UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND ITALY & CROATIA GROUPS & INCENTIVES

NORTHERN ENGLAND associations to be found in Scotland. A welcoming With an appreciation of food, history and beauty 14th century Sponza Palace and the Dominican SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS MEETINGS, INCENTIVES, CONFERENCES

Conjuring images of a romantic wilderness, northern and vibrant city, Edinburgh plays host to numerous deep-rooted in the national identity of many Monastery. The idyllic Dalmatian Islands lie just a Our comprehensive services for special interest & EVENTS England is home to magnificent national parks. The festivals such as the Military Tattoo and Hogmanay. Italians, Italy is a wonderfully diverse destination short boat ride from the coast and are a paradise of groups ensure seamless ground operations and Originality, flexibility and attention to detail Lake District sees the pretty villages of Grasmere that never disappoints at any time of year. beautiful beaches, colourful wild flowers and distinct, creative proposals, so you won’t have to ensure the success of our Incentive Programmes. Beyond the city, rural Scotland is a captivating and Keswick perched on the shores of glittering Additionally, beautiful coastlines and historic towns authentic wines. worry about a thing. Our Tour Directors are the With offices in Italy, Russia and the UK, as well realm of craggy mountains, idyllic glens and serene lakes while further east, the Yorkshire Dales and in Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro continue to best in their field, with specialised knowledge as a Regional Director in Spain, we can effortlessly lochs. Magical landmarks such as Inveraray Castle, MONTENEGRO rolling moors of the Peak District are adorned with attract visitors to the Adriatic coast. ranging from art to architecture, from history to arrange tours to Rome, Florence, Moscow, eerie Glencoe and imposing Ben Nevis will The striking UNESCO city of Kotor lies within a numerous stately homes including Castle Howard, NORTHERN ITALY nature. Whatever your interests, we can St Petersburg, London, Edinburgh, the Cotswolds, punctuate your journey towards the striking spectacular fjord and reflects a remarkable legacy Chatsworth House and Belvoir Castle. tailor-make a proposal to suit you; gastronomes can Barcelona and Madrid, including special dining Atlantic Coast where towering mountains sweep Built entirely on water, the extraordinary floating of Roman culture. The town of Budva is also a SOUTHERN ITALY enjoy the food and wines of France, history lovers opportunities, teambuilding activities, specialist WALES down towards the sea and the unspoiled Hebridean city of Venice oozes romantic charm. A labyrinth of treasure house of cultural heritage, perched upon a The Amalfi Coast takes travellers past rocky cliffs may like to explore the ancient ruins found in speakers, private visits and many more custom- A drive west through North Wales reveals the Islands of Skye and Iona. intriguing streets, connected by intricate bridges, small peninsula. For those looking for a relaxing plunging into the sea. Amalfi, Ravello and Positano Greece while horticulturalists may like to discover built services. dramatic rugged mountains and wild landscapes of showcase a stunning mix of Byzantine, Gothic and retreat, the exclusive resort of Sveti Stefan offers Covering such a vast area, Russia is a fascinating THE GOLDEN RING UKRAINE, ARMENIA & GEORGIA IRELAND the beautiful gardens of England. Renaissance architecture. cling precariously to steep cliff sides whilst the Snowdonia National Park. Step back in time as the beautiful and secluded sandy beaches. meld of Oriental, European and Asian traditions. Dotted with churches and onion-shaped domes, the Ukraine is a country of beautiful architecture and Renowned for its hospitality, ‘the Emerald Isle’ is islands of sophisticated Capri and its peaceful Still widely undiscovered, Russia is one of the great To tour the United Kingdom and Ireland is to notable turrets of Caernarfon and Conwy castles Liguria, or ‘The Italian Riviera’, encompasses the SLOVENIA circle of towns to the northeast of Moscow forms an surprising landscapes, full of history and a deep one of striking natural beauty, wonderful neighbour, Ischia, beckon. A short drive away, explore its long and enthralling heritage. Steeped evoke stories of past conflicts. Further south, destinations for travel in the 21st-century. excellent touring itinerary outside of the city into Jewish heritage. Armenia is the world’s oldest Our Key Services Meetings and events • Gala dinner venues • Technical equipment hire and technical support glamorous Portofino and the quaint and colourful The small country of Slovenia is one of Europe’s architecture, a lively culture of music and dance Pompeii and Herculaneum reveal towns frozen in in history; castles, historic towns, stately homes and St David’s Cathedral and Tintern Abbey offer rural Russia. Dating back to the 11th-century, the Christian nation where spectacular landscapes Catering • Floral decoration • Entertainment • Hotel accommodation • Transportation • Restaurants • Sightseeing tours villages of the Cinque Terre, famous for the lesser-known gems. The relaxed and friendly MOSCOW and a rich literary history. The welcoming capital of time since their burial in AD79 under the molten remarkable cathedrals punctuate the beautiful and poetic retreats, or, for something more lively, join towns of Vladimir, Suzdal, Yaroslavl and Rostov envelope endless monasteries and crumbling Tickets for cultural events • Multi-lingual local guides • Corporate/pillow gifts • Multi-lingual event management personnel picturesque hiking paths that run between them. capital of Ljubljana is characterised by its beautiful Dublin is home to stylish designer boutiques, fine lava of Vesuvius. The legacy of the Imperial and Soviet years still often dramatic countryside from the tranquil rolling the passionate Welsh and watch the national game were flourishing trade centres while Sergiev Posad churches whilst the largely untouched and cultural The dynamic city of Milan serves as Italy’s capital baroque architecture and younger art-nouveau remains strongly evident in Moscow but the city now hills of southern England to the shimmering fens of of rugby at the impressive Millennium Stadium. monuments and a host of traditional Irish pubs. The The island of Sicily possesses an old world charm was known as a religious centre following the land of Georgia embodies the values of hospitality of fashion and design and is also home to da Vinci’s designs. Further north, the stunning Lake Bled is an sits alongside modern, western influences to create Norfolk and majestic mountain scenery of the country’s spectacular coastal scenery is nicely whilst vast historical influences from across the foundation of the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius. and friendship. SCOTLAND ‘Last Supper’. In contrast, the Italian Lake District enchanting picture postcard with the Assumption a contemporary and evolving capital. The Kremlin Scottish Highlands. Furthermore, the UK & Ireland complemented by a number of picturesque coastal Mediterranean are evident in the temples of of Mary Pilgrimage Church famously positioned A land of legend, romance and majestic scenery, offers the visitor a haven of palatial villas, rose-laden on Red Square recounts the core of Russian history, KAMCHATKA VILLAS bristle with contemporary style; the cosmopolitan towns such as Galway, famous for its fresh oysters Agrigento and Syracuse and the Greek Theatre on a small island in the pristine glacial lake. Scotland’s kilts, bagpipes, castles and clans have belvederes, hanging wisteria and majestic housing treasures gathered by both Tsars and Home to magnificently diverse and abundant capitals of London, Dublin and Edinburgh and a gateway to the wild beauty of Connemara. at Taormina. sparked the imaginations of many. The capital city of Alpine vistas. Empresses. Next to the Kremlin, Red Square is also wildlife, Kamchatka is an untouched land of majestic “Arriving by air in Moscow, I looked For a completely relaxing vacation we recommend VILLA OPTIONS Something Special seamlessly blending tradition with modern, Nearby, the Aran Islands uphold Irish tradition by Puglia is less well known but similarly charming, forward with dread to a long wait at spending time at a luxury villa. Offering the perfect Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site and, meandering “Exploring the Diocletian’s Palace, our home to St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s volcanoes, steaming geysers, wild bears and pacific There are a number of other services you may wish multi-cultural flair. maintaining Gaelic as a language. CENTRAL ITALY Villa Only occupying the quiet ‘heel’ of Italy and resembling guide was showing us around the Russian customs and passport control. home from home experience, a villa vacation is through the winding medieval streets, flanked by Mausoleum. Moscow is also a centre of the arts with salmon making it a UNESCO site unlike any other. to discuss and book with your A&K Villa Shaped through 2,700 years of history, Rome is a 2000-year-old building which is still But, as I stepped off the plane, the A&K The independent traveller may wish to opt for SOUTHERN ENGLAND beautiful Georgian and Regency architecture, it’s Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast has Greece with its whitewashed houses and ideal for friends and families with plenty of space Consultant. These will vary by property but can cornucopia of artistic and architectural occupied by a living community. Our an abundance of galleries and the legendary Bolshoi VOLGA RIVER CRUISE Guardian Angel was waiting for me and ‘Villa Only’ option. This includes exclusive rental emerged from its troubled past to become a stunning beaches. A widely recognised centre for fashion, easy to see why. Edinburgh Castle dominates the for everyone to fully relax and unwind. include a private chef to personally cater for your masterpieces and classical ruins sitting alongside guide took us to a truly genuine coffee Theatre where Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake premiered. escorted me past all the queues, fast of the villa, bed linen and pool towels (changed vibrant, friendly destination. Must-sees include the An ideal way to experience authentic Russia, a gastronomy, art and theatre, London’s distinction city, perched on an ancient volcanic mound CROATIA bar where local men were playing cards. tracking both customs and passport QUALITY & SERVICE FROM THE clients’ stay, or just for a single special meal, vineyard the impressive papal state of the Vatican City. ST PETERSBURG Volga river cruise leads you out of the cities into a weekly) and an A&K representative on call 24/7 watching over the bustle below while the charming World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway, an They didn’t speak a word of English and controls in no time at all. Other non A&K tours and tasting, in-villa activities including spa lies in its ability to combine this dynamic, Croatia’s capital Zagreb is a cosmopolitan city VILLA EXPERTS rural and simpler realm still abundant with passengers were met only in the busy for emergencies. multi-cultural vibrancy with tradition and a Royal Mile leads from here down to the elegant unusual collection of basalt columns forming Umbria is an ancient region blessed with peaceful, we, not a word of Croatian, but we were A city of timeless glamour and elegant architecture, treatments and art classes or individual awash with cultural institutions, theatres, galleries, We have chosen an exceptional portfolio of villas, undulating countryside and fast-flowing rivers. invited to join their game, using elaborate wooden houses and a deep-rooted way arrivals hall and, by the time they made it Hosted Villa monarchical history going back centuries. Palace of Holyrood House, one of the many royal stepping stones that lead into the sea. St Petersburg has recovered its former glory since arrangements for extra special celebrations. cafes and markets alongside a host of historical there, I was already relaxing in my each individually inspected for quality, comfort The architecturally rich towns of Perugia, Assisi expressions and laughter to of life. Sail through the largest lakes in Europe and Venturing outside of London to the serenity of the the devastating siege during WWII and has The ‘Hosted Villa’ option is ideal for those wanting treasures. communicate. It was great fun and a truly chauffeur-driven car, half-way to my and safety before being accepted into our Booking Process and Orvieto are well worth exploring. authentic Russia beyond the lights of the Kremlin. English countryside, Warwick and Stratford-upon- emerged with a deep historic feel and spirit of to find out more about the local area with special experience, even if we did lose!” hotel – I felt very special.” collection. Our standards mean that every aspect Istria is a natural paradise with three national parks Visit akvillas.com to see our full range of luxury villas Avon are internationally recognised, while the Rural Tuscany, with its beautiful landscape and reform. One of the world’s greatest art galleries, the UZBEKISTAN, , additional services aimed at ensuring everyone has been thoroughly checked to meet strict health or speak to an A&K Consultant on 800 652 8413. and a beautiful coastline providing a stunning Hermitage, reflects the authority of former imperial TURKMENISTAN & AZERBAIJAN gets the chance to fully relax. Guests can enjoy Cotswold Hills are a vision of rural life. Rolling hills, rustic hidden gems is a delight to visit, while the and safety guidelines. We also understand that a backdrop to the historic towns of Porec and Rovinj, Russia, whilst the golden dome of St Isaac’s exclusive rental of the villa, a daily maid service thatched cottages and a liberal sprinkling of region’s towns boast much in the way of art, local Situated on the Great Silk Road, a historic trading happy villa vacation relies not just on the quality of both of which display a strong Venetian influence Cathedral dominates the skyline. St Petersburg also and an airport arrival welcome as well as a colourful wild flowers lead you through the artisans and exquisite food and wine. Florence, in route between Europe and Asia, the widely the home but on the warmth of the welcome and whilst Pula is known for its Roman monuments. boasts many vast palaces, the most famous of which welcome at the villa including a show around of all picturesque villages of Bibury, Chipping Campden particular, remains a monument to the unexplored destinations of Uzbekistan, the support that only a professional, local team is in Pushkin where Catherine I commissioned her the facilities. An A&K host will also be on call and Broadway. England’s southwest peninsula is Renaissance. Festivals and pageants, such as the The Dalmatian coast is a picture of turquoise blue Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan offer can provide. For your clients’ peace of mind, we 24/7 to assist with local travel advice, restaurant flanked by a dramatic and beautiful coastline Palio in Siena, are held with ancient pomp and waters and striking orange roofs. Split’s Roman grand Summer Palace in 1717. The flamboyant much in the way of authentic old-world charm, provide them with a local 24/7 emergency reservations and general enquiries. Additionally, scattered with tiny fishing villages and beautiful ceremony whilst towns such as San Gimignano and town is full of charm whilst the UNESCO city of Rococo style and lavish interior were added over captivating history, intricate architecture, dynamic contact number. coves nestled between the cliffs. Lucca hold an abundance of archaic charm. Dubrovnik is home to celebrated sights such as the the years by subsequent empresses. cities and dramatic landscapes. guests will be provided with a fully stocked drinks DESTINATIONS fridge, ingredients for the first evening’s supper, a Choose from a selection of over 300 villas in continental breakfast delivered on the first Enjoy an exclusive early morning walk through Sissinghurst Gardens • Be led on a private tour of the Houses of Parliament Learn the secrets of authentic pizza making from a Roman pizzaiolo • Enjoy lunch with a Prince on his wine estate and Meet a survivor of the Siege of Leningrad and hear his stories • Learn about life as a soviet spy during dinner with a former France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal. We also morning and a starter pack of provisions and Experience an exhilarating private rib ride on the River Thames • Taste whisky in Scotland with your own expert adopt one of his wines • Test drive a Ferrari, Maserati or Lamborghini • Enjoy a private visit to an iconic fashion Atelier KGB agent • Fire a cannon from the walls of Peter & Paul’s Fortress • Meet a Russian cosmonaut on a private tour of the Play golf with a former Ryder Cup captain • Go behind the scenes of the world’s largest costumier Enjoy a private visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel • Join an expert hunting for Istria’s elusive truffles Cosmonaut Training Centre • Visit the workshop of a famous Uzbek puppet maker • Take a calligraphy class in Tashkent have a selection of European ski chalets located bathroom amenities. Bed linen and pool towels throughout the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps. will also be changed twice weekly.

www.akdmc.com/ukandireland [email protected] www.akdmc.com/italy [email protected] www.akdmc.com/russia [email protected] www.akvillas.com [email protected] 800 652 8413 THE A&K DIFFERENCE REST OF EUROPE PERFECT FOR…

Though easily accessible in terms of distance; HUNGARY, & CZECH REPUBLIC GASTRONOMY ADVENTURE WELCOME different customs, languages, standards and, in Ideally combined into a tour of central Europe’s • Chocolate demonstration, Bruges • Private yacht, Santorini With such a rich history, abundance of diverse some cases, currencies, can make touring Europe most enchanting cities, Budapest, Vienna and • Truffle hunting, Istria • Fly in a MIG jet aircraft, Russia cultures and world-class gastronomy within a complicated to arrange. A&K Europe’s network Prague suggest an element of the old-world • Wine tasting, Burgundy • Hiking the Cotswold Way, England relatively small and easily navigable geographic of local offices and Guardian Angels ensures with their cobbled streets and traditional coffee • Tapas tour, Madrid • Maserati track driving, Parma area, a visit to Europe can offer something for consistency in quality and local expertise whilst you houses. Prague’s unique gothic architecture nicely • Food walk, Paris • Horseriding, Shannon everyone and constantly reveals new hidden gems deal with one individual contact and one complements the romantic imperial palaces of to even the most seasoned traveller. transaction point for the whole tour, freeing FAMILIES SHOPPING & FASHION Vienna and Salzburg while the vibrant spa city As well as introducing you to all the iconic sights of yourself up to look after your other clients. • Bike tour, Berlin • Personal shopper, London of Budapest offers majestic baroque, neoclassical the 29 European countries we offer, here at A&K • Pizza making, Rome • The Golden Mile, Madrid A wonderfully diverse destination, your clients will and art-nouveau architecture in abundance. Europe, our dedicated research team keep abreast • Matryoshka Doll painting, St Petersburg • Athens Fashion Week delight in the ability to combine destinations and of all new developments, restaurants, villas, hotels the Hofbrauhaus, Munich’s most famous beer hall, POLAND & SLOVAKIA • Mini Highland Games, Edinburgh • VIP visit to top Paris fashion houses A&K EUROPE SERVICES handling luggage is strenuous. A&K Europe’s experience the huge variety and wealth of culture and opportunities to ensure we can lead you and the enchanting medieval villages and romantic Few countries have survived such a turbulent past • Sea kayaking and snorkelling, Croatia • Meet a local shoemaker, Florence Individual FIT travel arrangements, tailor-made innovative Concierge Rail Service provides the on offer across Europe. straight to the heart of the local culture. Our countryside of the Black Forest. as that of Poland, yet this beautiful country lives to group and MICE programmes in selected perfect solution with the reassurance and unparalleled network of guides and on-the-ground ART & ARCHITECTURE MUSIC, THEATRE & FESTIVALS INSTANT EXPERT recount its fascinating history through its churches destinations, special interest itineraries, cruise ship practicality of escorted transfers, seat reservation SPAIN AND PORTUGAL GREECE colleagues allow us to uncover experiences beyond • The Hermitage, St Petersburg • Opera at the Arena di Verona a travel professional’s guide to Europe and palaces. Warsaw was largely destroyed during shore excursions and a hand-picked portfolio of and porterage. Influenced by North Africa and Europe, Spain the reach of the normal traveller and really capture The Ancient Greeks were at the forefront of • Sistine Chapel, Rome • Flamenco show, Seville the war but painstaking reconstruction has luxury villas available on an A&K hosted or and Portugal are countries of unique cultural and the essence of your destination in a way you will PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS creative thinking, writing and theatre, the results of • Sagrada Familia, Barcelona • Le Grand Bal, Vienna restored many of the city’s great landmarks. To the tailor-made basis. architectural heritage. With world-class museums, never forget. Anyone can visit Ireland, but only which still underpin much of our modern world • Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam • White Nights Festival, St Petersburg We offer private shore excursions for cruise line south, Krakow, full of impressive medieval monumental architecture and an unforgettable A&K can offer you the hospitality of a local family today. Greece’s rugged landscape is awash with the • Meet a famous artist, Prague • Oktoberfest, Munich EXPERIENCED MULTI-LINGUAL TOUR guests arriving into ports all over Europe allowing architecture, is one of the oldest cities in Europe gastronomic scene, the delights of Spain and evidence of this ancient world from the imposing home for an authentic Irish dinner. CONSULTANTS guests to travel in the privacy of their own party and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portugal are found in all directions from the large and fully customise their tour to suit their individual Acropolis which dominates the skyline of Athens, to With additional services such as our outstanding Our well-travelled and experienced Tour Conversely, Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, is one of and vibrant cities to the rustic fincas, sprawling interests. Our expert guides will introduce each Ancient Olympia, home to the original Olympic Guardian Angels and unique Concierge Rail Consultants offer expert knowledge and passion the youngest capitals in Europe yet boasts a vineyards and beautiful beaches. Games. Meanwhile, for those looking to relax Service, we can make multi-country touring which extends into every tour we produce. Fluent in destination with passion and knowledge whilst wonderful old town and a striking castle from which against an idyllic backdrop, the Greek islands stress-free and enjoyable, balancing your own multiple languages, our friendly team are able to maintaining the flexibility to accommodate your FRANCE you can gain spectacular views of the city. conjure up images of pristine beaches, crystal personal requirements and interests to seamlessly offer an exceptional and truly personal service. clients’ preferences on the day. France’s alluring charm lies in its unique blend of waters and winding paths flanked with iconic guide you through each of the destinations you THE BEST EXPERT GUIDES chic glamour, historic grandeur and quaint rural “Having had a delicious dinner at our MULTI-COUNTRY ITINERARIES whitewashed houses. choose to visit. & TOUR DIRECTORS serenity. Visitors may enjoy the wonderful galleries, hotel, we expressed a wish, as keen Why deal with several different suppliers to , THE & cooks, to try preparing some of the museums and street cafes of Paris before exploring From Lisbon to the Urals, Edinburgh to Sicily, arrange a multi-country tour when you can work Thanks to the stringent selection criteria employed dishes ourselves. Our guide then the vineyards and historic chateaux of the Loire LUXEMBOURG come and discover the diversity across Europe with just one specialist providing consistent by A&K Europe, our expert local guides, Tour arranged a private cooking class for us and experience the special A&K difference Directors and villa support teams are renowned Valley and Bordeaux. A trip to the coast brings the Though some of the smallest countries in Europe, with the chef at the hotel. This special support? With A&K Europe you can build up an fascinating history of the D-Day landings in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are rich cooking experience was the highlight of for yourselves. itinerary to any number of destinations in Europe, for being the best in the industry. Professional, Normandy to the north, whilst the southern coastal in history and offer a host of great artists. Belgium’s our tour, we can’t wait to take the dealing with one central contact point and one knowledgeable and supremely organised, an A&K recipes home and repeat the joy of towns along the Cote d’Azur are situated alongside capital Brussels is home to one of the most ornate simple transaction, without losing any of the Tour Director or Event Manager is an indispensable family cooking!” ingredient for a successful group tour. elegant beaches and cosmopolitan harbours market squares in Europe, while the picture competitive edge or local detail. postcard towns of Ghent and Bruges are gems of oozing with style. Geoffrey Kent A&K EUROPE’S GUARDIAN ANGELS PEACE OF MIND medieval architecture. Meanwhile, Amsterdam’s Founder, Chairman and CEO Our unique network of on-the-ground staff allows All of A&K Europe’s suppliers are required to canals and gabled houses set this cosmopolitan city A&K Europe to provide unparalleled support, comply with stringent health and safety The dynamic capital city of Berlin is at the cutting quite apart from others in Europe. Spring in the available to your clients 24/7. After a personal requirements and guests are covered by our edge of art and architecture whilst reminders of the Netherlands also brings with it a myriad of colour as greeting at the airport and an orientation meeting comprehensive corporate liability insurance. city’s, often turbulent, history remain at every turn. tulips, crocuses and hyacinths burst into bloom Abercrombie & Kent Italy Abercrombie & Kent Russia at their hotel, our Guardian Angel will be working Heading into Bavaria, Germany’s charm takes a making gardens such as Keukenhof and Lisse well Piazza San Jacopino n.7, Florence 50144, Italy. Stoleshnikov Pereulok 11, Office 311/313, Moscow 107031, Russia. & MOMENTS behind the scenes to ensure your clients enjoy more traditional turn with the lively atmosphere of worth a visit. Tel +39 055 29 4629 [email protected] Tel +7 495 514 0089 [email protected] Over 25 years of networking has enabled A&K every minute of their trip. He/she is always only a Europe to build up an impressive array of ‘Insider phone call away for support and advice. Discover traditional brewing methods on a private tour of a family brewery • Refresh your wardrobe with a personal shopper Abercrombie & Kent Europe Abercrombie & Kent Inc Access’ opportunities, those special moments that Learn the history of the D-Day Landings from a former army Major • Enjoy a private classical music concert St George’s House, Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, 1411 Opus Place, Executive Towers West II, CONCIERGE RAIL give a visitor a deeper insight into their chosen Meet a Spanish guitar maker • Learn the secrets of local cuisine with a private cooking class • Design your own champagne GL50 3LG, UK. Tel +44 1242 547700 Suite 300, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1182, USA. Rail travel in Europe is fast, comfortable and destination and reward them with experiences [email protected] Tel 888 611 4711 or +1 630 725 3400 [email protected] inexpensive, but train stations are confusing and and memories that only A&K can unlock. www.akdmc.com [email protected]