THE ACE EXPERIENCE
Established in 1958, ACE Cultural Tours is the UK’s longest established cultural travel tour operator, with over 68 years’ experience. Continuing to build on this heritage, we look forward to offering tours to new and exciting destinations worldwide, alongside returning and perennial favourites.
Our tours aim to uncover cultural intricacies and connections across a wide range of subjects, ranging from art and architecture to music, literature, archaeology, history and wildlife. Rather than exclusively focusing on the isolated development of one artistic work, archaeological site or historical event, our itineraries are also designed to take in the bigger picture and provide context within a wider cultural landscape, reaching beyond the boundaries of traditional categories.
Our Tour Directors illustrate and illuminate their themes with formal lectures and on-site talks, and where appropriate, local guides will provide a complementary and often personal perspective. Many itineraries include privileged access, exclusive visits or private concerts to further enhance our travellers’ enjoyment. No prior knowledge is needed, just an interest in the subjects concerned.
Chosen not only for their specialist knowledge but equally for the clarity and enthusiasm with which they communicate and impart their passion to others, our expert Tour Directors are personally involved in the creation and planning of our tours. Biographies and further information about all of our Tour Directors are available on our website.
Several of our tours, particularly our river cruises but also some music, art and wildlife departures, combine the expertise of multiple Tour Directors, whose specialisms across distinct subject areas combine to create a unique amalgamation of perspectives. On most of our tours, the Tour Director will be supported by an experienced Tour Manager or local guide, responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our itineraries.
TRAVELLING WITH US
Our travellers, whilst often independent in spirit, enjoy the inviting ambience we like to create on our tours. Group dinners, for example, are a wonderful opportunity to get to know new friends and discuss the day’s visits and experiences in a convivial atmosphere.
Itineraries are well-balanced with a rich array of visits and lectures to take full advantage of our time in each location. Some tours, for example Cultural Breaks, also offer additional free time for individual exploration or relaxation. Solo travellers make up a significant proportion of all of our groups – so those travelling alone can be assured of finding a welcoming atmosphere amongst like-minded people. We pride ourselves on looking after single travellers very well, from working to minimise the additional cost incurred by single supplements at the booking stage to ensuring that there is always somebody with whom to share a coffee or lunch once on tour.
The majority of our tours have been designed for groups of approximately 23 participants maximum, enabling everyone to make the most of our itineraries and the insights of our expert Tour Directors. Occasionally a tour might be restricted to lower numbers, for example, on our Cultural Breaks, certain wildlife and music tours, while our cruises and festivals often welcome a larger number of participants; please contact us if you wish to double-check the situation for a specific tour.
We are proud to be the preferred travel provider for people who are committed to supporting local communities in the countries they visit. ACE Cultural Tours aims to make sustainable choices by scheduling visits during off-peak seasons, returning to the same hotels year on year, supporting local businesses and utilising the expertise of our Tour Directors who have active roles as conservationists and ICOMOS representatives.
OUR CHARITABLE PROJECTS
Spring in the Isles of Scilly
The severe Storm Goretti has recently caused considerable damage to parts of Scilly, yet the communities are resilient and resourceful, working to repair and rebuild, ready for the new season. As part of our support, ACE has recently donated £1,500 to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, the charity that looks after much of the island's landscape.
An Invitation to Cotchford Farm
As part of our tour celebrating children’s literary classics and the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh, we are delighted to announce an exclusive private visit to Cotchford Farm. In recognition of the generosity of the cultural custodians in accommodating this, ACE is pleased to be making a donation to the Ashdown Forest Foundation.
ACE Music Scholarship
Working closely with ACE tour director Nicholas Wearne, ACE has awarded a Music Scholarship to Joseph Jacob in order to study for a MMus at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Organ Department. Joseph recently joined our Oxford College Chapels & Organs tour as a guest organist.
Conserving the Isles of Scilly
Conservation grazing is an important traditional way of managing land in St Mary’s, the largest inhabited island in the archipelago. ACE Cultural Tours has supported a number of conservation and environmental projects throughout the years and is delighted to share this ongoing project.
British Institute for Libyan and North African Studies ACE Research Grant
From hosting summer schools, to arranging and supporting archaeological digs, to funding a long-running fellowship at the Institute of Archaeology, ACE has a long history of active engagement in archaeological study. Working closely with ACE Tour Director Niccolò Mugnai, ACE is pleased to announce an ACE Research Grant in partnership with the British Institute for Libyan and North African Studies (BILNAS).
