Highlights from our Summer Bulletin include the Wonders of Georgia tour led by Ian Colvin, a Mekong Cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Angkor, and a revival of the Chinese Civilisation tour with Elizabeth Morrell. Steve Mastin returns to Kazakhstan to explore Silk Road connections, while music lovers can enjoy performances at Berlin’s Staatsoper, New York’s Met, and the Mozart Festival in Salzburg. Provence offers a blend of art and music with pianist Emilie Capulet, and the Danube Cruise promises a feast of culture.
Closer to home, options include a East Anglia and Fenland abbeys, and the art of Yorkshire, Suffolk, and Scotland. Finally, 2025 marks Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary, celebrated with a tour led by Suzanne Fagence Cooper and an exhibition at The Arc in Winchester.
Wonders of Georgia: Archaeology, Culture & Landscape
6th May - 20th May 2025
with Ian Colvin
Undertake a once-in-a-lifetime adventure journeying from Tbilisi to Batumi via Bolnisi, Mtskheta, Kutaisi, and Mestia. Highlights will include the fascinating Ananuri Fortress Complex, the medieval Gelati Monastery, and the Nokalakevi archaeological site. Visit Ushguli, one of the highest continually inhabited settlements in Europe, surrounded by Georgia’s awe-inspiring landscape.
Mekong Cruise
16th October - 30th October 2025
with Moira Tait & Kevin Hand
Join this brand new ACE cruise exploring the fascinating history and culture of the Mekong Delta. Travel from the vibrant urban hubs of Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh along the lush Mekong to tranquil villages and the extraordinary temples of Angkor. A myriad of themes, from archaeology, history, and architecture to local customs and gastronomy, combine to create an in-depth impression of Southeast Asian culture.
Music & Opera in New York
25th March - 1st April 2025
with Ashley Solomon
Attend five concert and opera performances, including Verdi’s Aida and Mozart’s Le Nozze de Figaro at the Metropolitan Opera, alongside Carnegie Hall performances featuring the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Mitsuko Uchida, and the Kronos Quartet.
Mozart Festival in Salzburg
24th January - 30th January 2025
with Ashley Solomon
Experience a specially chosen selection of Mozart’s music in the glorious surroundings of Salzburg, including the Vienna Philharmonic, conductors Ádám Fischer and Philippe Herreweghe, Le Concert des Nations and soprano Sonya Yoncheva.
Chinese Civilisation
11 - 28 October, 2025
with Elizabeth Morrell
Discover over 5000 years of Chinese history, from ancient capitals like Xi’an and Beijing to marvels such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Visit hidden gems alongside China’s finest traditional architecture, art, and garden design.
Kazakhstan: From The Silk Road to Sir Norman Foster
16th May - 30th May 2025
with Steve Mastin
Trace the span of Kazakhstan’s history from Bronze Age carvings to futuristic city landmarks. Explore Silk Road connections at the UNESCO site of Turkistan, home to a famous Timurid Imperial mausoleum. Discover Kazakhstan’s remarkable landscape and geology, including the awe-inspiring ‘Valley of the Castles’ at Charyn Canyon.
The Rights of Man: Rebellion & Dissent in East Anglia
3rd April - 6th April 2025
with David Burke
Explore the historic towns of Norwich, Bury St Edmunds, and Thaxted and their role in advancing liberty, democracy, and justice.
Yorkshire: From Arts & Crafts to Modernism
8th April - 13th April 2025
with Alan Powers
Discover the rich array of art and architecture to be found across Yorkshire, in the company of Alan Powers, one of the UK’s leading architectural historians.
Danube River Cruise
26th June - 5th July 2025
with Nicholas Wearne, Ashley Solomon, Judy Brown, Andrew Spira, Emilie Capulet, and Tom Abbott
A host of expert Tour Directors will illuminate the history of this commanding waterway along with its artistic and musical heritage. Stay in Salzburg before journeying through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, taking in the treasures of Vienna, Melk, Bratislava, Kalocsa, Budapest, and Esztergom. Experience a sparkling array of musical performances, including piano, Baroque flute, and song recitals on board.
Music & Art in Provence
11th April - 17th April 2025
with Emilie Capulet
Take in classical performances by world-class musicians at the internationally acclaimed Festival de Pâques. Explore works by Picasso, Monet and Renoir at the Musée Granet, journey along the ‘Route Cézanne’, and explore the contemporary art installations at Chateau La Coste. Enjoy two exclusive lecture-recitals given by our Tour Director in the beautiful surroundings of the Villa Tiphéret and Chateau de Lourmarin, set in the Luberon hills.
Scottish Art & Craft in Edinburgh & Dundee
1st September - 6th September 2025
with Sarah Burles
Explore Scottish art – from Sir Henry Raeburn to the Scottish Colourists and Glasgow Boys – with visits to important collections including the superb new permanent galleries devoted to the country’s art at the Scottish National Gallery.
William Morris in the Cotswolds: From the Pre-Raphaelites to Arts & Crafts
11th August - 16th August 2025
with Christopher Bourne
Explore the world of William Morris and his fellow Pre-Raphaelites with private visits to significant Arts & Crafts landmarks, including Kelmscott Manor and Rodmarton Manor.
Jane Austen at 250
6th October - 11th October 2025
Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of her birth. Become immersed in Jane’s life and work through visits to key sites associated with her, from her birthplace in Steventon to Bath, Lyme Regis, Chawton, and Winchester. Take in a special exhibition dedicated to Jane Austen at The Arc, Winchester, and visit her resting place in the city’s beautiful cathedral.
