spain’s most We recommend flights with Emirates to renowned seafood restaurant in Galicia Barcelona and from Lisbon, with connections to Bilbao. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > An exceptional range of museums and galleries in Lisbon > A visit to Sintra exploring exquisite palaces decorated with tiles Fitness requirement Itinerary Santiago de Oviedo (2) Days 1–3: In Bilbao, visit Gehry’s Guggenheim, Compostela (3) Bilbao (3) Leon (2) the Museum of Fine Arts and San Sebastián. Burgos (2) Days 4–7: Explore the Rioja wine region, plus Burgos and León on the Camino trail: their Gothic Porto (2) cathedrals and Romanesque churches. Days 8–10: Discover elegant Oviedo, walk its well spAIN preserved old town and sample the local cider. Portugal Days 11–13: Arrive in spectacular Santiago de Lisbon (4) Compostela and enjoy seafood and wine in Rías Baixas. Days 14–19: Travel to Portugal, with two nights in Porto and ample time in vibrant Lisbon, surveying leading art galleries and the Age of Exploration.

28 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Berlin & Beyond Berlin, Leipzig & Dresden

$7,250 pp, twin share $1,750 single supplement May 2-15, 2019

Discover • Dynamic Berlin, one of Europe’s greatest and most troubled cultural capitals • Art-collecting in the Enlightenment, from Old Masters to antiquities of the highest importance • Modern Germany’s development into an internationally-acclaimed centre of contemporary art and design • A famous musical heritage • Berlin’s 20th-century history: Cold War neighbourhoods in the East and West • Renaissance Leipzig, Prussian Potsdam, and Dresden’s dramatic post-war FIND OUT rebirth MORE

Overview Berlin is one of the most interesting and diverse of all the great capitals of Europe, and is enjoying a major cultural renaissance. This two-week residential-style tour takes an in-depth look at Berlin, and the nearby cities of Potsdam, Dresden and Leipzig. The tour visits many of Berlin’s internationally renowned cultural institutions, enjoys fine performances in historic venues, and traces the history and development of Berlin from its earliest days through the glory days of the Prussian and German Empires, to the darker days of the 20th century and its rebirth after 1989. Highlights Your tour leader > An extraordinary range of museums and Christopher Menz art galleries, including Berlin’s Museum “The tour leader was delightful Island and Gemäldegalerie and organised. Christopher Menz’s > Extended stays in Berlin, exploring historic knowledge was exceptional.” neighbourhoods in the East and West – ABR to Berlin, June 2018. > Rococo architecture and garden design at Getting there Frederick the Great’s Sanssouci Palace at Potsdam Qatar Airways offers direct flights from Australia to Berlin. Contact us for quotes > Renaissance Leipzig’s old town, Goethe’s and bookings. “little Paris”, and the scenic countryside surrounding it > Elegantly restored Dresden and the impressive art collections at the Zwinger Palace > Farewell meal atop the Reichstag with views across Berlin Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–5: Arrive in Berlin, tour the city and cruise GERMANY the Spree River to Charlottenburg Palace. Spend two Berlin (9) days visiting Museum Island, explore Potsdam and Potsdam see the world-class Berlin Philharmonic . Days 6–7: Travel through the countryside to Leipzig to visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Grassi Museum. Days 8–9: In Dresden, tour the Old Masters Picture Gallery at the Zwinger Palace and admire the Pillnitz Palace. Days 10–14: Return to Berlin and visit the Bauhaus Leipzig (2) Archive, New National Gallery, and the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum of Contemporary Art. Attend an Dresden (2) opera and enjoy a farewell meal atop the Reichstag.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 29 High Art in the Low Countries , BRUGES, DELFT &

$7,270 pp, twin share May 31 – June 12, 2019 $1,580 single supplement

Explore • More than five centuries of masterpieces, from Van Eyck to Rembrandt, Vermeer to Van Gogh • The dynamic culture of the Dutch Golden Age and its antecedents in Antwerp and Bruges • The historic towns of the region and their fascinating histories, including Haarlem, Leiden, Leuven and Ghent • Architecture from Gothic churches, to Renaissance townhouses and the birth of the Art Nouveau • The emergence of modern commerce FIND OUT at some of Europe’s most vibrant, MORE wealthiest and cosmopolitan cities

Overview Belgium and the Netherlands have extraordinary artistic traditions which have withstood and evolved through some of the most turbulent periods in European history. This 13-day tour explores the art and architecture that flourished in these dynamic environments, taking you on a journey from the Late Gothic splendour of Brussels and Bruges to the creation of recognisably modern art and life in 17th-century Amsterdam and its surrounds. The tour takes you to the region’s exceptional galleries, smaller centres such as Ghent and Delft, and through exquisitely preserved medieval and Renaissance cityscapes. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Sophie Oosterwijk > The refurbished Rijksmuseum and Sophie joins our program in 2019. Mauritshuis, housing the world’s finest She is a Dutch art historian who has collections of Dutch Golden Age painting, lived and worked in the UK for over 20 including many of Vermeer’s and years. Sophie specialises in Medieval, Flemish Rembrandt’s masterpieces and Dutch art and has led and designed tours > Beautifully preserved cities, including to Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain stays in the centre of Bruges and Delft and the United Kingdom since 1994. > Extraordinary works in less well-visited galleries, such as the Museum Boijmans Getting there Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, overlooked Emirates offer flights into Brussels and out by most travellers of Amsterdam. Contact us for quotes and > Modern masterpieces by Van Gogh and bookings. Magritte, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture by Victor Horta

Fitness requirement Itinerary Haarlem Amsterdam (4) Days 1–3: Explore Brussels, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Magritte Museum and Leiden The Hague Victor Horta House Museum, and Leuven. Delft (3) Days 4–6: See Van Eyck’s Mystic Lamb in the Ghent altarpiece, enjoy the art of Bruges and get to know Antwerp, once Europe’s largest port and today a Netherlands flourishing city with many excellent museums. Days 7–9: Survey the life and times of Vermeer in Delft, visit The Hague and the Royal Collection in Antwerp the Mauritshuis, and admire Leiden, a town whose Bruges (2) Ghent history spans the Atlantic. BELGIUM Leuven Days 10–13: Enjoy Amsterdam’s superb museums Brussels (3) and UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals, and visit Haarlem.

30 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Great Gardens of Cornwall & Devon $6,995 pp, twin share $1,950 single supplement June 3-12, 2019

Discover • From medieval herbs and simples to 18th-century landscape gardens • Stone keeps and great feudal estates • The birth of the modern concept garden, from 19th-century exotics to contemporary biomes • Modern icons of innovation and design: Sir Tim Smit, the Bannermans, the Wileys at Wildside • British environmentalism and conservation, from the National Trust to the Royal Horticultural Society and visionary philanthropy • The beauty of the English countryside FIND OUT in early summer MORE

Overview From small private gardens to great estates, from rediscovered 18th and 19th-century masterpieces to world-famous, ultra-modern concept gardens, enjoy the great gardens of Cornwall and Devon in their English summer glory. This new 10-day tour also takes you to the gardens of some of the most famous names in modern garden and landscape design, including Sir Tim Smit and Isabel and Julian Bannerman. The beauty of the gardens is complemented by their situation: the dramatic coastline of Cornwall, the curious microclimate of the Isles of Scilly and the wild moors of Devon. Key gardens visited Your tour leader > Godolphin House, with its medieval gardens Michael Turner > Scilly’s Tresco Abbey Gardens “A wonderful tour, enhanced > The Lost Gardens of Heligan, lovingly tended by Michael’s knowledge and by generations of the Tremayne family enthusiasm. He is a great tour > Sir Tim Smit’s Eden Project, an extraordinary leader.” – Gardens of Southern England, exercise in conservation June 2018. > Trematon Castle, the Bannerman’s lush Getting there masterpiece Singapore and Emirates both offers flights > Wildside, Buckland Monachorum: into and out of London from most Australian a visionary nursery and garden cities. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Lanhydrock in Cornwall: from the Middle Ages to World War I > Montacute House, a masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture > Rosemoor: the showpiece of the Royal Horticultural Society Fitness requirement Itinerary To London Days 1–3: From Marazion, near Penzance, visit St via Gatwick Michael’s Mount and Godolphin House. Fly to the RHS Isles of Scilly; admire Tresco Abbey Gardens’ exotics. Rosemoor Days 4–5: Travel to St Austell in Cornwall, via the Eden Project’s biomes. Explore Victorian North Bovey (3) Lanhydrock and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Castle Drogo Bannermans’ pre-Raphaelite garden at Trematon Newquay airport Trematon Castle, and the Wileys’ extraordinary Wildside in Castle Buckland Monachoram. The Eden Project Days 6–10: Travel to Devon’s vast Dartmoor St Austell (3) National Park; visit Lutyen’s garden at Castle Marazion (3) Drogo, the Elizabethan Montacute, the Tudor Land’s End mansion of Barrington Court, and the Royal Horticultural Society’s Rosemoor, to admire the Isles of Scilly splendid rose garden.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 31 Art Basel, Alsace & the Black Forest $5,380 pp, twin share June 14-21, 2019 $1,490 single supplement

Experience • Art Basel: exceptional contemporary art at one of the world’s leading and largest contemporary art fairs • Private collections and special exhibitions in Europe’s ‘Art Valley’, where Switzerland, Germany and France meet • The Upper Rhine region and its diverse cuisines and landscapes, from the rolling hills and hamlets of Alsace to the mountains of the Black Forest • The development of contemporary architecture, from Zaha Hadid to Frank FIND OUT Gehry, Mario Botta and Renzo Piano MORE • Well-preserved and Colmar

Overview Art Basel is one of the world’s premier art events. Almost 300 leading commercial galleries assemble for a single week to showcase their best contemporary artists and recently acquired 20th-century masterpieces. In addition, there are halls dedicated to large-scale sculpture, special exhibitions and installations and performances around the city. This new eight day tour takes you to Art Basel and then surveys the excellent collections that have accumulated along the Upper Rhine. It then continues to Strasbourg to explore this beautiful Gothic city, enjoying the countryside, cuisine and small towns of Alsace and the Black Forest. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Nick Gordon > Mind-boggling displays of modern and “Nick is a very kind person who quietly contemporary art at Art Basel over three and efficiently handles everything, days, including exceptional displays of large- including all that wonderful scale sculpture and public art knowledge imparted with such good grace.” – > Excellent private collections, such as the Art Along the Rhine, June 2017. Fondation Beyeler and Würth Collection, and special exhibitions at the Kunstmuseum Getting there > The natural beauty and distinctive cuisines We recommend flights into and out of of Alsace and the Black Forest: vine-covered Zurich with Singapore Airlines. Contact us hills, medieval hamlets, Michelin stars and for quotes and bookings. simple country inns > Gothic architecture at Strasbourg’s cathedral See also The Venice Biennale > Beautiful medieval towns, including Obernai on page 20 and Colmar, with the new Unterlinden Museum and Isenheim Altarpiece Fitness requirement

Baden-Baden Itinerary Days 1–3: Experience Art Basel, with three days of Strasbourg (4) guided visits, lectures and ample time to explore. Black Forest Obernai Discover the art of Basel and its surrounds, including visits to the recently renovated Sélestat Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, a private GERMANY collection in a villa designed by Renzo Piano. Colmar Day 4: Visit the Vitra Design Campus and Colmar, including Matthias Grunewald’s masterpiece at the Unterlinden Museum, recently renovated and France expanded by Herzog & de Meuron. Basel (3) Days 5–8: Explore Strasbourg’s art and architecture, from its Gothic cathedral to its fine Zurich collection of modern art. Enjoy the medieval Switzerland hamlets and scenery of Alsace and the Black Forest.

32 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Scandinavia & Iceland The Nordic World

$14,225 pp, twin share $3,760 single supplement June 17 – July 1, 2019

Explore • Denmark’s royal traditions, from Hamlet’s castle at Helsingør to Frederick and Mary • The Nordic sensibility, joining a deep appreciation for nature with a desire for innovation • Iceland’s unique blend of Celtic, Viking and Nordic culture, shaped by its remarkable volcanic landscape • Modern art and design: Edvard Munch, Jørn Utzon and Scandinavian design • The history of Scandinavia, from the voyages of the Vikings to the Kingdom of Denmark and the emergence of FIND OUT modern Nordic culture MORE

Overview From Vikings and mythology to the emergence of a modern culture, expressed through cutting- edge architecture and design, Scandinavia is home to distinctive cultural traditions whose influence has extended far beyond its borders. This 15-day tour takes you from , to , Bergen and Iceland, and goes behind the clichés to uncover the connections between their histories and highly innovative societies. Discover how the natural environment – from southern Sweden’s golden fields, to Norway’s fjords, and the pristine coastlines and volcanic landscapes of Iceland – permeates Scandinavian art, architecture and design. Highlights Your tour leader > Jørn Utzon’s Bagsvaerd Church and Henning Dr Matthew Laing Larsen’s Opera House in Copenhagen “Matthew’s four formal lectures > Modern art at the Astrup Fearnley Museum were outstanding – a really valuable and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and impressive part of the tour.” – > Helsingør Castle, the setting of Elsinore for Scandinavia & Iceland, May 2017. Shakespeare’s Hamlet Getting there > Norway’s stunning fjords and the unsettling art of Edvard Munch British Airways offers flights to Copenhagen and from Reykjavik via Heathrow. Contact us > Evocative southern Sweden, from the World for quotes and bookings. Heritage-listed cathedral of Lund to the mysterious standing stones of Ales > The dramatic landscapes of Iceland, including the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where Jules Verne set his Journey to the Centre of the Earth Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–5: Explore Copenhagen and its surrounds, including Elsinore Castle, Utzon’s Bagsvaerd Iceland Church and the exceptional Louisiana Art Snaefellsnes (1) Museum. Enjoy a day trip to Wallander-country Reykjavik (4) visiting Lund and the standing stones of Ales. Days 6–9: Discover Oslo with its modern NORWAY Bergen (2) architecture, fine art collections and Viking Oslo (3) history. Experience the natural beauty of the Norwegian Fjords and relax in Bergen. Copenhagen (4) Days 10–15: Fly to Reykjavik. Explore the geysers, Denmark volcanos and the rugged isolated coastlines of Iceland. Experience the untouched beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula by coach and tour a lava cave.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 33 Yorkshire to the Lake District $8,350 pp, twin share June 19 – July 3, 2019 $1,950 single supplement

Enjoy • The glory of early summer in England, from the Pennines to the North Yorkshire moors, from the wild coast of Northumberland to the majestic Lake District • Garden history: from 18th-century landscapes to modern-day innovation • Great garden designers: Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, Gertrude Jekyll and contemporary luminaries Arabella Lennox-Boyd and Piet Oudolf • The Romanticism of Lakeland poets, authors and artists: William FIND OUT Wordsworth and John Ruskin MORE

Overview Yorkshire and the Lake District are home to many of the best-known and most-loved gardens in England. This 15-day tour takes you through some of the most dramatically beautiful countryside in England as these gardens – from great estates to those on a more intimate scale – burst into full bloom. Join garden historian and classicist, Michael Turner, and get to know both the gardens and the world of passionate men and women: the garden designers, artists and poets, such as Capability Brown, Gertrude Jekyll, Wordsworth and Ruskin, who have created some of England’s most enduring cultural heritage. Your tour leader Key gardens visited Michael Turner > Exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of “This fabulous tour visited a variety two of the most spectacular houses and of delightful, luscious and aromatic gardens in England: Castle Howard and gardens, hosted by the infectiously Chatsworth House enthusiastic Michael.” – Yorkshire to the > Bodnant Garden, with its impressive Lake District, June 2017. 55-metre floral arch of golden Laburnum Getting there > Biddulph Grange Garden, a masterpiece of Victorian garden design Emirates has flights into and out of > The Holy Island of Lindisfarne with its which coincide with the tour. tiny but celebrated garden designed by Contact us for quotes and bookings. Gertrude Jekyll > Alnwick Garden: the largest, most controversial and most expensive garden created in England since WWII > Levens Hall and its unique topiary Fitness requirement

Holy Island Itinerary

Alnwick (3) Days 1–3: Explore Chester, its cathedral and UNITED famous medieval walls. Private tour of Bodnant’s KINGDOM extensive grounds and of Biddulph Grange. Days 4–6: From York, visit Chatsworth House, Castle Howard, Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal Water Garden and Scampston Walled Garden. Lake District (5) Days 7–9: Travel to Doxford Hall and visit Alnwick Castle Howard Castle; cross the sea to Gertrude Jekyll’s tiny garden on Lindisfarne. York (3) Days 10–15: From Grasmere, in the Lake District, survey Roman heritage at Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Roman fort. Admire stately Dalemain House and Brantwood’s views; enjoy Manchester Chester (3) the colour of Gresgarth and Levens Hall.

34 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Siberia & the Russian Far East $16,795 pp, twin share Single supplement to be advised July 6-21, 2019

Experience • A cultural kaleidoscope, from modern Orthodox to Old Believers, Mongol Buryats and Kamchatka’s indigenous reindeer herders • Awe-inspiring landscapes: serene Lake Baikal, the Eastern Siberian steppe, and the volcanoes and geysers of Kamchatka, ‘Russia’s Alaska’ • Tales of exile and the tyranny of distance, from the time of the Tsars to the Soviet Gulag • Unique wildlife: Baikal’s mysterious nerpa, a freshwater seal thousands of kilometres from the sea, and FIND OUT Kamchatka’s reindeer MORE

Overview Embark on a journey of a lifetime to one of the world’s last travel frontiers. This sixteen-day tour reveals the cultural and geographic wonders of Siberia and the Russian Far East. We begin in Irkutsk, a Cossack settlement on the steppe and the cultural capital of Siberia, and then travel to the superbly beautiful Lake Baikal, sacred to the indigenous Buryat people, and Ulan-Ude, a culturally Mongolian town that is the centre of Russian Buddhism. From here we take the Trans-Siberian railway to Vladivostok and then continue to Kamchatka, Russia’s Alaska, to explore its extraordinary landscape and the culture of its indigenous reindeer-herding and husky-raising people. Highlights Your tour leader > Marvel at the immensity and tranquillity Dr Matthew Dal Santo of Siberia’s Lake Baikal, with its stunning “Matthew’s knowledge of Russia vistas of pine-studded islands and his knowledge of the history > Journey across the Eastern Siberian steppe of politics were inspirational. We on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway learnt so much on this tour and we feel > Private helicopter and walking tour of very privileged to have participated in it.” Kamchatka’s snow-capped volcanoes – St Petersburg & Moscow, October 2017. and the stupendous Valley of Geysers Getting there > Reflect on the pathos of Irkutsk, a Korean Airlines have flights into Irkutsk miniature St Petersburg recreated by and out of Vladivostok. Contact us for exiled Decembrists quotes and bookings. > Explore the heart of Russian Buddhism at Ulan-Ude’s central datsan > Meet Kamchatka’s indigenous people, the reindeer-herding Koryak Fitness requirement

Itinerary RUSSIA Days 1–4: On Lake Baikal, meet the mysterious nerpa seal and investigate Bronze Age petroglyphs. Petropavlovsk (3) Days 5–6: Explore Barguzin Valley’s natural SIBERIA wonders; encounter Russian Buddhism in Ulan- Ude and visit a village of ‘Old Believers’, Orthodox Aya Bay (2) dissidents expelled in the 17th century. Irkutsk (1) Days 7–9: Board the Trans-Siberian Railway to Ust-Barguzin (1) cross East Siberia’s vast steppe. Ulan Ude (2) Days 10–11: Stay in Vladivostok, a vibrant Pacific port closed to foreigners until 1991. 3 MONGOLIA Days 12–14: Fly to Petropavlosk-Kamchatksky. Marvel at volcanoes and geysers; relax in Vladivostok (4) Nalychevo’s thermal springs. Days 15–16: Fly to Vladivostok, departure. CHINA

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 35 Stockholm to St Petersburg A Baltic Journey

$11,345 pp, twin share August 26 – September 11, 2019 $2,690 single supplement

Get to know • The remarkable interaction of peoples of the Baltic: Vikings, missionaries, merchants and maritime empires • The golden age of Sweden in the 16th and 17th centuries • Tsarist Russia’s empire in the Baltic: the Grand Duchy of Finland, Estonia and Latvia • A striking tradition of architecture and design, from the birth of modernism in the early 1900s to cutting-edge contemporary work • From the art of empires to modern FIND OUT nations: the superb galleries of MORE Sweden and St Petersburg

Overview Explore the eastern Baltic in depth, from the days of the medieval Hanseatic trade network and the centuries of struggle for dominance between Sweden and Russia, into the modern era, where great design and architecture make for compelling destinations. This 17-day tour from Stockholm to St Petersburg combines visits to excellent collections, historical and architectural walking tours, and the quiet beauty of the Baltic landscape. The itinerary includes two crossings of the Baltic, a train journey into Russia from Helsinki, and an opera at the Riga Festival. An extension tour to Moscow is also available. Your tour leader Highlights Robert Veel > Stockholm’s Vasa museum, a testament to “Robert is a true gentleman and a the country’s former maritime glory, and delight to have as our tour leader. the delightful Drottningholm Palace His knowledge of the places visited > The beauty of the Stockholm archipelago, definitely added greatly to the pleasure of the surrounding the city and admired on our tour.” – Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy, Baltic crossing April 2018. > Great Art Nouveau architecture in Riga, Getting there and the medieval old town of Tallinn > Stunning modern and contemporary Finnair offers well-priced flights via Helsinki. buildings in Helsinki, including Alvar Aalto’s Emirates has direct flights into Stockholm Nordic modernism and home from St Petersburg. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > The glories of imperial Russia in St Petersburg: palaces, gardens, cathedrals and great art galleries > An opera at the Riga Festival Fitness requirement Itinerary FINLAND Days 1–4: Explore Stockholm’s royal and maritime history, plus its modern architecture and design. SWEDEN Helsinki (4) St Petersburg (4) Days 4–5: Overnight ferry from Stockholm to Riga. Stockholm (3) Tallinn (2) Days 5–6: In Riga, investigate the heritage of this former Hanseatic port and enjoy an opera at the

1 ESTONIA Riga Festival. Days 7–8: Drive to Tallinn, the superbly preserved RUSSIA Estonian capital, and tour the old town. Days 9–12: Ferry to Helsinki. Visit Russian and Riga (2) LATVIA Swedish imperial sites and sample Finland’s remarkable design and architectural scene. Days 13–17: Train from Helsinki to St Petersburg. Visit galleries and palaces from Russia’s imperial period and explore Russia’s extraordinary history.

36 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Vienna to Venice Crossroads of History

$8,230 pp, twin share $1,830 single supplement September 8-24, 2019

Explore • Europe’s great crossroads: from Romans and barbarians, to the fusion of Austrian, Italian and Slavic cultures • Archaeology from the Neanderthals to Celts, Romans and Lombards • Age of Empires: the Habsburgs, Venetian Empire, and tragedy of World War I on the Austro-Italian frontier • Stunning scenery, from the Austrian Alps to the forests and caves of Slovenia and the Adriatic coast • Exceptional art and architecture: the imperial collections of Vienna, Art Nouveau Ljubljana, and romance of FIND OUT Venetian Gothic MORE

Overview Explore Europe’s extraordinary history and archaeology at one of its great cultural crossroads. This new 17-day tour begins in Vienna, the heart of the Habsburg Empire, and takes you through the Austrian Alps to Slovenia – whose beauty and archaeology reveal a different side of Europe’s deep history – and onwards to the Adriatic coast: Trieste, Istria and Venice. The extraordinary history and diverse cultures of the region are everywhere apparent, from the great art and architecture of imperial capitals, to exceptional archaeology collections, the fusion of Roman and barbarian cultures, and the tragedy of World War I. Highlights Your tour leader > Ljubljana: a delightful European capital, Dr Nick Gordon with a relaxed café society, Art Nouveau “Nick is a consummate tour leader architecture and fine art collections and provided us with a trip rich in > The world’s oldest musical instrument: the experiences. His in-depth knowledge Neanderthal flute in Slovenia’s National of the history and culture of the region and Museum, now 60,000 years old! especially his understanding of art, made > Fascinating and little-visited Friuli, from this a great learning experience.” Roman Aquileia to the Lombards’ best- – Florence, Ravenna & Venice, April 2018. preserved art and architecture in Cividale Getting there > Fairytale Lake Bled and Postojna Cave, the Both Emirates and Qatar offer flights stunning natural beauty of Slovenia into Vienna and out of Venice from most > Trieste and Istria, a meeting place for Australian cities. Contact us for quotes Slavic, Venetian and Austrian cultures and bookings. > Private after-hours visit to St Mark’s Basilica in Venice Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: Explore Vienna, from the Habsburgs’ Vienna (3) grand palaces to their exceptional collections at the Kunsthistorisches and Royal Treasury. Days 4–5: Explore southern Austria, including AUSTRIA Graz’ UNESCO-listed Eggenberg Palace, Styria’s vineyards and the Austrian Alps. Gurk Abbey Graz (2) Days 6–9: Discover Slovenia, from delightful Ljubljana to Lake Bled and the Postojna Caves. Days 10–13: Explore cosmopolitan Trieste, the ITALY Slovenia Ljubljana (4) Istrian coast from Piran to Poreč, and Friuli, Aquileia including Cividale and the dramatic alpine border Trieste (4) between Kobarid and Gorizia. Venice (3) Days 14–17: Visit Aquileia and Grado; enjoy Venice, including a private visit to St Mark’s Basilica.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 37 Moscow & St Petersburg $11,495 pp, twin share September 27 – October 13, 2019 $2,340 single supplement

Discover • A rich and tumultuous history stretching back to the Slavs, Kievan Rus and Byzantine Empire • The pursuit of greatness: superb collections of fine and decorative arts in Russia’s museums and galleries, collected over centuries • The rulers of Russia, from tsars to presidents, and their complex relationship with the West • The resilience of a people who have survived wars, upheaval and revolution • Russian architecture, from traditional FIND OUT wooden towns to onion-domed MORE churches and imperial palaces

Overview Delve into an incredible wealth of culture, history and art on this comprehensive 17-day tour. The tour begins by exploring Russia’s medieval heart – Vladimir, Suzdal and Sergiev Posad – in the Golden Ring, before travelling to its modern capitals, Moscow and St Petersburg. The remarkable history of these cities, immortalised in iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, is equalled by their extraordinary collections of art, at the Hermitage and the Tretyakov Gallery, and leading cultural institutions, such as the Bolshoi. The tour is rounded out with a day trip to Catherine the Great’s palaces and select performances. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Matthew Dal Santo > Visits to St Petersburg’s cultural highlights, “Matthew’s interest in Russia and including the Hermitage and Fabergé his knowledge of the history and Museums, Yusupov Palace and the Church politics were inspirational. We learnt of the Spilled Blood so much and we feel very privileged to have > Wander through the magnificent palaces participated in this tour.” – St Petersburg & of Catherine the Great Moscow, September 2017. > Evocative Red Square and the treasures Getting there of the State Armoury in Moscow > Explore the Kremlin, seat of the tsars, Emirates has daily flights from most headquarters of the USSR and residence Australian cities to Moscow and returning of Vladimir Putin from St Petersburg. Contact us for quotes > Russian Masterpieces at the Tretyakov Gallery and bookings. > Historic Suzdal, with its wooden architecture and churches of the Golden Ring Fitness requirement Itinerary Day 1: Arrive into Moscow Domodedovo Airport. Days 2–4: Travel to Sergiev Posad and visit the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius. Continue to the

St Petersburg (6) charming Golden Ring town of Suzdal for three nights; visit historic Vladimir. Pushkin RUSSIA Days 5–10: Explore Moscow, from revolutionary history at Red Square, to the churches and Suzdal (3) museums of the Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery, Vladimir Moscow (6) and legendary Bolshoi Theatre. Domodedovo Airport (1) Day 11: Travel by fast train to St Petersburg. Days 12–17: Marvel at St Petersburg’s extraordinary landmarks, galleries, churches, palaces and museums, including a day trip to Catherine’s palaces at Pushkin.

38 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders to Berlin $9,790 pp, twin share $1,790 single supplement October 14-31, 2019

Experience • The world of the Saxon kings, warriors, lawmakers and art patrons • The beautifully preserved palaces of Poland and Germany, including baroque Nieborow and neo-classical Sanssouci and Łazienki palaces • From medieval cityscapes to stunning contemporary architecture and some of Europe’s best collections of Old Masters • Romanticism and its discontents: Chopin, Caspar David Friedrich, and extraordinary imperial art collections • The turbulent and sometimes tragic history of central-northern Europe, and FIND OUT its resurgence after the Berlin Wall MORE

Overview Eastern Germany and Poland have undergone a major revival since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and their rich histories, from medieval kingdoms to modern cultural centres, are now more accessible than ever before. This 18-day tour explores the history and culture of this region in depth, from Renaissance Krakow, to the exceptional musical and artistic heritage of Dresden and Leipzig, and the rebirth of Berlin and Warsaw as modern capitals. Stays in each of these cities allow you to experience their thriving cultures, visit excellent collections of antiquities and Old Masters, enjoy musical performances, and explore their turbulent histories. Highlights Your tour leader > The palaces and parks of Warsaw’s Royal Thomas Abbott Route, and the extravagance of Nieborow “I enjoyed the tour immensely and and Łazienki palaces learnt so much. Thomas was a > Krakow, one of Europe’s most beautiful marvellous guide and I feel he got to cities with a World Heritage-listed know each of us so well.” – Berlin & Beyond, Renaissance town centre May 2018. > Dresden’s masterpieces of art, old and Getting there new: from Raphael to Titian, Rodin to Caspar David Friedrich Emirates has flights into Warsaw, with connections in Germany from Berlin. > The extraordinary antiquities, jewellery, Contact us for quotes and bookings. sculptures and porcelain of the Green Vault > Musical Leipzig, from Handel to Bach > Outstanding collections of Greek, Egyptian and Persian antiquities on Berlin’s Museum Island Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive Warsaw, tour the Royal Route, historic Jewish quarter, sumptuous Nieborow and Łazienski palaces and Chopin’s birthplace. Poland Days 5–7: In Krakow, explore the medieval city and GERMANY its Jewish Quarter, including Wawel Palace, where Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine is preserved. Berlin (5) Days 8–10: Travel to Dresden, stopping to visit Warsaw (4) Wrocław. Tour the 18th-century New Town, visit Leipzig (2) the Albertinum, Zwinger and Pillnitz palaces. Dresden (3) Wroclaw Days 1–12: Explore Leipzig, including the Bach church, house and museum. Days 13–18: Discover historic Berlin and enjoy its Krakow (3) world-class galleries and museums. Day trip to Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 39 Portugal

$8,860 pp, twin share September 26 – October 9, 2019 $1,670 single supplement

Discover • Portugal’s archaeology, from granite megaliths at Almendres Cromlech to dinosaur footprints at Cabo Espichel • An architectural tradition embracing Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance and contemporary styles • Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, including fine wines and port, and the melancholic music of fado • A varied landscape: stunning coastlines, lush river valleys, rugged interiors • The Golden Age of Discovery, in Lisbon’s FIND OUT history, art, science and culture MORE

Overview Portugal has a remarkable history, from Roman colonies to medieval Moorish-influenced art and architecture, to a glorious Golden Age when Lisbon was the centre of the world’s first global commercial empire. Its history has left it with extraordinary cultural wealth, including prehistoric megaliths and rock art, World Heritage-listed cities, and fine medieval and Renaissance architecture. The great monuments of its past are situated among a striking landscape of turquoise coastlines, rugged mountains and picturesque towns, and are complemented by its vibrant modern culture and distinctive contemporary architecture. Discover Portugal on this comprehensive 15-day tour. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Jeni Ryde > Exceptional Old Masters at the Museu “Jeni Ryde is an excellent tour leader, Calouste Gulbenkian very professional and helpful to all > Exquisite palaces on rocky outcrops: a full our group. A pleasure to travel with day in fairytale Sintra and we would be happy to travel with her > Technical skill and stunning colours in again on another tour.” – Northern Spain the National Tile Museum’s extraordinary & Portugal, April 2018. azulejos Getting there > Walk in the footprints of dinosaurs alongside the Atlantic, at Cabo Espichel Emirates offers flights into and out of Lisbon, with connections from Porto. Contact us for > A full day cruising the Douro and two quotes and bookings. nights in Pinhão > Cutting-edge contemporary architecture: Rem Koolhaas, Álvaro Siza Vieira and Porto’s Fundação Serralves Fitness requirement Itinerary

Porto (2) Pinhão (2) Days 1–4: Explore Lisbon’s Age of Discovery, admire the Museu Gulbenkian’s masterpieces. Enjoy an excursion to Sintra. Days 5–7: In Évora, prehistoric archaeology at Cabo Espichel, megalithic Almendres Cromlech, Coimbra (2) and the ever-present Romans. Portugal Days 8–9: Tomar’s World Heritage-listed Convento de Cristo; Coimbra, medieval capital; and 1st-century mosaics at Conímbriga’s Roman villa. Days 10–11: Admire Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. Porto’s colourful Ribeira district. Lisbon (4,1) Days 12–13: Cruise the Douro; two nights in Evora (3) Pinhão and the Cõa valley’s prehistoric rock art. Day 14-15: Return to Porto by land.

40 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Greece from Antiquity to Byzantium

$9,645 pp, twin share $1,785 single supplement November 3-19, 2019

Experience • Minoan culture and history on Crete, Europe’s first civilisation • Greece’s defining symbol of cultural achievement: the Acropolis in Athens • Secluded bays and beautiful uninhabited islands, enjoyed from the comfort of a small motor yacht • Outstanding archaeological sites, ancient civilisations and the mythology of the Peloponnese, immortalised in the annals of history • A multicultural Mediterranean world, from the Delphic Oracle and ancient Olympia to the Mycenaeans, Spartans FIND OUT and Venetians MORE

Overview Explore the extraordinary world of ancient Greece, from the sprawling palaces of Minoan Crete and the citadels and monumental tombs of the Mycenaeans to the incomparable museums of Athens and the emergence of the Byzantines at the end of Antiquity. This 17-day tour by land and sea takes you from Crete to the Peloponnese, Olympia, Delphi and Athens, visiting archaeological sites and museums, and enjoying the dramatic landscapes – mountains, spectacular coastlines and rocky islands – of the Greek world. Get to know the deep history of the cultures that made Greece the cradle of western civilisation. Highlights Your Tour leader > The legacy of Venice’s medieval maritime Dr John Tidmarsh empire at Heraklion, Rethymno and Chania “I enjoyed the tour very much and > Knossos, palace of King Minos and home John’s insights and breadth of to the legendary Minotaur knowledge were very interesting. > Athens’ incomparable museums, the I enjoyed the small towns we toured, Acropolis and Agora lots of fun.” – Greece, May 2018. > Epidaurus’s well-preserved 4th-century BC Getting there theatre Emirates and Etihad offer daily flights from > The palaces of Agamemnon at Mycenae, Australian capitals to Athens. Contact us for and the beautifully preserved Palace of quotes and bookings. Nestor at Pylos > Revered Delphi, home to the most famous oracle in Antiquity, and Olympia, birthplace of the modern Olympic Games Fitness requirement MS Galileo Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive Athens. Fly to Heraklion and The 48-metre Galileo is a charming GREECE explore the Palace of Minos at Knossos, Arkhanes steel hull motor sailor with classic Itea and Phaistos. Piraeus Athens (5) interiors renovated in 2016 and served Katakolon Days 5–6: Travel to Chania via Venetian Rethymno Epidauria by a crew of 16. and the Australian Infantry Forces sites at Souda Nafplio 25 air-conditioned guest cabins Bay. Embark on the MS Galileo. measuring 12.5 square metres are Days 7–12: Circumnavigate the Peloponnese, Pylos Gythion located on Upper and Lower decks, all calling in at historic Epidauraus, Mycenae, Gythion, Pylos, Olympia and Delphi. Sail through with large portholes and equipped with 7 ensuite bathrooms with showers. the narrow Corinth Canal to Piraeus. Day 13: Disembark the Galileo, return to Athens. Relax in the lounge or with a drink on Days 14–17: Survey Athens, Acropolis and Agora; Chania (1) the shaded outdoor deck or sundeck. investigate the National Archaeological Museum CRETE Heraklion (3) and superlative Benaki and Cycladic museums.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 41 Music & Theatre tours Our music and theatre tours are planned around top flight international performances in world-famous venues, providing experiences that are simply not available in Australia. We work closely with leading organisations, including Glyndebourne, The Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic and the Bavarian State Opera. As well as orchestral music and opera, tours to New York and London feature a broad range of performing arts, including musicals, stage drama and dance. FIND OUT MORE The Elbphilharmonie concert hall in the HafenCity quarter of Opera in New York

$7,950 pp, twin share $2,300 single supplement January 9-18, 2019

Discover • The careers of the operatic firmament’s greatest singers and conductors: Netrebko, Yoncheva, Skelton, Margaine, Radvanovsky, Dudamel and Nézet- Séguin • Glorious vocal music from the core 19th and early 20th-century repertoires • The production history of leading stage directors: Franco Zeffirelli, Sir David McVicar, Sir Jonathan Miller, Sir Richard Eyre and Bartlett Sher • In-depth analysis of productions and performers, to expand your musical knowledge and help you get more out FIND OUT of performances MORE

Overview It’s cold outside, but the singing is hot! Take 10 days out of the Australian summer to enjoy singing, orchestral music and stage productions of the highest calibre on our Opera in New York tour. We have secured seats in the Grand Tier for all performances – in our view, the best seats in the theatre for acoustics and sight-lines. The performance program is complemented by visits to a range of New York’s top collections, including a private visit to the Museum of Modern Art, smaller and more intimate collections such as the Frick, architectural tours and free time to relax. Your tour leader Performances Lindy Montgomery > Verdi’s Shakespearean opera Otello. “Lindy was a superb, knowledgeable The all-star cast is led by tenor Stuart and enthusiastic leader.” – to Skelton, with Sonya Yoncheva as New York, April 2017. Desdemona. Conductor Gustavo Dudamel makes his Met Opera debut. Getting there > Russian diva Anna Netrebko as Adriana Qantas, United and American Airlines offer daily Lecouvreur in Cilea’s eponymous drama flights. Contact us for quotes and bookings. of love, rivalry and murder. A David McVicar production. > Franco Zeffirelli’s celebrated production of Verdi’s Aida. Met regulars Sonya Radvanovsky and Dolores Zajick star, with Korean tenor Yonghoon Lee as Radamès. > Debussy’s landmark Pelléas et Mélisande. Incoming Met music director Yannick Fitness requirement Nézet-Séguin conducts the Jonathan Miller production. Itinerary > Bizet’s ever-popular Carmen. Mezzo- Days 1–3: Meet for welcome drinks, enjoy an soprano Clémentine Margaine has been architectural tour of Midtown Manhattan, visit asked back to reprise her remarkable the intimate Frick Collection and tour Rockefeller 2017 portrayal. Center. Performance of Verdi’s Otello. > A concert by the New York Philharmonic Days 4–6: Admire Klimt at the Neue Galerie, spend Orchestra of works by Beethoven and a day at the Met, and walk along the rejuvenated Rachmaninov. High Line. Performance of Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur and Zeffirelli’s production of Verdi’s Aida. Days 7–10: Visit the Guggenheim Museum and Morgan Library; take a private after-hours tour of MoMA. Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande, a performance of Beethoven and Rachmaninov by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and Bizet’s Carmen.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 43 London & Paris art and music

$8,950 pp, twin share January 17-31, 2019 $2,625 single supplement

Enjoy • A tale of two cities: vibrant and cosmopolitan capitals, long-time rivals • Premier ensembles in iconic venues: opera, orchestral music and theatre • Masterpieces of European art, at world-class museums and in lesser- known galleries • Excellent gastronomy: fine dining in London and the proud traditions of Paris’s brasseries and bistros • Opulent historic opera at Covent Garden and the ; modern reinterpretations at the Opéra Bastille FIND OUT • Blockbuster winter exhibitions MORE without high-season crowds

Overview London and Paris come alive in the wintertime while the tourist numbers are low, with blockbuster exhibitions and excellent performance programs designed for lovers of art and music. Explore two of the world’s great cultural capitals, from their celebrated collections to their lesser-visited galleries and house museums, and appreciate the range of performances on offer, from grand opera and orchestral concerts to well-reviewed stage plays and recitals. A week in each city, staying in the centre, allows you ample time to unwind and enjoy the best of times with like-minded travellers in these two cities. Performances Your tour leader Seven outstanding performances, including: Christopher Menz London “Christopher Menz was a marvellous tour leader, his calm way of dealing > Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke with us all, and space given for our at the West End’s Duke of York’s Theatre own interests were a plus. His knowledge and > Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra at the pre-talks on the six that we went to National Theatre, starring Ralph Fiennes was of great help. It was a happy and relaxed and Sophie Okonedo tour.” – Opera in New York, April 2018. > Richard Eyre’s stunning production of Verdi’s La Traviata at the Royal Opera Getting there House, starring Ermonela Jaho and A number of major airlines offer flights Charles Castronovo into London and out of Paris, from most > A concert by the London Symphony Australian cities. Contact us for quotes Orchestra, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, and bookings. performing Bruckner’s Symphony No 6 Paris Fitness requirement > A concert by the Filarmonica della Scala di Milano, conducted by Riccardo Chailly Itinerary and featuring violinist Maxim Vengerov, Days 1–7: In London, admire winter blockbusters at the Philhamonie de Paris Oxford London (7) at the British Museum and Tate Modern; attend a > Scarlatti’s Il primo omicidio at the Palais Covent Garden opera, orchestral concert and two UK Garnier, starring Kristina Hammarström plays, one Shakespearian and one in the West End. and Olivia Vermeulen Visit smaller galleries, from the Royal Academy to > Berlioz’s Les Troyens at the Opéra Bastille, the Wallace Collection, Courtauld Institute of Art and starring Stéphanie d’Oustrac and Elina Dulwich Picture Galley; enjoy a day trip to Oxford’s Garanca Ashmolean and Christ Church College evensong. Days 8–15: In Paris, enjoy The Greats without the crowds, at the Louvre, Versailles and Musée d’Orsay. Explore the Rodin Museum, renovated Picasso FRANCE Museum and elegant Musée Nissim de Camondo. Paris (7) Attend performances at the , Versailles Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille.

44 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Opera in Northern Italy Bel Canto to Verismo

$11,595 pp, twin share $2,360 single supplement March 28 – April 11, 2019

Experience • The world of Italian opera, from the bel canto of Rossini and Bellini to the stirring verismo of Puccini and Giordano • World-famous opera houses: La Fenice in Venice, La Scala in Milan and the Teatro Regio in Turin • The beautiful lakes and art-filled small cities to northern Italy • Fine gastronomic traditions: prosecco, prosciutto and ‘slow food’ in Turin • In-depth performance analysis, expanding your musical knowledge and increasing your enjoyment FIND OUT MORE

Overview Opera is an iconic Italian art form, and where better to enjoy it than the place of its birth? This new 15-day tour takes you to eight performances of the great Italians, from Verdi and Rossini to Puccini and Giordano. Performances at historic venues – including La Fenice, La Scala and the Teatro Regio – are complemented by visits to the places where the composers lived and worked, allowing you to appreciate the history, and the personalities, behind the music. Staying in Venice, Milan, Parma and Turin, this musical journey is rounded out with visits to world-class museums and fine dining. Your tour leader Performances Robert Gay Best available tickets to eight outstanding “Robert Gay is outstanding, performances are included. extremely erudite, gently articulate In Venice and amazingly competent at > Concert of chamber music at the managing the group to their benefit. He Chiesa di San Vidal always casts an enjoyable and illuminating > Verdi’s Otello at Teatro La Fenice light on all features of the tour.” – From the Rhine to the Alps, April 2018. > Verdi’s La traviata at Teatro La Fenice In Milan Getting there > Rossini’s La Cenerentola at Teatro alla Emirates offers flights into Rome and out of Scala, conducted by Ottavio Dantone and Milan from most Australian cities. Contact starring Marianne Crebassa us for quotes and bookings. > Puccini’s Manon Lescaut at Teatro alla Scala, conducted by Riccardo Chailly and starring Marcelo Álvarez Fitness requirement In Parma > Giordano’s Andrea Chénier at Teatro Itinerary Regio di Parma Days 1–4: In Venice, attend operas at La Fenice, In Modena Lake Como Bergamo explore Venice’s historic architecture and marvel > Handel’s Serse at the Teatro Comunale at Titian and the Bellini in the Accademia. di Modena Days 5–8: Travel to Milan via Donizetti’s Bergamo, Milan (4) an elegant hillside town. Attend operas at La Scala, In Turin Venice (4) admire masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, > Bellini’s La sonnambula at the Teatro Regio Veronese and Caravaggio at the Brera, enjoy lunch Turin (3) at Lake Como’s stunning Villa d’Este. Days 9–11: In Parma, investigate Verdi’s early Parma (3) Modena years and visit his Villa Sant’Agata. Explore Renaissance Parma and medieval Modena, two of Emilia-Romagna’s refined centres. ITALY Days 12–15: In Turin, attend an opera at Teatro Regio and marvel at the Egyptian Museum.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 45 Wagner’s Ring Cycle IN NEW YORK $9,870 pp, twin share April 27 – May 5, 2019 $2,100 single supplement

Experience • A once in a life-time musical pilgrimage to Wagner’s Ring Cycle • Robert Lepage’s striking, faithful and coherent interpretation of Wagner’s masterpiece • Conducting by the eminent Philippe Jordan, musical director of the Opéra National de Paris • An outstanding cast, headed by Christine Goerke, Michael Volle, Stuart Skelton and Andreas Schager • Pre-Cycle workshops on Wagner’s music, and morning pre-performance FIND OUT talks on other days MORE

Overview Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen is considered by many music lovers to be the pinnacle of the Western music tradition. It combines intense, heroic drama with orchestral and vocal writing which is both vast in scale and highly innovative. Academy Travel has secured excellent Grand Tier Premium seats at New York’s renowned Metropolitan Opera House, which offer excellent acoustics and unobstructed sight lines of Lepage’s large stage machinery. Two pre-Cycle workshops acquaint us with the complex musical structure and Wagner’s historical context, which complement pre-performance talks before the last three operas in the Cycle. Your tour leader Highlights Robert Gay > All four operas in the Ring Cycle, Das “Robert Gay was, as expected, a Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and wonderfully interesting leader and an Götterdämmerung, performed in the enormous asset to Academy Travel.” space of one week – Amsterdam to Leipzig, September 2017. > A private before-opening tour of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Getting there > Superb medieval art at The Cloisters, Qantas, American Airlines, Delta and United on the northern tip of Manhattan Airways have daily flights from Australia to > Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Woman in Gold’ New York. Contact us for quotes and bookings. ( Bloch-Bauer) and other Viennese masterpieces at the Neue Galerie > A stroll down the High Line, enjoying the remarkable transformation of the Chelsea neighbourhood into one of New York’s most fashionable districts Fitness requirement

Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum Itinerary Guggenheim Museum Day 1: Arrive and settle in with drinks and canapes. Metropolitan Opera House Neue Museum Days 2–3: Two in-depth workshops, a welcome at the Lincoln Center lunch, and a visit to the Morgan Library. MoMA Warwick Hotel Performance of Das Rheingold. Broadway Days 4–5: Morning talk, medieval art at The High Line Morgan Library Cloisters, performance of Die Walküre. Visit the NEW Whitney Museum of American Art; stroll down YORK the High Line. 8 nights Days 6–7: Morning talk, Cooper-Hewitt museum Whitney and the Neue Galerie; performance of Siegfried. Museum Private viewing of MoMA. Optional performance of Poulenc’s Dialogue of the Carmelites. Days 8–9: Pre-performance talk, fine farewell Heights lunch and performance of Götterdämmerung.

46 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Berlin to Bavaria a musical journey

$11,975 pp, twin share $2,870 single supplement May 6-22, 2019

Enjoy • Unrivalled musical heritage, stretching from Bach to Wagner, the 19th-century greats and modern masters • Innovative operatic productions with fine casts of local and international singers • The impact of patronage on music, from aristocrats and emperors to the modern state • Germany’s extraordinary modern rebirth: post-war destruction and contemporary innovation • Music and the modern nation: performances of Rossini, Verdi, FIND OUT Rachmaninov, and Wagner MORE

Overview Music lies at the heart of German culture, and no other country today can offer lovers of orchestral and vocal music an experience of such consistently high quality. Academy Travel’s annual musical pilgrimage to Germany is based, as always, on an outstanding line-up of eight performances by some of the world’s leading at first-class opera houses, and uncovers the history of musical patronage in Germany. Gain a deep appreciation of the country’s musical genius as well as its modern revival, with long stays in major centres of musical excellence, background talks and musically-themed sightseeing. Your tour leader Performances Dr Rosamund Bartlett Eight performances are included. Best Rosamund joins our program in available seats to all performances are 2019. She is a cultural historian included in the tour price. with a deep knowledge of western Berlin history and music. > Rossini’s much-loved opera Il barbiere di Getting there Siviglia at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden > The season final performance of Wagner’s Qatar airlines have daily flights from Der fliegende Holländer, featured as part of Australian capitals into Berlin and out of the Deutsche Oper’s Wagner festival week Munich. Contact us for fares and bookings. > A concert performance by the legendary Berlin Philharmonic of Mozart and Bruckner, with Bernard Haitink conducting Leipzig > A symphony by the acclaimed Fitness requirement Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, under the musical leadership of Andris Nelsons Itinerary Dresden Berlin (5) Days 1–5: In Berlin, attend three performances; > Puccini’s Tosca at the magnificent Potsdam visit Museum Island. Excursions to Potsdam’s Semperoper GERMANY Sanssouci and Charlottenburg. Frankfurt Leipzig (2) Days 6–7: Explore Leipzig, home to Bach > Oper Frankfurt’s new production of Dresden (3) and Mendelssohn. Attend a matinee at the Handel’s Rodelinda featuring Andreas Gewandhaus and survey the Fine Arts Museum. Scholl as Bertarido Days 8–10: Marvel at Dresden’s renaissance, from the reconstructed Semperoper to the Green Vault’s Munich Frankfurt (3) extraordinary collections. > Christian Spuck’s complex adaptation Days 11–13: Explore Wagner’s Bayreuth; cruise the of Rachmaninov’s , Anna Karenina, Rhine and visit Goethe’s birthplace in Frankfurt. based on Tolstoy’s novel and danced Days 14–17: Travel to Munich via Rothenburg. by the Bavarian State Ballet Munich (3) Enjoy the Pinakothek complex and Lenbachhaus > Verdi’s opulent opera, Un ballo in art museum, and an excursion to Nymphenburg. maschera, at the National Theatre

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 47 Amsterdam to Bergen music in northern Europe

$11,850 pp, twin share May 10-26, 2019 $1,595 single supplement

Enjoy • Fine performances in some of northern Europe’s newest venues, including Hamburg’s stunning Elbphilharmonie • The Bergen International Festival, Norway’s most significant and dynamic performing arts fair • Contemporary architecture and urban rejuvenation, powered by the arts: Renzo Piano, Henning Larsen, Herzog & de Meuron • The influence of the Scandinavian landscape on the region’s music • Great cities of the Hanseatic League: FIND OUT Bremen, Lübeck, Hamburg and Bergen MORE

Overview Northern Europe has excellent ensembles and many cutting-edge venues, demonstrating a mastery of music, design and acoustic engineering. This 17-day tour takes you to nine performances at northern Europe’s leading venues, including two at the Bergen International Festival. The performance program is complemented by visits to world-class galleries, day trips to the well-preserved medieval cities of the Hanseatic League, such as Lubeck and Bremen, and the sublime scenery of Norway. Musical history, background talks, fine dining and contemporary architecture – including the Elbphilharmonie, Renzo Piano’s Astrup Fearnley Museum and Henning Larsen’s Copenhagen Opera House – round out the program. Performances Your tour leader Nine performances of opera, orchestral Robert Gay music and chamber music are included. “I loved the trip, it was very well Amsterdam organised and the choice of music and art was superb. His pre-event > A concert by the Netherlands talks and general guidance that highlighted Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by our experience was perfect.” – Amsterdam to Joshua Weilerstein, and featuring pianists Leipzig, September 2017. Lucas and Arthur Jussen > A recital by master pianist Grigory Sokolov Getting there > Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, starring Elena Etihad Airway offers regular services to Stikhina as Butterfly Amsterdam and home from Bergen via Hamburg Amsterdam. Contact us for quotes and > Puccini’s La fanciulla del West, conducted bookings. by Josep Caballé-Domenech, with star soprano Anja Kampe as Minnie Fitness requirement > A concert by the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, conducted by Paavo Järvi, Itinerary NORWAY Hanna-Elisabeth Müller as soloist Days 1–4: Arrive in Amsterdam, tour the historic Copenhagen centre and Rijksmuseum, enjoy three performances. Bergen (3) Oslo (2) > Puccini’s Tosca at the Copenhagen Opera Days 5–8: Visit Bremen en route to Hamburg, attend House, with Maria Pia Piscitelli singing performances at the spectacular Elbphilharmonie. Explore the historic centre and harbour of Hamburg the title role and take a day trip to Lübeck. Oslo Days 9–11: Travel to Copenhagen to tour the town, > Rossini’s La Cenerentola starring Norwegian including the celebrated Tivoli Gardens. DENMARK Copenhagen (3) mezzo soprano Tone Kummervold and Days 12–13: In Oslo, admire the Renzo Piano- designed Astrup Fearnley Museum and the American tenor Taylor Stayton Hamburg (4) outstanding Viking Ship Museum. Bergen Festival Days 14–17: Journey by train and cruise along Amsterdam (4) GERMANY > Two performances at the Bergen Norway’s fjords to Bergen. Two performances International Festival at the Bergen International Festival. NETHERLANDS

48 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Munich & Glyndebourne OPERA FESTIVALS

$11,980 pp, twin share $1,970 single supplement July 2-13, 2019

Experience • Seven top-flight performances, with internationally renowned singers, conductors and directors • Bavaria’s musical heritage, in expert pre and post-performance discussions • Southern Germany’s cultural wealth, from Augsburg’s renaissance to a nascent national identity on the Romantic Road • England’s fine tradition of country- house opera and summer music festivals at Glyndebourne • Diverse scenery: England’s seaside South coast city Brighton, Bavaria’s FIND OUT medieval villages and Baroque palaces MORE

Overview Through its special connections in Munich and at Glyndebourne, Academy Travel is pleased to again offer entrée to difficult-to-access performances at two of the world’s leading opera festivals. Each year in Munich, the Bavarian State Opera presents all its new productions for the season over three weeks. The festival draws an impressive roster of singers, such as sopranos Anna Netrebko and Anja Harteros, and tenor Jonas Kaufmann. Established in 1934, Glyndebourne is the doyen of English country-house opera festivals, with superb productions, excellent singers and the London Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit. Your tour leader Performances Robert Gay Best available tickets to seven outstanding “I enjoyed this tour very much operas are included. and can find little but positives. In Munich particular, I appreciated the talks Robert gave each day and his wonderful Four performances by the Bavarian State enthusiasm and care for all members of Opera as part of Munich’s traditional the group. He is a treasure and so very summer opera festival. The festival offers knowledgeable and enthusiastic.” – Munich an impressive range of operas with a & Glyndebourne Opera Festivals, July 2018. star-studded cast of singers. Stand-out performers in recent years have included Getting there Anna Netrebko and Anja Harteros, and tenor Jonas Kaufmann. Emirates and Etihad Airways fly daily from Australia to and from Munich and London. Glyndebourne Contact us for quotes and bookings. Three operas at Glyndebourne, as part of the prestigious summer opera music Fitness requirement festival set on this historic estate located in the heart of Sussex’s South Downs. Glyndebourne never fails to dazzle, each Itinerary year producing imaginative operatic UK Days 1–7: Munich, attend four fine operas by productions of the highest standard, with London the Bavarian State Opera. Visit the superlative Alte Pinakothek; admire historic social housing a stellar cast of performers. Academy Travel Glyndebourne in Augsburg, established by the Fuggers in the is a sponsor of Glyndebourne, giving us access to the best tickets before they go Brighton (4) 16th century; and enjoy the iconic villages of the Romantic Road, crucial to modern Germany’s on sale to the general public. national identity. GERMANY Day 8: Fly to London and transfer to seaside city of Brighton. Days 9–11: Attend afternoon performances at Glyndebourne, with long interval dinners. Munich (7) During the day, explore the charming coastal city of Brighton, including the famous pavillion and encounter Bloomsbury Group intrigue at bohemian Charleston.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 49 Italian Summer Music Festivals from the Lakes to Lucca

$9,050 pp, twin share July 23 – August 4, 2019 $1,930 single supplement

Enjoy • Italy’s stellar summer music festivals, at iconic outdoor settings in ancient monuments and by tranquil lakes • The comprehensive musical heritage of Italy • The striking landscapes that have inspired artists for centuries, from the lakes of northern Italy to the rolling hills and medieval castles of Emilia- Romagna • Private music recitals in opulent surroundings, a manifestation of this country’s long history of cultural FIND OUT patronage MORE

Overview Immerse yourself in Italy’s extraordinary musical heritage at Summer Music Festivals in Verona, Lucca and Lake Como, where you experience Italy’s wonderful operatic and instrumental repertoire. Italian music is inseparable from the landscapes and history that have inspired it, and this new tour takes you behind the scenes of the great Italian composers, through visits to the diverse landscapes and provincial centres where they walked and worked, and a series of pre-performance talks by Royna McNamara. The tour is rounded off by fine dining in Emilia- Romagna, Italy’s premier culinary region, and a tour along the prosecco trail in the Veneto. Your tour leader Highlights Royna McNamara > Opera under the stars, in Verona’s Royna joins our program in 2019. She magnificent Arena is a musician, educator & conductor. > Lake Como by private boat, stopping at Royna has a passion for travel and Villa d’Este, Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi has spent extended periods of time in Spain > Elegant Vicenza and the graceful country and Italy. Royna holds a B Mus Ed from the houses of Palladio’s Veneto villas Conservatorium of Music, and a Masters of > Excellent regional cuisine, including lunch Education from the University of Sydney. at a Michelin-starred restaurant Getting there > Stradivari’s Cremona, far from the well- Emirates, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines trodden tourist trail and Qatar Airways all offer flights into and > A sunset performance on Lake Massaciuccoli, out of Italy from most Australian cities. the inspiration for a number of Puccini’s Contact us for quotes and bookings. best-loved works

Fitness requirement Itinerary Bellagio (3) Days 1–3: In Bellagio, explore Lake Como’s Valdobbiadene spectacular villas; enjoy lunch at Villa d’Este. Attend the Lake Como Bellagio Music Festival. Vicenza (3) Milan Verona Days 4–6: In Vicenza, survey Palladio’s elegant Cremona (3) villas. Attend an opera at Verona’s Roman Mantua arena. Savour wine and gastronomy on the Valdobbiadene’s “Prosecco Road”. Parma Days 7–9: From Cremona, discover Stradivari’s birthplace, Monteverdi’s Mantua and Verdi’s Parma. ITALY Days 10–13: In elegant Lucca, deepen your appreciation of Puccini’s work with walking tours, a visit to the Museo Villa Puccini and operatic Lucca (3) performances at both Torre del Lago’s Puccini Festival and the Lucca Festival.

50 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Paris to Madrid a musical pilgrimage

$10,890 pp, twin share $2,250 single supplement October 7-21, 2019

Revel in • Eight outstanding performances of opera and orchestral music at some of Europe’s leading opera houses and concert halls in Paris, , Barcelona and Madrid • Recitals and orchestral concerts with internationally-famous artists • Spain’s immense cultural heritage, from imposing royal palaces in Madrid to the exuberant Modernista architecture of Gaudí • The rugged beauty of Spain’s central plateau, the French countryside around Lyon and the cosmopolitan FIND OUT city of Paris MORE

Overview Academy Travel is proud to present this new 15-day program, offering performances of the highest calibre in four of Europe’s great cultural centres. The itinerary is built around eight performances in France and Spain, including the Opéra Bastille and the Philharmonie de Paris, the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona and the Teatro Real in Madrid. The musical program is complemented by excursions to the countryside and visits to the diverse galleries and museums that bring to life fascinating regional histories, from Roman Lyon to the popes at and Catalonia’s distinctive art and architecture. Your tour leader Performances Robert Gay Full details of all eight performances will be “Robert Gay was, as expected, a available in May 2019. wonderfully interesting leader.” Paris – Amsterdam to Leipzig, > Two operas at the historic Opéra Bastille September 2017. > Two concerts at the Philharmonie de Paris Getting there Lyon Emirates and Qatar Airways offer flights > Concert at the Lyon Concert Hall or an into Paris and out of Madrid from most opera at the Opéra National de Lyon Australian cities. Contact us for quotes Barcelona and bookings. > Two operas at the Palau de la Música Orfeó Català or the Gran Teatre del Liceu Madrid > Two operas at the Teatro Real, Madrid Fitness requirement Itinerary Paris (4) Days 1–4: Enjoy performances at Paris’s Opéra Bastille. Visit the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée Rodin and the Musée Jacquemart-André. France Days 5–7: Train to Lyon. Tour the city’s outstanding Roman ruins; visit the Gallo-Roman Museum and Lyon (3) the superlative Musée des Beaux-Arts. Attend a

concert or opera. Avignon Days 8–11: Travel to Barcelona via Avignon, with a guided visit of the and the iconic Pont d’Avignon. In Barcelona, visit the National Spain Museum of Catalonian Art and the Fundació Joan Segovia Barcelona (4) Miró. Enjoy an opera. Days 12–15: In Madrid, attend performances at Madrid (3) the Teatro Real; art at the Prado, visit Segovia.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 51 Tours to Asia Academy Travel’s Asian tours focus on the region’s superb cultural heritage, increasingly recognised by western travellers. Choose from thriving traditional cultures in Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and western China or the contemporary delights of Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Japan, one of our most popular destinations, is an endlessly fascinating amalgam of old and new.

FIND OUT MORE Punakha Dzong, Bhutan Singapore ART Week 2019

$2,650 pp, twin share $780 single supplement January 17-20, 2019

Experience • The vibrant visual arts and design scene of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities • Singapore’s melting pot: local Peranakan culture, British colonialism and globalisation • The history and design of the Asian tropical garden, from classic principles to stunning orchids • The complex heritage of the British, from fine architecture to resistance at Changi • Extensive collections of traditional and modern Asian art • Cutting-edge architecture and design FIND OUT MORE

Overview In the last 20 years the island-nation of Singapore has transformed itself from a bustling commercial city into a vibrant cultural one – a leading Asian centre of art, music and design. It boasts remarkable museums and galleries, a fine symphony orchestra and an energetic and outward-looking culture. Our new tour has been timed to coincide with Singapore Art Week, held every January. The itinerary combines Singapore’s complex heritage, tropical gardens, the visual arts and an orchestral performance. Enjoy five-star accommodation close to venues we visit, and a varied program designed to appeal to cultural travellers. Highlights Your tour leader > Attend Singapore Art Week, an enriching Robert Veel series of events and exhibitions “Once again, we were very impressed > Curator-led tours of public and private by our Academy experience. Robert’s galleries participating in Singapore Art Week knowledge of all aspects of the > The Asian Civilisations Museum, surveying places we visited was excellent and he had South East Asia’s cultural heritage a relaxed friendly manner which gave the > National Gallery, a vast and impressive appearance that everything happened museum with fine regional art effortlessly.” – New Zealand, March 2018. > Gillmann Barracks, converted into a centre Getting there for contemporary art Singapore Airlines has several daily flights > A gala performance celebrating 40 years from Australian capital cities. Contact us of the well-regarded Singapore Symphony for quotes and bookings. Orchestra at the state-of-the-art Esplanade Concert Hall Fitness requirement Itinerary Day 1: Meet your fellow travellers over dinner National Botanic Garden at a local restaurant. Singapore Arts Museum Day 2: Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan House Museum. Lunch at a Peranakan Fort Canning Park restaurant then visit Gillman Barracks arts centre. Peranakan Museum Evening performance by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. National Gallery Singapore Day 3: Early visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, including the Orchid Garden. Morning Esplanade Theatres visit to the National Gallery historic wing and Asian Civilisations Museum current exhibition. The Fullerton Hotel Day 4: Visit to Gardens by the Bay Complex and Gillman Barracks Fort Canning Park. Singapore 3 nights

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 53 Hong Kong & Shanghai Contemporary art in china

$5,180 pp, twin share March 28 – April 4, 2019 $1,240 single supplement

Get to know • Exceptional modern and contemporary art, presented by many of the world’s leading galleries • The unique histories of China’s most cosmopolitan cities, from ancient pasts to colonial heritage, and their emergence as modern cultural capitals • Traditional Chinese art and architecture, from temples and calligraphy to porcelain and painting • Old meets new: contemporary Chinese art in Shanghai’s commercial galleries • The culinary traditions and fine dining FIND OUT of Hong Kong and Shanghai MORE

Overview Hong Kong and Shanghai are two of China’s most cosmopolitan cities, and their thriving arts’ cultures and complex histories have made them locations for the exchange of ideas between very different worlds. Discover the art and culture of these two cities on this new tour, exploring their traditional and contemporary art and architecture, private gallery districts, culinary traditions and major collections. The tour also includes guided visits to Art Basel in Hong Kong, the premier contemporary art event in the Asia-Pacific region, in which more than 200 private galleries showcase their wares. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Mikala Tai > Guided visits to Art Basel in Hong Kong, the Mikala joins our program in 2019. leading art fair in the Asia-Pacific region She is the director of 4A Centre for > Shanghai’s premier galleries and museums, Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney. including the Rockbund Art Museum, As a curator, researcher, and academic Shanghai Art Museum, and Nanshi Power specialising in contemporary Asian art, she Station of Art has collaborated with local, national, and > Exploring renowned art districts, such as international organisations to strengthen ties the Bund and M50, with their fantastic and between Australia and Asia. evolving exhibitions Getting there > Take a step back in time at traditional temples and gardens, including the Po Qantas and Cathay Pacific fly daily from Lin Monastery and Ming Dynasty Yuyuan Australia. Contact us for quotes and bookings. Gardens > Experience Hong Kong’s thriving food culture, from markets to haute cuisine Fitness requirement Itinerary Shanghai (4) Day 1: Arrive in Hong Kong, tour the city by coach. Days 2–3: Appreciate world-class art at Art Basel Hong Kong, visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha, and enjoy Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture. CHINA Day 4: Fly to Shanghai, tour the city by coach and admire traditional Chinese garden design at the Yuyuan Gardens. Days 5–6: Explore Shanghai’s art and architecture, including traditional art at the Shanghai Museum, and contemporary and modern art in the Bund and M50 arts districts, home to cutting-edge galleries. Hong Kong (3) Days 7–8: Take a day trip to a traditional and ancient Chinese water town.

54 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Bhutan The last Shangri-La

$10,475 pp, twin share $1,620 single supplement April 12-26, 2019

Discover • The unique history and culture of a kingdom that only began opening its borders to foreigners in the 1970s • The national philosophy: where Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product • Iconic landscapes: snow-covered peaks and serene forests of the Himalayas • Proud ancestral customs, traditional music, dance and weaving • Remarkable religious architecture, from monasteries and temples to fortresses and temples • Rare flora and fauna, in the secluded FIND OUT Phobjikha Valley and its rare wildlife MORE

Overview Little has changed over the centuries in the Kingdom of Bhutan, secluded among the pristine forests and protected by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Experience a sense of timelessness on this 15-day tour, visiting mountaintop monasteries, Buddhist temples and traditional villages, in which artists and artisans ply their ancestral crafts to sell at local markets. The tour also travels to Paro and Thimphu, whose museums preserve historic collections of Bhutanese arts and crafts, and up through Himalayan passes to remote valleys, such as Phobjikha, home to the rare black-necked crane. Highlights Your tour leader > Remarkable architecture and a dramatic Judy Tenzing cliffside location at Tiger’s Nest Monastery “We found the tour a wonderful > Bronze sculpture, precious paintings, experience. Judy and the two local weaponry and historic textiles at the guides (plus one fabulous driver) National Museum of Bhutan in Paro were all excellent. We particularly enjoyed > Mountain scenery of the eastern Himalaya Judy’s lectures – she was very willing to > Explore Thimphu, the monastic capital, and share her knowledge of Bhutan. Many visit the Heritage and Textile Museums thanks to everyone for a great trip” – Bhutan, March 2017. > The remote Phobjikha Valley in central Bhutan, home of the famed black-necked cranes Getting there > Traverse the spectacular zigzag roadway Qantas has daily flights to Bangkok. over the 3000-metre-high Dochula Pass Contact us for quotes and bookings. > The warmhearted people of Bhutan: archers, farmers and artists going about their daily lives Fitness requirement Itinerary CHINA Days 1–4: Arrive in Bangkok. Travel to Paro and visit the Paro Dzong fortress-monastery and museum, Tiger’s Nest and a textile-weaving centre. Days 5–7: In Thimphu, explore the Tashichho Dzong and Heritage and Textile Museums. Punakha (3) Days 8–9: Travel to Punakha over the Dochula Thimphu (3) Pass, visiting local markets and Chimi Lhakhang, Gangtey (2) a monastery with a colourful history. Paro (5) Days 10–11: Continue to Gangtey via Phobjikha bhutan Valley and Black Crane Information Centre. Days 12–15: Free time in Punakha, then Paro, to appreciate local handcrafts, traditional dance or even a hot stone bath. Depart for Bangkok and india To Bangkok (1) onward flights.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 55 Japan Unmasked Art, history & culture

$11,485 pp, twin share November 8-23, 2019 $3,285 single supplement

Uncover • The contrast of a contemporary metropolis against the backdrop of Edo-period Tokyo • The serene history of some of Japan’s finest landscaped gardens and shrines • Complex military pasts: from Kanazawa’s wooden teahouses and Samurai culture to Hiroshima’s peace memorials • The floating world of the geisha in Kyoto’s Gion • An overwhelming cultural patrimony in art and history, dating back to the FIND OUT 6th century MORE

Overview The richness of Japan’s history and art is immediate and tangible, but the culture that produced it often seems impenetrable. Move beyond appearances on this popular 16-day tour and gain comprehensive insight into the beauty and mystique of this wonderful land, from its Shinto and Buddhist temples and Zen gardens to its hypermodern cities and contemporary quirks. Explore old and new world Tokyo, understand the devastation at Hiroshima, and enjoy a week in Kyoto, discovering its temples, museums and traditions, with day trips to Nara, the ancient capital, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Your tour leader Highlights Ann MacArthur > Hyper-modern Tokyo’s bright lights and a Ann joins our program in 2019. staggering range of museums She holds a Bachelor of Arts in East > Kyoto’s Zen temples and stone gardens, Asian Studies and speaks fluent colourful geisha and historic arts and crafts Japanese. Ann has over 20 years experience > Kanazawa’s famed Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s as a museum educator specialising in Asian most significant and seasonal gardens art and culture. > The moving display of human resilience at Getting there Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Qantas, Japan Airlines and ANA have daily > Speeding through the countryside on the flights to Tokyo, with return connections Shinkansen or bullet train through Tokyo from Osaka. Contact us for > Soaring bamboo groves in Arashiyama and quotes and bookings. Japan’s early capital, Nara > Kaiseki dining: a multi-course, seasonal meal perfectly complemented by traditional Japanese architecture Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–4: Explore Tokyo’s Koishikawa-Korakuen garden, Senso-ji Temple, Nezu and Ota museums and Ginza’s exclusive boutiques. Japan Kanazawa (2) Days 5–6: Bullet train to Kanazawa; visit the Samurai district, teahouses and Kenrokuen garden. Tokyo (4) Kyoto (7) Days 7–8: In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Nara and Miyajima’s Itsukushima shrine. Hiroshima (2) Osaka Days 9–12: Bullet train to Kyoto. Stroll through the geisha district, encounter Zen Buddhism in temples, shrines and gardens, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Days 13–14: Day trips to Arashiyama and Nara. Days 15–16: Discover Nishiki market and Kyoto’s many traditional crafts.

56 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Western China on the Silk Road

$10,575 pp, twin share $2,095 single supplement October 10-30, 2019

Explore • Thousands of years of history, art and culture, passed on and preserved through successive dynasties • The Silk Road’s ancient caravan routes • The development of Chinese Buddhism, in grottoes and caves with remarkable sculptures and murals • Outstanding collections of art and antiquities, with treasures from the Neolithic through to the modern era • The contrast between Islamic culture in the western districts and Tibetan Buddhism in Gansu Province, emblematic of China’s historic diversity FIND OUT MORE

Overview Take a journey through western China, exploring its awe-inspiring history, cultural diversity and extraordinary achievements. The region’s most famous monuments – the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors – are certainly highlights, but they are just a small part of what western China offers the cultural traveller. This 21-day tour explores the region in depth, revealing a wealth of treasures and giving you insight into the complex histories, peoples and cultures of China. The tour includes visits to the brilliantly decorated Buddhist monasteries at Mogao Grottoes, the Silk Road market towns of Turpan, Ürümqi and Kashgar, and Islamic Linxia. Highlights Your tour leader > The Great Wall outside Beijing, a lasting Ben Churcher monument to the achievements of China “The tour met my expectations of > The overwhelming sight of over 8000 a better understanding of China’s Terracotta Warriors, lined up in rows ready history and current state. Ben for battle since the 3rd century BC Churcher was always amiable, available > Remarkable Buddhist sculptures and over and responsive.” – Western China, 1000 square metres of murals, carved September 2017. into the mountain face at the Maijishan Getting there Grottoes Singapore Airlines offers daily flights into > A day immersed in the bustling Sunday Beijing and out of Chengdu. Contact us for markets at Kashgar, and an encounter quotes and bookings. with Ürümqi’s well-preserved mummies > The ubiquitous red sandstone of the Flaming Mountains gorge in the Mutou Valley outside Turpan Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: In Beijing, explore the Forbidden City, long China’s political epicentre; visit the Great Wall. CHINA Days 4–6: Fly to Xi’an to encounter the Terracotta Urumqi (1) Warriors and explore other sites. Turpan (2) Beijing (3) Days 7–10: Admire Buddhist sculptures at Tianshui. Dunhuang (2) Kashgar (3) Travel to Lanzhou; discover the Bingling Grottoes Lanzhou (3) and Islamic Linxia. Survey the Gansu Museum; visit Xiahe (2) Xi’an (2) Tibetan Xiahe and the Labrang Lamasery. Tianshui (1) Days 11–13: Fly to Dunhuang, explore the famous Chengdu (1) Buddhist Caves. Days 14–17: Cross the Taklamakan Desert to ancient Turpan. Meet Ürümqi’s mummies. Days 18–21: Explore remote Kashgar, its vibrant markets and extraordinary mosque complex.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 57 Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan a journey through central Asia

$8,975 pp, twin share October 10-26, 2019 $1,225 single supplement

Experience • The lives and conquests of history’s greatest leaders: Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great and Tamerlane • Central Asian architecture: World Heritage-listed palaces and mausoleums, extraordinary mosques and minarets • The archaeology of great ancient empires: Achaemenids, Persians, Sasanians and Parthians • Three thousand years of art and history in exceptional museums and galleries • The Silk Road, from its role in history FIND OUT to its fabulous carpets and stunning MORE mosaics

Overview Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have long been the crossroads of civilisations and a vital link in the Silk Road. This 17-day tour explores the rich tapestry of history and cultures of this region, from the excellent archaeological sites and cities of the Achaemenids, Persians and Parthians, to the palaces, mosques and mausoleums of the emirs and Tamerlane’s capital, Samarkand. The tour takes you beyond these great civilisations of the past, allowing you to discover the distinctive culture of the ‘Stans’, from their traditional arts and crafts to the thriving cities of Central Asia. Your tour leader Highlights Christopher Bradley > The city walls of Khiva’s old town and its “Chris was excellent, with great mosques, minarets and madrassas historical and cultural insight – > Fine Central Asian architecture and design couldn’t have been better.” at the World Heritage-listed site of Kunya – Iran, April 2018. Urgench Getting there > The ruins of ancient Parthian kings dating from the 3rd century BC, at Nisa near Korean Airlines and Asiana Airlines fly to Ashgabat Tashkent from Australia, with a stopover in > The oasis city of Merv, with its Seoul. Contact us for quotes and bookings. outstanding archaeological sites from the Sassanid and Achaemenid periods > Bukhara and the Samanid monuments of the last Persian dynasty to rule Central Asia > Tamerlane’s Samarkand and Shahrisabz, the heart of the Silk Road Fitness requirement Itinerary UZBEKISTAN Days 1–3: Arrive in Tashkent and tour the Uzbek Nukus (1) Kunya capital; fly to Khiva and explore the old town. Urgench Khiva (2) Tashkent (2) Day 4: Drive to Nukus and visit the Savitsky Collection.

Samarkand (3) Days 5–6: Cross into Turkmenistan and visit Kunya Urgench; fly to Ashgabat and visit the carpet museum and the ruins at Nisa. Bukhara (4) Turkemistan Days 7–8: Fly to Mary and visit the oasis city at Merv. Ashgabat (2) Days 9–12: Return to Uzbekistan, and explore Bukhara, Samanid sites, mosques and palaces. Mary (2) Days 13–15: Drive to Shahrisabz and see Tamerlane’s city of Samarkand. Days 16–17: Return to Tashkent for flights home.

58 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Tours to AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND You don’t have to leave our region to explore extraordinary art and ancient cultures. Responding to demand from our travellers, we’ve expanded our range of Australian and New Zealand tours, going behind the scenes to visit private collections, and meet with experts at galleries and museums, the custodians of our own history and culture. FIND OUT MORE Sculpture by Bernard Vernet at invitation-only Gibbs Farm, New Zealand New Zealand Nature, culture & the arts

$6,350 pp, twin share March 14-23, 2019 $1,710 single supplement

Explore • The diverse wealth of Maori culture, an integral part of Kiwi life today • World-famous sculpture parks and gardens, still in private hands • New Zealand’s art in an iconic building: colonial to contemporary at the Toi o Tamaki Art Gallery, Auckland • Remarkable architecture, ranging from Art Deco Napier to Auckland’s cutting- edge design • Striking landscapes – rugged mountain ranges, wild coastlines, beautiful harbours, lakes and islands FIND OUT • Dramatic volcanic and geothermal MORE activity in the centre of the island

Overview Delve into the art and architecture of New Zealand’s North Island, from its Maori heritage to its privately-owned art collections and sculpture parks, on this 10-day tour. The tour begins in the harbourside capital of Wellington, before heading up the Pacific coast to Napier and across the centre of the island to Lake Taupo and Rotorua, culminating in four days in and around Auckland. Experience how the dramatic mountain ranges, centres of volcanic activity, stunning coastlines and rolling green hills, are both setting and context for the art and culture of New Zealand. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Kathleen Olive > Internationally-renowned and privately- “Kathleen Olive is a very gifted owned sculpture parks – Gibbs Farm, north woman. She managed the group of Auckland, and Connells Bay on beautiful with humour, professionalism, tact Waiheke Island and had the gift of making each person feel > Remarkable landscape at Waimangu, with special.” – Tasmania, December 2017. steaming geysers, hot springs and waterfalls Getting there > Napier’s impressive Art Deco in harmonious public buildings, beach promenades and Qantas and Air New Zealand have regular commercial and residential buildings flights into Wellington and out of Auckland. > Behind-the-scenes tour of Auckland’s Toi o Contact us for quotes and bookings. Tamaki Art Gallery, New Zealand’s largest and most inspiring visual arts experience > Scenic drives through mountains, volcanic landscapes and verdant countryside > The wonderful food and world-class wines of the North Island Fitness requirement Itinerary Gibbs Farm Auckland (3) Days 1–2: Arrive in Wellington and explore the city’s cultural heritage at the Te Papa Museum, National Portrait Gallery and Katherine Mansfield Museum. Tour the Beehive, Wellington’s iconic Rotorua (2) parliament, and the Botanic Gardens. Days 3–4: Cross the Rimutaka Mountains, visiting New the Wairarapa wine region and exploring Art Deco architecture in Napier. Zealand Napier (2) Days 5–6: From Rotorua, travel to Lake Taupo and witness Huka Falls in action. Take in the area’s volcanic landscape, including the Te Puia hot springs. Days 7–10: In Auckland, enjoy visits to the Wallace

Wellington (2) Arts Centre, Gibbs Farm and Ayrlies Garden. Explore Waiheke Island and Connells Bay Sculpture Park.

60 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders the Yarra Valley to Bendigo Victoria’s Regional Galleries

$3,790 pp, twin share $680 single supplement February 27 – March 6, 2019

Get to know • The impact of the Victorian Gold Rush on colonial art and architecture • The role of the bush and the beach in creating Australia’s visual identity • The varied landscapes of Victoria and how successive generations of artists have approached them • Cutting-edge contemporary sculpture and painting in superb natural settings • The patronage of the visual arts by prominent Australians, and the role of the arts in reviving regional Australia • The excellent collections of heritage and modern art that have cemented FIND OUT Victoria’s cultural reputation MORE

Overview The small cities of the countryside and coastline surrounding Melbourne have a wealth of cultural sites to tempt visitors. Chief among them is an outstanding collection of regional and private galleries, with excellent collections of heritage and modern art. This new eight day tour gives art lovers the chance to sample a range of Australia’s best regional galleries, and then goes beyond the confines of the galleries to explore the landscapes and historic sites that give a broader context for understanding the art and history of Australia. The tour is rounded out with fine dining and visits to wineries. Highlights Your tour leader > Superlative regional galleries in the Dr Nick Gordon goldfields towns of Bendigo and Ballarat: “Nick Gordon gave us such insight two of regional Australia’s most dynamic into the culture of Italian life as well and expansive collections as politics, religion and food. Such > The wineries and landscapes of the Yarra a good and caring man, the tour was more Valley, Dandenongs and Mornington Peninsula than we had hoped for.” – Easter in Umbria > The McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery and & Tuscany, March 2018. TarraWarra Museum of Art, leading private collections of contemporary art Getting there > Colonial Australia, at Barwon Park Mansion, The tour begins and ends at Melbourne’s the well-preserved Gold Rush town of Maldon Tullamarine Airport. Qantas, Virgin and and Goulburn Valley’s Tahbilk Winery Jetstar have regular flights from all over Australia. > Heide Museum of Modern Art, celebrating Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker and the thoroughly modern Reed family Fitness requirement

Itinerary Shepparton Days 1–3: Meet at Tullamarine and travel to the Bendigo (3) Yarra Valley; visit Heide Museum of Modern Art and TarraWarra; explore the Dandenongs and Mornington Peninsula. VICTORIA Days 4: Enjoy the Bellarine Peninsula, from tranquil Queenscliff to Geelong, whose regional Heide Museum gallery has helped change the city’s reputation, Ballarat Melbourne Warburton – and bluestone heritage at Barwon Park Mansion. Yarra Valley (2) Days 5–6: Uncover Gold Rush history at Ballarat and Bendigo’s galleries. Days 7–8: Day trip to the Goulburn Valley to visit Geelong Shepparton Regional Gallery and the historic Mornington Tahbilk Estate, one of Australia’s oldest wineries. Queenscliff (2) Ascend Mount Macedon to enjoy sweeping views. Point Nepean – Sorrento

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 61 Adelaide & surrounds Art, history & food

$2,860 pp, twin share November 13-18, 2019 $575 single supplement

Discover • Fine public and private collections of Australian and European art • Rich Indigenous culture: from traditional and contemporary art, to native foods • A state founded by free settlers • Historic houses and gardens that served as inspiration to artists and collectors alike • Early multiculturalism, progressive politics and an innovative arts culture • The development of Australian landscape painting, from Tom Roberts to Hans Heysen • A region synonymous with abundant FIND OUT regional produce and world-class wine MORE

Overview Adelaide has gained an international reputation for the arts, food and wine, since the progressive years of the 1960s. This six day tour explores the city’s art, history and food. It includes a guided visit of the Art Gallery of South Australia by Christopher Menz, a former director of the gallery, and takes in a number of collections at historic houses, including The Cedars, home of the Heysen family, Carrick Hill and Fermoy House. Day trips to the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley, to enjoy the region’s acclaimed food and wine, round out the tour. Your tour leader Highlights Christopher Menz > Discover Adelaide’s heritage with a private Christopher led the ADFAS Travel visit of Ayers House and a guided walking Adelaide and Kangaroo Island tour tour of the city in November 2017. Chris is a former > Uncover the fine art housed in the South director of the Art Gallery of South Australia. Australian Art Gallery “Tour leader Christopher Menz is excellent. His > Visit Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills and expertise in art galleries was invaluable and tour The Cedars, the home and studio of he went out of this way to show us galleries in Hans and Nora Heysen our free time.” – Alps to the Rhine, April 2017. > Explore the art collection at Carrick Hill Getting there house museum and garden > Travel to the Barossa Valley and tour Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar have daily flights Seppeltsfield winery to Adelaide. Contact us for quotes and > Tour Fermoy House and see the unique bookings. collection of David Roche > Performance at Ukaria in the Adelaide Hills Fitness requirement Itinerary Barossa Valley Day 1: Arrive in Adelaide and enjoy a welcome dinner in a fine Adelaide restaurant. SOUTH Day 2: Guided tour of Ayers House and history AUSTRALIA walk. Tour the Australian and William Morris collections at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Day 3: Visit the David Roche Foundation and tour Fermoy House. Guided walk through the Botanic Gardens. Day 4: Day trip to the Barossa Valley. Visit Adelaide(5) Tanunda and tour Seppeltsfield winery. Days 5-6: Travel to Hahndorf and visit the Heysens’ studio at The Cedars. Lunch and concert at Ukaria Hahndorf Cultural Centre in the Adelaide Hills. Return via Mount Lofty and Carrick Hill historic house.

62 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Melbourne Private Homes COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY

$2,190 pp, twin share $580 single supplement October 23-27, 2019

Get to know • Philanthropy and patronage: Melbourne’s private collections, the legacies of their founders, and a vibrant program of public bequests • Modern and contemporary art in Australia, from iconic works to emerging artists: Tracey Moffatt, Patricia Piccinini, John Olsen • The progression of Australian architecture, from Victorian terraces to the MCG and contemporary gems • Lush spring gardens, from traditional colour to innovative native plantings FIND OUT MORE

Overview Melbourne’s reputation as the cultural capital of Australia has been enhanced recently through the opening of a number of new private collections, many of which are in custom- designed house museums. This new four day tour takes you to the best of these, including Lyon Housemuseum, the Justin Art House Museum, the Johnston Collection and Buxton Contemporary. Private visits to these collections are complemented by a guided tour of the NGV’s spring blockbuster exhibition, visits to historic homes, including Como House, the Australian Tapestry Workshop, and the spectacular Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens. Highlights Your tour leader > Lyon Housemuseum, one of Australia’s Dr Nick Gordon finest collections of contemporary art “Nick was a wonderful tour leader. > The Johnston Collection, exploring the life His knowledge of art, history and and collections of colourful antique dealer, Italy greatly increased my enjoyment William Johnston of the trip and sparked new interest for me > Como House and Garden, a beautifully to follow up.” – Florence, Ravenna & Venice, preserved historic home of Melbourne’s April 2018. 19th-century aristocracy Getting there > Buxton Contemporary and Justin Art Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar have frequent House Museum, two of the latest flights to and from Melbourne. Contact us additions to Melbourne’s art scene for quotes and bookings. > The stunning Australian botanic gardens at Cranbourne > Private tour of the NGV blockbuster exhibition and the ACCA Fitness requirement Itinerary Airport Day 1: Assemble at Melbourne Airport, continue to the Australian Tapestry Workshop and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Day 2: Private guided tour of the Johnston Johnson Collection Melbourne CBD (4) Collection, with its fine collections of antiques, Lyon House Museum Australian Tapestry followed by a private tour of the MCG and visits Workshop to historic Como House and Garden and Buxton Justin Art House Contemporary, Melbourne’s newest gallery. Museum Day 3: Private guided tours of Lyon Housemuseum and the Justin Art House Museum, two excellent private collections of contemporary art. Day 4: Lecture and guided tour of NGV’s blockbuster exhibition. Visit Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens. Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens Day 5: Depart Melbourne.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 63 Tasmania history, art & landscape

$3,975 pp, twin share November 30 – December 7, 2019 $985 single supplement

Uncover • Outstanding colonial heritage, with some of Australia’s oldest private and public architecture • The complex history of Tasmania, involving early Indigenous contact and the full articulation of the convict system • A vibrant visual arts scene, ranging from important 19th-century painters to remarkable contemporary art • Pristine World Heritage-listed landscapes of forest, river and ocean • Wonderful food and wine, now FIND OUT gaining global attention MORE

Overview Tasmania has a history, culture and landscape distinct from mainland Australia. This eight day tour offers unique insights into the island and its past, combining renowned attractions, such as the colonial Clarendon Estate and the World Heritage-listed convict site at Port Arthur, with sites of particular interest to the cultural traveller, such as the excellent Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) on the Derwent River, and a special focus on John Glover. These visits are carefully balanced with the experience of Tasmania’s pristine natural beauty, including a day trip along the Huon River Valley and a Freycinet Peninsula cruise. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Nick Gordon > Tasmania’s colonial sites, including “Nick is an excellent tour leader – in Clarendon Estate and World Heritage- his management, organisational and listed Port Arthur people skills; he has great knowledge > Tasmania’s leading public art galleries in of art and history, which he shared willingly, Launceston and Hobart both in lectures and informally.” – Art Along > Cruise from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay, the Rhine with Art Basel, June 2017. gaining a unique perspective of the Getting there Freycinet Peninsula’s sheer cliffs and abundant wildlife Qantas and Jetstar offer direct flights to > A day trip to the Huon River Valley, visiting Launceston from Sydney and Melbourne and pristine rainforests, gardens and wineries return flights from Hobart. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Fine regional wine and produce at some of Tasmania’s excellent restaurants and vineyards Fitness requirement Itinerary Launceston (3) Days 1–3: The tour begins in Launceston, visiting historic homes and villages, exploring the farm of colonial artist John Glover and touring the Tamar Valley and hills towards the Cradle Mountain region. We also visit wineries Ross and two excellent restaurants. Days 4–5: Travel to the Freycinet Peninsula via TASMANIA Freycinet (1) colonial-era towns, and cruise Wineglass Bay. Days 6–8: In Hobart we continue our exploration of colonial artists, enjoy day trips to the Huon Valley and the Tasman Peninsula, and Hobart (3) visit David Walsh’s astonishing MONA.

Port Arthur

64 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Tours to the Americas From the Mayan pyramids of the Yucatan Peninsula to Quebec and the St Lawrence River, our American tours cover key aspects of archaeology, history and the arts. You can explore the complex mosaic of people and cultures in central America and the southern USA, or enjoy the best of the best in New York – outstanding performance, private visits to breathtaking museums and private collections.

FIND OUT MORE The Chrysler Building, New York City, New York New York Art, Architecture, History & Theatre

$10,350 pp, twin share March 19-31, 2019 $2,930 single supplement

Experience • New York’s dramatic history, from colonial outpost to global metropolis • Outstanding performances: opera, orchestral concerts, plays and a musical • A breathtaking array of visual arts, ranging from European Old Masters to 20th-century classics and the cutting- edge contemporary scene • New York’s marvellous architectural heritage, with a focus on Art Deco, modern and contemporary • New York’s neighbourhoods: a city of villages with celebrated local histories FIND OUT • New York’s food scene, from historic MORE venues to top establishments

Overview Wake up in the city that never sleeps – 12 times! This residential tour to New York combines a carefully-selected range of performances – from jazz to Broadway, orchestral music and opera – with private visits to a selection of the city’s best museums and galleries, and dining in some of its finest restaurants. It also explores the fascinating history and architecture of the city through walking tours of its renowned neighbourhoods: Brooklyn, Soho, Chelsea, Downtown, the Upper East Side and Central Park. Accommodation is in spacious premier-plus rooms at the Warwick Hotel, perfect for attending theatres and visiting galleries. Highlights and itinerary Architecture and History Performances > Architectural walking tours of Midtown’s Art Deco and Park Avenue modernism > Tosca, in production by the world-leading Metropolitan Opera directed by Carlo Rizzi > New York’s fascinating history of immigration, from Ellis Island to the > The Broadway smash-hit Hamilton, based Lower East Side on the life of Alexander Hamilton > Brownstone streetscapes, fantastic > New York Philharmonic Orchestra museums and diverse history in Brooklyn performing Brahms Symphony No. 1 > Exploring Downtown, from New > Mozart virtuoso Mitsuko Uchida, leading Amsterdam to the modern Financial the Mahler Chamber Orchestra at District Carnegie Hall > Some of the best jazz in the city at Jazz Your tour leader at the Lincoln Dr Matthew Laing Fine Art and Dining “I didn’t want the tour to end! It was > A private out-of-hours viewing of the such a wonderful introduction to MoMA with a museum lecturer New York – a city I had not visited. > Charming small galleries, including the Matthew’s comments, notes, talks, humour and Frick Collection and the Neue Museum choices of theatre, restaurants and excursions made this such an exciting, memorable > The encyclopaedic Metropolitan Museum experience. I’m still on a high, the group was of Art, including its exquisite medieval such fun.” – New York: music, theatre, wing The Cloisters art & food, March 2018. > Lunch at the Michelin two-star restaurant The Modern, inside MoMA Getting there > Dinner at the New York fine dining Qantas and United Airlines fly regularly institution the Grammercy Tavern to the East Coast. Contact us for quotes and bookings.

Fitness requirement 66 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders North East USA Chicago, , Washington & New York

$10,860 pp, twin share $3,290 single supplement April 2-18, 2019

Get to know • Key moments in American history, from the Dutch in New Amsterdam, to American democracy in Washington and the Civil War at Gettysburg • Some of the world’s finest art museums, with staggering collections of Old Masters and ground-breaking modern art • The breathtaking architectural legacy of Chicago and Frank Lloyd Wright • World-class performances at America’s best cultural institutions, including opera, symphony and the stage • An inside view of American politics FIND OUT and government in Washington DC MORE

Overview The cities of North East USA were the driving force behind America’s transformation into a global economic and cultural powerhouse. The wealth and idealism of their movers and shakers – some of the great philanthropists of the 20th century – have left an astounding legacy, from great museums, to gems of modern architecture and some of the world’s leading performing arts institutions. Explore Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington DC and New York on this 17-day tour, visiting their great museums and historic sites, enjoying performances and taking day trips to Gettysburg, Charlottesville and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. Highlights Your tour leader > The world-famous Art Institute of Chicago, Dr Matthew Laing and Metropolitan Museum of Art “Matthew was a wonderful guide.” – > Five days in the Big Apple, taking in its finest North East USA: , Washington art and performances and New York, April 2016. > The National Mall in Washington, including the Smithsonian and Lincoln Memorial Getting there Qantas and United Airlines fly regularly > Thomas Jefferson’s World Heritage-listed to the North East. Contact us for quotes Monticello and the University of Virginia and bookings. > The incredible Chicago cityscape and architectural tours of the city > Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces: from Fallingwater to the Oak Park Home and Studio > Stellar performances at premier venues, in New York, Washington and Chicago Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive in Chicago. Explore the birth Canada of the skyscraper and the Art Institute. Days 5–6: In Pittsburgh, discover the industrial powerhouse of America and Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Fallingwater. Day 7: Survey Gettysburg, spending a day Pittsburgh (2) New York (5) exploring the turning point of the Civil War and Chicago (4) fascinating Amish country. Fallingwater Days 8–12: In Washington DC, discover iconic Gettysburg (1) monuments to democracy, an excursion to Washington (4) Monticello and colonial America in . USA Days 13–17: Five days in New York City, taking in some of America’s finest museums, performances, architecture and dining.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 67 Chile & Peru French Canada & New England empires of the inca , Montreal, the Berkshires & Boston

$13,650 pp, twin share May 4-25, 2019 $2,825 single supplement September 22 – October 7, 2019

Discover • Incan and pre-Incan civilisations, from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Cusco in Peru • South America’s archaeology, from the ancient mummies of the dry Atacama Desert to those frozen in Andean ice • The Spanish legacy in churches, monasteries and town squares • Diverse landscapes and their impact on human history: high deserts and soaring mountains, the world’s deepest canyon and highest navigable lake, Titicaca FIND OUT • Contemporary life in vibrant capitals, MORE in Santiago and Lima

Overview Get to know the extraordinary lost civilisation of the Inca and how they made the most of the extraordinary landscapes of South America. This 22-day tour explores the empire from its southern periphery beyond the Atacama Desert to its inner sanctum in Cusco and Machu Picchu, high in the Peruvian Andes. Throughout the journey, we tour fascinating archaeological sites, museums, temples and towns to explore the many cultures that inhabited the area before and with the Inca. Visits to thermal springs, mountain lakes, passes and canyons bring to life the remarkable natural history of the region. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Chris Carter > Ascend the glorious mountain estate of “Chris was a fantastic tour leader. Machu Picchu Always pleasant, very knowledgeable > Atacama’s dramatic desert and saltpans and funny – just a delight!” – Chile, > Outstanding sites and museums in Arica, Argentina & Peru – September 2017 “city of the eternal spring” Getting there > Soaking in the thermal hot springs after journeying deep into the Colca Canyon Qantas and LATAM Airlines have flights into and out of Santiago. Contact us for quotes > Unique traditional cultures on Lake and bookings. Titicaca’s floating islands > The spectacular mountain pass from Altiplano via Umayo River Valley to Cusco > Amazing Incan sites and sun temples of the Sacred Valley: Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo Fitness requirement

Peru Itinerary Lima (2) Machu Picchu (1) Days 1–2: Take a walking tour of Santiago. Sacred Valley (2) Cusco (3) Days 3–5: Fly to San Pedro to visit pre-Incan sites, Chivay (2) Puno (2) salt lakes and the high Andes. Arequipa (1) Days 6–8: Drive across the Atacama, visit Arica’s Arica (2) archaeological sites and the Chinchorro mummies. Iquique (1) Days 9–11: Fly to Arequipa; visit a monastery and Atacama (3) the Colca Canyon at Chivay. Chile Days 12–13: Explore Incan ruins and Lake Titicaca. Days 14–15: In Cusco, visit an Incan sun temple, storehouse and citadel. Days 16–19: Discover the Sacred Valley’s markets, churches and Incan ruins, including Machu Picchu. Santiago (2) Days 20–22: Explore Lima before departing for home.

68 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders French Canada & New England Quebec City, Montreal, the Berkshires & Boston

$10,740 pp, twin share $3,460 single supplement September 22 – October 7, 2019

Enjoy • Picture-perfect landscapes: flawless mountains, rugged coastlines, mirror lakes and tawny forests • Defining moments, from the first shots of the American Revolution in Boston and Lexington, to the Montreal Expo ‘67 and rebirth of Québécois nationalism • Pilgrims and pioneers: French Ursuline nuns and coureur de bois, the Mayflower, Puritans, Quakers and Shakers • The birth of American literature: Thoreau, Emerson, Melville, Wharton, FIND OUT Twain and Hawthorne MORE

Overview Maple trees and covered bridges, apple orchards and watermills, rugged coastlines and solitary lighthouses – few areas of North America are as breathtakingly beautiful as French Canada and New England in the autumn. This new 16-day tour takes you to the best these regions have to offer, from the stone ramparts and elegant chateaux of Quebec to the brilliant autumn colours, spectacular art and incredible literary legacy of New England. Stays in Quebec City, Montreal and Boston, are complemented by day trips to , Hartford, Newport and Cape Cod, with plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the countryside. Highlights Your tour leader > Spectacular autumnal colours along the Dr Matthew Laing scenic byways and bridges of Vermont and “Seeing Frank Lloyd Wright in the Massachusetts context of his time and the urban > Stunning French-inspired architecture, background – the industrial and including Montreal’s Notre-Dame and dynamic environment – was intelligently Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City explained by our tour leader Matthew > Iconic sites of early American history, such Laing – informative and enjoyable.” as Boston’s Freedom Trail, Paul Revere’s – Frank Lloyd Wright; Chicago to ride in Lexington and Concord, and the Fallingwater, May 2018. Mayflower landing site at Rock Getting there > Art and craft in the Berkshires: the Clark Air Canada fly direct to , with Museum of Art, the Norman Rockwell connections to Quebec City. Contact us for Museum and an authentic Shaker village quotes and bookings. > Newport, Rhode Island’s stately homes, including the Vanderbilt mansion Fitness requirement Itinerary via Vancouver Days 1–3: Quebec City, exploring one of North Quebec City (3) America’s oldest settlements. Follow the St Lawrence River to Montreal. CANADA Days 4–6: In Montreal, encounter French Canadian Montreal (3) culture, from Gothic cathedrals to modern food, Ottawa performance and architecture. Day trip to Ottawa. Days 7–10: New England’s Fall colour, from picturesque Burlington, Vermont, to the Berkshires’ vibrant arts scene. Day trip to New England (4) Hartford, home of Twain, Beecher Stowe and the outstanding Wadsworth Atheneum. USA Days 11–16: To Boston via Lexington and Concord. Discover the earliest history of the United States, Boston (5) and enjoy day trips to the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island and scenic Cape Cod.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 69 South by Southwest Charleston, , , Santa Fe

$11,360 pp, twin share October 10-25, 2019 $3,240 single supplement

Get to know • Civil War legacies, from Antebellum plantations to the struggle for freedom and civil rights • Unique cultural experiences: New Orleans’ jazz, Dallas cowboys, and Santa Fe’s Native American arts and crafts • South Carolina’s forests, Louisiana’s bayous, the sweeping plains of Texas and New Mexico’s glorious deserts • Culture and cuisine: incredible seafood in Charleston’s Lowcountry, Louisiana’s French-Cajun and Texas’s famous steaks • Nation-defining stories of tragedy and FIND OUT perseverance, from JFK’s assassination MORE to Hurricane Katrina’s legacy

Overview The American South is home to iconic landscapes and diverse peoples, its unique histories celebrated in art, music, literature and film. Yet the South is also home to some of the most enduring contradictions in American culture, from settlement and Civil War to the assassination of JFK. Join America expert, Dr Matthew Laing, on this new 16-day tour, exploring the history and culture of the South, from Charleston to French Louisiana in New Orleans, the great plains of Texas, and on to Santa Fe’s ancient deserts. A four-day extension, to the Grand Canyon and Phoenix, is available for this tour. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Matthew Laing > Impeccably preserved southern plantations, “I loved the trip, Matthew Laing was including Oak Alley on the Mississippi most informative, helpful and had a > Colonial Savannah, Georgia: cobblestone delightful sense of humour.” squares and historic architecture – Thanksgiving in New York, November 2017. > New Orleans’ unique fusion of French, Getting there Spanish, Creole and American cultures, from jazz and swing to Cajun and Creole cuisine Qantas flies direct to Dallas-Fort Worth, with > World-class art: the Kimbell Art Museum connections to Charleston and Santa Fe. and the Amon Carter Museum Contact us for quotes and bookings. > UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taos Pueblo, an ancient mudbrick city occupied for almost a millennium > Private tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s Home and Studio in Abiquiu, and the spectacular landscapes that inspired her Fitness requirement Itinerary Canada Days 1–4: The Old South in Charleston, with the USA Civil War’s beginnings at Fort Sumter, Antebellum townhouses and plantations, and immaculately preserved colonial Savannah and Beaufort. Days 5–8: Explore a fascinating mix of Spanish, American and French influences in New Orleans, from jazz and swing in the French Quarter, to the Mississippi’s stately manors and bayous. Santa Fe (4) Charleston (4) Days 9–12: The best of Dallas, from the Symphony Dallas (3) and Kimbell Art Museum to a classic Texas rodeo and cowboy culture. New Orleans (4) Days 13–16: In New Mexico, discover Native MEXICO American culture at Taos Pueblo and the eerie beauty of Georgia O’Keeffe’s desert.

70 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Frank Lloyd Wright Chicago to Fallingwater

$8,970 pp, twin share $1,640 single supplement October 26 – November 5, 2019

Uncover • The career of Frank Lloyd Wright, from Louis Sullivan’s draughtsman to America’s greatest architect • The development of mid-century modernism in American architecture • Wright’s transformation of the American home, from the inspiration of the Midwest prairie landscape to his Japanese-influenced aesthetic • The innovative use of modern materials and the place of tradition in American architectural history • The emergence of the USA as a global economic and cultural force of the FIND OUT 20th century MORE

Overview Follow the Frank Lloyd Wright trail and discover the life and architecture of the greatest American architect. This 12-day tour takes in over 15 of Wright’s most acclaimed buildings. It traces his development from his beginnings in Chicago and his Prairie style homes, to his tragic yet inspirational home in Spring Green, Wisconsin, the Darwin Martin complex in Buffalo, and Fallingwater, the most perfect embodiment of his architectural principles. The tour features private guided visits to homes and major galleries, a day trip to Niagara Falls, and places Wright in the context of modern America’s fascinating history and culture. Key sites visited Your tour leader Visits to over 15 of Wright’s greatest buildings: Dr Matthew Laing > Private interior visit to Fallingwater, Wright’s “I really enjoyed the Frank Lloyd most famous work Wright tour – fantastic architecture, > Robie House, Wright’s Prairie style home good company, accommodation and > Taliesin, Wright’s home for over 40 years excellent tour leader.” Frank Lloyd Wright: and the scene of tragedy and triumph Chicago to New York, May 2017. > Kentuck Knob, one of Wright’s later works Getting there > S.C. Johnson Wax Administration Building, We recommend Qantas and United Airlines whose ‘Great Work Room’ is often described who have daily flights to Chicago and as the most beautiful room in America from Pittsburgh. Contact us for quotes > Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park and bookings. > Unity Temple, a concrete place of worship > Darwin Martin complex, Buffalo > Jacobs House 1, the first Usonian home Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–4: In Chicago, visit Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Wright’s Home and Canada Studio, Robie House and Farnsworth House. Day 5: Coach to to see Johnson Wax Administration Building, Research Tower, Wingspread and the late work, the Annunciation Buffalo (2) Greek Orthodox Church. Madison (2) Milwaukee (1) Days 6–7: Continue to Madison for a full estate tour of Taliesin and to visit the first Usonian Chicago (4) home, Jacobs House I. Pittsburgh (2) Days 8–9: Fly to Buffalo to view the Darwin Martin House, Graycliff and to tour Niagara Falls. USA Days 10–12: Coach to Pittsburgh to see iconic Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 71 Mexico Aztecs, Maya & the Day of the Dead

$8,840 pp, twin share October 25 – November 11, 2019 $1,950 single supplement

Experience • The archaeology of Mesoamerica and its peoples: Aztecs, Maya, Mixtec and Zapotecs • The origins of Mexico City, once a thriving Aztec lakeside metropolis called Tenochtitlán • The profound impact of Spanish colonialism, from the 16th century onwards • Days of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, with elaborate rituals and flower-laden shrines • The compelling story of Frida Kahlo and FIND OUT Diego Rivera, and their involvement in MORE the Mexican and Russian Revolutions

Overview Discover the history and culture of Mexico, from ancient civilisations to colourful folk traditions and the birth of a modern culture, epitomised by Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera. This new 18-day tour begins in Mexico City and then travels through Oaxaca and on to the Yucatán Peninsula. It explores the multiple layers of Mexico’s history, taking you to the ancient sites of the Aztecs and Mayans, the fusion of cultures following Spanish colonisation at Puebla, and the survival of folk culture in Mexico’s villages. The tour is timed to coincide with the spectacular Days of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca. Your tour leader Highlights Chloe Sayer > Teotihuacán’s vast and mysterious Chloe Sayer returns to our program in pyramids, dating from the 1st century BC 2019. Chloe has conducted extensive > The UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites research and fieldwork on traditional of Monte Albán and Chichén Itzá crafts and textiles throughout Mexico. She > Stay in the heart of Oaxaca city, during the has lived and worked in Mexico for many Days of the Dead celebrations years and is a fluent Spanish speaker. > Colourful colonial architecture in Puebla Getting there and its exquisite tile-covered churches Qantas, American Airlines and United > A boat trip through the jungle to the Airlines offer flights to and from Mexico City, remote pyramids of Yaxhilán with connections through the USA. Contact > The contrasts of Diego Rivera and Frida us for quotes and bookings. Kahlo, in life and art > The natural beauty of Mexico’s highlands, Popocatépetl Volcano and Celestún’s flamingos Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–4: Mexico City and the Aztec precinct. Diego Rivera’s murals in Coyoacán, Teotihuacán’s pyramids. Merida (3) Days 5–10: Travel to picturesque Puebla and on to flower-festooned Oaxaca for the Days of the Dead. Mexico City (4) Campeche (1) Archaeology at Mitla and Monte Albán; the market Puebla (1) town of Ocotlán de Morelos. Palenque (2) MEXICO Days 11–14: Mountainous San Cristóbal de las Casas and surrounding indigenous communities. Oaxaca (4) San Cristobal (2) Ancient Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilán in the jungle. Coastal Campeche. Days 15–18: The Yucatán Peninsula from a historic Guatemala hacienda, the Maya at Uxmal and Chichén Itzá, a boat trip to view flamingos and colonial Merida.

72 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Guatemala, Honduras & Belize Pyramids, Temples & Tombs

$9,250 pp, twin share $1,565 single supplement November 13-28, 2019

Discover • The rise and fall of the Maya, the dominant civilization of Mesoamerica, and their architectural legacy • Spectacular landscapes of Central America: jungles, lakes and rivers, volcanoes and coral reefs • A thriving culture, as seen in vibrant and colourful markets brimming with local cuisine and handicrafts • Superb regional architecture that flourished after the Spanish Conquest • An incredible diversity of flora and fauna, from the highlands through to the lowland jungles and the waters of FIND OUT the Caribbean MORE

Overview Explore the ancient civilisation of the Maya, visiting the pyramids, temples and tombs of this mysterious culture’s heartland in Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. This new 16-day tour takes you to a range of spectacular sites, voyaging up rivers, crossing spectacular volcanic lakes, driving through jungles, and even boating through a cave system to visit them. The diverse ecosystems in which the Maya flourished, such as the Barrier Reef of Belize and the Rio Dulce, which we follow into Guatemala, are also a highlight – as are the thriving contemporary towns and cities of this less-touristed region. Highlights Your tour leader > Marvel at the massive pyramids and the Dr Chris Carter elaborately decorated temples and cities “Chris was a fantastic tour leader. of the Maya Always pleasant, very knowledgeable > Colonial Antigua, the historic capital of and funny – just a delight!” – Chile, Guatemala Argentina & Peru – September 2017 > Spectacular Lake Atitlán and its surrounding Getting there villages, where Mayan culture remains strong and traditional dress is worn Qantas and United Airlines have daily flights into and out of Guatemala City via the USA. > Investigate the World Heritage sites of Contact us for quotes and bookings. Tikal, Copán, Quiriguá and the Belize Barrier Reef > Sailing up the Rio Dulce Canyon beneath huge high cliffs and thick jungle, accompanied by the sounds of wildlife and birds Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–2: Arrive Guatemala, travel to Lake Atitlán Belize (3) and experience the Chichicastenango markets. Days 3–4: Return to Guatemala City and fly to Flores (2) Belize Flores and see the Mayan citadel of Tikal. Days 5–6: Admire the vast archaeological sites of Yaxha and Caracol. 2 Livingston (1) Days 7–9: Discover the Mayan ceremonial site of Guatemala Porto Barrios Barton Creek in Belize and the ruins at Lamanai. Relax on idyllic Caye Caulker. Lake Atitlan (1) Copan (2) Days 10–12: Sail the Rio Dulce to Castillo San Guatemala City (1) Felipe. Investigate Quiriguá’s stone stelae and Antigua (3) Honduras Copán’s ruins in Honduras. Days 13–16: Explore Antigua, its museums, surrounding villages and coffee plantations.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 73 Thanksgiving in New York music, theatre, art & food

$9,950 pp, twin share November 24 – December 6, 2019 $2,930 single supplement

Delight in • New York’s unique Fall atmosphere, from seasonal food to Central Park’s golden leaves • Special Thanksgiving events, including a traditional lunch and the Macy’s Parade • The lighting of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, the traditional start of the holiday season • A stimulating range of new season performances of stage drama, musicals, opera and symphony • An expert’s account of New York’s FIND OUT history and architecture MORE

Overview Enjoy Thanksgiving in the Big Apple and a host of other events on this special holiday tour. As well as the regular offerings on our New York performing arts tours – opera, symphony, private visits to galleries such as MoMA – we’ve included seasonal events that are only on offer at this special time of year, such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and legendary Rockettes’ performances. There’s also some great new season stage drama and musicals on offer. Accommodation, as always, is in spacious premium plus rooms in the perfectly located Warwick Hotel on 54th Street. Highlights and itinerary The itinerary includes eight performances, some of the world’s top art and history museums and dining in a selection of the city’s best restaurants. Performances Art, Architecture and History > The smash-hit musical Hamilton, based on > A private out-of-hours viewing of the the life of New York’s founding father Museum of Modern Art with a museum > A production from the Metropolitan Opera’s lecturer 2019-2020 season > Excursion to Philip Johnson’s Glass House, > A performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall north of the city > A performance by the New York City Ballet at > Curator-led tour of The Cloisters, the the Lincoln Center Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exquisite > The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular at Radio medieval collection on the northern tip City Music Hall at the Rockefeller Center of Manhattan > A new stage play from the Broadway 2019- > Charming small galleries, including The 2020 season Frick Collection and The Neue Galerie > An additional musical or stage play from > Architectural walking tours of Midtown, 2019-2020 season Downtown, SoHo and Chelsea, featuring > An evening of jazz at the elegant Jazz at the Beaux-Arts, Art Deco and postmodern Lincoln Center masterpieces > Lectures on the history, architecture and Your tour leader culture of the city Fine Dining Stuart Barrie “Exceeded my expectations, so many > Lunch at the Michelin two-star restaurant places were ticked off my wish list. The Modern, inside the Museum of The group was lovely and Stuart Modern Art was a great guide.” – Frank Lloyd Wright: > The best of New American cuisine at the Los Angeles to New York, October 2017. Michelin one-star Gramercy Tavern > A traditional all-American Thanksgiving Getting there meal at one of New York’s leading Qantas and United Airlines fly regularly to restaurants the East Coast. Contact us for quotes and bookings. Fitness requirement 74 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Christmas in New York $9,370 pp, twin share $2,680 single supplement December 20, 2019 – January 2, 2020

Experience • Festive New York, from 5th Avenue’s famous seasonal window displays to the incredible Christmas lights of Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights • Special events and performances, including the New York Ballet and the annual Winter Solstice Celebration • A day trip to Philadelphia, home to fantastic art and history • New Year, New York-style: canapes, cocktails and the iconic crystal ball, from a Times Square suite • The best of New York’s art and design, including the Metropolitan Museum FIND OUT of Art and MoMA MORE

Overview Nowhere does Christmas and New Year’s Eve like New York City does. Experience both on this exciting new 14-day tour, combining the culture, art and architecture of New York with the vibrant atmosphere of the holiday season: from the Winter Solstice celebrations at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, to the annual Christmas performance of The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet and the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. These performances, in addition to opera, theatre, exceptional museums, New York’s stunning architecture and fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, round out this unique experience. Highlights and itinerary The itinerary includes seven performances, some of the world’s top art and history museums, and dining in a selection of the city’s best restaurants. Performances Art, Architecture and History > A selection from the Metropolitan Opera’s > A private out-of-hours viewing of the 2019-2020 season Museum of Modern Art with a museum > The Winter Solstice Celebration at the lecturer Cathedral of St John the Divine, a beloved > Curator-led tour of The Cloisters, the cultural event in one of the city’s most Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exquisite impressive settings medieval collection at the northern tip of > A performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall Manhattan > George Balanchine’s arrangement of The > Excursion to Philadelphia, home of the Nutcracker, an annual Christmas tradition by Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the the New York City Ballet for over 50 years Barnes Foundation > The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular at Radio > Lectures on the history, architecture and City Music Hall at the Rockefeller Center culture of New York > A new stage play from the Broadway 2019- > Walking tours of Midtown, Downtown, 2020 season Central Park and Brooklyn, combining > An additional musical or stage play architecture and history with seasonal attractions and local culture Your tour leader Fine Dining Dr Matthew Laing > Lunch at the Michelin two-star restaurant “This was an outstanding tour. I highly The Modern, inside the Museum of recommend it and congratulate Modern Art Matthew on organising such a fabulous itinerary.” – New York, Nov 2017. > The best of New American cuisine at the Michelin one-star Gramercy Tavern Getting there > A grand Christmas lunch and leisurely Qantas and United Airlines fly regularly afternoon at one of the city’s top to the East Coast. Contact us for quotes restaurants and bookings. Fitness requirement Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 75 Tours to Africa & The Middle East Academy Travel’s tours to Africa and the Middle East have a strong focus on ancient history and archaeology. Many tours are led by experienced archaeologists, several of whom have worked on sites in the region. Our small-group cultural tours to Iran are currently our most popular to the Middle East, with two departures each year. We also offer in-depth tours to select destinations in North Africa, including Morocco and Egypt. FIND OUT MORE The music room of Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan, Iran Egypt From the Great Pyramid to Abu Simbel

$9,495 pp, twin share $1,425 single supplement September 26 – October 13, 2019

Discover • The 4000-year-old history of one of the world’s most iconic civilisations • The intriguing world of the pharaohs: mummies, funerary rituals and mysterious tombs • The daily lives of ordinary people revealed at rarely visited non-royal tombs • The life-giving waters of the Nile in myth and history • Incredible feats of engineering undertaken by the ancients, which remain difficult to explain today • The history of archaeology, from tomb-robbing to Napoleon, Carter FIND OUT and modern science MORE

Overview Explore 4000 years of history in the land of pharaohs, rock-cut tombs, pyramids and magnificent temples. This 18-day tour travels the full length of the Nile Valley visiting awe- inspiring sites from one of the world’s most iconic civilisations, such as the pyramids of Giza, the great museums of Cairo, the Temple of Karnak and Luxor. The tour also takes in some rarely-visited sites, including a tour of the active excavations at Middle Kingdom Amarna – Akhenaten and Nefertiti’s capital – and cruises up the Nile from Luxor to Aswan visiting the temples of Upper Egypt. Highlights Your tour leader > Explore Old Kingdom sites and New Lucia Gahlin Kingdom tombs at Saqqara, including “My recommendation is… do not the Step Pyramid of Djoser let Lucia out of your sight… she is > Admire Giza’s iconic Great Pyramid and excellent in every way. Incredibly the Sphinx knowledgeable, a beautiful personality > Experience Middle Kingdom sites in and a wonderful speaking voice.” Amarna, rarely visited by tourists, with – Egypt, January 2018. visits to working archaeological sites Getting there > Visit Luxor’s museums and the Valley of the Kings and Nobles, the Luxor Museum Emirates and Etihad Airways have daily and Karnak Temple flights from Australia to Cairo. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, stopping at temples and sites along the journey > Marvel at the Ramses II Temple at Abu Simbel Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive Cairo and explore the museums, pyramids and tombs at Saqqara and Giza. Days 5–7: Drive to Minya and see Middle Kingdom Cairo (5) tombs at Beni Hasan, Amarna and Abydos.

Days 8–11: Travel to Luxor and visit the Valley of El Minya (2) the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Ramesseum. Days 12–14: Visit Karnak Temple and the Luxor Abydos (1) Museum. Cruise up the Nile, stopping at Luxor Luxor (4) 4 Temple, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Egypt Aswan (1) Days 15–16: Arrive in Aswan and visit the Temple of Philae, Aswan Dam and Elephantine Island. Abu Simbel Days 17–18: Fly to Abu Simbel and on to Cairo for departure.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 77 Morocco The grand tour

$9,820 pp, twin share April 3-21, 2019 $2,295 single supplement

Uncover • The legacy of the Roman Empire at Volubilis and Sala Colonia • An extraordinary range of sites, from Roman ruins to medieval fortifications and Islamic kasbahs • A crucible for Islamic influence in the region, for more than a millennium • Exotic frontiers of the Western imagination: Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fes • A fascinating convergence of Moorish and European influence, • Human effort and the historical place of Morocco’s exceptional landscapes: FIND OUT the Atlantic coastline, Atlas Mountains MORE and palmeries of the Drâa Valley

Overview Morocco’s exotic culture and stunning landscapes have attracted travellers for centuries. Beyond the kasbahs, however, lies a fascinating history of successive European, African and Arabic empires, each of which has left traces of their love of this corner of Africa. This comprehensive 19-day tour travels from colonial Casablanca and the Mediterranean coast to the Islamic architecture and Berber towns of the interior. Experience Morocco’s rich history and cosmopolitan culture, from the ruins of Roman Volubilis, to the medinas of Rabat and Fes, the gardens and souks of Marrakesh and the oases of the Drâa Valley. Your tour leaders Highlights Sue Rollin > The European gateway of Tangier, a “As always, Sue was highly unique melting pot straddling the professional, knowledgeable and Atlantic and Mediterranean informative while she and Stuart > Fes’ narrow alleys and colourful souks, together were extremely well organised its walled medina suspended in time and helpful in every way.” – Morocco and > The impressive ruins of Volubilis Southern Spain, Oct 2017. > Sensory overload in Marrakesh’s bustling Getting there Jemaa el-Fnaa, crowded with colourful water-sellers and performers Emirates has daily flights to and from > Stunning scenery, from the sublime Atlas Casablanca. Contact us for quotes and mountains to picturesque valleys dotted bookings. with kasbahs and lush palmeries > Essaouira and the Atlantic: freshly caught seafood by the pretty harbour, local crafts in the medina Fitness requirement Itinerary Tangier (2) Days 1–2: Arrive Casablanca, travel to Rabat. Roman Chellah, Mohammed V’s Mausoleum Chefchaouen (1) and the kasbah. Days 3–5: Ancient Lixus; tour Tangier; traverse Rabat (2) Fes (3) Casablanca (1) the Rif Mountains to colourful Chefchaouen. Ifrane (1) Days 6–9: Fes’ Batha Museum, el Bali medina and Roman Volubilis. Admire Middle Atlas forests before arrival in alpine Ifrane. Days 10–12: Marrakesh’s tombs, palaces and Marrakesh (3) Essaouira (2) madrassas. Visit the Jardin Majorelle. Ouarzazate (2) Days 13–15: Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. The lush Drâa Valley and fortified Taroudant. Morocco Taroudant (1) Days 16–17: Survey the Atlantic from Essaouira. Days 18–19: Explore Casablanca’s grand Mosque.

78 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Iran in Depth

$12,985 pp, twin share April 15 – May 7, 2019 $2,325 single supplement October 6-28, 2019

Discover • Ancient Persia: excellent archaeological sites and an enduring legacy in world history • Islamic Persia: stunning Safavid mosques, the palaces of shahs and a culture of learning • Northern Iran, from the world carpet-weaving capital, Tabriz, to the cliff dwellings of Kandovan • The Silk Road, along which Eastern MORE and Western cultures have exchanged APR/MAY goods and ideas for thousands of years • A remarkably friendly, cultured and open population, eager to engage with MORE the world outside Iran OCTOBER

Overview Travel through the marvellous mountain and desert landscapes of Persia and visit some of the most remarkable monuments in the ancient and Islamic worlds. This 23-day tour explores the art and history of Iran, from Tabriz and Tehran in the north, to Isfahan and Shiraz. The tour visits ancient Achaemenid palaces and royal tombs, mysterious Sasanian fire temples, and enchanting mud-brick cities on the desert fringes, and explores Islamic Iran through its fabled Persian cities with their enchanting gardens, caravanserais, bazaars and stunning mosques. Throughout we encounter the unsurpassed friendliness and hospitality of the Iranian people. Highlights Your tour leaders > Tehran’s wonderful museums and palaces Dr John Tidmarsh including the Golestan Palace complex “John Tidmarsh and our Iranian > Tabriz’s Ottoman-influenced turquoise guide, and the wonderful bus mosque and Grand Bazaar driver, were a team who worked > The Caspian Sea and northern Iran exceptionally well together to ensure > Sasanian watchtowers, palaces and fire everything ran smoothly and that we were temples at Takht-e Soleiman given every opportunity to experience this wonderful country.” – Iran, April 2017. > Wandering through the gardens of Shiraz, where Persia’s poets are celebrated Getting there > Classical sites of Persepolis and Pasargadae Emirates and Qatar have daily flights to > Evocative Zoroastrian and medieval sites in Tehran. Contact us for quotes and bookings. the desert city of Yazd > UNESCO World Heritage-listed Isfahan, centre of the ‘renaissance’ Safavid period Fitness requirement

Itinerary Tabriz (3) CASPIAN SEA Days 1–3: Explore Tehran’s palaces and museums. Astara (1) Days 4–7: Drive to the Caspian Sea, then to Tabriz Zanjan (2) to visit the Blue Mosque, Azerbaijan Museum Tehran (4) and the troglodyte village of Kandovan. Days 8–9: Travel to Zanjan and examine the Sasanian ruins of Takht-e Soleiman. Kashan Days 10–14: Investigate Bishapur, Persepolis IRAN and Firuzabad from Shiraz. Days 15–17: In Yazd, visit Pasargadae and the Isfahan (4) Zoroastrian fire temples. Yazd (3) Days 18–21: Visit the Maidan and Chetel Sotun palaces and the Armenian Quarter in Isfahan. Persepolis (1) Days 22–23: Return to Tehran via the merchant houses and water gardens of Kashan. Shiraz (4)

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 79 Study Tours Academy Travel study tours are designed to provide in-depth intellectual stimulation for the independent traveller. The tours feature: daily background lectures; morning guided site visits; several afternoons for individual exploration or optional visits with the tour leader; longer walking tours of historical cities and use of public transport for short journeys; and, self-contained accommodation where possible, allowing you to live like a local.

FIND OUT MORE Centre Georges Pompidou located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France PARIS Study tour

$5,470 pp, twin share $1,410 single supplement June 28 – July 10, 2019

Explore • Old Paris, from Celtic and Roman settlements to capital of the kings of France • The glory of the Middle Ages at Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame • Masters of magnificence: from Louis XIV’s Versailles to the Empire of Napoleon • Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Paris, with masterpieces in less-visited galleries and Toulouse-Lautrec’s bohemian Montmartre • Paris in the 20th century, the cradle of modernism FIND OUT MORE

Overview This 13-day study tour takes you well beyond the tourist’s Paris, to explore the history, art and architecture of the quintessential European city. Beginning with its Roman origins, we move to an exploration of Paris’s medieval glory and rebirth as the epicentre of modernism. A series of detailed background lectures, guided visits and historical walking tours are balanced with time for independent exploration. Accommodation is in self-contained apartments in Bercy Village, a local neighbourhood of the 12th arrondissement. Go beyond the typical tourist experience and explore the City of Light in all its glory. Highlights Your tour leader > The glory of medieval Paris at Sainte Dr Michael Adcock Chapelle and Notre Dame “In many ways, Dr Michael Adcock > Guided visits of world-class museums went above and beyond what including the Louvre, and many quieter would normally be expected of a museums, such as the excellent Musée tour leader. He provided copious notes and Jacquemart-André and the Petit Palais readings prior to the tour to allow everyone > Day trips to Versailles and Giverny, home to get a feeling of what to expect. During of Monet’s garden the tour he was very generous with his time > Walking tours of key sites in the city’s and was always approachable for advice and history, such as Montmartre, the Marais, information.” – Paris Study Tour, July 2018. and Haussmann’s Opéra district Getting there > Icons of modern Paris, including the Musée There are a number of airline options Pompidou and the Picasso Museum available for flights into and out of Paris. > Underground Paris: the Roman city and Contact us for quotes and bookings. the Napoleonic Canal Saint Martin Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: Arrive in Bercy. Explore ancient and Montmartre Sacré Coeur medieval Paris, from Roman settlement to the To Giverny pinnacles of Gothic architecture under the Kings PARIS 13 nights of France. Cruise the Canal Saint Martin. Arc de Triomphe Days 4–5: Explore the Louvre in depth and experience the extravagance of Louis XIV Picasso Museum and his court at Versailles. Louvre Pompidou Centre Days 6–8: Discover the recreation of Paris Eiffel Tower Hotel de Ville in the 19th century, from Napoleon and Josephine to the birth of modern art; day Bastille trip to Monet’s gardens at Giverny. Luxembourg Gardens Panthéon Days 9–13: The cradle of modernism: bohemian Montmartre and modern art at the Pompidou To Versailles Montparnasse Cemetery Centre, Picasso Museum and more.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 81 Istanbul Study tour

$4,875 pp, twin share September 30 – October 12, 2019 $485 single supplement

Discover • Classical Constantinople: the capital of Constantine and the Roman Empire in the East • Medieval Byzantium, from Justinian’s Hagia Sophia to medieval frescoes, the Genoese on the Golden Horn and the Fourth Crusade • Ottoman Istanbul, the great mosques and palaces of Suleiman the Magnificent • The birth of modern Turkey and the legacy of World War I • The neighborhoods of Istanbul: ancient FIND OUT and modern, straddling Europe and MORE Asia across the Bosphorus

Overview Istanbul – capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires – has accumulated an astounding wealth of history, art and architecture. This 13-day study tour explores this metropolis in depth, from the archaeology of the early city through the successive civilisations that have ruled there, and on to its modern incarnation as a multicultural metropolis spanning Europe and Asia. The tour also includes two nights in Ҫanakkale, to spend a full day exploring Gallipoli with excursions to Troy and Iznik. A series of background lectures, guided visits and historical walking tours are balanced with time for independent exploration. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Jennifer Lawless > Constantinople, including the Jennifer joins our program in 2019. Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and She has co-authored over ten books on National Archaeological Museum Ancient History and has been awarded > Spectacular Byzantine and Ottoman sites, a number of scholarships and awards for writing Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi and research, including a Churchill Fellowship, and Dolmabahḉe palaces an Endeavor Research Fellowship for Turkey, > The superb collections of the Museum of and a NSW Premiers Award for History. Turkish and Islamic Art and the Ottoman Getting there Military Museum > Excursion to the little-known, car-free Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways Princes’ Island of Heybeliada, and a have daily flights to Istanbul from most Bosphorus cruise Australian cities. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > A full day exploring Gallipoli and an excursion to Troy Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–2: Orientation walk of Sultanahmet. Istanbul (9) Cruise the Bosphorus. Walk through Ortakoy and climb Galata Tower. Days 3–4: Hagia Sophia, cisterns, Chora Church and Sinan’s magnificent Ottoman mosques. Heybeliada Days 5–6: Admire the apotheosis of Ottoman culture at the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Military Museum and Topkapi Palace. Gallipolli Day 7: Dine at a waterside restaurant on the Princes’ Island of Heybeliada. Canakkale (2) Days 8–10: Travel to Canakkale and Troy, with TURKEY a full day exploring the Gallipoli Peninsula. Days 11–13: Experience cosmopolitan Kadiköy on the Asian side and Dolmabahḉe palace.

82 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders Florence Study tour

$4,970 pp, twin share $1,020 single supplement November 13-26, 2019

Experience • Revolutionary art from medieval Pisa to Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo in Renaissance Florence • The rise of the Medici, their power and enduring artistic legacy • The other Renaissance, from women, children and the poor to the emergence of a welfare state • “Forgotten Florence”: the Grand Dukes, Galileo and the emergence of a modern art market • The New Florence: modern art and fashion design, from Ferragamo and Gucci to the new Casamonti collection FIND OUT MORE

Overview The great names of the Florentine Renaissance need no introduction: Giotto, Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo. This new 14-day study tour provides a detailed examination of their works and of Tuscany’s cultural rebirth in the Middle Ages. Chart the impact of technology, luxury trade, self-government and a renewed interest in classical learning, and admire lesser-known masterworks in Pisa, Lucca, Prato and Fiesole. Explore the recent revival of Florence beyond mass tourism, with the redesign of iconic museums, and visit new collections of modern art and design. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Kathleen Olive > World-famous collections: the renovated “Kathleen is simply a delight – calm, Uffizi Galleries, Brunelleschi’s dome, the so well-organised and generous in new Museo degli Innocenti sharing her extensive knowledge.” > Florence’s lesser-known gems, from superb – In the Footsteps of Caravaggio, Last Supper frescoes to pietra dura mosaics September 2017. and Galileo’s telescopes Getting there > Excursions to Fiesole, Pisa, Prato and Lucca > The Medici’s Florence: Fra Angelico at Emirates offers daily flights into cities San Marco, Benozzo Gozzoli in the Medici suitable for this tour. Contact us for quotes Chapel, Michelangelo at San Lorenzo and bookings. > Detailed lecture series providing you with extensive knowledge of the city and its past > Modern Florence: Italian modernists at the Collezione Casamonti, contemporary art at the Museo Ferragamo Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–3: Explore medieval innovation: superb sculpture at Orsanmichele and the Bargello, Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto at Santa Croce. Prato Day 4: Excursion to Pisa. Lucca Days 5–7: The Uffizi, and admire the Etruscans at Fiesole archaeological museums in Florence and Fiesole. Explore the Medici’s rise and their early patronage of Brunelleschi, Benozzo Gozzoli and Fra Angelico. Florence (13) Days 8–11: Explore the Brancacci and Innocenti Pisa museums. Marvel at grand ducal commissions, from pietra dura, to Michelangelo’s Night and Day ITALY and Galileo’s discoveries. Days 12–14: Florence’s new museums of art and contemporary design. Excursion to elegant Lucca.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 83 Upcoming tour program January – December 2020

ITALY EUROPE MUSIC & THEATRE

Palermo & Naples Sardinia & Corsica Opera in New York January 2020 with Robert Veel March 2020 with Dr Estelle Lazer April 2020 with Christopher Menz Rome: Study Tour Grand Tour of Spain Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Chicago January 2020 with Dr Nick Gordon April & October 2020 with Elena Ortega April 2020 with Robert Gay & Dr Jeni Ryde Venice: City, Republic & Empire Classical & Ottoman Turkey Music in Paris March 2020 with Dr Nick Gordon April 2020 with Dr Jenny Lawless April 2020 with Robert Gay Puglia to Pompeii: Vienna: crossroads of history Montreal to New York: fine music Classical Southern Italy April 2020 with Christopher Menz in historic cities March 2020 with Robert Veel , Dordogne & the Loire April 2020 with Lindy Montgomery Sicily & the Aeolian Islands April 2020 Music in Germany April & September 2020 with Dr Jeni Berlin to St Petersburg May 2020 with Rosamund Bartlett Ryde and Dr Estelle Lazer April 2020 Music in Scandinavia Grand Tour of Italy Greece: Agamemnon to Alexander May 2020 with Robert Gay May 2020 with Dr John Tidmarsh April 2020 with Dr Jeni Ryde Classical Portugal & Spain Northern Spain & Portugal Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy May 2020 with Royna McNamara May 2020 with Dr Jeni Ryde April 2020 with Dr Kathleen Olive Art Along the Rhine European Summer Music Festivals Etruscans & Romans May 2020 July 2020 April 2020 with Michael Turner Switzerland to Rome Opera in Italy Umbria& Southern Tuscany June 2020 September 2020 with Robert Gay May 2020 with Dr Nick Gordon Scandinavia & Iceland Beethoven: 250 anniversary tour Florence & the Italian Renaissance June 2020 with Robert Veel September 2020 with Dr Tom Ford Croatia September 2020 with Dr Nick Gordon A European Christmas & New Year June 2020 Renaissance Courts of Italy December 2020 with Robert Gay September 2020 with Dr Kathleen Olive Great Gardens of Cornwall & Devon June 2020 with Michael Turner Malta to Venice aboard the Burgundy Provence & the Riviera Sea Cloud II June 2020 with Dr Kathleen Olive October 2020 with Dr Jeni Ryde Siberia & The Russian Far East Trieste to Turin July 2020 with Dr Matthew Dal Santo October 2020 Paris: Study Tour July 2020 with Dr Michael Adcock Gardens of & the UK July 2020 with Michael Turner Moscow to St Petersburg Sept 2020 with Dr Matthew Dal Santo Archaeology in the Greek Islands September 2020 with Dr John Tidmarsh Modern Art in the UK September 2020 with Gerald Deslandes Istanbul & Venice October 2020 with Dr Kathleen Oiive Portugal October 2020 with Dr Jeni Ryde Berlin: Study Tour October 2020 with Thomas Abbott

84 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders AUSTRALIA & ASIA THE AMERICAS AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Winter in Japan Cuba: then & now Egypt: from the Great Pyramid January 2020 with Dr Kathleen Olive February 2020 with Dr Stephen to Abu Simbel New Zealand: nature, culture Wilkinson January 2020 with Lucia Gahlin & the arts New York: the art of fashion Israel & Jordan February 2020 with Dr Kathleen Olive March 2020 with Dr Anna Lebovic March 2020 with Ben Churcher Taiwan: cultural treasures & New York: art, architecture, Egypt: Lake Nasser to Alexandria inspiring landscapes history & theatre March 2020 with Chris Bradley February 2020 with Judy Tenzing April 2020 with Dr Matthew Laing Iran in depth From the Yarra Valley to Bendigo: West Coast USA to Alaska April & October 2020 with Victoria’s regional galleries May 2020 with Dr Matthew Laing Ben Churcher (Oct) April & October 2020 Mayan tour of Central America Morocco Melbourne Private Homes September 2020 April 2020 April & October 2020 Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago NGA Exhibition & Monaro Gardens to New York April 2020 October 2020 with Dr Matthew Laing Japan Unmasked Thanksgiving in New York May & November 2020 with Ann November 2020 with Dr Matthew MacArthur Laing Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Ecuador & Galapagos May 2020 with Chris Bradley November 2020 with Chris Carter Flinders Ranges August 2020 with Chris Carter Armenia & Georgia August 2020 with Dr Matthew Laing To the Edge of the Outback: Mungo, Broken Hill & Beyond October 2020 with Chris Carter Adelaide & Surrounds November 2020 with Christopher Menz Royal cities of Indochina November 2020 Riches of Rajasthan November 2020 with Judy Tenzing Tasmania: history, art & landscape December 2020 Register your interest for these tours today! Contact us at [email protected] or 02 9235 0023. We’ll notify you as soon as booking are open and you will be among the first to receive a detailed tour itinerary.

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 85 Tour Index

FIND OUT MORE

START DATE CATEGORY TOUR NAME TOUR LEADER FITNESS PAGE Jan 6, 2019 Europe Winter in Moscow & St Petersburg Michael Carr Grade Two 24

Jan 7, 2019 Italy Art Cities of Tuscany: Pisa, Siena & Florence Dr Kathleen Olive Grade Two 13

Jan 9, 2019 Music & Theatre Opera in New York Lindy Montgomery Grade One 43

Jan 17, 2019 Music & Theatre London & Paris: art and music Christopher Menz Grade One 44

Jan 17, 2019 Italy Sicily: Siracusa, Agrigento & Palermo Dr Jeni Ryde Grade Two 14

Jan 17, 2019 Asia Singapore Art Week 2019 Robert Veel Grade One 53

Feb 27, 2019 Australia & New Zealand From the Yarra Valley to Bendigo Dr Nick Gordon Grade One 61

Mar 14, 2019 Australia & New Zealand New Zealand: nature, culture and the arts Dr Kathleen Olive Grade Two 60

Mar 19, 2019 The Americas New York: art, architecture, history & theatre Dr Matthew Laing Grade One 66

Mar 21, 2019 Italy Puglia to Pompeii: Classical Southern Italy Dr Estelle Lazer Grade Two 15

Mar 27, 2019 Italy Venice: City, Republic & Empire Robert Veel Grade One 16

Mar 28, 2019 Music & Theatre Opera in Northern Italy: Bel Canto to Verismo Robert Gay Grade Two 45

Mar 28, 2019 Asia Hong Kong & Shanghai: Contemporary Art Dr Mikala Tai Grade One 54

Mar 29, 2019 Italy Sicily & the Aeolian Islands Gerald Deslandes Grade Two 17

Mar 29, 2019 Europe Sardinia and Corsica Dr Jeni Ryde Grade Three 25

Mar 31, 2019 Europe Grand Tour of Spain Elena Ortega Grade Two 26

Apr 2, 2019 The Americas The North East USA Dr Matthew Laing Grade Two 67

Apr 3, 2019 Africa & Middle East Morocco: The Grand Tour Sue Rollin Grade Two 78

Apr 8, 2019 Europe Classical & Bronze Age Greece Dr Jennifer Lawless Grade Two 27

Apr 12, 2019 Asia Bhutan: the last Shangri-La Judy Tenzing Grade Three 55

Apr 15, 2019 Africa & Middle East Iran in depth Dr John Tidmarsh Grade Two 79

Apr 16, 2019 Italy The City of Rome Robert Veel Grade One 18

Apr 19, 2019 Europe Northern Spain & Portugal Dr Jeni Ryde Grade Three 28

Apr 25, 2019 Italy Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy Michael Turner Grade Two 19

Apr 27, 2019 Music & Theatre Wagner’s Ring Cycle in New York Robert Gay Grade One 46

May 2, 2019 Europe Berlin and Beyond Christopher Menz Grade Two 29

May 4, 2019 The Americas Chile and Peru: Empires of The Inca Dr Chris Carter Grade Three 68

May 6, 2019 Music & Theatre Berlin to Bavaria: a musical journey Dr Rosamund Bartlett Grade Two 47

May 10, 2019 Music & Theatre Amsterdam to Bergen: music in northern Europe Robert Gay Grade Two 48

May 31, 2019 Europe High Art in the Low Countries Dr Sophie Oosterwijk Grade Two 30

Jun 3, 2019 Europe Great Gardens of Cornwall & Devon Michael Turner Grade Two 31

Jun 5, 2019 Italy The Venice Biennale Dr Nick Gordon Grade Two 20

Jun 14, 2019 Europe Art Basel, Alsace & the Black Forest Dr Nick Gordon Grade Two 32

Jun 17, 2019 Europe Scandinavia & Iceland: The Nordic World Dr Matthew Laing Grade Three 33

Jun 19, 2019 Europe Yorkshire to the Lake District Michael Turner Grade Two 34

86 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders

START DATE CATEGORY TOUR NAME TOUR LEADER FITNESS PAGE Jun 28, 2019 Study Tours Paris: Study Tour Dr Michael Adcock Grade Three 81

Jul 2, 2019 Music & Theatre Munich & Glyndebourne Opera Festivals Robert Gay Grade One 49

Jul 6, 2019 Europe Siberia & The Russian Far East Dr Matthew Dal Santo Grade Three 35

Jul 23, 2019 Music & Theatre Italian Summer Music Festivals Royna McNamara Grade Two 50

Aug 26, 2019 Europe Stockholm to St Petersburg Robert Veel Grade Two 36

Aug 29, 2019 Italy The Venice Biennale & Film Festival Dr Nick Gordon Grade Two 21

Sep 8, 2019 Europe Vienna to Venice: the crossroads of history Dr Nick Gordon Grade Two 37

Sep 20, 2019 Italy Sicily & the Aeolian Islands Dr Kathleen Olive Grade Two 17

Sep 22, 2019 The Americas French Canada & New England Dr Matthew Laing Grade Two 69

Sep 23, 2019 Italy Malta & Sicily: aboard Sea Cloud II Robert Veel Grade Two 22

Sep 26, 2019 Europe Portugal Dr Jeni Ryde Grade Two 40

Sep 26, 2019 Africa & Middle East Egypt: from the Great Pyramid to Abu Simbel Lucia Gahlin Grade Two 77

Sep 27, 2019 Europe Moscow & St Petersburg Dr Matthew Dal Santo Grade Two 38

Sep 30, 2019 Study Tours Istanbul: Study Tour Dr Jennifer Lawless Grade Three 82

Oct 6, 2019 Africa & Middle East Iran in depth Dr John Tidmarsh Grade Two 79

Oct 7, 2019 Music & Theatre Paris to Madrid: a musical pilgrimage Robert Gay Grade Two 51

Oct 10, 2019 Asia Western China: on the Silk Road Ben Churcher Grade Two 57

Oct 10, 2019 Asia Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Chris Bradley Grade Three 58

Oct 10, 2019 The Americas South by South West Dr Matthew Laing Grade Two 70

Oct 11, 2019 Europe Sardinia and Corsica Dr Kathleen Olive Grade Three 25

Oct 13, 2019 Europe Grand Tour of Spain Dr Jeni Ryde Grade Two 26

Oct 14, 2019 Europe Warsaw to Berlin Thomas Abbott Grade Two 39

Oct 17, 2019 Italy Puglia to Pompeii: Classical Southern Italy Dr Estelle Lazer Grade Two 15

Oct 23, 2019 Australia & New Zealand Melbourne Private Homes Dr Nick Gordon Grade One 63

Oct 25, 2019 The Americas Mexico Chloe Sayer Grade Three 72

Oct 26, 2019 The Americas Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago to New York Dr Matthew Laing Grade Three 71

Nov 3, 2019 Europe Greece: From Antiquity to Byzantium Dr John Tidmarsh Grade Two 41

Nov 8, 2019 Asia Japan Unmasked Ann MacArthur Grade Two 56

Nov 13, 2019 Australia & New Zealand Adelaide & Surrounds Christopher Menz Grade One 62

Nov 13, 2019 The Americas Guatemala, Honduras & Belize Dr Chris Carter Grade Three 73

Nov 13, 2019 Study Tours Florence: Study Tour Dr Kathleen Olive Grade Three 83

Nov 24, 2019 The Americas Thanksgiving in New York Stuart Barrie Grade One 74

Nov 30, 2019 Australia & New Zealand Tasmania: history, art & landscape Dr Nick Gordon Grade One 64

Dec 20, 2019 The Americas Christmas in New York Dr Matthew Laing Grade One 75

Back cover: Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, one of the oldest roadway bridges in the United States

Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: [email protected] 87 Level 1, 341 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Ph: +61 2 9235 0023 academytravel.com.au