Array ( [0] => Array ( [WebID] => 112 [description] => Beginning in the enchanting Baroque city of Dresden, view the 15th- to 17th-century paintings and extraordinary collection of early Meissen porcelain at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister. See the fabled Green Vault in the Royal Residence Palace on a specially arranged tour, and visit the recently renovated Albertinum, whose collection includes German Romantics, French Impressionists and European sculpture. Another highlight will be an evening performance at the Neo-Renaissance Semper Opera House.

En route to the cosmopolitan city of Berlin, stop in Leipzig to visit the Grassi Museum of Applied Art and the Museum of Fine Arts. Continue to Wörlitz, a charming town with an elegant 18th-century neoclassical castle and superbly landscaped park that Goethe called ”endlessly beautiful.”

An architectural tour of Berlin includes this city's exemplary collections on Museum Island. An after-hours visit to a private contemporary collection, dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant and an excursion to the former royal seat at Potsdam are also planned.

[dates] => June 3 - 12, 2011 [title] => Princely Collections & Royal Palaces: Dresden, Leipzig & Berlin [summary] =>
  • In enchanting Dresden, visit two museums and enjoy an opera performance
  • Take a specially arranged tour of the Royal Residence Palace
  • Discover two museums in Leipzig, and a castle in charming Wörlitz
  • In Berlin, visit Museum Island and a private contemporary collection; see Potsdam
  • [start] => Jun 3 2011 [end] => Jun 12 2011 [year] => 2011 [month] => 6 [day] => 3 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Europe [3] => Germany [4] => Land ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Europe,Germany,Land [price] => 8,225 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Alan Darr [institution] => Detroit Institute of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 112_trip.jpg [mobile] => 112_preview.jpg [featured] => 112_featured.jpg ) ) [1] => Array ( [WebID] => 111 [description] => Spend a week visiting well-known Parisian landmarks including the incomparable Louvre as well as lesser-known sites; two stunning house museums; and the legendary Opéra Garnier, which we will see on a privately arranged behind-the-scenes tour. Explore the city's most eclectic neighborhood, the Marais, and stroll through the famous Luxembourg Gardens.

    Epicurean delights will highlight each day. Walk through colorful food markets and discover a new favorite vintage at a wine-tasting. Visit the famous Cordon Bleu Cooking School for a private tour and cooking demonstration.

    A high note will be an excursion to Reims, capital of the Champagne region, not only to admire its stunning Romanesque basilica and Gothic cathedral, but to lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant. A Champagne dégustation will end the day before we return to Paris. [dates] => June 3 - 11, 2011 [title] => Pleasures of Paris: History, Food & Art [summary] =>
  • Tour the Louvre; go behind the scenes at the Opéra Garnier
  • Visit the Cordon Bleu for a private tour and demonstration
  • Stroll through the Marais, Luxembourg Gardens and colorful food markets
  • In Reims, enjoy a Michelin-starred lunch and Champagne dégustation
  • [start] => Jun 3 2011 [end] => Jun 11 2011 [year] => 2011 [month] => 6 [day] => 3 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Europe [3] => France [4] => Land ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Europe,France,Land [price] => 4,795 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Ronald Rosbottom [institution] => Amherst College ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 111_trip.jpg [mobile] => 111_preview.jpg [featured] => 111_featured.jpg ) ) [2] => Array ( [WebID] => 113 [description] => Begin in sophisticated Munich at the Nepomuk Kirche, an 18th-century Baroque and rococo jewel. Visit Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria; the Residenz, the Royal Palace of Bavaria; and Alte Pinakothek, one of Europe's great museums. In Bavaria, at Hohenschwangau Castle, enter the Romantic 19th century, and then continue to Neuschwanstein, Ludwig II's dream medieval fortress. Stop to see Wies, the most magical of the Bavarian rococo churches.

    Conclude in lively Berlin, with its dazzling new architecture at the Reichstag and Potsdamer Platz, and other areas of the city. From the spectacular Pergamon Altar to the Rembrandts in the Gemaldegalerie, and from Nefertiti to the Klees of the Berggruen collection, the treasures of Berlin's museums are not to be missed!

    After a morning in Potsdam visiting Sanssouci, enjoy a delightful cruise on Wannsee Lake and lunch as the guests of a distinguished German diplomat.

    Accompanying us will be noted historian Olivier Bernier.

    [dates] => June 4 - 15, 2011 [title] => Angels & Architects: Munich & Berlin [summary] =>
  • In Munich, visit Nepomuk Kirche, two palaces and Alte Pinakothek
  • Travel to Bavaria to see two magical castles and Wies church
  • Discover Berlin's dazzling new architecture and art treasures
  • Visit Potsdam, cruise Wannsee Lake and enjoy lunch with a diplomat
  • [start] => Jun 4 2011 [end] => Jun 15 2011 [year] => 2011 [month] => 6 [day] => 4 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Europe [3] => Germany [4] => Land [5] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Europe,Germany,Land,Olivier Bernier [price] => 9,550 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 113_trip.jpg [mobile] => 113_preview.jpg [featured] => 113_featured.jpg ) ) [3] => Array ( [WebID] => 116 [description] => Visit Rambouillet, the country château of French presidents and one of Louis XVI's favorite residences, and discover the lovely Renaissance water gardens and estate at Courances. At Vaux le Vicomte, see how the combined work of Le Vau, Le Brun and, in the gardens, Le Nôtre, created the architectural masterpiece that inspired Louis XIV at Versailles.

    Travel from Blois to Tours through the harmonious landscapes of the Loire Valley, visiting not only royal châteaux, but also fortresses like Loches, pleasure houses like the enchantingly refined Azay-le-Rideau and richly sculpted churches like the cathedral in Tours. Stop at Chaumont, a château beloved of Catherine de Médicis, to see the spectacular annual flower show.

    We are pleased to be accompanied by noted historian and author Olivier Bernier, who was raised in France and has spent much time in the Loire Valley.

    [dates] => June 18 - 26, 2011 [title] => Chateaux of the Kings: Renaissance in the Loire [summary] =>
  • Admire Rambouillet, one of Louis XVI's favorite residences
  • See how Vaux le Vicomte inspired Louis XIV at Versailles
  • Visit Courances, Loches fortress, Azay-le-Rideau, and Blois
  • Enjoy a private dinner at Cheverny; attend the Chaumont Garden Festival
  • [start] => Jun 18 2011 [end] => Jun 26 2011 [year] => 2011 [month] => 6 [day] => 18 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Europe [2] => Gardens [3] => Land [4] => Loire Valley [5] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Art,Europe,Gardens,Land,Loire Valley,Olivier Bernier [price] => 6,975 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 116_trip.jpg [mobile] => 116_preview.jpg [featured] => 116_featured.jpg ) ) [4] => Array ( [WebID] => 117 [description] => In Istanbul, view the exquisite mosaics in the Byzantine Church of the Holy Savior in Chora before boarding the privately chartered sailing yacht Sea Cloud II for a one-week cruise. Cross the Sea of Marmara and travel through the Dardanelles to ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved sites from antiquity. Continue along the western coast of Turkey to Bodrum, to tour the Castle of St. Peter, home to an impressive array of items recovered from ancient shipwrecks. Anchor in the spectacular bay of Santorini and stroll the whitewashed cliff-top villages of this volcanic Greek island. Step ashore on the tiny uninhabited island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. In Navplion, the first Greek capital, discover the ruins of Mycenae.

    Conclude in Athens, where an optional post-tour extension features extraordinary architecture and incomparable museum collections. An optional prelude in Istanbul includes visits to Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.

    [dates] => July 13 - 21, 2011 [title] => Aegean Odyssey: Istanbul to Athens Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Discover amazing Ephesus; see shipwreck treasures in Bodrum
  • Spend a day exploring dramatically beautiful Santorini
  • Tour Delos, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites
  • Walk among the ruins of Mycenae, Agamemnon's fabled palace
  • [start] => Jul 13 2011 [end] => Jul 21 2011 [year] => 2011 [month] => 7 [day] => 13 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Aegean [1] => Archaeology [2] => Art [3] => Cruise [4] => Europe [5] => Greece [6] => Sea Cloud II [7] => Turkey ) [destinations] => Aegean,Archaeology,Art,Cruise,Europe,Greece,Sea Cloud II,Turkey [price] => 7,295 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Kathryn Galitz [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Richard Sylla [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Diane Cline [institution] => Princeton University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 117_trip.jpg [mobile] => 117_preview.jpg [featured] => 117_featured.jpg ) ) [5] => Array ( [WebID] => 118 [description] => Discover ancient Russian cities and architectural treasures on a special itinerary combining travel on the elegant M.S. Volga Dream and famous Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, both privately chartered.

    During three days in Moscow, take a private tour of the Kremlin when it is closed to the public and visit to the stellar painting collections at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the New Tretyakov Picture Gallery.

    Board the awaiting Volga Dream to visit five historic cities: Uglich, with its five-domed Church of the Transfiguration; Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga; Kostroma, ”Cradle of the Romanov Dynasty”; Nizhny-Novgorod, birthplace of Maxim Gorky; and Russia's rarely visited ”Third Capital,” Kazan, with its vast and eclectic kremlin. Travel overnight to Moscow on the storied Golden Eagle.

    Expert lecturers include Jack F. Matlock, Jr., former ambassador to the Soviet Union.

    An optional prelude in St. Petersburg includes a before-hours tour of the Hermitage.

    [dates] => July 13 - 24, 2011 [title] => Russian Princes & Tartar Khans: Moscow & The Golden Ring [summary] =>
  • See Moscow's landmarks and take a private tour of the Kremlin.
  • Board the elegant Volga Dream for a scenic six-night cruise
  • Visit Golden Ring cities and Russia's rarely visited "Third Capital," Kazan
  • Travel overnight to Moscow on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
  • [start] => Jul 13 2011 [end] => Jul 24 2011 [year] => 2011 [month] => 7 [day] => 13 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Asia [2] => Cruise [3] => Europe [4] => Russia [5] => Train [6] => Volga Dream ) [destinations] => Art,Asia,Cruise,Europe,Russia,Train,Volga Dream [price] => 6,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jack Matlock [institution] => Academic Arrangements Abroad ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Harvey Cox [institution] => Harvard University ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Anne Odom [institution] => Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens ) [3] => Array ( [name] => Nina Tumarkin [institution] => Wellesley College ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 118_trip.jpg [mobile] => 118_preview.jpg [featured] => 118_featured.jpg ) ) [6] => Array ( [WebID] => 119 [description] => Discover ancient Russian cities and architectural treasures on a special itinerary combining travel on the famous Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express and the elegant M.S. Volga Dream, both privately chartered.

    During three days in Moscow,tour the Kremlin when it is closed to the public, and see the stellar painting collections at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the New Tretyakov Picture Gallery.

    Travel on the storied Golden Eagle train for one night, waking up in Russia's rarely visited ”Third Capital,” Kazan, with its vast and eclectic kremlin. Board the awaiting Volga Dream to visit five historic cities: Nizhny-Novgorod, birthplace of Maxim Gorky; Kostroma, the ”Cradle of the Romanov Dynasty”; Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga; and Uglich, with its five-domed Church of the Transfiguration. Conclude with a day in Moscow.

    An optional prelude in St. Petersburg includes a tour of the Hermitage on a day when it is closed to the public.
    [dates] => July 18 - 29, 2011 [title] => Russian Princes & Tatar Khans: Moscow & The Golden Ring [summary] =>
  • See Moscow's landmarks and take a private tour of the Kremlin
  • Travel overnight to Kazan on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
  • Board the elegant Volga Dream for a scenic six-night cruise
  • Explore Golden Ring cities and rarely visited Kazan
  • [start] => Jul 18 2011 [end] => Jul 29 2011 [year] => 2011 [month] => 7 [day] => 18 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Asia [2] => Cruise [3] => Europe [4] => Frank Dabell [5] => Russia [6] => Train [7] => Volga Dream ) [destinations] => Art,Asia,Cruise,Europe,Frank Dabell,Russia,Train,Volga Dream [price] => 6,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jack Matlock [institution] => Academic Arrangements Abroad ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Frank Dabell [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Vladimir Alexandrov [institution] => Yale University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 119_trip.jpg [mobile] => 119_preview.jpg [featured] => 119_featured.jpg ) ) [7] => Array ( [WebID] => 139 [description] => Experience the enchanting Russian winter, as brightly colored palaces and the gold-starred domes stand out against a frosty background.

    Begin in Moscow to see the Kremlin in snow-covered Red Square. There will be visits to the Kremlin Collections, the Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov galleries.

    Travel by express train to St. Petersburg, whose extraordinary Hermitage Museum is a highlight. Drive to Pushkin and lavish Catherine's Palace, where the jewel-like Amber Room has been recently restored. Continue to Pavlovsk, the lovely 18th-century neoclassical palace.

    A gala New Year's Eve ball at Catherine's Palace will recapture the glamour of tsarist celebrations. Legendary Russian hospitality will include champagne, caviar, fine vodkas and a lavish dinner complemented by opera and ballet performances, folkloric entertainment and fireworks. Another special experience will be a private recital by opera soloists in the apartment-museum of a famed composer.

    [dates] => December 26, 2011 - January 4, 2012 [title] => In the Land of the Tsars: Russian Winter Arts [summary] =>
  • See Moscow's outstanding collections and St. Petersburg's Hermitage
  • Ring in the new year at a gala ball at Catherine's Palace
  • Enjoy a private opera recital in the home of a famed composer
  • Visit Pavlovsk, the lovely 18th-century neoclassical palace
  • [start] => Dec 26 2011 [end] => Jan 4 2012 [year] => 2011 [month] => 12 [day] => 26 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Asia [2] => Europe [3] => Festivals [4] => Land [5] => Russia ) [destinations] => Art,Asia,Europe,Festivals,Land,Russia [price] => 10,950 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Janetta Benton [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 139_trip.jpg [mobile] => 139_preview.jpg [featured] => 139_featured.jpg ) ) [8] => Array ( [WebID] => 140 [description] => Venice in the winter sparkles with a romantic, private glamour. As the sun breaks through the mist over the Lagoon, La Serenissima is displayed in all the glory Turner captured on canvas two centuries ago.

    Stay in the spectacular Hotel Danieli on the Venetian Lagoon, dine in private palazzi and be regaled by a performance at the famous La Fenice opera house. From the riches of the Accademia to the baroque grandeur of the Salute church and from San Sebastiano, Veronese's parish church, to the Scuola dei Carmini with its Tiepolo ceilings painted by Tiepolo, the riches of Venice will be seen, unchanged and splendid. Visit the Museo Vetrario in Murano and welcome 2012 at a gala dinner.

    [dates] => December 27, 2011 - January 3, 2012 [title] => La Serenissima: A New Year's Celebration in Venice [summary] =>
  • Stay at the luxurious Hotel Danieli; see Venice's art treasures
  • Enjoy a performance at the famous La Fenice opera house
  • Visit the studio of a glass artist in Murano
  • Dine in private palazzi; welcome 2012 at a gala dinner
  • [start] => Dec 27 2011 [end] => Jan 3 2012 [year] => 2011 [month] => 12 [day] => 27 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Europe [2] => Festivals [3] => Italy [4] => Land ) [destinations] => Art,Europe,Festivals,Italy,Land [price] => 9,950 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 140_trip.jpg [mobile] => 140_preview.jpg [featured] => 140_featured.jpg ) ) [9] => Array ( [WebID] => 141 [description] => Discover Cairo's treasures and the Pyramids of Giza. Visit Memphis and Sakkara before traveling by private plane to St. Catherine's Monastery, at the foot of Mount Sinai.

    Fly to Luxor, where visits include Luxor and Karnak temples and the tomb of Tutankhamun. Board the elegant Sun Boat IV for a four-night Nile cruise, stopping to visit the remarkable temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, before concluding in Aswan. Travel by privately chartered plane to Abu Simbel to marvel at the colossal temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.

    Continue to Jordan to explore the magnificent, rose-red ruins of ancient Petra. Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Um er-Rasas and Mount Nebo en route Amman to visit the Citadel, and view sections of the Dead Sea Scrolls at the National Archaeological Museum. Travel to Jerash, a well-preserved Roman city complete with temples, theater and a forum.

    [dates] => December 28, 2011 - January 11, 2012 [title] => A Journey into Antiquity: Egypt & Jordan by Private Plane [summary] =>
  • Discover Cairo's treasures, the Pyramids of Giza and Sakkara
  • Travel by private plane to St. Catherine's Monastery
  • Visit Edfu and Kom Ombo on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan
  • Explore Petra, Um er-Rasas, Mount Nebo, Amman and Jerash
  • [start] => Dec 28 2011 [end] => Jan 11 2012 [year] => 2011 [month] => 12 [day] => 28 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Cruise [2] => Egypt [3] => Festivals [4] => Jordan [5] => MiddleEast [6] => Winter ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Cruise,Egypt,Festivals,Jordan,MiddleEast,Winter [price] => 8,950 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 141_trip.jpg [mobile] => 141_preview.jpg [featured] => 141_featured.jpg ) ) [10] => Array ( [WebID] => 144 [description] => After arriving in Bangkok, fly to Yangon, Burma's largest city. Accompanied by noted historian Olivier Bernier, see major landmarks and impressive colonial-era buildings as well as pagodas, including one with a colossal reclining Buddha. Fly to Mandalay to visit a beautiful pagoda and a monastery that is a grand example of local teak architecture. At sunset, enjoy a private sampan cruise.

    Continue to ancient Bagan, known as the ”City of Pagodas.” Marvel at the city's 1,000 remaining pagodas and its many temples and monasteries dating to the 10th and 11th centuries. Drive to Mount Popa, known as Burma's ”Mount Olympus,” to discover a picturesque complex of monasteries and pagodas that can be reached by climbing a winding staircase of 777 steps. After an optional hot air balloon ride, tour the Bagan Archaeological Museum. Cruise on scenic Inle Lake, with floating villages and gardens, and stay in lakefront chalets. Explore the sights including a 16th-century village whose Shan-style stupas were first revealed as recently as the year 2000. Fly back to Yangon where we will see the lively Bogyoke Aung San Market.

    Optional Bangkok prelude. [dates] => January 11 - 24, 2012 [title] => Golden Stupas & Ancient Temples: The Treasures of Burma [summary] =>
  • In Yangon, Burma's largest city, see a colossal reclining Buddha
  • Marvel at Bagan's 1,000 ancient pagodas, temples and monasteries
  • Discover picturesque monasteries and pagodas at Mount Popa
  • Visit Mandalay and take a private sunset sampan cruise
  • [start] => Jan 11 2012 [end] => Jan 24 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 1 [day] => 11 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Exotic [2] => Land [3] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Asia,Exotic,Land,Olivier Bernier [price] => 9,375 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 144_trip.jpg [mobile] => 144_preview.jpg [featured] => 144_featured.jpg ) ) [11] => Array ( [WebID] => 145 [description] => Accompanied by noted historian Olivier Bernier, begin in the lively arts center of Chennai to see the famous Chola bronzes. On an excursion to the ancient seaport of Mahaballipuram, view the Rathas, a group of carved temple models. Also visit Kanchipuram, the ”golden town of a thousand temples.”

    In Bangalore, board the Golden Chariot train, our home for the next five days. Following an afternoon safari and overnight at a wildlife sanctuary, see a magnificent temple and palace in Mysore, intricately carved temples at the World Heritage Site of Hampi and the splendid carved caves at Badami. Disembark in Goa to tour this historic former Portuguese outpost and relax on the justly famous beaches. Conclude in Mumbai.

    An optional postlude includes Thanjavur's temple, a World Heritage Site and the most important of the Chola Dynasty shrines, and the Bronze Gallery. An optional prelude in Hyderabad offers tours of Charminar, Golconda Fort and Salarjung Museum while staying at the meticulously restored Taj Falaknuma Palace. [dates] => February 1 - 15, 2012 [title] => Great Indian Realms: First Temple, Last Empire Aboard the Golden Chariot [summary] =>
  • Stay in the arts center of Chennai and see famous Chola bronzes
  • Board the Golden Chariot for a journey from Bangalore to Goa
  • Enjoy an afternoon safari and overnight at a wildlife sanctuary
  • See Badami's splendid carved caves and the World Heritage Site of Hampi
  • [start] => Feb 1 2012 [end] => Feb 15 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 2 [day] => 1 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Exotic [2] => India [3] => Olivier Bernier [4] => Train ) [destinations] => Asia,Exotic,India,Olivier Bernier,Train [price] => 11,495 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 145_trip.jpg [mobile] => 145_preview.jpg [featured] => 145_featured.jpg ) ) [12] => Array ( [WebID] => 149 [description] => Discover the splendors of North India with architectural historian Patrick Bowe. In Agra, visit the one of the world's greatest monuments, the Taj Mahal, and spend an afternoon at Agra Fort. Travel to Jaipur, stopping in Deeg to visit the palace whose exceptional 18th-century garden was laid out by a Maharajah of Bharatpur. Tour the exquisite gardens at the City Palace of the Maharajas, and at Amber Fort see traditional Rajput courtyard gardens. In Udaipur, explore the City Palace and enjoy a private cruise to Jag Mandir Island in Lake Pichola. At Ranakpur, see the most beautiful Jain temple in India. From Jodhpur, visit impressive Nagaur Fort and colorful spice markets. Discover Mehrangarh Fort before flying to Delhi for a private tour of Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's palace). Throughout this unforgettable journey, we will stay at hotels that were once royal residences. [dates] => February 12 - 27, 2012 [title] => Gardens of India: Delhi to Jodhpur with Patrick Bowe [summary] =>
  • Discover architectural gems and fabulous gardens in North India
  • Visit the spectacular Taj Mahal and impressive Agra Fort
  • See palaces and forts in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi
  • Stay at fabulous hotels that were once royal residences
  • [start] => Feb 12 2012 [end] => Feb 27 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 2 [day] => 12 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Asia [2] => Exotic [3] => India [4] => Land [5] => Patrick Bowe ) [destinations] => Art,Asia,Exotic,India,Land,Patrick Bowe [price] => 11,950 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 149_trip.jpg [mobile] => 149_preview.jpg [featured] => 149_featured.jpg ) ) [13] => Array ( [WebID] => 147 [description] => Accompanied by noted historian Olivier Bernier, take a cycle-rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of Old Delhi. Discover temples and bazaars; visit the National Museum, Humayun's Tomb and the Jama Masjid, Delhi's Friday Mosque.

    Depart for Jaipur, the ”Pink City,” to tour the Amber Fort and explore the City Palace. Enjoy the unusual experience of riding elephants followed by a private champagne breakfast, and the privilege of dining at the City Palace of the Maharajas with a member of the royal family. In Jodhpur, spend the morning at the Mehrangarh Fort, once the residence of the maharajahs and today a museum.

    Continue to Udaipur, passing through the vast and beautiful landscapes of the Rajasthan desert. Visit temples on the shores of Lake Pichola; and in Ranakpur, marvel at the most stunning Jain temple in India. Fly to Amritsar, with its shimmering Golden Temple, the most sacred place of worship for Sikhs.

    During an optional prelude in Agra, view the consummate symbol of India, the Taj Mahal, as well as Agra Fort. An optional postlude is offered at the elegant Ananda resort and spa in the foothills of the Himalayas.

    [dates] => February 23 - March 9, 2012 [title] => Mughals & Maharajahs: The Splendors of North India [summary] =>
  • See Delhi's highlights and discover the city's colorful bazaars
  • Visit North India's temples, forts, palaces and markets
  • Stay at former palaces in Jaipur, Bikaner and Jodhpur
  • Dine at the City Palace of the Maharajas in Jaipur
  • [start] => Feb 23 2012 [end] => Mar 9 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 2 [day] => 23 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Exotic [2] => India [3] => Land [4] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Asia,Exotic,India,Land,Olivier Bernier [price] => 12,850 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 147_trip.jpg [mobile] => 147_preview.jpg [featured] => 147_featured.jpg ) ) [14] => Array ( [WebID] => 153 [description] => With its balmy island breezes and centuries-old tradition of gardening, the Caribbean is a delightful interlude to cooler northern temperatures. During a seven-night voyage aboard Sea Cloud II, step ashore to visit historic private plantations that have been lovingly restored by their owners, some of whom will greet us personally. Tour botanical gardens of long standing and have time to relax on pristine beaches or swim and snorkel in the dazzling Caribbean waters. Aboard ship, enjoy elegant amenities and leisurely hours of sailing.

    Ports of call include colorful Trinidad, with its unique colonial architecture; the ”Spice Island” of Grenada, known for its markets with nutmeg, cloves, cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla; and the powdery white shores of Union Island. Unwind on a beach in St. Lucia set in the dramatic Anse des Pitons, and enjoy water sports on tiny Bequia. An optional prelude is arranged in Barbados. [dates] => March 19 - 26, 2012 [title] => Gardens of the Caribbean: Round-trip Barbados Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Enjoy a seven-night journey aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II
  • Sail to Trinidad, Grenada, Union Island, St. Lucia, Bequia and Barbados
  • Visit lush botanical gardens and lovingly restored private plantations
  • Swim at exquisite hidden beaches and snorkel in clear blue waters
  • [start] => Mar 19 2012 [end] => Mar 26 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 3 [day] => 19 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Caribbean [2] => Cruise [3] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [4] => Gardens [5] => Sea Cloud II ) [destinations] => Art,Caribbean,Cruise,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Gardens,Sea Cloud II [price] => 5,295 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Anna Pavord [institution] => National Trust for Historic Preservation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 153_trip.jpg [mobile] => 153_preview.jpg [featured] => 153_featured.jpg ) ) [15] => Array ( [WebID] => 154 [description] => Begin with a city tour of The Hague, and see the superb collection of Mondrians at the Gemeente Museum. A visual delight awaits us at the renowned Keukenhof Gardens, where over a million flowering bulbs create a vast carpet of color. In the charming town of Haarlem, visit the Frans Hals Museum and embark the elegant M.S. Amadolce for a one-week river cruise.

    Step ashore in Rotterdam to see its cutting-edge architecture; and in Delft, tour the country's last Delfware pottery factory. Other ports include Ghent, to see the Van Eyck brothers' Ghent Altarpiece; the enchanting town of Bruges; and Antwerp, to tour the house of Peter Paul Rubens. In Venlo, we are privileged to visit Floriade, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening, held every 10 years. Stop in Arnhem, spend an afternoon at the Kröller-Müller Museum and conclude in Amsterdam with a visit to the Rijksmuseum.

    An optional prelude is offered in cosmopolitan Brussels to see its important collections. [dates] => April 12 - 22, 2012 [title] => Dutch & Flemish Landscapes Aboard M.S. Amadolce [summary] =>
  • In The Hague, view the outstanding collection at the Gemeente Museum
  • Cruise Dutch and Flemish waterways aboard M.S. Amadolce
  • See the magnificent Cathedral of St. Bavo and the Ghent Altarpiece
  • Visit Floriade, a World Horticultural Expo held only every 10 years
  • [start] => Apr 12 2012 [end] => Apr 22 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 4 [day] => 12 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Amadolce [1] => Archaeology [2] => Art [3] => Cruise [4] => Europe [5] => Festivals [6] => Gardens [7] => Netherlands [8] => Patrick Bowe ) [destinations] => Amadolce,Archaeology,Art,Cruise,Europe,Festivals,Gardens,Netherlands,Patrick Bowe [price] => 4,495 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Barbara Weinberg [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 154_trip.jpg [mobile] => 154_preview.jpg [featured] => 154_featured.jpg ) ) [16] => Array ( [WebID] => 156 [description] => Begin in Genoa, one of the wealthiest cities of the Renaissance, to see the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its distinctive black-and-white marble banding and lively waterfront, transformed by Renzo Piano. Stroll the Via Garibaldi, lined with baroque palaces. View magnificent collections in these and other palazzi including Doria Pamphilj, Andrea Doria's grand waterfront Renaissance estate.

    Travel to Bologna, justly famous for the excellence of its food. Admire some of the city's loveliest churches, including the 14th-century Basilica San Petronio, and explore museums including the former home and studio of artist Giorgio Morandi. During an afternoon in nearby Faenza, spend time at the Ceramics Museum and the astonishing Palazzo Milzetti.

    Discover Ravenna's superb mosaics and conclude in Venice with visits to the Accademia and the tiny Renaissance gem Santa Maria dei Miracoli. An optional prelude is offered in Milan, and a postlude is offered in Venice to further explore this fascinating city.

    Joining us will be noted historian Olivier Bernier. [dates] => April 15 - 24, 2012 [title] => Undiscovered Cities of Art: Genoa, Bologna & Ravenna [summary] =>
  • Visit magnificent palaces and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa
  • Travel to Bologna to explore museums and see beautiful churches
  • In Faenza, visit the Ceramics Museum and the Palazzo Milzetti
  • Discover superb mosaics in Ravenna before concluding in Venice
  • [start] => Apr 15 2012 [end] => Apr 24 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 4 [day] => 15 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Europe [3] => Italy ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Europe,Italy [price] => 8,650 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 156_trip.jpg [mobile] => 156_preview.jpg [featured] => 156_featured.jpg ) ) [17] => Array ( [WebID] => 160 [description] => Go behind the scenes at Glasgow's renowned art galleries and stately mansions, including the Hunterian Art Gallery and the Pollok House, with its paintings by European masters. Then travel to Edinburgh and embark on a three-night journey by rail, enjoying spectacular views of the lochs, bridges, castles and mountains of Scotland's western highlands while traveling aboard the luxurious, Edwardian-style Royal Scotsman. Stop for a scotch tasting at one of the country's premier distilleries. Get a taste of life as a country gentleman at a forested estate, trying your hand at shooting and falconry at Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute. Return to Edinbugh for specially arranged tours of the historic royal yacht Brittania and of the city's majestic hilltop castle. Celebrate with a memorable farewell dinner of exquisite Scottish fare at the 17th-century Prestonfield manor. [dates] => April 30 - May 9, 2012 [title] => Glasgow, The Royal Scotsman & Edinburgh [summary] =>
  • Go behind the scenes at Glasgow's galleries and mansions
  • Board The Royal Scotsman to discover the Scottish Highlands
  • Sample scotch at one of Scotland's premier distilleries
  • Tour the royal yacht Brittania and dine at Prestonfield manor
  • [start] => Apr 30 2012 [end] => May 9 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 4 [day] => 30 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [3] => Europe [4] => Scotland [5] => Train ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Scotland,Train [price] => 11,895 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Scott Pearson [institution] => Stanford University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 160_trip.jpg [mobile] => 160_preview.jpg [featured] => 160_featured.jpg ) ) [18] => Array ( [WebID] => 162 [description] => Beginning in the capital, visit the Prado with its new wing designed by José Rafael Moneo and overnight at the famous Hotel Ritz. Travel to the small town of Zamora where a 15th-century parador will be our home for three nights. See Zamora's celebrated Romanesque churches and spend a day discovering historic Salamanca with one of the oldest and finest universities in Europe.

    En route to Burgos, a day in Valladolid will include the astonishing Museum of Sculpture, museums of 20th-century Spanish art and the house where Cervantes once lived. Stay at a 16th-century palace, and see the riches of Burgos, where the sumptuous cathedral and dazzling royal costumes are highlights.

    Conclude in Bilbao, renowned for the Guggenheim Museum and works by contemporary architects, as well as extraordinary Basque cuisine, which we will sample at a Michelin two-star restaurant in San Sebastian.

    Joining us will be Olivier Bernier, a frequent lecturer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

    Limited availability [dates] => May 11 - 21, 2012 [title] => Treasure Cities of Northern Spain: Old Castille & the Basque Country [summary] =>
  • See the Prado in Madrid and Romanesque churches in Zamora
  • Explore the 13th-century University of Salamanca
  • Discover the museums of Valladolid and Burgos Cathedral
  • Visit the celebrated Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
  • [start] => May 11 2012 [end] => May 21 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 5 [day] => 11 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [2] => Europe [3] => Land [4] => Olivier Bernier [5] => Spain ) [destinations] => Art,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Land,Olivier Bernier,Spain [price] => 7,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 162_trip.jpg [mobile] => 162_preview.jpg [featured] => 162_featured.jpg ) ) [19] => Array ( [WebID] => 164 [description] => Following a day in London, explore historic Blenheim Palace, seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, set in parkland designed by Capability Brown. Travel through the bucolic Cotswolds where visits include Painswick, with its Rococco garden; the exquisite Lydiard Park, where we will enjoy a private lunch; and Highgrove, the country estate of the Prince of Wales (subject to availability).

    In charming Bath, we are invited for tea at the lovely Georgian Mompesson House and a stroll through the spectacular 18th-century garden at Stourhead. Also visit the baroque Dyrham Park; Longleat House, known for its high Elizabethan architecture and safari park; and Corsham Court, a private historic house with an outstanding art collection that includes works by Michelangelo and Rubens.

    Other memorable moments will include a private tour of Salisbury Cathedral and a farewell dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. [dates] => June 6 - 15, 2012 [title] => Houses of the English Aristocracy: The Cotswolds & Beyond [summary] =>
  • Visit exquisite historic homes with magnificent gardens
  • Tour a private historic house with an outstanding art collection
  • See Salisbury Cathedral on a private tour
  • Enjoy free time in London, Bath and the Cotswolds
  • [start] => Jun 6 2012 [end] => Jun 15 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 6 [day] => 6 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [3] => England [4] => Europe [5] => Gardens [6] => Land [7] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Art,Art & Architecture,Cultural Calendar 12-13,England,Europe,Gardens,Land,Olivier Bernier [price] => 9,175 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 164_trip.jpg [mobile] => 164_preview.jpg [featured] => 164_featured.jpg ) ) [20] => Array ( [WebID] => 163 [description] => On a delightful seven-night cruise, Sea Cloud II first calls at the beautiful port town of Nafplion on the Greek Peloponnese to see the ruins of the fabled palace of Agamemnon at Mycenae; and Epidaurus, with its perfectly preserved 2,500-year-old amphitheater. Under 30,000 square feet of billowing white sails, travel through the Cyclades to Syros, whose Archaeological Museum houses magnificent ancient treasures that date to the 3rd millennium B.C. On Patmos, where St. John the Evangelist is said to have written the Book of the Apocalypse, visit the grotto and monastery of St. John before setting a course for Turkey.

    Discover the magnificent sites of Ephesus and Pergamon, along the western coast, and step ashore on the lush, green island of Mytilini (Lesbos). Navigate the Dardanelles to the Sea of Marmara, and conclude in the extraordinary city of Istanbul with its dramatic skyline of domes and minarets. [dates] => June 6 - 14, 2012 [title] => Aegean Odyssey: Athens to Istanbul Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Discover the fabled palace of Agamemnon at Mycenae
  • Visit the grotto and monastery of St. John on Patmos
  • Discover the magnificent sites of Ephesus and Pergamon in Turkey
  • Step ashore on Mytilini (Lesbos) and conclude in Istanbul
  • [start] => Jun 6 2012 [end] => Jun 14 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 6 [day] => 6 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Cruise [3] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [4] => Europe [5] => Sea Cloud II ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Cruise,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Sea Cloud II [price] => 5,950 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => John Meffert [institution] => National Trust for Historic Preservation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 163_trip.jpg [mobile] => 163_preview.jpg [featured] => 163_featured.jpg ) ) [21] => Array ( [WebID] => 184 [description] => During four nights in Jerusalem, see sites central to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Take in the view from the Mount of Olives, walk the Via Dolorosa and see the Dead Sea Scrolls on a private tour. In Yad Vashem, visits include the Historical Museum and poignant Children's Memorial. Travel to the West Bank capital of Ramallah where we will be greeted by a representative from the mayor's office.

    Explore Beit She'an, a well-preserved Roman and Byzantine city, and ancient Capernaum; overnight in Tiberias. Meet with Arab-Israelis in Nazareth and with a Baha'i leader in Haifa. Admire the spectacular terraced Baha'i Gardens and discover the remains of Herod's great Roman port city Caesarea en route to vibrant Tel Aviv, where we stay three nights. Attend briefings from a U.S. Embassy official and at the Peres Center for Peace in Jaffa; and view the outstanding collections at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. [dates] => June 7 - 17, 2012 [title] => Israel Today [summary] =>
  • Discover important religious sights and fascinating antiquities
  • Visit Yad Vashem, Ramallah, Beit She'an and Capernaum
  • Explore Caesarea, Nazareth and Haifa; see vibrant Tel Aviv
  • Meet with diplomats and attend a variety of special events
  • [start] => Jun 7 2012 [end] => Jun 17 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 6 [day] => 7 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [1] => Israel [2] => Levin [3] => N. Gordon [4] => MiddleEast ) [destinations] => Cultural Calendar 12-13,Israel,Levin, N. Gordon,MiddleEast [price] => 5,750 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => N. Gordon Levin [institution] => Amherst College ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 184_trip.jpg [mobile] => 184_preview.jpg [featured] => 184_featured.jpg ) ) [22] => Array ( [WebID] => 165 [description] => In beautiful Prague, walk through the medieval Old Town and historic Jewish Quarter. Visit Prague Castle and see the outstanding Princely Collection of the Lobkowicz family.

    Travel through the Czech countryside to Brno to see the impressive Gothic Revival Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, the royal castle and Villa Tugendhat, a World Heritage Site designed by Mies van der Rohe.

    Continue to enchanting Vienna to view outstanding art collections and art nouveau architecture, and enjoy the music for which this grand city is famous. [dates] => June 17 - 27, 2012 [title] => Imperial Cities, Princely Estates: Prague, Brno & Vienna [summary] =>
  • Stroll through the medieval Old Town in the enchanting city of Prague
  • Visit Prague Castle and walk through the historic Jewish Quarter
  • See the castle and impressive Gothic Revival Cathedral in Brno
  • View outstanding art collections in beautiful Vienna
  • [start] => Jun 17 2012 [end] => Jun 27 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 6 [day] => 17 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [2] => England [3] => Europe [4] => Gardens [5] => Land ) [destinations] => Art,Cultural Calendar 12-13,England,Europe,Gardens,Land [price] => 9,750 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 165_trip.jpg [mobile] => 165_preview.jpg [featured] => 165_featured.jpg ) ) [23] => Array ( [WebID] => 168 [description] => Sailing from splendid St. Petersburg, step ashore first in Helsinki, Finland to see its striking modern architecture. Then explore Tallinn, Estonia, with its ancient spires and turreted medieval walls. Navigate Stockholm's archipelago, and step ashore to stroll through the city's picturesque Old Town. Travel to the Royal Palace of Drottningholm, modeled after Versailles, and continue to Riga, Latvia, renowned for its superb Art Nouveau architecture.

    Cruise to Klaipeda, Lithuania, or drive to Vilnius and overnight in the capital's extensive medieval center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before concluding in Copenhagen, see the unspoiled Danish island of Christiansø, which retains its 17th-century charm.

    On an optional St. Petersburg prelude, enjoy special access to the Hermitage. An optional Copenhagen postlude includes an excursion to Kronborg Castle, the setting for Hamlet. [dates] => July 17 - 27, 2012 [title] => The Baltic's Amber Coast: St. Petersburg to Copenhagen Aboard Clipper Odyssey [summary] =>
  • In Helsinki, discover striking modern architecture
  • Explore ancient Tallinn, Estonia
  • Stroll through Stockholm's picturesque Old Town
  • Discover the cities of Riga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania
  • [start] => Jul 17 2012 [end] => Jul 27 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 7 [day] => 17 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Asia [3] => Clipper Odyssey [4] => Cruise [5] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [6] => Europe [7] => Frank Dabell ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Asia,Clipper Odyssey,Cruise,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Frank Dabell [price] => 6,795 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Terry Martin [institution] => ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Jack Matlock [institution] => Academic Arrangements Abroad ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Frank Dabell [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 168_trip.jpg [mobile] => 168_preview.jpg [featured] => 168_featured.jpg ) ) [24] => Array ( [WebID] => 169 [description] => Explore the beautiful Georgian city of Edinburgh and tour the royal yacht Britannia before embarking Clipper Odyssey. From Inverness, see the battlefield of Culloden and Cawdor Castle before continuing to the Orkney Islands. Discover the remarkable Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae then travel to Scrabster to visit the summer residence of the Queen Mother.

    Stroll through the subtropical Inverewe Gardens and arrive at the port of Tobermory on the island of Mull for a private visit to a shooting lodge. Cruise to historic Iona, witness the creation of an Islay single-malt scotch and discover Kinloch Castle on the island of Rum before setting a course for Belfast. Visit the National Trust property of Mount Stewart and Grey Abbey, an exquisite Georgian estate where we will be received by its owners. Conclude in Dublin for a private visit to Helen Dillon's famous garden.

    Optional Edinburgh prelude and Dublin postlude. [dates] => July 28 - August 8, 2012 [title] => Castles & Collections of the Celtic Isles: Edinburgh to Dublin Aboard Clipper Odyssey [summary] =>
  • Explore Edinburgh and tour Britannia before embarking Clipper Odyssey
  • Visit Cawdor Castle, the Orkney Islands and Skara Brae
  • Tour the Queen Mother's summer residence and Inverewe Gardens
  • Call at the islands of Mull and Rum as well as Belfast; conclude in Dublin
  • [start] => Jul 28 2012 [end] => Aug 8 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 7 [day] => 28 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Clipper Odyssey [3] => Cruise [4] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [5] => Europe [6] => Gardens [7] => History [8] => Ireland [9] => Patrick Bowe [10] => Richard Barcham [11] => Summer ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Clipper Odyssey,Cruise,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Gardens,History,Ireland,Patrick Bowe,Richard Barcham,Summer [price] => 6,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Amelia Peck [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 169_trip.jpg [mobile] => 169_preview.jpg [featured] => 169_featured.jpg ) ) [25] => Array ( [WebID] => 183 [description] => In Genoa, with its lively waterfront and large medieval center, visits include Andrea Doria's grand Renaissance palazzo and museums housing masterpieces by artists including Titian and Rubens. Drive to Bologna, the cultural, intellectual and gastronomic center of the Emilia-Romagna region. See the city's magnificent churches and museums with Etruscan and medieval treasures. A day trip takes us to Ravenna, once the capital of the western Roman and Byzantine empires. View well-preserved mosaics that have enchanted visitors for centuries with their deep blues and rich golden tones.

    Continue to Venice, stopping en route in Faenza, birthplace of faience. Discover the vast collections of the Ceramics Museum and the elaborate décor of the astonishing Palazzo Milzetti. Arrive in La Serenissima, where accommodations are at the Hotel Europa & Regina, on the Grand Canal. View the world's finest collection of Venetian paintings at the Accademia and visit the Renaissance gem, Santa Maria dei Miracoli. [dates] => September 5 - 14, 2012 [title] => Undiscovered Cities of Art: Genoa, Bologna and Ravenna [summary] =>
  • See grand Renaissance palazzi and exquisite art in Genoa
  • Marvel at the enchanting mosaics in Ravenna
  • Visit the splendid churches and museums of Bologna
  • In Venice, view the fine collection at the Accademia
  • [start] => Sep 5 2012 [end] => Sep 14 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 9 [day] => 5 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [3] => Europe [4] => Italy [5] => Spring ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Italy,Spring [price] => 8,650 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 183_trip.jpg [mobile] => 183_preview.jpg [featured] => 183_featured.jpg ) ) [26] => Array ( [WebID] => 194 [description] => When, for forty-six years, Frederick II ruled over the kingdom of Prussia, he astonished Europe, not just by his dramatic success, but also by the paradoxes of his life. A great general, he was frequently defeated, although in the end he invariably produced a series of victories. A man of austere habits, he also owned an endless series of gold jeweled snuffboxes.

    Discover the world of Fredrick the Great during a trip full of masterpieces. In the baroque city of Dresden, stroll through Zwinger Palace, see the New Masters Gallery at the renovated Albertinum, attend a performance at the renowned Semper Opera House and visit the spectacular Green Vaults, restored to their 18th-century splendor.

    During a day in Postdam, the place Frederick the Great liked best, explore a fascinating exhibition at the Neues Palais celebrating the tercentenary of his birth. Rooms never before opened to the public will be on view, and we will also see Sans Souci, Frederick's favorite retreat. In Berlin, visit Museum Island, the Brohan Museum and the Gemäldegalerie, with its extraordinary collection of Old Masters. A highlight will be a private visit at the home of a distinguished diplomat with a keen interest in Frederick the Great.

    Joining us on this remarkable journey will be noted art historian and author Olivier Bernier. [dates] => September 15 - 24, 2012 [title] => In the World of Frederick the Great: Dresden & Berlin with Olivier Bernier [summary] =>
  • Explore the legacy of one of history's most interesting rulers
  • Stay in splendid hotels in Dresden and Berlin
  • At an exhibition celebrating Frederick II's birth, see areas of the Neues Palais never before open to the public
  • View extraordinary collections in baroque Dresden and cosmopolitan Berlin
  • [start] => Sep 15 2012 [end] => Sep 24 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 9 [day] => 15 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [1] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Cultural Calendar 12-13,Olivier Bernier [price] => 6,895 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 194_trip.jpg [mobile] => 194_preview.jpg [featured] => 194_featured.jpg ) ) [27] => Array ( [WebID] => 209 [description] => This journey through literary Ireland begins in the charming village of Adare. Stay in a traditional Irish inn, and dine at the country home of local art collectors and antiquarians. Visit Craggaunowen, with a reconstructed crannog (lake dwelling), a tower house and a replica of the boat used by St. Brendan on his voyages in the 6th century. Then, continue to Limerick to tour the Hunt Museum, which contains a mixture of Bronze Age weapons, medieval artifacts, 18th-century silver, jewels and paintings.

    On the way to Galway, tour the elegant private apartments and gardens at Birr Castle, where we enjoy lunch in the family dining room of Lord and Lady Ross. See Thoor Ballylee, the historic home of poet William Butler Yeats, which he described as a ”place full of romance and history,” and Glenlo Abbey, formerly the ancestral home of the French and Blake families.

    In scenic Galway Bay, board a ferry for the Aran Islands, described by the playwright J.M. Synge and other Irish writers. Tour the main Island of Inishmore before returning to the mainland. Continue to Renvyle to see Kylemore Abbey, an extraordinary 19th-century baronial convent. Visit Sligo, the countryside immortalized through the writings of Yeats. En route to Dublin, stop at Kells, site of the extensive ruins of St. Columcille's 6th-century monastic settlement. Enjoy lunch at a romantic Tudor Gothic house in Longford and visit Newgrange, one of the most spectacular pre-historic sites in Europe.

    Conclude in Dublin to discover the National Museum and see the city's leading literary landmarks. Follow the route taken by Leopold Bloom in Ulysses, including Trinity College, Trinity College Library and Duke Street. At the National Gallery, haunt of George Bernard Shaw, take a private tour with a curator; and at Marsh's Library, the oldest public library in Ireland, the director will greet us. Stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift is buried, and visit Martello Tower at Sandycove, formerly occupied by James Joyce and now a museum. [dates] => September 28 - October 8, 2012 [title] => Literary Ireland: Adare, Galway, Sligo & Dublin [summary] =>
  • Visit historic homes and top museums in Adare, Galway, Sligo and Dublin
  • Enjoy a hosted visit at Birr Castle
  • Admire the landscapes for which Ireland is renowned and ferry to the Aran Islands
  • Discover Dublin's National Museum and see leading literary landmarks
  • [start] => Sep 28 2012 [end] => Oct 8 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 9 [day] => 28 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Autumn [3] => Europe [4] => Ireland ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Autumn,Europe,Ireland [price] => 6,395 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Rachel Kitzinger [institution] => Vassar College ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Eamon Grennan [institution] => Vassar College ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 209_trip.jpg [mobile] => 209_preview.jpg [featured] => 209_featured.jpg ) ) [28] => Array ( [WebID] => 171 [description] => Embark Sea Cloud II in Venice and call at Trieste to explore Aquileia, once one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire. Cruise along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast to Kotor, with its well-preserved medieval Old Town. Also in Montenegro, visit Our Lady of the Rocks Church, which occupies a small island in a magnificent setting.

    Continue to the fascinating World Heritage Site of Butrint, Albania, a former Greek colony, Roman city, Byzantine bishopric and Venetian trading post. The rich history of this location, inhabited since prehistoric times, can be explored in a walk through its ancient ruins and compelling museum. Conclude in the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik, which George Bernard Shaw rightly called the ”Pearl of the Adriatic.”

    On an optional Venice prelude, stay at the deluxe Hotel Europa & Regina on the Grand Canal and see landmarks including the Doge's Palace and the art treasures of the Accademia. On an optional Bosnia-Herzegovina postlude, discover the country's fascinating cultures in Sarajevo and Mostar. Another postlude option is to continue aboard Sea Cloud II and sail from Dubrovnik back to Venice, stopping at historic towns in Croatia before seeing the famous mosaics of Ravenna, Italy. [dates] => October 2 - 9, 2012 [title] => In the Realm of the Winged Lion: Montenegro, Albania & Beyond Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • From Trieste, explore ancient Aquileia
  • Visit the historic port of Kotor, Montenegro
  • Discover fascinating Butrint, Albania, which dates to prehistoric times
  • See the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik
  • [start] => Oct 2 2012 [end] => Oct 9 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 10 [day] => 2 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Cruise [3] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [4] => Europe [5] => History [6] => Sea Cloud II ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Cruise,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,History,Sea Cloud II [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Cynthia Verba [institution] => Harvard Alumni Association ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Sidney Verba [institution] => Harvard Alumni Association ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 171_trip.jpg [mobile] => 171_preview.jpg [featured] => 171_featured.jpg ) ) [29] => Array ( [WebID] => 172 [description] => [dates] => October 3 - 7, 2012 [title] => Glories of the Hudson: Houses & Collections [summary] => [start] => Oct 3 2012 [end] => Oct 7 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 10 [day] => 3 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Art & Architecture [3] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [4] => Gardens [5] => Land [6] => Olivier Bernier [7] => USA ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Art & Architecture,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Gardens,Land,Olivier Bernier,USA [price] => T.B.A. [images] => Array ( [preview] => 172_trip.jpg [mobile] => 172_preview.jpg [featured] => 172_featured.jpg ) ) [30] => Array ( [WebID] => 174 [description] => Spend a day the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik, which George Bernard Shaw called the ”Pearl of the Adriatic,” before boarding the elegant sailing yacht Sea Cloud II. Visit the lovely island of Hvar then step ashore in Split to discover Diocletian's Palace, where the emperor retired in 305 C.E. Considered the finest surviving example of late classical architecture, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also see the captivating town of Trogir, surrounded by 15th-century walls. Continue to Pula to explore the superb remains of this ancient Istrian metropolis.

    Sail into Ravenna, Italy to discover the glittering mosaics for which this city is justly famous. Conclude in enchanting Venice with a visit to the Accademia and an afternoon to enjoy La Serenissima at your leisure.

    On an optional Bosnia-Herzegovina prelude, discover the country's fascinating cultures in Sarajevo and Mostar. On an optional Venice postlude, see the city's splendid churches, and masterpieces by Tintoretto and Titian. To explore more of the Adriatic, you may wish to board Sea Cloud II in Venice on October 2 for a six-night voyage to Dubrovnik, stopping in Trieste, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; and Butrint, Albania. [dates] => October 8 - 16, 2012 [title] => In the Realm of the Winged Lion: Croatia & the Veneto Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Visit beautiful Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar in Croatia
  • In Split, explore Diocletian's Palace; visit Trogir and Pula
  • Discover the stunning mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
  • Conclude in enchanting Venice with a visit to the Accademia
  • [start] => Oct 8 2012 [end] => Oct 16 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 10 [day] => 8 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Cruise [3] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [4] => Europe [5] => Sea Cloud II ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Cruise,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Sea Cloud II [price] => 6,595 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Ivo Banac [institution] => Yale University ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 174_trip.jpg [mobile] => 174_preview.jpg [featured] => 174_featured.jpg ) ) [31] => Array ( [WebID] => 173 [description] => From Beijing, where visits include the awe-inspiring Great Wall and the Forbidden City, fly to Zhengzhou, known for its Shaolin Temple, martial arts and pagoda forest. Continue to Luoyang and discover centuries of exceptional stone carvings in the Buddhist Caves of Longmen. A sleek bullet train takes us to Xi'an, where vestiges of a proud imperial history include the tomb of the First Emperor Qin with its legendary 7,500 terra-cotta warriors.

    Travel on to Guilin, where limestone karst hills rise dramatically from paddy fields and streams. Admire this unique landscape during a cruise along the River Li. Animal lovers will delight in a visit a panda sanctuary.

    Explore Suzhou, one of China's oldest and most beautiful cities, and conclude in vibrant Shanghai. In this metropolis long known as the ”Paris of the East,” see the outstanding collections at the Shanghai Museum, stroll along the Bund and enjoy time at leisure. [dates] => October 12 - 27, 2012 [title] => Majestic China: From Ancient Cities to the River Li [summary] =>
  • Walk along the awe-inspiring Great Wall in Beijing
  • See the army of 7,500 terra-cotta warriors in Xi'an
  • Cruise the River Li aboard a privately chartered boat
  • See Suzhou's gardens; spend two nights in Shanghai
  • [start] => Oct 12 2012 [end] => Oct 27 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 10 [day] => 12 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 ) [destinations] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [price] => 13,495 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Diane Schafer [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 173_trip.jpg [mobile] => 173_preview.jpg [featured] => 173_featured.jpg ) ) [32] => Array ( [WebID] => 175 [description] => Begin in Toulouse, la ville rose, to see the lovely Romanesque church of St. Sernin, and continue to the enchanting town of Montauban, the birthplace of Ingres. Enjoy a private reception and dinner at the splendidly situated Château de Saint Géry before traveling to the Dordogne to see a perfect replica of the 17,000-year-old cave art of Lascaux. Drive through a series of dramatic landscapes and visit other early sites such as Roque St. Christophe, a unique, five-story-high rock shelter inhabited from 30,000 BCE to the 16th century. Also stroll through the unchanged medieval town of Sarlat.

    In Bordeaux, a highlight will be the Place de la Bourse, designed by the architect of the Petit Trianon and the Place de la Concorde, Jacques-Ange Gabriel. And of course, there will be opportunities to sample the fine wines of this region.

    Our trip, during the truffle season, will include gastronomical treats and conclude with a gala evening at Château de Mouton-Rothschild.

    Accompanying us will be distinguished art historian and author Olivier Bernier.

    Space on this program is extremely limited. [dates] => October 19 - 29, 2012 [title] => Patrician Cities, Prehistoric Paintings: Toulouse, the Dordogne & Bordeaux [summary] =>
  • See beautiful Toulouse and enchanting country towns
  • Enjoy Bordeaux wine tastings; private châteaux dinners
  • Visit the prehistoric cave of Lascaux in the Dordogne
  • Conclude with a gala at Château de Mouton-Rothschild
  • [start] => Oct 19 2012 [end] => Oct 29 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 10 [day] => 19 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [2] => Europe [3] => France [4] => Land [5] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Art,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,France,Land,Olivier Bernier [price] => 9,250 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 175_trip.jpg [mobile] => 175_preview.jpg [featured] => 175_featured.jpg ) ) [33] => Array ( [WebID] => 176 [description] => In Valletta, Malta, visit extraordinary historic and prehistoric sites, view a Caravaggio masterpiece and enjoy a private reception at Casa Roca Piccola by invitation of the Marquis de Piro. Embark Sea Cloud II and sail to Sicily to walk amongst some of the finest Greek ruins in the world in Agrigento.

    See Segesta's splendid Greek temple and theater and marvel at the 2,400-year-old bronze statue, Dancing Satyr, in Mazara del Vallo. Continue to Sicily's capital, Palermo, and admire the golden mosaics in the ninth-century Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Norman Kings. In nearby Monreale, visit the magnificent Norman cathedral.

    Stroll through charming Taormina to reach its ancient Greek theater. In Syracuse, discover the well-preserved Greek and Roman theaters, the cathedral built on the ruins of the Temple of Athena and Caravaggio's prized painting, The Burial of St. Lucy. By special invitation we will visit the baroque palazzo of Barone Beneventano. Disembark in Valletta. [dates] => October 22 - 31, 2012 [title] => Sicily by Sea: Art Treasures & Ancient Temples Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • See extraordinary historic and prehistoric sites in Malta
  • Walk among fine Greek and Roman ruins in Sicily
  • Admire the golden mosaics in the Palace of the Norman Kings
  • In Syracuse, visit a baroque palazzo by special invitation
  • [start] => Oct 22 2012 [end] => Oct 31 2012 [year] => 2012 [month] => 10 [day] => 22 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Cruise [3] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [4] => Europe [5] => Patrick Bowe [6] => Sea Cloud II ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Cruise,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Patrick Bowe,Sea Cloud II [price] => 6,295 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Elizabeth Milleker [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 176_trip.jpg [mobile] => 176_preview.jpg [featured] => 176_featured.jpg ) ) [34] => Array ( [WebID] => 180 [description] => Begin in Germany, birthplace of Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, who became Catherine the Great and ruled Russia for 34 years.

    In Berlin, see the masterpieces at the Gemäldegalerie and the superb antiquities at the Pergamon Museum. Drive to Potsdam to visit Frederick the Great's retreat at Sans Souci, and the vast and magnificent Neues Palais.

    Fly to St. Petersburg and view the riches of the museum at the Marble Palace. Explore the history of Russian art at the Russian Museum and tour the amazing collections of the Hermitage before public opening hours. Spend a morning at Pavlovsk, the palace Catherine built for her son.

    Sure to be memorable is the Gala New Year's Ball at Catherine's Palace. Relive the extravagant glamour of a tsarist celebration with regal fanfare and flamboyant Russian hospitality, including champagne, caviar, a sumptuous dinner and entertainment. [dates] => December 26, 2012 - January 4, 2013 [title] => Catherine the Great: from Berlin to St. Petersburg [summary] =>
  • View Berlin's top collections of art and antiquities
  • Explore Sans Souci and the Neues Palais in Potsdam
  • In St. Petersburg, tour the Hermitage before public opening hours
  • Attend the glamorous Gala New Year's Ball at Catherine's Palace
  • [start] => Dec 26 2012 [end] => Jan 4 2013 [year] => 2012 [month] => 12 [day] => 26 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Asia [3] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [4] => Europe [5] => Festivals [6] => History ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Asia,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Festivals,History [price] => 11,495 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 180_trip.jpg [mobile] => 180_preview.jpg [featured] => 180_featured.jpg ) ) [35] => Array ( [WebID] => 185 [description] => From East to West, India's varied cultures offer a many-splendored patchwork. Begin in Kolkata to visit the National Museum, arguably the best in the country, and enjoy an architectural tour of the city. In Bhubaneshwar, see the collection of early Buddhist sculpture at the Orissa State Museum before exploring temples with their soaring towers. At Konark, discover the great 13th-century Sun Temple, justly famous for its stone carved wheels, its gracefully erotic reliefs and a marvelous statue of the sun god, Surya.

    Continuing to Hyderabad, once India's richest state, admire the collections of former rulers and view striking Golconda Fort. Stop in Bhopal to see the Great Stupa at Sanchi, an early triumph of Buddhist art, before continuing to Ahmadabad, where textiles and great architecture will be the focus of our visit. Conclude in Delhi for visits to the National Museum, Humayun's Tomb and the vast Jama Masjid, Delhi's Friday Mosque.

    Joining us on this remarkable journey will be noted art historian and author Olivier Bernier.

    During an optional prelude in Agra, experience the consummate symbol of India, the Taj Mahal.

    You may also wish to join an optional postlude in Aurangabad to see the Ellora Caves, Daultabad Fort and the Ajanta Caves, famous for their magnificent tempera wall paintings. [dates] => January 11 - 28, 2013 [title] => The Heart of India: Gods, Silks & Museums [summary] =>
  • Experience some of India's finest museums
  • Admire the famous wheeled temple of Konark
  • Discover the Great Stupa at Sanchi
  • In exuberant Delhi, highlights include Shah Jahan's Great Mosque
  • [start] => Jan 11 2013 [end] => Jan 28 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 1 [day] => 11 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [3] => Exotic [4] => History [5] => India [6] => Olivier Bernier [7] => Winter ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Exotic,History,India,Olivier Bernier,Winter [price] => 13,950 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 185_trip.jpg [mobile] => 185_preview.jpg [featured] => 185_featured.jpg ) ) [36] => Array ( [WebID] => 186 [description] => With its balmy island breezes and centuries-old tradition of gardening, the Caribbean is a delightful interlude to cooler northern temperatures. During a seven-night voyage aboard Sea Cloud II, step ashore to visit historic sites and tour botanical gardens of long standing. Relax on pristine beaches or swim and snorkel in the dazzling Caribbean waters. Aboard ship, enjoy elegant amenities and leisurely hours of sailing.

    Embark Sea Cloud II in Antigua, historically known as the ”gateway to the Caribbean.” Sail to St. Barthélemy, with its French savor faire. On Tortola admire the spectacular harbor views at lush Governor's Gardens, and on Virgin Gorda sample a rum punch at the exclusive Bitter End Yacht Club. Continue to the Netherlands Antilles to enjoy an architectural walking tour of St. Eustatius, once one of the busiest seaports in the world. And on the island of Nevis, birthplace and childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, visit the Alexander Hamilton house and the spectacular botanic garden before concluding in Antigua.

    Optional Antigua prelude. [dates] => January 13 - 20, 2013 [title] => History & Gardens of the Caribbean: Roundtrip Antigua Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Enjoy a seven-night voyage aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II
  • Sail to St. Barthélemy, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Eustatius, Nevis and Antigua
  • Visit lush botanical gardens and lovingly restored historic sites
  • Swim at exquisite beaches and snorkel in pristine blue waters
  • [start] => Jan 13 2013 [end] => Jan 20 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 1 [day] => 13 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Caribbean [1] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [2] => Gardens [3] => History [4] => Patrick Bowe [5] => Winter ) [destinations] => Caribbean,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Gardens,History,Patrick Bowe,Winter [price] => 4,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Joyce Chaplin [institution] => Harvard University ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Fred Strebeigh [institution] => Harvard University ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Linda Peterson [institution] => Harvard University ) [3] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 186_trip.jpg [mobile] => 186_preview.jpg [featured] => 186_featured.jpg ) ) [37] => Array ( [WebID] => 208 [description] => Although Cuba is just 90 miles from the United States, it remains a mystery to most Americans.

    Discover the exciting art and architecture of Cuba with special entrée to the country's arts community. Interact with artists and cultural leaders, stroll through main squares of Old Havana, visit historic coastal cities and enjoy the warm hospitality of this captivating Caribbean nation.

    On this ”people to people” travel program, spend five or six nights in Havana, then travel to Cienfuegos and Trinidad on the southern coast. In Cienfuegos, take a walking tour of the main square and enjoy a performance by the world renowned choir, Cantores de Cienfuegos. Drive to Trinidad to see this historic city's main plaza and museums, and pass beautifully decorated colonial homes.

    During our journey, we will dine at restaurants such as El Templete and the lively El Aljibe. You may also wish to eat at a paladar, a restaurant in a private home that operates with the special permission of the Cuban government.

    Variations on this popular program are being offered throughout 2012 and 2013. (For example, instead of visiting Trinidad and Cienfuegos, some groups travel along the north coast to Matanzas, called the ”Athens of Cuba,” with its rich cultural traditions and Afro-Cuban Heritage.) Please contact our office for other dates, details and availability. [dates] => January 19 - 26, 2013 [title] => Cuba: Through the Eyes of the People [summary] =>
  • Walk through Old Havana with an architectural historian and spend five or six nights in Cuba's capital
  • Travel to Cienfuegos and Trinidad on Cuba's southern coast
  • See many UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Cuba has seven cultural and two natural sites)
  • Visit Cuba's leading artists in their homes and studios, and meet with dance groups and choral performers
  • [start] => Jan 19 2013 [end] => Jan 26 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 1 [day] => 19 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Caribbean [2] => Cuba ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Cuba [price] => T.B.A. [images] => Array ( [preview] => 208_trip.jpg [mobile] => 208_preview.jpg [featured] => 208_featured.jpg ) ) [38] => Array ( [WebID] => 205 [description] => See highlights of Delhi including Humayun's Tomb, the 13th-century Qtub Minar, the Red Fort and Jama Masjid; visit the National Museum, housing an excellent collection of Indian sculpture and paintings. Then travel to Varanasi, the Hindu holy city on the Ganges River, and board a private boat to witness an evening Hindu Prayer Ceremony.

    Visit the Archeological Museum in Sarnath before flying to Khajuraho, famous for the artistry of its temple sculptures, carved 1,000 years ago. In Agra, view the consummate symbol of India, the Taj Mahal, as well as the 16th-century Red Fort.

    Depart for Jaipur, the ”Pink City,” to tour the Amber Fort and explore the City Palace, and experience an elephant ride in nearby Dera Amer. Continue to Udaipur to visit the exquisite palaces and temples on the shores of Lake Pichola.

    During an optional postlude in Jodhpur, explore the Mehrangarh Fort, once the residence of the maharajahs and today a museum. [dates] => January 28 - February 12, 2013 [title] => The Splendors of North India [summary] =>
  • See Delhi highlights and tour the National Museum
  • Witness an evening Hindu Prayer Ceremony in Varanasi
  • View the Taj Mahal, the consummate symbol of India
  • Tour Jaipur's Amber Fort and ride an elephant in Dera Amer
  • [start] => Jan 28 2013 [end] => Feb 12 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 1 [day] => 28 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Asia [3] => Exotic [4] => History [5] => India [6] => Land [7] => Winter ) [destinations] => Art,Art & Architecture,Asia,Exotic,History,India,Land,Winter [price] => 12,950 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 205_trip.jpg [mobile] => 205_preview.jpg [featured] => 205_featured.jpg ) ) [39] => Array ( [WebID] => 215 [description] => Spend a night in Bangkok before continuing to Yangon, Burma's largest city. See the colorful Chaukhtatki Pagoda, with its colossal reclining Buddha, and the glimmering Shwedagon Pagoda. Fly on to Bagan, known as the ”City of Pagodas,” and board the Road to Mandalay for a four-night voyage into the country's cultural heart. Tour the former capital of Mandalay, a showcase of 19th-century Burmese art and architecture. In the town of Mingun, visit important sights including the lovely white Hsinbyume Pagoda. Discover the Sagaing Hills, considered the living center of Buddhism in Burma, before returning to Yangon. During an optional prelude in Bangkok, discover dazzling temples and shrines, the Grand Palace and the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall at Dusit Palace. [dates] => March 11 - 21, 2013 [title] => Burma: Aboard the Road To Mandalay [summary] =>
  • In Yangon, Burma's largest city, see a colossal reclining Buddha
  • Marvel at Bagan's ancient pagodas, temples and monasteries
  • Enjoy a four-night Irrawaddy River cruise aboard the Road to Mandalay
  • Visit the former capital of Mandalay, the town of Mingun, and the Sagaing Hills, considered the living center of Buddhism in Burma
  • [start] => Mar 11 2013 [end] => Mar 21 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 3 [day] => 11 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => Burma [3] => Exotic [4] => History [5] => Southeast Asia ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,Burma,Exotic,History,Southeast Asia [price] => 6,895 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Robin Kirk [institution] => Duke University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 215_trip.jpg [mobile] => 215_preview.jpg [featured] => 215_featured.jpg ) ) [40] => Array ( [WebID] => 229 [description] => Discover a captivating part of the world where tradition and heritage combine with modernity and style. Begin in Muscat, Oman, considered ”Arabia's jewel,” to visit the Bait Al Baranda Museum, the impressive Grand Mosque and the Bait Al Zubair Museum. Spend a day in the oasis city of Nizwa to experience the lively markets and bustling souk, and visit the 17 th-century Nizwa Fort, the largest on the Arabian Peninsula.

    Fly to the futuristic city of Dubai, UAE, for a tour of the Burj al Khaleef, the world's tallest building, with one of the building's architects. Visit Art Dubai, an exciting exhibition of contemporary art. Travel outside of Dubai to the desert oasis of Ail Ain. View archaeological digs that date back some 5,000 years, tour Al Ain's National Museum, drive through a traditional camel market, see the Al Ain Palace Museum, and visit the Jahili Fort. Conclude in Doha, Qatar, and to explore the city's museums, including special access to the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei. [dates] => March 15 - 27, 2013 [title] => Oman, the United Arab Emirates & Qatar [summary] =>
  • Visit palaces and museums in Muscat, considered "Arabia's jewel," and travel to the oasis city of Nizwa
  • In Dubai tour the Burj al Khaleef, the world's tallest building, and view exciting contemporary art
  • Travel outside of Dubai to the desert oasis of Ail Ain
  • Enjoy special access to the Islamic Museum of Art in Doha and explore MATHAF, Doha's unique Arab Museum of Modern Art
  • [start] => Mar 15 2013 [end] => Mar 27 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 3 [day] => 15 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Exotic [2] => MiddleEast [3] => Spring ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Exotic,MiddleEast,Spring [price] => 9,895 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Sheila Canby [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 229_trip.jpg [mobile] => 229_preview.jpg [featured] => 229_featured.jpg ) ) [41] => Array ( [WebID] => 213 [description] => Spend three days exploring great collections and museums in Kansas City including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. In Bentonville, Arkansas, visit the acclaimed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Founded by Alice Walton and designed by architect Moshe Safdie, Crystal Bridges features works ranging from Colonial to contemporary times. Included in the permanent collection are iconic images such as Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter and Andy Warhol's Dolly Parton. Continue on to Tulsa, renowned for its art deco architecture. See collections of art of the American West at the Gilcrease Museum and American and European paintings at the Philbrook. Discover Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in nearby Bartlesville.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => April 9 - 15, 2013 [title] => The Arts in America's Heartland: Kansas City, Crystal Bridges & Tulsa [summary] =>
  • Discover the Nelson-Atkins and Kemper Museum in Kansas City
  • Tour the acclaimed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas
  • Visit the Gilcrease Museum, with its vast collection of art of the American West, and the Philbrook Museum
  • See Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in nearby Bartlesville
  • [start] => Apr 9 2013 [end] => Apr 15 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 4 [day] => 9 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Art [2] => History ) [destinations] => America,Art,History [price] => 3,185 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Liza Kirwin [institution] => Archives of American Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 213_trip.jpg [mobile] => 213_preview.jpg [featured] => 213_featured.jpg ) ) [42] => Array ( [WebID] => 193 [description] => Visit Casablanca's exquisite Hassan II Mosque, then drive along the Moroccan coast to the capital city of Rabat, encircled by 8th-century pink ramparts. Stop at the well-preserved Roman town of Volubilis en route to Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the medina and old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy a private cooking demonstration of tagines and other local specialties. Continue to Tangier and ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to southern Spain.

    During a tour of Córdoba, see the medieval streets of the Jewish Quarter and savor a traditional lunch. Tour the famed Mezquita, or Great Mosque, considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the West. Explore the ruins of nearby Medina al Zahra, a 10th-century palace city.

    In Granada, spend a day exploring Spain's Islamic masterpiece, the Alhambra. Stroll through the palace courtyards, with their superb vistas, and the gardens of the Generalife, with their watercourses and fountains. Conclude in Seville for visits to the Museo de Bellas Artes and the famous corrida (bullring).

    Please call for availability. [dates] => April 12 - 23, 2013 [title] => Treasures of Morocco & Andalusia: Palaces, Medinas & Gardens [summary] =>
  • Admire Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque before traveling along Morocco's coast to Rabat
  • Visit the well-preserved Roman town of Volubilis and stay in the historic imperial capital of Fes
  • Ferry to southern Spain to see Córdoba's famed Mezquita, the ruins of Medina al Zahra and the Alhambra
  • Conclude in Seville to visit the city's famous bullring and the Museo de Bellas Artes
  • [start] => Apr 12 2013 [end] => Apr 23 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 4 [day] => 12 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => Land [3] => MiddleEast [4] => Spring ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,Land,MiddleEast,Spring [price] => 8,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Maryam Ekhtiar [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 193_trip.jpg [mobile] => 193_preview.jpg [featured] => 193_featured.jpg ) ) [43] => Array ( [WebID] => 187 [description] => [dates] => April 15 - 25, 2013 [title] => Sea Spirit Cuba [summary] => [start] => Apr 15 2013 [end] => Apr 25 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 4 [day] => 15 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cuba ) [destinations] => Cuba [price] => [images] => Array ( [preview] => 187_trip.jpg [mobile] => 187_preview.jpg [featured] => 187_featured.jpg ) ) [44] => Array ( [WebID] => 189 [description] => Board the legendary Sea Cloud in Palma de Mallorca and sail to Menorca, where we will be personally received by the owners of one of the island's largest estates.

    Cross the Mediterranean to Tunisia to view an unrivaled collection of Roman mosaics in Tunis and discover the extraordinary archaeological sites of Dougga and El Djem. Visit the Sidi Sahbi shrine and the 7th-century Great Mosque in the historic city of Kairouan, or join a walking tour of Sousse that includes the historic medina. Disembark in Malta.

    Optional Mallorca prelude and optional Valletta postlude.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => April 23 - May 1, 2013 [title] => A Mediterranean Idyll: Mallorca to Malta aboard Sea Cloud [summary] =>
  • Visit the Catalan Gothic Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca before boarding Sea Cloud
  • In Tunis, view an unrivaled collection of Roman mosaics
  • Explore the archaeological sites of Dougga and El Djem
  • Disembark in charming Valletta, Malta
  • [start] => Apr 23 2013 [end] => May 1 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 4 [day] => 23 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Cruise [3] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [4] => Europe [5] => Gardens [6] => Malta [7] => Mediterranean [8] => North Africa [9] => Sea Cloud II [10] => Spain [11] => Spring [12] => Tunisia ) [destinations] => Art,Art & Architecture,Cruise,Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,Gardens,Malta,Mediterranean,North Africa,Sea Cloud II,Spain,Spring,Tunisia [price] => 8,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Sean Hemingway [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 189_trip.jpg [mobile] => 189_preview.jpg [featured] => 189_featured.jpg ) ) [45] => Array ( [WebID] => 230 [description] => The glamorous and ill-fated Romanov Dynasty is the focus of this exceptional Russian journey. Begin in Moscow to see the iconic sights of Red Square on a walking tour. Before public hours at the Kremlin, visit the Armory Museum, with its tsarist treasures and Romanov jewels; then, view the frescoed interiors of the cathedrals. By special arrangement, enter the Grand Kremlin Palace.

    Board the luxurious Golden Eagle train and awaken in Russia's ”Third Capital,” Kazan, founded in the 11th century, where you will see its eclectic kremlin. Continue on your rail journey to Yekaterinburg, where the tragic end to the Romanov family will be illuminated with visits during two days.

    Fly to St. Petersburg for four nights in this glorious city of canals. Visit the astounding art collection of the Hermitage and Catherine's Palace, with its Amber Room, when they are closed to the public. See the fountains of Peterhof, the Russian Versailles, and enjoy a farewell dinner at Stroganoff Palace. Evening performances at the fabled Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters add to the pleasures of this program.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => May 2 - 14, 2013 [title] => The Rise & Fall of the Romanov Dynasty [summary] =>
  • Discover Moscow's Kremlin before it is open to the public and enter the Grand Kremlin Palace by special arrangement
  • Board the luxurious Golden Eagle train to travel to Kazan, Russia's "Third Capital"
  • Explore Yekaterinburg, Russia's border city between Europe and Asia, and learn about the Romanov family's tragic end
  • Conclude in St. Petersburg to visit Catherine's Palace and the Hermitage when they are closed to the public
  • [start] => May 2 2013 [end] => May 14 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 5 [day] => 2 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Europe [2] => Russia [3] => Train ) [destinations] => Asia,Europe,Russia,Train [price] => 13,995 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 230_trip.jpg [mobile] => 230_preview.jpg [featured] => 230_featured.jpg ) ) [46] => Array ( [WebID] => 228 [description] => During a week in the Eternal City, admire world-famous masterpieces of art and discover stunning churches. See Casino Ludovisi, residence of Prince and Princess Boncompagni Ludovisi, on a private tour, and visit the Vatican and its Sistine Chapel before they are open to the public. Explore the Borghese Gallery, a veritable shrine of High Renaissance and early Baroque art. Spend a day in Tivoli to see Hadrian's Villa and the 16th-century Villa d'Este. Other highlights include dinner at the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, whose collections include works by Caravaggio and Velázquez, and a visit to the Palazzo di Spagna, where the Spanish Embassy houses a fine collection including works by Bernini.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => May 10 - 17, 2013 [title] => Princes & Popes: A Privileged View of Rome [summary] =>
  • See Casino Ludovisi, residence of Prince and Princess Boncompagni Ludovisi, on a private tour
  • Visit the Borghese Gallery to view works by Titian, Caravaggio and Bernini
  • Dine at the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, whose collections include works by Caravaggio and Velázquez
  • Tour the Vatican and Sistine Chapel before they are open to the public
  • [start] => May 10 2013 [end] => May 17 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 5 [day] => 10 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => Frank Dabell [3] => Italy [4] => Spring ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,Frank Dabell,Italy,Spring [price] => 8,495 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Frank Dabell [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 228_trip.jpg [mobile] => 228_preview.jpg [featured] => 228_featured.jpg ) ) [47] => Array ( [WebID] => 210 [description] => In Victorian Glasgow, visit the recently opened Riverside Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid. During an architectural city tour, see the 13th-century cathedral, George Square, the 18th-century center of the city and the spectacularly Victorian city chambers, the headquarters of the Glasgow City Council for more than 100 years. View the outstanding collections of the Burrell Collection and the Hunterian Museum. Also see the home of native son, architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh, known for his refined Art Nouveau designs, and the Kelvingrove Museum, a treasure house of painting, sculpture, ceramics, silver and jewelry.

    Continue to the countryside of the Anglo-Scottish border to visit Floors Castle, built to the designs of Robert Adam and Gothecized in the 1830s, and Paxton House, designed inside and out by William and Robert Adam. We also visit Alnwick, the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, a superb Neo-Gothic building housing the rich collections of generations of noblemen.

    Conclude in York, England, to see Fairfax House, the medieval Guild Hall and York Minster, one of Europe's most spectacular Gothic cathedrals.

    We will be joined by art historian and author Olivier Bernier.

    Optional Cliveden House postlude.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => May 14 - 22, 2013 [title] => Noble Dukes & Victorian Masterpieces: Glasgow, the Borders & York [summary] =>
  • See Glasgow's most important collections including the Burrell Collection and the Hunterian Museum
  • Tour the exceptional country estates Alnwick, Floors Castle and Paxton House
  • In York, England, admire the spectacular Gothic York Minster
  • Optional Cliveden House postlude
  • [start] => May 14 2013 [end] => May 22 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 5 [day] => 14 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => England [2] => Europe [3] => Scotland ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,England,Europe,Scotland [price] => 7,785 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 210_trip.jpg [mobile] => 210_preview.jpg [featured] => 210_featured.jpg ) ) [48] => Array ( [WebID] => 202 [description] => This enchanting week-long cruise begins in Rome, where we board the elegant three-masted Sea Cloud II and sail to Livorno. Drive through Tuscan olive groves and vineyards to Pisa, then cruise along the Italian Riviera to the captivating town of Portofino.

    In Genoa we are welcomed at a private cocktail reception at the expansive Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, overlooking the sea. See the city's important collections and visit the workshop of the renowned architect Renzo Piano. Stroll through the glamorous town of Capri and continue to Naples to visit the superb National Archaeological Museum and explore nearby Herculaneum.

    An optional Rome prelude includes a private visit to the Sistine Chapel.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => May 20 - 28, 2013 [title] => Italian Masterpieces: Rome to Naples Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Tour Rome's Borghese Gallery, then board Sea Cloud II for a seven-night voyage
  • Explore Pisa, Portofino, Genoa, Capri, Naples and Herculaneum
  • Visit Genoa's expansive Palazzo Doria Pamphilj for a special cocktail reception
  • On an optional Rome prelude, view the Sistine Chapel on a private visit
  • [start] => May 20 2013 [end] => May 28 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 5 [day] => 20 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art [2] => Art & Architecture [3] => Cruise [4] => Europe [5] => Frank Dabell [6] => Gardens [7] => History [8] => Italy [9] => Sea Cloud II [10] => Spring ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art,Art & Architecture,Cruise,Europe,Frank Dabell,Gardens,History,Italy,Sea Cloud II,Spring [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Femke Speelberg [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Frank Dabell [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 202_trip.jpg [mobile] => 202_preview.jpg [featured] => 202_featured.jpg ) ) [49] => Array ( [WebID] => 227 [description] => During a four-night stay in Dresden, Germany, see the excellent paintings collection in magnificent Zwinger Palace, discover the renovated Albertinum and admire the city's extraordinary architectural restoration on a walking tour. Go behind the scenes at the Residence Palace and enter the Historic Green Vault before it is open to the public. On a day trip to the charming town of Meissen, tour its famous porcelain factory, castle and cathedral.

    Continue to Berlin with a stop in Leipzig en route. In the German capital, view the Altar of Zeus and the bust of Nefertiti on Museum Island. See Charlottenburg Palace and admire the city's exciting architecture, including the Reichstag and the Mies van der Rohe-designed Neue Nationalgalerie. Explore Frederick the Great's two splendid residences -- Sanssouci and the sumptuous Neue Palais -- during a delightful day in Potsdam.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => June 25 - July 5, 2013 [title] => Dresden & Berlin: A Privileged View [summary] =>
  • Stroll through palaces and admire great works of art in baroque Dresden
  • Spend a day in Potsdam to tour Sanssouci, the Marble Palace and the Neues Palais
  • Conclude in Berlin to visit Charlottenburg Palace, the Brohan Museum and the Gemäldegalerie
  • Stay in splendid hotels and enjoy excellent German cuisine
  • [start] => Jun 25 2013 [end] => Jul 5 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 6 [day] => 25 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => Germany [3] => Summer ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,Germany,Summer [price] => 8,795 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Xavier Salomon [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 227_trip.jpg [mobile] => 227_preview.jpg [featured] => 227_featured.jpg ) ) [50] => Array ( [WebID] => 198 [description] => Visit grand estates, not as tourists but as guests of their ancestral owners. At the most pleasant time of year, enjoy hosted visits including those with Lord Ross at Birr Castle and the Duke of Abercorn at Baronscourt.

    Travel from Eire to Northern Ireland and back, moving from Adare to Lough Erne and on to Dublin, everywhere seeing interiors and collections of extraordinary quality. Drive through the landscapes for which Ireland is renowned and stop in enchanting small towns. Day after day, experience the best of the country.

    Our stay in Dublin will add just the right touch of urban glamour. Highlights include a curatorial tour of the National Gallery; a private visit to author Helen Dillon's home, with one of the best city gardens in the world; and a gala dinner at Castletown House, Ireland's largest and earliest Palladian-style villa.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => September 19 - 29, 2013 [title] => Houses of the Irish Aristocracy [summary] =>
  • Visit great country houses as guests of their ancestral owners
  • Admire the landscapes for which Ireland is renowned
  • In Dublin, tour the National Gallery and see Helen Dillon's home and garden
  • Enjoy a gala dinner at Castletown House
  • [start] => Sep 19 2013 [end] => Sep 29 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 9 [day] => 19 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => Gardens [3] => Ireland ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,Gardens,Ireland [price] => 9,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Morrison Heckscher [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 198_trip.jpg [mobile] => 198_preview.jpg [featured] => 198_featured.jpg ) ) [51] => Array ( [WebID] => 253 [description] => Join renowned art historian and lecturer Olivier Bernier on a journey timed for the ”remaking” of many of Holland's great museums. After ten years and a significant expenditure, the Rijksmuseum, more splendid than ever, has reopened to rave reviews. The same is true of the Van Gogh Museum and that treasure trove of modern art, The Stedelijk.

    Two full-day excursions take us first to Rotterdam with its exciting postwar architecture and the celebrated Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum and then on to The Hague to view the Mauritshuis Collection, temporarily housed in the Gemeente Museum. Spend a day in the countryside, where we will visit the world-famous Kröller Müller Museum and sculpture park in Otterlo.

    No trip to the Netherlands is complete without a garden visit and we will see fall blooms at their best when we go to the Palace of Het Loo, once the residence of William of Orange, to walk through the gardens.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => September 19 - 25, 2013 [title] => Old Jewels, New Settings: The Dutch Museums Revived [summary] =>
  • Discover Amsterdam's recently reopened Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the newly renovated Van Gogh Museum
  • Spend a day in Rotterdam, with its exciting postwar architecture, and The Hague, to view Dutch Masters
  • Visit the world-famous Kröller Müller Museum and sculpture park in Otterlo
  • Walk through the garden of Het Loo, former residence of William of Orange
  • [start] => Sep 19 2013 [end] => Sep 25 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 9 [day] => 19 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => Gardens [3] => Netherlands ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,Gardens,Netherlands [price] => 6,395 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 253_trip.jpg [mobile] => 253_preview.jpg [featured] => 253_featured.jpg ) ) [52] => Array ( [WebID] => 199 [description] => National Geographic Traveler has selected Academic Arrangements Abroad's ”Sicily By Sea” cruise as one of its ”50 Tours of a Lifetime.” This in-depth exploration of Sicily's 2,500 years of history sails from Malta on September 21-29, 2013 for a seven-night cruise around Sicily aboard Sea Cloud II, a luxury three-masted barque.

    Embark Sea Cloud II in Malta and sail first to Syracuse, one of the most important cities in antiquity. See its well-preserved theaters and on Syracuse's beautiful Ortygia Island, admire the cathedral built on the ruins of the Temple of Athena as well as Caravaggio's prized painting, The Burial of St. Lucy.

    Stroll through the lovely town of Noto and tour the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Walk among the antiquities of Segesta then continue to Palermo to admire the golden mosaics in the Palace of the Norman Kings and visit the magnificent Norman cathedral in Monreale. During a leisurely day at sea, experience the thrill of cruising aboard the legendary Sea Cloud II as she travels through gentle waters under a full set of billowing sails. Disembark in Catania.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => September 21 - 29, 2013 [title] => Art Treasures & Ancient Temples: Sicily by Sea Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Sail from Malta to Catania aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II
  • Walk among fine Greek and Roman ruins in Sicily
  • Admire the golden mosaics in Palermo's Palace of the Norman Kings
  • In Syracuse, visit a baroque palazzo by special invitation
  • [start] => Sep 21 2013 [end] => Sep 29 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 9 [day] => 21 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Cruise [3] => Europe [4] => Frank Dabell [5] => Italy [6] => Malta [7] => Sea Cloud II [8] => Sicily ) [destinations] => Art,Art & Architecture,Cruise,Europe,Frank Dabell,Italy,Malta,Sea Cloud II,Sicily [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Frank Dabell [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Michael McCormick [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 199_trip.jpg [mobile] => 199_preview.jpg [featured] => 199_featured.jpg ) ) [53] => Array ( [WebID] => 200 [description] => Embark the elegant sailing yacht Sea Cloud II in Catania, Sicily, and sail to the fascinating World Heritage Site of Butrint, Albania. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been a Greek colony, Roman city, Byzantine bishopric and Venetian trading post.

    Cruise along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast to Kotor, Montenegro, with its well-preserved medieval Old Town and the Our Lady of the Rocks Church in a magnificent setting. Continue to Croatia and the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik, the ”Pearl of the Adriatic,” then cross the Adriatic to view the famous mosaics of Ravenna, Italy, before concluding in Venice.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => September 28 - October 6, 2013 [title] => Adriatic Odyssey: Catania to Venice Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Cruise from Catania to Venice aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II
  • Step ashore in Butrint, Albania, inhabited since prehistoric times
  • Explore Kotor, Montenegro and Croatia's walled city of Dubrovnik
  • Admire stunning mosaics in Ravenna before disembarking in Venice
  • [start] => Sep 28 2013 [end] => Oct 6 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 9 [day] => 28 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Autumn [2] => Croatia [3] => Cruise [4] => Europe [5] => Italy [6] => Sea Cloud II ) [destinations] => Art,Autumn,Croatia,Cruise,Europe,Italy,Sea Cloud II [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 200_trip.jpg [mobile] => 200_preview.jpg [featured] => 200_featured.jpg ) ) [54] => Array ( [WebID] => 203 [description] => Begin in Barcelona to absorb the city's imaginative architecture. Tour the Picasso Museum, designed in the Catalan modernist style. Attend an evening performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana, a concert hall.

    Fly to Nice for a four-night stay at the famous Hotel Negresco, overlooking the sparkling Bay of Angels. See the Matisse Museum and the lovely Musée des Beaux-Arts, and enjoy time to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.

    Discover the Musée National Fernand Léger in Biot and the new Pierre Bonnard museum in Le Cannet. Admire Picasso's renowned War and Peace Memorial in Vallauris. In the enchanting seaside town of Antibes, explore the museum devoted to the artist at Château Grimaldi, which houses an exceptional display of the artist's early works.

    Travel to Paris where accommodations are at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental. Tour several of the city's outstanding collections, and attend a specially arranged, after-hours visit at the newly renovated Picasso Museum.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => October 9 - 20, 2013 [title] => Picasso & Friends: On the Trail of Genius [summary] =>
  • Discover Barcelona's architecture and tour the Picasso Museum
  • In Nice, stay at the Hotel Negresco and visit nearby collections
  • Tour the museum devoted to Picasso at Château Grimaldi in Antibes
  • In Paris, tour the newly renovated Picasso Museum
  • [start] => Oct 9 2013 [end] => Oct 20 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 10 [day] => 9 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Autumn [2] => Europe [3] => France [4] => Olivier Bernier [5] => Spain ) [destinations] => Art,Autumn,Europe,France,Olivier Bernier,Spain [price] => 10,850 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 203_trip.jpg [mobile] => 203_preview.jpg [featured] => 203_featured.jpg ) ) [55] => Array ( [WebID] => 279 [description] => Explore this unique island nation with the Director of the Toledo Museum of Art, who spent seven years down under as director of the National Gallery of Australia. Begin in multicultural Melbourne, where accommodations are at the grande dame of the Victorian era, the Hotel Windsor. Admire diverse vegetation at the Royal Botanic Gardens and view the collection of the world's first major gallery devoted to Australian art. Travel to the lush Yarra Valley outside Melbourne to savor local produce and world-class wines.

    Fly to Uluru — formerly Ayers Rock — to discover Australia's 50,000-year-old Aboriginal culture. Enjoy a sunset walk around this breathtakingly beautiful sight and dine under the stars. Visit an Aboriginal art cooperative in Alice Springs before continuing to Sydney for a three-night stay. Take a Champagne cruise through iconic Sydney harbor and a private tour of the celebrated opera house. Conclude in the capital city of Canberra with an exclusive tour of the National Gallery of Australia.
    [dates] => October 13 - 25, 2013 [title] => The Art of Australia: An Exclusive Tour [summary] =>
  • Travel with a former Director of the National Gallery of Australia, who will personally lead a private tour of its collections
  • In Melbourne, view the collection of the world's first major gallery devoted to Australian art
  • Explore Australia's 50,000-year-old Aboriginal culture with a sunset walk around Uluru and a visit to an Aboriginal art cooperative in Alice Springs
  • In Sydney, enjoy a Champagne cruise through its famous harbor and a private tour of its celebrated opera house
  • [start] => Oct 13 2013 [end] => Oct 25 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 10 [day] => 13 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Asia [2] => Australia [3] => Autumn [4] => Land ) [destinations] => Art,Asia,Australia,Autumn,Land [price] => 11,295 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Brian Kennedy [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 279_trip.jpg [mobile] => 279_preview.jpg [featured] => 279_featured.jpg ) ) [56] => Array ( [WebID] => 231 [description] => Discover the rugged beauty, unspoiled cultures and deep spirituality of these ancient mountaintop countries. In Kathmandu, tour Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that is also home to the living Goddess Kumari. Experience a chartered ”flightseeing” tour of the Himalayas (weather permitting), accompanied by a seasoned Sherpa.

    Then fly to Thimpu, capital of Bhutan, to explore traditional art and medicine, and dine at the home of a revered local family. Visit Punakha, winter home of the country's Chief Abbot, and witness a special ceremony in the ancient capital of Paro. Serious hikers may climb to Tiger's Nest, the venerated pilgrimage site. An optional postlude in Delhi and Agra includes a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => October 13 - 27, 2013 [title] => Nepal & Bhutan: Along the Shimmering Path [summary] =>
  • Tour Kathmandu's Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, courtyards and temples
  • Admire the dramatic Himalayas during a "flightseeing" tour in Nepal
  • Explore traditional art and medicine in Bhutan's capital, Thimpu
  • Visit Punakha, winter home of Bhutan's Chief Abbot, and witness a special ceremony in Paro
  • [start] => Oct 13 2013 [end] => Oct 27 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 10 [day] => 13 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Asia [2] => Bhutan [3] => Exotic [4] => Land [5] => Nepal ) [destinations] => Art,Asia,Bhutan,Exotic,Land,Nepal [price] => 14,495 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Kurt Behrendt [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 231_trip.jpg [mobile] => 231_preview.jpg [featured] => 231_featured.jpg ) ) [57] => Array ( [WebID] => 245 [description] => Begin in Jerusalem, with its unique interplay of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures, and travel through the Jordan Valley to see ancient Capernaum and Beit She'an, a vast, well-preserved Roman and Byzantine city. Continue to historic Tiberias for excursions to mystical Safed and Megiddo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude in sophisticated, vibrant Tel Aviv, on the Mediterranean coast. Meetings with local experts on contemporary politics will complement our visits to ancient sites. [dates] => October 13 - 24, 2013 [title] => Exploring the Holy Land: Israel and Palestine [summary] =>
  • Discover Jerusalem's extraordinary treasures of art and antiquity
  • Visit the ancient fortress of Masada via cable car
  • Explore Herod's great Roman port city of Caesarea
  • In vibrant Tel Aviv, see the Tel Aviv Museum of Art
  • [start] => Oct 13 2013 [end] => Oct 24 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 10 [day] => 13 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Autumn [3] => History [4] => Israel [5] => MiddleEast ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art & Architecture,Autumn,History,Israel,MiddleEast [price] => 7,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Carol Saivetz [institution] => Harvard Alumni Association ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 245_trip.jpg [mobile] => 245_preview.jpg [featured] => 245_featured.jpg ) ) [58] => Array ( [WebID] => 252 [description] => Mingle with figures from Italy's art world at the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, enjoy a walking tour of medieval Rome, and visit houses of worship to see the masterpieces inside. Explore the Borghese Gallery, a veritable shrine of the High Renaissance and early Baroque, and the Protestant Cemetery, evocative burial place of Anglo-American writers, artists, and poets, such as Keats and Shelley. See the Richard Meier-designed Ara Pacis Museum, and admire the Vatican Gardens on a specially arranged tour. Spend a day in Tivoli to see the exquisite Hadrian's Villa and charming Villa d'Este. [dates] => October 25 - November 2, 2013 [title] => Rome: An Insider's View [summary] =>
  • Visit family palazzo, including the Palazzo Colonna, and dine at Palazzo Saccheti
  • Explore the Richard Meier-designed Ara Pacis Museum
  • Tour the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel, antiquities collections and Vatican Gardens
  • Spend a day in Tivoli to see Hadrian's Villa and charming Villa d'Este
  • [start] => Oct 25 2013 [end] => Nov 2 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 10 [day] => 25 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Autumn [2] => Europe [3] => Italy ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Autumn,Europe,Italy [price] => 7,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Harvey Cox [institution] => Harvard University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 252_trip.jpg [mobile] => 252_preview.jpg [featured] => 252_featured.jpg ) ) [59] => Array ( [WebID] => 232 [description] => Spend ten days in Argentina to explore the cultural and natural wonders of this sophisticated South American nation. In Buenos Aires, the ”Paris of South America,” visit the final resting place of Evita Perón and discover the abstract and contemporary works at the newly opened Museum Art Center Buenos Aires (MACBA). Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the beautifully restored Cólon Theater, view private collections of Latin American contemporary art, and enjoy a cocktail reception at the home of a prominent collector. Cruise along the Paraná River Delta to admire gardens, sculptures and colonial architecture before flying to remote Patagonia for an up-close look at the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier. Optional postlude in Mendoza.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => November 1 - 11, 2013 [title] => Buenos Aires & Beyond [summary] =>
  • In Buenos Aires, see Evita Perón's final resting place, discover the Museum Art Center Buenos Aires (MACBA) and tour the Colón Theater
  • Enjoy a cocktail reception at a prominent collector's home
  • Cruise the Paraná River Delta to admire gardens, sculptures and colonial architecture
  • Fly to remote Patagonia for an up-close look at the Perito Moreno glacier
  • [start] => Nov 1 2013 [end] => Nov 11 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 11 [day] => 1 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Argentina [2] => Art & Architecture [3] => Autumn [4] => Exotic [5] => Land [6] => South America ) [destinations] => America,Argentina,Art & Architecture,Autumn,Exotic,Land,South America [price] => 10,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jeffrey Rosenheim [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 232_trip.jpg [mobile] => 232_preview.jpg [featured] => 232_featured.jpg ) ) [60] => Array ( [WebID] => [description] => [dates] => December 7 - 14, 2013 [title] => The Art & Architecture of Cuba: Havana, Matanzas & Varadero [summary] => [start] => Dec 7 2013 [end] => Dec 14 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 12 [day] => 7 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Caribbean [2] => Cuba ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Cuba [price] => [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Barbara Weinberg [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => _trip.jpg [mobile] => _preview.jpg [featured] => _featured.jpg ) ) [61] => Array ( [WebID] => 249 [description] => Academic Arrangements Abroad is a licensed Travel Service Provider and has operated over 100 group programs to Cuba for a wide variety of non-profit organizations that hold People-to-People licenses issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department.

    For more information on how we might work with your organization in operating a trip to Cuba, or to see if we are already working with an organization with whom you are affiliated, please feel free to call us at (212) 514-8921. [dates] => December 14 - 21, 2013 [title] => Cuba: Through the Eyes of the People [summary] =>
  • Walk through Old Havana with an architectural historian
  • Support the growth of private business in Cuba by dining in some of Cuba's leading paladares - private restaurants in people's homes
  • See many UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Cuba has seven cultural and two natural sites)
  • Visit Cuba's leading artists in their homes and studios, and meet with dance groups and choral performers
  • [start] => Dec 14 2013 [end] => Dec 21 2013 [year] => 2013 [month] => 12 [day] => 14 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Caribbean [2] => Cuba ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Cuba [price] => T.B.A. [images] => Array ( [preview] => 249_trip.jpg [mobile] => 249_preview.jpg [featured] => 249_featured.jpg ) ) [62] => Array ( [WebID] => 211 [description] => Winter is a magical time to experience Vienna, Austria's elegant city of music and arts on the Danube. Historic monuments from Roman times, art nouveau buildings and impressive museum collections affirm the rich heritage of this legendary city.

    During a one-week stay at the landmark Hotel Sacher, view paintings at the palatial Kunsthistorisches Museum, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Raphael, Caravaggio and Vermeer. See one of the world's finest collections of drawings at the Albertina Museum, and tour the Vienna Secession Museum, which celebrates the movement begun in 1897 by artists who resigned from the traditional art association.

    A visit to Vienna would be incomplete without music! By special invitation, enjoy a recital by a leading pianist in the intimate setting of her home. At the Spanish Riding School, view a special performance by the famed Lipizzaner Stallions. During a waltz lesson at a historic dance school, practice your steps for the gala evening festivities.

    Then, toast the New Year at the lavish Imperial Ball, held in the former winter residence of the Austrian Emperor. The following day, start the New Year with a lavish brunch before viewing collections at the Lower and Upper Belvedere. In the evening, attend a traditional New Year's Day performance by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, featuring Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => December 27, 2013 - January 3, 2014 [title] => Vienna: A New Year's Celebration [summary] =>
  • During a week in Vienna, admire art nouveau buildings and view impressive museum collections
  • Enjoy a recital by one of the city's leading pianist in the intimate setting of her home
  • See the renowned Lipizzaner Stallions perform at the Spanish Riding School
  • Take a waltz lesson at one of Vienna's historic dance schools before a gala dinner and dancing at the Imperial Ball
  • [start] => Dec 27 2013 [end] => Jan 3 2014 [year] => 2013 [month] => 12 [day] => 27 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Austria [2] => Europe [3] => Land [4] => Music [5] => Winter ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Austria,Europe,Land,Music,Winter [price] => 10,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => William Hood [institution] => Institute of Fine Arts ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 211_trip.jpg [mobile] => 211_preview.jpg [featured] => 211_featured.jpg ) ) [63] => Array ( [WebID] => 217 [description] => With its balmy island breezes and centuries-old tradition of gardening, the Caribbean is a delightful interlude to cooler northern temperatures. During a seven-night voyage aboard Sea Cloud, step ashore to visit historic sites and tour botanical gardens of long standing. Relax on pristine beaches or swim and snorkel in the dazzling Caribbean waters. Aboard ship, enjoy elegant amenities and leisurely hours of sailing.

    Embark Sea Cloud in Antigua, historically known as the ”gateway to the Caribbean.” Sail to chic St. Barthélemy, with its French savoir faire. On Tortola admire the spectacular harbor views at lush Governor's Gardens, and on Virgin Gorda sample a rum punch at the exclusive Bitter End Yacht Club. Continue to the Netherlands Antilles to enjoy an architectural walking tour of St. Eustatius, once one of the busiest seaports in the world. And on the island of Nevis, birthplace and childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, visit his house and the spectacular botanic garden. On the Iles des Saintes, an archipelago of eight tiny volcanic islands, tour the charming colonial-style capital, Terre-de-Haut, or visit 17th-century Fort Napoleon, with its commanding views and exotic gardens before concluding in Antigua.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => January 12 - 19, 2014 [title] => History & Gardens of the Caribbean: Roundtrip Antigua Aboard Sea Cloud [summary] =>
  • Enjoy a seven-night voyage aboard the elegant Sea Cloud
  • Sail to St. Barthélemy, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Eustatius, Nevis, the Iles des Saintes and Antigua
  • Visit lush botanical gardens and lovingly restored historic sites
  • Swim at exquisite beaches and snorkel in pristine blue waters
  • [start] => Jan 12 2014 [end] => Jan 19 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 1 [day] => 12 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Caribbean [1] => Cruise [2] => Gardens [3] => History [4] => Winter ) [destinations] => Caribbean,Cruise,Gardens,History,Winter [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Peter Warwick [institution] => Institute of Fine Arts ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 217_trip.jpg [mobile] => 217_preview.jpg [featured] => 217_featured.jpg ) ) [64] => Array ( [WebID] => 234 [description] => From San José, Costa Rica, drive to San Ramon to discover the El Silencio de los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, home to exotic flora and fauna. Set sail for Manuel Antonio, enjoying stunning views of the Pacific and perhaps glimpsing rare wildlife. Continue to Corcovado National Park, comprising 13 major ecosystems, before reaching Isla de Coiba, Panama, site of the country's largest marine reserve. Step ashore in Isla Iguana for snorkeling and bird-watching, then dock overnight in Panama City for an architectural tour and visits to its top museums. Spend the following day transiting to Colón through the canal, an impressive manmade channel that handles over 12,000 ships a year. Get an up-close view of the immense six-foot steel gates that open to let ships into various locks, which raise and lower the vessels to manmade lakes. The following day, sail through the densely forested islands of Bocas del Toro, tendering ashore for a private reception by the owner of a botanic garden. Disembark in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, and enjoy a nature walk in the Veragula Rainforest before continuing to San José.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => January 19 - 31, 2014 [title] => Panama Canal Centennial: Costa Rica & Panama Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal with a day-long journey through this engineering marvel
  • Enjoy a 10-night cruise aboard the luxury sailing yacht Sea Cloud II
  • Attend a private reception hosted by the owner of a botanic garden in Bocas del Toro
  • Snorkel in azure waters, explore cloud forests and rainforests, and glimpse exotic wildlife
  • [start] => Jan 19 2014 [end] => Jan 31 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 1 [day] => 19 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Caribbean [3] => Central America [4] => Costa Rica [5] => Cruise [6] => History [7] => Natural History [8] => Sea Cloud II [9] => Winter ) [destinations] => America,Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Central America,Costa Rica,Cruise,History,Natural History,Sea Cloud II,Winter [price] => 8,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Anna Pavord [institution] => National Trust for Historic Preservation ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Jeremy Larochelle [institution] => National Trust for Historic Preservation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 234_trip.jpg [mobile] => 234_preview.jpg [featured] => 234_featured.jpg ) ) [65] => Array ( [WebID] => 241 [description] => For many travelers, Rajasthan epitomizes exotic India. In the lake city of Udaipur, explore the vast City Palace and the 11th-century temples at nearby Nagda and Sri Eklingi. Discover Chittorgarh, the imposing fortress atop a massive rock, and in the hill station of Mount Abu, admire the intricately carved Dilwara Temples. In Ranakpur, visit the most beautiful Jain temple in India, and in the ancient regional capital of Jodhpur, marvel at the Mehrangarh Fort, formerly a maharajah residence and now a museum.

    Drive north through the Thar Desert to visit the 16th-century Khimsar Fort en route to Gajner, home to the majestic lakeside Gajner Palace, now a heritage hotel. Visit the nearby walled city of Bikaner and the lavishly adorned Junagarh Fort. Continue to Mandawa, known for its colorful havelis (mansions), and spend three nights in the ”pink city” of Jaipur, to see the hilltop Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted 16th-century red city, before traveling to Agra for an overnight stay and a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Conclude in Delhi with visits to its iconic sights, including Humayun's Tomb, the Red Fort and Qtub Minar, the world's tallest minaret. [dates] => January 22 - February 9, 2014 [title] => Palaces, Princes & Peacocks: Rajasthan in Depth [summary] =>
  • Discover Chittorgarh, the imposing fortress atop a massive rock
  • In Ranakpur, explore the most beautiful Jain temple in India
  • In Jaipur, see the hilltop Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESECO World Heritage Site
  • Spend a night in Agra to enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
  • [start] => Jan 22 2014 [end] => Feb 9 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 1 [day] => 22 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => Exotic [3] => India [4] => Winter ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,Exotic,India,Winter [price] => 14,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 241_trip.jpg [mobile] => 241_preview.jpg [featured] => 241_featured.jpg ) ) [66] => Array ( [WebID] => 263 [description] => For many travelers, Rajasthan epitomizes exotic India. In the delightful city of Udaipur, explore the vast lakeside City Palace and the 11th-century temples at nearby Nagda and Sri Eklingi. Discover Chittorgarh, the imposing fortress atop a massive rock, and in the hill station of Mount Abu, admire the intricately carved Dilwara Temples. In Ranakpur, visit the most beautiful Jain temple in India, and in the ancient regional capital of Jodhpur, marvel at the Mehrangarh Fort, formerly the residence of a maharajah and now a museum.

    Drive north through the Thar Desert to see the 16th-century Khimsar Fort. Visit the nearby walled city of Bikaner and the lavishly adorned Junagarh Fort. Continue to Mandawa, known for its colorful havelis (mansions), and the Castle Mandawa, a fortress now converted into a luxurious Heritage Hotel. Spend three nights in the ”pink city” of Jaipur, to see the hilltop Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted 16th-century red city, before traveling to Agra for an overnight stay and a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Conclude in Delhi with visits to its iconic sights, including Humayun's Tomb, the Red Fort and Qtub Minar, the world's tallest minaret.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => February 9 - 27, 2014 [title] => Palaces, Princes & Peacocks: Rajasthan in Depth [summary] =>
  • Discover the temples and palaces of Udaipur and the imposing fortress of Chittorgarh
  • In Ranakpur, explore the most beautiful Jain temple in India
  • In Jaipur, see the hilltop Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESECO World Heritage Site
  • Spend a night in Agra to enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
  • [start] => Feb 9 2014 [end] => Feb 27 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 2 [day] => 9 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Asia [3] => Exotic [4] => India [5] => Winter ) [destinations] => Art,Art & Architecture,Asia,Exotic,India,Winter [price] => 14,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 263_trip.jpg [mobile] => 263_preview.jpg [featured] => 263_featured.jpg ) ) [67] => Array ( [WebID] => 262 [description] => Begin in the capital city of Rabat, to see the kasbah (fortress), Royal Palace precinct and the white marble tomb of King Mohammed V. Discover 11th-century Meknes, with its striking Bab Mansour gate, en route to Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved Roman town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Fes to spend two nights at the Palais Jamaï, originally the Grand Vizier's palace. Experience its mellah (old Jewish quarter) medina and ninth-century Al Karaouine Mosque.

    Drive through the spectacular Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh, stopping briefly at Ifrane, a hill station nicknamed ”Little Switzerland.” In Marrakesh, the ”Red City,” spend four nights at the Sofitel Marrakesh Palais Imperial. See the snake charmers of Djemaa el F'na Square and admire lush Majorelle Garden, with its recently opened Berber Museum of jewels and textiles. Enjoy lunch at Dar Moha, former home of Pierre Balmain, before visiting Dar Si Said, a museum of traditional Moroccan crafts housed in a 19th-century palace. [dates] => February 19 - 28, 2014 [title] => Treasures of Morocco [summary] =>
  • In Rabat, visit the kasbah (fortress), Royal Palace precinct and the white marble tomb of King Mohammed V
  • Discover Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved Roman town and a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • In Fes, experience the its mellah (old Jewish quarter) medina and ninth-century Al Karaouine Mosque
  • In Marrakesh, see the snake charmers of Djemaa el F'na Square and admire lush Majorelle Gardens, with their recently opened Berber Museum of jewels and textiles
  • [start] => Feb 19 2014 [end] => Feb 28 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 2 [day] => 19 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Exotic [2] => History [3] => MiddleEast [4] => Morocco [5] => Winter ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Exotic,History,MiddleEast,Morocco,Winter [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => John Meffert [institution] => National Trust for Historic Preservation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 262_trip.jpg [mobile] => 262_preview.jpg [featured] => 262_featured.jpg ) ) [68] => Array ( [WebID] => 284 [description] => Discover ancient history at the Bait Al Zubair Museum and marvel at the massive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman. In the oasis city of Nizwa, explore the lively market and visit the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, the largest on the Arabian Peninsula. Then fly to the United Arab Emirates for a privileged look at Art Dubai, the Middle East's most important contemporary art show. Tour the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, with one of its architects. See Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, where a world-class cultural complex is being developed, and travel to nearby Masdar City. Currently under construction, this planned city will rely entirely on solar energy and other renewable energy sources. Conclude in Doha, Qatar, to experience the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art and view the extensive collection at the unique Arab Museum of Modern Art. Enjoy a private visit to the Royal Stables (pending confirmation).

    Please call for availability. [dates] => March 13 - 24, 2014 [title] => Oman, the Emirates & Qatar [summary] =>
  • In Muscat, admire the jewelry, textiles and other traditional handicrafts at the Bait Al Zubair Museum
  • Travel to the oasis city of Nizwa to experience the lively market and visit the 17th-century fort
  • In Dubai, tour the world's tallest building with one of its architects and attend the opening day of Art Dubai
  • See the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art in Doha before a private visit to the Royal Stables (pending confirmation)
  • [start] => Mar 13 2014 [end] => Mar 24 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 3 [day] => 13 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Dubai [1] => MiddleEast [2] => Qatar ) [destinations] => Dubai,MiddleEast,Qatar [price] => 8,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => William Granara [institution] => Harvard University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 284_trip.jpg [mobile] => 284_preview.jpg [featured] => 284_featured.jpg ) ) [69] => Array ( [WebID] => 244 [description] => Discover a captivating part of the world where tradition and heritage combine with modernity and style. Begin in Muscat, Oman, considered ”Arabia's jewel,” to visit the Bait Al Baranda Museum, the impressive Grand Mosque and the Bait Al Zubair Museum. Spend a day in the oasis city of Nizwa to experience the lively markets and bustling souk, and visit the 17 th-century Nizwa Fort, the largest on the Arabian Peninsula.

    Fly to the futuristic city of Dubai, UAE, for a tour of the Burj Khaleef, the world's tallest building, with one of the building's architects. Visit Art Dubai, an exciting exhibition of contemporary art. Travel outside of Dubai to the desert oasis of Ail Ain. View archaeological digs that date back some 5,000 years, tour Al Ain's National Museum, drive through a traditional camel market, see the Al Ain Palace Museum, and visit the Jahili Fort. Conclude in Doha, Qatar, to explore the city's museums, including special access to the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => March 14 - 26, 2014 [title] => A Journey to Oman, the Emirates & Qatar [summary] =>
  • Visit palaces and museums in Muscat, considered "Arabia's jewel," and travel to the oasis city of Nizwa
  • In Dubai tour the Burj Khaleef, the world's tallest building, and view exciting contemporary art
  • Travel outside of Dubai to the desert oasis of Ail Ain
  • Enjoy special access to the Islamic Museum of Art in Doha and explore MATHAF, Doha's unique Arab Museum of Modern Art
  • [start] => Mar 14 2014 [end] => Mar 26 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 3 [day] => 14 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Exotic [2] => MiddleEast [3] => Spring ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Exotic,MiddleEast,Spring [price] => 9,895 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Sheila Canby [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 244_trip.jpg [mobile] => 244_preview.jpg [featured] => 244_featured.jpg ) ) [70] => Array ( [WebID] => 272 [description] => See the locations where the Treaty of Friendship with France and the Treaty of Paris were signed; John Adams' residence in Auteil, the site of Jefferson's residence on the Champs Elysées and Franklin's home in Passy.

    Enjoy a private visit to Château de Chantilly, where some of the Founding Fathers were received by the Prince de Conde. A tour of the impressive library, art masterpieces and formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre will be followed by an equestrian performance.

    At Versailles, see the Bibliothèque Municipale, which housed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the time of Louis XVI, and the king's private apartments before walking through the magnificent classical gardens. In Paris, visit the Louvre and the Carnavalet Museums and Palais du Luxembourg. Discover Picpus Cemetery, where Lafayette is buried in soil that he brought back from America. [dates] => March 28 - April 5, 2014 [title] => Paris & The Founding Fathers [summary] =>
  • Discover the places important to America's Founding Fathers
  • Enjoy a private visit to Château de Chantilly
  • At Versailles, see the Bibliothèque Municipale and the king's private apartments
  • Visit Picpus Cemetery where Lafayette is buried in soil that he brought back from America
  • [start] => Mar 28 2014 [end] => Apr 5 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 3 [day] => 28 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archives of American Art [1] => Europe [2] => France [3] => History [4] => Land [5] => Spring ) [destinations] => Archives of American Art,Europe,France,History,Land,Spring [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Joanne Freeman [institution] => Yale University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 272_trip.jpg [mobile] => 272_preview.jpg [featured] => 272_featured.jpg ) ) [71] => Array ( [WebID] => 308 [description] => Experience the art treasures of Germany's capital, including the Altar of Zeus and the bust of Nefertiti on Museum Island. Admire new architecture at the restored Reichstag (from whose rooftop restaurant we will enjoy stunning views of the city during lunch one afternoon), the Neue Nationalgalerie, and the Holocaust Memorial. Visit the Sammlung Boros, a prominent private art collection housed in a former World War II bunker. Spend a delightful day exploring the palaces of Potsdam, including rococo Sanssouci, the neoclassical Marble Palace, and Tudor-style Cecilienhof. Stay at the stylish Regent Berlin. [dates] => April 4 - 10, 2014 [title] => Art & Architecture of Berlin: An Insider's View [summary] =>
  • On Museum Island, discover the Altar of Zeus, the bust of Nefertiti, and other art treasures
  • Visit the Sammlung Boros, a prominent private art collection housed in a former bunker
  • Enjoy lunch at the rooftop restaurant of the historic Reichstag, restored by British architect Norman Foster
  • Explore the palaces of Potsdam, including Sanssouci, the Marble Palace, and Cecilienhof
  • [start] => Apr 4 2014 [end] => Apr 10 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 4 [day] => 4 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => Germany [3] => Spring ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,Germany,Spring [price] => 3,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Peter Madsen [institution] => Harvard Alumni Association ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 308_trip.jpg [mobile] => 308_preview.jpg [featured] => 308_featured.jpg ) ) [72] => Array ( [WebID] => 285 [description] => Move from Mâcon in Burgundy through the Franche-Comté to Geneva. En route, sample gastronomic delights and discover great museums, superb architecture and alluring landscapes. Admire great architecture, religious and secular, from Brou to Besançon and Ronchamps, Le Corbusier's masterpiece.

    Visit Beaux-Arts museums to see the great strength of French paintings. An important literary thread will be added when visit the ruined abbey, which inspired Lamartine, the house where Voltaire lived more than twenty years, and Madame de Stael's family residence.

    Accommodations are arranged at three Relais & Châteaux hotels. In Vonnas, where Georges Blanc created a hotel around his three-star restaurant. At Germigney, in an enchanting château. At Crozet, just 10 kilometers from Geneva, chic sophistication will be the note. All this will be enhanced by some of the best cuisine for which France is famous.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => April 7 - 16, 2014 [title] => Romantic Chateaux, Great Chefs & French Culture [summary] =>
  • Discover great museums and superb architecture during a journey from Mâcon in Burgundy through the Franche-Comté to Geneva
  • Visit the old fortress town of Besançon, the often-besieged fortress town of Belfort and the picturesque lakeside town of Annecy
  • In the French countryside, stay at three Relais&Châteaux hotels
  • Savor meals at some of the finest restaurants in France including Troisgros and Auberge du Père Bise
  • [start] => Apr 7 2014 [end] => Apr 16 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 4 [day] => 7 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => France [1] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => France,Olivier Bernier [price] => 8,150 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 285_trip.jpg [mobile] => 285_preview.jpg [featured] => 285_featured.jpg ) ) [73] => Array ( [WebID] => 287 [description] => Move from Mâcon in Burgundy through the Franche-Comté to Geneva. En route, sample gastronomic delights and discover great museums, superb architecture and alluring landscapes. Admire great architecture, religious and secular, from Brou to Besançon and Ronchamps, Le Corbusier's masterpiece.

    Visit Beaux-Arts museums to see the great strength of French paintings. An important literary thread will be added when visit the ruined abbey, which inspired Lamartine, the house where Voltaire lived more than twenty years, and Madame de Stael's family residence.

    Accommodations are arranged at three Relais & Châteaux hotels. In Vonnas, where Georges Blanc created a hotel around his three-star restaurant. At Germigney, in an enchanting château. At Crozet, just 10 kilometers from Geneva, chic sophistication will be the note. All this will be enhanced by some of the best cuisine for which France is famous.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => April 21 - 30, 2014 [title] => Romantic Chateaux, Great Chefs & French Culture [summary] =>
  • See great museums and superb architecture during a journey from Mâcon in Burgundy through the Franche-Comté to Geneva
  • Explore the old fortress town of Besançon, the often-besieged city of Belfort and the lakeside town of Annecy
  • In the French countryside, stay at three Relais&Châteaux hotels
  • Enjoy meals at some of France's finest restaurants including Troisgros and Auberge du Père Bise
  • [start] => Apr 21 2014 [end] => Apr 30 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 4 [day] => 21 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => France [1] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => France,Olivier Bernier [price] => 8,250 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 287_trip.jpg [mobile] => 287_preview.jpg [featured] => 287_featured.jpg ) ) [74] => Array ( [WebID] => 216 [description] => Admire Istanbul's Hagia Sophia before boarding the luxurious Variety Voyager for an exciting Black Sea journey. Cruise past the historic palaces and colorful yalis (villas) along the Bosphorus, and under two dramatic bridges that link Europe and Asia, before entering the Black Sea. From the port of Samsun, Turkey, drive to Amasya, a city dramatically situated in a deep river gorge that was capital of the kings of Pontus from 333 to 26 BCE, and also visit the 19th-century Hazeranlar Mansion, now restored and housing an ethnographic museum. In Trabzon, long an important trading port on the Black Sea, tour the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and bustling bazaar. In Batumi, Georgia, stroll through the peaceful Botanical Gardens and explore the ruins of ancient Gonio fortress.

    Spend a day on the 'Russian Riviera' in Sochi, host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics, or drive into the Caucasus Mountains to the resort of Krasnaya Polyana. In Yalta, tour landmark Alupka Palace and see Livadia Palace, site of the historic 1945 meeting between Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin. Depart from the port of Sevastopol to visit the ancient Greek and Roman site of Chersonesus. In Odessa, view the five-domed Uspensky Cathedral with its extraordinary icons and see the renowned opera house. Enjoy a private concert in a neighboring 19th-century palace, now home to the Literature Museum. From Constanta, Romania, fly by chartered plane to Suceava and drive through the countryside to see fabulous painted churches. Discover the town of Nessebâr, Bulgaria, whose Byzantine ruins and picturesque fishermen's houses have long attracted artists and poets, before concluding in Istanbul.

    Academic Arrangements Abroad is monitoring the political situation in Ukraine, particularly the Crimean peninsula, together with the shipping line and our ground operator in Ukraine. We'll keep travelers on this program updated on any itinerary changes. [dates] => April 22 - May 5, 2014 [title] => Sailing the Black Sea: Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager [summary] =>
  • See ancient fortresses, bustling bazaars and stunning churches during a 12-night Black Sea cruise
  • Visit ancient cities including Amasya, Trabzon, Batumi, Sochi, Yalta, Odessa and Nessebâr
  • Fly by chartered plane from Constanta to Suceava to see magnificent painted churches
  • Enjoy special events including a private concert in a palace
  • [start] => Apr 22 2014 [end] => May 5 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 4 [day] => 22 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Black Sea [2] => Cruise [3] => Europe [4] => Russia [5] => Spring [6] => Turkey ) [destinations] => Asia,Black Sea,Cruise,Europe,Russia,Spring,Turkey [price] => 9,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Helen Evans [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Carole Fink [institution] => The Ohio State University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 216_trip.jpg [mobile] => 216_preview.jpg [featured] => 216_featured.jpg ) ) [75] => Array ( [WebID] => 224 [description] => This delightful journey on the waterways of Holland and Belgium begins in the Hague to see the superb collection of Mondrians at the Gemeente Museum. Then, a visual delight awaits us at the renowned Keukenhof Gardens, where over a million flowering bulbs create a vast carpet of color. In the charming town of Haarlem, visit the Frans Hals Museum and embark the elegant M.S. AmaDolce for a one-week river cruise.

    Step ashore in Rotterdam to see its cutting-edge architecture; and in Delft, birthplace of Vermeer, tour the Lambert van Meerten Museum with its priceless Dutch tiles and early Delft pottery. Other ports include Ghent, home to the Van Eyck brothers' Ghent Altarpiece; the enchanting town of Bruges; and Antwerp, to tour the house of Peter Paul Rubens. In Arnhem, spend an afternoon at the Kröller-Müller Museum and conclude in Amsterdam with a visit to the Rijksmuseum.

    An optional prelude is offered in cosmopolitan Brussels to see its important collections.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => May 2 - 12, 2014 [title] => Dutch & Flemish Landscapes: The Netherlands & Belgium Aboard M.S. AmaDolce [summary] =>
  • In The Hague, view the outstanding collection at the Gemeente Museum
  • Cruise Dutch and Flemish waterways aboard M.S. AmaDolce
  • See the magnificent Cathedral of St. Bavo and the Ghent Altarpiece
  • Admire Michelangelo's Madonna in the charming medieval town of Bruges
  • [start] => May 2 2014 [end] => May 12 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 5 [day] => 2 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Amadolce [1] => Art [2] => Art & Architecture [3] => Cruise [4] => Europe [5] => Gardens [6] => Spring ) [destinations] => Amadolce,Art,Art & Architecture,Cruise,Europe,Gardens,Spring [price] => 4,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Powell [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Michael Marsland [institution] => Yale University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 224_trip.jpg [mobile] => 224_preview.jpg [featured] => 224_featured.jpg ) ) [76] => Array ( [WebID] => 237 [description] => Spend two days in 2,000-year-old Porto, taking in the fine Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings of the Old City as well as the 21st-century Rem Koolhaas masterpiece Casa da Música. From Entre-os-Rios, continue to Penafiel to visit a manor house and sample its young ”green” wine. Step ashore in Régua for an after-hours visit to the Douro Museum and an excursion to the fantastically Baroque manor house of Mateus (famous from its depiction on the Mateus Rosé label) and its equally fantastic gardens. From Pinhão, travel to Lamego to admire the hilltop pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, with its 600 tiled steps. Visit the fortified village of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo before crossing the border to Vega de Terrón, Spain. Continue to Salamanca for a tour of its iconic sites, and conclude with an overnight in Madrid.

    Optional Lisbon prelude and optional Madrid postlude.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => May 5 - 14, 2014 [title] => Enchanting Douro River: Porto & Douro River Cruise Aboard M.S. AmaVida [summary] =>
  • See the Casa da Mú sica, the Rem Koolhaas-designed concert hall, in Porto, Portugal
  • Enjoy a seven-night cruise through the Douro River Valley aboard the just-launched luxury riverboat AmaVida
  • Explore the history of the Douro wine region on an after-hours visit to the Douro Museum in Régua
  • Tour the Baroque manor house of Mateus, well known from its depiction on wine labels
  • [start] => May 5 2014 [end] => May 14 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 5 [day] => 5 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Cruise [3] => Europe [4] => History [5] => Portugal [6] => Richard Barcham [7] => Riverboat [8] => Spain [9] => Spring ) [destinations] => Art,Art & Architecture,Cruise,Europe,History,Portugal,Richard Barcham,Riverboat,Spain,Spring [price] => 4,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Danielle Kisluk-Grosheide [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Mary Gaylord [institution] => Harvard University ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 237_trip.jpg [mobile] => 237_preview.jpg [featured] => 237_featured.jpg ) ) [77] => Array ( [WebID] => 273 [description] => Join this unforgettable journey through the British countryside in the late spring, when glorious gardens are in full bloom. Enjoy a privileged look at great houses built by the English aristocracy -- many carefully restored by the families who live there. Begin in London, where visits are planned to the Chelsea Physic Garden, the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens and the Royal Horticultural Society's flagship garden in Wisley. By special arrangement, attend the celebrated Chelsea Flower Show on Members' Day.

    Then travel to the Cotswolds, stopping en route for lunch and a tour of the beloved gardens at Barnsley House. We hope to visit Highgrove House, the family home of TRH Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall (Prince Charles and Camilla). Discover Hidecote Manor, one of the finest garden examples of the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, and visit the famed Oxford Botanical Gardens. Explore Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The surrounding gardens of over 2,000 acres were notably landscaped by Capability Brown, known as ”England's greatest gardener,” and have gained World Heritage site status. [dates] => May 17 - 25, 2014 [title] => Chelsea Flower Show & Gardens of Western England [summary] =>
  • View the fabulous floral displays at the Chelsea Flower Show on Members' Day
  • Enjoy visits to some of London's loveliest gardens
  • Travel to Western England to discover Hidecote Manor, the Oxford Botanical Gardens and historic Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill
  • Stay at the centrally located St. James' Court in London, the Lygon Arms in Broadway and Mercure Eastgate Hotel in Oxford
  • [start] => May 17 2014 [end] => May 25 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 5 [day] => 17 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => England [2] => Europe [3] => Gardens [4] => London [5] => Summer ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,England,Europe,Gardens,London,Summer [price] => 5,795 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => William Lefevre [institution] => Sarah P. Duke Gardens ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 273_trip.jpg [mobile] => 273_preview.jpg [featured] => 273_featured.jpg ) ) [78] => Array ( [WebID] => 240 [description] => In Paris, visit the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo in his former home on the fashionable Place des Vosges, the earliest of the great 17th-century squares. See a unique collection of Monet's work at the Musée Marmottan and tour the Musée d'Orsay. Highlights in the City of Lights include a reception at the home of Monsieur and Madame de Tocqueville, and dinner at an exclusive club.

    Admire Monet's home and gardens in Giverny, and discover Gustave Flaubert's study at Croisset. In Rouen, visit the impressive cathedral that Monet so often painted, and see the splendid collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Drive to Varengeville to visit Le Bois des Moutiers, with its superb seaside gardens and house designed by Lutyens. See postwar architecture in Le Havre, and visit the Musée Andre Malraux with its collection of paintings by Degas, Renoir, and Boudin.

    In Cabourg, spend four nights at Le Grand Hôtel, overlooking the sea, where Marcel Proust stayed. Visit nearby Caen and the Memorial Museum, documenting the Second World War and D-Day. Celebrate the 70th anniversary of D-Day with visits to the landing beaches and memorials along the Normandy coast. See William the Conqueror as depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, and enjoy a specially arranged farewell luncheon at a family château. [dates] => May 19 - 29, 2014 [title] => Great Art, Great Books & Great Buildings [summary] =>
  • See Monet's work at the Musée Marmottan and view the artist's home and gardens in Giverny
  • Visit the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo in his former home and discover Gustave Flaubert's study at Croisset
  • Commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day with visits to Normandy's landing beaches, museums, and memorials
  • Enjoy special events including a luncheon at a family château
  • [start] => May 19 2014 [end] => May 29 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 5 [day] => 19 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => France [2] => Land [3] => Normandy [4] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Europe,France,Land,Normandy,Olivier Bernier [price] => 8,990 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 240_trip.jpg [mobile] => 240_preview.jpg [featured] => 240_featured.jpg ) ) [79] => Array ( [WebID] => 238 [description] => Sail in the wake of great Viking explorers. Stroll the streets of cosmopolitan Copenhagen, Denmark, before boarding Sea Explorer. In Oslo, Norway, explore City Hall (where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded), Parliament, the Royal Palace and Kon-Tiki, Thor Heyerdahl's famous balsa raft. Step ashore in Bergen to tour its 14th-century wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and continue to Edvard Grieg's countryside villa for a private performance of the composer's work. Cross the North Sea to Lerwick, Shetland Islands, to experience 4,000 years of human history at Jarlshof, then explore the Neolithic and Norse sites of the Orkney and Faroe islands. Marvel at the remote, lava-strewn beauty of the Westman Islands before disembarking in Reykjavik. Optional Copenhagen prelude and Reykjavik postlude.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => May 23 - June 4, 2014 [title] => In the Wake of the Vikings: Copenhagen to Reykjavik Aboard Sea Explorer [summary] =>
  • In Oslo, see City Hall, Parliament, Royal Palace and Kon-Tiki
  • Enjoy a private performance of Edvard Grieg's music at his countryside villa near Bergen
  • Sail the North Sea on a 10-night cruise aboard the M.V. Sea Explorer
  • Explore the Neolithic and Norse sites of the Orkney and Faroe islands
  • [start] => May 23 2014 [end] => Jun 4 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 5 [day] => 23 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Cruise [2] => Europe [3] => History [4] => Scandinavia [5] => Spring ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Cruise,Europe,History,Scandinavia,Spring [price] => 7,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Wendy Stein [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Walter Goffart [institution] => Yale University ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Roberta Frank [institution] => Yale University ) [3] => Array ( [name] => Stephen Mitchell [institution] => Harvard University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 238_trip.jpg [mobile] => 238_preview.jpg [featured] => 238_featured.jpg ) ) [80] => Array ( [WebID] => 239 [description] => Begin in Venice, where El Greco apprenticed and may have worked in Titian's studio. Visit Santa Maria della Salute, the Correr Museum and other iconic sights. Dine in a private palazzo and tour St. Mark's Basilica after hours. Enter the churches of San Giorgio Maggiore and San Sebastiano to see masterpieces by El Greco's contemporaries, Tintoretto and Veronese.

    Travel by luxury train to Rome, where our focus is on the works that influenced El Greco -- especially the Vatican's Sistine Chapel ceilings and frescoes by Raphael. Dine in the home of a prominent Roman art historian and enjoy a privileged stroll in the Vatican's gardens. Fly to Madrid to marvel at the El Greco paintings at the Prado Museum and view an important private collection. During a day in Toledo, where the master's career finally blossomed, to see a special exhibit, ”The Greek of Toledo,” at the Santa Cruz Museum, and visit other locales relevant to his life and work. [dates] => May 31 - June 11, 2014 [title] => El Greco at 400 [summary] =>
  • In Venice, dine in a private palazzo and tour St. Mark's Basilica after hours
  • In Rome, dine in the home of a prominent local art historian and enjoy a stroll in the Vatican's gardens
  • Fly to Madrid to marvel at the El Greco paintings at the Prado Museum and view an important private collection
  • Spend a day in Toledo to see a special El Greco exhibit at the Santa Cruz Museum
  • [start] => May 31 2014 [end] => Jun 11 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 5 [day] => 31 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => Italy [3] => Olivier Bernier [4] => Spain ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,Italy,Olivier Bernier,Spain [price] => 12,795 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 239_trip.jpg [mobile] => 239_preview.jpg [featured] => 239_featured.jpg ) ) [81] => Array ( [WebID] => 274 [description] => Begin with two days in charming Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace. Explore the Old Town on a walking tour and visit the Mozart Museum, in the family's former home. Tour Schloss Herrenchiemsee, the largest of King Ludwig II's palaces, on an afternoon excursion to nearby Bavaria. During three days in Vienna, watch top-notch musicians at the Vienna Festival; see Schönbrunn Palace, where Mozart first performed for Empress Maria Theresa; and enjoy a before-hours curatorial tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Go backstage at the Musikverein, home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and attend a special reception and musical salon at the home of one of Vienna's leading pianists. Journey by rail to Prague for a four-day stay in the delightful Czech capital. Take a walking tour of its iconic sights, including the Jewish Quarter and Old Town, and attend a private recital at the Estates Theater, where Mozart conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni. Visit Villa Bertramka, where Mozart was a frequent guest, for a glass of wine and a concert of his arias. [dates] => June 3 - 13, 2014 [title] => In Pursuit of Mozart: Salzburg, Vienna & Prague [summary] =>
  • Spend two days in Salzburg to see the Old Town and the Mozart Museum
  • During three days in Vienna, enjoy a before-hours curatorial tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, go backstage at the Musikverein and attend the Vienna Festival
  • Attend a special reception and musical salon at the home of one of Vienna's leading pianists
  • In Prague, visit Villa Betramka for a private concert and enjoy a special recital at the Estates Theater
  • [start] => Jun 3 2014 [end] => Jun 13 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 6 [day] => 3 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Austria [2] => Czech Republic [3] => Music ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Austria,Czech Republic,Music [price] => 7,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Toshiyuki Shimada [institution] => Yale University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 274_trip.jpg [mobile] => 274_preview.jpg [featured] => 274_featured.jpg ) ) [82] => Array ( [WebID] => 281 [description] => Following two days in Brussels, drive to Ypres to tour the recently opened In Flanders Fields Museum. Visit historic battlefields and cemeteries and attend the Last Post, a nightly bugle tribute to those who died in the Great War. Continue to Reims, France, to see the magnificent cathedral. At a well-known Champagne house, enjoy a tour, learn about the art of champagne-making and dine in the caves. Spend a day viewing the war museum and cemeteries of Verdun, where over 300,000 soldiers died. Visit the Centre Pompidou in Metz en route to the spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany to discover the Richard Meier-designed Burda museum, and attend a concert at the famous Festspielhaus, Germany's largest opera house. [dates] => June 6 - 15, 2014 [title] => Remembering the Great War: Belgium, France & Germany [summary] =>
  • Explore the war of 1914 to 1918 during a journey through Belgium, France and Germany
  • In Brussels, take a private tour of the exquisite Hotel Sôlvay, Victor Horta's Art Nouveau masterpiece
  • See the place where Canadian military physician John McCrae wrote his famous poem, "In Flanders Fields"
  • Visit the Douaumont Ossuary in Verdun, containing the remains of 130,000 unidentified solders
  • [start] => Jun 6 2014 [end] => Jun 15 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 6 [day] => 6 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Belgium [1] => Europe [2] => France [3] => Germany [4] => History [5] => Summer ) [destinations] => Belgium,Europe,France,Germany,History,Summer [price] => 7,595 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Sue Weaver Schopf [institution] => Harvard University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 281_trip.jpg [mobile] => 281_preview.jpg [featured] => 281_featured.jpg ) ) [83] => Array ( [WebID] => 270 [description] => Discover the legacy of the Habsburgs during a journey through Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia and Austria. Begin in Sarajevo, with its unique mix of Oriental and Austro-Hungarian influences. See the spot at the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were assassinated, setting off a chain of events that would lead to World War I and the end of the Habsburg Empire. Learn more recent history on visits to the Salvation Tunnel and National Museum. Continue to Zagreb to explore the historic Upper Town, Gornji Grad district, lively Dolac market and Mirogoj Cemetery.

    In the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, tour the National Museum of Contemporary History to learn more about the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Travel to Bled, where highlights include a visit to the historic castle and special reception at Villa Bled. Stroll through the Old Town of Graz, Austria, a university town that was once the setting for an imperial Habsburg residence. Conclude in Vienna, where we spend four nights at the landmark Hotel Sacher. Enjoy a private visit to Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Hapsburgs, and see the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the royal summer residence. Take a waltz lesson at one of Vienna's historic dance schools before the Fête Impériale, the newest addition to Vienna's ball culture.

    Optional prelude in Dubrovnik, Mostar and Sarajevo. [dates] => June 20 - 30, 2014 [title] => Unknown Glory of the Habsburgs: From Sarajevo to Vienna [summary] =>
  • In Sarajevo, visit fascinating museums and historic sites
  • Explore Zagreb's historic Upper Town, Gornji Grad district and Mirogoj Cemetery
  • Take a private tour of the National Museum of Contemporary History in Ljubljana, and enjoy a special reception in Bled
  • Conclude in Vienna to visit Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace, and dance at an elegant summer gala
  • [start] => Jun 20 2014 [end] => Jun 30 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 6 [day] => 20 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Austria [2] => Central / Eastern Europe [3] => Croatia [4] => Europe [5] => History ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Austria,Central / Eastern Europe,Croatia,Europe,History [price] => 9,895 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Wolfram Koeppe [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 270_trip.jpg [mobile] => 270_preview.jpg [featured] => 270_featured.jpg ) ) [84] => Array ( [WebID] => 219 [description] => Embark Sea Cloud II in Copenhagen and set sail for the charming, unspoiled island of Christianso. Disembark in Klaipeda, Lithuania, and continue to Vilnius for an overnight stay. In the city's Old Town -- a UNESCO World Heritage site -- view the Gates of Dawn, Gediminas Castle, St. Anne's Church, the synagogue and the former Jewish ghetto. Drive to Riga, Latvia, to admire its medieval churches and superb Art Nouveau architecture before rejoining Sea Cloud II. Sail to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Visby, Sweden, to explore its medieval ruins and botanical gardens. Stay overnight in Stockholm and visit the Royal Castle of Drottningholm, modeled after Versailles. In Tallinn, Estonia, step ashore to tour the country's oldest church and enjoy a private concert. Discover the modern architecture and fine art of Helsinki, Finland, before sailing to magnificent St. Petersburg, Russia.

    An optional three-day prelude in Copenhagen and three-day postlude in St. Petersburg are offered.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => June 28 - July 9, 2014 [title] => The Baltic's Amber Coast Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Discover the cities of Riga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania
  • Walk through Stockholm's charming Old Town and visit Drottningholm Palace
  • Explore ancient Tallinn, Estonia, and enjoy a special concert in St. Nicholas' Church
  • In Helsinki, admire striking modern architecture and tour the Atheneum
  • [start] => Jun 28 2014 [end] => Jul 9 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 6 [day] => 28 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Baltic [2] => Europe [3] => Latvia [4] => Russia [5] => Sea Cloud II [6] => Summer [7] => Sweden ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Baltic,Europe,Latvia,Russia,Sea Cloud II,Summer,Sweden [price] => 8,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Ellenor Alcorn [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 219_trip.jpg [mobile] => 219_preview.jpg [featured] => 219_featured.jpg ) ) [85] => Array ( [WebID] => 302 [description] => Begin Paris to explore the City of Lights and visit two of the memorials that were erected after World War II. At the golden-domed Hôtel des Invalides, tour the Army Museum, with its impressive collection of photographs, uniforms, weapons and documents related to the First and Second World Wars. Drive Normandy and see the Jerusalem Cemetery outside of Bayeux. During a four-night stay, explore the battlefields, cemeteries, monuments and museums that tell the moving story of the Allied Force's D-Day invasion of June 1944.

    In addition to World War II sites, visits to Bayeux and Rouen offer an opportunity to reflect on other wars from France's history, dating as far back as 1066. In Bayeux, tour the historic cathedral and view the extraordinary Bayeux Tapestry, one of the most famous works of art to survive from the Middle Ages. In the medieval city of Rouen, enjoy a guided walk including the cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, and the Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. [dates] => July 19 - 26, 2014 [title] => 70th Anniversary of D-Day: Paris & Normandy [summary] =>
  • In Paris, see two important memorials that were erected after World War II
  • Travel to Normandy to visit the battlefields, cemeteries, monuments and museums that tell the story of D-Day
  • Tour Bayeux's historic cathedral and view the renowned Bayeux Tapestry
  • In Rouen, enjoy a guided walk including the splendid cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture
  • [start] => Jul 19 2014 [end] => Jul 26 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 7 [day] => 19 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cultural Calendar 12-13 [1] => Europe [2] => France [3] => History [4] => Summer ) [destinations] => Cultural Calendar 12-13,Europe,France,History,Summer [price] => 3,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => John Herney [institution] => Phillips Exeter ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 302_trip.jpg [mobile] => 302_preview.jpg [featured] => 302_featured.jpg ) ) [86] => Array ( [WebID] => 265 [description] => Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims on this program of selective hikes along St. James' Way, highlighted by spectacular monuments, fine cuisine, and deluxe hotels.

    From Pamplona, drive to Roncesvalles to receive your credencial (pilgrim passport) and take your first walk. Discover the famous cellars in Elciego, known as the ”City of Wine,” and admire important architecture in Burgos. In León, see Gaudí's neo-Gothic Casa de Botines and the avant-garde Museo de Arte Contemporáneo. Conclude in Santiago de Compostela with a curatorial tour of the Galicia Contemporary Art Center.

    A similar verison of this program is being offered September 26 to October 8 at $7,395. Please call our office for details and availability. [dates] => August 29 - September 10, 2014 [title] => In the Footsteps of St. James: El Camino de Santiago [summary] =>
  • Discover important cathedrals and spectacular monuments along the legendary Camino de Santiago (St. James' Way)
  • In Roncesvalles, begin a series of selective hikes along this legendary pilgrimage trail
  • Savor Basque vintages in Elciego, known as the "City of Wine"
  • Take a curatorial tour of the Galicia Contemporary Art Center in Santiago de Compostela
  • [start] => Aug 29 2014 [end] => Sep 10 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 8 [day] => 29 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Camino de Santiago [2] => Europe [3] => History [4] => Land [5] => Spain ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Camino de Santiago,Europe,History,Land,Spain [price] => 8,595 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Nancy Wu [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 265_trip.jpg [mobile] => 265_preview.jpg [featured] => 265_featured.jpg ) ) [87] => Array ( [WebID] => 258 [description] => Begin in Cappadocia, to see the rock-carved Zelve Monastery and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Goreme, an open-air museum of Byzantine frescoes and amazing troglodyte villages. In Ankara, marvel at the ancient metalwork in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and in Bursa, capital city during the 14th century, admire the richly tiled interiors of the Green Mosque. Conclude in Istanbul, to enjoy a private Bosphorus cruise and visit such splendid sights as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia, as well as lesser-known treasures including the Sabanci Museum, dedicated to Ottoman calligraphy. [dates] => September 5 - 15, 2014 [title] => Fabled Turkey: A Journey From Cappadocia to Istanbul [summary] =>
  • Discover the Zelve Monastery and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Goreme in Cappadocia
  • Visit Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to marvel at ancient metalwork
  • Admire the richly tiled interiors of the Green Mosque in Bursa
  • Enjoy a private Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, and see the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia
  • [start] => Sep 5 2014 [end] => Sep 15 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 9 [day] => 5 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Asia [3] => Europe [4] => History [5] => Turkey ) [destinations] => Art,Art & Architecture,Asia,Europe,History,Turkey [price] => 10,595 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Deniz Beyazit [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 258_trip.jpg [mobile] => 258_preview.jpg [featured] => 258_featured.jpg ) ) [88] => Array ( [WebID] => 301 [description] => With the end of the Hundred Years' War, medieval fortresses were rebuilt as pleasure palaces, where Renaissance ideas took tangible form. Just two hours from Paris, the Loire Valley is home to many of these exquisite châteaux in the world. Wander in the elegant formal gardens and step inside storybook castles to see how the royals really lived.

    Begin in Tours, that lovely city on the Loire, with a four-night stay at the Domaine de la Tortinière, a family-run château-hotel that has hosted presidents, artists and film stars. See Château d'Ussé, which inspired the tale of Sleeping Beauty and marvel at the double-spiral staircase -- designed by Leonardo da Vinci -- at Château de Chambord. At Château de Chenonceau, known as ”the castle of the ladies,” to learn the story of the love triangle that led to its beautiful design.

    Travel to Paris, stopping en route at Fontainebleau, which owes its present form to the great François I, the arts patron who brought the Renaissance to France. Spend four nights on the Left Bank at the Hôtel Pont Royal, former haunt of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Discover the royal intrigue behind the creation of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, and spend a full day at Versailles, where the Sun King lived in greater luxury than any other crowned head of Europe. A visit to the starkly modernist Maison de Verre offers a rare opportunity to study a Parisian townhouse of the art Art Deco period. [dates] => September 8 - 17, 2014 [title] => At Home in the Ancien Regime [summary] =>
  • In Tours, see Château d'Ussé, which inspired Sleeping Beauty, and marvel at the double-spiral staircase at Château de Chambord
  • Visit Château de Chenonceau, with its fine collection of Old Masters paintings
  • Travel to Paris, stopping en route at Fontainebleau, which owes its present form to François I
  • Spend a day exploring Versailles and its gardens, and visit the modernist Maison de Verre
  • [start] => Sep 8 2014 [end] => Sep 17 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 9 [day] => 8 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Autumn [2] => Europe [3] => France [4] => Gardens [5] => History ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Autumn,Europe,France,Gardens,History [price] => 8,145 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => William Hood [institution] => Institute of Fine Arts ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 301_trip.jpg [mobile] => 301_preview.jpg [featured] => 301_featured.jpg ) ) [89] => Array ( [WebID] => 317 [description] => Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims on a program of selective hikes along the Camino de Santiago (St. James' Way). Enjoy spectacular monuments, fine cuisine and wine, and deluxe hotels.From Pamplona, drive to Roncesvalles to receive your credencial (pilgrim passport) and take your first walk. Visit important cathedrals in Logroño and Burgos. Continue to León to see Gaudí's neo-Gothic Casa de Botines and the Museo de Arte Contempor´neo. Conclude in Santiago de Compostela with a private tour of the Galicia Contemporary Art Center and a visit to Cape Finisterre. [dates] => September 26 - October 8, 2014 [title] => In the Footsteps of St. James: El Camino de Santiago [summary] =>
  • In Roncesvalles, begin a series of selective hikes along the legendary Camino de Santiago
  • Discover spectacular monuments, savor fine cuisine and wine, and stay in deluxe hotels
  • Savor lunch and taste wine at Bodegas Baigorri, where Rioja Alavesa is produced
  • Take a private tour of the Galicia Contemporary Art Center in Santiago de Compostela
  • [start] => Sep 26 2014 [end] => Oct 8 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 9 [day] => 26 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Camino de Santiago [2] => Europe [3] => History [4] => Land [5] => Spain ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Camino de Santiago,Europe,History,Land,Spain [price] => 7,395 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Mary Gaylord [institution] => Harvard University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 317_trip.jpg [mobile] => 317_preview.jpg [featured] => 317_featured.jpg ) ) [90] => Array ( [WebID] => 342 [description] => Mexico City -- with her powerful murals, first-rate museums, and thriving galleries -- has become a world-class city of art. During a privileged week in this dynamic capital city, discover her modern and contemporary works as well as her awe-inspiring Aztec monuments. See two extraordinary private collections: the Museo Soumaya, housing telecommunications magnate Carlos Slim's trove of works by Picasso and other European masters; and the Júmex Collection, said to be the largest private contemporary art collection in Latin America. Browse the leading galleries of the San Miguel Chapultepec and Colonia Roma districts, and enjoy a private reception at an important gallery in the Colonia San Rafael neighborhood.

    The revolutionary murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco play a prominent role in the program. Admire these works in locations throughout the city -- most notably the National Palace, home to Rivera's The Epic of the Mexican People. Also spend a day devoted to Rivera's partnership with Frida Kahlo at a restored hacienda that holds the largest single collection of their work and La Casa Azul, where the couple lived together and where Kahlo was born and died.

    See evidence of the conflict between the Aztecs and the Spanish on a walk through the Zócalo (main plaza), where the ruins of the Aztecs' Templo Mayor at Tenochtitlan abut the Metropolitan Cathedral, itself built atop a ruined Aztec temple. Step further into the past on a private tour of the National Museum of Anthropology and an archaeologist-led exploration of the pyramids of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO-recognized site that reached its peak a thousand years before the Spanish arrived. [dates] => September 28 - October 4, 2014 [title] => The Art of Mexico: Past & Present [summary] =>
  • See two extraordinary private collections and browse leading galleries
  • Enjoy a private reception at an important gallery in the Colonia San Rafael neighborhood
  • Admire murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco
  • Explore the awe-inspiring pyramids of Teotihuacan with an archaeologist
  • [start] => Sep 28 2014 [end] => Oct 4 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 9 [day] => 28 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Autumn [3] => Mexico ) [destinations] => America,Art & Architecture,Autumn,Mexico [price] => 5,500 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 342_trip.jpg [mobile] => 342_preview.jpg [featured] => 342_featured.jpg ) ) [91] => Array ( [WebID] => 225 [description] => Spend a day in Venice before embarking Sea Cloud for a ten-night journey. Step ashore to explore ancient ruins, historic churches and private palazzo. In Ravenna, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, admire the stunning mosaics at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale. Cross the Adriatic to Split, Croatia, to visit the gallery of an esteemed local sculptor and tour Diocletian's Palace, where the Emperor retired in 305 C.E. In Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy a special reception and concert in the courtyard of a 500-year-old palazzo. Continue to the Italian port of Brindisi to tour the unspoiled baroque city of Lecce. On Sicily, explore the ancient Greek and Roman theaters of Syracuse and enjoy a private visit to a medieval palazzo. In Lipari, marvel at the ancient Greek theatrical masks displayed at the Archaeological Museum before sailing through the Aeolian Islands to Naples.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => October 8 - 19, 2014 [title] => Adriatic Odyssey: Venice to Naples Aboard Sea Cloud [summary] =>
  • Travel by canal boat through Venice, home to a maritime republic that ruled for centuries
  • Enjoy a ten-night Adriatic cruise aboard the legendary Sea Cloud
  • Attend a special reception and concert at the Palazzo Sponza in Dubrovnik
  • In Split, tour Diocletian's Palace, the Emperor's magnificent fourth-century retirement home
  • [start] => Oct 8 2014 [end] => Oct 19 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 10 [day] => 8 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Adriatic [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Autumn [3] => Croatia [4] => Europe [5] => Italy [6] => Sea Cloud ) [destinations] => Adriatic,Art & Architecture,Autumn,Croatia,Europe,Italy,Sea Cloud [price] => 9,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Ivo Banac [institution] => Yale University ) [1] => Array ( [name] => William Hood [institution] => Institute of Fine Arts ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 225_trip.jpg [mobile] => 225_preview.jpg [featured] => 225_featured.jpg ) ) [92] => Array ( [WebID] => 223 [description] => Embark Sea Cloud II in Catania, Sicily, and sail through the Aeolian Islands to Palermo. Marvel at the glittering mosaics of the 9th-century Palatine Chapel before driving to Monreale to tour its magnificent Norman cathedral. Step ashore at Trapani to view the splendid Greek temple and theater in nearby Segesta, then sail to Porto Empedocle and continue to Agrigento to discover the fine Greek ruins of the Valley of the Temples. In Pozzallo, admire the mosaics of the 4th-century Villa del Tellaro and the baroque interiors of the Palazzo Nicolaci in nearby Noto. In Syracuse, explore the well-preserved Greek and Roman theaters of the Archaeological Zone and enjoy a private reception at the baroque palazzo of Barone Beneventano. An optional three-day prelude in Taormina, Sicily, and two-day postlude in Valletta, Malta, are offered.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => October 10 - 18, 2014 [title] => Sicily by Sea: Art Treasures & Ancient Temples Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Sail from Catania to Malta aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II
  • Admire the golden mosaics in Palermo's Palace of the Norman Kings
  • Walk among fine Greek and Roman ruins on Sicily
  • In Syracuse, visit a baroque palazzo by special invitation
  • [start] => Oct 10 2014 [end] => Oct 18 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 10 [day] => 10 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Autumn [1] => Europe [2] => Malta [3] => Sea Cloud II [4] => Sicily ) [destinations] => Autumn,Europe,Malta,Sea Cloud II,Sicily [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Barbara Boehm [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 223_trip.jpg [mobile] => 223_preview.jpg [featured] => 223_featured.jpg ) ) [93] => Array ( [WebID] => 309 [description] => On November 9, 2014, Berlin will mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Wall that divided East from West for nearly three decades. Since reunification, bold designs by some of the world's most renowned architects have sparked the city's renaissance, as have thought-provoking monuments dealing with Germany's difficult history. Join a historian specializing in postwar U.S.-German relations to spend a week in Berlin discovering its landmarks, old and new.

    Stay in the historic Mitte district at the Regent Berlin, voted one of the world's best hotels by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Marvel at Berlin's most famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate, meticulously restored since the reunification. On Museum Island, see the treasures of the Neues Museum, destroyed in the war and not rebuilt until 2009. Tour the historic Reichstag, gloriously restored by Norman Foster.

    Discover the iconic sights of post reunification Berlin, including the East Side Gallery, a mile-long stretch of the original Wall covered with international paintings; and Frank Gehry's DZ Bank. At the Berlin Wall Memorial, hear personal accounts from East and West Berliners who witnessed the fall of the Wall. Enjoy a private visit to the Marienfelde Refugee Center, the entry point to West Berlin for more than a million refugees, and tour the Grenzspuren am Flutgraben project. Experience Jewish Berlin on visits to the Libeskind-designed Jewish Museum, the striking Holocaust Memorial by Peter Eisenman, and the Scheunenviertel district, once home to thousands of Eastern European Jews and now undergoing a rebirth.

    Similar versions of this program with different lecturers are being offered on October 24 to 31, 2014, as well as November 7 to 14, 2014. Please contact our office for details and availability. [dates] => October 17 - 24, 2014 [title] => Berlin: Tear Down This Wall [summary] =>
  • Explore post-reunification Berlin on the wake of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall
  • See Berlin's landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and DZ Bank
  • Admire Museum Island's treasures, including the bust of Nefertiti at the Neues Museum and the Altar of Zeus
  • Discover the Marienfelde Refugee Center during a private visit
  • [start] => Oct 17 2014 [end] => Oct 24 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 10 [day] => 17 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Autumn [2] => Europe [3] => Germany [4] => History ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Autumn,Europe,Germany,History [price] => 5,395 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Maria Hohn [institution] => Vassar College ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 309_trip.jpg [mobile] => 309_preview.jpg [featured] => 309_featured.jpg ) ) [94] => Array ( [WebID] => 304 [description] => On November 9, 2014, Berlin will mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Wall that divided East from West for nearly three decades. Since reunification, bold designs by some of the world's most renowned architects have sparked the city's renaissance, as have thought-provoking monuments dealing with Germany's difficult history. Spend a week in the German capital discovering its landmarks, old and new.

    Stay in the historic Mitte district at the Regent Berlin, voted one of the world's best hotels by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Marvel at Berlin's most famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate, meticulously restored since the reunification. On Museum Island, see the treasures of the Neues Museum, destroyed in the war and not rebuilt until 2009. Tour the historic Reichstag, gloriously restored by Norman Foster.

    Discover the iconic sights of post reunification Berlin, including the East Side Gallery, a mile-long stretch of the original Wall covered with international paintings; and Frank Gehry's DZ Bank. At the Berlin Wall Memorial, hear personal accounts from East and West Berliners who witnessed the fall of the Wall; and chat with local artists at the Grenzspuren am Flutgraben project, a former factory converted to ateliers. Experience Jewish Berlin on visits to the Libeskind-designed Jewish Museum, the striking Holocaust Memorial by Peter Eisenman, and the Scheunenviertel district, once home to thousands of Eastern European Jews and now undergoing a rebirth.

    Similar versions of this program with different lecturers are being offered on October 17 to 24, 2014, as well as November 7 to 14, 2014. Please contact our office for details and availability. [dates] => October 24 - 31, 2014 [title] => Berlin: Tear Down This Wall [summary] =>
  • Visit Berlin on the wake of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall
  • Tour the city's major landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate and Frank Gehry's DZ Bank
  • See the treasures of Museum Island, including the Altar of Zeus and the bust of Nefertiti at the Neues Museum
  • Meet some of the resident artists at Grenzspuren am Flutgraben project
  • [start] => Oct 24 2014 [end] => Oct 31 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 10 [day] => 24 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Autumn [2] => Berlin [3] => Europe [4] => Germany [5] => History ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Autumn,Berlin,Europe,Germany,History [price] => 5,395 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Peter C. Caldwell [institution] => Rice University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 304_trip.jpg [mobile] => 304_preview.jpg [featured] => 304_featured.jpg ) ) [95] => Array ( [WebID] => 251 [description] => Begin in Hanoi to marvel at the majestic Ngoc Son Temple, tour the Fine Arts Museum, learn about Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology and visit the History Museum with its 3,000-year-old bronze drums. See Hanoi's turn-of-the-century opera house and the Hoa Lu Prison, otherwise known as the ”Hanoi Hilton.”

    Drive to Halong Bay, and spend a night aboard a private junk. Highlights of the cruise include exploring the fishing village by row-boat or kayaking, a Tai Chi class on the upper deck, and a visit to the Sung Sot Grotto. Continue to Hue to tour the Citadel and the ruins of the old Imperial City, and also see the legendary Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit Hoi An, where an afternoon walking tour includes the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Museum of Trade Ceramics and the colorful Central Market. In Danang, discover the Cham Museum and its new sculpture gallery. In Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), see the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the War Remnants Museum, and the Museum of Vietnamese History, displaying a thousand years of culture.

    Conclude in fascinating Cambodia. In the lovely city of Phnom Penh, known for its French colonial architecture, see the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, and stroll in the lively Central Market. An optional visit will be made to the ”Killing Fields” and the Tuol Sleng Museum. Fly to Siem Reap to discover the breathtaking archaeological site of Angkor, including the splendid 12th-century temple of Angkor Wat. Admire the enchanting temple of Banteay Srei, remarkably preserved; Thommanon, a small Angkor Wat period temple, and Ta Prohm. Except for the clearing of paths, Ta Prohm has been left untouched by archaeologists. [dates] => October 31 - November 16, 2014 [title] => In the Realm of Angkor: The Glories of Vietnam & Cambodia [summary] =>
  • Explore Vietnam's museums, historic sites and colorful markets in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City
  • Experience a night aboard a private junk in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Discover charming Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with its French colonial architecture
  • Experience legendary Angkor Wat and lesser-known treasures near Siem Reap
  • [start] => Oct 31 2014 [end] => Nov 16 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 10 [day] => 31 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Cambodia [2] => Vietnam ) [destinations] => Asia,Cambodia,Vietnam [price] => 9,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Maxwell Hearn [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 251_trip.jpg [mobile] => 251_preview.jpg [featured] => 251_featured.jpg ) ) [96] => Array ( [WebID] => 303 [description] => Spend 15 days exploring this ancient, enigmatic country, from the exceptional museums of bustling Tehran to the architectural masterpieces of Isfahan. Highlights include Tehran's National Museum with its rich collection of prehistoric artifacts; the Fire Temple of Yazd, whose sacred Zoroastrian flame has burned for 1,500 years; the ruins of 2,500-year-old Persepolis, founded by Darius the Great; the tombs and gardens of Shiraz, ”city of roses and nightingales”; and Isfahan's Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    This program currently has a waiting list. An additional departure for this program has been added on October 6, 2014. Please contact our office for details. [dates] => November 6 - 22, 2014 [title] => Palaces, Poets & Nightingales: A Journey Through Persia [summary] =>
  • See Tehran's outstanding museums and palaces, and visit lovely Shiraz
  • Spend a full day at the extraordinary site of ancient Persepolis
  • Explore the ruins of the palaces of Cyrus the Great
  • See Isfahan's splendid mosques palaces and Naghsh-e-Jahan Square
  • [start] => Nov 6 2014 [end] => Nov 22 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 11 [day] => 6 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Autumn [2] => Iran [3] => MiddleEast ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Autumn,Iran,MiddleEast [price] => 9,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Sheila Canby [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 303_trip.jpg [mobile] => 303_preview.jpg [featured] => 303_featured.jpg ) ) [97] => Array ( [WebID] => 278 [description] => November 9, 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. During the last quarter-century, Berlin has changed dramatically. Spend a week observing the remnants from the period ”before the fall” and see the vast building projects that began as a result of this historic event, including the formerly divided Potsdamer Platz, as well as the renovations and restorations on Museum Island. At the Berlin Wall Memorial, hear personal accounts from East and West Berliners of the events leading up to the fall. Tour the unique Grenzspuren am Flutgraben project, a former East German factory building adjacent to the Wall that has been converted to artists' studios, and meet some of the resident artists. Discover Jewish Berlin, including the gold-domed New Synagogue, the deportation area, the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind. Enjoy a special before-hours tour of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau collections at the Brohan Museum and a guided visit of 18th-century Charlottenburg Palace. At the U.S. Embassy, admire the fine art collection and receive a private briefing from the ambassador (pending confirmation).

    Similar versions of this program with different lecturers are being offered on October 17 to 24, 2014, as well as October 24 to 31, 2014. Please contact our office for details and availability. [dates] => November 7 - 14, 2014 [title] => Berlin: Tear Down This Wall [summary] =>
  • Visit vibrant Berlin during the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall
  • Tour the city's major landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Frank Gehry's DZ Bank
  • See the treasures of Museum Island, including the Altar of Zeus and the bust of Nefertiti at the Neues Museum
  • Meet some of the resident artists at Grenzspuren am Flutgraben project, a former East German factory building
  • [start] => Nov 7 2014 [end] => Nov 14 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 11 [day] => 7 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Autumn [1] => Europe [2] => Germany [3] => History ) [destinations] => Autumn,Europe,Germany,History [price] => 5,895 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 278_trip.jpg [mobile] => 278_preview.jpg [featured] => 278_featured.jpg ) ) [98] => Array ( [WebID] => 268 [description] => On a journey through Sri Lanka, discover magnificent temples and a fascinating history. Begin in the capital city of Colombo to visit the National Museum, which features 12th-century bronzes of Hindu gods, and admire the President's House, built by the last Dutch governor of Ceylon in the late 18th century. Continue to Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle to discover the former capital of Polonnaruwa, the extraordinary site of Sigiriya, and the well-preserved Dambulla Cave Temple. In Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Tour the Royal Botanical Gardens and view exceptional wall paintings at the Degaldoruwa Temple. In the vibrant port city of Galle, stroll through Galle Fort with a local historian, author and photographer.

    [dates] => November 12 - 23, 2014 [title] => Sri Lanka: Tracing Ancient Buddhism [summary] =>
  • Discover Colombo and Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
  • Admire magnificent temples and ancient monasteries
  • Tour the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and other sites in Kandy
  • Visit Galle Fort with a local historian, photographer and author
  • [start] => Nov 12 2014 [end] => Nov 23 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 11 [day] => 12 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => History [3] => India [4] => Southeast Asia [5] => Sri Lanka ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,History,India,Southeast Asia,Sri Lanka [price] => 7,750 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => John Guy [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 268_trip.jpg [mobile] => 268_preview.jpg [featured] => 268_featured.jpg ) ) [99] => Array ( [WebID] => 267 [description] => Discover the treasures of Colombia and Panama during a week in these fascinating countries.

    Begin in Cartagena to explore this historic walled city. Meet local artists in their studios, and visit the 17th-century La Popa Convent. Fly to Bogotá, where highlights include afternoon tea with a prominent artist, a curatorial tour of the Museo del Oro. Conclude in Panama City for an architectural tour of ”Casco Viejo,” the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific Ocean, and to experience a partial Panama Canal transit.

    Optional Medellín prelude.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => December 5 - 13, 2014 [title] => The Jewels of Colombia & Panama: Cartagena, Bogota & Panama City [summary] =>
  • Explore the walled city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Meet artists in their studios and visit historic La Popa Convent
  • Discover the Colombian capital of Bogotá, high in the Andes
  • Experience a partial transit of the Panama Canal
  • [start] => Dec 5 2014 [end] => Dec 13 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 12 [day] => 5 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Exotic [3] => Land [4] => South America ) [destinations] => America,Art & Architecture,Exotic,Land,South America [price] => 8,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jacqueline Terrassa [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 267_trip.jpg [mobile] => 267_preview.jpg [featured] => 267_featured.jpg ) ) [100] => Array ( [WebID] => 250 [description] => Academic Arrangements Abroad is a licensed Travel Service Provider and has operated over 100 group programs to Cuba for a wide variety of non-profit organizations that hold People-to-People licenses issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department.

    For more information on how we might work with your organization in operating a trip to Cuba, or to see if we are already working with an organization with whom you are affiliated, please feel free to call us at (212) 514-8921. [dates] => December 21 - 21, 2014 [title] => Havana: Through the Eyes of the People [summary] =>
  • Walk through Old Havana with an architectural historian
  • Support the growth of private business in Cuba by dining in some of Cuba's leading paladares - private restaurants in people's homes
  • See many UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Cuba has seven cultural and two natural sites)
  • Visit Cuba's leading artists in their homes and studios, and meet with dance groups and choral performers
  • [start] => Dec 21 2014 [end] => Dec 21 2014 [year] => 2014 [month] => 12 [day] => 21 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Caribbean [2] => Cuba ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Cuba [price] => T.B.A. [images] => Array ( [preview] => 250_trip.jpg [mobile] => 250_preview.jpg [featured] => 250_featured.jpg ) ) [101] => Array ( [WebID] => 289 [description] => Begin in San José, Costa Rica, with an after-hours visit to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Admire exotic orchids and perhaps spot a quetzal, the Mayan sacred bird, at nearby El Silencio de Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve. From Puerto Caldera sail down the country's rugged Pacific coast, to discover the vast, verdant Térraba-Sierpe mangroves, home to rare birds and accessible only by boat. Spend a morning exploring stunning Corcovado National Park before sailing to Isla de Coiba, home to Panama's largest marine reserve. Step ashore in Isla Iguana for snorkeling and bird-watching, and dock overnight in Panama City for an architectural tour and museum visits.

    Spend the following day transiting to Colón through the Panama Canal, an impressive man-made channel that handles over 12,000 ships a year. Get an up-close view of the immense steel gates that open to let ships enter various locks, which raise and lower the vessels to artificial lakes. A second and larger Panama Canal adjacent to the first is scheduled to be opened in the middle of 2015. While the timing is not certain, this is likely to be one of the last opportunities to see the massive construction project before the new canal is flooded with water.

    The following day, sail to the densely forested islands of Bocas del Toro, tendering ashore for a private reception by the owner of a botanic garden. Disembark in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, and enjoy a nature walk in the Veragua Rainforest before continuing to San José.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => January 4 - 16, 2015 [title] => Sailing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica & Panama Aboard Sea Cloud [summary] =>
  • Enjoy a 10-night cruise aboard the legendary sailing yacht Sea Cloud
  • Transit the man-made lakes and three sets of locks that comprise the Panama Canal
  • Visit a private botanic garden in Bocas del Toro and meet the owner
  • Snorkel in azure waters, explore cloud forests and rainforests, and glimpse exotic wildlife
  • [start] => Jan 4 2015 [end] => Jan 16 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 1 [day] => 4 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Caribbean [2] => Central America [3] => Cruise [4] => Gardens [5] => Sea Cloud [6] => Sea Cruise ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Central America,Cruise,Gardens,Sea Cloud,Sea Cruise [price] => 7,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Joyce Chaplin [institution] => Harvard University ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 289_trip.jpg [mobile] => 289_preview.jpg [featured] => 289_featured.jpg ) ) [102] => Array ( [WebID] => 297 [description] => See the highlights of Delhi including Humayun's Tomb, the 13th-century Qtub Minar, the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Visit the National Museum, housing an excellent collection of Indian sculpture and paintings, and the National Crafts Museum, showcasing India's varied arts and crafts traditions. Then fly to Amritsar to discover the Golden Temple, where the Holy Book of Sikhs, the Granth Sahib, was installed in 1604. Visit the nearby Jaliyan-wala-bagh, the site of a tragic massacre in 1919 when the British opened fire on Sikh pilgrims, before returning to the Golden Temple to witness an evening ceremony.

    In Chandigarh, admire Le Corbusier architecture and explore the unusual Rock Gardens. Travel to Varanasi, the Hindu holy city on the Ganges River. Rise early for a boat ride on the river at dawn to witness the amazing spectacle of daily ritual. Continue by plane to Khajuraho, famous for the artistry of its temple sculptures, carved 1,000 years ago. Drive to Orchha for lunch and a visit to its complex of 16th- and 17th-century palaces. Spend a morning at the Gwalior Fort to see the six-towered Man Mandir Palace and the Jai Vilas Palace Museum, designed by Sir Michael Filose. In Agra, view the consummate symbol of India, the Taj Mahal, as well as the 16th-century Red Fort.

    Continue to Doha, Qatar, to view the jewels of Shah Jahan at the Museum of Islamic Art. [dates] => January 12 - 29, 2015 [title] => Golden Temple, Amorous Gods: Delhi, Amritsar, Varanasi and Doha [summary] =>
  • See Delhi's highlights and explore the city's museums
  • Visit North India's remarkable temples, forts, and palaces
  • Witness a ceremony at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges in Varanasi
  • Discover the spectacular Taj Mahal and impressive Agra Fort
  • [start] => Jan 12 2015 [end] => Jan 29 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 1 [day] => 12 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => History [3] => India [4] => Winter ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,History,India,Winter [price] => 13,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 297_trip.jpg [mobile] => 297_preview.jpg [featured] => 297_featured.jpg ) ) [103] => Array ( [WebID] => 290 [description] => With its balmy island breezes and centuries-old tradition of gardening, the Caribbean is a delightful winter interlude to cooler northern temperatures. During a seven-night voyage aboard Sea Cloud II, step ashore to visit historic private plantations that have been lovingly restored by their owners, some of whom will greet us personally. Tour botanical gardens of long standing and relax on pristine beaches or swim and snorkel in the dazzling Caribbean waters. Aboard ship, attend lectures and enjoy leisurely hours of sailing.

    Ports of call include colorful Trinidad, with its unique colonial architecture; the ”Spice Island” of Grenada, known for its markets with nutmeg, cloves, cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla; and St. Vincent, home to the Grenadines Botanic Gardens, considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the Caribbean. On St. Lucia, discover a beach set in the dramatic Anse des Pitons, and enjoy water sports on tiny Bequia. An optional prelude in Barbados is offered. [dates] => January 15 - 22, 2015 [title] => History & Gardens of the Caribbean: Round-Trip Barbados Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Enjoy a seven-night journey aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II
  • Sail to Trinidad, Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Bequia and Barbados
  • Visit lush botanical gardens and lovingly restored private plantations
  • Swim at exquisite hidden beaches and snorkel in clear blue waters
  • [start] => Jan 15 2015 [end] => Jan 22 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 1 [day] => 15 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Anna Pavord [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Caribbean [3] => Gardens [4] => Sea Cloud II ) [destinations] => Anna Pavord,Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Gardens,Sea Cloud II [price] => 4,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Anna Pavord [institution] => National Trust for Historic Preservation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 290_trip.jpg [mobile] => 290_preview.jpg [featured] => 290_featured.jpg ) ) [104] => Array ( [WebID] => 363 [description] => Exploring the grounds of mysterious Chichen Itza. Swimming in the turquoise waters of French Polynesia. Walking among Easter Island's giant Moai statues. Gazing at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Spotting a lion on an African safari. Witnessing Brazil's thundering Iguazu Falls. Watching the sun rise over stunning Angkor Wat. Experience all of these wonders and more in just three weeks as you circle the globe by private jet.

    Starting in either London, England, or Mérida, Mexico, board a private, wide-body Boeing 767 and begin a three-week adventure to twelve of the world's most fascinating sites, from impressive Sydney harbor to the plains of the Serengeti. The jet has been fitted with VIP seating for just 90 guests -- offering extraordinary space and comfort en route to each destination. Every seat is either on an aisle or next to a window, and reclines to a flat position for relaxing.

    This once-in-a-lifetime program includes top hotels, from the world-famous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro to the gracious Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap. An experienced tour director will accompany travelers throughout the journey, and private visits and events will be arranged exclusively for Arrangements Abroad travelers.

    Click here for brochure PDF. [dates] => March 5 - 26, 2015 [title] => Around the World by Private Jet [summary] =>
  • Travel around the globe aboard a private Boeing 767
  • See iconic sites including the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat
  • Spot lions and other wildlife on an African safari
  • Stay at some of the world's finest hotels
  • [start] => Mar 5 2015 [end] => Mar 26 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 3 [day] => 5 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Africa [1] => America [2] => Archaeology [3] => Art & Architecture [4] => Asia [5] => Australia [6] => Europe [7] => History [8] => Private Jet [9] => South America ) [destinations] => Africa,America,Archaeology,Art & Architecture,Asia,Australia,Europe,History,Private Jet,South America [price] => 57,250 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 363_trip.jpg [mobile] => 363_preview.jpg [featured] => 363_featured.jpg ) ) [105] => Array ( [WebID] => [description] => Join us for a week in captivating Cuba, with privileged access to the country's arts community. Discover the heart of Old Havana on a guided walk, and connect with some of Cuba's leading artists on visits to their studios and homes. Savor Cuban cuisine at lively restaurants and at traditional paladares (restaurants in private homes). Highlights in Havana include a private reception at the Ludwig Foundation for the Arts, a curatorial tour at the National Museum of Fine Arts, and a special after-hours visit to the Ceramics Museum. Drive to the small, hilltop village of San Francisco de Paula to visit Finca La Vigía, the house where Ernest Hemingway lived for 20 years. On an overnight excursion to the island's north coast, explore the rich Afro-Cuban heritage of Matanzas. Enjoy a private concert in a hilltop chapel, see the 19th-century Pharmacy Museum, and visit a unique publisher of handmade books. Meet with local artists in C&aactue;rdenas before lunch at Xanadu, the former du Pont mansion built in 1930. Specially arranged performances of music and dance will enhance our journey. [dates] => March 7 - 14, 2015 [title] => The Art & Architecture of Cuba: Havana, Matanzas & Varadero [summary] =>
  • Spend a week in Cuba with a tour operator that has been taking groups there since 1999
  • Meet emerging and established artists in their homes and studios
  • See Ernest Hemingway's home in the hilltop village of San Francisco de Paula
  • Explore the Afro-Cuban heritage of Matanzas during an overnight excursion to Cuba's north coast
  • [start] => Mar 7 2015 [end] => Mar 14 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 3 [day] => 7 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cuba [1] => Richard Barcham ) [destinations] => Cuba,Richard Barcham [price] => [images] => Array ( [preview] => _trip.jpg [mobile] => _preview.jpg [featured] => _featured.jpg ) ) [106] => Array ( [WebID] => 312 [description] => In Jerusalem, discover extraordinary art and antiquity on walking tours and at sites including the Western Wall. Visit the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount, an area sacred to Jews and Muslims, and see the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Israel Museum. In Yad Vashem, visits include the Historical Museum and poignant Children's Memorial. In Bethlehem, perched on a hill at the edge of the Judean desert, see the Church of the Nativity, one of the holiest places in Christendom.

    Travel to the ancient fortress of Masada and experience the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Explore Beit She'an, a well-preserved Roman and Byzantine city, and tour the Museum of Art at Kibbutz Ein Harod with a curator. From Tiberias, depart for Akko to see the walled Old City. Continue to Haifa, built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, for a visit to the famed Bahai Gardens.

    Conclude in vibrant Tel Aviv for an architectural tour of the UNESCO World Heritage ”White City,” with its Bauhaus and International style buildings dating from the 1930s. Admire collections at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and travel south along the coast to explore the Old Quarter of nearby Jaffa, with its boutiques and galleries. [dates] => March 8 - 18, 2015 [title] => Art & Archaeology of the Holy Land:A Privileged View [summary] =>
  • Discover extraordinary treasures of art and antiquity in Jerusalem
  • Visit Bethlehem, Yad Vashem, Masada, Beit She'an, Akko, and Haifa
  • Experience the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea
  • Enjoy an architectural tour of vibrant Tel Aviv and see the Tel Aviv Museum of Art
  • [start] => Mar 8 2015 [end] => Mar 18 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 3 [day] => 8 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Archaeology [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Israel [3] => MiddleEast [4] => Spring ) [destinations] => Archaeology,Art & Architecture,Israel,MiddleEast,Spring [price] => 8,550 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Melanie Holcomb [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 312_trip.jpg [mobile] => 312_preview.jpg [featured] => 312_featured.jpg ) ) [107] => Array ( [WebID] => 324 [description] => From the courtiers of Tudor England to the couturiers of 19th-century France and beyond, London and Paris have long set the standards for European fashion. Discover the history of European fashion in the British and French capitals.

    Begin with three days in London. Explore Elizabethan theatrical costume at the Globe Theater and visit the National Portrait Gallery in the company of a fashion and textiles editor. Enjoy afternoon tea with a British designer at the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as a special tour of the workshop and livery department of Henry Poole & Co., Savile Row's first tailor. At the Victoria & Albert Museum, admire its extensive costume and textile collections. See the special Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition, the first and largest retrospective in Europe of the late designer's work (pending confirmation).

    Travel by high-speed Eurostar railway to Paris for a four-day stay. Survey centuries of fashion history at the recently reopened Musée de la Mode, housed in a 19th-century Renaissance-style palace; and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs inside the Louvre. Visit the famed House of Chanel on the Rue du Cambon, and spend a leisurely morning amid the Impressionist masterpieces at the Musée d'Orsay. [dates] => March 13 - 21, 2015 [title] => Courtiers & Couturiers: A History of European Fashion in London & Paris [summary] =>
  • In London, explore the National Portrait Gallery with a fashion and textiles editor, and enjoy tea with a British designer
  • Tour Henry Poole&Co., and admire the textile and costume collections at the Victoria&Albert Museum
  • Travel by high-speed Eurostar railway to Paris for a four-day stay
  • Survey fashion history at the recently reopened Musée de la Mode, and tour the House of Chanel on the Rue du Cambon
  • [start] => Mar 13 2015 [end] => Mar 21 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 3 [day] => 13 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => England [1] => Europe [2] => France [3] => History [4] => Spring ) [destinations] => England,Europe,France,History,Spring [price] => 7,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Mary Davis [institution] => Harvard Alumni Association ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 324_trip.jpg [mobile] => 324_preview.jpg [featured] => 324_featured.jpg ) ) [108] => Array ( [WebID] => 326 [description] => Move from Mâcon in Burgundy through the Franche-Comté to Geneva. En route, sample gastronomic delights and discover great museums, superb architecture, and alluring landscapes. Admire great architecture, religious and secular, from Brou to Besançon and Ronchamps, Le Corbusier's masterpiece.

    Visit Beaux-Arts museums to see the great strength of French paintings. Discover the ruined abbey, which inspired Lamartine, the house where Voltaire lived more than twenty years, and Madame de Stael's family residence.

    Accommodations in the French countryside are arranged at two Relais & Châteaux hotels: in Vonnas, where Georges Blanc created a hotel around his three-star restaurant, and at Germigney, in an enchanting château. In Geneva, stay at the deluxe Hotel de la Cigogn, located in the city center. All this will be enhanced by some of the best cuisine for which France is famous. [dates] => April 7 - 16, 2015 [title] => Romantic Chateaux, Great Chefs & French Culture [summary] =>
  • Discover great museums and superb architecture during a journey from Mâcon in Burgundy through the Franche-Comté to Geneva
  • Visit the old fortress town of Besançon, the often-besieged fortress town of Belfort and picturesque lakeside Annecy
  • In the French countryside, stay at Relais&Châteaux hotels
  • Savor meals at some of the finest restaurants in France including Maison Troisgros and Auberge du Père Bise
  • [start] => Apr 7 2015 [end] => Apr 16 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 4 [day] => 7 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => France [2] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Europe,France,Olivier Bernier [price] => 8,450 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 326_trip.jpg [mobile] => 326_preview.jpg [featured] => 326_featured.jpg ) ) [109] => Array ( [WebID] => 298 [description] => This enticing trip explores the shared history and culture of Bavaria and Bohemia, whose capital cities, Munich and Prague, are like twin sisters, as their ruling dynasties were frequently intermarried.

    During a six-night stay in Munich, tour its sumptuous palaces and museums -- including the Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, and both Pinakotheks -- and admire the spectacular architecture of the area's Rococo churches. Continue to Prague -- a magical city of historic castles, delicate spires, and medieval bridges -- for four nights. Enjoy coffee with the director of the Jewish Museum and private visits to the Strahov Library, with its extraordinary collection of manuscripts, and the Archbishop's Palace, seat of the archbishop since 1562.

    An optional three-night postlude in Dresden reveals the Baroque treasures of this rebuilt city, which is once again beautiful. [dates] => April 17 - 28, 2015 [title] => Emperors & Electors: Bavaria & Bohemia [summary] =>
  • In Munich, discover the treasures of the Residenz and Nymphenburg Palace
  • At both Pinakotheks, view world-famous Old Master paintings and splendid Impressionist paintings
  • Travel outside the city to visit amazing 18th-century churches
  • In Prague, enjoy a special visit at the Strahov Library and coffee with the director of the Jewish Museum
  • [start] => Apr 17 2015 [end] => Apr 28 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 4 [day] => 17 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Czech Republic [1] => Europe [2] => Germany ) [destinations] => Czech Republic,Europe,Germany [price] => 10,695 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 298_trip.jpg [mobile] => 298_preview.jpg [featured] => 298_featured.jpg ) ) [110] => Array ( [WebID] => [description] => [dates] => May 8 - 20, 2015 [title] => El Camino de Santiago: In the Footsteps of St. James [summary] => [start] => May 8 2015 [end] => May 20 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 5 [day] => 8 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Camino de Santiago [1] => Spain ) [destinations] => Camino de Santiago,Spain [price] => [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Harold Attridge [institution] => Yale University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => _trip.jpg [mobile] => _preview.jpg [featured] => _featured.jpg ) ) [111] => Array ( [WebID] => 344 [description] => Discover Dublin's gardens, including the award-winning urban garden of author Helen Dillon. Continue to either Lodge Park Gardens with Patrick Bowe, or take a special tour of the National Gallery with Adrian Le Harivel, Curator of British and Dutch Paintings. Have lunch at Castle Leslie, nestled on 1,000 acres of countryside. The Leslie family arrived in Ireland in the 16th century and bought the estate at this time. Visit Castle Coole, a beautiful neo-classical mansion set in a wooded park; the home and gardens of Killyreagh; and Crom Castle, the historic seat of the Earls of Erne for over 350 years. Walk through the beautiful grounds before dinner in the West Wing of the castle. Explore Oakfield Park, a beautifully restored 18th Century Georgian Deanery, and Baronscourt, one of Ireland's great Georgian houses. Conclude in Belfast to tour properties including Ballywalter Park, Mount Stewart, and Grey Abbey. [dates] => May 8 - 17, 2015 [title] => Great Houses & Gardens of Northern Ireland with Patrick Bowe [summary] =>
  • See the award-winning urban garden of author Helen Dillon
  • Take a special curatorial tour of the National Gallery
  • Stroll through the gardens and enjoy lunch at Castle Leslie
  • Enjoy private visits to Baronscourt, Grey Abbey, and Ballywalter Park with the homes' owners
  • [start] => May 8 2015 [end] => May 17 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 5 [day] => 8 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Gardens [2] => Ireland [3] => Northern Ireland [4] => Patrick Bowe [5] => Spring ) [destinations] => Europe,Gardens,Ireland,Northern Ireland,Patrick Bowe,Spring [price] => 7,495 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 344_trip.jpg [mobile] => 344_preview.jpg [featured] => 344_featured.jpg ) ) [112] => Array ( [WebID] => 319 [description] => Begin in Paris with a five-night stay at the Hôtel Pont Royal in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Step inside the former home of Victor Hugo, stroll in Proust's neighborhood, and tour Père Lachaise cemetery to see the final resting places of Colette, Piaf, and other renowned artists. Enjoy a private visit to the Hôtel de la Païva, built for a celebrated courtesan, and a cocktail reception at the home of Monsieur and Madame de Tocqueville.

    Fly to Nice for a three-night stay at the Hôtel La Pérouse on the French Riviera. Spend a day in Vence and nearby Saint-Paul-de-Vence, to visit the gravesite of Marc Chagall and the Chapel of the Rosary, Matisse's masterpiece. Admire the impressive collections of the Maeght Foundation on a curator-led tour, and spend a day on Cap Ferrat, to explore the gardens of a Rothschild villa overlooking the sea. [dates] => May 12 - 21, 2015 [title] => Pleasures of Paris & The South of France [summary] =>
  • Discover the haunts of renowned writers and artists in Paris and the Côte d'Azur
  • Enjoy a private visit to the Hôtel de la Païva, built for a celebrated courtesan, and a reception at the home of the de Tocquevilles
  • On the Riviera, visit the gravesite of Marc Chagall and the Chapel of the Rosary, Matisse's masterpiece
  • Take a curator-led tour of the Maeght Foundation and explore a Rothschild villa on Cap Ferrat
  • [start] => May 12 2015 [end] => May 21 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 5 [day] => 12 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Cuisine [2] => France [3] => Gardens ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Cuisine,France,Gardens [price] => 7,995 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 319_trip.jpg [mobile] => 319_preview.jpg [featured] => 319_featured.jpg ) ) [113] => Array ( [WebID] => 374 [description] => Spend a week in Cuba with privileged access to its arts community. As a pioneer in offering legal travel to Cuba, Arrangements Abroad has taken thousands of Americans to the island since 1999.

    Stay at the intimate Hotel Saratoga in Old Havana. Meet emerging artists in their studios and homes, at Havana's top art school, and at a private reception organized by the Ludwig Foundation for the Arts. Visit the 18th-century fortress Castillo de la Cabana, the main venue for the Havana Biennial, to view important exhibits from around Latin America and engage with leading artists.

    Enjoy lunch at artist Jose Fuster's studio in the village of Jaimanitas, where he has decorated more than 80 houses with ornate murals and domes; and see Ernest Hemingway's home in the hilltop village of San Francisco de Paula. Spend a day in Matanzas, for a tour of a unique publisher of handmade books and a private concert in a hilltop chapel. There will also be opportunities to savor Cuban cuisine at paladares and restaurants, where you may wish to sample a Cuba Libre or mojito.

    Note: This program is currently SOLD OUT. Please contact our office to be added to the waiting list or to find out about similar journeys. [dates] => May 23 - 30, 2015 [title] => The Art & Architecture of Cuba: Havana Biennial--SOLD OUT! [summary] =>
  • Spend a week in Cuba with a tour operator that has been taking groups there since 1999
  • Meet emerging and established artists in their homes and studios, at exclusive receptions, and during the Havana Biennial art exhibition
  • See Ernest Hemingway's home in the hilltop village of San Francisco de Paula
  • Savor Cuban cuisine paladares and restaurants, and attend a private concert in a hilltop chapel
  • [start] => May 23 2015 [end] => May 30 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 5 [day] => 23 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Cuba [3] => Summer ) [destinations] => America,Art & Architecture,Cuba,Summer [price] => 6,295 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Ronda Kasl [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 374_trip.jpg [mobile] => 374_preview.jpg [featured] => 374_featured.jpg ) ) [114] => Array ( [WebID] => 323 [description] => Brittany has been French for over six centuries, but the memories of its past as an independent duchy and the Celtic flavors of its long-ago past survive. From its spectacular landscapes to its Renaissance monuments, from the 18th-century city center of Rennes to the massive fortress in Nantes, this proud province is strongly connected to its long history.

    Enjoy lunch in Paris before traveling by train to Rennes, whose city center was redesigned in the 18th century by Jacques Gabriel. Admire the rich collection at the Musèe des Beaux-Arts, and visit the Museum of Brittany. Outside the city, stay at the intimate château d'Apigné. Drive from Rennes to St. Malo, with its fortifications and ancient houses, and to the turn of the century Dinard, one of France's most charming sea resorts. En route to Perros-Guirec, have a private tour of Josselin, a medieval and Renaissance château that still belongs to the duc de Rohan.

    Drive through romantic landscapes to small cities including Quimper and Morlaix; look at the specifically Breton calvaires, Renaissance stone crosses adorned with figures of the Passion; and stroll in the fishing village of Auray. Finally, indulge in the spectacular comforts of a five-star hotel on the sea at La Baule, and visit the old capital of Nantes.

    Optional Paris prelude. [dates] => June 1 - 10, 2015 [title] => Celtic Lore, Noble Chateaux: Dramatic Brittany [summary] =>
  • Discover Brittany's 18th-century cities, quaint villages, and romantic landscapes
  • In Rennes, visit museums including the Musèe des Beaux-Arts and Museum of Brittany
  • Take a private tour of Josselin, a medieval and Renaissance château
  • Savor the region's superb cuisine, and stay at an intimate château and five-star hotels
  • [start] => Jun 1 2015 [end] => Jun 10 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 6 [day] => 1 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => France [2] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,France,Olivier Bernier [price] => 8,350 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 323_trip.jpg [mobile] => 323_preview.jpg [featured] => 323_featured.jpg ) ) [115] => Array ( [WebID] => 362 [description] => In Cardiff, go behind the scenes at the Senedd (National Assembly) and tour the National Museum with a curator. Explore Roman ruins in Caerleon, associated with King Arthur, and admire Tintern Abbey, inspiration to Wordsworth and J.M.W. Turner. Devote a day to Dylan Thomas in Swansea, his birthplace, and go inside Plas Newydd, home of the aristocratic, eccentric ”Ladies of Llangollen,” whose guests included Byron and Shelley.

    Visit Bodnant Garden, recognized as one of the finest Edwardian Naturalistic gardens in the world, for a tour led by one of the gardeners. Enjoy lunch at Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, located on Furnace Farm. Wales' famous castles -- including medieval Conwy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Hawarden, Gladstone's former estate -- are additional highlights. Also travel to Snowdonia Park for a private tour of Penrhyn Castle, a neo-Norman castle which sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. [dates] => June 6 - 16, 2015 [title] => Wild Wales: Landscapes & Literature [summary] =>
  • Tour the National Museum with a curator and go behind the scenes at the Senedd (National Assembly)
  • Visit Caerleon, site of a Roman amphitheater, and Tintern, best known for the ruins of Tintern Abbey
  • Travel to Swansea, birthplace of the poet and writer Dylan Thomas
  • Discover Wales' famous castles, including Hawarden and Conwy
  • [start] => Jun 6 2015 [end] => Jun 16 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 6 [day] => 6 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => Literature [3] => Summer [4] => Wales ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,Literature,Summer,Wales [price] => 5,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Kate Thomas [institution] => Bryn Mawr College ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 362_trip.jpg [mobile] => 362_preview.jpg [featured] => 362_featured.jpg ) ) [116] => Array ( [WebID] => 360 [description] => Brittany has been French for over six centuries, but the memories of its past as an independent duchy and the Celtic flavors of its long-ago past survive. From its spectacular landscapes to its Renaissance monuments, from the 18th-century city center of Rennes to the massive fortress in Nantes, this proud province is strongly connected to its long history.

    Enjoy lunch in Paris before traveling by train to Rennes, whose city center was redesigned in the 18th century by Jacques Gabriel. Admire the rich collection at the Musèe des Beaux-Arts, and visit the Museum of Brittany. Outside the city, stay at the intimate château d'Apign&eactue;. Drive from Rennes to St. Malo, with its fortifications and ancient houses, and to the turn of the century Dinard, one of France's most charming sea resorts. En route to Perros-Guirec, have a private tour of Josselin, a medieval and Renaissance château that still belongs to the duc de Rohan.

    Drive through romantic landscapes to small cities including Quimper and Morlaix; look at the specifically Breton calvaires, Renaissance stone crosses adorned with figures of the Passion; and stroll in the fishing village of Auray. Finally, indulge in the spectacular comforts of a five-star hotel on the sea at La Baule, and visit the old capital of Nantes. [dates] => June 11 - 20, 2015 [title] => Celtic Lore, Noble Chateaux: Dramatic Brittany [summary] =>
  • Explore Brittany's 18th-century cities, quaint villages, and romantic landscapes
  • Visit museums in Rennes including the Musèe des Beaux-Arts and Museum of Brittany
  • Tour Josselin, a medieval and Renaissance château
  • Enjoy the region's superb cuisine, and stay at an intimate château and five-star hotels
  • [start] => Jun 11 2015 [end] => Jun 20 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 6 [day] => 11 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => France [3] => Olivier Bernier [4] => Summer ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,France,Olivier Bernier,Summer [price] => 8,350 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 360_trip.jpg [mobile] => 360_preview.jpg [featured] => 360_featured.jpg ) ) [117] => Array ( [WebID] => 305 [description] => In Istanbul, view the exquisite mosaics in the Byzantine Church of the Holy Savior in Chora before boarding the elegant sailing yacht Sea Cloud for a one-week cruise. After a leisurely day at sea, step ashore at Izmir and drive to the site of ancient Sardis, the former capital of Lydia, a kingdom ruled by Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Turks. Call at the Greek island of Samos, a naval power in the 7th century B.C.E., when Athens was still young. Discover the Temple of Hera, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see artifacts from the temple's excavation at the Archaeological Museum. Anchor in the spectacular bay of Santorini and stroll the whitewashed cliff-top villages of this volcanic Greek island. Visit the recently reopened site of Akrotiri. On the island of Crete, visit the evocative site of Knossos, tour the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and explore the archeological site of Eleutherna.

    An optional post-tour extension in Athens features extraordinary architecture -- including the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi -- and incomparable museum collections. An optional prelude in Istanbul includes visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.

    [dates] => June 27 - July 5, 2015 [title] => Sailing the Mediterranean in the Age of Odysseus: Istanbul to Athens Aboard Sea Cloud [summary] =>
  • Discover the ancient site of Sardis, the former capital of Lydia
  • Call at the tiny island of Samos to see the remains of the Temple of Hera
  • Spend a day exploring dramatically beautiful Santorini, including Akrotiri
  • On Crete, visit archeological sites and tour the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • [start] => Jun 27 2015 [end] => Jul 5 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 6 [day] => 27 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => Sea Cloud [3] => Summer ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,Sea Cloud,Summer [price] => 8,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Rebecca Newberger Goldstein [institution] => Commonwealth Club Travel ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Joan Aruz [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Steven Pinker [institution] => Commonwealth Club Travel ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 305_trip.jpg [mobile] => 305_preview.jpg [featured] => 305_featured.jpg ) ) [118] => Array ( [WebID] => 293 [description] => Embark Sea Cloud II in Copenhagen and set sail for charming Baltic capitals. Step ashore in Klaipeda, Lithuania, and drive to Vilnius for an overnight stay. In the city's Old Town -- a UNESCO World Heritage site -- view the Gates of Dawn, Gediminas Castle, St. Anne's Church, the synagogue and the former Jewish ghetto. Drive to Riga, Latvia, to admire its medieval churches and superb Art Nouveau architecture before rejoining Sea Cloud II. Sail to Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland to explore its medieval ruins and botanical gardens. Stay overnight in Stockholm and visit the Royal Castle of Drottningholm, modeled after Versailles. In Tallinn, Estonia, tour the country's oldest church and enjoy a private concert. Discover the modern architecture and fine art of Helsinki, Finland, before sailing to magnificent St. Petersburg, Russia.

    An optional prelude in Copenhagen and postlude in St. Petersburg are offered.

    Note: This program is currently SOLD OUT. Please contact our office to be added to the waiting list or to find out about similar journeys. [dates] => July 13 - 24, 2015 [title] => The Baltic's Amber Coast: Copenhagen to St. Petersburg Aboard Sea Cloud II --SOLD OUT [summary] =>
  • Discover the cities of Riga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania
  • Walk through Stockholm's charming Old Town and visit Drottningholm Palace
  • Explore ancient Tallinn, Estonia, and enjoy a special concert in St. Nicholas' Church
  • In Helsinki, admire striking modern architecture and tour the Atheneum
  • [start] => Jul 13 2015 [end] => Jul 24 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 7 [day] => 13 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Baltic [1] => Cruise [2] => Denmark [3] => Finland [4] => History [5] => Latvia [6] => Lithuania [7] => Richard Barcham [8] => Russia [9] => Sea Cloud II [10] => St. Petersburg [11] => Russia [12] => Sweden ) [destinations] => Baltic,Cruise,Denmark,Finland,History,Latvia,Lithuania,Richard Barcham,Russia,Sea Cloud II,St. Petersburg, Russia,Sweden [price] => 7,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Kathryn Galitz [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 293_trip.jpg [mobile] => 293_preview.jpg [featured] => 293_featured.jpg ) ) [119] => Array ( [WebID] => 361 [description] => From Paris, travel to Meaux to discover the impressive Museum of the Great War before continuing to the battlefield sites of Château-Thierry and Belleau Wood. Spend a day visiting the war museum and cemeteries of Verdun, where over 300,000 soldiers died. In Ypres, Belgium, tour the In Flanders Fields Museum, see nearby battlefields and cemeteries, and witness the Last Post, a nightly bugle tribute to those who died in the Great War.

    Drive through the scenic French countryside to visit some of the moving war memorials in the Somme region, and admire the lovely Amiens cathedral. Pay respects at the gravesite of Lt. Harry Butters, an Exeter alumnus, and stop at the Armistice Museum and Memorial at Compiègne before returning to Paris. This exciting program coincides with the 100th anniversary of World War I. [dates] => July 18 - 25, 2015 [title] => Remembering World War I: France & Belgium [summary] =>
  • Visit historic battlefields and cemeteries in France and Belgium during the 100th anniversary of World War I
  • Tour museums including the impressive Museum of the Great War and the In Flanders Fields Museum
  • In Ypres, witness the Last Post, a nightly bugle tribute to those who died in the Great War
  • See some of the moving war memorials in the Somme region, and admire the lovely Amiens cathedral
  • [start] => Jul 18 2015 [end] => Jul 25 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 7 [day] => 18 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => France [2] => History [3] => Summer ) [destinations] => Europe,France,History,Summer [price] => 4,195 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => John Herney [institution] => Phillips Exeter ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 361_trip.jpg [mobile] => 361_preview.jpg [featured] => 361_featured.jpg ) ) [120] => Array ( [WebID] => 355 [description] => Discover Scotland's rich natural history on this family-friendly itinerary, including a seven-night stay at the Aigas Field Centre, a nature reserve and estate (with guest accommodations) devoted to the conservation of wildlife. During a two-day visit in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, experience the Military Tattoo: an unforgettable evening of music, theater, and dance at iconic Edinburgh Castle. See the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the recently renovated National Museum, and take a walking tour with a supernatural theme.

    Continue to Aigas to spend time learning from expert rangers and observing wildlife first hand. Spot beavers, Scottish wildcats, and badgers on ranger-guided tours. Attend a falconry display at spectacular Dunrobin Castle, the seat of the Clan Sutherland, and cruise on Loch Ness in search of its mysterious monster. Return to Edinburgh for one night.

    Note: This program is currently SOLD OUT. Please contact our office to be added to the waiting list or to find out about similar journeys. [dates] => August 5 - 16, 2015 [title] => Falcons, Firths & Folklore: A Family Exploration of Scotland -- SOLD OUT [summary] =>
  • Enjoy the Military Tattoo: an unforgettable evening of music, theater, and dance at Edinburgh Castle
  • In Edinburgh, view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and visit the National Museum
  • Spend time learning from expert rangers and see wildlife during a stay at the Aigas Field Centre
  • Attend a falconry display at spectacular Dunrobin Castle, and cruise on Loch Ness in search of its mysterious monster
  • [start] => Aug 5 2015 [end] => Aug 16 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 8 [day] => 5 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Family Program [2] => History [3] => Natural History [4] => Scotland ) [destinations] => Europe,Family Program,History,Natural History,Scotland [price] => 5,495 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 355_trip.jpg [mobile] => 355_preview.jpg [featured] => 355_featured.jpg ) ) [121] => Array ( [WebID] => 392 [description] => During a trip to London and Edinburgh that coincides with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, experience great performances and get an insider's look at the performing arts in these two cities. In London, admire the impressive architecture of several theater venues, and take a guided tour of the extensive Theatre and Performance collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

    Travel by train to Edinburgh to revel in the excitement of the Fringe Festival, which transforms Scotland's capital every August and is the world's largest arts festival. Attend shows featuring artists who have journeyed from afar to perform, and enjoy private behind-the-scenes events in various venues throughout this historic city. Share reviews over dinner at Michelin-starred Number One restaurant in The Balmoral Hotel, one of the country's great railway hotels opened in 1902.

    Tour the city's iconic Edinburgh Castle before it opens to the public and see the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Conclude with prime seats to Antigone. This production of the renowned Edinburgh International Festival has a fresh translation by T.S. Eliot Prize-winning poet Anne Carson and stars Academy Award-winning actress Juliette Binoche directed by Ivo van Hove, one of today's most exciting interpreters of classical drama.

    Space on this journey is very limited, so register soon! [dates] => August 9 - 16, 2015 [title] => Summer Theater: London & Edinburgh [summary] =>
  • Discover London's theater venues and take a special tour of the Theatre and Performance collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Travel by rail to Scotland's capital to attend Edinburgh Festival Fringe performances
  • Dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant at the historic Balmoral Hotel
  • See an Edinburgh International Festival performance of Antigone starring Juliette Binoche
  • [start] => Aug 9 2015 [end] => Aug 16 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 8 [day] => 9 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => England [2] => Europe [3] => London [4] => Performing Arts [5] => Scotland [6] => Summer ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,England,Europe,London,Performing Arts,Scotland,Summer [price] => 5,795 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 392_trip.jpg [mobile] => 392_preview.jpg [featured] => 392_featured.jpg ) ) [122] => Array ( [WebID] => 332 [description] => Begin in Jakarta to visit the National Museum of Indonesia, with a collection of more than 140,000 artifacts. Enjoy lunch in the old city of Kota at the historical Café Batavia. At the Puppet Museum, see one of the best collections of Qayang Puppets in Java.

    Fly to Yogyakarta to see the 8th-century monument of Borobudur. This magnificent stone pyramid, topped with many stupas, is carved at every level with scenes of the life of the Buddha. Explore the temple complex at Prambanan, the largest and most complete Hindu compound of this period anywhere. Spend a morning at Selogriyo, where a 45-minute ”gentle” walk ends at an 8th-century Hindu temple on the slopes of Mount Sumbing. At the Mendut Monastery, a Buddhist temple, hear monks chanting and perhaps join them in meditation.

    Continue by plane to Bali, known for its scenic rice terraces and pristine beaches. Drive to the eastern part of the island to Klungkung to visit Kerta Cosa, the former Royal Courts of Justice; then continue to Besakih, Bali's holiest site. A highlight will be a private performance of Kecak dance. [dates] => August 19 - 30, 2015 [title] => Ancient Gods & Tropical Landscapes [summary] =>
  • In Jakarta, visit the National Museum of Indonesia before lunch in the old city of Kota
  • Explore Borobudur, the greatest stupa in existence, and the 9th-century temple of Prambanan
  • Spend a morning at Selogriyo and visit the Mendut Monastery
  • In Bali, relax in the harmonious landscapes, visit the former Royal Courts of Justice and Besakih, and attend a private dance performance
  • [start] => Aug 19 2015 [end] => Aug 30 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 8 [day] => 19 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => History [3] => Indonesia [4] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,History,Indonesia,Olivier Bernier [price] => 14,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 332_trip.jpg [mobile] => 332_preview.jpg [featured] => 332_featured.jpg ) ) [123] => Array ( [WebID] => 337 [description] => Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims on this program of selective hikes along Spain's Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). From Pamplona, drive to nearby Roncevalles and receive your credencial (pilgrim passport) to mark your route. Enjoy a wine tasting at Bodegas Baigorri, visit important cathedrals in Logroño and Burgos, and see Gaudi's Casa de Botines in León. Conclude in Santiago de Compostela, to attend the Pilgrims' Mass at the cathedral, with its famous Botafumeiro ceremony. (Daily walks average three miles.)

    [dates] => August 21 - September 2, 2015 [title] => In the Footsteps of St. James: El Camino de Santiago [summary] =>
  • Discover important cathedrals and spectacular monuments along the legendary Camino de Santiago (St. James' Way)
  • In Roncesvalles, begin a series of selective hikes along the Camino
  • Enjoy a wine tasting at Bodegas Baigorri
  • Conclude in Santiago de Compostela, where a Botafumeiro dispenses incense during midday mass
  • [start] => Aug 21 2015 [end] => Sep 2 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 8 [day] => 21 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Camino de Santiago [2] => Europe [3] => History [4] => Land [5] => Mediterranean [6] => Richard Barcham [7] => Spain [8] => Summer ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Camino de Santiago,Europe,History,Land,Mediterranean,Richard Barcham,Spain,Summer [price] => 8,895 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => C. Griffith Mann [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 337_trip.jpg [mobile] => 337_preview.jpg [featured] => 337_featured.jpg ) ) [124] => Array ( [WebID] => 300 [description] => Begin in Strasbourg, the ancient capital of Alsace on the banks of the Rhine, to discover the red sandstone Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame and stroll through the public gardens. Visit the Musèe des Beaux-Arts and the Musèe des Arts Décoratifs, located in an 18th-century palace built for the Cardinal de Rohan. Enjoy dinner at a Michelin two-star restaurant, La Fourchette des Ducs in Obernai, and lunch at the Michelin-starred Buerehisel. Drive through the vineyards for which Alsace is famous to Colmar to admire the renowned Grunewald altarpiece at the Unterlinden Museum before savoring lunch at the famous Auberge de l'Ill.

    Spend two nights in Nancy, known for its Art Nouveau masterpieces and dazzling city squares. In Metz, see spectacular stained glass windows at the Cathedral of St Etienne and visit the recently finished Centre Pompidou. Continue to Luxembourg, known as ”Gibraltar of the North,” where accommodations for two nights are at the hotel Le Royal Luxembourg, well-situated in the heart of the city. Ruled by the Burgundians, the Spanish, the French, the Austrians, and the Prussians, Luxembourg boasts a brilliant mélange of architectural styles. After a visit to MUDAM, the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Modern Art, enjoy lunch at the private Reginald Neuman Collection of 19th and 20th century art. [dates] => September 10 - 18, 2015 [title] => Dazzling Cities, Gourmet Pleasures: Alsace & Luxembourg [summary] =>
  • Explore cities in Alsace including Strasbourg, Colmar, and Nancy
  • View the renowned Grunewald altarpiece, a masterpiece of early 16th century German expressionism
  • Savor local specialties and fine wine at restaurants including Buerehisel and Auberge de l'Ill
  • In Luxembourg, visit the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Modern Art and have lunch at the private Reginald Neuman Collection
  • [start] => Sep 10 2015 [end] => Sep 18 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 9 [day] => 10 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Autumn [2] => Europe [3] => France [4] => Luxembourg [5] => Olivier Bernier ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Autumn,Europe,France,Luxembourg,Olivier Bernier [price] => 6,750 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 300_trip.jpg [mobile] => 300_preview.jpg [featured] => 300_featured.jpg ) ) [125] => Array ( [WebID] => 295 [description] => Admire Istanbul's Hagia Sophia before boarding the luxurious Variety Voyager for an exciting Black Sea journey. Cruise past the historic palaces and colorful yalis (villas) along the Bosphorus, and under two dramatic bridges that link Europe and Asia, before entering the Black Sea. From the port of Samsun, drive to Amasya, a city dramatically situated in a deep river gorge that was capital of the kings of Pontus from 333 to 26 BCE. From Trabzon, long an important trading port on the Black Sea, see the stunning frescoes at Sumela Monastery, built into the side of a steel mountain. . In Batumi, Georgia, stroll through the peaceful Botanical Gardens or enjoy a day trip to Kutaisi to view the Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral.

    Spend a day on the 'Russian Riviera' in Sochi, or drive into the Caucasus Mountains to the resort of Krasnaya Polyana. From Constanta, Romania, fly by chartered plane to Suceava and drive through the countryside to see fabulous painted churches. Tour Constanta's National History and Archaeology Museum, with its collection of Greek, Romanian, Byzantine, and medieval objects.

    From Varna, Bulgaria, drive to Veliki Preslav, capital of the Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century, to visit the ruins of the medieval Round Church; following lunch, view the ruins of the royal palace at Pliska. Alternatively, you may wish to stay in Varna to tour the impressive Archaeological Museum and sample local wines before an afternoon at leisure. Discover the town of Nessebâr, Bulgaria, whose Byzantine ruins and picturesque fishermen's houses have long attracted artists and poets, before concluding in Istanbul. Explore this magnificent city, including the Great Palace Mosaic Museum and Rustem Pasha, one of the most exquisite Ottoman mosques by the 16th-century architect Sinan.

    Optional Cappadocia postlude.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => September 24 - October 7, 2015 [title] => Sailing the Black Sea: Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager [summary] =>
  • See ancient fortresses, bustling bazaars and stunning churches during a Black Sea cruise aboard the elegant Variety Voyager
  • Visit ancient cities including Amasya, Trabzon, Batumi, Sochi, Varna, and Nessebâr
  • Fly by chartered plane from Constanta to Suceava to see magnificent painted churches
  • Discover Istanbul's exquisite Rustem Pasha mosque
  • [start] => Sep 24 2015 [end] => Oct 7 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 9 [day] => 24 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => Autumn [3] => Black Sea [4] => Cruise [5] => Europe [6] => History [7] => Variety Voyager ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,Autumn,Black Sea,Cruise,Europe,History,Variety Voyager [price] => 9,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Elizabeth Milleker [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Paul Kennedy [institution] => Yale University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 295_trip.jpg [mobile] => 295_preview.jpg [featured] => 295_featured.jpg ) ) [126] => Array ( [WebID] => 294 [description] => Explore Madrid and Salamanca, then continue to Vega de Terrón to board AmaVida for a one-week cruise during grape harvest season. Visit the fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo. In Lamego, discover the spectacular pilgrimage church of Our Lady of Remedies. Tour the manor house and gardens of the Mateus family. Other highlights include dinner at a quinta (wine-producing estate) in Sabrosa and after-hours tour of the Douro Museum in Régua. Conclude in Porto and see its colorfully tiled façades and Rem Koolhaas-designed Casa da Música.

    Optional Lisbon postlude.

    Please call for availability. [dates] => September 26 - October 6, 2015 [title] => Enchanting Douro River [summary] =>
  • Enjoy a seven-night cruise through the Douro River Valley aboard the luxury riverboat AmaVida
  • Tour the Baroque manor house of Mateus, well known from its depiction on wine labels
  • Explore the history of the Douro wine region on an after-hours visit to the Douro Museum in Régua
  • See the Casa da Mú sica, the Rem Koolhaas-designed concert hall, in Porto, Portugal
  • [start] => Sep 26 2015 [end] => Oct 6 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 9 [day] => 26 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Autumn [2] => Cruise [3] => Cuisine [4] => Culinary [5] => Europe [6] => History [7] => Portugal [8] => Riverboat [9] => Spain ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Autumn,Cruise,Cuisine,Culinary,Europe,History,Portugal,Riverboat,Spain [price] => 4,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Dita Amory [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 294_trip.jpg [mobile] => 294_preview.jpg [featured] => 294_featured.jpg ) ) [127] => Array ( [WebID] => 339 [description] => Travel to North India with a Metropolitan Museum of Art curator to discover the treasures of four religions and countless kingdoms. From Delhi, fly to Srinagar to visit the Sri Pratap Singh Museum and see the eighth-century Martand Surya Temple. Explore the city's Old Town, including the 14th-century Sufi Shrine of Mir Syed Hamdan and the 600-year-old Grand Mosque. Rise before dawn for a cruise to the floating vegetable market on Srinigar's Dal Lake. Other highlights in Kashmir include meeting a journalist, going to a weavers' village, and dinner on a houseboat with folk music.

    In Amritsar, witness a ceremony at the splendid Golden Temple, where the Holy Book of Sikhs (Guru Granth Sahib) was installed in 1604. Travel to Chandigarh to admire Le Corbusier architecture and view ancient Greco-Buddhist sculptures at the Chandigarh Museum. See the Hindu and Jain temples in Osian, and visit massive Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Conclude in Udaipur -- known for its fairytale palaces, peaceful lakes, unique temples, and colorful bazaars. Specially arranged musical performances and meaningful encounters with locals will add to the pleasures of the journey.

    An optional postlude in Agra includes a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal and a tour of the Red Fort, residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. [dates] => October 1 - 17, 2015 [title] => Ancient Kingdoms & Glorious Temples: Kashmir, Punjab & Rajasthan [summary] =>
  • Travel with a Metropolitan Museum of Art curator to discover the treasures of four religions and countless kingdoms, interacting with locals along the way
  • Explore Rajasthan's great Hindu and Jain temples, and tour the less-visited regions of Kashmir and Punjab
  • Witness a ceremony at Amritsar's Golden Temple, sacred to the Sikhs
  • Conclude in Udaipur, known for its fairytale palaces, peaceful lakes, unique temples, and colorful bazaars
  • [start] => Oct 1 2015 [end] => Oct 17 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 10 [day] => 1 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => Autumn [3] => Exotic [4] => India ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,Autumn,Exotic,India [price] => 11,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Kurt Behrendt [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 339_trip.jpg [mobile] => 339_preview.jpg [featured] => 339_featured.jpg ) ) [128] => Array ( [WebID] => 296 [description] => Experience a canal cruise in Venice before embarking Sea Cloud II for an eight-night journey. Step ashore to explore ancient ruins, historic churches and a private palazzo. In Ravenna, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, admire the stunning mosaics. From Ancona, visit Urbino and the Ducal Palace, which houses the National Gallery of the Marche. Alternatively, see Acqualagna and the Abbey of San Vincenzo.

    Cross the Adriatic to Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to view ancient manuscripts on a visit to the Franciscan Library, as well as the paintings in the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and the Rector's Palace. Explore Kotor, still girded by its original walls, or join an excursion to the Our Lady of the Rocks Church with its 17th-century frescos, located on an island off the coast of Perast. Continue to the Italian port of Brindisi for a drive to the unspoiled baroque city of Lecce. On Sicily, explore the ancient Greek and Roman theaters of Syracuse, view Caravaggio's Burial of St. Lucy, housed in the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, and enjoy a private visit to a medieval palazzo. [dates] => October 14 - 23, 2015 [title] => Adriatic Odyssey: Venice to Valletta Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Travel by canal boat through Venice, home to a maritime republic that ruled for centuries
  • Admire ancient ruins and historic churches during an eight-night Adriatic cruise aboard Sea Cloud II
  • Discover Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," and Kotor, still girded by its original walls
  • On Sicily, enjoy a private visit to the Palazzo Beneventeno del Bosco
  • [start] => Oct 14 2015 [end] => Oct 23 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 10 [day] => 14 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Adriatic [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Autumn [3] => Croatia [4] => Cruise [5] => Europe [6] => Italy [7] => Sea Cloud II [8] => Sicily ) [destinations] => Adriatic,Art & Architecture,Autumn,Croatia,Cruise,Europe,Italy,Sea Cloud II,Sicily [price] => 6,995 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Patrick Bowe [institution] => Royal Oak Foundation ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 296_trip.jpg [mobile] => 296_preview.jpg [featured] => 296_featured.jpg ) ) [129] => Array ( [WebID] => 387 [description] => Join us for a week in captivating Cuba, with VIP access to museums, art galleries, schools, dance studios, and more. Immerse yourself in the country's rich culture and warm hospitality as you exchange ideas with locals from all walks of life. Accommodations in Havana are in the heart of the UNESCO-recognized Old City, which we will explore on a guided walk. See the home Ernest Hemingway lived in for more than 20 years and visit the village where The Old Man and the Sea was set. Savor Cuban cuisine in paladares, private restaurants in the homes of welcoming locals, and at a unique ”field-to-table” restaurant.

    Travel south to tour the site of the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion and stay overnight in Cienfuegos, ”the Pearl of the South.” Meet the members of the world-famous choir, Cantores de Cienfuegos, before a special performance. In nearby Trinidad, also a World Heritage Site, enjoy museum tours and leisure time before returning to Havana. [dates] => October 16 - 24, 2015 [title] => Cuba, Through the Eyes of the People: Havana, Cienfuegos & Trinidad [summary] =>
  • Travel in small groups with a tour operator that has been arranging educational trips to Cuba since 1999
  • Immerse yourself in the country's rich culture and warm hospitality and exchange ideas with locals from all walks of life
  • See the home Ernest Hemingway lived in for more than 20 years and tour the site of the Bay of Pigs Invasion
  • Enjoy meals in paladares, private restaurants in the homes of welcoming locals
  • [start] => Oct 16 2015 [end] => Oct 24 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 10 [day] => 16 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Autumn [3] => Caribbean [4] => Cuba ) [destinations] => America,Art & Architecture,Autumn,Caribbean,Cuba [price] => 5,295 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Reena Goldthree [institution] => Dartmouth College ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 387_trip.jpg [mobile] => 387_preview.jpg [featured] => 387_featured.jpg ) ) [130] => Array ( [WebID] => 378 [description] => Join us in October for a week in captivating Cuba, with privileged access to the country's arts community. Meet talented artists, museum directors, architects, and musicians as you immerse yourself in the country's rich culture and fascinating history, and delight in its warm hospitality.

    Accommodations are at the elegant Hotel Saratoga in the heart of Old Havana, which we will explore on a guided walk. Meet some of Cuba's leading artists on visits to their studios and homes, and at a private reception at the Ludwig Foundation for the Arts. Tour the National Museum of Fine Arts, and admire the beautiful craftsmanship on display at the Ceramics Museum during a special after-hours visit and reception. Savor Cuban cuisine at lively restaurants and at traditional paladares (restaurants in private homes).

    On an overnight excursion to the island's north coast, explore the rich Afro-Cuban heritage of Matanzas, where highlights include a private concert in a hilltop chapel; the 19th-century Pharmacy Museum, with its fascinating collection of syrups and elixirs; and a visit to a unique publisher of handmade books. Meet with local artists in Cárdenas before lunch at Xanadu, the former du Pont mansion built in 1930, and spend the night in nearby Varadero.

    Specially arranged performances of music and dance, including a rehearsal of the Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba, will enhance our visit, as will lectures on Cuban architecture and politics. [dates] => October 24 - 31, 2015 [title] => The Art & Architecture of Cuba: Havana, Matanzas, & Varadero [summary] =>
  • Discover Old Havana during a guided walk
  • Explore the rich Afro-Cuban heritage of Matanzas, and spend a night in Varadero
  • Visit Cuba's leading artists in their homes and studios, and meet with dance groups and choral performers
  • Support the growth of private business in Cuba by dining in some of the country's leading paladares -- private restaurants in people's homes
  • [start] => Oct 24 2015 [end] => Oct 31 2015 [year] => 2015 [month] => 10 [day] => 24 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Caribbean [3] => Cuba [4] => South America ) [destinations] => America,Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Cuba,South America [price] => 6,395 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Elizabeth Kornhauser [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 378_trip.jpg [mobile] => 378_preview.jpg [featured] => 378_featured.jpg ) ) [131] => Array ( [WebID] => 367 [description] => Explore the royal palaces of Rajasthan with an India expert who has arranged exclusive visits and private receptions. Begin in Delhi to see Humayun's Tomb, the first of the great Mughal imperial tombs; the National Museum, housing an excellent collection of Indian art; and Old Delhi, including the impressive Jama Masjid. We are invited to a private home to celebrate Lohri, the Punjabi harvest festival. In Agra, visit the iconic Taj Mahal at sunset, and discover the jewel-like tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, begun in 1622 for the Emperor Jahangir's father-in-law. We will also visit the 16th-century Red Fort.

    Continue to the ”Pink City” of Jaipur to explore the hilltop Amber Fort and the City Palace of the maharajas, where we plan to enjoy dinner with a member of the royal family. We will also tour the intriguing Jantar Mantar Observatory, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. In Jodhpur, the ancient capital of the Mewar kingdom, stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, once a royal residence, and spend a morning at the Mehrangarh Fort. Highlights in Udaipur include a tour of the lakeside City Palace and dinner at the former residence of the Maharana of Udaipur. [dates] => January 10 - 25, 2016 [title] => In the World of the Maharajas: The Splendors of Rajasthan [summary] =>
  • Visit North India's remarkable temples, forts, and palaces
  • Discover the spectacular Taj Mahal and Agra's 16th-century Red Fort
  • Stay in luxurious converted palace hotels
  • Enjoy special private visits to the non-public areas of the palaces of the maharajas
  • [start] => Jan 10 2016 [end] => Jan 25 2016 [year] => 2016 [month] => 1 [day] => 10 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => India [3] => Olivier Bernier [4] => Winter ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,India,Olivier Bernier,Winter [price] => 12,950 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 367_trip.jpg [mobile] => 367_preview.jpg [featured] => 367_featured.jpg ) ) [132] => Array ( [WebID] => 376 [description] => In exuberant Delhi, see Humayun's Tomb, the 13th-century Qtub Minar, the Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. Visit the National Museum, housing an excellent collection of Indian sculpture and paintings. Then travel to Varanasi, the Hindu holy city on the Ganges River, and board a private boat to witness an evening Hindu Prayer Ceremony.

    Fly to Kolkata to explore the Indian Museum, arguably the best in the country, and Kalighat Kali Temple, built in 1809 and dedicated to the city's patron goddess. Spend a morning at the ornate Mullick Marble Museum. Continue to Hyderabad, where highlights include a Sufi Qawwali performance. Tour the Arch of Charminar, the richly ornamented Mecca Masjid, and the Chowmalla Palace. Visit the Salar Jung Museum, whose collections offer a curious blend of East and West, and see the Golconda Fort, a major outpost in the 12th and 13th centuries.

    In Aurangabad, discover the Ajanta Caves, famous for their magnificent tempera cave paintings. Spend a morning at the Ellora Caves, a wonder of ancient sculptural art. Conclude in Mumbai to see the Daultabad Fort, the Elephanta Cave Temple, and the Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's famous open-air laundry service. At the bustling Church Gate Railway station, watch the intricate lunch delivery system performed by dabbawalas (deliverymen).

    On an optional Agra prelude, experience the Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of elegance and grace. [dates] => February 7 - 23, 2016 [title] => India: East to West, Renowned & Unexpected Sites from Delhi to Mumbai [summary] =>
  • See Delhi highlights and tour the National Museum
  • Witness an evening Hindu Prayer Ceremony in Varanasi
  • Visit museums and monuments in Kolkata and Hyderabad
  • Discover the Ajanta and Ellora Caves before concluding in Mumbai
  • [start] => Feb 7 2016 [end] => Feb 23 2016 [year] => 2016 [month] => 2 [day] => 7 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Asia [2] => India ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Asia,India [price] => 12,950 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 376_trip.jpg [mobile] => 376_preview.jpg [featured] => 376_featured.jpg ) ) [133] => Array ( [WebID] => 413 [description] => Discover the heart of Old Havana on a guided walk and connect with some of Cuba's leading artists on visits to their studios and homes. Savor Cuban cuisine at lively restaurants and at traditional paladares (restaurants in private homes). Highlights in Havana include a private reception at the Ludwig Foundation for the Arts, a curatorial tour at the National Museum of Fine Arts, and a special after-hours visit to the Ceramics Museum. On an overnight excursion to the island's north coast, explore the rich Afro-Cuban heritage of Matanzas. Enjoy a private concert in a hilltop chapel, see the nineteenth-century Pharmacy Museum, and visit a unique publisher of handmade books. Meet with local artists in Cárdenas before lunch at Xanadu, the former Du Pont mansion built in 1930. Specially arranged performances of music and dance will enhance our journey. [dates] => March 26 - April 2, 2016 [title] => The Art & Architecture of Cuba: Havana, Matanzas & Varadero [summary] =>
  • Discover Old Havana during a guided walk
  • Explore the rich Afro-Cuban heritage of Matanzas, and spend a night in Varadero
  • Visit Cuba's leading artists in their homes and studios, and meet with dance groups and choral performers
  • Support the growth of private business in Cuba by dining in some of the country's leading paladares -- private restaurants in people's homes
  • [start] => Mar 26 2016 [end] => Apr 2 2016 [year] => 2016 [month] => 3 [day] => 26 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => America [1] => Art & Architecture [2] => Caribbean [3] => Cuba [4] => Richard Barcham [5] => Winter ) [destinations] => America,Art & Architecture,Caribbean,Cuba,Richard Barcham,Winter [price] => 6,795 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Powell [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 413_trip.jpg [mobile] => 413_preview.jpg [featured] => 413_featured.jpg ) ) [134] => Array ( [WebID] => 368 [description] => Heavenly Venice, whose marble palaces seem to float atop her luminous lagoon, is a city of dreams. Immerse yourself in the cultural delights of La Serenissima, and also venture beyond to the surrounding hilltop villages and Palladian villas of the Veneto. Begin in Asolo, ”town of a hundred horizons,” staying at the legendary Villa Cipriani. Explore Padua, with its Byzantine basilica and Giotto frescoes; Bassano, famed for its Renaissance buildings and grappa production; and UNESCO-recognized Vicenza, where Palladio left his indelible mark on the history of architecture. In Venice, stay at the Gritti Palace, a former Doge's residence overlooking the Grand Canal, to tour La Serenissima's finest churches and museums. Dine at a private palazzo with a Venetian aristocrat and marvel at the Basilica of San Marco during an exclusive, after-hours viewing.

    Optional Parma prelude. [dates] => April 18 - 27, 2016 [title] => Titian to Tiepolo: The Veneto & Venice [summary] =>
  • Venture beyond Venice to the Veneto
  • Dine at a private palazzo with a Venetian aristocrat
  • Enjoy an exclusive, after-hours viewing of the Basilica of San Marco
  • Stay at the legendary Villa Cipriani in Asolo and the Gritti Palace in Venice
  • [start] => Apr 18 2016 [end] => Apr 27 2016 [year] => 2016 [month] => 4 [day] => 18 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Art & Architecture [1] => Europe [2] => Italy [3] => Olivier Bernier [4] => Spring ) [destinations] => Art & Architecture,Europe,Italy,Olivier Bernier,Spring [price] => 12,150 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Olivier Bernier [institution] => ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 368_trip.jpg [mobile] => 368_preview.jpg [featured] => 368_featured.jpg ) ) [135] => Array ( [WebID] => 797 [description] => Explore Mexico City's thriving contemporary art scene next February. Gain VIP entry to Zona Maco, Latin America's largest art fair, before it opens to the public. Reserve your spot for an exclusive winter journey blending Zona Maco's modern exhibits with a deep dive into Mexico City's ancient history, guided by Dominic A. Willsdon, Executive Director of Virginia Commonwealth University's Institute for Contemporary Art. Go behind the scenes in the private studios of intriguing artists, witness Aztec heritage resonating in modern works of legendary artists like Kahlo and Rivera, and savor curated tours of exceptional museums and archaeological wonders, including Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC). Begin with an intimate after-hours reception at Museo Nacional de Antropología, enjoying a private tour of its leading collection of Mesoamerican art treasures. Explore Rivera and Kahlo's worlds with before-hours access to Casa Azul, Kahlo's lifelong home. Elevate your experience with Mexico City's renowned cuisine at acclaimed restaurants. [dates] => February 6 - 12, 2024 [title] => Mexico City Featuring Zona Maco & Art Week Mexico City [summary] =>
  • Gain VIP access to Zona Maco, Latin America's largest and most prestigious art fair, with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the latest in contemporary art
  • Attend several contemporary art fairs during the acclaimed Art Week Mexico City, one of Latin America's key art events, with private access to a wide range of artworks and artists
  • Enjoy a private, after-hours experience at the Museo Nacional de Antropología, where you'll see one of the world's largest collections of ancient Mesoamerican art, including pieces from the Maya, Aztecs, and Olmecs
  • Tour the home of the legendary Frida Kahlo, Casa Azul, before opening hours for an intimate inside look at how one of Mexico's most important artists lived and worked
  • Meet artists in their studios for behind-the-scenes looks at their creative processes, inspirations, and techniques, providing firsthand insights into Mexico City's thriving contemporary art scene
  • Take an inside look at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Library (UNAM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll delve into Mexico's muralist traditions and admire David Alfaro Siqueiros's revered mural, The People to the University, the University to the People
  • Delight in exclusive tours in the company of directors or curators at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC) and the Museo Rufino Tamayo, two of Mexico's most important contemporary art museums
  • Join experts/curators inside Mexico City's most influential galleries, an opportunity to witness the latest trends and emerging artists in the city's internationally renowned creative community
  • Dine in some of Mexico City's most celebrated and exclusive restaurants for an immersion in this world-renowned culinary hub

  • [start] => Feb 6 2024 [end] => Feb 12 2024 [year] => 2024 [month] => 2 [day] => 6 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Land [1] => Mexico [2] => MTA Program [3] => North America [4] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Land,Mexico,MTA Program,North America,Web Published [price] => 7,099 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 797_trip.jpg [mobile] => 797_preview.jpg [featured] => 797_featured.jpg ) ) [136] => Array ( [WebID] => 798 [description] => Join Page Knox, acclaimed lecturer at The Met and Columbia University, in the South of France to experience how artists, from luminaries like Van Gogh and Picasso to contemporary artists like Anselm Kiefer and Tracey Emin, have found inspiration in the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence and the Côte d'Azur. This exclusive program features an overnight stay in Provence's Château La Coste, a one-of-a-kind 600-acre estate blending art, architecture, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and wine culture, featuring Villa Suite accommodations, meals from a Michelin-starred chef, wine tastings, and a guided immersion in its astonishing array of site-specific installations by world-renowned architects like Tadao Ando and Renzo Piano and artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, and Sean Scully. You will also go behind the scenes of excellent private art collections and studios and residences of legendary artists. Discover Van Gogh's world in his adopted home of Arles and have private access to the nearby Monastery of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh created works such as The Starry Night as a patient here, with access to his personal room.

    Take a guided tour of Avignon's Collection Lambert, home to a renowned art dealer's incredible private collection of masterpieces by Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso, Cy Twombly, Louise Lawler, and others. Delve into the life of an overlooked master, Dora Maar, better known to the public as Picasso's partner and muse yet heralded among artists a trailblazing influential photographer. Enjoy an expert-led inside look at her 18th-century townhouse to see her private drawings and paintings up close. Encounter Picasso's legacy along the Côte d'Azur, with private looks at Antibes's Picasso Museum and his celebrated war and peace murals inside a 12th-century church. Join an exclusive visit to the Fondation Maeght, established in 1964 by art dealers whose friends like Miró, Chagall, Giacometti, and Braque contributed both to the museum's design and its collection. You will also have an in-depth guided look at Henri Matisse's vibrantly colorful, fully realized vision at the tiny 1951 Catholic church that he designed near the Mediterranean coast. This program also features four nights of hotel accommodations at La Mirande in historic Avignon and two nights of sea-view accommodations at the famous pink-domed, beachfront Le Negresco in Nice. [dates] => March 6 - 14, 2024 [title] => Modernism on the Mediterranean: From Van Gogh to Picasso in Provence & the Cote d'Azur [summary] => [start] => Mar 6 2024 [end] => Mar 14 2024 [year] => 2024 [month] => 3 [day] => 6 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => RJ [4] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,RJ,Web Published [price] => 12,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Page Knox [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 798_trip.jpg [mobile] => 798_preview.jpg [featured] => 798_featured.jpg ) ) [137] => Array ( [WebID] => 817 [description] => Experience an exciting inside look at the pinnacle of theater in London, a city where the legacies of Shakespeare and Marlowe still resonate and the likes of Gielgud, Olivier, and Dench first showcased their talents. Guided by Sarah Ream, renowned stage director and former staff director at London's National Theatre, you'll enjoy live performances of a minimum of six plays reflecting the best of the city's current theater and participate in illuminating discussions with Sarah that will deepen your appreciation of these works. You will also join actors, producers, and playwrights for conversations that reveal the drama, craft, and magic behind the curtain. On this immersive backstage pass to the illustrious West End stage, you won't just see the show—become part of it on this not-to-miss theater adventure across the Atlantic. [dates] => July 20 - 28, 2024 [title] => Behind the Curtain: An Insider's Look at London Theater [summary] =>
  • In Britain's capital, one of the premier cities of the stage, experience live performances of a minimum of six plays reflecting the best of the city's current theater
  • Join Sarah Ream, renowned stage director and former staff director at London's National Theatre, for intimate, in-depth discussions about the plays you enjoyed the previous day
  • Go behind the scenes in the world of London theater, learning the secrets of the craft as you join in enlightening conversations with directors, producers, and stars
  • Stay at the five-star Me London hotel in the heart of the theater district

  • [start] => Jul 20 2024 [end] => Jul 28 2024 [year] => 2024 [month] => 7 [day] => 20 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 7,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Sarah Ream [institution] => Phillips Exeter Academy ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 817_trip.jpg [mobile] => 817_preview.jpg [featured] => 817_featured.jpg ) ) [138] => Array ( [WebID] => 818 [description] => Travel with Christopher Noey on this autumn journey to mesmerizing Morocco. Experience its art and traditional crafts at spectacular museums and vibrant artisans' workshops, and discover the country's tapestry of cultures at lavish palaces and mosques, Roman ruins, and colorful cities. Begin in Marrakesh, where you'll join a curator at the Berber Museum before opening hours and see the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent's extensive collection of ancient Berber treasures. Then, enjoy an exclusive visit to Villa Oasis, Saint Laurent's private sanctuary. While in Marrakesh, an optional full-day excursion to the scenic Atlas Mountains will be available. On a stop in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, the Hassan II Mosque, an enormous, opulent house of worship that stands on the oceanside, will be a highlight. Venture to the capital of Rabat, where the soaring, red Hassan Tower and Mohammed V's white marble tomb are among the splendors you will see. Travel by high-speed train to Tangier, and discover the often-overlooked city of Tétouan. In its UNESCO-listed medina, take a private visit to its Dar Sanaa school to observe local artisans at work. In Fes, enjoy four nights at a boutique riad (traditional Moroccan house) reserved exclusively for us. Visit Fes's 14th-century madrasas, including the Al-Attarine Madrasa that inspired the design of The Met's Moroccan Court. Stop in Meknes, whose palatial grandeur rivals that of Versailles, and Volubilis, one of North Africa's best-preserved Roman cities. [dates] => October 13 - 26, 2024 [title] => Morocco: Land of Mists & Mysteries [summary] =>
  • Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Marrakesh, including the Yves St. Laurent Museum and the colorful Majorelle Gardens
  • Take an exclusive inside look at Marrakesh's El Badi Palace and its 12th-century Koutoubia minbar (pulpit), whose intricate marquetry has been beautifully restored
  • Discover the often-overlooked city of Tétouan, with its spectacular UNESCO-listed medina, and visit its Dar Sanaa school to observe local artisans at work
  • Enjoy four nights in magical Fes at a boutique riad (traditional Moroccan house) reserved exclusively for us, and visit the city's 14th-century madrasas and the extensive souk with its 11th-century tannery
  • Tour Meknes, a 17th-century rival to Versailles; and the well-preserved Roman ruins at Volubilis
  • [start] => Oct 13 2024 [end] => Oct 26 2024 [year] => 2024 [month] => 10 [day] => 13 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Africa [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Africa,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 12,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 818_trip.jpg [mobile] => 818_preview.jpg [featured] => 818_featured.jpg ) ) [139] => Array ( [WebID] => 819 [description] => During a quiet time of year in Europe, feel the romance of the Rhine River as you sail through Switzerland, France, Germany, and Holland. Along the way, experts will usher you into a world that shaped history, from ancient Roman innovation to the invention of the printing press, from Renaissance art to the Protestant Reformation. Go behind the scenes at historic museum collections, Roman ruins, Prussian hilltop castles, and some of the world's finest Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals with splendid interior frescoes and sculptures. Travel with Jennifer Dasal, the art historian behind the acclaimed ArtCurious podcast. Her insights will bring the region's cultural and artistic heritage to vivid life. [dates] => October 31 - November 6, 2024 [title] => Masterpieces & Monuments of the Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam Aboard Advance [summary] =>
  • Begin your journey in Basel, Switzerland, home of the famous art fair, with an expert-guided look at the world's oldest public art collection, dating back to 1661, at the Kunstmuseum Basel
  • With your guide, come face to face with the Kunstmuseum's array of Renaissance canvases—including hauntingly realistic works by Basel hometown legend Hans Holbein the Younger—paintings by Van Gogh and Paul Klee, and a Picasso collection donated by the Spanish master himself
  • In Strasbourg, the Alsatian capital straddling the French-German border, stroll with an expert through the picturesque Petite France quarter, where half-timbered houses with flower-filled balconies line cobblestone streets along winding canals
  • Explore Strasbourg's historic heart on the Grande Ile, an island of medieval churches surrounded by the river's sparkling waters
  • Ascend the iconic, 466-foot-tall Strasbourg Cathedral, once the world's tallest building, and admire its stunning stained-glass windows and mesmerizing astronomical clock with an expert guide
  • Stand in the exact spot where Gutenberg forever changed history, as you trace his world-altering invention of movable-type printing in his hometown of Mainz, Germany
  • Go behind the scenes at the Mainz Cathedral, a unique architectural blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, and discover 1,000 years of artistry through its collection of ornate funerary monuments of powerful archbishops
  • Savor an exclusive garden wine tasting in Mainz, where a master sommelier will pour you crisp Rieslings and smooth Spätburgunders, alongside the region's other renowned varieties
  • Take an expert-guided inside look at the magnificent Romanesque Basilica of St. Castor in Koblenz, Germany, a church dating back to the ninth century A.D.
  • Uncover the secrets of ancient Rome at the Museum Het Valkhof in Nijmegen, joining a scholar to explore an extraordinarily well-preserved collection of locally discovered Roman antiquities
  • [start] => Oct 31 2024 [end] => Nov 6 2024 [year] => 2024 [month] => 10 [day] => 31 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => Rm Image Advance [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,Rm Image Advance,Web Published [price] => 3,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 819_trip.jpg [mobile] => 819_preview.jpg [featured] => 819_featured.jpg ) ) [140] => Array ( [WebID] => 826 [description] => Ring in 2025 with a behind-the-scenes New Year's cultural journey to Havana. Witness aspects of contemporary Cuban life that few travelers ever see and gain guided access to the eagerly anticipated Havana Art Biennial. Take inspiration from Cuba's artistic innovation and resilient spirit. Immerse yourself in the authentic Cuban New Year's experience, savoring traditional feasts and lively street celebrations. Gain behind-the-scenes access to museums, galleries, and artists' homes, discovering how Cuba's complex history has inspired powerful artworks. Connect with diverse local personalities, including a former ambassador and ambitious entrepreneurs, at private receptions and thought-provoking discussions. Explore Old Havana's centuries-old UNESCO-listed plazas and the recently restored Capitolio. Venture into the countryside to meet tobacco farmers as they give you a behind-the-scenes look at the growing and rolling processes. Step into Ernest Hemingway's beautifully preserved home where he wrote some of his classic novels. Throughout this meticulously curated program, you'll support Cuba's privately owned businesses, staying at a boutique hotel and dining at family-run paladares. [dates] => December 28, 2024 - January 3, 2025 [title] => New Year's in Cuba: Art, Culture & History Featuring the Havana Art Biennial [summary] =>
  • Celebrate New Year's in Havana with traditional festivities unlike any other in the world, participating in unique customs, mingling in family gatherings, and savoring authentic Cuban cuisine
  • Enjoy special access to the Havana Art Biennial and experience its extraordinary exhibitions, performances, and installations alongside curators and artists
  • Support Cuba's emerging private sector during your stay, savoring meals at privately owned paladares (restaurants) and relaxing at a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Havana
  • Join a curator for a private tour of what Time magazine calls one of “the world's greatest places”—Havana's Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), a spellbinding, multilevel showcase of contemporary Cuban art
  • Delight in a private, curator-led tour at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, with its impressive collection of Cuban artworks
  • Attend exclusive receptions, including a private event with dinner in the company of the President of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba and the young artists supported by the organization
  • Meet the thought leaders who are shaping Cuban society, including the former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, who will share profound insights on Cuban politics
  • Gain behind-the-scenes access to an exciting rehearsal of a leading dance company, watching as some of Cuba's most skilled contemporary dancers perfect their craft
  • Take a private tour of the splendidly renovated Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, the ornately designed home to the Cuban National Ballet Company
  • Venture to the picturesque Cuban countryside for a behind-the-scenes tour of a tobacco hacienda led by its farmers and a private demonstration of the rolling and drying processes
  • Experience Ernest Hemingway's Cuba at Finca Vigía, the house where he lived for 20 years and wrote some of his most important work, with a glimpse of his famous fishing boat Pilar
  • [start] => Dec 28 2024 [end] => Jan 3 2025 [year] => 2024 [month] => 12 [day] => 28 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cuba [1] => Land [2] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cuba,Land,Web Published [price] => 5,499 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 826_trip.jpg [mobile] => 826_preview.jpg [featured] => 826_featured.jpg ) ) [141] => Array ( [WebID] => 800 [description] => Embark on an extraordinary New Year's journey into the heart of ancient Egypt. This exclusive program offers a unique blend of private plane travel, a four-night Nile River cruise aboard the luxurious Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, and unparalleled access to Egypt's legendary sites. The adventure begins in Cairo, where you'll explore the Great Pyramids and the Great Sphinx up close, bypassing the usual crowds. Visit the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, with a special look behind the scenes at its restoration center. Delve into the recently opened underground chambers of King Djoser's Step Pyramid in Sakkara, and explore the tomb of Wahtye, adorned with statues, paintings, and hieroglyphics. A private flight to Luxor leads to visits to the UNESCO-listed necropolis in Thebes and rare access to Queen Nefertari's tomb, known for its vivid wall paintings. The Nile River voyage takes you to sublime tombs and temples in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with a private plane journey to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel. Conclude your journey in Cairo. [dates] => December 29, 2024 - January 9, 2025 [title] => Egypt & the Nile: A Journey into Antiquity Aboard Sanctuary Nile Adventurer [summary] =>
  • Enjoy intimate access to the Great Sphinx, venturing beyond the crowd barriers to fully appreciate this colossal ancient statue
  • Take a special inside look at the recently discovered tomb of Wahtye in Sakkara, as well as the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, Egypt's oldest pyramid
  • Board the elegant Sanctuary Nile Adventurer for a four-night Nile River voyage and explore the Valley of the Kings as well as tombs and temples in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan
  • Explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the new permanent home of Egypt's ancient kings, and gain special access to the restoration center
  • Delight in the rare opportunity to explore Nefertari's magnificent, 3,000-year-old tomb, where entrance is strictly limited to preserve the integrity of its colorful wall paintings
  • Discover the vast, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thebes, with its exquisite array of temples and tombs

  • [start] => Dec 29 2024 [end] => Jan 9 2025 [year] => 2024 [month] => 12 [day] => 29 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Africa [1] => Cruise [2] => Egypt [3] => MTA Program [4] => TG [5] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Africa,Cruise,Egypt,MTA Program,TG,Web Published [price] => 13,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 800_trip.jpg [mobile] => 800_preview.jpg [featured] => 800_featured.jpg ) ) [142] => Array ( [WebID] => 824 [description] => With private meals in 15th-century palaces and exclusive access to private collections, join painter, museum educator, and art historian Madeline Díaz for an inspiring inside look at Andalusia's less-known gems in Seville, Córdoba, and Málaga. This journey in Southern Spain promises unparalleled insider experiences, illuminating Andalusia's fascinating cultural fusion. Take a guided tour of the 11th-century Royal Alcázar with scholars and marvel at masterpieces by Velázquez and his contemporaries in a 17th-century Baroque hospital. Sample renowned sherry in Jerez while viewing an exceptional private collection featuring Zurbarán, Goya, and Picasso. In Málaga, enjoy curator-led tours of the Museo Picasso's family-donated works and the Centro Pompidou's dazzling modern art. Savor Andalusian cuisine, soul-stirring flamenco performances, and stays in beautifully restored historic buildings. [dates] => March 25 - April 2, 2025 [title] => Andalusian Artistry: Historic Palaces & Private Collections of Seville, Cordoba & Malaga, Spain [summary] =>
  • Travel through Andalusia's Mediterranean landscapes in Seville, Córdoba, and Málaga, going behind the scenes of museums, private collections, art-filled Gothic cathedrals, Moorish-style palaces, and more with curators and expert guides
  • Join acclaimed museum educator Madeline Díaz, whose passion for Andalusian art, culture, and the region's native flamenco will enrich your experience
  • Gain exclusive access to the Colección Joaquín Rivero, one of Andalusia's most well-regarded private collections of Spanish paintings, featuring works by Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso
  • Embark on a private, guided tour of the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Europe's oldest royal palace still in use, and enjoy an optional inside look at the legendary, UNESCO-listed Alhambra
  • Experience a guided visit to the awe-inspiring, eighth-century A.D. Mezquita-Cathedral de Córdoba, tracing the building's transformation from a mosque to a cathedral with an expert
  • Take an expert-led tour of the world's largest Gothic cathedral in Seville, which houses Christopher Columbus's tomb and religious artworks by Murillo and Goya
  • Attend exclusive events amid the private, 15th-century ancestral palaces of Seville's prominent noble families, including a welcome reception at the Casa de Pilatos and a dinner and flamenco performance at the Palacio de las Dueñas
  • Step into Picasso's visionary world in his hometown during a curator-led tour of the Museo Picasso Málaga and its career-spanning collection
  • Watch a private performance of the world-famous equestrian ballet at the prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
  • Stay in exquisite historic accommodations: Seville's glamorous, 1920s neoclassical Hotel Colón Gran Meliá and Málaga's Hotel Palacio Solecio, a restored 18th-century palace
  • [start] => Mar 25 2025 [end] => Apr 2 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 3 [day] => 25 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 11,699 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Madeline Diaz [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 824_trip.jpg [mobile] => 824_preview.jpg [featured] => 824_featured.jpg ) ) [143] => Array ( [WebID] => 806 [description] =>

    Stand in awe before the glories of the ancient Mediterranean world as you sail from Cyprus to the Greek island of Rhodes and along Turkey's Turquoise Coast, filled with expert insights into lesser-known histories, sacred treasures, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cruise aboard the luxurious Emerald Azzurra, uncovering the region's hidden historical gems.

    In Larnaca, Cyprus, you have the choice to explore Nicosia, the world's last divided capital city, or delve into the archaeological wonders of Kition. Setting sail from Limassol, your next stop is Paphos, where the legends of Aphrodite and Roman history come to life.

    The journey then takes you to Turkey, starting with Antalya's Greek, Roman, and Byzantine sites. Be awed by archaeological marvels in Perge and the ancient acoustics at Aspendos amphitheater. Discover the ancient theater and Lycian tombs in Kas, and experience Simena's underwater city ruins on a glass-bottom boat tour. Visit the cliffside city of Xanthos, renowned for its Lycian ruins, and the nearby sacred sanctuary of Letoon, dedicated to the deities Leto, Artemis, and Apollo.

    In Rhodes, Greece, wander through the UNESCO-listed medieval town and its archaeological museum. The voyage concludes in Izmir, Turkey, with a visit to Bodrum for in-depth explorations of the legendary ruins of Halicarnassus and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology's ancient shipwreck treasures.

    [dates] => April 9 - 18, 2025 [title] => Epic Journey Across Time: Cyprus, Rhodes & Turkey's Lycian Coast Aboard Emerald Azzurra [summary] =>
  • Cruise over seven nights aboard the brand-new Emerald Azzurra, chosen as Cruise Critic's "Best New Luxury Ship" in 2022, from Cyprus to the Greek island of Rhodes and Turkey's picturesque Turquoise Coast
  • Choose to go behind the scenes in Nicosia, the Cypriot capital known as "the world's last divided capital city," or discover the Mycenaean, Phoenician, and Roman remains of the ancient city of Kition
  • Witness the largest group of painted Byzantine churches and monasteries in the Troodos Mountains, offering insight into Byzantine and post-Byzantine art
  • Step ashore in Paphos, Cyprus, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, with guided visits to exquisite UNESCO-listed ancient Roman villas housing beautifully preserved mosaic floors
  • Uncover the treasures of Perge, an ancient Roman city near the Turkish coast, at the Antalya Archaeological Museum, then see the remarkable ruins of Perge for yourself with a scholar
  • Embark on an unforgettable sea excursion off Turkey's Turquoise Coast, where you will board private glass-bottom boats to sail above spectacular ancient ruins submerged in crystal-clear waters
  • Explore the ancient Lycian culture through an in-depth examination of millennia-old rock-cut tombs and monuments in Xanthos, the UNESCO-listed Lycian capital, and the neighboring sanctuary of Letoon
  • Join expert guides to experience the Gothic architecture and beautifully preserved fortifications in the UNESCO-listed medieval city of Rhodes
  • Meet with a journalist in Turkey for exclusive insights on current affairs and enjoy private traditional Cypriot and Turkish cultural performances
  • [start] => Apr 9 2025 [end] => Apr 18 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 4 [day] => 9 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 8,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Alide Cagidemetrio [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Timothy Harrison [institution] => Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Werner Sollors [institution] => Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures ) [3] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 806_trip.jpg [mobile] => 806_preview.jpg [featured] => 806_featured.jpg ) ) [144] => Array ( [WebID] => 805 [description] =>

    Experience the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire by scenic sail. Set off aboard the luxurious Emerald Azzurra, cruising the Aegean Sea to explore ancient Graeco-Roman cities in Asia Minor (Turkey) and picturesque Greek island villages. Be inspired by the legacy of the Byzantine era, a time marked by rich cultural patronage and deep spiritual devotion.

    Begin your adventure in Izmir, Turkey, uncovering Byzantine treasures at the Izmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum or wandering through the historical splendors of Ephesus. Feel the mythical presence of Homer's heroes as you go behind the scenes in the legendary city of Troy. Your voyage then takes you across the Aegean to Greece, stopping at Philippi, a key Byzantine city, and Samothraki, site of the enigmatic Sanctuary of the Great Gods.

    Stop on the Greek island of Skyros, where a Venetian castle atop the cliffs tells a story of Byzantine resilience and cultural continuity. Before concluding in Athens, arrive on the rugged island of Amorgos and take an inside look at its Byzantine treasure: the whitewashed, 11th-century Monastery of Hozoviotissa, a clifftop pilgrimage site housing a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

    [dates] => April 16 - 26, 2025 [title] => Turkiye to Greece: Heroes, Saints & Emperors Aboard Emerald Azzurra [summary] =>
  • Retrace the legacy of the Byzantines on an extraordinary voyage aboard the innovative new Emerald Azzurra from Izmir, Turkey, to the Greek capital of Athens
  • In the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, observe the restoration of the city's ancient residential terrace houses and their mosaics, including western Turkey's largest Roman mosaic floor
  • Accompany an expert on a private morning tour of extraordinary Troy, the archaeological site immortalized in Homer's epics
  • Call at Kavala for a privately guided excursion to Philippi, an ancient Roman city featuring an early Christian church dedicated to St. Paul and Byzantine architecture
  • Arrive at the captivating island of Samothraki, the first European land St. Paul visited, and explore the remains from the Sanctuary of the Great Gods
  • Venture to the UNESCO-listed medieval Byzantine monasteries of Meteora, poised atop sandstone pillars, with an expert-guided look at their Byzantine religious artifacts and frescoes
  • Step ashore on the Aegean island of Skyros, known for its seaside villages, and learn about its Venetian castle on an expert-led tour
  • Delve into the Byzantine heritage of Amorgos, joining an expert guide for an inside look at the island's thousand-year-old pilgrimage site, an 11th-century Byzantine monastery perched atop a cliff
  • [start] => Apr 16 2025 [end] => Apr 26 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 4 [day] => 16 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 8,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Timothy Harrison [institution] => Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Gregory W. Mcgonigle [institution] => Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Keith Christiansen [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) [3] => Array ( [name] => Denis Feeney [institution] => Princeton University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 805_trip.jpg [mobile] => 805_preview.jpg [featured] => 805_featured.jpg ) ) [145] => Array ( [WebID] => 829 [description] => Step into a time capsule on this rare journey into the heart of Belle Epoque Paris, offering exclusive access to the world that birthed modern art. Venture back to when Monet, Renoir, Cassatt, Toulouse-Lautrec, and other masters lived and created together in the City of Light, capturing the complexities of late 19th- and early 20th-century life in groundbreaking canvases. Unlock the doors of hidden ateliers and stand before Impressionist masterpieces during exclusive museum tours. Wander Montmartre's cobbled streets where Toulouse-Lautrec once sketched can-can dancers, and sip wine from Paris's last working vineyard. From before-hours tours of the Musée Marmottan Monet to behind-the-scenes peeks at century-old silk fan workshops, each moment reveals a layer of artistic brilliance. A highlight will be a festive dinner at the legendary Moulin Rouge, immersing yourself in the decadent spirit that defined an era and shaped the future of art. [dates] => May 3 - 10, 2025 [title] => Paris & the Belle Epoque: Private Treasures From Impressionism to Art Nouveau [summary] =>
  • Revel in behind-the-scenes access to the lavish artistic treasures of Paris's Belle Epoque (1871–1914) with Jennifer Dasal, author of the forthcoming book The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Epoque Paris
  • Enjoy a private tour of the Musée d'Orsay, witnessing the world's preeminent collection of Impressionist art, learning how Renoir, Van Gogh, and their contemporaries revolutionized art
  • Gain exclusive before-hours access to the Musée Marmottan Monet, home to the world's largest collection of Monet's works, including Impression, Sunrise, the painting that named the famous art movement
  • Step into a Belle Epoque time capsule on a private tour of the Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner, an opulent 19th-century mansion filled with Henner's dreamlike paintings
  • Delight in a private visit to the Atelier Anne Hoguet, one of France's three remaining fan-making workshops, observing master artisans practicing this centuries-old art
  • Indulge in a sumptuous farewell dinner at the world-famous Moulin Rouge while watching the dazzling Féerie show, experiencing the cabaret immortalized by Toulouse-Lautrec's iconic posters
  • Discover why painters flocked to Montmartre with guided visits to the Musée Montmartre, where you will see Renoir's actual garden featured in his work
  • Savor a private wine tasting at the Clos Montmartre, Paris's last working vineyard and a living link to the area's rural past
  • [start] => May 3 2025 [end] => May 10 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 5 [day] => 3 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 10,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 829_trip.jpg [mobile] => 829_preview.jpg [featured] => 829_featured.jpg ) ) [146] => Array ( [WebID] => 810 [description] => With Dutch tulips in bloom in early May 2025, experience a captivating voyage of history and art on a special cruise through Holland and Belgium's splendid landscapes, exploring both countries' rich medieval heritage and masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age. Begin with elegant overnight accommodations in the medieval fairytale city of Bruges, Belgium, for an exclusive look at its lavish cultural heritage. Then, over seven nights, cruise along meandering rivers and canals to the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. Travel to magical towns and villages aboard Magnifique III, a 21-cabin, boutique riverboat in the traditional Dutch style, and step off to explore majestic cathedrals, picturesque gardens, and the region's iconic windmills. At Belgium and Holland's most acclaimed museums, including Amsterdam's famous Rijksmuseum, enjoy curator-led viewings of works by Dutch and Flemish masters like Van Gogh, Vermeer, Memling, Rembrandt, Bosch, Bruegel, and others. [dates] => May 4 - 13, 2025 [title] => Belgium & Holland: Bruges to Amsterdam Aboard Magnifique III [summary] =>
  • Cruise along Holland and Belgium's famous waterways aboard Magnifique III, a boutique riverboat with 21 contemporary cabins and a full selection of bikes for optional cycling
  • In Bruges, take an expert-led visit to the Hans Memling Museum, a former 12th-century hospital showcasing the influential works of Early Netherlandish painter Hans Memling, including his stunning St. Ursula Shrine
  • Discover the Groeninge Museum in Bruges, home to a celebrated collection of Flemish masterpieces by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and Hieronymus Bosch, on a private tour
  • In Bruges's Church of Our Lady, marvel at Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, the only sculpture by the Renaissance master to leave Italy during his lifetime
  • Go behind the scenes in authentic medieval and Renaissance residences, including a rare opportunity to dine at the private Bruges residence of an aristocratic Belgian family (pending confirmation)
  • Witness the Van Eycks' beautifully restored 15th-century Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), with an expert-led look at this monumental masterpiece in its original home, Ghent's St. Bavo's Cathedral
  • Step inside the Museum Mayer van den Bergh in Antwerp for an inside look at a prominent late-19th-century art collector's incredible holdings, including works by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder
  • Marvel at 19 massive Gothic windmills on an expert-led tour of the UNESCO-listed village Kinderdijk, Holland, known for its water management system
  • Wander through endless gardens of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other blooms at Keukenhof, a Dutch destination only open for a few weeks annually
  • Conclude with a canal cruise in Amsterdam and a guided visit to the formidable Rijksmuseum to explore Dutch art spanning the ages, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer
  • [start] => May 4 2025 [end] => May 13 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 5 [day] => 4 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 9,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Linda Wolk-Simon [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 810_trip.jpg [mobile] => 810_preview.jpg [featured] => 810_featured.jpg ) ) [147] => Array ( [WebID] => 832 [description] => In America's oldest state capital, Santa Fe, explore world-class collections of Indigenous art, spanning ancient artifacts to contemporary works, and gain rare access to Georgia O'Keeffe's private retreat and studio in the region that became her muse. Exclusive curator-led tours at Santa Fe's leading museums will reveal little-known treasures, including rare Anasazi ceramics at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, including rare Anasazi ceramics. Marvel at Santa Fe's historic architecture, including the late 19th-century Loretto Chapel and its seemingly free-standing ”Miraculous Staircase.” In Taos, the famous art colony, join the director of the Millicent Rogers Museum for an inside look at a local Standard Oil heiress's extensive Native American jewelry collection. Then see how Santa Fe has become a powerhouse for international art, including behind-the-scenes tours of globally acclaimed galleries featuring Japanese bamboo art and Samurai armor. [dates] => May 13 - 19, 2025 [title] => Santa Fe: Indigenous Art Collections & Georgia O'Keeffe's Private Sanctuary [summary] =>
  • Discover Santa Fe and its Indigenous traditions, modernist masterpieces, Pueblo-style architecture, and private collections with Alice W. Schwarz, a museum educator with more than 40 years at The Met
  • Explore Georgia O'Keeffe's Abiquiú home and studio with a private guide, gaining insight into how the stark desert landscape shaped her revolutionary artistic vision
  • Go behind the scenes at Ghost Ranch, O'Keeffe's 21,000-acre retreat not typically open to the public, experiencing firsthand the vistas that inspired her iconic Red Hills and Bones series
  • Join an expert for a look at the Loretto Chapel, modeled after King Louis IX's Sainte Chapelle in Paris, and its famous "Miraculous Staircase," a masterpiece of carpentry with two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support
  • Experience a behind-the-scenes, director-led visit to Taos's Millicent Rogers Museum, which features nearly 1,000 pieces of Native American turquoise jewelry gathered by Rogers, a Standard Oil heiress and ardent collector of Native American art
  • Take a curator-guided tour of the Harwood Museum of Art, home to a major collection of work by the Taos Society of Artists and meditative grid paintings by former Taos resident Agnes Martin, a giant of American abstract expressionism
  • Enjoy exclusive inside looks at Santa Fe's private collections of international art, such as the world's leading collection of contemporary Japanese bamboo art at TAI Modern and museum-quality Samurai armor at the Ellsworth Gallery
  • Accompany a curator for a tour of the Allan Houser Sculpture Gardens, an outdoor park featuring dozens of experimental works from one of the most renowned 20th-century Apache sculptors
  • Uncover millennia of Southwestern Native American artistry with a curator at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, examining rare artifacts like a 151-foot-long hunting net made of human hair from 1200 A.D.
  • Learn about the innovative work at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, the only U.S. museum dedicated solely to current Indigenous American art, with a curator
  • [start] => May 13 2025 [end] => May 19 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 5 [day] => 13 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Land [1] => MTA Program [2] => North America [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Land,MTA Program,North America,Web Published [price] => 7,599 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Alice Iglehart [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 832_trip.jpg [mobile] => 832_preview.jpg [featured] => 832_featured.jpg ) ) [148] => Array ( [WebID] => 823 [description] => Experience unparalleled access to Northern Italy's cultural and culinary treasures in Piedmont. In May 2025, explore the majestic Alpine lakes, historic vineyards, and architectural gems of Turin and the Langhe wine region. Over four nights in Turin, enjoy curator-led tours of the Savoy palaces with masterpieces by Jan van Eyck, Rembrandt, and Botticelli at the Galleria Sabauda, and behind-the-scenes insights at the Academy of Sciences Library. Indulge in exclusive culinary experiences, celebrating local sustainability and flavors. Continue with three nights at an elegant villa in Stresa, overlooking Lake Maggiore. Visit the Borromean Islands, exploring opulent palaces, priceless art collections, and exotic gardens. A private evening tour of Isola Bella's Palazzo Borromeo, graced by figures like Goethe and Hemingway, will be a memorable highlight. [dates] => May 17 - 25, 2025 [title] => Northern Italian Masterpieces: Baroque Palaces & Art of Turin & the Borromean Islands [summary] =>
  • Travel with esteemed art historian Frank Dabell, a lifelong Italy resident who will share his extensive knowledge and passion for Piedmont's artistic and cultural treasures
  • Meet representatives of Piedmont's leading museums and gain behind-the-scenes access to extraordinary private collections
  • Experience a private viewing of the Academy of Sciences Library's rare manuscript collection with the curator, including original scholarly works by luminaries like Lagrange and Avogadro
  • Marvel at masterpieces by Rembrandt, Botticelli, and others on a guided tour of Galleria Sabauda, one of Italy's finest art museums, housed in the Royal Palace of Turin
  • Encounter Roman structures, medieval frescoes, and Baroque paintings up close on guided tours of Turin's exquisite churches and lavish former royal residences
  • Witness UNESCO-recognized sacred art on a guided look at the 18th-century Sacred Mount of Oropa, which is adorned with startling theatrical sculptures of the Virgin Mary's life
  • Enjoy an exclusive after-hours visit to Isola Bella's splendid Baroque Palazzo Borromeo and gather for a private farewell dinner with a breathtaking island backdrop
  • Savor exclusive meals highlighting Piedmontese cuisine thoughtfully paired with the region's robust wines, including a special lunch at Osteria Boccondivino, birthplace of the influential Slow Food movement
  • Embark on scenic boat trips across Lake Maggiore to the picturesque Borromean Islands, joining owners for tours of their aristocratic villas and manicured gardens
  • Stay in storied, elegant hotels like Turin's Principi di Piemonte and Stresa's Villa e Palazzo Aminta with lake and mountain views
  • [start] => May 17 2025 [end] => May 25 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 5 [day] => 17 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 9,499 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Frank Dabell [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 823_trip.jpg [mobile] => 823_preview.jpg [featured] => 823_featured.jpg ) ) [149] => Array ( [WebID] => 862 [description] => Cruise along Belgium and Holland's famous waterways on a journey rich in art and history. Explore both countries' medieval heritage and masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age. Travel to magical towns and villages aboard Magnifique III, a 21-cabin, boutique riverboat in the traditional Dutch style. Step off to enjoy acclaimed museums with curator-led viewings of works by Dutch and Flemish masters like Van Gogh, Vermeer, Memling, Bosch, Bruegel, and others. Visit the famous Rijksmuseum, which houses masterpieces such as Rembrandt's The Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid. Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed row of Brabantine Gothic-style windmills at Kinderdijk, built as part of an innovative 18th-century flood management system. In Belgium, marvel at medieval cathedrals including expert guided tours of the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Martin and St. Bavo's Cathedral to see the treasured Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. [dates] => May 26 - June 3, 2025 [title] => Holland & Belgium: Amsterdam to Bruges Aboard Magnifique III [summary] =>
  • Admire works by Rubens, Michelangelo, Anthony van Dyck, Hans Memling, the Van Eyck brothers, and other masters on expert-guided tours of Holland and Belgium's museums and churches, including Amsterdam's famed Rijksmuseum
  • Travel to picturesque Kinderdijk, a Dutch village famous for its impressive UNESCO-listed row of 19 large windmills
  • Visit Ypres to explore its stunning medieval architecture and poignant World War I sites, including the In Flanders Fields Museum, Sanctuary Wood, Hill 60, and Tyne Cot Cemetery.
  • View Fouquet's Madonna and other masterpieces at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, reopened after a $105-million, 11-year renovation
  • Stroll along the 15th-century cobbled streets and tranquil canals of Bruges and enjoy a special visit to an authentic medieval estate
  • Experience Jan and Hubert van Eyck's meticulously restored Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, now returned to its original home, St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium
  • Enjoy the friendly atmosphere created by the Dutch captain and crew aboard Magnifique III, a premium ship with 21 contemporary cabins
  • [start] => May 26 2025 [end] => Jun 3 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 5 [day] => 26 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Online Booking [4] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program,Online Booking,Web Published [price] => 6,499 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Susan Stokes [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Steve Pincus [institution] => University of Chicago ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 862_trip.jpg [mobile] => 862_preview.jpg [featured] => 862_featured.jpg ) ) [150] => Array ( [WebID] => 836 [description] => In Milan and Florence, enjoy a highly curated inside look at how Italian designers like Pucci, Armani, and Ferragamo drew on the nation's spiritual and artistic heritage to shape modern global fashion. Led by fashion historian Jessica Glasscock, enjoy exclusive expert-guided access to centuries of craftsmanship and style, from Renaissance frescoes to contemporary couture. Attend a private reception in the Milan home of a former creative director of a legendary fashion house and exclusive tours of historic collections in grand palazzos and castles. Step behind the scenes at Museo Salvatore Ferragamo after hours, admire five decades of Giorgio Armani's work on a guided tour of Armani/Silos, and tour Milan's Duomo to see sacred paintings that have influenced the color palette of modern dress. [dates] => June 1 - 9, 2025 [title] => Art & Fashion in Milan & Florence [summary] =>
  • Join fashion historian Jessica Glasscock for an exclusive journey through Milan and Florence, gaining behind-the-scenes access to iconic fashion houses, museums, and private residences
  • Accompany experts to view how Italy's Renaissance art treasures influenced Italian fashion, from the sacred art in Milan's Duomo and Castello Sforzesco to Ghirlandaio's fresco Saint Jerome in His Study at Florence's Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti
  • Enjoy an exclusive gathering at the private Milan home of a former creative director of a legendary fashion house, as she shares secrets and garments from this iconic brand
  • Explore the elegant Villa Necchi Campiglio on a private tour, experiencing the luxurious interiors, modern art collections, and serene gardens that once defined Milan's elite 1930s lifestyle
  • Delight in a private visit to the International Pietro Bertolini Footwear Museum in Vigevano, marveling at 400 years of shoes, from Renaissance chopines to contemporary designs by icons like Dior, in a 14th-century castle
  • Walk through Milan's fashion evolution on an expert-guided tour of Costume Moda Immagine Collection in Palazzo Morando, with its meticulously curated costumes displayed in opulent period rooms
  • Attend an after-hours reception at Florence's Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, viewing the Florentine designer's garments worn by stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn in a 13th-century palazzo
  • Immerse yourself in five decades of Giorgio Armani's genius with a curator at his dedicated Milan museum, Armani/Silos, learning how his minimalist, “haute monastic” aesthetic transformed global fashion
  • Marvel at a world-renowned collection of armor at Florence's Museo Stibbert, where beautifully European, Japanese, and Islamic suits reflect centuries of men's military fashion
  • Step into the vibrant world of Emilio Pucci at Palazzo Pucci, his family's 16th-century ancestral residence and his former fashion house headquarters, enjoying a guided look at his bold, kaleidoscopic prints that redefined Italian fashion
  • [start] => Jun 1 2025 [end] => Jun 9 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 6 [day] => 1 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 13,599 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jessica Glasscock [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 836_trip.jpg [mobile] => 836_preview.jpg [featured] => 836_featured.jpg ) ) [151] => Array ( [WebID] => 847 [description] => Experience the Loire Valley, known as the "Garden of France," as Leonardo da Vinci once did—at its most exquisite on a journey celebrating its extravagant châteaux, gardens, royal collections, and artistic heritage. At Château de Chambord, marvel at the double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, a masterpiece of Renaissance ingenuity. Discover Château de Chenonceau, the "Château des Dames," where the stories of powerful women unfold amid stunning architecture spanning the Cher River. Immerse yourself in dazzling geometric designs at Château de Villandry's iconic gardens. Take a guided visit to the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire, a spectacular gathering of contemporary creativity and innovation. Conclude with a private reception at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, whose grandeur inspired Versailles. [dates] => June 2 - 10, 2025 [title] => France's Loire Valley: Majestic Royal Chateaux & Gardens [summary] =>
  • Embark on an exclusive journey from Paris through the Loire Valley, where you'll gain behind-the-scenes access to some of France's most magnificent châteaux, explore stunning gardens, with expert guidance and some elegant surprises fit for royalty
  • Indulge in a private farewell reception and garden tour at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, hosted by the château's owners, and explore this early example of French Baroque architecture that influenced the design of the Palace of Versailles
  • Join an expert guide at the Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture commissioned by King Francis I, featuring a distinctive double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci
  • Explore the lesser-known Château de Rambouillet on an expert-led tour, a former royal residence transformed from a 14th-century fortified manor
  • Trace Leonardo da Vinci's final years at the Château d'Amboise, where he lived as a guest of Francis I, and enjoy a private cocktail reception in one of the château's towers
  • Go behind the scenes at the Château de Chenonceau, known as the "Château des Dames" for the influential women who shaped its history, and savor this architectural masterpiece that spans the Cher River
  • Appreciate the architectural brilliance of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a prime example of early French Renaissance style
  • Stroll through the stunning gardens of the Château de Villandry, renowned for their formal French design and organic vegetable gardens
  • Immerse yourself in contemporary garden design with guided access to the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire, where leading landscape architects and designers create innovative, thought-provoking installations
  • [start] => Jun 2 2025 [end] => Jun 10 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 6 [day] => 2 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 9,499 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Ian Murray [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 847_trip.jpg [mobile] => 847_preview.jpg [featured] => 847_featured.jpg ) ) [152] => Array ( [WebID] => 835 [description] => Experience an exciting inside look at the pinnacle of theater in London, a city where the legacies of Shakespeare and Marlowe still resonate and the likes of Gielgud, Olivier, and Dench first showcased their talents. Guided by Sarah Ream, renowned stage director and former staff director at London's National Theatre, you'll enjoy live performances of seven plays in seven days reflecting the best of the city's current theater and participate in illuminating discussions with Sarah that will deepen your appreciation of these works. You will also join actors, producers, and playwrights for conversations that reveal the drama, craft, and magic behind the curtain. On this immersive backstage pass to the illustrious West End stage, you won't just see the show—become part of it on this not-to-miss theater adventure across the Atlantic. [dates] => June 7 - 15, 2025 [title] => Behind the Curtain: An Insider's Look at London Theater [summary] =>
  • In Britain's capital, one of the premier cities of the stage, experience live performances of seven plays in seven days reflecting the best of the city's current theater
  • Join Sarah Ream, renowned stage director and former staff director at London's National Theatre, for intimate, in-depth discussions about the plays you enjoyed the previous day
  • Go behind the scenes in the world of London theater, learning the secrets of the craft as you join in enlightening conversations with directors, producers, and stars
  • Stay at the Covent Garden Hotel just steps away from London’s great playhouses

  • [start] => Jun 7 2025 [end] => Jun 15 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 6 [day] => 7 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 8,799 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Sarah Ream [institution] => Phillips Exeter Academy ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 835_trip.jpg [mobile] => 835_preview.jpg [featured] => 835_featured.jpg ) ) [153] => Array ( [WebID] => 830 [description] => Take a guided inside look at Berlin's phoenix-like transformation from a divided city to Europe's avant-garde capital, where innovative galleries inhabit World War II bunkers and Rococo palaces house Impressionist masterpieces. From Rembrandt's Old Masters at the Gemäldegalerie to provocative modern works at the Neue Nationalgalerie, this odyssey through Berlin's artistic landscape unveils a city perpetually reinventing itself. On this exclusive journey, go behind the scenes of Berlin's most cherished and unexpected cultural spaces, from a private tour of a magnificent contemporary art collection in a repurposed WWII shelter to a powerful, curated-guided exploration of the Jewish Museum Berlin's chronicle of German-Jewish culture since the Middle Ages. Savor a cocktail reception in a contemporary photography museum and experience a sublime evening performance at the historic Berlin State Opera. [dates] => June 9 - 15, 2025 [title] => Classic Berlin [summary] =>
  • Enjoy behind-the-scenes explorations of Berlin's most fascinating museums and art spaces, including Sammlung Boros, a dazzling private collection of contemporary art housed in an above-ground World War II-era bunker
  • Spend a day wandering the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Potsdam and discover Frederick the Great's 18th-century Rococo Palace and gardens of Sanssouci
  • Absorb centuries of Jewish history during an exclusive, curator-led tour of the Jewish Museum Berlin, Europe's largest museum devoted to Judaism
  • Stroll through iconic Berlin landmarks, including Brandenburg Gate, Gendarmenmarkt Square, and the famed Reichstag, and traverse the illustrious Unter den Linden Boulevard
  • Admire masterpieces from renowned painters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Vermeer among five centuries of art at the Gemäldegalerie
  • [start] => Jun 9 2025 [end] => Jun 15 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 6 [day] => 9 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 9,499 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 830_trip.jpg [mobile] => 830_preview.jpg [featured] => 830_featured.jpg ) ) [154] => Array ( [WebID] => 831 [description] => Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Noey invites you on this exclusive Swiss art odyssey in Zürich and Basel, featuring special access to Art Basel's groundbreaking installations. Explore Europe's richest modern art collection at the Sammlung Rosengart Luzern, where Picasso, Klee, and Chagall's works hang in a 17th-century palace. At the Vitra Campus, join an expert-guided tour of an architectural wonderland, featuring Frank Gehry's first European project alongside creations by 11 other Pritzker Prize winners. In Riehen, Renzo Piano's light-filled Fondation Beyeler showcases Monet and Van Gogh masterpieces. Zürich's Löwenbräu quarter reveals cutting-edge art in a converted brewery. Marvel at Jean Tinguely's 23-foot Heureka Fountain, a kinetic sculpture on Lake Zürich's shore. A curator at the Kunstmuseum Basel will introduce you to the world's oldest public art collection, spanning from 15th-century paintings by Holbein to Cézanne's Post-Impressionist canvases. [dates] => June 14 - 22, 2025 [title] => Swiss Sophistication: Zurich & Basel Featuring Art Basel [summary] =>
  • Join Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and art historian Christopher Noey for an exclusive inside look at Swiss craftsmanship and artistry in Zürich and Basel
  • Experience a curator-led immersion in Art Basel, the world's most prestigious modern and contemporary art fair, going behind the scenes of its groundbreaking installations
  • Enjoy a curator-led tour of the Sammlung Rosengart Luzern, home to one of Europe's richest modern art collections, admiring iconic works by leading artists who were friends of the founder, such as Picasso, Klee, and Chagall
  • Go behind the scenes with a curator at the spellbinding Vitra Campus, a living museum of contemporary architecture, featuring spectacular structures by Pritzker Prize-winning architects such as Frank Gehry, Herzog & de Meuron, and Zaha Hadid
  • Stroll the light-filled galleries of Riehen's Fondation Beyeler with a curator, encountering masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Bacon in a Renzo Piano-designed space
  • Navigate Zürich's Löwenbräu art quarter with a leading gallerist, gaining insider access to cutting-edge exhibitions at the Migros Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in a transformed 19th-century brewery
  • Take a special look at one of the world's most remarkable modern sculptures, Jean Tinguely's Heureka Fountain, a 23-foot-tall "purposeless machine" on Lake Zürich's shore
  • Delight in a private, curator-guided tour of the world's oldest public art collection at the Kunstmuseum Basel, whose works span from 15th-century paintings by Hans Holbein the Younger to modern canvases by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cézanne
  • Stay in historic, picturesque hotels, Zürich's 1838 Hotel Mandarin Oriental Savoy and Basel's Hotel Les Trois Rois, one of Europe's oldest city hotels
  • [start] => Jun 14 2025 [end] => Jun 22 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 6 [day] => 14 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 13,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 831_trip.jpg [mobile] => 831_preview.jpg [featured] => 831_featured.jpg ) ) [155] => Array ( [WebID] => 802 [description] => Sail above the Arctic Circle around Greenland, the world's largest island and perhaps its best-kept secret, stepping ashore in remote, sparsely inhabited villages and ports inaccessible to large cruise ships. On this eight-night cruise aboard the newly renovated Exploris One (formerly Silversea Cruise Line's Silver Explorer), travel in the company of expert naturalist guides who will share their insights on local culture, wildlife, and the impact of climate change on Greenland's epic glaciers, which you see up close via enlightening cruises aboard Zodiacs. In a landscape dotted with vividly colorful, colonial-style houses and centuries-old Danish churches, meet local residents and experts to experience local Inuit traditions. First, stay overnight for a brief exploration of Reykjavík, Iceland, followed by a privately chartered flight to Greenland. Bask in the lush backcountry of Nuuk, Greenland's capital city, and visit Sisimiut, North America's largest city above the Arctic Circle. Immerse yourself in secluded whaling settlements such as Kitsissuarsuit and Qeqertaq. At the Eqi Glacier, board Zodiacs and cruise along a fjord to observe the dramatic spectacle of ”ice calving”—when pieces of a glacier break away and form icebergs. Revel in the sculpture-like icebergs created by the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Venture to Evighed Fjord, where you will savor the tranquil beauty of the steep, towering basalt peaks. Throughout this odyssey, sample distinctive cuisine, peruse small yet beautiful collections of Greenlandic art, and marvel at colossal ice formations. [dates] => August 30 - September 9, 2025 [title] => Greenland's Arctic Grandeur: Inuit Culture & Glacial Landscapes Aboard Exploris One [summary] =>
  • Sail the newly renovated Exploris One along Greenland's coastline with naturalist guides, who will lead the expeditions and teach you about the glaciers, local culture, and flora and fauna
  • In Nuuk, Greenland's capital, take an inside look at the Greenland National Museum & Archives, featuring collections representing the island's 4,500-year history, and watch a special informative presentation of modern Inuit culture led by a native Greenlander
  • Discover the remote traditional island settlement of Kitsissuarsuit, a former whaling settlement that dates back to 1830, and meet residents to sample some of the local traditional cuisine
  • Board Zodiacs in the company of experts to cruise up close to glaciers, including the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as "the birthplace of icebergs" and a favorite breeding ground for migrating whales
  • Witness the unforgettable spectacle of "ice calving," pieces of ice dramatically breaking off the 3.1-mile wide Eqi Glacier
  • Enjoy a Zodiac cruise to Disko Island's unique Kuannit coastline and admire the fields of angelica and the breathtaking sculptures formed along huge volcanic cliffs
  • Meet members of local Inuit communities for insights into their unique culture, including a dog sledding team and their Greenland Husky companions
  • Go behind the scenes of small yet unique museum collections, including the Nuuk Art Museum, with its early 20th-century Greenlandic paintings donated by a notable private collector
  • Begin with an overnight stay in Reykjavík for a brief exploration of the Icelandic capital before a privately chartered flight to Greenland

  • [start] => Aug 30 2025 [end] => Sep 9 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 8 [day] => 30 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 8,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Daniel Jacob [institution] => Harvard Alumni Travels ) [1] => Array ( [name] => John Tobin-De La Puente [institution] => Cornell Alumni Travel ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Susan Kidwell [institution] => Cornell Alumni Travel ) [3] => Array ( [name] => Melody Brown Burkins [institution] => Dartmouth College ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 802_trip.jpg [mobile] => 802_preview.jpg [featured] => 802_featured.jpg ) ) [156] => Array ( [WebID] => 849 [description] => Medieval sagas, contemporary installations, and raw natural wonders—the National Gallery of Iceland and Head Curator Pari Stave invite you for an exclusive exploration of Iceland's dramatic geology and how it has inspired artists across centuries. [dates] => September 5 - 12, 2025 [title] => The National Gallery of Iceland Presents: Art, Nature & Culture in the Land of Fire & Ice [summary] =>
  • Experience the artistry of Iceland—both natural and human-made—on this behind-the-scenes journey presented by the National Gallery of Iceland and the museum's Head Curator, Pari Stave
  • Learn how the country's raw natural forces have inspired artists for centuries and accompany expert guides to the very sites depicted in Iceland's famous medieval sagas
  • Gain exclusive after-hours access to the National Gallery of Iceland for a private dinner and tour with Pari Stave, exploring how artists have captured Iceland's dramatic landscapes and cultural transformation
  • Descend 400 feet into Thríhnú kagígur, the world's only volcano that allows visitors inside its magma chamber, where mineral-streaked walls create nature's own gallery of iron-red, sulfur-yellow, and copper-blue patterns
  • Join experts to marvel at outdoor installations from international artists, including Roni Horn's The Library of Water, featuring 24 floor-to-ceiling columns filled with water from Iceland's vanishing glaciers
  • Stand at the exact spot in Thingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart 2.5 centimeters each year, walking through the world's only visible example of this geological phenomenon above sea level
  • Marvel at how Iceland harnesses geothermal energy in fascinating ways, including a private tour and lunch inside the greenhouses at Friðheimar, a farm growing 370 tons of tomatoes annually at 66°N latitude
  • Journey to Viðey Island to walk among the nine pairs of precisely positioned basalt columns comprising Richard Serra's monumental Afangar installation
  • [start] => Sep 5 2025 [end] => Sep 12 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 9 [day] => 5 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Featured [2] => Land [3] => MTA Program [4] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Featured,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 9,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Pari Stave [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 849_trip.jpg [mobile] => 849_preview.jpg [featured] => 849_featured.jpg ) ) [157] => Array ( [WebID] => 856 [description] => Experience a blend of ancient traditions and contemporary culture in South Korea. In the vibrant capital city of Seoul, enjoy exclusive before-hours access to the Pace Gallery, then attend a curator-led tour of the world-renowned Leeum Samsung Museum of Art with its eclectic collection of contemporary masterpieces. Enjoy private studio tours of celebrated contemporary artists, and take an inside look at the life and legacy of the Dansaekhwa movement at the Park Seo-Bo Foundation with a guided tour led by the artist's grandson. Then, take a brief flight to Jeju Island and step back in time for a traditional tea ceremony in the Jeju Folk Village. Take in breathtaking views from Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO-listed volcanic crater, then learn about Haenyeo traditions in greater depth on a private tour of the Haenyeo Museum, where exhibits trace their centuries-old way of life. [dates] => September 9 - 20, 2025 [title] => Seoul & Jeju Island, South Korea: From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Art [summary] =>
  • Participate in traditional and contemporary Korean experiences, including a private tea ceremony in a historic Hanok, a private tour of a comprehensive ethnographic museum at Jeju Folk Village, and comprehensive visits to iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokjung and Changdeokgung Palace
  • Encounter celebrated contemporary Korean artists like Jung Yeongdoo and Suki Seokyeong Kang in their private studios, and reveal the Dansaekhwa movement during a private tour of the Park Seo-Bo Foundation with the artist's grandson
  • Enjoy private access during curator-led tours of renowned institutions, including the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, Amore Pacific Museum, and the Park Seo-Bo Foundation, offering unparalleled insights into Korea's rich artistic heritage
  • Explore Jeju Island's wondrous volcanic landscape with trips to the dramatic cliffs and massive crater at Seongsan Ilchubong, as well as the panoramic soaring wonder of Yongmeori Beach
  • Immerse yourself in the singular, centuries-old culture of the Jeju Islands with a private tour of the Haenyeo Museum and an exclusive meeting with one of the celebrated female divers
  • Discover traditional Korean clothing and sample a wide range of local delicacies at Insadong, Seoul's famous craft village, and enjoy guided tastings at the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
  • Engage with noted works by celebrated artists like Mark Rothko, Alexander Calder, Anish Kapoor, and Ugo Rondidone at the Pace Gallery and Kukji Gallery, and navigate hordes of Korean national treasures at the National Museum of Korea, one of the world's largest museums
  • Sample dozens of the world's leading cosmetic brands with a visit to Amore Pacific and gain insight into the benefits behind green tea skin in a comprehensive beauty experience
  • [start] => Sep 9 2025 [end] => Sep 20 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 9 [day] => 9 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Featured [2] => Land [3] => MTA Program ) [destinations] => Asia,Featured,Land,MTA Program [price] => 17,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 856_trip.jpg [mobile] => 856_preview.jpg [featured] => 856_featured.jpg ) ) [158] => Array ( [WebID] => 840 [description] => Discover the art of mindful observation in London's magnificent museums on this once-in-a-lifetime journey guided by celebrated educator Rika Burnham, whose decades at The Met and The Frick Collection transformed how thousands connect with art. Through extended contemplation and engaging discussions of masterpieces at the National Gallery, Courtauld Institute, and Tate Modern, newfound observation skills unlock hidden meanings in every brushstroke. Beyond museum walls, the adventure unfolds at Windsor Castle's royal galleries and amid the Georgian grandeur of Kenwood House. The elegant Brown's Hotel—Queen Victoria's chosen tea spot—serves as home base for seven days of exclusive access, including backstage tours of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and intimate dining at Fortnum & Mason. [dates] => September 10 - 17, 2025 [title] => Masterpieces of London: An Extraordinary Close Look [summary] =>
  • Unlock the secrets of London's masterworks with Rika Burnham, an internationally acclaimed museum educator, who will transform gallery visits into profound artistic encounters through her renowned method of sustained observation and dialogue
  • Learn the art of close looking in the Courtauld Institute of Art's jewel-box rooms, examining one of its medieval panels and Impressionist canvases bathed in perfect natural light
  • Take an exclusive close look at a great British painting in Tate Britain's classical galleries and a groundbreaking contemporary work in Tate Modern's stark turbine hall
  • Join Rika for special access to royal collections at Buckingham Palace and the world's oldest inhabited castle, Windsor Castle
  • Plunge into the mysteries of a spectacular Old Master painting during a private morning visit to Kenwood House, a serene 18th-century Georgian mansion overlooking London
  • Meet a curator to explore the Royal Academy's unprecedented exhibition juxtaposing Vincent van Gogh's landscapes and Anselm Kiefer's massive canvases—charting the Post-Impressionist master's influence on Germany's leading contemporary artist
  • Experience an exclusive afternoon tea in Fortnum & Mason's private Diamond Jubilee Tea Room, an 18th-century establishment that has served the British royal family since 1707
  • Walk in the Bard's footsteps during an exclusive backstage tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
  • Enjoy six nights of luxurious accommodations at London's oldest hotel, the Brown's Hotel, opened in 1837, where Queen Victoria took tea
  • [start] => Sep 10 2025 [end] => Sep 17 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 9 [day] => 10 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 9,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Rika Burnham [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 840_trip.jpg [mobile] => 840_preview.jpg [featured] => 840_featured.jpg ) ) [159] => Array ( [WebID] => 844 [description] => Step into a lavish world where Du Pont family wealth cultivated grandeur and art: the Brandywine Valley, a landscape of rolling hills and storied estates that shaped America's artistic heritage. With Alice W. Schwarz, a historic homes scholar who has educated art lovers at The Met for more than four decades, gain rare, behind-the-scenes access to treasures that define this region. When the museum is closed to the public, go behind the scenes at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, America's first art school. In Philadelphia, explore the Barnes Foundation's unparalleled collection, including Renoir and Cézanne, guided by a curator. In Wilmington, step inside the Du Pont family's opulent estates—Winterthur, Nemours, and Longwood Gardens—where wealth blossomed into artistic splendor. Then discover the legacy of Howard Pyle, America's greatest illustrator, at his private studio, and enjoy an intimate look at the Wyeth family's evocative works at the Brandywine Museum of Art. [dates] => September 15 - 19, 2025 [title] => Arts of the Brandywine Valley: Philadelphia, Wilmington & the Du Pont Estates [summary] =>
  • Join Alice W. Schwarz, a museum educator with more than 40 years of experience at The Met, in Philadelphia and the Brandywine Valley for a behind-the-scenes look at Du Pont treasures and exceptional museums
  • Explore the nation's first art museum and school during an exclusive visit to the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts when it's closed to the public, seeing works by famous alumni like Mary Cassatt and Pennsylvania artists like Andy Warhol
  • Discover the world's largest collections of Renoir and Cézanne paintings during a curator-led tour of the Barnes Foundation, where we'll also enjoy a private lunch
  • Meet rising artists at Pentimenti Gallery, a cornerstone of Philadelphia's Old City arts district that has placed works in leading museums from MoMA to the Cleveland Museum of Art
  • Tour the Philadelphia Museum of Art before public hours to view works such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, spanning 2,000 years of creative excellence
  • Enjoy a private, curator-led look at restoration projects inside Winterthur Museum, Henry Francis du Pont's lavish mansion housing his vast collection of American decorative art objects
  • Experience America's premier display gardens with an expert at Longwood Gardens, Pierre S. du Pont's 1,000-acre botanical landscape with dramatic fountains, formal gardens, and 4.5 acres of indoor garden spaces
  • Behold the works of Wilmington native Howard Pyle, whose children's book illustrations inspired generations of artists, during exclusive visits to his restored 1883 studio and the Delaware Art Museum
  • Enter the grandeur of Nemours Estate, where a director-led tour reveals a 77-room Louis XVI-style mansion surrounded by North America's largest formal French gardens, complete with reflecting pools and classical sculpture
  • [start] => Sep 15 2025 [end] => Sep 19 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 9 [day] => 15 [season] => Summer [tags] => Array ( [0] => Land [1] => MTA Program [2] => North America [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Land,MTA Program,North America,Web Published [price] => 4,799 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Alice Iglehart [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 844_trip.jpg [mobile] => 844_preview.jpg [featured] => 844_featured.jpg ) ) [160] => Array ( [WebID] => 848 [description] => During the pinnacle of the global fashion calendar, Paris Fashion Week, experience an exclusive look at the art of style in the French capital with Parsons School of Design lecturer Jessica Glasscock, a fashion historian and author whose research shaped exhibitions at The Met's Costume Institute. Attend a memorable Fashion Week runway show and participate in exclusive curator-led visits at museums, workshops, and studios of leading designers. [dates] => October 1 - 7, 2025 [title] => Paris, Behind the Seams: Art & Style During Fashion Week [summary] =>
  • Join fashion historian Jessica Glasscock for a behind-the-scenes Paris fashion experience that delves into centuries of artistry underpinning the world's style capital
  • Attend an exclusive Paris Fashion Week runway presentation, where the future of design takes center stage at one of the world's premier fashion events
  • Tour the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa with its chief curator, exploring works by the Tunisian-born sculptor-turned-fashion designer whose form-fitting garments have adorned figures from Michelle Obama to Lady Gaga
  • Enjoy a private morning visit to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, where curators will reveal how religious imagery and classical design have shaped French fashion over four centuries
  • Discover the world's finest Impressionist collection at the Musée d'Orsay during a curator-led tour, uncovering how painters like Monet and Degas captured the evolution of 19th-century fashion
  • Step into the Fondation Yves Saint Laurent's preserved creative workspace at 5 Avenue Marceau during a private visit, experiencing the studio where iconic designs, such as the Mondrian dress, came to life
  • Go behind the scenes at the costume workshops of the Palais Garnier Opera House, meeting artisans who craft spectacular theatrical garments using centuries-old techniques
  • Marvel at the Palais Galliera's extensive collection of historic garments—featuring rare pieces worn by figures such as Marie Antoinette and Audrey Hepburn—on an exclusive curator-led tour
  • Witness haute couture craftsmanship firsthand at Le 19M, Chanel's state-of-the-art center housing 11 master ateliers where artisans preserve traditional techniques integral to high fashion
  • [start] => Oct 1 2025 [end] => Oct 7 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 1 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Featured [2] => Land [3] => MTA Program [4] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Featured,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 10,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jessica Glasscock [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 848_trip.jpg [mobile] => 848_preview.jpg [featured] => 848_featured.jpg ) ) [161] => Array ( [WebID] => 838 [description] => Explore the rich history, diverse cultural influences, and glorious landscapes of a North African gem, once a crossroads of wealthy and powerful civilizations. Three thousand years of rule by Phoenicians, Berbers, Romans, Arabs, Turks, the French, and others left splendid ruins, walled medinas, peaceful oases, ornate mosques—and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On this comprehensive journey, Tunisia will captivate you with its cultural and geographical wonders. Discover the Mediterranean capital city of Tunis, and experience the ancient ruins of Carthage, with its centuries-old baths, temples, and theaters. Admire the world's greatest collection of Roman mosaics in the National Bardo Museum. Venture to several of the country's perfectly preserved Roman ruins, including Dougga, one of the most complete Roman archaeological sites in North Africa. Wander fascinating souks, meander through sacred sites, and behold magnificent views over the Sahara. Along the way, savor Tunisia's traditional hospitality and cuisine, which will add to the pleasures of this exceptional program. [dates] => October 2 - 12, 2025 [title] => Tunisia: At the Crossroads of Civilizations [summary] =>
  • Experience one of North Africa's best-kept secrets, Tunisia, on an extraordinary journey through its ancient wonders left behind by mighty civilizations
  • Delight in an expert-guided tour of the world's largest collection of Roman polychrome mosaics at Tunis's National Bardo Museum
  • Walk in the footsteps of Hannibal with experts at Carthage, the once-formidable Phoenician imperial settlement razed by Rome, now a sprawling archaeological site near Tunis
  • Take a guided tour of Kairouan, one of Islam's holiest cities, and its Great Mosque of Kairouan (c. 670 A.D.), one of Islam's earliest and most influential houses of worship
  • Join experts at the finest Roman ruins outside Italy, including Dougga, North Africa's best-preserved Roman city, and the Amphitheatre of El Jem, which rivals Rome's Colosseum in scale
  • Enjoy inside looks at the Phoenician-Roman port city of Sousse and the Sousse Archaeological Museum, which holds the world's second-largest Roman mosaic collection
  • Explore the engineering marvel of Zaghouan's Temple of Waters, built in 139 A.D., and its network of subterranean chambers that once supplied water to ancient Carthage
  • Uncover the secrets of Kerkouane, the world's only fully preserved Punic city, accompanying experts behind the scenes of the Mediterranean's earliest known private baths
  • Journey back in time with experts at Monastir's perfectly intact ribat (fortress), erected by early Arab conquerors in 796 A.D.
  • [start] => Oct 2 2025 [end] => Oct 12 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 2 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Africa [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Africa,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 7,599 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 838_trip.jpg [mobile] => 838_preview.jpg [featured] => 838_featured.jpg ) ) [162] => Array ( [WebID] => 841 [description] => Explore the interplay between Japan's centuries-old artistic techniques and its boundary-pushing contemporary vision, alongside Page Knox, an art historian who lectures at Columbia University and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. With luxurious accommodations at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, engage in curator-led tours of the Mori Art Museum and other art spaces; enter Takashi Kuribayashi's contemporary art installation, a private underground steam chamber infused with medicinal herbs; and venture through the world's first digital art museum, teamLab Borderless. In Nikko, gain exclusive access to centuries-old architectural scrolls during a private viewing with a Shinto priest at Toshogu Shrine. Continue to Kyoto with accommodations at the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Go behind the scenes of ancient temples and join master gardeners at the Garden of Fine Arts as they share traditional pruning methods before we dine in their private teahouse, typically closed to visitors. Savor exquisite Japanese cuisine throughout the program, including a special meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant within a 14th-century Buddhist temple. You may join Page for an optional postlude to the art-centered islands of Naoshima and Teshima (October 18-21). [dates] => October 9 - 18, 2025 [title] => Tokyo & Kyoto: Exclusive Art Collections, Traditions & Innovations [summary] =>
  • Join art historian Page Knox, Columbia University and Met lecturer, for an exclusive journey bridging Japanese tradition and innovation through special curator access and private demonstrations in Tokyo and Kyoto
  • Stay in sophisticated luxury at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, with its view of the Imperial Palace Gardens, and the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, set within an 800-year-old pond garden
  • Accompany a curator behind the scenes of Tokyo's Terrada Art Complex, a former warehouse transformed into one of Japan's largest gallery spaces
  • Enjoy a guided inside look at Tokyo's futuristic teamLab Borderless, where digital installations draw upon traditional Japanese concepts of space and time to create immersive artistic experiences
  • Gain special access to the Toshogu Shrine with a Shinto priest to view the Sashikizu—ancient architectural blueprints preserved for over 1,000 years that detail the shrine's extraordinary craftsmanship
  • Experience Takashi Kuribayashi's Genki-ro installation during a private visit to this site usually closed to the public, where contemporary art merges with traditional purification through herb-infused steam
  • Meet skilled gardeners at the Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto for an exclusive pruning demonstration of centuries-old techniques, followed by lunch in their private teahouse
  • Share a group dinner in Kyoto hosted by a maiko (apprentice geisha), who will relate the secrets of her rigorous training while she performs traditional dances
  • Marvel at Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), whose gold-leaf façade creates perfect reflections in still waters—a masterpiece where three distinct architectural styles harmonize across its floors
  • Savor the pinnacle of Japanese culinary artistry at acclaimed restaurants, including Michelin-starred Shigetsu inside Kyoto's 14th-century, UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji temple
  • [start] => Oct 9 2025 [end] => Oct 18 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 9 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Asia,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 18,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Page Knox [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 841_trip.jpg [mobile] => 841_preview.jpg [featured] => 841_featured.jpg ) ) [163] => Array ( [WebID] => 803 [description] => Aboard the sumptuous Sea Cloud II, discover Mediterranean islands rich with history and spectacular beauty. From Malta's capital of Valletta, sail to Sicily's ancient port of Trapani. Discover the magnificent remnants of an ancient Greek colony that thrived in Sicily, enjoying an inside look at the marvelously well-preserved temple of Segesta, which was built in the fifth century B.C. Continue to the Italian island of Sardinia and its ancient capital of Cagliari, which traces its history back to the Phoenicians and Romans. Float along Sardinia's west coast to Alghero, colonized by the Catalans in the 14th century. Discover Sardinia's domed stone fortresses called nuraghi, striking evidence of an advanced Bronze Age civilization on the island. Be on deck when Sea Cloud II approaches French Corsica and Bonifacio's stunning natural harbor, with its breathtaking setting atop limestone cliffs. Sail north to the enchanting island of Elba, Napoleon's place of exile, and explore Napoleon's residence, Villa San Martino, now a museum. Arrive in Tuscany on the Italian mainland, where you will have a choice between excursions departing from the port of Livorno: Wander through the medieval fortified town of Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini, or venture to Pietrasanta, a tiny contemporary art community that Michelangelo once called home. [dates] => October 10 - 20, 2025 [title] => Timeless Islands of the Mediterranean: Malta to Tuscany Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Cruise the Mediterranean aboard the luxurious Sea Cloud II, following in the wake of Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Spaniards to lands awash with natural beauty and treasures of antiquity
  • Travel to islands rich with Napoleonic history: the lush French territory of Corsica, where the famed military leader was born, and the Italian island of Elba, where he spent his exile
  • In Sicily, enjoy an inside look at Segesta's extraordinarily well-preserved Greek temple, built in the fifth century B.C.
  • Join a scholar-led inside look at the ancient Sardinian city of Nora, with its gorgeously mosaicked Roman ruins and Carthaginian warehouses left behind after submersion by massive floods
  • Discover Sardinia's Bronze Age and medieval highlights, including the spectacular Nuraghe Palmavera, one of the most famous and well-preserved of Sardinia's Bronze Age stone fortresses, dating back to as early as 1600 B.C.
  • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to Villa San Martino, Napoleon Bonaparte's summer residence during his exile on Elba, now a museum filled with frescoes, 19th-century prints, period furnishings, and Napoleonic antiques
  • Savor exceptional regional wines in enchanting settings, including the 17th-century country wine estate, La Chiusa in Elba, which is ensconced in a vineyard surrounded by olive trees overlooking the ocean
  • Navigate the impressive fjord-like waterway into the dazzling clifftop city of Bonifacio, Corsica, where you will attend a private polyphonic concert inside a centuries-old church

  • [start] => Oct 10 2025 [end] => Oct 20 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 10 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 8,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Noel Lenski [institution] => Yale University ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Nicolas Cassar [institution] => Duke University ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Kathryn Morgan [institution] => UCLA Alum ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 803_trip.jpg [mobile] => 803_preview.jpg [featured] => 803_featured.jpg ) ) [164] => Array ( [WebID] => 833 [description] => Cruise through Portugal's Douro Valley aboard the luxurious AmaDouro, experiencing a rich artistic heritage and 2,000 years of viticultural mastery in the world's oldest. demarcated wine region. Join expert guides for special access to art-filled churches, historic wineries, and majestic castles. Enjoy a curator-guided tour of Porto's avant-garde Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, a spectacular museum combining architectural innovation and a 44-acre garden landscape. Explore the rare Leonese-style architecture of Castelo Rodrigo's sixth-century fortress. In Spain, discover Salamanca's 800-year-old university and the world's leading collection of French porcelain dolls at Museo Art Nouveau y Art Déco. Indulge in private wine tastings at renowned quintas. Marvel at Lamego's exquisite Baroque Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and its grand, 686-step exterior staircase. Enjoy a private concert at Porto's Casa da Música, brilliantly designed by Rem Koolhaas. [dates] => October 13 - 21, 2025 [title] => Portugal's Enchanting Douro Valley: Round-Trip Porto Aboard AmaDouro [summary] =>
  • Spend seven nights immersed in the beauty of the Douro Valley cruising round-trip from Porto aboard the elegantly appointed AmaDouro
  • Meet experts in riverside towns for behind-the-scenes visits to castles, art-filled churches, historic wineries, and much more
  • Experience a guided tour of Porto's Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, one of Europe's most prestigious and innovative contemporary art spaces, designed by Álvaro Siza, Portugal's most acclaimed contemporary architect
  • Explore the sixth-century A.D. hilltop fortress of Castelo Rodrigo, where expert guides reveal hidden corners of this rare example of Leonese-style architecture in Portugal
  • Embark on a guided excursion to the golden-hued city of Salamanca, Spain, including its UNESCO-listed historic center, the world's third-oldest university, and Europe's grandest Baroque square, Plaza Mayor
  • Behold one of Spain's premier collections of decorative arts on an expert-guided tour of Salamanca's Museo de Art Nouveau y Art Déco, with its works by Homar, Majorelle, Busquets, Fabergé, and other major talents
  • Enjoy a private wine tasting at Quinta do Portal, one of the Douro Valley's most innovative family-owned wineries, renowned for blending centuries-old traditions with 21st-century sustainability practices
  • Admire the ornate Baroque Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego, descending its 686-step staircase adorned with colorful azulejo tiles that zigzag down to the lovely gardens
  • Delight in Porto's architectural and cultural treasures, from a private concert at the avant-garde Casa da Mú sica to expert-led tours of the city's most prestigious art galleries
  • Indulge in a private vintage Port tasting at a historic wine cellar in Porto or savor a traditional Portuguese meal in one of the city's stylish restaurants
  • [start] => Oct 13 2025 [end] => Oct 21 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 13 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe [price] => 5,399 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 833_trip.jpg [mobile] => 833_preview.jpg [featured] => 833_featured.jpg ) ) [165] => Array ( [WebID] => 861 [description] => Immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of Southern Italy, from Baroque cathedrals and ancient frescoes to contemporary masterpieces and charming artisan workshops. Follow in the footsteps of esteemed artists as Dr. Jill Deupi, Beaux Arts Director and Chief Curator of Miami's Lowe Art Museum, guides you through the historic piazzas of Puglia and Naples. Meet world-renowned sculptor Renzo Buttazzo with exclusive entry to his private workshop, and watch as he demonstrates ancient stone carving techniques. Experience 13th-century architecture with an expert-guided tour of Castel de Monte, then continue to Matera to explore the atmospheric chambers of MUSMA, the world's only cave museum housing over 400 masterworks. Enjoy a private visit to Museo di Capidomonte, a Neoclassical palace, then continue to the Thomas Thane Gallery, which overlooks the iconic Bay of Naples. [dates] => October 13 - 24, 2025 [title] => Masterpieces of Southern Italy: An Exclusive Art Journey in Puglia & Naples [summary] =>
  • Join Dr. Jill Deupi, Beaux Arts Director and Chief Curator of Miami's Lowe Art Museum, on a very personal, exclusive cultural journey through Puglia and Naples, drawing upon her years of research and travels throughout Southern Italy
  • Follow Dr. Deupi's footsteps to Pozzuoli's jewel-box church, San Raffaele Arcangelo, to experience Giacinto Diano's magnificent Martyrdom of Saint Catherine altarpiece
  • Meet internationally acclaimed sculptor Renzo Buttazzo in his Lecce workshop, where he preserves the ancient tradition of pietra leccese stonework, crafting masterpieces from the region's prized golden limestone
  • Discover the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Galatina, where expert guides will showcase one of Southern Italy's finest medieval fresco cycles
  • Experience exclusive access to contemporary artist Nini Bonavoglia's private home in Otranto for an intimate cocktail reception and introduction to current Italian artistic innovation
  • Tour Castel del Monte with expert guides to explore Frederick II's 13th-century geometric marvel—a perfectly octagonal castle that exemplifies medieval architectural precision and mathematical sophistication
  • VISIT MUSMA in Matera with a curator to experience the world's only cave museum dedicated to contemporary sculpture, housed within the 16th-century Palazzo Pomarici amid the city's prehistoric sassi (cave dwellings)
  • ENJOY an insider's look at the Thomas Dane Gallery, featuring its works by leading international contemporary artists hosted in a historic palazzo overlooking the Bay of Naples
  • SAVOR Southern Italy's culinary artistry through exclusive experiences, from an immersion in traditional Puglian orecchiette-making in Bari to a private cooking class in Valle d'Itria
  • [start] => Oct 13 2025 [end] => Oct 24 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 13 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Online Booking [4] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Online Booking,Web Published [price] => 12,999 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 861_trip.jpg [mobile] => 861_preview.jpg [featured] => 861_featured.jpg ) ) [166] => Array ( [WebID] => 850 [description] => Cruising aboard the luxurious, 19-cabin Guntû, enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at islands transformed into open-air museums during the Setouchi Triennale, one of Asia's largest contemporary art festivals. Experience centuries of artistry and innovation with curators on this journey, which also features stays at elegant hotels like Naoshima's Benesse House, a museum and resort designed by Tadao Ando. Delight in exclusive visits, including an after-hours tour of Hiroshima's all-new Simose Art Garden Villa, a look at Naoshima’s underground Chichu Art Museum also designed by Ando, and an expert-led tour of Narukawa Art Museum's collection of nihonga paintings on paper and silk created using traditional techniques in Hakone. [dates] => October 18 - 29, 2025 [title] => Japan's Inland Sea: Islands of the Setouchi Triennale Aboard Guntu [summary] =>
  • Experience Japan's art islands with lecturer John T. Carpenter, the Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese Art at The Met, with special visits to museums, art installations, and private collections
  • Enjoy guided VIP access to the Setouchi Triennale, one of Asia's largest contemporary art festivals, meeting curators and artists for behind-the-scenes looks at site-specific installations that turn entire islands into open-air museums
  • Join the Museum Travel Alliance as the first Western institution to privately charter the luxurious, 19-cabin Guntû, a floating ryokan (inn) that blends Japan's traditional aesthetics, culinary excellence, hospitality, and technological innovation
  • Cruise to remote Triennale sites not easily accessible to most visitors, taking a front-row seat to spectacular views of Japan's coastline
  • Attend an after-hours reception and tour of Hiroshima's new seaside Simose Art Garden Villa, a cultural space featuring colorful, cube-shaped galleries that house masterpieces from Matisse, Chagall, and others
  • Discover how architect Tadao Ando transformed these islands with innovative structures including Naoshima's underground Chichu Art Museum, which uses natural light to showcase masterpieces like five of Claude Monet's Water Lilies paintings
  • Witness a world-class collection of Japanese nihonga paintings, where organic pigments on silk or paper create serene landscapes, on a curator-led tour of Hakone's Narukawa Art Museum
  • Take a curator-guided tour of Hakone's Okada Museum of Art, with its impressive collection of traditional Japanese art
  • Behold stunning art from Henry Moore, Rodin, and an extensive Picasso collection during an evening after-hours visit and reception at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, in the shadow of Mount Fuji
  • [start] => Oct 18 2025 [end] => Oct 29 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 18 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => Cruise [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Asia,Cruise,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 34,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => John Carpenter [institution] => Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 850_trip.jpg [mobile] => 850_preview.jpg [featured] => 850_featured.jpg ) ) [167] => Array ( [WebID] => 846 [description] => In Florence, Rome, and the Vatican, go behind the scenes in Italy's leading art conversation and restoration laboratories—some of the most advanced in the world—for a rare up-close look at how historic masterpieces are restored. Travel with Frank Dabell, a renowned art historian and lifelong Rome resident to see how skilled experts are protecting the rich legacy of Medici and papal patronage on an exclusive journey. In Florence, delight in private looks at the Uffizi's restoration labs and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, where master craftsmen preserve the Medici's Renaissance vision by creating ”paintings” from precious stones, and witness the meticulous restoration of the Battistero di San Giovanni's shimmering dome mosaics, where Dante was baptized. In Siena, see Ambrogio Lorenzetti's vivid 14th-century Effects of Good and Bad Government frescoes restored after centuries, a monumental depiction of justice and tyranny still resonating today. In Rome, gain rare access to the Vatican's conservation labs, where modern science meets Renaissance ingenuity, and marvel at the restoration of Pietro Cavallini's 1293 Last Judgment fresco, whose groundbreaking naturalism paved the way for the Renaissance. [dates] => October 18 - 25, 2025 [title] => Florence & Rome: Behind the Scenes of Art Restoration & Conservation [summary] =>
  • Join Frank Dabell, renowned art historian and lifelong Rome resident, in Florence and Rome for rare private tours of Italy's most important conservation laboratories
  • Meet some of the world's most experienced conservators while viewing masterpieces under restoration, including the owners of an exceptionally advanced laboratory in Arezzo
  • Witness master craftsmen practice the ancient art of Florentine stone mosaic inside the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, founded by the Medici family in 1588
  • Enjoy an exclusive guided viewing of the 13th-century dome mosaics at the Battistero di San Giovanni, Florence's oldest religious building, during their ongoing meticulous restoration
  • Watch conservators at Siena's Museo Civico restore Ambrogio Lorenzetti's revolutionary, 14th-century Effects of Good and Bad Government frescoes, the first panoramic cityscapes painted since ancient Rome
  • Meet the specialized restoration teams at the Vatican Museums Laboratory, where 21st-century science meets Renaissance techniques in preserving the world's largest art collection
  • Gain exclusive access through the Benedictine nunnery at the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere to study Pietro Cavallini's 1293 Last Judgment fresco, whose naturalistic style influenced Renaissance masters
  • Visit the Priscilla Catacombs with experts to explore ancient tunnels housing early Christian art and the world's oldest known images of the Virgin Mary
  • Accompany a curator at Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia to view the Medici's collection of rare musical treasures, including the world's only surviving complete Stradivari instrument and earliest known upright piano
  • Experience layers of Roman history on a guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente, descending from a 12th-century church to a basilica from Late Antiquity to an ancient Roman temple
  • Step inside Rome's Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance banker's private pleasure palace, to see Raphael's groundbreaking frescoes up close, including his famous Triumph of Galatea
  • Go behind the scenes at Florence's 16th-century Accademia di Belle Arti, Europe's first art academy, where Michelangelo and other masters perfected their craft
  • [start] => Oct 18 2025 [end] => Oct 25 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 18 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 10,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Frank Dabell [institution] => The Metropolitian Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 846_trip.jpg [mobile] => 846_preview.jpg [featured] => 846_featured.jpg ) ) [168] => Array ( [WebID] => 842 [description] => Why has the Lone Star State become America's second-largest art hub after New York City? Gain exclusive access to Texas's premier art institutions in three major cities. Begin in Dallas with private, after-hours tours of the Dallas Museum of Art and Meadows Museum led by curators and directors. In Fort Worth, explore the Kimbell Art Center and Amon Carter Museum through expert-guided visits. Continue to Houston for behind-the-scenes experiences at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum, and the Rothko Chapel. Meet resident artists during private receptions at the Off the Wall and Thornwood galleries and more. [dates] => October 20 - 24, 2025 [title] => Contemporary Art in Texas: Dallas, Fort Worth & Houston [summary] =>
  • Visit the oldest museum in Texas, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and take a director-led tour through extensive collections of Renaissance and French Impressionist paintings
  • Engage in special discussions with esteemed lecturer Jennifer Dasal after docent-led tours of the Rothko Chapel and a curator-led exploration of the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston
  • Encounter artists-in-residence during a tour of the eclectic collection at the Off the Wall Gallery and at a private reception and group lunch at the Thornwood Gallery
  • Explore the Dallas Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the United States, with an exclusive reception and tour while closed to the public
  • Meet the director of the Meadows Museum for a private tour of one of the world's most compelling Spanish art locations located outside Spain during off hours
  • Witness Michelangelo's first known painting, The Torment of Saint Anthony, as well as works from the likes of Caravaggio and Cézanne on a docent-led tour of the Kimbell Art Museum
  • Admire standout depictions of the American West by masters including Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell during a private tour at the Amon Carter Museum
  • Trek across the expansive campus of the Menil Collection and tour the Cy Twombly Gallery to see the American-born, Italian-inspired artist's comprehensive collection
  • [start] => Oct 20 2025 [end] => Oct 24 2025 [year] => 2025 [month] => 10 [day] => 20 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Land [1] => MTA Program [2] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 5,499 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 842_trip.jpg [mobile] => 842_preview.jpg [featured] => 842_featured.jpg ) ) [169] => Array ( [WebID] => 843 [description] => As the Nile is to Egypt, so is the Mekong to Thailand and Laos. Navigate the less-traveled Upper Mekong with art historian Christopher Noey, cruising the river that shaped Southeast Asian civilization for millennia aboard the luxurious Anouvong. In Bangkok, stay at the Four Seasons overlooking the Chao Phraya River and enjoy guided looks at sacred treasures such as the Grand Palace's Emerald Buddha. Savor Michelin-starred Royal Thai cuisine during a special dinner. Fly to Luang Prabang and ring in 2026 with an authentic Laotian dinner in a festive setting. Go behind the scenes of Luang Prabang's UNESCO-listed temples, gilded palaces, fascinating craft workshops, royal museum collections, and French colonial architecture. In Luang Prabang, board the 14-cabin Anouvong for three nights. Arrive in remote villages to meet local scholars at the Buddha-filled Pak Ou Caves and learn silk-weaving techniques from master artisans in riverside communities. In Thailand's Golden Triangle, observe elephants wandering freely during an unforgettable stay at a 160-acre bamboo forest sanctuary. [dates] => December 26, 2025 - January 7, 2026 [title] => Thailand & Laos: The Upper Mekong & the Golden Triangle Aboard Anouvong [summary] =>
  • Travel with Christopher Noey, a scholar of Asian art and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, as he illuminates centuries of Buddhist art, royal palaces, and diverse cultures through Thailand and Laos
  • Explore remote stretches of the Upper Mekong for three nights aboard the luxurious Anouvong, which has only 14 sumptuous cabins, the perfect base to witness the living traditions of mountain communities along the Mekong's banks
  • Enter Bangkok's Grand Palace complex with expert guides to discover its mythological guardians and most sacred spaces, including Thailand's revered Emerald Buddha
  • Welcome 2026 in UNESCO-protected Luang Prabang, joining local families for traditional New Year festivities and specialties at Manda de Laos
  • Connect with rescued elephants during a three-night stay at Thailand's pioneering 160-acre Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, learning about conservation efforts and traditional mahout culture
  • Ascend with local guides to the sacred Pak Ou Caves in Laos, where 4,000 Buddha statues, placed by generations of pilgrims, fill ancient limestone grottoes
  • Join Luang Prabang residents in their dawn ritual of offering alms to Buddhist monks as they process through the quiet streets
  • Receive special invitations into the mountain homes of Ban Muang Keo and Had Sako villagers in Laos to learn their traditional arts of silk weaving and whiskey making
  • Savor regional cuisines across spectacular settings, from Bangkok's two-Michelin-starred R-Haan, with its exquisite Royal Thai dishes, to moonlit dinners beside the Mekong
  • Stay in carefully selected luxury hotels in Bangkok and Luang Prabang that enhance your experience: the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and the Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel
  • [start] => Dec 26 2025 [end] => Jan 7 2026 [year] => 2025 [month] => 12 [day] => 26 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Asia [1] => MTA Program [2] => Online Booking [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Asia,MTA Program,Online Booking,Web Published [price] => 16,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 843_trip.jpg [mobile] => 843_preview.jpg [featured] => 843_featured.jpg ) ) [170] => Array ( [WebID] => 860 [description] => This December, escape the cold and toast to the New Year on the tropical island of Cuba. Stay in a privately owned boutique hotel in the historic capital city of Havana. Join a local historian in UNESCO-listed Old Havana for a guided walking tour and lecture on Cuban architecture while exploring breathtaking cathedrals and colorful colonial houses. Gain special access to the homes and studios of celebrated artists, and take an inside look at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, Cuba's largest museum, with a private morning tour of its Cuban art collection. Journey to Matanzas, the birthplace of rumba and other Afro-Cuban cultural traditions, where you'll experience a fortress-turned-museum honoring the lives of enslaved people and visit La Ermita de Monserrate, a small late 19th-century church, for a private concert. Enjoy holiday themed festivities in the company of fellow travelers at a reception and dinner. [dates] => December 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026 [title] => New Years in Cuba: Art, Culture & History - In Support of the Cuban People [summary] =>
  • Engage with Cuba's leading creators in exclusive gatherings, with intimate discussions at the homes and studios of artists, a private rehearsal at a famous dance company, and a phenomenal evening of art and music at Havana's Fábrica de Arte Cubano
  • Celebrate and mingle with fellow travelers at exclusive receptions, including a cocktail reception with a sumptuous dinner in the company of the President of The Ludwig Foundation of Cuba
  • Meet the thought leaders who are shaping Cuban society, including the former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, who will share profound insights on Cuban politics
  • Explore Matanzas, birthplace of poets, writers, Santería, and rumba
  • [start] => Dec 28 2025 [end] => Jan 3 2026 [year] => 2025 [month] => 12 [day] => 28 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cuba [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Online Booking [4] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cuba,Land,MTA Program,Online Booking,Web Published [price] => 3,999 [images] => Array ( [preview] => 860_trip.jpg [mobile] => 860_preview.jpg [featured] => 860_featured.jpg ) ) [171] => Array ( [WebID] => 837 [description] => Embark on an extraordinary New Year's journey into the heart of ancient Egypt. This exclusive program offers a unique blend of private plane travel, a four-night Nile River cruise aboard the luxurious Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, and unparalleled access to Egypt's legendary sites. The adventure begins in Cairo, where you'll explore the Great Pyramids and the Great Sphinx up close, bypassing the usual crowds. Visit the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, with a special look behind the scenes at its restoration center. Delve into the recently opened underground chambers of King Djoser's Step Pyramid in Sakkara, and explore the tomb of Wahtye, adorned with statues, paintings, and hieroglyphics. A private flight to Luxor leads to visits to the UNESCO-listed necropolis in Thebes and rare access to Queen Nefertari's tomb, known for its vivid wall paintings. The Nile River voyage takes you to sublime tombs and temples in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with a private plane journey to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel. Conclude your journey in Cairo. [dates] => December 29, 2025 - January 9, 2026 [title] => Egypt & the Nile: A Journey into Antiquity Aboard Sanctuary Nile Adventurer [summary] =>
  • Enjoy intimate access to the Great Sphinx, venturing beyond the crowd barriers to fully appreciate this colossal ancient statue
  • Take a special inside look at the recently discovered tomb of Wahtye in Sakkara, as well as the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, Egypt's oldest pyramid
  • Board the elegant Sanctuary Nile Adventurer for a four-night Nile River voyage and explore the Valley of the Kings as well as tombs and temples in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan
  • Explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the new permanent home of Egypt's ancient kings, and gain special access to the restoration center
  • Delight in the rare opportunity to explore Nefertari's magnificent, 3,000-year-old tomb, where entrance is strictly limited to preserve the integrity of its colorful wall paintings
  • Discover the vast, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thebes, with its exquisite array of temples and tombs

  • [start] => Dec 29 2025 [end] => Jan 9 2026 [year] => 2025 [month] => 12 [day] => 29 [season] => Winter [tags] => Array ( [0] => Africa [1] => Featured [2] => MTA Program [3] => Online Booking [4] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Africa,Featured,MTA Program,Online Booking,Web Published [price] => 13,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 837_trip.jpg [mobile] => 837_preview.jpg [featured] => 837_featured.jpg ) ) [172] => Array ( [WebID] => 859 [description] => While Cuba remains a mystery to most Americans, our in-depth program explores the island through the lens of a local. Gain a behind-the-scenes look at local art with a multilevel contemporary showcase at the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, and enjoy an after-hours tour of the Ceramics Museum. Meet with a local historian for a lecture on the architectural revolution which shaped Havana, followed by a guided tour of the UNESCO-recognized historic center. Dine with Cuban cultural leaders and attend a private reception hosted by the President of a nonprofit supporting emerging Cuban artists. Take in beautiful views of the Viñales Valley and meet with farmers for an exclusive look at tobacco production. [dates] => March 22 - 28, 2026 [title] => Cuba: Art, Culture & History: In Support of the Cuban People [summary] =>
  • Join a curator for a private tour of what Time magazine calls one of "the world's greatest places"—Havana's Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), a spellbinding, multilevel showcase of contemporary Cuban art
  • Celebrate and mingle with fellow travelers at exclusive receptions, including a cocktail reception with a sumptuous dinner in the company of the President of The Ludwig Foundation of Cuba and an after-tours tour and reception at the dazzling Ceramics Museum
  • Meet the thought leaders who are shaping Cuban society, including the former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, who will share profound insights on Cuban politics
  • Gain behind-the-scenes access to an exciting rehearsal of a leading dance company
  • Venture to the picturesque Cuban countryside for a behind-the-scenes tour of a tobacco hacienda led by its farmers
  • [start] => Mar 22 2026 [end] => Mar 28 2026 [year] => 2026 [month] => 3 [day] => 22 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cuba [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program ) [destinations] => Cuba,Land,MTA Program [price] => 5,499 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 859_trip.jpg [mobile] => 859_preview.jpg [featured] => 859_featured.jpg ) ) [173] => Array ( [WebID] => 863 [description] => Experience a storied journey illuminating the arts and the fight for justice and equality through the Deep South. Each stop on this exclusive Civil Rights tour offers a deeper understanding of the trials and triumphs that defined this pivotal epoch in history. Explore historical sights and enjoy after-hours museum visits in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Jackson, Montgomery, and Birmingham, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Louisiana and Mississippi Civil Rights Museums. Cross Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge with a veteran who marched with John Lewis and others seeking voting rights on ”Bloody Sunday.” In Montgomery, gain insight on the powerful Equal Justice Initiative, then continue to Birmingham to attend services at the 16th St. Baptist Church and stroll through the historic Kelly Ingram Park. [dates] => April 14 - 19, 2026 [title] => Portraits of Courage: Art & Civil Rights from New Orleans to Birmingham [summary] =>
  • Visit New Orleans's oldest fine arts institution, the New Orleans Museum of Art, during a special access tour, and reveal local works inspired by the civil rights movement
  • Explore the vibrant Creole-inspired streets of Tremé, the country's oldest African-American neighborhood, on an immersive walking tour that also includes lunch at historic Dooky Chase's and a stop at the New Orleans African American Museum to examine Louisiana's folk heritage
  • Witness the celebrated annual tradition of the Mardi Gras Indians, gain insight into their origin, and admire the intricate handiwork utilized in the making of these elaborate costumes
  • Access the history behind some of the era's most pivotal moments, including the Canal Street sit-ins in New Orleans during a special-access visit to the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum
  • Meet with civil rights scholars from Southern University, whose students were pivotal during sit-ins. Navigate Baton Rouge's role in the movement with a trip to the Louisiana State Capitol and key stops along the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail highlighting marches and boycotts
  • Navigate eight in-depth exhibitions and discover Mississippi's heroes, like Fannie Lou Hamer, Vernon Dahmer, and Medgar Evers, on an after hours visit to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
  • Walk in the footsteps of the Selma Foot Soldiers and cross historic Edmund Pettus Bridge and meet with a veteran of the ''Bloody Sunday'' engagement for a comprehensive discussion
  • Attend a service at Birmingham's 16th St. Baptist Church, the tragic site of a fatal 1963 bombing, before strolling through the poignant monuments of Kelly Ingram Park across the street
  • [start] => Apr 14 2026 [end] => Apr 19 2026 [year] => 2026 [month] => 4 [day] => 14 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Land [1] => MTA Program [2] => USA [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Land,MTA Program,USA,Web Published [price] => 5,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Peri Frances [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 863_trip.jpg [mobile] => 863_preview.jpg [featured] => 863_featured.jpg ) ) [174] => Array ( [WebID] => 851 [description] => Set sail on an intercontinental sea adventure aboard Exploris One, tracing historic routes from the Canary Islands and the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain's palaces and Portugal's Age of Discovery landmarks. Against volcanic mountain backdrops in the Canaries, traverse the diverse landscapes of Teide National Park, home to Spain's tallest peak. Discover the wonders of Morocco's most intriguing cities, such as Marrakesh, Tangier, Casablanca, and Rabat. Enjoy a private tour of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent's private Marrakesh retreat, then visit the former palace of the city's last pasha of Marrakesh, Dar El Bacha. In Spain, witness the legacy of maritime empires in Cádiz and Seville's world-largest Gothic cathedral. [dates] => April 27 - May 9, 2026 [title] => Crossroads of Cultures: Canary Islands, Morocco & Iberia Aboard Exploris One [summary] =>
  • Join a guided tour of the Canary Islands' UNESCO-designated Teide National Park, home to Spain's tallest peak, for a picnic lunch amidst surreal volcanic landscapes that have shaped these islands for millions of years
  • Meet an architectural guide for a tour of the UNESCO-listed historic quarter of La Laguna, founded in 1496, featuring colonial mansions that reflect the Canary Islands' pivotal role in Spanish exploration of the Americas
  • Discover artist César Manrique, going behind the scenes of his home and studio in the Canary Island of Lanzarote, and watch a performance in an awe-inspiring cave that Manrique transformed into a beautiful cultural space
  • Enjoy a special tour of Marrakesh's rarely visited Dar El Bacha, the former palace of the city's last pasha, and view its extraordinary painted ceilings, exquisite hand-cut zellige tiles, and art collections
  • Gain exclusive guided access to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent's private Marrakesh retreat and the adjacent YSL Museum, charting his profound influence on global fashion
  • Sail through the Pillars of Hercules to arrive at the Rock of Gibraltar, and step ashore to tour the territory's World War II tunnels and view the famous Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkeys
  • Delight in expert-led tours of the world's largest Gothic cathedral in Seville, Spain, and the Alcázar, Europe's oldest royal palace still in use
  • [start] => Apr 27 2026 [end] => May 9 2026 [year] => 2026 [month] => 4 [day] => 27 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Africa [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Africa,Europe,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 9,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => W. Frank Robinson [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Diana Sorensen [institution] => Harvard University ) [2] => Array ( [name] => Christopher Noey [institution] => The Metropolitan Museum of Art ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 851_trip.jpg [mobile] => 851_preview.jpg [featured] => 851_featured.jpg ) ) [175] => Array ( [WebID] => 858 [description] => Journey through Paris as you explore impressionist art and the legacy of iconic American artist Mary Cassatt. 100 years after Cassatt's passing, art historian and expert curator Jennifer Dasal takes you back in time to experience early impressionism through the works of Cassatt and her acquaintances, featuring a special excursion out of the city to the French countryside where Cassatt completed some of her most famous paintings in a private estate. Enjoy guided tours of world-renowned museums including Musée d'Orsay, Petit Palais, and Musée de l'Orangerie. Wander the lush gardens which inspired classic works by Renoir such as La Balançoire at the Musée de Montmartre and gain after-hours access to the world's largest collection of Monet paintings at Musée Marmottan Monet. [dates] => May 8 - 15, 2026 [title] => An American Impressionist in Paris: Tracing Mary Cassatt's Legacy, 100 Years Later [summary] =>
  • Experience Impressionism through the eyes of Mary Cassatt in honor of the 100th year of her passing and visit her countryside homes not normally accessible to the public
  • Enjoy a stunning day trip to Giverny visiting the Musée des Impressionnismes and Monet Foundation with a focus on the relationship between Monet and Cassatt
  • Wander the galleries of the world's great museums dedicated to Impressionism along the Seine, including the Musée d'Orsay, Petit Palais, and Musée de l'Orangerie, with private guides
  • Gain exclusive, after-hours access to the Museé Marmottan Monet, home to the world's largest collection of Monet's works, including Impression, Sunrise, which inspired the art movement
  • Discover why painters flocked to Montmartre with guided visits to the Museé de Montmartre, where you will see Renoir's actual garden featured in his work
  • Witness 35 years of artistic endeavors and gain insight to the inner workings of an artist's studio during an exclusive visit before roaming his home and luscious gardens
  • Stroll through the avenue of trees and the intimate corners of centuries-old Tuileries Gardens and soak in the monumental vistas available in this prime Parisian location
  • Reveal the critical impact Asian artists had on Mary Cassatt's career during a guided tour of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
  • [start] => May 8 2026 [end] => May 15 2026 [year] => 2026 [month] => 5 [day] => 8 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Europe [1] => Land [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Europe,Land,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 10,499 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 858_trip.jpg [mobile] => 858_preview.jpg [featured] => 858_featured.jpg ) ) [176] => Array ( [WebID] => 852 [description] => Take a visit to the landscapes that inspired some of history's most gifted artists, from Vermeer to Van Gogh. Set sail on famous waterways from Bruges to Amsterdam aboard Magnifique III, a traditional Dutch-style riverboat. Join experts and curators to experience the windmill-dotted landscapes and iconic cultural monuments in some of the region's most charming cities, including Ghent, Antwerp, Kinderdijk, and Dordrecht. Gain exclusive access to legendary works within centuries-old churches, including the breathtaking, 15th-century Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers. In Amsterdam, witness Rembrandt's The Night Watch, Vermeer's The Milkmaid, and other Dutch art treasures with a private tour of the Rijksmuseum. [dates] => May 17 - 26, 2026 [title] => Belgium & Holland's Old Master Canvases & Gothic Cathedrals: Bruges to Amsterdam Aboard Magnifique III [summary] =>
  • Cruise from Bruges to Amsterdam along Holland and Belgium's famous waterways aboard Magnifique III, a traditional Dutch-style riverboat with 21 contemporary cabins
  • Go behind the scenes at one of Europe's oldest hospitals in Bruges for an expert-led tour of the Hans Memling Museum, home to influential 15th-century works that the Early Netherlandish painter created for this setting
  • Discover the Groeninge Museum in Bruges, home to a celebrated collection of Flemish masterpieces by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and Hieronymus Bosch, on a private tour
  • Marvel at Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, the only sculpture by the Renaissance master to leave Italy during his lifetime, in Bruges's Church of Our Lady, and learn about its dramatic history of plunder at the hands of Napoleon and Hitler
  • Witness the Van Eycks' 15th-century Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), joining experts to see newly restored details of this monumental masterpiece in its original home, St. Bavo's Cathedral
  • Step inside Antwerp's acclaimed yet little-known Museum Mayer van den Bergh, with experts introducing you to one of Belgium's most storied art collections, including Pieter Bruegel the Elder's Mad Meg
  • Celebrate Dutch tulip season with an expert-guided tour of Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths burst into bloom each spring
  • Stand in the presence of Rembrandt's The Night Watch, Vermeer's The Milkmaid, and other Dutch art treasures at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, where a guided tour will help you appreciate these masterpieces in a new light
  • [start] => May 17 2026 [end] => May 26 2026 [year] => 2026 [month] => 5 [day] => 17 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 9,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 852_trip.jpg [mobile] => 852_preview.jpg [featured] => 852_featured.jpg ) ) [177] => Array ( [WebID] => 857 [description] => Trace the footsteps of Claude Monet with an artistic expedition from his childhood home in Le Havre through Honfleur, Rouen, Vernon, Giverny, and Paris. Board the luxurious AmaDante for an adventure suited for artists and art enthusiasts of all levels. Enjoy guided painting workshops to create your own masterpieces in the very locations that inspired Monet himself. Listen to enlightening lectures as you gaze upon the world's largest collection of Monet paintings at the Musée Marmottan Monet. Venture to a rarely visited estate in Auvers-sur-Oise to explore Van Gogh's final home, and enjoy a private tour of Monet's private estate in Vétheuil. Master quick-brush painting techniques with a workshop led by experts, and enjoy French delicacies while dining in an ancient château. [dates] => June 12 - 20, 2026 [title] => Monet in Normandy & Paris: Impressionist Painting Retreat on the Seine Aboard AmaDante [summary] =>
  • Immerse yourself in daily, private hands-on painting workshops led by an expert art mentor, mastering the en plein air style, the outdoor quick-brush technique that defined the Impressionists
  • Wander through Giverny on a guided tour of Monet's private home and gardens, where he spent his final decades creating iconic works like Water Lilies and Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies
  • Savor a private dinner at a historic 17th-century château, a favorite retreat of the Impressionists, featuring an exclusive viewing of their little-known original works
  • Discover Monet's rarely visited home in the picturesque riverside town of Vétheuil, the inspiration for his renowned work The Artist's Garden at Vétheuil
  • Capture the dawn light in an early-morning painting workshop at Rouen Cathedral, whose façade Monet painted more than thirty times to depict its ever-changing appearance
  • Delve into Impressionist masterpieces during a private, curator-guided tour of the Musée Marmottan Monet, home to the world's largest collection of Claude Monet's works
  • Channel Monet's vision by recreating his masterpieces in the exact locations where he painted, from Impression, Sunrise to La Porte d'Aval and Vétheuil
  • Venture on a day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise, exploring Van Gogh's final home where he created many of his most famous works, and witness the poignant attic room where he spent his last days
  • [start] => Jun 12 2026 [end] => Jun 20 2026 [year] => 2026 [month] => 6 [day] => 12 [season] => Spring [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program [3] => Web Published ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program,Web Published [price] => 6,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 857_trip.jpg [mobile] => 857_preview.jpg [featured] => 857_featured.jpg ) ) [178] => Array ( [WebID] => 854 [description] => Set sail aboard Sea Cloud II for a Mediterranean cruise from Sicily to Malta. In Syracuse, Sicily, view the Duomo di Siracusa and striking Baroque palazzos and inspiring ancient theaters. Explore Agrigento's Valley of the Temples in Sicily and witness the dazzling mosaics of Piazza Armerina's Villa Romana del Casale. In Malta, discover the island's prehistoric marvels, such as the Hagar Qim Temple, and immerse yourself in the intricate art and history of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with monuments. [dates] => October 1 - 9, 2026 [title] => Southern Mediterranean Civilizations: Sicily & Malta Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Sail on a weeklong Mediterranean adventure aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II, cruising to Malta and Sicily to explore several UNESCO-listed ancient treasures
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Syracuse, Sicily, including a visit to the Duomo di Siracusa and an exclusive tour of a Sicilian baron's private residence, Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco
  • In Valletta, Malta, marvel at the sheer density of UNESCO-listed historical treasures, with 320 monuments packed into 135 acres
  • Witness megalithic temples from 3600-2500 B.C., including some of Earth's oldest freestanding structures, on guided tours of the ancient Maltese temples
  • Take a guided inside look at two Caravaggio masterpieces, including the Italian master's only signed work, at Valletta's St. John's Co-Cathedral
  • Uncover Sicily's ancient Greek grandeur with experts at the UNESCO-listed, 2,500-year-old Valley of the Temples and the splendid fifth-century-B.C. Temple of Segesta
  • [start] => Oct 1 2026 [end] => Oct 9 2026 [year] => 2026 [month] => 10 [day] => 1 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => Cruise [1] => Europe [2] => MTA Program ) [destinations] => Cruise,Europe,MTA Program [price] => 7,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Boris Berman [institution] => Yale University ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Rika Burnham [institution] => Yale University ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 854_trip.jpg [mobile] => 854_preview.jpg [featured] => 854_featured.jpg ) ) [179] => Array ( [WebID] => 853 [description] => Set sail aboard Sea Cloud II for a Mediterranean cruise from Sicily to Malta. In Syracuse, Sicily, view the Duomo di Siracusa and striking Baroque palazzos and inspiring ancient theaters. Explore Agrigento's Valley of the Temples in Sicily and witness the dazzling mosaics of Piazza Armerina's Villa Romana del Casale. In Malta, discover the island's prehistoric marvels, such as the Hagar Qim Temple, and immerse yourself in the intricate art and history of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with monuments. [dates] => October 8 - 16, 2026 [title] => Timeless Islands of the Mediterranean: Palermo to Nice Aboard Sea Cloud II [summary] =>
  • Sail on a weeklong Mediterranean adventure aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II, cruising to Malta and Sicily to explore several UNESCO-listed ancient treasures
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Syracuse, Sicily, including a visit to the Duomo di Siracusa and an exclusive tour of a Sicilian baron's private residence, Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco
  • In Valletta, Malta, marvel at the sheer density of UNESCO-listed historical treasures, with 320 monuments packed into 135 acres
  • Witness megalithic temples from 3600-2500 B.C., including some of Earth's oldest freestanding structures, on guided tours of the ancient Maltese temples
  • Take a guided inside look at two Caravaggio masterpieces, including the Italian master's only signed work, at Valletta's St. John's Co-Cathedral
  • Uncover Sicily's ancient Greek grandeur with experts at the UNESCO-listed, 2,500-year-old Valley of the Temples and the splendid fifth-century-B.C. Temple of Segesta
  • [start] => Oct 8 2026 [end] => Oct 16 2026 [year] => 2026 [month] => 10 [day] => 8 [season] => Fall [tags] => Array ( [0] => ) [destinations] => [price] => 7,999 [lecturers] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Jeffrey Schnapp [institution] => Yale University ) [1] => Array ( [name] => Jennifer Dasal [institution] => Museum Travel Alliance ) ) [images] => Array ( [preview] => 853_trip.jpg [mobile] => 853_preview.jpg [featured] => 853_featured.jpg ) ) ) 1 seconds for this page