TOUR PROGRAM January – December 2018

New worlds await…

academytravel.com.au new tours

Easter in Malta Burgundy, Gardens Around or Tuscany Provence & Castles the Baltic & the Riviera of Scotland

11 25 28 30

Portugal Opera in Wagner’s Ring New Zealand New York Cycle in Munich

33 40 43 49

Bendigo to the To the Edge of Modern Architecture: Paris: study tour Yarra Valley the Outback Los Angeles to Chicago

53 54 57 67 2 www.academytravel.com.au contents

What kind of traveller are you? Italy 8

Dear Academy Traveller, Europe 18 We’re delighted to publish a full catalogue of our tours for 2018, listing Music & Theatre 35 61 tours to five continents. We’ve also previewed many of the tours we will be offering in 2019. Asia Pacific 46 Several years ago, research on ‘special interest travel’ undertaken by the University of Sydney described three types of traveller: swimmers, The Americas 55 snorkellers and divers. Swimmers were interested in expertise and authenticity, but also wanted Africa & the Middle East 59 variety in their travels, visiting several destinations and including a broad range of experiences – art, history, landscape and food. If you’re a swimmer, Study Tours 65 you’ll be interested in our ‘survey’ tours, such as the ever-popular Grand Tour of Spain, Turkey, Morocco, Scandinavia and Iceland, Iran and Prague, Upcoming tour program 68 Budapest and Vienna. Snorkellers are looking for distinctive themes in their travel, longer stays Fitness Requirements 70 and a concentration on one geographical region. Well-established tours such as Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, Puglia to Pompeii, Japan, Taiwan and The Next Steps 71 Gardens of Southern England all fit into this category, as do our new tours to Portugal, New Zealand, and the regional art galleries of Victoria. academytravel.com.au Our website Divers want significant depth and focus. They have often read extensively contains about a destination, or are returning to a specific place for a much closer detailed look. They value the genuine academic expertise of our tour leaders and are itineraries, looking forward to being with fellow-travellers who share their passion. maps and tour Our two-week residential tours to Rome, Venice, Florence and Paris are leader profiles. classic ‘diver’ tours for art and history lovers, but if music is your thing, Our site also features an online there’s Opera in New York, Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Munich and London: booking form. Music and Theatre to tempt you. So whether you’re a swimmer, snorkeller or diver, or just someone sitting More information on the beach waiting to take the plunge, we hope you enjoy reading about Detailed itineraries for our 2018 program! all tours are available by calling us or by downloading from Robert Veel, and the entire Academy Travel team our website. academytravel.com.au

Sold out tours Egypt January 2018 (tour leader Lucia Gahlin) Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy April 2018 (tour leader Robert Veel)

tailored small Front: Monument of the Discoveries, Lisbon, Portugal group Journeys Inset: Geisha, Kyoto, Japan Brochure production: Damien Flint Ph0ne: +61 2 9235 0023 Design: Pro Bono Publico email: [email protected] Tour Product Managers: Stuart Barrie, Nick Gordon, Web: academytravel.com.au Robina Frosinini, Hannah Kleboe, Mark Lalor, Matthew Laing, Kathleen Olive and Robert Veel. › Expert tour leaders › Maximum 20 in a group › Carefully planned itineraries More details at academytravel.com.au 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. “The mix of history, art and “I valued the mix of art “Loved the myriad of architecture was perfect gallery tours, architecture, different sites every day and the tour moved at a musical performances – a real ‘adventure’. Also, pace that allowed us to have and restaurants.” really enjoyed our eclectic a decent amount of time at Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago to yet harmonious group – each site, while still fitting New York, 2017 our lunches and dinners – in all sites.” we all shared a passion for Grand Tour of Spain, 2016 Renaissance history/art.” Florence & the Italian Renaissance, 2016

4 Maximum 20 in a group 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 loved the whole two- “You always deliver on what week programme – it was “Estelle Lazer’s knowledge you promise and as always, I diversified to cover all of the places visited and enjoyed the company of like- interests. Highlights for me thoughtfulness in organising minded people, the lectures were the opera at the Met each phase in consultation and commentary and the (great seats, thanks!) and with local guides meant very interesting places.” the private tour of the Neue that we go the most out Scandinavia and Iceland, 2017 Gallery on 5th Avenue.” of each location.” Corsica, Sardinia and Malta, 2017 New York: music, theatre, art & food, 2016

More details at academytravel.com.au 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.

Ben Churcher Chris Carter Has a wide range of experience as an Has an Honours and Master’s degree in educator, and an archaeologist. Since archaeology and has recently completed 1994 Ben has led tours to Jordan, a PhD. He has led tours to Central and Greece, Syria, Egypt, China & Morocco. South America for over 20 years. Upcoming tours: Pages 52, 60 Upcoming tours: Page 54

Dr Estelle Lazer Dr Jeni Ryde Is an archaeologist who has worked on Has a wide-ranging knowledge of site at Pompeii for seven seasons and Italian history and cultural traditions. has an international reputation for her Jeni has a PhD focusing on tourism, research on the city’s skeletal remains. heritage and Renaissance studies. Upcoming tours: Pages 10, 11, 13, 21 Upcoming tours: Pages 10, 13, 19, 20, 33

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 tours: Pages 47, 50 Upcoming tours: Pages 16, 17, 25, 48, 51

Dr Matthew Dr Matthew Laing Dal Santo Is a historian and political scientist with a Is a historian and freelance writer PhD from the ANU. Matthew leads tours with Honours degrees from both to the United States and Scandinavia and Sydney and Cambridge Universities. lectures for Academy Travel. Upcoming tours: Page 32 Upcoming tours: Pages 30, 37, 56, 58

Michael Turner Dr Nick Gordon Is a classical archaeologist, an antiquarian, Has a University Medal and a PhD in garden historian and lecturer. The former history and lectures on European art. Senior Curator of the Nicholson Museum Nick is also a practising painter and at the University of Sydney. brings this passion to the visual arts. Upcoming tours: Pages 14, 26, 28 Upcoming tours: Pages 11, 12, 15, 23, 27, 29, 53, 66

Stuart Barrie Thomas Abbott Is a director of Academy Travel and Holds a degree in art history, specialising has over 20 years’ experience in travel, in the architecture of Berlin, the art of including leading groups through Western 18th-century Germany and the Bauhaus. Europe, Russia and the United States. He has led many tours in Germany. Upcoming tours: Page 57 Upcoming tours: Page 24

6 Carefully planned itineraries Christopher Christopher MEnz Bradley Is a former Director of the Art Gallery Has an Honours degree from Liverpool of SA. He has published extensively University and specialises in the history on the decorative arts and is a regular and art of North Africa and Arabia. contributor to Australian Book Review. Upcoming tours: Pages 62, 63 Upcoming tours: Pages 31, 40

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 34 Upcoming tours: Pages 22, 61, 64

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 tours: Page 39 Upcoming tours: Not listed (sold out)

Dr Michael Adcock Dr Michael Neuman Is a social and cultural historian who Is a former Professor at the University specialises in the art and history of of New South Wales, where his work France. He has led several highly in urban history, specialising in Spain, successful tours to Paris. has won international awards. Upcoming tours: Page 67 Upcoming tours: Page 19

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 80 performance-based tours Travel and leads tours to Europe, to Europe and the US. Scandinavia, the US & Australia. Upcoming tours: Pages 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 Upcoming tours: Pages 9, 21, 49

Dr Tom Ford “The tour leader is always an important part of the success Holds a PhD in history and has written of the tour. They set the tone and quickly get to understand extensively on classical music. Tom is the dynamics of the group. Our tour leader was very currently PR and media manager (classics personable, very knowledgeable and nothing was a and jazz) for Universal Music Australia. trouble. Excellent leader in every way.” Upcoming tours: Page 36 Tour participant on New York: music, theatre, art & food, March 2017.

7 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.

8 Expert tour leaders Palermo & Naples Italy’s southern capitals

$6,450 pp, twin share $1,150 single supplement January 9-22, 2018

Discover • Mediterranean history, art and architecture, showcasing more than 3,000 years of civilisation • Classical archaeology at leading Greek and Roman sites in Sicily and on the Bay of Naples • The lasting legacy of medieval Arab and Norman rule, expressed in the mosaics and architecture of Palermo • The ‘southern Renaissance’ of the 18th century, culminating in the period of Bourbon rule, which made Naples a major European centre of culture

Overview A feast for the senses, this 14-day tour begins with six nights in Palermo where centuries of diverse cultures, from the ancient Greeks to the Normans, come together. We explore the layers of the city’s cultural heritage and venture out with day trips to Segesta and Cefalù. We then travel to Naples, our base for the next six nights, where we explore the ancient sites of Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Paestum. We travel along the scenic Amalfi Coast and visit the galleries of Capodimonte and the Naples National Archaeological Museum. Highlights Your tour leader >  Well-preserved Greek and Roman culture Robert Veel has led groups at Segesta, Paestum and Herculaneum to Italy since 1990. Years > Impr essive Arab-Norman mosaics in of travel and work in Italy Palermo and Cefalù have given him an intimate > Little-visited but world-famous artworks knowledge of the country at Capodimonte and in the footsteps of and its history that goes Caravaggio well beyond the tourist > Priv ate visit to Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, home experience. Robert holds a Master’s degree of Prince Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, from the University of Sydney, where he author of the Sicilian literary masterpiece taught medieval and Renaissance history The Leopard for 15 years. He speaks fluent Italian. > P alermo and Naples’ excellent gastronomic Getting there scenes, including tastings of local specialties > Only two hotel stays: six nights at each Emirates flies to Rome daily from most Australian cities. Contact us for quotes. > Of f-season travel: low visitor numbers and mild weather Fitness requirement

Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Palermo.

Days 2–6: View Greek architecture in Segesta Rome and Arab-Norman Byzantine mosaics in Palermo. Italy Visit the home of author Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (The Leopard). Naples (6) Days 7–13: Take the overnight ferry to Herculaneum Paestum Naples. Explore the ancient sites of Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Paestum. Travel along the scenic Amalfi Coast and visit the galleries of 6 Capodimonte and the National Archaeological Museum. Dine at excellent restaurants, follow in Caravaggio’s footsteps and enjoy a Palermo (6) Cefalù performance at the historic Teatro San Carlo. Segesta Day 14: Transfer to Rome airport for flights home.

More details at academytravel.com.au 9 Puglia to Pompeii Classical southern Italy

March 8-24, 2018 $7,970 pp, twin share October 18 – November 3, 2018 $1,750 single supplement

Experience • The history and classical archaeology of southern Italy on display at Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum • Thousands of years of history ranging from the Greek colonists and the Romans in the classical age to the Arabs, Normans, Germans, Aragonese, Spanish, Bourbon and French • The rich diversity of landscapes, from rugged mountain ranges to stunning Mediterranean scenery • The excellent regional food and wine traditions of southern Italy

Overview This 17-day tour will appeal to those looking to take ‘the road less travelled’ through the regions of Puglia and Basilicata, and on to the famous archaeological sites of the Bay of Naples. We explore sites ranging from the cave dwellings of Matera to ancient Greek colonies, fine Norman castles and cathedrals and the striking scenery of the Salentine peninsula. Along the way we enjoy the fine food and hospitality that is traditional in southern Italy, a region still delightfully free of mass tourism. An optional four-day extension to Capri and Amalfi is also available. Your tour leaders Highlights Dr Jeni Ryde (March tour) is > The ‘Southern Baroque’ architecture of Lecce a former Senior Lecturer at > Unique ‘sassi’ cave dwellings in Matera, Western Sydney University. one of Italy’s most remote cities Dr Estelle Lazer (October tour) > The medieval castles and cathedrals of is an archaeologist with an Puglia, built by Norman and German rulers international reputation for > The battlefield of Cannae, where Hannibal her years of work onsite at defeated the Romans in 216 BC Pompeii. > Hidden artistic and architectural gems of Naples seen by relatively few tourists Getting there > Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum – Europe’s premier archaeological sites Emirates flies to Rome daily from most > Capodimonte, one of Italy’s finest art galleries Australian cities. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Italy’s most important archaeological museum in Naples Connect this tour with Easter in Malta on page 11 Fitness requirement

Itinerary Daye 1: Arriv in Lecce. Italy Days 2–3: Enjoy three nights in Lecce, visiting Rome Otranto and Brindisi. Trani (3) Days 4–5: Tour Taranto and the ‘sassi’ of Matera. Days 6–9: Spend three nights in Trani, seeing Roman Brindisi Naples (5) and medieval sites and sections of the Appian Way. Matera (2) Days 10–12: Travel via Melfi to Vietri sul Mare and Paestum Lecce (3) Vietri sul Mare (3) spend a full day at the Greek temples of Paestum. Days 13–16: Enjoy five nights in Naples, exploring Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capodimonte and the National Archaeological Museum. Day 17: Transfer to Rome airport for flights home, or continue on the optional four-day extension to Capri and Amalfi.

10 Maximum 20 in a group CELEBRATE EASTER EASTER Easter in IN Malta Umbria & Tuscany

March 28 – April 3, 2018 March 28 – April 3, 2018 $3,780 pp, twin share $2,940 pp, twin share $1,350 single supplement $750 single supplement

Overview Highlights Overview Highlights Easter celebrations take > Easter processions on Good Birthplace of saints and > Franciscan treasures in Assisi, place all over Malta, where Friday in Zebugg and Easter home to some of the including frescos by Giotto the faithful gather to Sunday in Vittoriosa country’s greatest artistic > Orvieto, perched dramatically commemorate the passion, > Valletta, with its massive treasures, Umbria and on a rock cliff death and resurrection of Tuscany are a collection of bastion walls built by the > Iris Origo’s La Foce estate, Christ. This specially designed green valleys and picture- Knights of the Order of St John designed by Cecil Pinsent 7-day tour explores sites of perfect hill towns laden > Malta’s ancient sites, including history, culture, faith and art with centuries of history. > Siena’s striking Gothic the recently reopened Hal throughout Malta during the This 7-day tour has been cathedral and elegant Saflieni Hypogeum Easter period. Every stop on designed to escape the Piazza del Campo our journey has a fascinating > The Phoenician walled city Easter crowds and enjoy > Follow the Piero della history and our visits include of Mdina the tranquillity of the Francesca trail in Arezzo prehistoric ruins, Phoenician > Exploring the island of Gozo countryside in the heart and San Sepolcro settlements and places of Italy. The combination influenced by the Sicilians, Your tour leader of unforgettable art, Your tour leader Romans, Arabs, Knights of sumptuous landscapes, and Dr Estelle Lazer Dr Nick Gordon St John, French and British is an archaeologist outstanding wines that pair has a University in succession. Enjoy Malta’s with an international beautifully with its simple Medal and a PhD eclectic heritage, its quirky reputation for her food makes a trip to Umbria in history from the character and unique charms. years of work onsite at Pompeii. and Tuscany something University of Sydney, lectures on She has led numerous trips beyond special. European art, and has led many to Italy and Malta for popular tours to Europe for Academy Travel. Academy Travel. Fitness requirement Fitness requirement

Itinerary Itinerary Gozo Rome Fiumicino Days 1–7: Arriving in Valletta, Days 1–7: Travel from Rome experience Malta’s Good Friday Florence ITALY to Spoleto; explore the lush processions in the village of Zebugg countryside of Umbria and the and Easter Sunday celebrations in Arezzo medieval towns Orvieto and Assisi, Siena (3) Vittoriosa. Visit prehistoric sites at home to masterpieces by Signorelli the Hypogeum and Marsaxlokk, Assisi and Giotto. Continue on through the medieval walled city of Mdina the rolling hills of Tuscany to Siena. and enjoy a full day excursion to Visit La Foce, and Arezzo and San MALTA Spoleto (3) Valletta (6) the island of Gozo. Much of our Orvieto Sepolcro to follow the path of artist exploration is by boat, including Piero della Francesca. Enjoy the Mdina a cruise on the Grand Harbour. gentle pace and provincial Italian Hal Saflieni Hypogeum life, free from the noise of the tourist crush. Marsaxlokk Rome

More details at academytravel.com.au 11 Florence, Ravenna & Venice Art, Architecture & History

$6,575 pp, twin share April 3-15, 2018 $1,575 single supplement

Experience • The world’s greatest concentration of art from the Renaissance in Florence • The unique art and architecture of Venice, from medieval Gothic to Renaissance splendour and beyond • The Italian villa, from the Medici villa at Poggio a Caiano to Palladio’s villas in the Veneto and the beautiful Villa Gamberaia • The mosaics of northern Italy, from Roman and Byzantine Ravenna to medieval and Renaissance Venice • The excellent food and wine of Tuscany and the Veneto

Overview This 13-day tour explores the history and culture of two of Italy’s pre-eminent art cities at a gentle pace. We visit world-class galleries and museums, private villas, palaces and gardens, and difficult-to-access sites, including a private, after-hours visit to St Mark’s Basilica to witness the illumination of the mosaics. We enjoy fine dining in restaurants showcasing the best of these regions’ gastronomic traditions. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Nick Gordon has a > Italy’s leading art museums, including the University Medal and a Uffizi in Florence and the Accademia and PhD in history from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice University of Sydney, lectures > Priv ate visit to explore the secret on European art, and has passageways of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio led many popular tours to > The Renaissance country houses of Palladio Europe for Academy Travel. in the Veneto He is also a practising painter and brings this > The UNESCO World Heritage mosaics passion to the visual arts in general. of Ravenna Getting there > Private after-hours visit to St Mark’s Basilica, to see the illumination of the Emirates fly into Bologna and out of Venice mosaics in peace and quiet at times that coincide with the tour. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Prato, a charming medieval town near Florence with its Renaissance gems > The villas and gardens among the hills Connect this tour with above Florence Easter in Umbria & Tuscany on page 11 Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–5: Examine masterpieces in the Uffizi and Venice (5) explore the secret passageways of the Palazzo Vecchio. Admire the garden at Villa Gamberaia, and sample a storied Tuscan wine at a stunning ITALY contemporary vineyard. Days 6–7: In Ravenna, admire the mosaic- encrusted churches and, further north, elegant

Bologna Palladian villas. Days 8–13: Orient yourself in Venice with a Ravenna (2) trip around the lagoon and visits to key museums and art galleries. Enjoy a private evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica for the Florence (5) illumination of the mosaics.

12 www.academytravel.com.au Sicily & the Aeolian Islands Jewels of the Mediterranean

$8,420 pp, twin share April 6-22, 2018 $1,500 single supplement September 7-23, 2018

Explore • 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 mosaics and architecture of Palermo • The distinctive period of ‘Sicilian Baroque’ architecture • Dramatic countryside, including active volcanoes • The natural beauty and traditional lifestyle of the Aeolian Islands

Overview This 17-day tour around Sicily has been designed to give the first-time visitor an overview of the island’s diverse and fascinating history, art and traditions. Explore prehistoric, Greek and Roman sites across the island. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, with their volcanoes and steep coastlines. Visit medieval Norman cathedrals with fine Byzantine mosaics. Sample some of Sicily’s excellent wines and Arab-influenced cuisine. An optional five-day extension to Malta is also available. Highlights Your tour leaders > A private boat trip of the Aeolian Islands Dr Jeni Ryde (April tour) is from Lipari to Stromboli and Panarea a former Senior Lecturer at > Outstanding archaeological museums Western Sydney University. Her in Siracusa, Agrigento and Lipari PhD focused on the Renaissance, > The Sicilian Baroque architecture of heritage tourism and museology. Noto and Ragusa Dr Estelle Lazer (September > The 4th-century mosaics in the Roman tour) is an archaeologist of villa at Piazza Armerina international acclaim. She has > The UNESCO World Heritage mosaics led numerous trips to southern of Monreale and the Palatine Chapel Italy for Academy Travel. in Palermo, undertaken by Byzantine masters for their Norman rulers Getting there > An excursion to the summit of Mt Etna Emirates offers regular flights to Rome. Contact us for quotes and bookings. Connect this tour with Easter in Malta on page 11 Fitness requirement

Itinerary Stromboli Optional pre-tour five-day extension to Malta. Lipari Islands (3) Days 1–4: Arrive Siracusa and tour the (Aeolian Islands) archaeological sites and baroque architecture. Palermo (4) Messina Days 5–6: Travel to the Greek temples at Agrigento Segesta via the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina. Selinunte Cefalu Mt Etna Days 7–10: Sightseeing in the capital of Palermo, Sicily Taormina (3) including the cathedral at Monreale. Visit the tiny Piazza Armerina island of Mozia. Agrigento (2) Catania Days 11–13: Continue on to Cefalù and take a private boat trip from Lipari to Stromboli Siracusa (4) and Panarea. Ragusa Noto Days 14–17: In Taormina, visit the fine Greco- Roman theatre and enjoy superb views of Mount Etna.

More details at academytravel.com.au 13 Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy $8,670 pp, twin share April 26 – May 10, 2018 $1,940 single supplement

Discover • Italy’s genius for art and architecture in spectacular lakeside and country sites • Italian history and art, from medieval towns to villas and 21st-century estates • Some of the world’s most beautiful gardens, still in the hands of Italy’s leading families • The Renaissance villas of Palladio • The stunning colours and landscapes of pre-alpine Italy • The best of northern Italy’s regional cuisines, famous for prosciutto, parmigiano and prosecco

Overview This 15-day tour begins on the shores of Lake Como. We follow a circular route around northern Italy, visiting the foothills of the Apennines in Emilia-Romagna with its medieval towns and contemporary villas, and then travelling to the Veneto where we admire the Renaissance country houses of architect Andrea Palladio. The tour concludes on Lake Maggiore. Our itinerary makes the most of the spectacular landscapes of pre-alpine Italy and its gardens, and enjoys the culinary delights of the region at a gentle pace. Your tour leader Highlights Michael Turner is an art > Welcome lunch at Villa d’Este, and fine and garden historian. regional cuisine in superior restaurants The former Senior Curator > Lake Como, famed for its natural beauty of the Nicholson Museum and the elegant villas along its shores at the University of Sydney, > The Apennine foothills, with medieval he now lives in Sussex. towns and contemporary villas He is a Fellow of the Society > Verona: explore villas, gardens and the of Antiquaries in London and a member of medieval city the English Historic Gardens Society. > Excursions to Lake Garda and Lake Orta Getting there > Excellent regional cuisine and wine, including lunches in country restaurants Emirates offers the best connections for this and in the scenic Valdobbiadene, home tour, flying into and out of Milan. Contact us of prosecco for quotes and bookings. > The Borromean Islands and the gardens Connect this tour with of Lake Maggiore Amsterdam to Paris on page 23 Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive in Milan, transfer to Bellagio. switzerland Enjoy Lake Como by boat and visit 18th and 19th-century villas on its shores, including lunch at the Villa d’Este. ITALY Days 5–6: Explore the hill towns and medieval Stresa (3) Lake Como Asolo (3) castles of Emilia-Romagna. Lake Bellagio (4) Days 7–11: Admire Palladio’s country houses, Maggiore Verona (2) palaces and theatre from Asolo; explore Milan Lake Garda Vicenza medieval Verona, Lake Garda and its surrounds. Days 12–14: Experience the extraordinary villas and gardens on Lake Maggiore from Stresa and enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Orta. Cremona (2) Day 15: Transfer to Milan airport.

14 Carefully planned itineraries Florence And the Italian Renaissance

$7,390 pp, twin share $1,880 single supplement September 22 – October 5, 2018

Explore • Italian art and culture in Florence, far beyond what most tourists see • The history of Florence, one of the most dynamic cities of the Middle Ages and Renaissance • Beautiful medieval towns, including Siena, San Gimignano and Pistoia, 2017’s Capital of Italian Culture • The world of the Renaissance genius: Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli and Bronzino • Florence beyond the Renaissance: Etruscans, villas and gardens • Tuscany’s gastronomic delights and artisanal traditions

Overview Florence has the world’s greatest concentration of masterpieces from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, when it was one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic cities. Settle in and relax on this residential tour as we discover the unique amalgam of commercial enterprise, republican government, dynastic ambitions and individual virtuosity that shaped some of the world’s most revolutionary artists, writers and scholars: Dante, Giotto, Masaccio, Donatello, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo. Our visits to diverse collections are balanced with day trips to medieval towns in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, tours of Florence’s artisanal culture, wine tastings and fine dining. Highlights Your tour leader > Two weeks in Florence exploring the society, Dr Nick Gordon has a history and art of the Renaissance University Medal and PhD > E xtraordinary galleries and museums, in Italian history from the including the Uffizi and the recently University of Sydney. Having renovated Museo dell’Opera del Duomo taught history at universities > Da y trips in Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano, in Sydney for 10 years, he Volterra and Pistoia now leads tours to Italy and > Priv ate tours of the cathedral terraces and Europe exclusively for Academy Travel. the Secret Passages of the Palazzo Vecchio Getting there > T uscan cuisine, wine tastings, and Florence’s artisanal traditions We recommend flights into and out of Bologna with Emirates. Contact us for quotes Connect this tour with Venice: and bookings. City, Republic & Empire on page 17 Fitness requirement

Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Florence. Bologna Days 2–4: Discover how Florence became the centre of the Renaissance; excursion Pistoia to the medieval towns of San Gimignano and Volterra. Florence (13) Days 5–9: Artisans and Renaissance ITALY masterpieces in Florence; Pistoia, a Renaissance jewel in Tuscany.

Days 10–13: Renaissance heritage in art, San Gimignano science, letters; the gardens of Florence, including Villa Gamberaia and Villa Medici; Volterra day trip to Siena. Siena Day 14: Depart Florence.

More details at academytravel.com.au 15 Malta to Venice Aboard Sea Cloud II

$14,550 pp, twin share September 22 – October 8, 2018 $8,040 single supplement

Discover • The complex web of European and Eastern influences that have created the unique and distinctive cultures of Malta, Italy and Croatia • The 5,000-year-old prehistoric civilizations on Malta • The Dalmatian coast, where rugged mountain ranges plunge down to the sea and hundreds of small islands dot the coastline • The exceptional art and architecture of Venice, visiting centuries-old sites and world-class museums • Stunning scenery from the decks of the Sea Cloud II

Overview This new tour offers the opportunity to combine the pleasure of sailing through one of the most The Sea Cloud II beautiful parts of the Mediterranean aboard Sea Cloud II, with visits to a host of remarkable The Sea Cloud II is a luxurious 3-masted harbours on this journey from Valletta to Venice. In Valletta, explore prehistoric sites and the rich barque, traditionally crafted in teak, culture of the Maltese; cruise the stunning Dalmatian coast pausing in Dubrovnik, Korcula, and but with modern features. White cloth Zadar. The cruise ends in Venice, where we spend four days exploring this wondrous city and its sails and understated elegance create extraordinary art and history. a unique environment that is at once nostalgic and luxurious. Although most Your tour leader Highlights of the journey takes place under motor, Dr Kathleen Olive has a > Nine nights cruising aboard the luxurious on some days the crew climb the rigging PhD in Italian Studies from Sea Cloud II, a very different experience to to set the square sails and jibs and you the University of Sydney mainstream cruising, with outstanding experience the thrill of ocean yachting. and is well-known as a service, fine food and wine lecturer on the art, history > The city-fortress of Valletta, constructed by and culture of Europe. the Knights of St John in the 16th century Kathleen speaks fluent > The Neolithic temple complex at Tarxien, Italian and has an outstanding knowledge the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and Ggantija of Italy’s cultural heritage. Temples on Gozo > The beautiful resort town of Dubrovnik, Getting there known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” Emirates offers flights direct to Malta and > Magnificent 5th and 6th-century home from Venice. It is also possible to travel Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna via many major European cities to Malta. > See the splendour of St Mark’s Basilica, Contact us for quotes and bookings. the private chapel of the Doges, lit up at night on a private, after-hours tour Fitness requirement

Itinerary Venice (4) Porec Days 1–3: Arrive in Valletta and tour Malta, Ravenna Croatia visiting Neolithic sites, the medieval walled Zadar town of Mdina and the island of Gozo. ITALY Korcula Days 4–12: Embark on a nine-night cruise Dubrovnik aboard Sea Cloud II, disembarking in Venice. (9) Ports-of-call include Otranto, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Zadar, Rovinj/Porec and Ravenna, Otranto plus enjoy a full day and a half at sea. Days 13–17: Explore Venice, with visits to key museums and art galleries. Enjoy a private after-hours visit to St Mark’s Basilica for the illumination of the mosaics.

Valletta (3) Malta

16 Expert tour leaders Venice City, Republic & Empire

$7,480 pp, twin share $1,760 single supplement October 10-24, 2018

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 • Venice’s outstanding musical tradition in both opera and baroque music • The excellent food and wine of the Veneto region • The Renaissance architecture of Andrea Palladio

Overview Unpack your bags for 15 days and discover the city that ruled the Mediterranean for 1,000 years. Enjoy accommodation in a carefully selected four-star hotel in central Venice, just a few minutes from St Mark’s Square. Travel on day excursions to Ravenna, Padua and the villas of the Veneto. Dine in some of Venice’s best restaurants and explore the remote islands of the lagoon. The late autumn travel period means fewer crowds and cruise ships. Highlights Your tour leader >  Welcome lunch at the legendary Locanda Dr Kathleen Olive has a Cipriani on the island of Torcello PhD in Italian Studies from > Da y trip to view the 5th and 6th-century the University of Sydney Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna and is well-known as a > An opera at Venice’s glittering La Fenice lecturer on the art, history theatre and culture of Europe. > The art of Carpaccio, Bellini, Titian, Veronese, Kathleen speaks fluent Tiepolo and others in palaces, confraternities Italian and has an outstanding knowledge and churches of Italy’s cultural heritage. > Da y trip to Padua to view Giotto’s Scrovegni Getting there Chapel and the ancient university Emirates has daily flights from most > The private art collections of the Ca’ d’Oro Australian cities to Venice, stopping at and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Dubai. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Da y trip to Vicenza and the beautiful Connect this tour with Malta to Venice: Renaissance country villas of Andrea aboard Sea Cloud II on page 16 Palladio Fitness requirement

Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Venice and settle in. Days 2–3: Orient yourself with a trip around the Vicenza lagoon and visits to key state history museums. Day 4: Day trip to Ravenna. Venice (14) Days 5–7: Explore medieval and early Renaissance Padua Venice – the world of the merchants and Crusades. Day 8: Day trip to Padua. ITALY Days 9–12: Investigate Renaissance art and architecture in Venice. Day 13: Day trip to Vicenza and Palladio’s villas. Ravenna Day 14–15: Explore baroque and modern art.

More details at academytravel.com.au 17 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 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.

18 Maximum 20 in a group Grand Tour of Spain Granada to Barcelona

$8,660 pp, twin share April 8-24, 2018 $2,250 single supplement September 23 – October 9, 2018

Experience • The Moorish kingdoms of Andalucía in Spain’s south • The history of Spain in the 16th century, the most powerful empire on earth • The art of Renaissance and baroque Spain, including Velásquez, El Greco and Goya • The excellent regional food and wine traditions of Spain • The distinctive culture and modernista art and architecture of Catalonia in Spain’s north, from Gaudí to Picasso

Overview Take a comprehensive tour of Spain, designed to give the first-time visitor an overview of the country’s diverse and always fascinating history, art and traditions. Begin with the medieval Moorish worlds of Granada, Cordoba and Sevilla, then explore royal Madrid and the exuberant city of Barcelona. Visit major art galleries, palaces and religious sites. Enjoy exceptional dining in carefully selected restaurants, designed to showcase Spain’s outstanding culinary traditions. Highlights Your tour leader > The 13th-century Alhambra in Granada, Dr Michael Neuman (April a complex of palaces and water gardens tour) is a former Professor at > The renowned Mesquita (mosque) of the University of NSW, where Cordoba, a blend of Visigothic and Islamic art his work in urban history, > Visiting the mighty cathedral and specialising in Spain, has won wandering the lanes of Sevilla, the city international awards. of Carmen and Don Juan Dr Jeni Ryde (September tour) > The art collections of the Prado and is a former Senior Lecturer at Thyssen-Bornemisza museums in Madrid Western Sydney University. Her > Philip II’s monastery-palace of El Escorial, PhD focused on the Renaissance, the epitome of Spanish imperial power heritage tourism and museology. > The ancient Roman aqueduct of the historic city of Segovia Getting there > Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in We recommend Emirates flights into Madrid Connect this tour with Barcelona, together with other works or Barcelona, with connecting flights to Northern Spain and Portugal on page 20 Granada with Vueling or Iberia. Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–3: Visit Moorish sites in Granada and explore Spain’s Roman heritage. Days 4–6: Travel to Cordoba via small towns Barcelona (3) in Andalucía. Explore the Mosque and other spAIN remarkable sites. Madrid (4) Days 7–9: Three nights in Sevilla exploring museums, architecture and simply relaxing. Days 10–13: High-speed train to Madrid, where we visit galleries and palaces, take a trip to Cordoba (3) El Escorial and have a full free day. Days 14–17: Travel to Barcelona, centre of Sevilla (3) Granada (3) Catalonian art and culture.

More details at academytravel.com.au 19 Northern Spain & Portugal $8,950 pp, twin share April 27 – May 16, 2018 $2,150 single supplement

Discover • An architectural tradition that extends from Visigothic, Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals to striking contemporary structures • Medieval pilgrimage along the Camino to Santiago de Compostela • The celebrated regional food of Spain’s north, the fine wines of the Rioja and Rías Baixas regions and the port wine of Porto • A varied landscape of turquoise coastlines, lush river valleys and rugged interiors • The legacy of explorers in the many layers of history and art in Lisbon

Overview This journey takes us through the fascinating regions of Northern Spain via Porto to Lisbon, centre of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. We marvel at the architecture of Bilbao and sample world-class wine in Rioja, then explore Spain’s medieval history in Castilla and León and the Asturias regions, including the charming city of Oviedo. In lush Galicia we witness the devotion of medieval pilgrims on the Camino Francés and the spectacular cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. We then travel to Lisbon via Porto and the Duoro Valley, where we explore a city of outstanding art collections, spectacular monuments and vibrant neighbourhoods. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Jeni Ryde is a former > Frank Gehry’s extraordinary design at Senior Lecturer at Western the Guggenheim in Bilbao Sydney University. Her > Wine-tasting at the avant-garde Bodega PhD focused on the Ysios winery in the Rioja Renaissance, heritage > The exquisite Romanesque and Gothic tourism and museology. churches, cathedrals and monasteries in She has travelled and around Burgos, León and Oviedo extensively through Portugal and Spain. > A mountain walk and lunch in the clear air of the majestic Picos de Europa in Asturias Getting there > Fine tapas in San Sebastián, and Spain’s most Emirates fly to Barcelona, and home from renowned seafood restaurant in Galicia Lisbon. A connecting flight is necessary from > An exceptional range of museums and Barcelona to Bilbao with Vueling Airlines. galleries in Lisbon Contact us for quotes and bookings. Connect this tour with > A full day in Sintra exploring exquisite Grand Tour of Spain on page 19 Fitness requirement palaces decorated with tiles

Itinerary Santiago de Oviedo (3) Days 1–3: In Bilbao, visit the Guggenheim, Compostela (3) Bilbao (3) Leon (2) the fine arts museum and San Sebastián. Burgos (2) Days 4–6: Explore the Rioja wine region, including Burgos cathedral, Romanesque Porto (1) monasteries and Visigothic churches. Days 7–8: Follow the Pilgrims’ Way to León spAIN and enjoy a stay at an iconic parador. Portugal Days 9–10: Visit the Romanesque churches Lisbon (5) in Oviedo, take a market tour and taste some of the local cider. Days 11–13: Visit Santiago de Compostela, and enjoy seafood and wine in Rías Baixas. Days 14–20: Travel to Portugal and enjoy a night in Porto followed by five nights in vibrant Lisbon.

20 www.academytravel.com.au Corsica & Sardinia History & landscapes

$7,650 pp, twin share May 5-17, 2018 $1,580 single supplement September 22 – October 4, 2018

Experience • Two Mediterranean islands whose diverse landscapes, cultures and history belie their proximity • Fascinating evidence of past settlements dating back millennia • World Heritage-listed sites and museums and spectacular coastal and mountain scenery • Vibrant contemporary cultures which have remained defiantly independent, despite centuries of invasion and occupation • A culinary heritage which blends history and tradition with the best of local produce

Overview The islands of Corsica and Sardinia each have a unique history stretching back millennia. They have distinct languages, culture and identity. This tour offers an exploration of these two Mediterranean islands which, despite centuries of invasion, plunder and settlement, retain a proud independent spirit. In their beautiful setting, we discover the diverse histories of each island, from their ancient sites through to their rich contemporary cultures. Extended stays on each island combine site and museum visits with time for independent sightseeing. Highlights Your tour leader > The prehistoric site of Filitosa with its Dr Estelle Lazer (May tour) is collection of extraordinary stone warriors an archaeologist of international > Bonifacio, perched on the precipitous acclaim. She has led numerous limestone cliffs of southern Corsica, and trips to southern Italy for Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte Academy Travel. > Boat excursion along the stunning west Robert Veel (Sept tour) holds coast of Corsica, including the Scandola a Bachelor of Arts and Masters Nature Reserve of Education. He is a director of > Distinc tive nuraghe, the prehistoric conical Academy Travel and leads tours to stone towers for which Sardinia is famous, Europe, Scandinavia & Australia. and ancient port cities at Nora and Tharros Getting there > The Castello district in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, dating back to the 13th century Emirates flies into Nice and out of Rome at times that coincide with the tour. Contact > The fascinating medieval melting pot Connect this tour with us for quotes and bookings. Switzerland to Rome on page 29 of Alghero, with its Catalan-Gothic monuments Fitness requirement

Itinerary Italy Days 1–3: There is a group flight from Nice to Corsica Ajaccio to commence the tour. Explore Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon, and take a boat trip Ajaccio (3) to the Scandola Nature Reserve. Days 4–6: Visit the megalithic site at Filitosa en Bonifacio (3) route to the harbour-side citadel of Bonifacio. Santa Teresa Gallura Days 7–9: Ferry across to Sardinia, admire the Costa Smeralda on the way to Alghero. Alghero (3) Days 10–12: Travel to Cagliari via Nora, Tharros SARDINIA and Anghelu Ruju. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Su Nuraxi at Barumini. Day 13: There is a group flight to Rome. Cagliari (3)

More details at academytravel.com.au 21

Greece Agamemnon to Alexander

$8,975 pp, twin share May 5-22, 2018 $1,245 single supplement

Discover • Minoan culture and history, considered Europe’s first civilisation • Greece’s defining symbol of cultural achievement, at the acropolis in Athens • Mycenaean civilisations dating back to 1500 BC • The legends and mythology of ancient times, including the story of Jason and the Argonauts • Ancient Olympia and its legacy of the Olympic Games, whose values have carried through to the modern era • Macedonian kings Philip II and Alexander the Great, whose exploits altered the shape of history

Overview Explore Ancient Greece’s rich history on this 17-day tour focussing on two of the most remarkable eras, the Aegean Bronze Age and that of Macedonian ruler Philip and his son Alexander the Great. In Crete, we explore the sprawling palaces of the Minoan Age. We then travel to Athens and the Peloponnese, entering the world of Mycenaean kings with their forbidding palaces and monumental burials. We continue via the great classical sites of Olympia and Delphi before arriving at Thessaloniki, gateway to ancient Macedon. Your tour leader Highlights Dr John Tidmarsh is the > The palace of Minos at Knossos, home former president of the to the legendary Minotaur University of Sydney’s > Athens’ incomparable museums, acropolis Near Eastern Archaeology and agora Foundation, and a former > The palaces of Agamemnon at Mycenae, lecturer in the Department the citadel of Tiryns and the beautifully of Archaeology. He is also preserved Palace of Nestor at Pylos Co-Director of the University’s excavations > Delphi, home to the famous oracle at Pella in Jordan, and has also excavated in > The stone pinnacles of Meteora, crowned Greece and Cyprus. by Byzantine-era monasteries Getting there > The Macedonian capital of Pella, birthplace of Alexander, with its opulent Emirates offers daily flights to Athens, with houses and fine mosaics onwards connection through Aegean Airlines > Vergina, where Alexander’s father to Heraklion and return from Thessaloniki. Philip was assassinated, his spectacular Fitness requirement unplundered tomb revealed in 1977

Thessaloniki (3) Itinerary Days 1–3: Arrive Heraklion and explore the palaces of Knossos, Malia and Phaistos.

Volos (2) Days 4–5: Fly to Athens, admire the acropolis GREECE and the Archaeological Museum. Deplhi (2) Days 6–7: Drive to Nafplio to visit Mycenae, Sparta and Tiryns. Athens (2) Days 8–9: The Palace of Nestor and the Olympia (1) Venetian castle at Methoni. Nafplio (2) Pylos (2) Day 10: The Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia. Days 11–12: Continue to the seat of the oracle at Delphi. Days 13–14: Travel to Volos via Meteora. CRETE Heraklion (3) Days 15–18: Drive to Thessaloniki and explore the Macedonian kingdom of Pella and Vergina.

22 Carefully planned itineraries

Amsterdam to Paris from van Eyck to van Gogh

$8,630 pp, twin share $2,310 single supplement May 11-27, 2018

Get to know • More than five centuries of European masterpieces, from the Middle Ages to the modern era • Innovation and the relentless pursuit of beauty in the works of Van Eyck, Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Van Gogh • How the considerable wealth and the exchange of goods and ideas from around the world in the merchant cities of northern Europe created a dynamic cultural scene • The broader history and development of some of Europe’s richest, most vibrant and historically cosmopolitan cities

Overview The Low Countries have extraordinary artistic traditions which have withstood and evolved with some of the most significant upheavals in European history. On this tour, Dr Nick Gordon takes you from Amsterdam to Delft, Brussels, Bruges and Paris, exploring the art and architecture that flourished in these dynamic environments. We also visit smaller centres such as Utrecht and Ghent, while enjoying exceptional museums and galleries and exquisitely preserved medieval and Renaissance cityscapes. Highlights Your tour leader > The refurbished Rijksmuseum, housing Dr Nick Gordon has a the world’s finest collection of Dutch University Medal and PhD in painting, with masterpieces by history from the University Rembrandt and Vermeer of Sydney. Having taught at > Stays in beautifully preserved medieval university for 10 years, he now and Renaissance cities, including Bruges leads tours exclusively for and Delft Academy Travel. An intimate > Master paintings in some of Europe’s knowledge of art gained from being a painter finest galleries, including the Louvre and complements his academic background. the Mauritshuis > Visits to many less well-visited galleries, Getting there seeing the extraordinary works overlooked Emirates and Singapore Airlines offer flights by most travellers from Australia to Amsterdam and home from > Modern masterpieces by northern masters Paris. Contact us for quotes and bookings. Connect this tour with Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy on page 14 – Van Gogh, Magritte and Escher Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–4: Explore Amsterdam, once the centre of an empire extending from Brazil to Japan. Netherlands Days 5–7: Visit art sites in Utrecht and The Amsterdam (4) Hague, as well as Rotterdam and Delft. Delft (2) Days 8–10: In Brussels, visit superb Old Masters and modern galleries, admire Gothic and art nouveau architecture and tour Wallonia. Bruges (3) Brussels (4) Days 11–13: Visit Ghent to see the famous BELGIUM altarpiece by the Van Eycks, before exploring Bruges and Tournai. Days 14–17: Cap off our tour with visits to the FRANCE Louvre, Cluny and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Paris (3)

More details at academytravel.com.au 23 Berlin & Beyond Burgundy, Provence & The riviera Berlin, Leipzig & Dresden Medieval & Modern

$7,250 pp, twin share May 21 – June 3, 2018 $1,750 single supplement June 2-17, 2018

Explore • A dynamic city that dominated 20th-century history and is one of the great cultural capitals of Europe • Museums of art and antiquities of the highest importance • An internationally-acclaimed centre of contemporary art, design and architecture • A famous musical heritage, with outstanding ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic and three major opera houses • The fascinating history of nearby Potsdam, Dresden and Leipzig

Overview This two-week residential-style tour allows you to take an in-depth look at Berlin, and also the nearby cities of Potsdam, Dresden and Leipzig. Daily walking tours, background talks and guided visits trace 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 early 20th century and its renaissance since 1989. Your tour leader Highlights Thomas Abbott was born > Visits to Berlin’s major galleries, including in the US but has lived the Pergamon Museum, the Egyptian in Germany since 1988. Museum and the Gemäldegalerie He holds a degree in art > Walks through the historic neighbourhoods history and has led many of both east and west Berlin cultural tours throughout > A full day in Potsdam, visiting Frederick Germany, specialising in the the Great’s Sanssouci and the many other architecture of Berlin, the art of 18th-century architectural gems of this beautiful town Germany and the Bauhaus. > Travel through the scenic countryside to the charming old town of Renaissance Getting there Leipzig, which Göethe describes in Faust Etihad Airways fly in and out of Berlin daily. as “a little Paris” Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Spend time in the elegantly restored city of Dresden, see the impressive art collections at the Zwinger Palace > Farewell meal atop the Reichstag with views across Berlin Fitness requirement

Itinerary GERMANY Days 1–3: Explore medieval Berlin in the Berlin (9) Nikolaiviertel, cruise the Spree River to the Potsdam elegantly restored Charlottenburg Palace and tour the world-class Gemäldegalerie. Day 4: Excursion to Potsdam to examine the extensive complex of palaces, gardens and pavilions. Days 5–6: Two days on Museum Island, including the antiquities of the Pergamon Museum. Days 7–10: Spend two days each in Leipzig Leipzig (2) and Dresden. Days 11–14: Modern Berlin at the Bauhaus Dresden (2) Archive, New National Gallery, and the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum of Contemporary Art.

24 Expert tour leaders Burgundy, Provence & The riviera Medieval & Modern

$8,850 pp, twin share $1,450 single supplement June 2-17, 2018

Enjoy •  The extraordinary art and history of southern France, with its landscapes that inspired Van Gogh and Picasso • Medieval France, from the birth of Romanesque art and architecture at Cluny and Vézelay, to the Dukes of Burgundy and the popes in Avignon • Excellent regional galleries and museums, including Picasso at Antibes, the Fondation Maeght, and Lyon’s Musée des Beaux-Arts • Provence, Burgundy and the Côte d’Azur: home to some of France’s most beautiful hamlets, countryside and fine gastronomy

Overview This new 16-day tour begins in Burgundy, a region renowned for its charming villages, vineyards and majestic medieval architecture. Travelling south through Lyon to the Côte d’Azur, we admire fine Roman ruins, including the Pont du Gard, visit exceptional regional art galleries, and enjoy the exuberant atmosphere and inspirational colour of the French Riviera. Highlights Your tour leader > Stunning art galleries in less-visited cities, Dr Kathleen Olive has a from Dijon’s Musée des Beaux-Arts to PhD in Italian Studies Arles’ Fondation Vincent van Gogh and the from the University of Fondation Maeght in St-Paul-de-Vence Sydney, and has taught > Atmospheric Romanesque architecture, the history of medieval from Cluny to Vézelay and Berzé-la-Ville and Renaissance Europe at > Exceptionally well-preserved remnants universities in Sydney since of Roman Gaul in Lyon, Arles and the 2001. She is one of Academy Travel’s most amphitheatre, at Nîmes, and the celebrated respected tour leaders. aqueduct, Pont du Gard > Medieval Avignon, including the celebrated Getting there Palais des Papes Emirates fly into Geneva and out of Nice at > Van Gogh’s world in Arles; Picasso, Matisse, times that coincide with the tour. Contact us Chagall and Cocteau on the French Riviera for quotes and bookings. > France’s premier gastronomic regions, from fine wines in Burgundy to haute cuisine on the Riviera Fitness requirement

Itinerary Vezelay Days 1–4: Arrive Dijon, to tour Cluny, Vézelay and Dijon (4) Autun. Visit Beaune’s Hôtel Dieu, home to Rogier Beaune van der Weyden’s Last Judgement, and Dijon’s Switzerland Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Geneva Days 5–7: Tour the Roman ruins of Lyon, admire contemporary Lyonnais art and cuisine. Lyon (3) Days 8–11: Explore the papal palace of Avignon, FRANCE travel to Nîmes to see the Roman ruins and the Pont du Gard, and walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles. Avignon (4) Days 12–16: From Antibes, explore Marseilles Saint Paul Nice Nimes de Vence and the Côte d’Azur, with art galleries and Arles museums dedicated to Bonnard, Picasso Antibes (4) and Chagall. Marseille

More details at academytravel.com.au 25 Gardens of Southern England $9,150 pp, twin share June 6-20, 2018 $2,350 single supplement

Explore • The exquisite countryside of midsummer England, experienced through visits to fine gardens, stately homes, country houses and castles • The gardens of passionate professional gardeners and writers, from Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown to Gertrude Jekyll, and Vita Sackville-West to Christopher Lloyd • The gardens of passionate amateurs, including Henry Hoare at Stourhead and Sir Roy Strong at The Laskett • The history of the English garde

Overview This tour surveys the work of the passionate men and women who, over the past three hundred years, have created some of the best-loved gardens in the south of England – from the magnificent 18th-century Arcadian landscapes at Rousham and Stourhead, with their temples, lakes and grottoes, to idyllic Kelmscott Manor, the Arts and Crafts country home of William Morris. We also visit Britain’s oldest botanic garden, in Oxford, as well as one of its newest and most influential gardens, at Highgrove House. Your tour leader > The private gardens of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and is a garden Michael Turner The Duchess of Cornwall historian and classicist. The former Senior Curator > Stourhead, the most beautiful 18th-century of the Nicholson Museum Arcadian landscape garden in England at the University of Sydney, > Blenheim Palace, steeped in more than he now lives in Sussex. 300 years of history, and its magnificent He is a Fellow of the Society parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown of Antiquaries in London and a member of > Chartwell, the beloved home of Sir the English Historic Gardens Society. Winston Churchill > Jewels of the Arts and Crafts movement: Getting there Kelmscott Manor, Hidcote, Sissinghurst Singapore and Emirates fly to London daily. . and Great Dixter Contact us for quotes and bookings. > The gardens of romantic Hever Castle and the beautifully situated Arundel Castle Highlights Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–4: Tour begins in Oxford. Visit the ENGLAND beautiful Oxford Botanic Garden, Kelmscott Manor, Rousham and Blenheim House. Oxford (4) Days 5–7: From our base in Bath we visit the Laskett Gardens, Stourhead, Royal Highgrove London and other estates.

Royal Tunbridge Days 8–10: Travel to Royal Tunbridge Wells from Bath (3) Wells (3) where we visit Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s estate. Lewes (4) Days 11–14: From Lewes, enjoy several wonderful castles, homes and gardens in the Sussex Downs. Day 15: Transfer to London for flights home.

26 Maximum 20 in a group Scandinavia & Iceland The Nordic World

$10,720 pp, twin share $2,430 single supplement June 11-25, 2018

Get to know • The fjords of Norway • Denmark’s royal traditions, from Hamlet’s castle at Helsingør (Elsinore) to Frederick and Mary • Iceland’s unique blend of Celtic, Viking and Nordic culture, shaped by its remarkable volcanic landscape • Modern art and design, including the art of Edvard Munch, the architecture of Jørn Utzon and the opera houses of Henning Larsen • The history of Scandinavia, from the voyages of the Vikings to the Kingdom of Denmark, and the emergence of modern Nordic culture

Overview This new 15-day tour takes you from Copenhagen, to Oslo, Bergen and Iceland, and explores the region’s distinctive cultural traditions, from the Vikings of the Middle Ages to the emergence of a unique modern culture expressed through the art of Edvard Munch and cutting-edge architecture and design. Equally impressive is the natural beauty of the region, from the golden fields of southern Sweden, to the fjords of Norway and the pristine coastlines and wild, volcanic landscapes of Iceland. Highlights Your tour leader > Modern art and architecture in Dr Nick Gordon holds a Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen University Medal and a PhD > Jørn Utzon in Copenhagen in European history from > Helsingør castle, the setting of the University of Sydney. He Shakespeare’s Hamlet has taught European history > The fjords of Norway and the art of at university for ten years Edvard Munch and continues to lecture on art and history. He has led tours for Academy > Southern Sweden, from the World Travel since 2007. Heritage-listed cathedral of Lund to the mysterious standing stones of Ales Getting There > The unique atmosphere of Reykjavik, British Airways offers flights to Copenhagen the world’s most northerly capital city and from Reykjavik via Heathrow. Contact us > The landscapes of Iceland, including the for quotes and bookings. 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 Louisiana Art Museum. Enjoy a Budir (1) day trip to southern Sweden, visiting Lund and Reykjavik (4) the standing stones of Ales. Days 6–9: Discover Oslo with its modern NORWAY Bergen (2) architecture, fine art collections and Viking Oslo (2) history. Experience the natural beauty of the Norwegian Fjords and relax in Bergen. 1 Copenhagen (4) Days 10–15: Fly to Reykjavik and discover its Denmark unique history and culture. Explore the geysers, volcanos and the rugged isolated coastlines of Iceland. Experience the untouched beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula by coach and snowcat.

More details at academytravel.com.au 27 Gardens & castles of Scotland $9,650 pp, twin share July 2-17, 2018 $2,200 single supplement

Discover • The history of the Scottish garden, as rich as the history of the country itself, spanning the past 500 years • Gardens in their full mid-summer glory • A diverse nation with dynamic cities and castles steeped in tradition, and islands shrouded in the mists of legend • On Beauty and the Sublime: the natural splendour of the Scottish landscape, from delicate medieval walled and formal gardens, to the mountain wilderness of the National Parks • Edinburgh, the Royal Mile from the Castle to the Palace of Holyrood

Overview Scotland is a country of dramatic landscapes, sublime beauty and haunting history. From the sophistication of Edinburgh, to the wild and dramatic Highlands and on to the mystical isles of the West Coast, this new 16-day tour visits some of the most beautiful gardens and castles in this enchanted land. As well as the gardens, we explore the landscape in which they’re set and enjoy the heritage and culture of the Celts. Your tour leader Highlights Michael Turner is a garden > Private tours with owners and head and art historian. The gardeners of some of Scotland’s former Senior Curator of greatest gardens the Nicholson Museum, > Abbotsford, the house and garden he now lives in Sussex of Sir Walter Scott from where he writes and > A private and personal visit to meet the lectures on garden history. owners of Broadwoodside, Scotland’s He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries most influential new garden in London and member of the English > Balmoral, the summer retreat of Her Gardens Trust. Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family Getting there > A private tour of Portree and of the Isle of Skye, including a visit to the very new Singapore Airlines and Emirates offer daily Misty Isle gin distillery flights into Edinburgh and home from > Travelling from Skye to Fort William on Glasgow. Contact us for quotes and bookings. the Jacobite steam train, said to be ‘the greatest railway journey in the world’ Fitness requirement Itinerary Skye (3) Inverness (4) Days 1–6: Explore Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden. Day trips to Floors Castle, Abbotsford, Cambo, Falkland Palace and Broadwoodside. Days 7–10: Travel into the Highlands to Inverness, via Drummond Castle and Blair Castle. Day trips to Cawdor, Ballindalloch and Balmoral, and into Scotland Wester Ross to visit Dundonnell House and Inverewe. Days 11–13: To the Isle of Skye via Loch Ness and

Inveraray (3) Attadale. On Skye, visit Dunvegan Castle and the Museum of the Isles at Armadale Castle. Days 14–16: The Jacobite steam train from Edinburgh (5) Mallaig to Fort William and on to Inverary, our Glasgow final destination, to visit Inverary Castle and Mount Stewart on Bute.

28 www.academytravel.com.au Switzerland to Rome A journey through medieval Italy

$8,280 pp, twin share $1,940 single supplement September 2-18, 2018

Explore • The beauty of Lake Geneva, the Great St Bernard Pass and the Val d’Aosta • The profound influence of pilgrimage on the hillside hamlets, abbeys and less-touristed towns of the north and centre • Masterpieces of medieval and Renaissance art and architecture in Orvieto, Pavia, Siena and Pienza • Romanesque Italy and the extraordinary landscape of southern Tuscany • The wonderful regional cuisines of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Lazio

Overview Follow the pilgrim road from Lake Geneva to Rome and step back in time on this 17-day journey. This tour takes you through varied and dramatic landscapes, from the Swiss Alps to the Apennines and the fields of Tuscany, and visits some of Italy’s most beautiful medieval towns, less touristed medieval monuments and Renaissance masterpieces. Highlights Your tour leader > The beautiful landscapes and towns of Dr Nick Gordon holds a Tuscany: San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca University Medal and a PhD and Pienza in European history from > Sublime alpine scenery, as we cross the the University of Sydney. He Great St Bernard Pass from Switzerland has taught European history to the Val d’Aosta at university for ten years > The magnificent cathedrals of Orvieto, Pisa and continues to lecture on and Pavia and the medieval and Renaissance art and history. He has led tours for Academy gems they preserve Travel since 2007. > The Apennine hill towns of Emilia-Romagna and Italy’s most highly regarded regional Getting there cuisine Emirates fly into Geneva and out of Rome at > Medie val Rome: enjoy historic sites beyond times that coincide with this tour. Contact us the tourist trail, including San Clemente and for quotes and bookings. Santa Costanza

Fitness requirement

Itinerary switzerland Days 1–4: Arrive Geneva and transfer to Montreux (3)

Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Geneva Explore Lake Geneva, and cross the Great Aosta (2) St Bernard Pass to the Val d’Aosta. Pavia Days 5–7: Explore the Val d’Aosta, visit Pavia, and enjoy the medieval hamlets and cuisine of Salsomaggiore (2) ITALY Emilia-Romagna. Days 8–13: Travel through the landscapes and towns Pisa (3) of medieval Tuscany, from our bases in Pisa and Pienza. Enjoy Siena and experience a procession in Pienza (3) Lucca, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Days 14–17: Visit Orvieto and discover medieval Rome, including San Clemente, Santa Costanza Rome (3) and the catacombs of Sant’Agnese fuori le mura. Fitness requirement More details at academytravel.com.au 29 Around the baltic Hamburg to Helsinki

$9,250 pp, twin share August 15-31, 2018 $2,150 single supplement

Get to know • Centuries of battling for dominance in the Baltic, from Viking raiders to trading leagues, Christian crusaders and modern empires • The golden age of northern Germany and the stunning Hanseatic cities of Hamburg, Bremen and Lubeck • The rise and fall of Scandinavian ambitions, and their legacy in Copenhagen and Helsinki • The unspoiled beauty, medieval masterpieces, and long struggle for independence in Latvia and Estonia • Art, architecture, music and design in Copenhagen, Hamburg and Helsinki

Overview This new tour circumnavigates the Baltic Sea and explores its fascinating history and culture in depth. Discover the first Iron Age and Viking expeditions from Scandinavia, the great Hanseatic trading league of Germany which dominated Northern Europe for four centuries, and the struggle for control between Scandinavia, Russia and Germany in the modern era. We’ll be treated to some of the most stunning architecture, art and design of Northern Europe, spanning the medieval to the modern era. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Matthew Laing has a > Hamburg’s stunning Hanseatic waterfront, PhD from the ANU and Lutheran cathedrals and Kunsthalle is a lecturer and fellow > The remarkably intact Brick Gothic at Monash University, cityscapes of Bremen and Lubeck specialising in leadership > Helsingør Castle, the setting of and political history. An Shakespeare’s Hamlet ADFAS lecturer on history, > Great art nouveau architecture in Riga, he has led many tours to the United States and the medieval city of Tallinn and Europe. > The beauty of the Baltic, from Helsinki’s Getting there Suomenlinna fortress to the rugged islands of southern Denmark and our Emirates and Qantas offer flights to ferry crossing from Estonia Hamburg and return via London from > Modern design by Jørn Utzon in Helsinki. Contact us for quotes and bookings. Copenhagen and Alvar Aalto in Helsinki Connect this tour with > World-class music and opera in Hamburg, Switzerland to Rome on page 29 Fitness requirement Copenhagen and Helsinki Itinerary FINLAND Days 1–5: In Hamburg, see world-class art, music Helsinki (3) and architecture, and discover the Hanseatic Tallinn (3) world with day trips to Lubeck and Bremen. ESTONIA Days 6–8: In Copenhagen via the southern islands and Roskilde, visiting Viking heritage, royal palaces and modern masterpieces. Riga (2) Denmark Days 9–10: Fly to Riga, and take in its beautiful Helsingør Latvia Copenhagen (3) old city and collections. Days 11–13: Drive to Tallinn via ancient castles and visit this superbly preserved Lübeck Hamburg (5) medieval capital. Bremen Days 14–17: Ferry to Helsinki, and explore its GERMANY imperial history and its remarkable design, music and architecture.

30 Carefully planned itineraries Prague, Budapest & Vienna Art, history & music in central europe

$8,780 pp, twin share $2,090 single supplement September 17-30, 2018

Explore • The history of Central Europe, from the Habsburgs to re-emergence from behind the Iron Curtain • Art collections, from Old Masters to Klimt, Schiele and the Secessionists • Decorative arts collections and palaces, including Schonbrunn and the Kaizerliche Schatzkammer • Gems of modern architecture, including Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat at Brno, and Otto Wagner and Joseph Hoffmann in Vienna • The rich musical traditions of the region and their deep cultural histories

Overview Experience the rich cultural traditions of Central Europe, from collections of fine and decorative arts accumulated over the centuries by kings and emperors, to royal palaces and gems of modern architecture, on this new 14-day tour. The tour is rounded out with the fine musical traditions of the region, and enjoys performances in Vienna and Prague or Budapest. Highlights Your tour leader > Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat near Christopher Menz is a former Brno, a beautifully renovated modernist Director of the Art Gallery masterpiece of South Australia and was > Pr ague, one of Europe’s most alluring Acting Director of The Ian capitals Potter Museum of Art, > Vienna’s extraordinary fine and The University of Melbourne. decorative arts collections, including He has published extensively the Kunsthistoriches Institut and on the decorative arts, notably the design Kaizerliche Schatzkammer, collections work of William Morris, and is a regular of the Habsburg emperors contributor to Australian Book Review. > Cruise down the Danube to Budapest, where we visit the Franz Liszt Academy and Getting there Hungary’s recently renovated Museum of Emirates and Qatar offer flights into Prague Fine Arts and out of Vienna daily. Contact us for quotes > Performances in Vienna and Prague or and bookings. Budapest (details TBA when the Autumn 2018 program is released) Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive Prague; tour the beautiful city and its monuments from the Gothic to art Prague (3) nouveau, visit the Narodni Gallery and Cathedral of St Vitus. Czech Days 5–6: Admire Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Brno Tugendhat near Brno; tour Bratislava and cruise down the Danube to Budapest. Days 7–9: Explore the musical traditions of Slovakia Budapest at the Liszt Academy and the city’s Vienna (5) Bratislava (2) excellent galleries, including the recently reopened MFA and the Museum Ludwig. AUSTRIA Budapest (3) Days 10–14: Visit Klosterneuburg and Schonbrunn Palace, explore Vienna’s extraordinary fine and HUNGARY decorative art collections; enjoy performances.

More details at academytravel.com.au 31 St Petersburg & Moscow $11,495 pp, twin share September 21 – October 7, 2018 $2,215 single supplement

Experience •  A rich and tumultuous history stretching back hundreds of years • Vast repositories of art and culture in Russia’s incredible array of museums and galleries • Sumptuous palaces built for the tsars and designed by architects to rival the best in Western Europe • The resilience of a people who have survived catastrophic wars and revolution • Ancient wooden towns of the Golden Ring around Moscow

Overview Delve into Russian culture, history and art on this comprehensive 17-day tour. Spend seven nights in St Petersburg exploring the city’s famous landmarks, art museums, churches and palaces, with a day trip to Catherine the Great’s palaces. Immerse yourself in Moscow’s Red Square, visit the Kremlin’s cathedrals and Armoury Collection and the Tretyakov Gallery. Spend three nights in Suzdal, with visits to the Golden Ring towns of Sergiev Posad and Vladimir. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Matthew Dal Santo is > Seven nights in St Petersburg visiting a historian with Honours the Hermitage, the Fabergé Museum, degrees from both Sydney Yusupov Palace and cathedrals and Cambridge universities. > F ull-day excursion to the magnificent He was a Fellow in History palaces of Catherine the Great at Trinity College, where he > Red Square and the treasures of the received his PhD, and speaks State Armoury in Moscow numerous languages, including some Russian. > A visit to the Kremlin, seat of the Tsars, Getting there headquarters of the USSR and residence of Vladimir Putin Emirates offers flights from Australian cities > Masterpieces of Russian art at the via Dubai to St Petersburg and home from Tretyakov Gallery Moscow. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Sergiev Posad, home of the Russian Orthodox Church > Three nights in Suzdal exploring the wooden architecture and churches Fitness requirement of the Golden Ring Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in St Petersburg. Days 2–8: Over seven days explore the city’s extraordinary landmarks, galleries, churches, St Petersburg (7) palaces and museums, including a day trip to Catherine’s palaces at Pushkin. Pushkin RUSSIA Day 9: Travel in luxury by fast train to Moscow. Days 10–14: Over four days discover Red Square, Suzdal (3) the Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery and Moscow’s Vladimir Moscow (6) museums. Days 15–17: Stay three nights in the charming Golden Ring town of Suzdal, with visits to Sergiev Posad and Vladimir.

32 Expert tour leaders Portugal

$8,860 pp, twin share $1,670 single supplement October 11-25, 2018

Discover • Portugal’s archaeology, from granite megaliths at Almendres Cromlech to dinosaur footprints at Cabo Espichel • An architectural tradition embracing Roman, Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance styles • Rich cultural heritage – from fine wines and port, to the melancholic music of fado • A varied landscape of turquoise coastlines, lush river valleys and rugged interiors • The legacy of the explorers’ Golden Age of Discovery, in Lisbon’s many layers of history and art

Overview Discover Portugal on this new 15-day tour, from the triumph of Lisbon’s Golden Age, with its refined Manueline architecture and lively azulejos tiles, to the World Heritage-listed sites of Sintra and Évora, and the prehistoric megaliths of the Almendres Cromlech. At Tomar’s Convento de Cristo, headquarters of the Knights Templar, and medieval Coimbra, explore Portugal’s encounter with its Moorish legacy. Take a private cruise of the Douro, admire Paleolithic rock art in the Côa Valley, and witness Porto’s revival in outstanding contemporary art and architecture. Highlights Your tour leader > An exceptional range of museums and Dr Jeni Ryde is a former galleries in Lisbon and Porto Senior Lecturer at Western > A full day in Sintra, exploring exquisite Sydney University. Her palaces decorated with tiles PhD focused on the > Walk in the footprints of dinosaurs and Renaissance, heritage admire spectacular coastline on Cabo tourism and museology. Espichel She has travelled > A full day cruising the Douro and two extensively through Portugal and Spain. nights in Pinhão, celebrated for its excellent port wine Getting there > Exquisite Romanesque and Manueline Emirates offers flights into and out of Lisbon. Gothic churches, cathedrals and Contact us for quotes and bookings. monasteries Connect this tour with > Cutting-edge contemporary architecture Grand Tour of Spain on page 19 from Rem Koolhaas and Álvaro Siza Vieira in Porto Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–4: Explore Lisbon’s Age of Discovery, Porto (2) Pinhão (2) admire masterpieces at the Museu Gulbenkian. Excursion to fairytale Sintra. Days 5–7: Prehistoric and Roman archaeology around Évora. Coimbra (2) Days 8–9: The World Heritage-listed Convento de Cristo in Tomar. Coimbra, medieval capital of Portugal Portugal; 1st-century Roman villa life at Conímbriga. Days 10–11: Admire Aveiro, Venice of Portugal. Porto’s colourful Ribeira district. Full day cruising the Douro and two Days 12–13: Lisbon (4,1) nights in Pinhão. Cõa valley’s prehistoric rock art. Evora (3) Days 14–15: Return to Lisbon via the Cistercian abbey of São João de Tarouca.

More details at academytravel.com.au 33 Turkey Classical, Byzantine & Ottoman

$7,870 pp, twin share October 16 – November 2, 2018 $1,195 single supplement

Explore • Majestic Byzantine and Ottoman art and architecture in Istanbul • Ancient Neolithic, Greek and Roman civilisations of Asia Minor • The Byzantine rock-hewn churches and underground cities of Cappadocia • Medieval Seljuk civilisation – fine mosques and Whirling Dervishes • Ancient traditions and vibrant contemporary culture in Turkey • Fine food and a bustling modern scene on the Asian side of the Bosphorus • The superb collection of artefacts housed at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara

Overview Turkey has for centuries been a crossroads of religions and cultures, connecting the East with the West. Layers of Neolithic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history have endowed it with a wealth of unique historical and archaeological sites, often found in places of breathtaking natural beauty. This 18-day journey follows a comprehensive path through Turkey’s rich past from Istanbul, one of the great cities of the world, to the Aegean coastal towns of Kusadasi and Assos and the unique landscape of Cappadocia, before concluding in Istanbul. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Jennifer Lawless has led > Se ven nights in Istanbul with visits to the tours to Turkey, Greece and major Byzantine and Ottoman sites Iran. Her PhD concerned the > Ank ara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Australian POWs captured housing artefacts from every significant at Gallipoli. She has archaeological site in Anatolia co-authored over ten books > The Gallipoli Peninsula, including Anzac on ancient history and has Cove and Lone Pine been awarded a Churchill Fellowship and a > The archaeological sites of Assos and Troy NSW Premiers History Prize for her research > Thr ee nights in Kusadasi, visiting the ancient and writing. cities of Ephesus, Priene, Miletus and Didyma Getting there > Thr ee nights in Cappadocia with its ‘moonscape’ of caves and chimneys Emirates and Etihad offer regular flights to and from Istanbul. Contact us for quotes > The painted cave-churches at the Göreme and bookings. Open Air Museum > The Neolithic site of Çatal Hüyük Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1–4: Explore Istanbul from ancient times to the Ottoman conquest, visiting the Hagia Sophia, the city walls and Topkapı Palace. Days 5–7: Marvel at spectacular cave churches Istanbul (7) and unique volcanic landscapes in Cappadocia. TURKEY Days 8–9: Examine the Neolithic site of Çatal Gallipoli Assos (2) Ankara Hüyük and Pamukkale. Kusadasi (3) Cappadocia (3) Days 10–12: On the Aegean coast, visit ancient Konya (1) Ephesus and Aphrodisias. Pamukkale (1) Days 13–14: Two nights in Assos visiting Pergamum and Troy. Days 15–18: Return to Istanbul via Gallipoli for further exploration.

34 Maximum 20 in a group Music & Theatre tours Our music and theatre tours focus on the quality and rarity of performances, providing experiences that are simply not possible 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.

More details at academytravel.com.au London music & theatre

$8,950 pp, twin share January 18-29, 2018 $2,250 single supplement

Enjoy • 11 performances of the highest quality: opera, orchestral concerts and stage drama • Meetings with performing artists and local music experts • Music-themed visits to select museums and galleries • Background talks from a music educator, and post-performance discussions • Comfortable lodgings in a heritage building in Bloomsbury

Overview This carefully-curated tour brings together great performances, meetings with performing artists and music-themed sightseeing in one of the world’s great music cities. A diverse range of performances from Monteverdi to Richard Strauss, together with Dr Tom Ford’s expert commentary, will broaden your tastes and enhance your love of music. We visit all the major performing venues in London and hear all its major orchestras. Thanks to our association with Decca we have been able to arrange special music-oriented events that are not available to other travellers. Performances Your tour leader 11 performances of opera, orchestral and Dr Tom Ford holds a PhD in choral music, chamber music and drama history from the University are included: of Adelaide. He has written > Royal Opera production of extensively on classical Monteverdi’s The Return of Ulysses music, and is currently the > Richard Strauss’s thrilling Salome at PR and media manager the Royal Opera House (classics and jazz) for > The London Philharmonic Orchestra Universal Music Australia, based in Sydney. in a concert performance of Wagner’s Das Rheingold Getting there > A French orchestral music marathon, with Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates and the Philharmonia Orchestra and London Etihad fly to London daily. Contact us for Symphony Orchestra quotes and bookings. > The Orchestra of La Scala, Milan, led by Riccardo Chailly Fitness requirement > Recital by renowned pianist Paul Lewis > A recital at Wigmore Hall, a favourite London recital venue Itinerary LONDON Arrive in London. 11 nights > Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar by the Royal Day 1: Meet singer Aled Jones, visit the Shakespeare Company Days 2–4: National Portrait Gallery and the Handel House The Wallace > The Globe Theatre’s production of Museum. Attend The Return of Ulysses, two Collection British Museum Shakespeare’s comedy All’s Well That concerts of French music and a piano recital. Handel House Museum Royal Academy End’s Well Days 5–8: Follow in the footsteps of Nellie of Arts Covent Tower Melba in London, visit Kenwood House, attend Garden Tate Bridge > Peter Shaffer’s play Amadeus at the Modern National Theatre the RSC’s Julius Caesar and a concert by the Westminster orchestra of La Scala. Victoria & Albert Museum Tate Britain Days 9–11: Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, attend a London Philharmonic Orchestra gala and Salome at the Royal Opera. Day trip to Oxford. Day 12: Enjoy a recital at Wigmore Hall.

36 www.academytravel.com.au New York Art, architecture, history & theatre

$10,350 pp, twin share $2,930 single supplement March 14-26, 2018

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 • A survey of New York’s food scene, from historic venues to Michelin three-star establishments

Overview Wake up in the city that never sleeps – 12 times! Our annual New York residential tour 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, dining in some of its best restaurants, architectural walking tours and explorations of 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. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Matthew Laing has a Performances PhD in American political > F ranco Zeffirelli’s acclaimed production history from the ANU of Puccini’s Turandot at the Met and is a fellow at Monash > R enowned violinist Itzhak Perlman and University, specialising pianist Martha Argerich in recital at in politics, history and Carnegie Hall leadership. An ADFAS > The New York Philharmonic Orchestra lecturer on history, he has led many tours in concert to the United States and Europe. > The much anticipated drama The Minutes, Getting there by Pulitzer-prize winner Tracy Letts Qantas and United Airlines fly regularly Art and Design to the East Coast. Contact us for quotes > A private out-of-hours viewing of the and bookings. MoMA with a museum lecturer > Charming small galleries, including the Fitness requirement Frick Collection and the Neue Museum > Cutting- edge design at the Cooper-Hewitt, and in Soho and Chelsea Architecture and History Guggenheim Museum > Ar chitectural walking tours of Midtown’s Neue Museum art deco, Downtown and the High Line > New York’s fascinating history of immigration, Lincoln Center Theater Frick Collection from Ellis Island to the Lower East Side

Carnegie Hall Warwick Hotel > Br ownstone streetscapes, fantastic MoMA museums and diverse history in Brooklyn Broadway Fine Dining

Morgan Library > Lunch at the Michelin two-star restaurant High Line The Modern, inside MoMA NEW YORK > Degusta tion dinner at the Michelin three- 12 nights star restaurant Eleven Madison Park > Lunch at Fraunces Tavern, a favourite of George Washington More details at academytravel.com.au 37 From the Rhine to the Alps Opera in Switzerland & Germany

$11,680 pp, twin share April 13-30, 2018 $2,760 single supplement

Delight in • Ten performances at some of Europe’s premiere venues • A particular focus on opera, with nine performances spanning the early 19th to the 20th centuries • The stunning landscape and heritage of the Rhine River • Outstanding food and fine wine in Alsace and Franconia • Picturesque and historic towns of northern Bavaria and visits to castles and the scenic Bavarian Alps • Background talks on all performances and post-performance discussion

Overview Continuing our tradition of performances of opera and orchestral music of the highest calibre, Academy Travel is proud to present this 18-day program, built around ten performances at opera houses and concert halls in Switzerland and Germany. Familiar repertoire by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Wagner is complemented by the opportunity to see several rarely performed operas, including works by Prokofiev, Janácek and Arrigo Boito, who was one of Verdi’s librettists. In addition, there is a concert by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, led by one of the leading conductors of our day, Semyon Bychkov. Performances Your tour leader This tour is designed around ten performances, Robert Gay is one of with nine operas and one concert by the Australia’s leading music tour Munich Philharmonic Orchestra: leaders and music educators. In Basel He has designed and led more than 80 performance- > Prokofiev’s rarely-performed The Gambler based tours. For 30 years he at Theater Basel has presented music history > R ossini’s La Cenerentola at Theater Basel courses at the Centre for Continuing Education > Doniz etti’s Maria Stuarda, with star soprano at the University of Sydney. Diana Damrau at the Zurich Opera House In Frankfurt Getting there > W agner’s Das Rheingold at Oper Frankfurt Emirates fly into Zurich and out of Munich > Bellini’ s La sonnambula at Oper Frankfurt at times that coincide with the tour. Contact > Janácek’ s From the House of the Dead at us for quotes and bookings. Oper Frankfurt Fitness requirement In Nuremberg > Z immermann’s Die Soldaten (The Soldiers) Itinerary Frankfurt (5) at Staatstheater Nuremberg Würzburg Bayreuth In Munich Days 1–5: The tour begins in Basel with performances at the opera and day trips to the > The Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Beyeler Foundation, Zurich and the Rhine Falls conducted by Semyon Bychkov at Schaffhausen, and through Alsace to Colmar. Nuremberg (3) > Doniz etti’s Lucrezia Borgia at the Bavarian Days 6–10: Travel though the Black Forest to State Opera Frankfurt, stopping in Baden-Baden. Attend the Baden-Baden > Arrigo Boito’s rarely-performed Mefistofele opera in Frankfurt and visit Goethe’s birth house. at the Bavarian State Opera Take a cruise along the Rhine River. GERMANY Days 11–13: Our next stop is Nuremberg via Colmar Munich (4) Würzburg. Attend the opera in Nuremburg and spend the day visiting Wagner’s town of Bayreuth. Basel (5) Days 14–18: The tour ends in Munich with performances at the opera, a day in the Alps Zurich and leading galleries. Switzerland

38 Carefully planned itineraries Great Musical Cities Prague, Vienna & Budapest

$9,440 pp, twin share $1,950 single supplement April 16-30, 2018

Enjoy • Orchestral music and opera of the highest quality in Central Europe’s most celebrated music venues • The rich musical traditions of Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic • In-depth background to the music you will hear in live performance • Visits to wonderfully preserved baroque theatres in Cesky Krumlov and Prague • The delightful city of Bratislava on the Danube and the breathtaking scenery at Cesky Krumlov in southern Bohemia • The many glorious Art Nouveau buildings in Prague

Overview This 15-day tour visits three of the great music capitals of Central Europe: Vienna, Prague and Budapest. As well as attending a series of fine performances, this musical pilgrimage takes you to the places where some of the great composers lived and worked. In Budapest, there are museums dedicated to Liszt and Bartok; in Vienna, an astonishing number of sites associated with Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert; and in the countryside near Prague, the birthplace of Dvorak. We will also visit two beautifully preserved baroque theatres, one in Cesky Krumlov and the other the celebrated Estates Theatre in Prague. Your tour leader Performances Lindy Montgomery is In Prague a graduate of both the > Pr ague Symphony Orchestra conducted University of Sydney and by Jac van Steen at Smetana Hall, featuring the Sydney Conservatorium pianist Lukas Vondracek of Music, where she taught > Moz art’s Le Nozzie di Figaro at the musicology for 13 years. Estates Theatre Lindy possesses a fine > The Wayward Daughter ballet at the soprano voice and has featured as a soloist National Theatre with the Pinchgut Opera and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. In Vienna > Beetho ven’s Fidelio and Verdi’s Aida at the Getting there Vienna State Opera Emirates fly into Prague and out of Budapest > Gew andhausorchester Leipzig conducted at times that coincide with the tour. by Andris Nelsons, featuring pianist Yefim Bronfman Fitness requirement > P ianist Piotr Anderszewski at the Konzerthaus Itinerary In Budapest Days 1–4: In Prague, attend outstanding > V erdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera at the Erkel Prague (4) performances and visit a range of sites both Theatre in the city and the surrounding countryside. > An ton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8, with CZECH Day 5: Stay overnight in Ceske Budejovice the Budapest Festival Orchestra conducted and take a day trip to nearby Cesky Krumlov by Jukka-Pekka Saraster Ceske Budejovice (1) in the Czech Republic. Days 6–10: In Vienna, in addition to Cesky Krumlov SLOVAKIA performances, visit venues where Mozart, Bratislava Beethoven and Schubert lived and worked. Vienna (5) Days 11–15: Visit Bratislava en route to Budapest, AUSTRIA attend performances and enjoy walking tours Budapest (4) of both Buda and Pest, the Bartok and Liszt HUNGARY museums, and the Empress Elisabeth’s castle at Gödöllö.

More details at academytravel.com.au 39 Opera in New York $9,250 pp, twin share April 18-27, 2018 $2,300 single supplement

Experience • Some of the greatest stars in the operatic firmament: Anna Netrebko, Joyce DiDonato, Sonya Yoncheva, Pretty Yende, Placido Domingo • Grand Tier seating at the Met for all performances • Glorious vocal music from Mozart to Puccini • Superb productions by leading stage directors: Bartlett Sher, Laurent Pelly, Sir David McVicar, Elijah Moshinsky • In-depth analysis of productions and performers

Overview Netrebko, DiDonato, Domingo, Yoncheva, Perez – the stars of the operatic firmament come out in a star-studded lineup at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, unrivalled by any other opera company anywhere in the world! Academy Travel is delighted to offer lovers of vocal music a 10-day program that includes six outstanding performances at the Met. We’ve secured seats in the Grand Tier for all performances, and the performance program is complemented by background talks and visits to a select range of galleries and museums. Tour leader Performances Christopher Menz is a former > Mozart’s Così fan tutte – with Amanda Director of the Art Gallery Majeski and Christopher Maltman of South Australia and was > Verdi’s dramatic Luisa Miller – starring Acting Director of The Ian Sonya Yoncheva and Placido Domingo Potter Museum of Art, The > Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette – a hit University of Melbourne. He production, starring the brilliant American has published extensively on soprano Ailyn Pérez and Bryan Hymel the decorative arts, notably the design work > Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor – with of William Morris, and is a regular contributor coloratura Pretty Yende, currently the to Australian Book Review. world’s leading exponent of the title role Getting there > Massenet’s Cendrillon – a Laurent Pelly production, starring the celebrated mezzo Qantas and United Airlines fly regularly soprano Joyce DiDonato to the East Coast. Contact us for quotes > Puccini’s Tosca, starring Russian diva Anna and bookings. Netrebko in the David McVicar production Fitness requirement

Itinerary Meet for welcome drinks. Guggenheim Museum Day 1: Day 2: Downtown walking tour. Così fan tutte. Neue Museum Met Museum Day 3: Frick Collection, Rockefeller Center. Metropolitan Opera Frick Collection Day 4: Museum of Art and Design. Luisa Miller. Day 5: Neue Galerie. Central Park. Warwick Hotel MoMA Day 6: Met Museum. Roméo et Juliette. Guggenheim Museum. Cendrillon. Times Square Day 7: Day 8: JP Morgan Library. Lucia di Lammermoor. Morgan Library Day 9: MoMA private viewing. Tosca. Day 10: Free morning. Airport transfers. NEW YORK 9 nights

40 Expert tour leaders Music in Scandinavia including the Bergen International Festival

$11,495 pp, twin share $1,595 single supplement May 22 – June 6, 2018

Get to know • The fascinating relationship between Nordic music and the region’s culture, tradition and landscape • Excellent performances by the region’s orchestras and opera companies • Outstanding contemporary Nordic architecture and design in opera houses and concert halls • Stunning scenery, from Stockholm’s island-strewn harbour to the fjords and mountains around Bergen • Norse mythology as a source of inspiration for Nordic and German composers, including Wagner

Overview This 16-day tour explores the landscape, history and music of Finland, Sweden and Norway. These northern lands have a strong and distinctive musical tradition, expressed not only through their composers – including famous names like Grieg and Sibelius – but also through the many fine conductors, singers and instrumentalists who hail from these parts. Nordic music is often inspired by folk literature and traditions, and travelling through the landscapes that have evoked these ideas will undoubtedly enhance your appreciation of the haunting music of this region. Your tour leader Performances Robert Gay is one of Nine performances are included, with Australia’s leading music tour three operas, two ballets and two concert leaders and music educators. performances. There will also be two He has designed dozens of performances included at the Bergen Festival music courses and led more (details announced in October 2017). than 80 performance-based Helsinki, Finland tours around the world. > C oncert at Helsinki Music Centre For 30 years he has been presenting music > W agner’s Parsifal at the Finnish National history courses for the Centre for Continuing Opera conducted by Pinchas Steinberg Education at the University of Sydney. Stockholm, Sweden Getting there > Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Sleeping Beauty Finnair offers well-priced flights from at the Royal Swedish Opera Australia to Helsinki. Contact us for quotes > Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier and bookings. at the Royal Swedish Opera Oslo, Norway Fitness requirement > Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Oslo Opera House Itinerary > T chaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake at Days 1–4: In Helsinki, explore sites associated the Oslo Opera House with Sibelius, as well as great architecture and Bergen, Norway design. Overnight ferry to Stockholm. NORWAY FINLAND Days 5–8: Explore Stockholm’s maritime history > T wo performances at the Bergen Bergen (4) Helsinki (3) and visit Drottningholm Palace. International Music Festival Oslo (3) Stockholm (4) Days 9–11: Fly to Oslo in Norway to view the > Chamber music concert or recital 1 Viking Ship Museum, the art of Munch and at Ole Bull’s house others, and Oslo’s harbourfront opera house. SWEDEN Days 12–15: Take a train and boat journey to Bergen for four nights, to enjoy the Bergen Festival and sites associated with Grieg and Ole Bull. Day 16: Begin Iceland extension, or return home.

More details at academytravel.com.au 41 Munich & Glyndebourne Opera FestivalS $11,980 pp, twin share July 3-14, 2018 $1,970 single supplement

Enjoy • Seven top-flight performances with internationally renowned singers, conductors and directors • Expert pre and post-performance discussions • The musical, architectural and artistic heritage of Bavaria • The fine landscapes and villages of the Sussex Downs • World-famous private sculpture parks and private gardens • The company of like-minded music lovers

Overview Through its special connections in Munich and at Glyndebourne, Academy Travel is pleased to 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 impressive roster of singers features 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. Performances Your tour leader Best available tickets to seven performances Robert Gay is a music are included. Academy Travel is a sponsor educator with more than 25 of Glyndebourne, giving us access to the years’ experience designing best tickets. and leading music and Munich cultural tours. He is well > Richard Strauss’s Arabella, starring Anja known for his courses at Harteros and Kurt Rydl the University of Sydney’s > Richard Wagner’s Parsifal, in which tenor Centre for Continuing Education. Jonas Kaufmann shows his mastery of the German repertoire Getting there > Donizetti’s sparkling comedy, L’elisir Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates d’amore, with coloratura star Pretty Yende and Etihad offer daily flights into Munich and dashing tenor Vittorio Grigolo and home from London. Contact us for quotes and bookings. Connect this tour with Wagner’s Ring > Puccini’s Tosca, starring Anna Netrebko Cycle in Munich on page 43 in Luc Bondy’s thrilling production Fitness requirement Glyndebourne > A new production of an opera by Debussy Itinerary > A well-known Puccini drama, perfect for Settle in to our Munich program with UK Glyndebourne’s intimate surroundings Days 1–3: Strauss’s Arabella and a trip to the Bavarian lakes. London > A sparkling dramatic opera by Attend Parsifal, L’elisir d’amore and Days 4–7: Glyndebourne Handel, a composer with whom Tosca, visit Munich’s galleries and Bavaria’s Glyndebourne excels historic castles. Lewes (4) Day 8: Fly to London and transfer to Lewes, a historic market town in the Sussex Downs. GERMANY Days 9–11: Attend late afternoon performances of Pelleas et Melisande, Madama Butterfly and Giulio Cesare at Glyndebourne, with long interval dinners. During the day visit sites such as the Munich (7) Bloomsbury Group’s Charleston and the historic villages of Alfriston and Firle.

42 Maximum 20 in a group Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Munich $8,850 pp, twin share $1,500 single supplement July 19-28, 2018

Experience • Andreas Kriegenburg’s lucid and compelling interpretation of Wagner’s masterpiece • Musical direction by young conductor Kirill Petrenko • An outstanding cast of singers headed by Nina Stemme, Jonas Kaufmann, Anja Kampe and Wolfgang Koch • Expert pre and post-performance talks to heighten your enjoyment • A song recital and a rare Verdi opera in addition to the Ring Cycle • Excursions to music-related sites in and around Munich

Overview Wagner’s tetralogy, 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. A special journey to see The Ring is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. Academy Travel has selected the Munich Ring Cycle in 2018 for its fine production, which premiered in 2013, an unsurpassable singing cast, and the musical leadership of Kirill Petrenko, the Russian-Austrian maestro who is at the forefront of today’s younger generation of conductors. We’ve also included two additional performances taking place at the time of the Munich Ring. Performances Your tour leader Best available tickets to six performances Robert Gay is a music are included. educator with more than 25 > All four operas in the Ring Cycle, Das years’ experience designing Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and and leading music and Götterdämmerung, performed in the space cultural tours. He is well of a week known for his courses at > A recital by fine Polish tenor Piotr Beczala the University of Sydney’s > Verdi’s rarely-performed grand opera, Centre for Continuing Education. Les vêpres siciliennes, starring Carmen Giannattasio, Bryan Hymel and Erwin Schrott Getting there > A day with Wagner’s patron, Ludwig II, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Etihad offer visiting castles and galleries daily flights into Munich. Contact us for Connect this tour with Munich and quotes and bookings. Glyndebourne Opera Festivals on page 42 > Visits to a selection of Munich’s best art museums Fitness requirement

Itinerary Day 1: Arrive and settle in. Meet fellow Munich (9) participants over drinks and canapes. Day 2: Morning talk, welcome lunch and Das Rheingold. GERMANY Days 3: Visit Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and other sites associated with Ludwig II. Days 4–6: Performances of Die Walküre, Siegfried and Piotr Beczala’s song recital, with pre-performance talks and gallery visits. Days 7–8: Visit some of Munich’s superb art galleries and attend Les vêpres siciliennes. Linderhof Castle Pre-performance talk, a fine farewell Day 9: Neuschwanstein Castle lunch and Götterdämmerung. Day 10: Transfer to Munich airport.

More details at academytravel.com.au 43 Chicago to New York Operas & Orchestras

$10,750 pp, twin share October 7-21, 2018 $2,200 single supplement

Enjoy • Eight performances – three operas, four concerts and a stage play • Insightful pre-performance talks to expand your musical knowledge and help you get the most out of performances • Exclusive events such as a private visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and private dining in highly regarded restaurants • Long stays in major cities, with time for relaxing and for individual sightseeing • The company of like-minded music lovers

Overview This tour takes you to three of the leading music-making centres of the United States, each with a longstanding tradition of innovative productions and superlative performances. Chicago and Philadelphia have fine symphony orchestras, while the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall are two of the most storied venues in music history – all will be featured in the itinerary. The tour is timed to coincide with the opening of the 2018-19 season, with details becoming available progressively from late 2017. The musical program will be augmented by visits to galleries and walking tours surveying history and architecture. Performances Your tour leader The itinerary will be updated as performing Robert Gay is one of arts organisations release details of their Australia’s leading 2018-19 season. music tour leaders and Chicago music educators. He has > A play at the Steppenwolf Theater, one designed and led more of the USA’s leading theatre companies than 80 performance- based tours. For 30 years > An orchestral performance by the Chicago he has presented music history courses at Symphony Orchestra, America’s finest the Centre for Continuing Education at the ensemble University of Sydney. > An opera at the Chicago Lyric Opera, known for its excellent singers and productions Getting there Philadelphia Qantas/American Airlines fly regularly into > A concert by the Philadelphia Symphony Chicago and home from New York. Orchestra, one of the USA’s first orchestras Fitness requirement New York > Two operas at the Metropolitan Opera, selected from their 2018-19 season Itinerary > A concert at Carnegie Hall by a visiting Days 1–5: In Chicago for five nights, we attend Canada international orchestra performances and visit the wonderful Art Institute. Go on walking tours of Chicago’s > A concert by the New York Philharmonic renowned modern architecture and visit Frank Orchestra Lloyd Wright’s Robie House. Days 6–8: Fly to Philadelphia for a performance and tour the excellent Philadelphia Museum Chicago (5) New York (6) of Art. Philadelphia (3) Days 9–15: Our tour ends in New York, where we attend performances at the Metropolitan USA Opera, Carnegie Hall and by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy a private viewing of the Museum of Modern Art and architectural walking tours.

44 www.academytravel.com.au Salzburg, Prague & Vienna A musical Christmas & New Year

$10,180 pp, twin share $1,850 single supplement December 21, 2018 – January 5, 2019

Revel in • Nine performances of the highest quality – from operas to intimate chamber concerts • The heritage of Europe’s leading opera houses in Salzburg, Prague and Vienna • Orchestral music by excellent national orchestras • Walking tours of the cities in which we stay as well as visits to cultural sites, many with a strong musical history • Longer stays, with time for relaxing and for individual sightseeing • The company of like-minded music lovers and expert introductions to performances

Overview Experience a winter wonderland and celebrate a European Christmas and New Year on this new 16-day tour visiting the great music capitals of Europe – Salzburg, Prague and Vienna. The tour has been designed to coincide with the height of the winter music season, with nine performances of the highest calibre. As well as featuring a series of outstanding performances, this musical journey takes you to the places where the great composers lived and worked, in addition to visiting key historical sites. Performances Your tour leader The tour price includes nine performances Robert Gay is one of of fine opera, orchestral, chamber, vocal and Australia’s leading music tour instrumental music. leaders and music educators. In Salzburg He has designed and led more than 80 performance- > An opera at the Großes Festspielhaus based tours. For 30 years he > An opera at the Landestheater Salzburg has presented music history In Prague courses at the Centre for Continuing Education > Thr ee performances at the Rudolphinum, at the University of Sydney. Smetana Hall or the historic Estates Theatre In Vienna Getting there > The New Year’s Eve performance of Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Etihad offer Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 at the daily flights into Munich and home from Konzerthaus Vienna. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > New Year’s Day performance of Strauss’ Die Fledermaus at the Vienna Staatsoper Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–5: Arrive in Salzburg and attend two Prague (4) performances, take a walking tour of the city Czech and wander the festive Christmas markets. Celebrate Christmas day with a traditional lunch in Salzburg. Days 6–9: Travel to Prague, where we visit a Brno range of sites and attend three performances, one at the historic Estates Theatre. GERMANY Days 10–16: Travel to Vienna via Brno. See in the New Year in Vienna, attend three outstanding Munich performances and explore the city’s vast musical Vienna (6) heritage, including visits to venues where Baden Bei Wien

Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert lived and Salzburg (5) worked. Austria

More details at academytravel.com.au 45 Tours to Asia and the Pacific In recent years there has been a huge increase in interest in cultural tours to our part of the world. We regularly run tours to popular destinations such as Japan and Burma as well as less visited, but equally fascinating, places such as Bhutan and Taiwan. If you’re done with long-haul flying, then take a look at our growing range of Australasia tours, including New Zealand’s North Island, Tasmania and regional Victoria. Burma

$9,460 pp, twin share $2,065 single supplement December 29, 2017 – January 13, 2018

Explore •  A nation gradually emerging from years of military rule • A rich cultural and artisanal tradition of silk weaving, world-class lacquerware and skilled puppeteers • A wealth of Buddhist culture evidenced by the multitude of stupas and exquisite carved teak monasteries • Colonial history and architecture from the era of the British Raj • A remarkably friendly and easy-going nation made up of over 135 ethnic groups eager to share their history and culture

Overview From its ancient origins in settlement by Hindu Sakyas from India, through millennia of spiritual and political change, Burma has emerged with all that is quintessentially Burmese intact and as enchanting and enriching as it has always been. This tour takes you into the heart of old Burma – the sleepy town of Nyaungshwe on the edge of Lake Inle, the last royal capital of Mandalay, the vast Buddhist pagoda-studded plain of Bagan, and the splendour of the great pagodas of Yangon. Highlights Your tour leader > A magical sunset at the golden-domed Judy Tenzing has over 30 Shwedagon Pagoda, the greatest in Burma years’ experience as an > New Year’s Eve on Lake Inle exploring the administrator and tour monasteries, pagodas, villages and floating leader in India, Nepal, gardens all built on stilts over the lake Bhutan and Burma. Judy > The extraordinary complex of crumbling has a degree in South stupas at Indein in Shan state Asian history and regularly > Roaming through the National Botanic presents courses at Sydney University’s Gardens in Maymyo, with its stunning Centre for Continuing Education on the four-acre orchid garden history and culture of this remarkable region. > An overnight cruise down the famed Getting there Ayeyarwady River Singapore Airlines offers daily flights to > The amazing pagoda-studded plains of Yangon. Contact us for quotes and bookings. Bagan, each structure unique in design and decoration Fitness requirement

Itinerary INDIA Days 1–2: Explore Yangon’s colonial architecture and the Shwedagon Pagoda. China BURMA Days 3–5: Fly to Lake Inle and explore the communities living on stilted houses. (1) Maymyo (2) Days 6–7: Wander amongst the botanic Mandalay (3) gardens and colonial architecture of Maymyo. Bagan (3) Days 8–10: In Mandalay visit teak monasteries, Nyaungshwe (3) pagodas and the Royal Palace. Day 11: Cruise the Ayeyarwady River to Bagan. Days 12–14: In Bagan, survey some of the THAILAND hundreds of pagodas scattered on the plains. Yangon (3) Days 15–16: Return to Yangon.

More details at academytravel.com.au 47 Tasmania history, art & landscape

$3,975 pp, twin share February 17-24, 2018 $985 single supplement

Discover • 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 gaining global attention

Overview Tasmania has a distinctive history, culture and landscape which make it quite different from Australia’s other states and territories. This tour offers a unique itinerary which combines the island’s well-known attractions with sites of particular interest to specialised travellers. Staying in Launceston, on the Freycinet Peninsula and in Hobart, with day trips to surrounding areas, we visit historic homes and gardens and travel through stunning landscapes. Art lovers are well treated, with an in-depth look at colonial artist John Glover and a visit to the renowned Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) on the Derwent River near Hobart. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Kathleen Olive has led > Tasmania’s colonial sites, including tours to Europe, Turkey Clarendon Estate and World Heritage-listed and the USA and is a Port Arthur popular teacher of art and > Tasmania’s leading public art galleries architectural history at in Launceston and Hobart the WEA, Sydney and for > Cruise from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay, ADFAS. offering a unique perspective of the Freycinet Peninsula’s sheer cliffs and Getting there abundant wildlife Jetstar/Qantas offer direct flights to > A day trip to the Huon River Valley, visiting Launceston from Sydney and Melbourne pristine rainforests, gardens and wineries and return flights from Hobart. These can > Fine regional wine and produce while be booked online. dining at some of Tasmania’s excellent restaurants and vineyards Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–3: The tour begins in Launceston, Launceston (3) visiting historic homes and villages, exploring the farm of colonial artist John Glover and touring the Tamar Valley and the hills towards the Cradle Mountain region. We also visit wineries and two excellent restaurants. Ross Days 4–5: Travel down to the Freycinet TASMANIA Peninsula and cruise Wineglass Bay. Freycinet (1) Days 6–8: In Hobart we continue our exploration of colonial artists, take day trips to the Huon Valley and the Tasman Peninsula, and visit MONA. Hobart (3)

Port Arthur

48 Expert tour leaders New Zealand Nature, culture & the arts

$6,350 pp, twin share $1,710 single supplement February 21 – March 2, 2018

Uncover • World-famous private sculpture parks and private gardens • Remarkable architecture, ranging from art deco Napier to cutting-edge contemporary design • Fine landscapes – harbours and coastlines, mountain ranges, lakes and islands • Dramatic volcanic and geothermal activity in the centre of the island • Contemporary and traditional Maori culture and arts

Overview This 10-day tour offers a relaxed investigation of the visual arts and architecture of New Zealand’s North Island. Our journey takes us across dramatic mountain ranges, to centres of volcanic activity, along stunning coastlines and through rolling green hills. We visit sites of Maori heritage as well as several privately-owned art collections and sculpture parks. The tour begins in Wellington, the harbourside capital, before heading up the Pacific coast to Napier and across the centre of the island to Lake Taupo and Rotorua, and culminates with four days in and around Auckland. Highlights Your tour leader > Private tours of Gibbs Farm and Connells Robert Veel was at the Bay sculpture parks and the Wallace art University of Sydney before collection co-founding Academy > A full day on Waiheke Island in Auckland Travel in 2004. He has harbour over 25 years’ tour leading > Scenic drives through mountains, volcanic experience. landscapes and verdant countryside > Visits to privately-owned and public gardens Getting there > Lunches and dinners at excellent local Qantas and Air New Zealand have regular restaurants flights into Wellington and out of Auckland. > A concert or play in Auckland Contact us for quotes and bookings.

Fitness requirement

Itinerary Gibbs Farm Days 1–2: Wellington’s cultural heritage at the Auckland (3) Te Papa Museum, National Portrait Gallery and Katherine Mansfield Museum, tour the Beehive and Botanic Gardens. Days 3–4: Cross the Rimutaka Mountains, visit Rotorua (2) the Wairarapa wine region and explore the art deco architecture of Napier. New Days 5–7: Lake Taupo, Huka Falls and the Zealand Napier (2) volcanic landscape of Rotorua. Days 8–10: Three days in Auckland visiting the Wallace Arts Centre, Gibbs Farm and Ayrlies Garden. Explore Waiheke Island. Wellington (2)

More details at academytravel.com.au 49 Taiwan

$6,200 pp, twin share April 15-24, 2018 $2,100 single supplement

Uncover • An indigenous culture pre-dating the arrival of the Chinese in the 17th century • The cultural legacy, including elaborate tea ceremonies, of the Japanese who ruled the island for 50 years • Stunning scenery of mountain peaks, lakes and gorges, formed through volcanic activity on the edge of the Pacific’s ‘Ring of Fire’ • An array of architecture, from Dutch forts, centuries-old Daoist and Confucian temples, to Japanese Meiji-era buildings

Overview Taiwan has been ‘off the radar’ for tourism since the tumultuous events of 1949, when Chiang Kai Shek and his nationalist compatriots separated themselves from the Communists on the mainland. Discover the place that 16th-century Portuguese explorers named ‘Ilha Formosa’, the beautiful island, on our 10-day tour. Unlike mainland China, where warfare, revolution and an economic boom have transformed the country, large sections of Taiwan retain Chinese traditions and culture with a wealth of art, architecture and beautiful landscapes to enjoy. Your tour leader Highlights Judy Tenzing has over 30 > Historic ancient temples, colonial forts years’ experience as an and Meiji-era architecture in Old Tainan administrator and tour > The pristine environment of Sun Moon leader in India, Nepal, Lake, surrounded by steep mountain Bhutan and Burma. Judy peaks has a degree in South > The art of Taiwanese tea-making at an Asian history and regularly Assam tea farm presents courses at Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education on the > The extraordinary Chung Tai Chan history and culture of this remarkable region. Monastery near Puli, headquarters of a popular Zen Buddhist order Getting there > A spectacular drive hugging the Chingshui Cathay Pacific and partner Dragon Air offer Cliffs and into the valley of Taroko Gorge flights into Kaohsiung and out of Taipei via > Taipei’s National Palace Museum, Taiwan’s Hong Kong. Contact us for quotes. celebrated cultural institution, home to over 500,000 artefacts and artworks Fitness requirement

Itinerary What does Taiwan offer? Taipei (3) Days 1–2: Arrive into Kaohsiung and transfer > The culture of the indigenous to Tainan to explore the city. inhabitants Day 3: Admire Lugang, and continue on to Taroko Gorge (1) > Well-preserved traditional Chinese Sun Moon Lake. culture, architecture and streetscapes Lugang Days 4–5: Explore sites around the lake, > The cultural and architectural legacy Sun Moon Lake (3) spending a full day at the Chung Tai Chan monastery and museum. of the period of Japanese rule, TAIWAN Day 6: Traverse the Central Range to Taroko 1895–1945 Gorge and experience Taiwanese indigenous > Outstanding mountain scenery, Tainan (2) culture. with sharp peaks rising to nearly Days 7–9: Drive to Taipei. Ascend the Taipei 101 4000 metres Kaohsiung skyscraper, and visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial > Two superb museums Hall and the National Palace Museum. > A destination not affected by Day 10: Depart Taipei. mass tourism

50 Maximum 20 in a group Japan unmasked art, history & culture

$6,200 pp, twin share $11,485 pp, twin share May 11-26, 2018 $2,100 single supplement $2,890 single supplement November 16 – December 1, 2018

Get to know • The contrast of a contemporary metropolis against the backdrop of Edo period Tokyo • Serenity in some of Japan’s finest landscaped gardens and shrines • A bygone era at the well-preserved wooden teahouses of Kanazawa’s entertainment district • The floating world of the geisha in Kyoto’s Gion district • An abundance of art, history and culture dating back to the 6th century • A unique cuisine using the freshest produce that perfectly reflects the seasons

Overview Uncover Japan’s rich history, art and culture on our 16-day tour. Explore old and new world Tokyo. Visit one of Japan’s best landscaped gardens in Kanazawa. Understand the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and the tranquillity of Miyajima. Spend seven nights in Kyoto exploring temples, shrines and museums and glimpse the geisha’s floating world. Complemented by day trips to Nara and Arashiyama, this tour offers a comprehensive insight into the beauty and mystique of this wonderful land. Highlights Your tour leader > The hustle, bustle and bright lights of Dr Kathleen Olive has led Tokyo, its galleries, museums and shrines tours to Europe, Turkey > Kanazawa’s famed Kenrokuen Garden, one and the USA and is a of the best landscaped gardens in Japan popular teacher of art and > Speeding through the countryside on the architectural history at Shinkansen or bullet train the WEA, Sydney and for > The moving display of human resilience ADFAS. at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial > Day trips to Nara, and the bamboo grove Getting there and garden at Arashiyama Qantas, Japan Airlines and ANA offer daily flights to Tokyo, with return connections > Seven nights discovering Zen temples, through Tokyo from Osaka. Contact us for stone and moss gardens and an incredible quotes and bookings. array of art and culture in Kyoto

Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive Tokyo and explore the gardens, temples, shrines, art galleries and museums. Days 5–6: Bullet train to Kanazawa; visit the Japan wooden tea houses, Kanazawa Castle and Kanazawa (2) Kenrokuen garden. Tokyo (4) Days 7–8: Travel to Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Kyoto (7) Nara the Torii Gate and shrine on Miyajima. Hiroshima (2) Osaka Day 9: Bullet train to Kyoto; explore Kiyomizu Temple and the geisha district. Days 10–12: Art, history and culture of Kyoto’s temples, shrines, museums and galleries. Days 13–14: Day trips to Arashiyama and Nara. Days 15–16: Walk through Nishiki market and depart from Osaka.

More details at academytravel.com.au 51 In the footsteps of Ned Kelly $4,485 pp, twin share September 11-22, 2018 $879 single supplement

Discover • The story behind Australia’s most infamous and celebrated bushranger, Ned Kelly • An exciting, myth-laden period of history through the eyes of Ben Churcher, a practicing archaeologist • How the events at the Eureka Stockade changed Australia’s view of government forever • Cr eation stories of the local Jardwadjali and Djab warrung Indigenous peoples at the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre in the Grampians • A region endowed with great beauty, fine wine, excellent produce and food

Overview Mick Jagger and Heath Ledger have played him, Peter Carey has written about him, Sidney Nolan has painted him and Paul Kelly has sung about him, but what is still to be found on the ground that brings the history of Ned Kelly alive? We know the stories, but it is time to give these stories substance, as we travel between Albury and Melbourne exploring the hidden history of not only Ned Kelly but also the formation of modern Australia. Your tour leader Highlights Ben Churcher is a well- > Traverse the Murray River from New South known Academy tour leader Wales into the High Country of Victoria to destinations as diverse > Explore the story of Ned Kelly, from his as Morocco, Iran and China. home in Greta to his hanging at the He is also a keen student of Melbourne Goal Australian history, with an > Discover the impact and consequences interest in Ned Kelly and of the Victorian gold rush the hidden histories behind Australia’s > A day in the Grampians National Park formative years. learning the spiritual significance of Getting there the area > Visit sites pivotal to the formation of Please contact us for the best airline to meet Australian Federation at Corowa your travel requirements into Albury and > Explore the colonial past of Melbourne from Melbourne.

Fitness requirement

Itinerary Day 1: Travel to Albury where our tour begins. Albury (1) Visit the Murray Art Museum. Days 2–3: Explore the Birthplace of Federation Beechworth (2) at Corowa and Beechworth’s heritage with VICTORIA visits to the courthouse, Burke Museum and Beechworth Gaol. Mansfield (2) Days 4–5: Delve into the Kelly saga at Glenrowan, Greta and Stringybark Creek at Mansfield. Ballarat (4) Days 6–9: Storm the Eureka Stockade at Sovereign Hill and Ballarat’s museums, view Melbourne (2) ancient rock art in the Grampians. Days 10-12: In Melbourne visit the Museum of Victoria, Captain Cook’s Cottage and Old Melbourne Gaol.

52 www.academytravel.com.au Bendigo to the Yarra Valley Victoria’s regional galleries

$3,790 pp, twin share $680 single supplement October 18-25 2018

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 • Cutting-edge contemporary sculpture and painting in superb natural settings • The patronage of the visual arts by prominent Australians, ranging from Nellie Melba to the Besson family • Hanging Rock, the backdrop to Joan Lindsay’s book Picnic at Hanging Rock • Great food and wine along the Bellarine Peninsula and Yarra Valley

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. This new itinerary gives art lovers the chance to sample a range of Australia’s best smaller galleries as well as enjoying varied scenery, great food and wine. Background talks and meetings with gallery directors and curators will add depth and context to the works we explore. Highlights Your tour leader > Regional galleries in the goldfields towns Dr Nick Gordon has a of Bendigo and Ballarat University Medal and PhD in > The wineries and landscapes of the Bellarine history from the University and Mornington Peninsulas, on either side of of Sydney. Having taught at Port Phillip Bay university for 10 years, he now > The McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park leads tours exclusively for and Tarrawarra – two of Australia’s leading Academy Travel. An intimate private galleries knowledge of art gained from being a painter > Dame Nellie Melba’s former estate in the complements his academic background. Yarra Valley Getting there > Heide Museum of Modern Art – celebrating Nolan, Albert Tucker and the thoroughly The tour begins and ends at Melbourne’s modern Reid family Tullamarine Airport. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar have regular flights from all over Australia. > The Lyon Housemuseum in Kew, an architect’s Contact us for quotes and bookings. home bursting with contemporary art

Fitness requirement

Itinerary Bendigo (3) Days 1–2: Explore the superb Bendigo Regional Gallery and take an afternoon excursion to the goldfields town of Castlemaine. Day 3: Spend the day at the Bendigo and Geelong VICTORIA galleries, both highly regarded, before heading to the Bellarine Peninsula. Heide Museum Ballarat Days 4–5: Take the ferry crossing to Sorrento, Melbourne Yarra Valley/ visiting the Mornington Peninsula Gallery and Healesville McClelland Sculpture Park. Days 6–7: Enjoy lunch at Tarrawarra Gallery in

the Yarra Valley. Visit Nellie Melba’s estate and Geelong sample some of the region’s great food and wine. Queenscliff (1) Mornington (3) Day 8: Visit Heide and the Lyons Housemuseum in suburban Melbourne. Sorrento

More details at academytravel.com.au 53 To the edge of the outback Mungo, Broken Hill & Beyond

$4,495 pp, twin share October 23-31, 2018 $P.O.A. single supplement

Experience • A continuous history of human occupation spanning 50,000 years • Outback landscapes in Lake Mungo and Mutawintji National Parks • An iconic part of our national history, with the story of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company known fondly as ‘the big Australian’ • An area rich in archaeology that has been preserved in pristine condition for thousands of years • The importance of riverboat culture to the history and settlement of the areas around the mighty Murray and Darling River systems

Overview Travel to the Murray River and into the outback to explore Australia’s history, from Indigenous settlement to the larrikins and miners who led our nation into modernity. In Mildura, we discuss the importance of the mighty Murray on the history of settlement and rural economy. We head to Lake Mungo to look for evidence of the Aboriginal settlement that spread broadly across the landscape, and on to Broken Hill where mining provided the genesis for an Australian icon, the Broken Hill Proprietary Company. Your tour leader Highlights Chris Carter holds a first- > Degustation dinner at Stefano’s much class Honours degree acclaimed restaurant in Mildura in archaeology from > Walk around the Walls of China, climb the the Australian National sand dunes at Vigars Well and explore the University. He has worked as archaeology at Lake Mungo National Park a professional archaeologist > Special access to Indigenous cultural and and has taught extensively historic sites with a traditional owner at in the field. He is currently involved with Mutawintji National Park prehistoric sites in the Atacama region of > Experience the life of the 19th-century northern Chile. Cornish miner underground at Day Getting there Dream Mine > The wealth of art in Broken Hill, where Please contact us for the best airline to meet art galleries outnumber pubs your travel requirements into Mildura and from Broken Hill. Fitness requirement

Mutawintji National Park Itinerary Day 1: In Mildura, visit Rio Vista historic home and dine at Stefano’s.

Broken Hill (4) Days 2–3: Cruise the Murray River, travel to Lake Mungo National Park and uncover the archaeology of the area.

Bindara Station (1) Day 4: Drive via Pooncarie to Bindara Station SA on the Darling River. Days 5–6: In Broken Hill, walk through the NSW historic centre, visiting art galleries and the Lake Mungo (2) Miners Memorial. Day 7: Explore Mutawintji National Mildura (1) Park with a traditional elder and see the rock art. VIC Days 8–9: Go underground at the Day Dream Mine before travelling home.

54 Carefully planned itineraries Tours to the Americas Our small range of tours to the Americas concentrates on special people and special places. For several years we have offered tours examining the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, whereas our long-stay New York tours are perennially popular – combining art, architecture, fine dining and the performing arts. If you look to our 2019 program, you’ll also see tours to Mexico, Cuba, Canada and the North East United States. Frank Lloyd Wright Chicago to Fallingwater

May 5-16, 2018 $8,970 pp, twin share October 27 – November 7, 2018 $1,640 single supplement

Admire • American modern architecture in the 20th century, from Louis Sullivan and the “Chicago School” to Frank Lloyd Wright and beyond • Wright’s transformation of the American home, using inspiration from the prairie landscape of the American Midwest and a Japanese-influenced aesthetic • E xtraordinary interiors at Fallingwater, Robie House, the Johnson Wax Administration Building, Darwin Martin House, Farnsworth House, and Taliesin • The amazing art collection of Chicago’s Art Institute

Overview Follow the Frank Lloyd Wright trail from his early beginnings in Chicago and his prairie style homes, to his tragic yet inspirational home in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and the city of Buffalo with the Darwin Martin complex. Enjoy the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and discover Wright’s most famous work, Fallingwater, outside Pittsburgh. The tour features private guided visits to homes and major galleries and enjoys the wealth of art, culture and history in America. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Matthew Laing has a > A private interior visit to Fallingwater, comprehensive knowledge Wright’s most famous work of the history and society > Private interior visits to Farnsworth House, of the United States and Taliesin, the Johnson Wax Administration has travelled the length and Building, Darwin Martin House, Graycliff breadth of the country for and Kentuck Knob research, personal interest > A cocktail reception in Robie House, the and as a tour leader. finest example of Wright’s prairie style Getting there > Docent-led tour of the Art Institute of We recommend either Qantas or United who Chicago and a theatre performance both have daily flights to Chicago and from > In-depth tour of Taliesin estate – Pittsburgh. Discounted fares are regularly Wright’s home for 30 years and the offered, so please contact us for quotes scene of tragedy and triumph and bookings. Connect this tour with Modern Architecture: Los Angeles to Chicago on page 57 Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–4: In Chicago, enjoy sights including Canada Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Wright’s Home and Studio, Robie House and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. Day 5: Coach to Milwaukee to see Johnson Buffalo (2) Wax Administration Building, Research Tower, Madison (2) Milwaukee (1) Wingspread, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Days 6–7: Continue to Madison for a full estate Chicago (4) tour of Taliesin and to visit the first Usonian Pittsburgh (2) home, Jacobs House I. Days 8–9: Fly to Buffalo to view the Darwin USA Martin House, Graycliff and to tour Niagara Falls. Days 10–12: Coach to Pittsburgh to see Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.

56 Expert tour leaders Modern architecture Los Angeles to Chicago

$9,870 pp, twin share $1,770 single supplement October 14-26, 2018

Discover • The development of modernist American architecture and design • Outstanding art collections at Chicago’s Art Institute and the Getty Center and The Broad, LA • The emergence of the western USA as a global economic and cultural force of the 20th century • Dramatic desert landscapes in Palm Springs and Arizona • The life and times of 20th-century “starchitects”, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Richard Meier and Aero Saarinen

Overview Explore the development of America’s unique mid-century modernist architecture and design on this new 13-day tour, from its early proponents, such as Richard Neutra and Albert Frey, to the master of international architecture, Mies van der Rohe. Enjoy “Desert Modernism” in Palm Springs and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in Arizona; Columbus, Indiana with its unique collection of civic buildings; and Chicago’s modern masterpieces. Private guided visits to homes and major galleries, walking tours, concert performances and the rich history and culture of America in the modern era round out the touring program. Highlights Your tour leader > In-depth tours of Hollyhock House and Stuart Barrie has a passion Taliesin West, two of Frank Lloyd Wright’s for 20th-century American masterpieces history and the architecture of > Visits of modernist icons, Charles and Ray Frank Lloyd Wright. He has led Eames House in Malibu and Farnsworth many tours to the USA. Stuart House, Illinois holds a Masters degree from > Tours of Palm Springs and Columbus, the University of New South Indiana with their unique concentrations Wales and is a co-founder of Academy Travel. of modernist architecture > Concert performance in Frank Gehry’s Getting there exuberant Walt Disney Concert Hall We recommend either Qantas or United, who > Docent-led tours of the Getty Center in both have daily flights to Los Angeles and from LA and the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago. Discounted fares are regularly offered, Connect this tour with Frank Lloyd Wright: so please contact us for quotes and bookings. Chicago to Fallingwater on page 56 > Chicago River cruise with the Chicago Architecture Foundation Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–3: 20th-century “starchitects”, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Neutra, Meier and Gehry. Days 4–5: The marriage of modernism with desert landscape at Palm Springs’ Albert Frey House and Architecture & Design Center. USA Chicago (3) Columbus (2) Days 6–9: Outside Phoenix, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, beloved winter home and Los Angeles (3) architectural laboratory. In Columbus, Indiana, Palm Springs (2) the “Athens on the Prairie”, Eero Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier. Phoenix (2) Days 10–13: Mies van der Rohe at Farnsworth House and the Institute of Technology, Chicago’s outstanding Art Institute, architectural river cruise.

More details at academytravel.com.au 57 Thanksgiving in New York music, theatre, art & food

$9,950 pp, twin share November 14-26, 2018 $2,930 single supplement

Enjoy • The unique atmosphere of New York in the Fall, with seasonal food and the leaves turning gold in Central Park • Special Thanksgiving events – the most important annual festivities in North America • A stimulating range of new season performances of stage drama, musicals, opera and symphony • An expert’s account of the history and architecture of New York over the decades • Newly-opened exhibitions at galleries, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA

Overview Enjoy Thanksgiving in the Big Apple and a host of other events on this special tour. As well as the regular offerings on our New York performing arts tours – opera, symphony, private visits to galleries such as MoMA etc – we’ve included seasonal events that are only on offer at this special time of year, such as the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the legendary Radio City Rockettes. 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 Your tour leader Performances Dr Matthew Laing has a Eight performances to be selected from the PhD in American political upcoming 2018-2019 season, including: history from the ANU and is a > A production from the world-leading fellow at Monash University, Metropolitan Opera specialising in politics, history > The critically-acclaimed hit Broadway and leadership. An ADFAS musical Hamilton lecturer on history, he has led many tours to the United States and Europe. > Performances at Carnegie Hall and at the Lincoln Center Getting there > Two Broadway stage dramas Qantas and United Airlines fly regularly > An evening at the Jazz at the Lincoln to the East Coast. Contact us for quotes Center Theatre and bookings. > The Radio City Music Hall’s Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular Fine Dining Fitness requirement > Lunches at the Morgan Library and Guggenheim Museum dining rooms > Lunch at the Michelin two-star restaurant The Modern, inside MoMA Guggenheim Museum Neue Museum > Degustation dinner at the Michelin three- Lincoln Center Theater Frick Collection star restaurant Eleven Madison Park MoMA Warwick Hotel Art, Architecture and History Broadway > A private out-of-hours viewing of MoMA High Line Morgan Library with a museum lecturer > Charming small galleries, including the NEW YORK Frick Collection and the Neue Museum 12 nights > Private guided tour of the Whitney Museum of American Art in Chelsea Whitney Museum > Architectural walking tours of Midtown art deco, Brooklyn Heights and the Brooklyn Heights High Line

58 Maximum 20 in a group 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 cultural tours to select destinations in North Africa, including Morocco, Egypt and Ethiopia. Morocco

$7,870 pp, twin share March 26 – April 13, 2018 $1,570 single supplement

Discover • A remarkable country that has been the crucible for Islamic influence in the region for more than a millennium • Exceptional scenery, from the Atlantic coastline to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert • Beautiful, remote villages along the Todra Gorge and Dades River • Distinct cultural regions, including the Europeanised north and the Berber interior • A diverse inheritance, from Roman ruins, to medieval fortifications, Islamic kasbahs and cities

Overview This comprehensive tour brings you the diverse delights of Morocco, from stunning scenery to fabulous Islamic architecture, ancient cities and inviting locals. From cosmopolitan Casablanca, we travel along the Atlantic coast visiting Rabat, Roman Volubilis and bustling Fes, before crossing the Atlas Mountains to the kasbahs and oases of the northern Sahara. Returning to the Atlantic coast, we stay in Marrakesh, famous for its vibrant souks, foodstalls and palaces, and Essaouira, a medieval port still nestled inside its walls. Your tour leader Highlights Ben Churcher has a wide > The bustling and picturesque markets range of experience as an of Fes and Marrakesh educator, traveller, historian > Rabat on the river Bou Regreg, a most and archaeologist. He wonderfully located capital city holds an honours degree > The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman in Ancient history and ruins at Volubilis, overlooking rolling plains a Diploma of Education > The Atlas Mountains, home of the Berbers from the University of Sydney. and stands of Cedars of Lebanon Getting there > Majestic kasbahs and verdant oases on the fringe of the Sahara Desert Emirates and Etihad have daily flights > Peaceful Essaouira on the shores of to and from Casablanca. Contact us for the Atlantic quotes and bookings. > The spectacular Todra and Dades gorges > Beautiful, secluded towns such as Connect this tour with Boumalne Dades, and Ouarzazate, the Essential Iran on page 61 Fitness requirement ‘Gate to the Desert’

Itinerary Days 1–4: Arrive in Casablanca and explore Morocco’s Atlantic coast, touring Casablanca and Rabat. Rabat (1) Days 5–7: Travel inland, stopping at Meknes and Fes (4) Fes and visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Casablanca (3) Meknes Ifrane (1) Days 8–12: Cross over the Atlas Mountains and explore the western edge of the Sahara Desert, Morocco including the spectacular scenery of the Todra

Marrakesh (3) Erfoud (2) Gorge. Boumalne Dades (1) Days 13–15: Travel to Marrakesh, tour the city Essaouira (2) and enjoy a free day in a city of souks. Ouarzazate (1) Days 16–19: Travel to Essaouira, exploring the city and its complex history, then return to Casablanca for our departure.

60 www.academytravel.com.au Essential Iran

$11,185 pp, twin share April 15 – May 2, 2018 $1,695 single supplement November 6-23, 2018

Uncover • The rich diversity of landscapes, cultures and peoples which make up modern Iran • The abundant and spectacular remains, testament to Iran’s power and influence in the ancient world • The truly stunning art and architecture of Islamic Iran, seen at its finest in the legendary cities of Shiraz and Isfahan • The enchanting world of Persian gardens and Sufi poetry • A remarkably friendly, cultured and inquisitive population, eager to engage with the world outside Iran

Overview Over 18 days we travel through the marvellous mountain and desert landscapes of Persia and visit some of the most remarkable monuments in the ancient and Islamic worlds. We explore awe-inspiring Achaemenid palaces and royal tombs, mysterious Sasanian fire temples, enchanting mud-brick cities on the desert fringes, and fabled Persian cities with their enchanting gardens, caravanserais, bazaars and stunning cobalt-blue mosques. Perhaps more importantly, however, we encounter the unsurpassed friendliness and hospitality of the Iranian people, which leave most travellers longing to return. Highlights Your tour leader > Tehran’s array of museums and palaces, Dr John Tidmarsh is the including the Crown Jewels Museum former president of the > The imposing Mausoleum of Öljeitü University of Sydney’s and the Sasanian watch towers, palaces Near Eastern Archaeology and fire temples at Takht-e Soleyman Foundation and a former > The gardens of Shiraz, where Persia’s lecturer in the Department poets are celebrated of Archaeology. He has led > Great classical sites at Persepolis, numerous tours to Iran, Oman, Turkey, Syria Pasargadae and Firuzabad and Jordan. > The desert city of Yazd, with its evocative Getting there Zoroastrian towers of silence and medieval sites Emirates and Etihad offer daily flights from Australia to Tehran. Contact us for quotes > The UNESCO World Heritage city of Connect this tour with and bookings. Morocco on page 60 Isfahan, centre of the ‘Renaissance’ Abbasid period Fitness requirement

Itinerary Zanjan (2) Days 1–3: Explore Tehran’s extraordinary palaces and museums. Tehran (4) Days 4–5: Drive to Zanjan and examine the Sasanian ruins of Takht-e Soleyman. Hamadan (2) Kashan Days 6–7: Continue to Hamadan and explore Ecbatana. IRAN Days 8-11: Fly to Shiraz and investigate Isfahan (3) Persepolis and Firuzabad. Days 12–13: Travel to Yazd, visiting Pasargadae Yazd (2) and the Zoroastrian fire temples. Days 14–16: Enjoy the Maidan, mosques, palaces and Armenian Quarter of Isfahan.

Days 17–18: Return to Tehran via Natanz and Shiraz (4) Kashan before departure.

More details at academytravel.com.au 61 Iran Ancient Persia & the Silk Road

$11,295 pp, twin share April 27 – May 15, 2018 $1,920 single supplement

Experience • The rich diversity of landscapes, cultures and peoples which make up modern Iran • Memorable archaeological sites of the ancient Persian Empire • The stunning art and architecture of Iran’s Safavid and Qajar-era mosques and palaces in the legendary cities of Shiraz and Isfahan • The crosscurrents of Eastern and Western cultures at key Silk Road sites • The enchanting world of Persian gardens and Sufi poetry • A remarkably friendly, cultured and inquisitive population

Overview Our 19-day tour begins in Tehran, with an introduction to the fine arts and traditional culture of Iran. From here we travel to Zanjan and Ecbatana over the Zagros Mountains, and visit the Renaissance-era city of Isfahan. We view Iran’s remaining Zoroastrian shrines and intricate mosques in Yazd, then continue to Kerman and Shiraz, the city of poets. Here we see some of Iran’s most exceptional historical monuments, such as the magnificent relief carvings of Persepolis and Pasargadae, before returning to 21st-century Tehran. Your tour leader Highlights Christopher Bradley has > The Crown Jewels Museum and Golestan an Honours degree from Palace in Tehran Liverpool University, with > The imposing Mausoleum of Öljeitü a particular interest in and ancient Ecbatana the history and art of the > Safavid Palaces, Islamic mosques and Middle East. He regularly squares of Isfahan leads tours to Iran and > Zoroastrian and medieval sites in Yazd lectures to ADFAS, NADFAS, at universities, > Gardens, fortresses and royal tombs and for the Royal Geographical Society. around Shiraz Getting there > Achaemenid Persepolis and Cyrus the Great’s legacy at Pasargadae Emirates and Etihad offer daily flights from Australia to Tehran. Contact us for quotes > The extremely well-preserved mud brick and bookings. citadel at Rayen, constructed over 1000 years ago Fitness requirement

Itinerary Zanjan (2) Days 1–3: Visit Tehran’s Qajar Palaces and museums. Tehran (4) Days 4–5: See the Mausoleum of Öljeitü and Hamadan (2) Takht-e Soleyman near Zanjan. Days 6–7: Drive to Hamadan and ancient Ecbatana. IRAN Days 8–10: Explore Safavid Palaces, Islamic mosques and architecture in Isfahan. Isfahan (3) Days 11–12: Delve into Zoroastrianism with Yazd’s fire temples and towers of silence. Yazd (2) Days 13–14: Investigate remnants of the Kerman (2) Sasanian Empire around Kerman. Days 15–17: Travel to Shiraz and visit Persepolis and Pasargadae. Shiraz (3) Days 18–19: Fly to Tehran and visit the carpet museum before departure.

62 Carefully planned itineraries Ethiopia’s Classical Highlights $8,435 pp, twin share $1,180 single supplement September 13-27, 2018

Discover • A country steeped in tradition and belief, witnessed through its many beautifully decorated churches • The legend of the Queen of Sheba and her son Menelik, first Solomonic Emperor of Ethiopia • The cradle of civilization and mankind, rich in archaeological finds • A strong, stable nation rich in culture, with a population comprising over 80 different ethnic groups and languages • The origins of coffee and coffee ceremony, the symbol of Ethiopian hospitality

Overview From the Queen of Sheba to the rule of Emperor Haile Selassie in the 20th century, Ethiopia has carved out for itself a unique identity among African nations. It was one of the first Christian countries in existence and remains predominantly Christian. This classic itinerary has been devised for travellers to witness the remarkable legacy of Ethiopia’s unique history. We traverse the country from Addis Ababa to Lake Tana, Gondar, the ancient capital of Axum and the spectacular rock-cut churches of Lalibela. Highlights Your tour leader > In Addis Ababa, visit the National Museum Christopher Bradley has and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, resting place an Honours degree from of Haile Selassie Liverpool University and > Cruise on the Lake Tana to the isolated and specialises in the history beautiful churches on the Zege peninsula and art of North Africa > V isit the restored 17th-century castles and and Arabia. He first visited palaces at Gondar’s Royal Enclosure Ethiopia in 1977 and has led > Admire Axum’s carved stele, dating back 2000 specialist tours there since 1993. years, the Queen of Sheba’s palace and the reputed location of the Ark of the Covenant Getting there > Enjoy the scenic and remote Simien Emirates has daily flights to and from Addis Mountains, spotting Gelada baboons Ababa. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Lalibela’s rock-hewn and frescoed 13th-century churches, including the less frequented western churches Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–2: Arrive Addis Ababa, visit the national museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Axum (3) Days 3–4: Fly to Bahar Dar, visit decorated monasteries on the Zege peninsula. Simien Mountains (1) Days 5–6: Drive to Gondar and explore the Royal Enclosure. Gondar (2) Lalibela (3) Day 7: Overnight in the Simien Mountains. Bahar Dar (2) Days 8–10: Drive to Axum, visit the stele park and Queen of Sheba’s palace. Days 11–13: Fly to Lalibela, famous for its Addis Ababa (3) unique rock-hewn churches. Days 14–15: Fly to Addis Ababa before ETHIOPIA departure.

More details at academytravel.com.au 63 Iran in depth

$12,985 pp, twin share October 9-31, 2018 $2,140 single supplement

Explore • Little-visited sites on the Caspian Sea in the ‘Azerbaijani’ regions of Iran • Memorable archaeological sites of the Ancient Persian Empire • The stunning tiled architecture of Iran’s Savafid-era mosques and palaces • The crosscurrents of Eastern and Western cultures at key Silk Road sites • The bazaars of Tehran, Tabriz, Shiraz and Isfahan • A remarkably friendly, cultured and open population, eager to engage with the world outside Iran

Overview Over 23 days we travel through the marvellous spring-time mountain and desert landscapes of Persia and visit some of the most remarkable monuments in the ancient and Islamic worlds. We explore awe-inspiring Achaemenid palaces and royal tombs, mysterious Sasanian fire temples, enchanting mud-brick cities on the desert fringes, and fabled Persian cities with their enchanting gardens, caravanserais, bazaars and stunning cobalt-blue mosques. Perhaps more importantly, however, we encounter the unsurpassed friendliness and hospitality of the Iranian people which leave most travellers longing to return. Your tour leader Highlights Dr John Tidmarsh is the > The remarkable museums and palaces former president of the of Tehran University of Sydney’s > The Armenian church of St Stephanos Near Eastern Archaeology and the turquoise mosque in Tabriz Foundation and a former > The imposing Mausoleum of Oljeitu and lecturer in the Department the Sasanian watchtowers, palaces and of Archaeology. He has led fire temples at Takht-e Soleyman numerous tours to Iran, Oman, Turkey, > The gardens of Shiraz, where Persia’s poets Syria and Jordan. are celebrated Getting there > Classical sites of Persepolis and Pasargadae > The desert city of Yazd, with its evocative Emirates and Etihad offer daily flights to Zoroastrian and medieval sites Tehran. Contact us for quotes and bookings. > The UNESCO World Heritage city of Isfahan, centre of the ‘renaissance’ Safavid period Fitness requirement

Tabriz (3) CASPIAN SEA Itinerary Astara (1) Days 1–3: Explore Tehran’s extraordinary palaces Zanjan (2) and museums. Tehran (4) Days 4–7: Drive to the Caspian Sea then to Tabriz and visit Safavid mausoleums, St Stephanos church and the troglodyte village of Kandovan. Days 8–9: Examine the Sasanian ruins of Kashan IRAN Takht-e Soleyman. Days 10–14: Investigate Bishapur, Persepolis Isfahan (4) and the Parthian city of Firuzabad.

Yazd (3) Days 15–17: Three nights in Yazd, with visits to Pasargadae and the Zoroastrian fire temples. Days 18–21: Relax with four nights in Isfahan. Days 22–23: Return to Tehran via the merchant Shiraz (5) houses and water gardens of Kashan.

64 Expert tour leaders Study and professional development TOURS Academy Travel ran its first professional development program for teachers in 2006, and since then we’ve developed several highly focused study tours to select destinations, either for personal interest or to develop professional skills and meet professional development requirements. Study tours often use self-catered accommodation and include regular lectures and seminars. Participants are expected to be independent travellers, with lots of walking and public transport involved. Rome Study Tour

$4,910 pp, twin share January 5-16, 2018 $1,130 single supplement

Get to know • Roman antiquity, from the Etruscans to the Christians • The transition to the Middle Ages: Rome’s role in shaping European culture • The glory of Renaissance and baroque Rome, from Michelangelo and Raphael to Caravaggio and Bernini • Rome beyond the tourist trail, including Ostia Antica and the house and studio of Giorgio de Chirico • The neighbourhoods of Rome, where contemporary culture lives alongside its ancient inspiration

Overview Rome’s contribution to Western culture is difficult to overestimate, but most visitors do not penetrate the city’s complex, interwoven layers. This 12-day study tour provides you with a detailed examination of Rome’s history, art and culture, from antiquity to the present, through an extended series of lectures and guided site visits. This tour is ideal for the independent traveller: group visits are carefully balanced with time for independent exploration. Your tour leader Highlights Dr Nick Gordon has a > Superb collections of antiquities, including University Medal and a the Vatican Museums, the Capitoline PhD in history from the Museums and Palazzo Massimo University of Sydney. > The spectacular works of Caravaggio and For ten years, he has Bernini throughout the city and in the lectured on European Galleria Borghese history, from antiquity to > Excursions to Ostia Antica, Hadrian’s Villa, the 19th century, at universities in Sydney. and the masterful baroque Villa d’Este He continues to lecture on European art > Detailed lecture series providing you with and history and has led tours for Academy extensive knowledge of the city and its past Travel since 2007. > Walking tours visiting Rome’s hidden gems Getting there and masterpieces by Raphael, Bramante and Borromini Emirates and Singapore offer daily flights > Modern Rome, including a visit to the from Australia to Rome. Contact us for house and studio of Giorgio de Chirico quotes and bookings. Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–3: Explore Rome’s origins and its extraordinary rise to greatness, through visits to archaeological sites, including Ostia Antica, and world-class museums. Academy Travel is endorsed to Days 4–6: From imperial splendour to the provide NESA Registered Professional coming of Christianity. Explore underground Development for teachers accredited at Rome to witness how the city and its culture Proficient Teacher level. Completing this transformed and see the splendour of the study tour program will contribute 18 medieval church. hours of NESA Registered PD addressing Days 7–12: Rome’s Renaissance revival and 2.1.2, 6.2.2, 6.3.2 from the Australian baroque glory – walking Caravaggio’s Rome, Professional Standards for Teachers visiting the Galleria Borghese and the Vatican towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel. Accreditation in NSW. Excursion to Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este.

66 Maximum 20 in a group Paris Study Tour

$5,290 pp, twin share $1,100 single supplement July 2-14, 2018

Uncover • Old Paris, from Celtic and Roman settlements to the capital of the kings of France • The glory of the Middle Ages, from Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame to the renovated Cluny Museum • Masters of magnificence: from Louis XIV’s Versailles to the Empire of Napoleon • Impressionist and postimpressionist Paris, from masterpieces in less visited galleries to the Montmartre of Toulouse-Lautrec • The cradle of modernism: Paris in the 20th century

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 from its Roman origins, through its medieval glory to its rebirth as the epicentre of modernism. Throughout the tour, a series of detailed background lectures, guided visits and historical walking tours are balanced with time for independent exploration. Highlights Your tour leader > The glory of medieval Paris at Sainte Dr Michael Adcock is a Chapelle, Notre Dame and Cluny Museum social and cultural historian > Guided visits of world-class museums who specialises in the including the Louvre, and many excellent art and history of France. quieter museums, such as the Musée He has led several highly Jacquemart-André and the Petit Palais successful tours to Paris > Day trips to Versailles and Giverny, home for Academy Travel. of Monet’s garden > Walking tours of key sites in the city’s Getting there history, such as Montmartre, the Marais, There are a number of airline options available and Hausmann’s Opéra district for flights into and out of Paris. Contact us for > Icons of modern Paris, including the Musée quotes and bookings. Pompidou and the Picasso Museum > Underground Paris: the Roman city and the Napoleonic Canal St Martin

Fitness requirement

Itinerary Days 1–3: Ancient and medieval Paris, from Roman settlement to the pinnacles of Gothic architecture, and a cruise up Canal Saint Martin. Days 4–5: Explore the Louvre in depth and Academy Travel is endorsed to experience the extravagance of Louis XIV provide NESA Registered Professional and his court at Versailles. Development for teachers accredited at Days 6–8: Discover 19th-century Paris in Proficient Teacher level. Completing this depth, from Napoleon and Josephine to study tour program will contribute 18 the birth of modern art; day trip to Monet’s hours of NESA Registered PD addressing gardens at Giverny. 2.1.2, 6.2.2, 6.3.2 from the Australian Days 9–13: The cradle of modernism: Professional Standards for Teachers bohemian Montmartre and modern art at the towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Pompidou Centre, Picasso Museum and more. Accreditation in NSW.

More details at academytravel.com.au 67 2019 tour program

Sneak peek! Our program for 2019 is now being finalised and includes an exciting range of new destinations, along with repeats of some of our more popular tours! Further information for each tour, including a detailed itinerary, will be released 12 months before departure dates. If you are interested in finding out more about a tour listed below, please contact us directly or register your interest on our website.

Italy Europe Music & Theatre Art Cities of Tuscany: Pisa, Siena, London and Paris New York: orchestra and opera Florence January 2019 January 2019 January 2019 Grand Tour of Spain Montreal to New York: Venice: City, Republic and Empire April 2019 & October 2019 fine music in historic cities March 2019 Warsaw to Berlin April 2019 May 2019 Easter in Malta Northern Spain and Portugal Music in Germany April 2019 May 2019 May 2019 Puglia to Pompeii: British art: Holbein to Hepworth Amsterdam to Bergen: Classical Southern Italy May 2019 a musical journey April 2019 & October 2019 High Art in the Low Countries May 2019 May 2019 The City of Rome Gardens of South West England European Summer Music Festivals: April 2019 June 2019 Salzburg and Lucerne July 2019 Lakes and Villas of Northern Italy Gardens of Yorkshire & the Lake District June 2019 April 2019 Paris to Madrid: a musical journey Scandinavia and Iceland October 2019 Sicily and the Aeolian Islands June 2019 May 2019 & September 2019 Naples to Venice: a musical Art Basel and the Upper Rhine Grand Tour of Italy June 2019 Corsica and Sardinia October 2019 Stockholm to St Petersburg May 2019 & September 2019 August 2019 The Venice Biennale St Petersburg and Moscow June 2019 September 2019 Croatia Florence and the Italian Renaissance September 2019 September 2019 Vienna to Venice Istanbul and Venice: September 2019 a tale of two cities Art along the Rhine October 2019 September 2019 Berlin and Beyond October 2019 Portugal October 2019

68 www.academytravel.com.au Asia Pacific The Americas Africa & the New Zealand New York: art, architecture, Middle East history & theatre February 2019 Egypt April 2019 Hong Kong: Art Basel January 2019 March 2019 North East USA: Boston, Washington, New York Iran Canberra and Monaro: April 2019 April 2019 & October 2019 along the heritage trail Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan April 2019 Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago to Fallingwater April 2019 Japan Unmasked May 2019 Morocco May 2019 & November 2019 Modern Architecture: Los Angeles October 2019 Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La to Chicago October 2019 Turkey: Classical, Byzantine May 2019 and Ottoman Singapore Arts Festival New England and French Canada October 2019 June 2019 October 2019

Western China: on the Silk Road Central America September 2019 October 2019

Tasmania: history, art and landscape Mexico October 2019 October 2019 Cuba: then and now November 2019

More details at academytravel.com.au/adfas 69 Fitness Requirements of our tours

It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on an Academy Travel tour. We have assigned a star grading to each tour to give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required for participation. There are three levels of grading. Please see below for the participation criteria of each grading. You will also find a star grading listed on each tour page in the brochure. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you to consider carefully your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour. If you have any questions about these gradings, or you are concerned about your ability to meet the requirements of the trip, we urge you to contact us for further information and to consult your medical practitioner for an realistic assessment of your travel fitness.

Grade one Grade two Grade three Participation criteria Participation criteria Participation criteria for a Grade One tour for a Grade Two tour for a Grade Three tour Grade One tours are appropriate Grade Two tours are designed for Grade Three tours are our most for travellers in good health with people who lead active lives and physically demanding. To participate good mobility. You should be able to can comfortably participate in up on this tour, you should be able to participate comfortably in up to three to five hours of physical activity per comfortably undertake in up to seven hours of physical activity per day on day on most days, including walking hours of physical activity per day, over most days, including walking at an easy tours, challenging archaeological several days. Activities may include pace, sometimes on uneven terrain, sites, climbing stairs, embarking and travelling long distances, walking climbing stairs and standing in galleries. disembarking trains and/or boats, and a on difficult terrain, climbing stairs, more demanding tour schedule with one embarking and disembarking trains and/ You should be able to: night stops or several internal flights. or boats, exposure to high altitudes and • keep up with the group at all times long days of touring. These tours may • walk for 2-3 kilometres at a moderate You should be able to: include one night stops and early starts. to slow pace • keep up with the group at all times You should be able to: • stand for a reasonable length of • walk for 4-5 kilometres at a moderate time in galleries and museums pace with only short breaks • keep up with the group at all times • negotiate stairs and escalators • stand for a reasonable length of • walk for 5-7 kilometres at a moderate pace with only short breaks • get on and off a coach with steep time in galleries and museums stairs unassisted • tolerate uncomfortable climatic • stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and museums • move your luggage a short conditions such as cold, humidity distance if required and heat • tolerate varying climatic conditions • walk up and down slopes such as humidity and heat • negotiate steps and slopes on • enjoy a reasonable level of physical archaeological sites, which are often and respiratory fitness uneven and unstable • tolerate a diet that can be A note for older travellers • get on and off a large coach with significantly different from a typical If you are more than 80 years old, or steep stairs, train or boat unassisted, Australian diet, and where some have restricted mobility, you will find a possibly with luggage dietary requirements cannot be met number of our itineraries challenging. • move your luggage a short distance • walk up and down slopes On a Grade Two tour it is unlikely if required • negotiate steps and slopes on that you will be able to undertake all archaeological sites or mountain activities and get the full value of the paths, which are often uneven tour. Grade Three tours are unsuitable and unstable for travellers more than 80 years old, • get on and off a large coach with unless you are exceptionally fit. We steep steps, train or boat unassisted, kindly ask travellers more than 80 years possibly with luggage old to contact Academy Travel before • move your luggage a short distance submitting a booking form, so that if required we can provide specific advice on the physical requirements of the tour in which you are interested.

70 Carefully planned itineraries The NEXT STEPs itineraries, bookings, airfares

We’ve tempted you with one of our tours, Meet our client so what happens next? services team Our consultants are here to look after all Detailed itineraries Welcome letter and updates matters relating to your travel. If you are For each tour, we publish a 10–12 Once we have received your booking interested in a tour or would like to book page itinerary providing day-by-day we will send you a letter confirming all your place, get in touch with one of our descriptions of the tour program details of your booking and any special consultants below on 02 9235 0023 or and other important information. requests. We will keep you updated on 1800 639 699 outside of Sydney. This is published 9–12 months before special tour-related events and other departure. Bookings are only accepted matters as they arise. Jemma York once the detailed itinerary is published. Groups travel manager Pre-departure Booking on a tour About a month before your tour begins [email protected] Each person booking on a tour must we’ll send you a comprehensive package complete and sign a booking form and with your travel documents, tour notes and send it to us together with a deposit practical information. If you prefer you can of $500. Booking forms are attached to arrange a meeting in our Sydney office to Frederick Steyn all detailed itineraries and can also be go through your documents in person with Groups travel manager downloaded from our website. your travel consultant. [email protected] Travel consultant Beyond the tour: Other services Each of our tours has a dedicated, Outstanding small-group journeys are just professional consultant who will one of the services Academy Travel offers. Kathy Wardrop manage all aspects of your booking We are a full-service travel agency and Groups travel manager from rooming and special requests to can also organise your international [email protected] airfares, travel insurance and additional flights, additional travel before or after accommodation. Your consultant is your tour, private airport transfers and your one-stop point of reference for travel insurance. all matters relating to your travel. We organise group airfares for tours to Lynsey Martin difficult-to-reach destinations such as Travel administrator Russia, Iran and Uzbekistan. [email protected] For travel to Europe and the US we offer competitive individual fares in economy, business or first class. Why begin your tour jet-lagged? We can arrange pre-tour accommodation so you can relax for a few extra nights in the first hotel before your tour begins.

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