broaden your mind - academy travel · 2019-04-08 · broaden your mind dear traveller, i’m...

TOUR PROGRAM July 2017 – June 2018

Broaden your mind

academytravel.com.au

2 www.academytravel.com.au

new tours

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Rome: Study Tour Naples, Capri & Rome

The Venice Biennale

Florence, Ravenna & Venice

Stockholm to St Petersburg: a Baltic Journey

Burgundy, Provence & The Riviera

Great Musical Cities: Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Morocco & Southern Spain

Imperial China: History & the Arts

The Southern USA: Washington to New Orleans

Washington, Chicago & New York: Study Tour

Egypt: Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel

More details at academytravel.com.au

contents

Front: Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s Together installation for the 2015 Venice Biennale. Plensa has constructed one of these great heads, just inside Andrea Palladio’s 16th-century church on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice.Inset: Detail of the onion domes on Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia.Brochure production: Damien FlintDesign: Pro Bono PublicoTour Product Managers: Stuart Barrie, Nick Gordon, Robina Frosinini, Hannah Kleboe, Mark Lalor and Robert Veel.

Italy 8

Europe 21

Music & Theatre 34

Asia Pacific 39

The Americas 45

Africa & the Middle East 52

Upcoming tour program 56

Fitness Requirements 58

The Next Steps 59

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academytravel.com.auOur website contains detailed itineraries, maps and tour leader profiles. Our site also features an online booking form.

MoreinformationDetailed itineraries for all tours are available by calling us or by downloading from our website. academytravel.com.au

SoldouttoursNorthernSpain&Portugal:BilbaotoLisbonOctober 6-25, 2017

Japanunmasked:art,history&cultureNovember 3-18, 2017

Broaden your mindDear Traveller,

I’m delighted to present to you our latest catalogue, detailing the 53 tours we have on offer from July 2017 through to June 2018. There’s also a sneak preview of our July-December 2018 tours towards the end of the brochure.

Leafing through the pages I’m immensely proud of the diversity of tours on offer, the unique character of the itineraries and the terrific team of Academy Travel tour leaders. We’ve come a long way since we commenced operations in 2005 with a handful of tours to Italy.

The theme of this brochure is ‘broaden your mind’ – a reminder of the timeless adage about the purpose of travel. Our small-group tours aim to do just this, and to do this in a number of ways. The first is through the destinations we travel to. New tours for 2017-2018 include Stockholm to St Petersburg, Burgundy to Provence and Chile, Argentina and Peru. It’s also great to see destinations such as Taiwan and Egypt back in the program after a break of several years.

A second way we aim to broaden travellers’ minds is through the way we approach destinations. We’ve a specialist art-lovers tour to the Venice Biennale, an art and history themed tour of Tasmania, two performing arts tours to New York, music tours throughout Europe and our popular 10-14 day residential and ‘two city tours’, such as those in Venice or Palermo and Naples. A new concept for 2017-18 is our study tours, designed for keen learners. Daily lectures and detailed site visits are the focus, with a minimum of other distractions – look for our Rome and Washington to New York study tours in this catalogue.

The third ingredient is our expert tour leaders, a small team of enthusiastic and dedicated specialists. If you’re a regular Academy Traveller, you’ll be able to travel again with your preferred tour leaders, secure in the knowledge that their leadership will add huge value to your travel.

And the final ingredient? You. Without the loyal support of regular Academy Travellers and new clients who hear about our program through word-of-mouth recommendations, we simply would not be able to offer the range and diversity of tours on offer in this catalogue. We’re immensely grateful of your continued support.

Thank you for your interest. We hope you find a tour that’s right for you.

Robert Veel, and the entire Academy Travel team

tailored small group JourneysPh0ne: +61292350023email: [email protected]: academytravel.com.au

› Expert tour leaders › Maximum 20 in a group › Carefully planned itineraries

Why choose academy travel?

4 Maximum 20 in a group

Great itinerariesAll itineraries feature a carefully thought out balance of walking tours, gallery and museum visits, scenic excursions, dining and performances.

“One of the best tours I have been on – mainly due to the itinerary and cultural evenings – much more than I expected, so a big thank you to Academy Travel”North East USA: great patrons & their collections, 2016.

Like-minded groupsShare your journey with fellow travellers with similar interests to yours. A maximum of 20 participants – not too small and not too large – creates a convivial atmosphere.

“Loved the myriad of different sites every day – a real “adventure’. Also, really enjoyed our eclectic yet harmonious group – our lunches and dinners – we all shared a passion for Renaissance history/art.”Florence & the Italian Renaissance, 2016.

Long staysPerhaps the most appealing feature of our program. No whistlestop tours, no 7.00am departures, day after day. In most destinations we enjoy three or four nights to really get to know the place.

“The mix of history, art and architecture was perfect and the tour moved at a pace that allowed us to have a decent amount of time at each site, while still fitting in all sites.”Grand Tour of Spain, 2016.

More details at academytravel.com.au 5

Special EventsA private viewing of the Sistine Chapel or the Museum of Modern Art in New York? Tickets to sold-out shows at the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra? Many of our tours feature top-flight events not usually offered on group tours.

“I loved the whole two-week programme – it was diversified to cover all interests. Highlights for me were the opera at the Met (great seats, thanks!) and the private tour of the Neue Gallery on 5th Avenue.”New York: music, theatre, art & food, 2016.

Expert tour leadersOur tour leaders combine academic expertise with a genuine passion for the places they visit. Under their expert guidance you see rather than just look, hear rather than just listen and understand rather than just observe. Your travel experience is transformed.

“This tour was an absolute joy. Robert Gay is a superb tour leader and his talks greatly enhance my enjoyment of the tour. I look forward to my next tour.”Berlin to Vienna: a musical Christmas & New Year, 2017.

Years of experienceAcademy Travel was founded in 2004. The directors and many of our tour leaders each have over 20 years’ experience in creating, managing and leading group cultural tours. To ensure quality we have our own office in Rome, Italy, and a network of trusted suppliers around the world.

“Academy Travel has been a wonderful organiser and organisation of the cultural tours that we enjoy so much!”Venice: City, Republic & Empire, 2016.

6 Carefully planned itineraries

Our experts lead the way

Ben ChurcherHas a wide range of experience as an educator, and an archaeologist. Since 1994 Ben has led tours to Jordan, Greece, Syria, Egypt, China & Morocco.

Upcoming tours: Pages 39 & 54

Academy Travel’s team of expert tour leaders offers genuine academic expertise, enthusiasm and the ability to communicate their knowledge to interested travellers.

Chris CarterHas an Honours and Master’s degree in archaeology and has recently completed a PhD. He has led tours to Central and South America for over 20 years.

Upcoming tours: Page 45

Dr Estelle LazerAn archaeologist who has worked on site at Pompeii for seven seasons and has an international reputation for her research on the city’s skeletal remains.

Upcoming tours: Pages 13, 17 & 28

Dr Jeni RydeHas a wide-ranging knowledge of Italian history and cultural traditions. Jeni has a PhD focusing on Tourism, Heritage and Renaissance Studies.

Upcoming tours: Pages 13, 17, 22 & 25

Dr Kathleen OliveHas a PhD in Italian Studies, speaks fluent Italian and lectures on the art, history and culture of Europe. Kathleen has an outstanding knowledge of Italy.

Upcoming tours: Pages 10, 12, 33, 41 & 43

Lindy MontgomeryA graduate of both the University of Sydney and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she taught musicology for 13 years.


Dr Matthew LaingIs a historian and political scientist with a PhD from the ANU. Matthew leads tours to the United States and Scandinavia and lectures for Academy Travel.

Upcoming tours: Pages 46, 48, 49, 50 & 51

Dr Michael NeumanIs a former Professor at the University of New South Wales, where his work in urban history, specialising in Spain, has won international awards.


Robert GayIs one of Australia’s leading music tour leaders and music educators. He has designed and led more than 80 performance-based tours to Europe and the US.

Upcoming tours: Pages 34, 37 & 38

Robert VeelHolds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education. He is a director of Academy Travel and leads tours to Europe, Scandinavia, the US & Australia.

Upcoming tours: Pages 11, 16, 20 & 30

Thomas AbbottHolds a degree in art history, specialising in the architecture of Berlin, the art of 18th-century Germany and the Bauhaus. He has led many tours in Germany.


Dr Tom FordHolds a PhD in history and has written extensively on classical music. Tom is currently PR and media manager (classics and jazz) for Universal Music Australia.


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Christopher BradleyHas an honours degree from Liverpool University and specialises in the history and art of North Africa and Arabia.


David RosierIs a specialist on the Qing Dynasty. David has undertaken lecture tours to Australia and leads tours to China that focus on imperial art and culture.


Dr John TidmarshThe former president of the University of Sydney’s Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation, and a former lecturer in the Department of Archaeology.


Judy TenzingHas a degree in South Asian History. She has a lifelong passion for travel and over 30 years experience as a tour leader on the sub-continent and in Asia.


Lucia GahlinIs a UK-based Egyptologist with a wealth of experience as an educator, researcher, archaeologist and museum curator. She has lead regular tours to Egypt since 1994.


Dr Matthew Dal SantoIs a historian and freelance writer with Honours degrees from both Sydney and Cambridge Universities.


Michael TurnerA classical archaeologist, an antiquarian, garden historian and lecturer. The former Senior Curator of the Nicholson Museum at the University of Sydney.


Dr Nick GordonHas a University Medal and a PhD in History and lectures on European art. Nick is also a practising painter and brings this passion to the visual arts.

Upcoming tours: Pages 8, 14, 15, 19, 29 & 32

Stuart BarrieIs a director of Academy Travel and has over 20 years’ experience in travel, including leading groups through western Europe, Russia and the United States.


Sue RollinHolds degrees in Near Eastern history and archaeology, South Asian studies and interpreting. Sue has led tours in India, Central Asia and the Middle East.


“I was particularly impressed with Dr Estelle Lazer, our tour leader. Knowledgeable, friendly, sensitive to individual needs – she was also highly respected by the Sicilian locals. Very impressive.”Sicily & the Aeolian Islands, 2016.

“Dr Matthew Laing, our tour leader, was especially good. Very nice, went to lots of trouble to arrange anything we wanted and to accommodate everyone. Nothing was too much trouble. Also, his knowledge of American politics was especially interesting given the time we were travelling.”Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago to New York, 2016.

8 Expert tour leaders

$5,840pp, twin share$1,610single supplement

VENICE

Grand Canal

Gallerie dell'AccademiaArsenaleSt. Mark's Square

Peggy Guggenheim

San Giorgio Maggiore

Rialto Bridge

Ca' d'Oro

8 nights

ItineraryDays 1–3: Settle in to our hotel in central Venice, explore the national pavilions in the Biennale’s Giardini and exhibitions in the city, and visit the Venice Film Festival.Days 4–6: Witness the Regata Storica, and visit the Roman ruins at Aquileia. Explore the extensive exhibitions in Venice’s historic Arsenale.Days 7–9: Continue with the Biennale and visit Venice’s modern and contemporary galleries. The tour ends with an evening meal on the peaceful island of Torcello.

The Venice Biennalewith the Venice International Film Festival

August 31 – September 8, 2017

Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderDr Nick Gordon has a University Medal and a PhD in History from the University of Sydney, lectures on European art, and has led many popular tours to Europe for Academy Travel.

He is also a practising painter and brings this passion to the visual arts in general.

Getting thereEmirates offers the best connections to Rome and Venice. Contact us for competitive quotes.

Highlights> Well-paced visits to the Biennale’s

exhibitions, located in historic buildings> Modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim

Collection and Ca’ Pesaro in Venice> World Heritage-listed Roman ruins,

mosaics and glassware at Aquileia, one of the greatest cities of the Roman Empire

> The Venice International Film Festival, the world’s oldest film festival

> The best of today’s art in one place, including Tracey Moffatt’s solo exhibition in the new Australian Pavilion

> Tranquil lagoon islands, including San Lazzaro degli Armeni and Torcello, where we enjoy a meal at Locanda Cipriani

OverviewEnjoy three great festivals in Venice over nine days. During the Biennale, many of the fine Renaissance palaces of Venice open as centres of modern and contemporary art. We explore the 2017 Biennale from our quiet hotel in the heart of the city, interspersing these visits with trips to Venice’s modern and contemporary galleries and hidden gems. The tour coincides with the Venice International Film Festival, which we visit to take in a selection of what’s on, and Venice’s annual gondola race along the Grand Canal.

Experience• The remarkable world of contemporary

art by leading artists from around the globe

• The less well-known sites of Venice and its surrounds: quiet islands, hidden gems and Roman ruins

• The Venice International Film Festival, the oldest and one of the most prestigious events of its kind

• The renowned architecture of Venice, including the Arsenale, only open to the public during the Biennale

• The Regata Storica – Venice’s annual pageant and gondola race along the Grand Canal

More details at academytravel.com.au 9More details at academytravel.com.au

Highlights> The timeless ruins and romantic beauty

of Ninfa, south of Rome> The hilltop town of Tivoli, home to Villa

Adriana, the sprawling estate of Emperor Hadrian, and the 16th-century Villa d’Este, a Renaissance villa famous for its landscaped gardens and lavish fountains

> Etruscan landscapes at the Banditaccia necropolis near Cerveteri, and the town of Orvieto

> History and culture in Florence and Padua> The wonder of Lake Como, a consummate

pairing of natural and man-made beauty> Isola Bella, the crowning glory of the

Borromeo Lake Maggiore empire

Your tour leaderMichael Turner is an art and garden historian. The former Senior Curator of the Nicholson Museum at the University of Sydney, he now lives in Sussex. He is a Fellow of the Society

of Antiquaries in London and a member of the English Historic Gardens Society.

Getting thereEmirates flies into Rome and out of Milan at times that coincide with the tour. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Great Gardens of ItalyFrascati to stresa

September 3-19, 2017$8,855pp, twin share$2,250single supplement

OverviewThis new 17-day tour visits more than 20 of the best-known and best-loved gardens and landscapes in Italy – gardens conceived, created and maintained with passion, and all with stories to tell. Enjoy Etruscan and Roman landscapes and stylised Mannerist gardens of the Renaissance. Discover the exuberance of the baroque and the romantic giardini inglesi of the 19th and 20th centuries. There are grand gardens – Villa Pisani, host to doges, kings and emperors – and there are small intimate gardens – Villa Le Balze with its distant views of Florence and its duomo.

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Fitness requirement

ItineraryDays 1–3: Arrive Frascati to visit Ninfa and the gardens of Tivoli.Days 4–5: From Orvieto, visit archaeological sites and gardens at Cerveteri, Villa Lante and the Sacro Bosco. Days 6–8: En route to Fiesole visit La Foce. In Florence tour the private gardens of Villa Torrigiani, Villa Gamberaia and Villa Le Balze.Days 9–10: Stroll the botanic garden in Padua and the nearby baroque villa of Barbarigo.Days 11–13: From Bellagio, cruise Lake Como to visit Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello.Days 14–17: Explore the Borromean Islands from Stresa and cruise Lake Maggiore.


Italy

Frascati (3)

Orvieto (2)

Fiesole (3)

Padua (2)Milan

Bellagio (3)Stresa (3)

Rome

Discover• The history and design of some

of Italy’s finest gardens, from the Renaissance to the 20th century

• Small Italian towns, with stays in Frascati, Orvieto, Fiesole and lakeside in Bellagio and Stresa

• An impressive selection of Italy’s most beautiful and well-known gardens and landscapes

• Excellent regional food and wine, from simple country inns to five-star luxury at Villa d’Este on Lake Como

• Varied landscapes, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the stunning lakes of Como and Maggiore



Italy

Milan (4)Caravaggio

Lake Iseo

Florence (4)

Porto Ercole

Parma

Rome (4)

Naples (4)

ItineraryDays 1–4: Arrive Milan, see Leonardo’s Last Supper and tour the Brera. Visit the town of Caravaggio, the artist’s birthplace, and tour Lake Iseo.Days 5–8: Travel to Florence via elegant Parma, admire masterpieces in the Uffizi and spend a day in the Tuscan countryside.Days 9–12: In Rome, where Caravaggio established his reputation and notoriety, explore the contexts in which he worked and his indelible influence on Western art.Days 13–17: The tour ends in vibrant Naples, where the artist was received with acclaim. See his final works in churches, chapels and galleries.

Explore• A broad survey of Caravaggio’s Italian

masterpieces• The colourful life and criminal exploits

of Caravaggio, Italian art’s most celebrated rogue

• The virtuosity of other Italian artists, including the Mannerists in Parma and Florence, and Bernini and Raphael in Rome

• Art and architecture, from little-visited Gothic Naples to Renaissance Florence and elegant Milan

• Stunning landscapes and culinary delights of Italy’s leading gastronomic regions

In the footsteps of CaravaggioMilan to Naples

September 13-29, 2017

Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderDr Kathleen Olive has more than 15 years’ experience leading tours to Italy. She has a PhD in Italian Studies, regularly presents popular courses at Sydney University’s Centre for

Continuing Education and at the WEA, Sydney, and speaks fluent Italian.

Getting thereEmirates have flights into Milan and out of Rome at times that coincide with the tour. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Highlights> Private visit of Leonardo’s Last Supper

and Palazzo Colonna, a grand and privately owned Roman family residence

> Tour Lake Iseo, the rising star of Italy’s Lake District

> Outstanding museums, including the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan and the Galleria Borghese in Rome

> Regional masterpieces in difficult-to-access places, from Correggio and Parmigianino in Parma to Pontormo’s Visitation outside Florence

> The virtuosity of Caravaggio’s work in situ, in Naples and Rome

OverviewExplore the work of exceptional artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. His chiaroscuro technique, accentuating the dramatic contrasts between light and shade, control of the oil medium, and infusion of emotional intensity and the theatre of everyday life ensure that his works continue to captivate art lovers. This tour surveys the majority of Caravaggio’s works in Italy, from his early days as a painter of natura morta (still life), to his mature works in Rome and Naples.

Connect this tour with Rome to Turin: Italy’s western shores on page 12


Your tour leaderRobert Veel is a director of Academy Travel and has 20 years’ experience designing and leading educational travel programs to Europe, Scandinavia, the US & Australia. He holds a

Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education.

Getting thereEmirates offer flights direct to Malta and home from Rome. It is also possible to travel via many major European cities to Malta. Please contact us for options and prices.

Malta & Sicily aboard the Sea Cloud II

October 1-17, 2017$12,440pp, twin sharePOAsingle supplement

ItineraryDay 1: Arrive Malta and settle in.Days 2–5: Travelling around Malta, including Valletta, Mdina and the island of Gozo.Days 5–11: Six-night cruise on Sea Cloud II, disembarking in Siracusa. Ports-of-call include Trapani, Palermo, Lipari and Taormina, plus a full day at sea.Days 11–12: Explore the archaeological sites and baroque architecture of Siracusa.Days 13–14: Travel to the Greek temples at Agrigento via the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina.Days 15–16: Travel to Palermo for further sightseeing in the capital.Day 17: Depart Palermo.

Discover• The 5,000 year old prehistoric

civilizations on Malta• The exploits of the Knights of St John

on Malta • The flowering of ancient Greek

civilization on Sicily, in cities such as Siracusa and Agrigento

• The centuries of sophisticated Arab civilization on Sicily from AD 800-1,000

• The multi-ethnic kingdom of the Norman rulers of Sicily

• The active volcanoes and stunning landscapes of Etna and the Aeolian Islands

Valletta (4)

Siracusa (2)

Taormina

Lipari

Palermo (3)Trapani

Agrigento (1)

Malta

Sicily

(6)

Highlights> The Neolithic temples of Tarxien and

Ggantija on Malta> The city-fortress of Valletta, constructed

by the knights in the 16th century> Caravaggio’s paintings in Malta and Sicily> Afternoons under sail on Sea Cloud II, with

outstanding service, fine food and wine> Sailing around the volcanoes of Stromboli

and Vulcano, viewing active eruptions> Outstanding archaeological museums

in Siracusa and Agrigento> The UNESCO World Heritage mosaics of

Monreale and the Palatine Chapel in Palermo> Opera or concert at the Teatro Massimo

in Palermo (if available)

OverviewWe are pleased to offer, for the third time, this 17-day tour featuring a seven-day cruise on the luxury 50-cabin sailing yacht Sea Cloud II. Malta and Sicily offer a wealth of sites that include prehistoric archaeology, Greek colonies of the 8th-3rd centuries BC, the period of Roman dominance, the Middle Ages and the modern age. As well as the ancient sites, encounter masterpieces of medieval Arab, Norman and Byzantine society and the exuberant baroque art and architecture of later periods.

Fitness requirement

The Sea Cloud IIThe Sea Cloud II is a luxurious 3-masted barque, traditionally crafted in teak, but with modern features. White cloth sails and understated elegance create a unique environment that is at once nostalgic and luxurious. Although most of the journey takes place under motor, on some days the crew climb the rigging to set the square sails and jibs and you experience the thrill of ocean yachting.



ITALY

Rome

Terme di Stigliano (3)

PiombinoElba

Pisa (3) Lucca

Camogli (4)Genoa

Cinque TerrePortofino

Turin (4)

Milan

Porto Azzurro (2)

ItineraryDays 1–3: Arrive in Lazio and visit Ostia Antica and the Etruscan sites of Tarquinia and Cerveteri. Tour the towns around Lake Bracciano.Days 4–5: On Elba, tour the island, dotted with villages, ports and Napoleonic villas. Days 6–9: Examine Pisa’s glorious maritime past. Day trips to Lucca and Carrara.Days 10–12: The seaside town of Camogli is the ideal location to explore the Italian Riviera. Day trips to Genoa and the Cinque Terre.Days 13–17: Travel to Turin to sample the best of European art at the astounding Pinacoteca Agnelli.

Discover• The ancient civilisation of the

Etruscans, rulers of central Italy in the centuries before Roman dominance

• The island of Elba, controlled by the Medici princes and the short-lived home of the exiled Napoleon

• The medieval maritime republics of Pisa and Genoa, with their distinctly oriental art and architecture derived from trade and cultural exchange

• The colourful coastal scenery of the Riviera di Levante and the Cinque Terre

• The Savoy rulers of Turin, patrons of art, architecture and music

Connect this tour with In the Footsteps of Caravaggio: Milan to Naples on page 10

Rome to TurinItaly’s western shores

October 2-18, 2017

Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderDr Kathleen Olive has more than 15 years’ experience leading tours to Italy. She has a PhD in Italian Studies, regularly presents popular courses at Sydney University’s Centre for

Continuing Education and at the WEA, Sydney, and speaks fluent Italian.

Getting thereEmirates flies into Rome and out of Milan daily. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Highlights> Visit some of the most important and

best-preserved Etruscan sites in Italy> A day trip by private boat to the Cinque

Terre and time in the Ligurian fishing village of Camogli

> Stay on the island of Elba, enjoying its fine coastline and Napoleonic sites

> Visit the elegant medieval Tuscan town of Lucca

> Explore one of Carrara’s internationally renowned marble quarries

> Pisa beyond the Leaning Tower, including superb medieval art galleries and Renaissance sites

> The remarkable private art collection at the Pinacoteca Agnelli, located within the Fiat automotive complex

OverviewExplore the history and natural beauty of Italy’s western shores on this 17-day tour, beginning in Lazio, near Rome, and moving up along the Tyrrhenian coast, through to Turin. Visits to leading archaeological sites, galleries and museums are combined with boat and land excursions through the fine scenery. Food and wine play a central role in Italian culture, and we have included several memorable meals, accompanied by regional wines.


October tour – Limited places remaining

Your tour leadersDr Estelle Lazer (October tour) is an archaeologist of international acclaim. She has led numerous trips to southern Italy for Academy Travel.Dr Jeni Ryde (April tour) is a former Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her PhD focused on the Renaissance, heritage tourism and museology.

Getting thereEmirates offers regular flights to Rome. Contact us for competitive quotes.

Sicily & the Aeolian IslandsJewels of the Mediterranean

October 13-29, 2017 April 6-22, 2018


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

Explore• The thriving colonies of the ancient

Greek world – wealthy, cultured centres of literature and art

• Ancient Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman societies, and their struggle to control the Mediterranean

• The lasting legacy of medieval Arab and Norman rule, expressed in the mosaics and architecture of Palermo

• The distinctive period of ‘Sicilian Baroque’ architecture

• Dramatic countryside, including active volcanoes

• The natural beauty and traditional lifestyle of the Aeolian Islands

Sicily

Ragusa

Catania

Mt EtnaTaormina (3)

Messina

Piazza Armerina

Cefalu

Segesta

Selinunte

Agrigento (2)

Siracusa (4)

Noto

Lipari Islands (3)(Aeolian Islands)

Palermo (4)

Stromboli

Highlights> A private boat trip of the Aeolian Islands

from Lipari to Stromboli and Panarea> Outstanding archaeological museums

in Siracusa, Agrigento and Lipari> The Sicilian Baroque architecture of

Noto and Ragusa> The 4th-century mosaics in the Roman

villa at Piazza Armerina> The UNESCO World Heritage mosaics

of Monreale and the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, undertaken by Byzantine masters for their Norman rulers

> An excursion to the summit of Mt Etna

OverviewThis 17-day tour around Sicily has been designed to give the first-time visitor an overview of the island’s diverse and fascinating history, art and traditions. Explore prehistoric, Greek and Roman sites across the island. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, with their volcanoes and steep coastlines. Visit medieval Norman cathedrals with fine Byzantine mosaics. Sample some of Sicily’s excellent wines and Arab-influenced cuisine. An optional five-day extension to Malta is also available.

Fitness requirement



ITALY

Venice (14)

Vicenza

Ravenna

Padua

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

Explore• The history of Venice and its key role

in the Mediterranean during the Crusades and the Renaissance

• The unique art and architecture of Venice, visiting centuries-old sites and world-class museums

• The all-important and all-encompassing relationship between Venice and the sea

• Venice’s outstanding musical tradition in both opera and baroque music

• The excellent food and wine of the Veneto region

• The Renaissance architecture of Andrea Palladio

VeniceCity, Republic & Empire October 23 – November 6, 2017

Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderDr Nick Gordon has a University Medal and a PhD in History from the University of Sydney. For ten years, he has lectured on European history, from antiquity to

the 19th century, at universities in Sydney. He continues to lecture on European art and history and has led tours for Academy Travel since 2007.

Getting thereEmirates has daily flights from most Australian cities to Venice, stopping at Dubai. Please contact us for quotes.

Highlights> Welcome lunch at the legendary Locanda

Cipriani on the island of Torcello> Day trip to view the 5th and 6th-century

Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna> A private after hours visit to St Mark’s

Basilica> The art of Carpaccio, Bellini, Titian,

Veronese, Tiepolo and others in palaces, confraternities and churches

> Day trip to Padua to view Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel and the ancient university

> The private art collections of the Ca’ d’Oro and the Punta della Dogana

> Day trip to Vicenza and the beautiful Renaissance country villas of Andrea Palladio

OverviewUnpack your bags for 15 days and discover the city that ruled the Mediterranean for 1,000 years. Enjoy accommodation in a carefully selected four-star hotel in central Venice, just a few minutes from St Mark’s Square. Travel on day excursions to Ravenna, Padua and the villas of the Veneto. Dine in some of Venice’s best restaurants and explore the remote islands of the lagoon. The late autumn travel period means fewer crowds and cruise ships.

Connect this tour with Malta & Sicily aboard Sea Cloud II on page 11


Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderDr Nick Gordon has a University Medal and a PhD in History from the University of Sydney. For ten years, he has lectured on European history, from antiquity to

the 19th century, at universities in Sydney. He continues to lecture on European art and history and has led tours for Academy Travel since 2007.

Getting thereEmirates and Singapore offer daily flights from Australia to Rome. Please contact us for competitive quotes and prices.

$4,910 pp, twin share$1,130 single supplement

Highlights> Superb collections of antiquities, including

the Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums and Palazzo Massimo

> The spectacular works of Caravaggio and Bernini throughout the city and in the Galleria Borghese

> Excursions to Ostia Antica, Hadrian’s Villa, and the masterful baroque Villa d’Este

> Detailed lecture series providing you with extensive knowledge of the city and its past

> Walking tours visiting Rome’s hidden gems and masterpieces by Raphael, Bramante and Borromini

> Modern Rome, including a visit to the house and studio of Giorgio de Chirico

OverviewRome’s contribution to Western culture is difficult to overestimate, but most visitors do not penetrate the city’s complex, interwoven layers. This 12-day study tour provides you with a detailed examination of Rome’s history, art and culture, from antiquity to the present, through an extended series of lectures and guided site visits. This tour is ideal for the independent traveller: group visits are carefully balanced with time for independent exploration.

RomeStudy Tour

January 5-16, 2018

ItineraryDays 1–3: Explore Rome’s origins and its extraordinary rise to greatness, through visits to archaeological sites, including Ostia Antica, and world-class museums.Days 4–6: From imperial splendour to the coming of Christianity. Explore underground Rome to witness how the city and its culture transformed and see the splendour of the medieval church.Days 7–12: Rome’s Renaissance revival and baroque glory – walking Caravaggio’s Rome, visiting the Galleria Borghese and the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel. Excursion to Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este.

ROME

Vatican City

Galleria Borghese

11 nights

Giorgio de Chirico

Capitoline Museum

Pantheon

Trastevere

Piazza Navona

Palazzo Massimo

Connect this tour with Egypt: Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel on page 53

Get to know• Roman antiquity, from the Etruscans

to the Christians• The transition to the Middle Ages:

Rome’s role in shaping European culture

• The glory of Renaissance and baroque Rome, from Michelangelo and Raphael to Caravaggio and Bernini

• Rome beyond the tourist trail, including Ostia Antica and the house and studio of Giorgio de Chirico

• The neighbourhoods of Rome, where contemporary culture lives alongside its ancient inspiration

Study ToursAcademy Travel study tours are designed to provide in-depth intellectual stimulation for the independent traveller. The tours feature:

• Daily background lectures

• Morning guided site visits

• Several afternoons for individual exploration or optional visits with the tour leader

• Longer walking tours of historical cities, and use of public transport for short journeys

• Self-contained accommodation where possible, allowing you to live like a local


Italy

Palermo (6)Segesta Cefalù

Naples (6)

Herculaneum Paestum

Rome

ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Palermo.Days 2–6: View Greek architecture in Segesta and Arab-Norman Byzantine mosaics in Palermo. Visit the home of author Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (The Leopard).Days 7–13: Take the overnight ferry to Naples. Explore the ancient sites of Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Paestum. Travel along the scenic Amalfi Coast and visit the galleries of Capodimonte and the National Archaeological Museum. Dine at excellent restaurants, follow in Caravaggio’s footsteps and enjoy a performance at the historic Teatro San Carlo.Day 14: Transfer to Rome airport for flights home.

Discover• Mediterranean history, art and

architecture, showcasing more than 3,000 years of civilisation

• Classical archaeology at leading Greek and Roman sites in Sicily and on the Bay of Naples

• The lasting legacy of medieval Arab and Norman rule, expressed in the mosaics and architecture of Palermo

• The ‘southern Renaissance’ of the 18th century, culminating in the period of Bourbon rule, which made Naples a major European centre of culture

Palermo & Naplesart, history & culture in Italy’s southern capitals

January 9-22, 2018

Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderRobert Veel has led groups to Italy since 1990. Years of travel and work in Italy have given him an intimate knowledge of the country and its history that goes well beyond the tourist

experience. Robert holds a Master’s degree from the University of Sydney, where he taught medieval and Renaissance history for 15 years. He speaks fluent Italian.

Getting thereEmirates flies to Rome daily from most Australian cities.

Highlights> Well-preserved Greek and Roman culture

at Segesta, Paestum and Herculaneum> Impressive Arab-Norman mosaics in

Palermo and Cefalù> Little-visited but world-famous artworks

at Capodimonte and in the footsteps of Caravaggio

> Private visit to Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, home of Prince Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of the Sicilian literary masterpiece The Leopard

> Palermo and Naples’ excellent gastronomic scenes, including tastings of local specialties

> Only two-hotel stays: six nights at each> Off-season travel: low visitor numbers

and mild weather

OverviewA feast for the senses, this 14-day tour begins with six nights in Palermo where centuries of diverse cultures, from the ancient Greeks to the Normans, come together. We explore the layers of the city’s cultural heritage and venture out with day trips to Segesta and Cefalù. We then travel to Naples, our base for the next six nights, where we explore the ancient sites of Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Paestum. We travel along the scenic Amalfi Coast and visit the galleries of Capodimonte and the Naples National Archaeological Museum.



Highlights> The ‘Southern Baroque’ architecture of Lecce> Unique ‘sassi’ cave dwellings in Matera,

one of Italy’s most remote cities> The medieval castles and cathedrals of

Puglia, built by Norman and German rulers> The battlefield of Cannae, where Hannibal

defeated the Romans in 216 BC> Hidden artistic and architectural gems

of Naples seen by relatively few tourists> Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum –

Europe’s premier archaeological sites> Capodimonte, one of Italy’s finest art galleries> Italy’s most important archaeological

museum in Naples

Your tour leadersDr Jeni Ryde is a former Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University.

Dr Estelle Lazer is an archaeologist with an international reputation for her years of work onsite at Pompeii. Estelle will be with the group in Pompeii and Naples.

Getting thereEmirates flies to Rome daily from most Australian cities. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Puglia to PompeiiClassical Southern Italy

March 8-24, 2018$7,970pp, twin share$1,750single supplement

Experience• The history and classical archaeology

of southern Italy on display at Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum

• Thousands of years of history ranging from the Greek colonists and the Romans in the classical age to the Arabs, Normans, Germans, Aragonese, Spanish, Bourbon and French

• The rich diversity of landscapes, from rugged mountain ranges to stunning Mediterranean scenery

• The excellent regional food and wine traditions of southern Italy

OverviewThis 17-day tour will appeal to those looking to take ‘the road less travelled’ through the regions of Puglia and Basilicata, and on to the famous archaeological sites of the Bay of Naples. We explore sites ranging from the cave dwellings of Matera to ancient Greek colonies, fine Norman castles and cathedrals and the striking scenery of the Salentine peninsula. Along the way we enjoy the fine food and hospitality that is traditional in southern Italy, a region still delightfully free of mass tourism. An optional four-day extension to Capri and Amalfi is also available.

Fitness requirement

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

Rome

Brindisi

Lecce (3)Matera (2)

Trani (3)

PaestumVietri sul Mare (3)

Naples (5)

Italy



Naples, Capri & RomeArchaeology, art & history

March 16-28, 2018

Fitness requirement

ItineraryDays 1–5: Arrive Naples and explore the ancient sites of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Paestum. Travel along the Amalfi Coast and visit Capodimonte and the National Archaeological Museum.Days 6–7: Ferry across to Capri to visit Villa San Michele and Tiberius’ Villa Jovis. Take a boat trip around the island.Days 8–13: Travel to Rome to examine the city’s ancient history at major sites, such as the Colosseum, and Renaissance icons, such as the Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj. Contemplate Caravaggio and Bernini at the Borghese Galley and take an exclusive tour of the Sistine Chapel.

Enjoy• Art, architecture and culture, far

beyond what most tourists see• Mediterranean history, art and

architecture, showing more than 3,000 years of civilisation

• Some of the world’s leading archaeological sites at Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum

• The legacy of ancient Rome in Italy’s later history and culture, from the Renaissance to the 20th century

• Visits to Rome’s most distinctive sites, including Trastevere, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon

Getting thereEmirates flies to Rome daily from most Australian cities. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Highlights> The world’s leading archaeological sites

at Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum> Beyond the grit of Naples to uncover

a city of breathtaking art, architecture and panoramas

> The legacy of ancient Rome on Italy’s later history and culture, from the Renaissance to the 20th century

> Visits to Rome’s most distinctive sites, including Trastevere, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon

> Spectacular coastlines and dramatic countryside

> Excellent food and generous hospitality, as is the tradition of the people and vibrant culture of southern Italy

OverviewExplore the fascinating history and natural beauty of central Italy on this 13-day, residential-style tour of Naples and Rome. Beginning on the Bay of Naples, tour the leading archaeological sites and museums. Pause on the island of Capri to marvel at its natural beauty, before continuing on to Rome. Visit world-class galleries and museums, private villas and palaces, and difficult-to-access sites like the Sistine Chapel for a private viewing. Enjoy the best of city touring and regional cuisine, and the ease and comfort of superior, centrally-located hotels.

ITALY

Rome (5)

Paestum

Naples (5)

Capri (2)

Connect this tour with Florence, Ravenna & Venice on page 19

Connect this tourwith Florence, Ravenna & Venice on page 19.

Consider combining both of these tours, Naples, Capri & Rome and Florence, Ravenna & Venice to create a 26-day program touring the major cities and cultural highlights of Italy. Travel from Naples to Venice with 4 days in between each tour to celebrate Easter in Italy.


Your tour leaderDr Nick Gordon has a University Medal and a PhD in History from the University of Sydney, lectures on European art, and has led many popular tours to Europe

for Academy Travel. He is also a practising painter and brings this passion to the visual arts in general.

Getting thereEmirates flies into Bologna and out of Venice at times that coincide with the tour. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Florence, Ravenna & VeniceArt, Architecture & History

April 2-14, 2018$6,575pp, twin share$1,575single supplement

ItineraryDays 1–5: Examine masterpieces in the Uffizi and explore the secret passageways of the Palazzo Vecchio. Admire the garden at Villa Gamberaia, and sample a storied Tuscan wine at a stunning contemporary vineyard.Days 6–7: In Ravenna, admire the mosaic-encrusted churches and, further north, elegant Palladian villas.Days 8–13: Orient yourself in Venice with a trip around the lagoon and visits to key museums and art galleries. Enjoy a private evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica for the illumination of the mosaics.

Experience• The world’s greatest concentration of

masterpieces from the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Florence

• Florence beyond the Renaissance from local traditions to contemporary architecture

• The history of Venice and its key role in the Mediterranean during the Crusades and the Renaissance

• The unique art and architecture of Venice, visiting centuries-old sites and world-class museums

• The excellent food and wine traditions of Tuscany and the Veneto

ITALY

Venice (5)

Florence (5)

Bologna

Ravenna (2)

Highlights> Private visit to explore the secret

passageways of the Palazzo Vecchio> The impressive garden at Villa Gamberaia

in Settignano > View the splendid 5th and 6th-century

Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna> Italy’s leading art museums, including

the Uffizi and the Venice Accademia> Three centuries of Venetian painting:

Carpaccio, Bellini, Titian, Veronese and Tiepolo

> Private after-hours visit of St Mark’s Basilica to witness the illumination of the Mosaics

OverviewThis 13-day residential-style tour offers time to appreciate fully the history and culture of Italy’s premier art cities Florence and Venice. See world-class galleries and museums, private villas, palaces and gardens, visit difficult-to-access sites, like a private after-hours visit of St Mark’s Basilica to witness the illumination of the mosaics. Enjoy excellent dining in carefully selected restaurants, designed to showcase the best of Florentine and Venetian gastronomic traditions.

Fitness requirement

Connect this tour with Naples, Capri & Rome on page 18


Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderRobert Veel has led groups to Italy since 1990. Years of travel and work in Italy have given him an intimate knowledge of the country and its history that goes well beyond the tourist

experience. Robert holds a Master’s degree from the University of Sydney, where he taught medieval and Renaissance history for 15 years. He speaks fluent Italian.

Getting ThereEmirates offers the best connections for this tour, flying into and out of Milan.


switzerland

Lake Como

Bellagio (4)

Lake Garda

Cremona (2)

Vicenza

Asolo (3) Stresa (3)

Verona (2) LakeMaggiore

Milan

ITALY

Highlights> Welcome lunch at Villa d’Este, and fine

regional cuisine in superior restaurants > Lake Como, famed for its natural beauty

and the elegant villas along its shores > The Apennine foothills, with medieval

towns and contemporary villas > Verona: explore villas, gardens and the

medieval city > Excursions to Lake Garda and Lake Orta > Excellent regional cuisine and wine,

including lunches in country restaurants and in the scenic Valdobbiadene, home of prosecco

> The Borromean Islands and the gardens of Lake Maggiore

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

Explore • Italy’s genius for art and architecture

in spectacular lakeside and country sites

• Italian history and art, from medieval towns to villas and 21st-century estates

• Some of the world’s most beautiful gardens, still in the hands of Italy’s leading families

• The Renaissance villas of Palladio • The stunning colours and landscapes

of pre-alpine Italy • The best of northern Italy’s regional

cuisines, famous for prosciutto, parmigiano and prosecco

OverviewThis 15-day tour begins on the shores of Lake Como. We follow a circular route around northern Italy, visiting the foothills of the Apennines in Emilia-Romagna with its medieval towns and contemporary villas, and then travelling to the Veneto where we admire the Renaissance country houses of architect Andrea Palladio. The tour concludes on Lake Maggiore. Our itinerary makes the most of the spectacular colours of pre-alpine Italy and its gardens, and enjoys the culinary delights of the region at a gentle pace.

Lakes & Villas of Northern ItalyApril 19 – May 3, 2018

Connect this tour with Corsica & Sardinia: history & landscapes on page 28


Your tour leaderDr Matthew Dal Santo is a historian with Honours degrees from both Sydney and Cambridge universities. He was a Fellow in History at Trinity College, where he received his PhD, and speaks

numerous languages, including some Russian.

Getting thereEmirates offers flights from Australian cities via Dubai to St Petersburg and home from Moscow. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.


ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in St Petersburg. Days 2–8: Over seven days explore the city’s extraordinary landmarks, galleries, churches, palaces and museums, including a day trip to Catherine’s palaces at Pushkin. Day 9: Travel in luxury by fast train to Moscow. Days 10–14: Over four days discover Red Square, the Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery and Moscow’s museums.Days 15–17: Stay three nights in the charming Golden Ring town of Suzdal, with visits to Sergiev Posad and Vladimir.

Get to know• A rich and tumultuous history

stretching back hundreds of years• Vast repositories of art and culture in

Russia’s incredible array of museums and galleries

• Sumptuous palaces built for the tsars and designed by architects to rival the best in Western Europe

• The resilience of a people who have survived catastrophic wars and revolution

• Ancient wooden towns of the Golden Ring around Moscow

Highlights> Seven nights in St Petersburg visiting

the Hermitage, the Fabergé Museum, Yusupov Palace and cathedrals

> Full-day excursion to the magnificent palaces of Catherine the Great

> Red Square and the treasures of the State Armoury in Moscow

> Masterpieces of Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery

> Sergiev Posad, home of the Russian Orthodox Church

> Three nights in Suzdal exploring the wooden architecture and churches of the Golden Ring

OverviewDelve into Russian culture, history and art on this comprehensive 17-day tour. Spend seven nights in St Petersburg exploring the city’s famous landmarks, art museums, churches and palaces, with a day trip to Catherine the Great’s palaces. Immerse yourself in Moscow’s Red Square, visit the Kremlin’s cathedrals and Armoury Collection and the Tretyakov Gallery. Spend three nights in Suzdal, with visits to the Golden Ring towns of Sergiev Posad and Vladimir.

Fitness requirement

St Petersburg & Moscow

September 29 – October 15, 2017

RUSSIA

Moscow (6)

Pushkin

St Petersburg (7)

Suzdal (3)

Vladimir


Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderDr Jeni Ryde is a former Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her PhD focused on the Renaissance, heritage tourism and museology. She has travelled

extensively through Portugal and Spain.

Getting thereEmirates flies to Barcelona, and home from Lisbon. A connecting flight is necessary from Barcelona to Bilbao with Vueling Airlines. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.


Lisbon (5)

Porto (1)

Leon (2)

Oviedo (3)Santiago deCompostela (3) Bilbao (3)

spAIN

Burgos (2)

Portugal

Highlights> Frank Gehry’s extraordinary design at

the Guggenheim in Bilbao> Wine-tasting at the avant-garde Bodega

Ysios winery in the Rioja> The exquisite Romanesque and Gothic

churches, cathedrals and monasteries in and around Burgos, León and Oviedo

> A mountain walk and lunch in the clear air of the majestic Picos de Europa in Asturias

> Fine tapas in San Sebastián, and Spain’s most renowned seafood restaurant in Galicia

> An exceptional range of museums and galleries in Lisbon

> A full day in Sintra exploring exquisite palaces decorated with tiles

ItineraryDays 1–3: In Bilbao, visit the Guggenheim, the fine arts museum and San Sebastián.Days 4–6: Explore the Rioja wine region, including Burgos cathedral, Romanesque monasteries and Visigothic churches.Days 7–8: Follow the Pilgrims’ Way to León and enjoy a stay at an iconic parador.Days 9–10: Visit the Romanesque churches in Oviedo, take a market tour and taste some of the local cider.Days 11–13: Visit Santiago de Compostela, and enjoy seafood and wine in Rías Baixas.Days 14–19: Travel to Portugal and enjoy a night in Porto followed by five nights in vibrant Lisbon.

Discover• An architectural tradition that

extends from Visigothic, Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals to striking contemporary structures

• Medieval pilgrimage along the Camino to Santiago de Compostela

• The celebrated regional food of Spain’s north, the fine wines of the Rioja and Rías Baixas regions and the port wine of Porto

• A varied landscape of turquoise coastlines, lush river valleys and rugged interiors

• The legacy of explorers in the many layers of history and art in Lisbon

OverviewThis journey takes us through the fascinating regions of Northern Spain via Porto to Lisbon, centre of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. We marvel at the architecture of Bilbao and sample world-class wine in Rioja, then explore Spain’s medieval history in Castilla and León and the Asturias regions, including the charming city of Oviedo. In lush Galicia we witness the devotion of medieval pilgrims on the Camino Francés and the spectacular cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. We then travel to Lisbon via Porto and the Duoro Valley, where we explore a city of outstanding art collections, spectacular monuments and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Northern Spain & PortugalBilbao to LisbonOctober 6-25, 2017 (Tour full) April 27 – May 15, 2018

Connect this tour with Grand Tour of Spain on page 26


23More details at academytravel.com.au

Your tour leaderThomas Abbott was born in the US but has lived in Germany since 1988. He holds a degree in art history and has led many cultural tours throughout Germany, specialising in the

architecture of Berlin, the art of 18th-century Germany and the Bauhaus.

Getting thereEtihad Airways flies in and out of Berlin daily. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.


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

Experience• A dynamic city that dominated

20th-century history and is one of the great cultural capitals of Europe

• Museums of art and antiquities of the highest importance

• An internationally-acclaimed centre of contemporary art, design and architecture

• A famous musical heritage, with outstanding ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic and three major opera houses

• The fascinating history of nearby Potsdam, Dresden and Leipzig

Highlights> Visits to Berlin’s major galleries, including

the Pergamon Museum, the Egyptian Museum and the Gemäldegalerie

> Walks through the historic neighbourhoods of both east and west Berlin

> A full day in Potsdam, visiting Frederick the Great’s Sanssouci and the many other architectural gems of this beautiful town

> A trip through the scenic countryside near Dresden, including Pillnitz Palace, and the charming old town of Renaissance Leipzig

> Farewell meal atop the Reichstag with views across Berlin

OverviewThis two-week residential-style tour allows you to take an in-depth look at Berlin, and also the nearby cities of Potsdam, Dresden and Leipzig. Daily walking tours, background talks and guided visits trace the history and development of Berlin from its earliest days through the glory days of the Prussian and German Empires, to the darker days of the early 20th century and its renaissance since 1989.

Fitness requirement

Berlin & BeyondBerlin, Leipzig & Dresden

October 9-22, 2017 May 21 – June 3, 2018

GERMANY

Leipzig (2)

Dresden (2)

Berlin (9)

Potsdam


Morocco

spain

Fes (2)

Chefchaouen (1)

Tangier (2)Tarifa

Arcos (2)

Seville (3)

Cordoba (2)

Granada (2)

Casablanca

Rabat (2)

Your tour leader Sue Rollin is well known through her lecture tours and she has led many tours for ADFAS. Sue is an archaeologist, interpreter and lecturer, having taught at University College,

London, and Cambridge University.

Getting thereEmirates offers daily flights from Australia to Casablanca and out of Madrid or Barcelona. A flight from Granada can be arranged to connect with flights departing from Barcelona or Madrid.


Highlights > In labyrinthine Fes, stunning Islamic

architecture and a city seemingly stopped in time

> UNESCO World Heritage Roman ruins at Volubilis

> Seville’s Gothic cathedral and exquisitely decorated Real Alcázar

> The breathtaking Mesquita of Cordoba, a blend of Visigothic and Islamic art

> The 13th-century Alhambra in Granada, last stronghold of the Moors in Spain

> A culinary paradise, from tagines to tapas

ItineraryDays 1–2: Arrive Casablanca, visit the Chellah, Kasbah and Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.Days 3–4: Explore Meknes, the Roman city of Volubilis and the museums and madrasas in Fes.Days 5–7: Travel to Chefchaouen and stay in cosmopolitan Tangier.Days 8–9: Ferry to Spain and the pueblos blancos of Arcos de la Frontera.Days 10–12: See Seville’s Real Alcázar and cathedral, and enjoy a flamenco performance. Days 13–14: Visit Cordoba’s mosque-cathedral and the Alcázar.Days 15–17: Explore Moorish Granada, including the Alhambra.

Discover• A fascinating convergence of

Moorish and European influence • Archaeological sites of Volubilis in

Meknes and Chellah in Rabat• The stunning Rif Mountains and blue-

washed Berber town of Chefchaouen• Charming and timeless villages

founded by North African tribes around Arcos in southern Spain

• Highly decorated Mudéjar-style palaces, a symbiosis of Christian and Islamic influences

• An array of museums and gardens, culminating in the Moorish masterpiece at the Alhambra

Overview Explore the connections between Europe and North Africa on this new 17-day itinerary. In Morocco visit the kasbahs and medinas of renowned towns such as Fes and Rabat, whose bright streetscapes contrast with the rugged mountains of the interior at Chefchaouen and on the Mediterranean coast of Tangier. In the heart of Andalucian southern Spain we discover Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the heart of the Moorish south of Iberia, with deep and longstanding links back to Morocco.

Morocco & Southern SpainOctober 9-25, 2017

Connect this tour with Barcelona & Madrid on page 25

Fitness requirement


Your tour leaderDr Jeni Ryde is a former Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her PhD focused on the Renaissance, heritage tourism and museology. She has travelled extensively

through Portugal and Spain.

Getting thereEmirates has flights into Barcelona and out of Madrid. Please contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Barcelona & Madrid

October 25 – November 2, 2017$4,975pp, twin share$1,250single supplement

ItineraryDays 1–5: Barcelona – city tour, MNAC museum (National Museum of Catalunyan Art) and the Miró Foundation. Modernist sites of Sagrada Família, the Hospital de San Pau and the Palau de la Música. Day trip to the monastery of Montserrat with sparkling wine cava tasting and farewell lunch.Days 5–9: Madrid – guided tours of the Prado and Reina Sofia galleries and an extended visit to the Thyssen-Bornemisza, a day trip to the El Escorial monastery with a traditional suckling pig lunch in Segovia and a full day in Toledo.

Explore• The winding streets of Barcelona’s

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)• The distinctive modernista architecture

of the Catalonian capital, from cathedrals and palaces to parks and hospitals

• The art of Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque Spain, including Velásquez, El Greco and Goya

• Imperial Spain and its legacy in the architecture and wealth of its two major cities

• Cities of three religions: a historical co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures

FRANCE

SPAIN

Barcelona (4)

Montserrat

Madrid (4)

Segovia

Toledo

Highlights> The Romanesque frescoes at the National

Museum of Catalunyan Art in Barcelona (MNAC)

> The modernist architecture of Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Domenèch i Montaner’s Hospital de San Pau and the Palau de la Música

> Montserrat monastery towering above Barcelona and a sparkling wine cava tasting and degustation lunch

> The art collections of the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia museums

> Philip II’s monastery-palace of El Escorial, the epitome of Spanish imperial power

> A day trip to cliff-top Toledo and an insight into its Visigothic, Arabic and Jewish roots

OverviewSpain’s two largest cities are as diverse as they are rich in culture and history. In Barcelona we find a city that looks to the North of Europe for its cultural influences. Here Spain’s own version of Art Nouveau, Modernism, took root and innovative artists like Picasso and Miró flourished. A short train ride away imperial Madrid offers austere royal residences and some of the finest traditional art collections in Europe. Neighbouring Toledo and Segovia showcase Roman remains, a fairytale Alcázar palace and a superb Gothic cathedral.

Connect this tour with Morocco & Southern Spain on page 24

Fitness requirement


Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderDrMichaelNeuman is a former Professor at the University of New South Wales, where his work in urban history, specialising in Spain, has won international awards. He completed his

PhD at the University of California at Berkeley focusing on Spanish urban history, politics, and urban planning.

Getting thereWe recommend Emirates flights into Madrid or Barcelona, with connecting flights to Granada with Vueling or Iberia. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.


Cordoba (3)

Madrid (4)

Sevilla (3) Granada (3)

spAINBarcelona (4)

Highlights> The 13th-century Alhambra in Granada,

a complex of palaces and water gardens> The renowned Mesquita (mosque) of

Cordoba, a blend of Visigothic and Islamic art> Visiting the mighty cathedral and

wandering the lanes of Sevilla, the city of Carmen and Don Juan

> The art collections of the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums in Madrid

> Philip II’s monastery-palace of El Escorial, the epitome of Spanish imperial power

> The extraordinary Alcázar of Segovia> Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in

Barcelona, together with other works

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

Experience• The Moorish kingdoms of Andalucía

in Spain’s south• The history of Spain in the 16th century,

the most powerful empire on earth• The art of Renaissance and baroque

Spain, including Velásquez, El Greco and Goya

• The excellent regional food and wine traditions of Spain

• The distinctive culture and modernista art and architecture of Catalonia in Spain’s north, from Gaudí to Picasso

OverviewTake a comprehensive tour of Spain, designed to give the first-time visitor an overview of the country’s diverse and always fascinating history, art and traditions. Begin with the medieval Moorish worlds of Granada, Cordoba and Sevilla, then explore royal Madrid and the exuberant city of Barcelona. Visit major art galleries, palaces and religious sites. Enjoy exceptional dining in carefully selected restaurants, designed to showcase Spain’s outstanding culinary traditions.

Grand Tour of SpainGranada, Cordoba, Sevilla, Madrid & Barcelona April 8-25, 2018

Connect this tour with Northern Spain & Portugal on page 22


Your tour leaderDrJohnTidmarsh is the former president of the University of Sydney’s Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation and a former lecturer in the Department of Archaeology. He has led

numerous tours to Iran, Oman, Turkey, Syria and Jordan.

Getting thereEmirates and Etihad offer daily flights from Australia to Athens, with onwards connection through Aegean Airlines to Heraklion and return from Thessaloniki.

GreeceAgamemnon to Alexander

May 5-22, 2018Tour price to be advised

ItineraryDays 1–3: Arrive Heraklion and explore the palaces of Knossos, Malia and Phaistos. Days 4–5: Fly to Athens, admire the acropolis and the Archaeological Museum.Days 6–7: Drive to Nafplio to visit Mycenae, Sparta and Tiryns.Days 8–9: The Palace of Nestor and the Venetian castle at Methoni.Day 10: The Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia.Days 11–12: Continue to the seat of the oracle at Delphi.Days 13–14: Travel to Volos via Meteora.Days 15–17: Drive to Thessaloniki and explore the Macedonian kingdom of Pella and Vergina.

Discover• Minoan culture and history,

considered Europe’s first civilisation • Greece’s defining symbol of cultural

achievement, at the acropolis in Athens • Mycenaean civilisations dating back

to the 8th century BC • The legends and mythology of ancient

times, including the story of Jason and the Argonauts

• Ancient Olympia and its legacy of the Olympic Games, whose values have carried through to the modern era

• Macedonian kings Philip II and Alexander the Great, whose exploits altered the shape of history

GREECE

CRETE

Athens (3)

Nafplio (2)Pylos (2)

Olympia (1)

Deplhi (2)

Volos (2)

Thessaloniki (3)

Heraklion (3)

Highlights> The palace of Minos at Knossos, home to

the legendary Minotaur> Athens’ incomparable museums, acropolis

and agora > The palaces of Agamemnon at Mycenae,

the citadel of Tiryns and the beautifully preserved Palace of Nestor at Pylos

> Delphi, home to the famous oracle> The stone pinnacles of Meteora, crowned

by Byzantine-era monasteries> The Macedonian capital of Pella, birthplace

of Alexander, with its opulent houses and fine mosaics

> Vergina, where Alexander’s father Philip was assassinated, his spectacular unplundered tomb revealed in 1977

OverviewExplore Ancient Greece’s rich history on this 17-day tour focussing on two of the most remarkable eras, the Aegean Bronze Age and Macedonian ruler Philip and his son Alexander the Great. In Crete, we explore the sprawling palaces of the Minoan Age. We then travel to Athens and the Peloponnese, entering the world of Mycenaean kings with their forbidding palaces and monumental burials. We continue via the great classical sites of Olympia and Delphi before arriving at Thessaloniki, gateway to ancient Macedon.

Fitness requirement



Corsica & SardiniaHistory & landscapeS May 5-17, 2018

Fitness requirement

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

Experience• Two Mediterranean islands whose

diverse landscapes, cultures and history belie their proximity

• Fascinating evidence of past settlements dating back millennia

• World Heritage-listed sites and museums and spectacular coastal and mountain scenery

• Vibrant contemporary cultures which have remained defiantly independent, despite centuries of invasion and occupation

• A culinary heritage which blends history and tradition with the best of local produce

Your tour leaderDr Estelle Lazer is an archaeologist with an international reputation for her years of work onsite at Pompeii. She has expert knowledge of classical art, archaeology and mythology.

When not leading tours, Estelle researches and teaches at the University of Sydney and other institutions.

Getting thereEmirates flies into Nice and out of Rome at times that coincide with the tour. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Highlights> The pre-historic site of Filitosa with its

collection of extraordinary stone warriors> Bonifacio, perched on the precipitous

limestone cliffs of southern Corsica, and Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte

> Boat excursion along the stunning west coast of Corsica, including the Scandola Nature Reserve

> Distinctive nuraghe, the prehistoric conical stone towers for which Sardinia is famous, and ancient port cities at Nora and Tharros

> The Castello district in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, dating back to the 13th century

> The fascinating medieval melting pot of Alghero, with its Catalan-Gothic monuments

OverviewThe islands of Corsica and Sardinia each have a unique history stretching back millennia. They have distinct languages, culture and identity. This tour offers an exploration of these two Mediterranean islands which, despite centuries of invasion, plunder and settlement, retain a proud independent spirit. In their beautiful setting, we discover the diverse histories of each island, from their ancient sites through to their rich contemporary cultures. Extended stays on each island combine site and museum visits with time for independent sightseeing.

Italy

SARDINIA

Corsica

Cagliari (3)

Alghero (3)

Bonifacio (3)Santa Teresa Gallura

Ajaccio (3)

Connect this tour with Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy on page 20


Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderDr Nick Gordon has a University Medal and PhD in History from the University of Sydney. Having taught at university for 10 years, he now leads tours exclusively for Academy Travel. An intimate

knowledge of art gained from being a painter complements his academic background.

Getting thereEmirates and Singapore Airlines offer flights from Australia to Amsterdam and home from Paris. Contact us for competitive quotes.

$8,630pp, twin share $2,310single supplement

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

Get to know• More than five centuries of European

masterpieces, from the Middle Ages to the modern era

• Innovation and the relentless pursuit of beauty in the works of Van Eyck, Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Van Gogh

• How the considerable wealth and the exchange of goods and ideas from around the world in the merchant cities of northern Europe created a dynamic cultural scene

• The broader history and development of some of Europe’s richest, most vibrant and historically cosmopolitan cities

Highlights> The refurbished Rijksmuseum, housing

the world’s finest collection of Dutch painting, with masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer

> Stays in beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance cities, including Bruges and Delft

> Master paintings in some of Europe’s finest galleries, including the Louvre and the Mauritshuis

> Visits to many less well-visited galleries, seeing the extraordinary works overlooked by most travellers

> Modern masterpieces by northern masters – Van Gogh, Magritte and Escher

OverviewThe Low Countries have extraordinary artistic traditions which have withstood and evolved with some of the most significant upheavals in European history. On this tour, Dr Nick Gordon takes you from Amsterdam to Delft, Brussels, Bruges and Paris, exploring the art and architecture that flourished in these dynamic environments. We also visit smaller centres such as Utrecht and Ghent, while enjoying exceptional museums and galleries and exquisitely preserved medieval and Renaissance cityscapes.

Fitness requirement

Amsterdam to Parisfrom van Eyck to van Gogh

May 11-27, 2018

Netherlands

FRANCE

BELGIUM

Paris (3)

Bruges (3)

Delft (2)

Amsterdam (4)

Brussels (4)


Tour price to be advised

Discover• The remarkable interaction of peoples

of the Baltic: Vikings, missionaries, merchants and maritime empires

• The golden age of Sweden in the 16th and 17th centuries, encompassing Sweden, Finland and Norway

• Tsarist Russia’s empire in the Baltic: the Grand Duchy of Finland, Estonia and Latvia

• A striking tradition of architecture and design, stretching from the birth of Modernism in the early 1900s to cutting-edge contemporary work

• Superb European art in galleries in Sweden and St Petersburg

Stockholm to St Petersburga baltic journey

May – June, 2018

Fitness requirement

ItineraryDays 1–4: Explore Stockholm’s royal and maritime history, plus its modern architecture and design.Days 4–5: Overnight ferry from Stockholm to Riga.Days 5–6: In Riga, investigate the heritage of this former Hanseatic port and enjoy an opera at the Riga Festival.Days 7–8: Drive to Tallinn, the superbly preserved Estonian capital and tour the old town.Days 9–12: Ferry to Helsinki. Visit Russian and Swedish imperial sites and sample Finland’s remarkable design and architectural scene.Days 13–17: Train from Helsinki to St Petersburg. Visit galleries and palaces from Russia’s imperial period.

Your tour leadersRobert Veel, a founding director of Academy Travel, has a BA and an M.Ed from the University of Sydney and has lectured in cultural history and led tours for over 20 years, including

several to Scandinavia and Iceland. Russia expert Dr Matthew Dal Santo will join the tour for the St Petersburg segment.

Getting thereFinnair offers well-priced flights via Helsinki. Emirates has direct flights into Stockholm and home from St Petersburg. Contact us for competitive quotes.

Highlights> Stockholm’s Vasa museum, a testament

to the country’s former maritime glory, and the delightful Drottningholm Palace outside the city

> The beauty of the Stockholm archipelago, surrounding the city and admired on our Baltic crossing

> Great Art Nouveau architecture in Riga, and the perfectly preserved medieval old town of Tallinn

> An opera at the annual Riga Festival> Stunning modern and contemporary

buildings in Helsinki, including Alvar Aalto’s Nordic modernism

> The glories of imperial Russia in St Petersburg: palaces, gardens, cathedrals and great art galleries

OverviewThis new tour explores the eastern Baltic in depth, from the days of the medieval Hanseatic trade network and the centuries of struggle for dominance between Sweden and Russia, into the modern era, where great design and architecture make for compelling destinations. The itinerary includes two crossings of the Baltic, a train journey into Russia and opera at the Riga Festival. An extension tour to Moscow is also available.

FINLAND

RUSSIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

SWEDENStockholm (3)

Riga (2)

Tallinn (2)

Helsinki (4)St Petersburg (3)

1



Gardens of Southern England

June 6-20, 2018

Explore• The exquisite countryside of

midsummer England, experienced through visits to fine gardens, stately homes, country houses and castles

• The gardens of passionate professional gardeners and writers, from Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown to Gertrude Jekyll, and Vita Sackville-West to Christopher Lloyd

• The gardens of equally passionate amateurs, including Henry Hoare at Stourhead and Sir Roy Strong at The Laskett

• The history of the English garden from 1700 to the present day

Your tour leaderMichael Turner is an art and garden historian. The former Senior Curator of the Nicholson Museum at the University of Sydney, he now lives in Sussex. He is a Fellow of the Society

of Antiquaries in London and a member of the English Historic Gardens Society.

Getting thereSingapore and Emirates fly to London daily. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

OverviewThis tour surveys the work of the passionate men and women who, over the past three hundred years, have created some of the best-loved gardens in the south of England – from the magnificent 18th-century Arcadian landscapes at Rousham and Stourhead, with their temples, lakes and grottoes, to idyllic Kelmscott Manor, the Arts and Crafts country home of William Morris. We also visit Britain’s oldest botanic garden, in Oxford, as well as one of its newest and most influential gardens, at Highgrove House.

Highlights> The private gardens of Their Royal

Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall

> Stourhead, the most beautiful 18th-century Arcadian landscape garden in England

> Blenheim Palace, steeped in more than 300 years of history, and its beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown

> Chartwell, the beloved home of Sir Winston Churchill

> Jewels of the Arts and Crafts movement: Kelmscott Manor, Hidcote, Sissinghurst and Great Dixter

> The gardens of romantic Hever Castle and the beautifully situated Arundel Castle

> The gardens of the Bloomsbury Group Fitness requirement

ItineraryDays 1–4: Tour begins in Oxford. Visit the beautiful Oxford Botanic Garden, Kelmscott Manor, Rousham and Blenheim House. Days 5–7: From our base in Bath we visit the Laskett Gardens, Stourhead, Royal Highgrove and other estates.Days 8–10: Travel to Royal Tunbridge Wells from where we visit Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s estate.Days 11–14: From Lewes, enjoy several wonderful castles, homes and gardens in the Sussex Downs. Day 15: Transfer to London for flights home.

ENGLAND

London

Oxford (4)

Royal TunbridgeWells (3)

Lewes (4)

Bath (3)



Scandinavia & Iceland The Nordic World June 11-25, 2018

Bergen (2)Oslo (2)

Reykjavik (4)

Iceland

NORWAY

DenmarkCopenhagen (4)

Budir (1)

1

ItineraryDays 1–5: Explore Copenhagen and its surrounds, including Elsinore Castle, Utzon’s Bagsvaerd Church and the Louisiana Art Museum. Enjoy a day trip to southern Sweden, visiting Lund and the standing stones of Ales.Days 6–9: Discover Oslo with its modern architecture, fine art collections and Viking history. Experience the natural beauty of the Norwegian Fjords and relax in Bergen.Days 10–15: Fly to Reykjavik and discover its unique history and culture. Explore the geysers, volcanos and the rugged isolated coastlines of Iceland. Experience the untouched beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula by coach and snowcat.

Your tour leaderDr Nick Gordon holds a University Medal and a PhD in European history from the University of Sydney. He has taught European history at university for ten years and continues to lecture on

art and history. He has led tours for Academy Travel since 2007.

Getting ThereBritish Airways offers flights to Copenhagen and from Reykjavik via Heathrow. Contact us for competitive quotes.

Highlights> Modern art and architecture in

Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen > Jørn Utzon in Copenhagen> Helsingør castle, the setting of

Shakespeare’s Hamlet> The fjords of Norway and the art of

Edvard Munch> Southern Sweden, from the World

Heritage-listed cathedral of Lund to the mysterious standing stones of Ales

> The unique atmosphere of Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital city

> The landscapes of Iceland, including the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where Jules Verne set his Journey to the Centre of the Earth

OverviewThis new 15-day tour takes you from Copenhagen, to Oslo, Bergen and Iceland, and explores the region’s distinctive cultural traditions, from the Vikings of the Middle Ages to the emergence of a unique modern culture expressed through the art of Edvard Munch and cutting-edge architecture and design. Equally impressive is the natural beauty of the region, from the golden fields of southern Sweden, to the fjords of Norway and the pristine coastlines and wild, volcanic landscapes of Iceland.

Get to know• The fjords of Norway• Denmark’s royal traditions, from

Hamlet’s castle at Helsingor (Elsinore) to Frederick and Mary

• Iceland’s unique blend of Celtic, Viking and Nordic culture, shaped by its remarkable volcanic landscape

• Modern art and design, including the art of Edvard Munch, the architecture of Jørn Utzon and the opera houses of Henning Larsen

• The history of Scandinavia, from the voyages of the Vikings to the Kingdom of Denmark, and the emergence of modern Nordic culture

Fitness requirement


Burgundy, Provence & the RIVIERA Medieval & Modern

June, 2018Tour price to be advised

Discover• The extraordinary art and history of

southern France with its landscapes that inspired Van Gogh and Picasso

• Medieval France, from the birth of Romanesque art and architecture at Cluny and Vézelay, to the Dukes of Burgundy and the popes in Avignon

• Its excellent regional galleries and museums, including Picasso at Antibes, the Fondation Maeght, and Lyon’s Musée des Beaux-Arts

• Provence, Burgundy and the Côte d’Azur: home to some of France’s most beautiful hamlets, countryside and fine gastronomy

Your tour leaderDr Kathleen Olive has a PhD in Italian Studies from the University of Sydney, and has taught the history of medieval and Renaissance Europe at universities in Sydney since

2001. She is one of Academy Travel’s most respected tour leaders.

Getting thereEmirates flies into Geneva and out of Nice at times that coincide with the tour. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

OverviewThis new 17-day tour begins in Burgundy, a region renowned for its charming villages, vineyards and majestic medieval architecture. Travelling south through Lyon to the Côte d’Azur, we admire fine Roman ruins, including the Pont du Gard, visit exceptional regional art galleries, and enjoy the exuberant atmosphere and inspirational colour of the French Riviera.

Highlights> Stunning art galleries in less-visited cities,

from Dijon’s Musée des Beaux-Arts to Arles’ Fondation Vincent van Gogh and the Fondation Maeght in St-Paul-de-Vence

> Atmospheric Romanesque architecture, from Cluny to Vézelay and Berzé-la-Ville

> Roman ruins in Lyon, Nîmes and Arles > A cruise on the Rhone river from Lyon> Medieval Avignon, including the

celebrated Palais des Papes> Van Gogh’s world in Arles; Picasso,

Matisse, Chagall and Cocteau on the French Riviera

ItineraryDays 1–5: Arrive Beaune to tour Dijon, Cluny, Vézelay and Autun. Visit Beaune’s Hôtel Dieu, home to Rogier van der Weyden’s Last Judgement, and Dijon’s Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.Days 6–8: Tour the Roman ruins of Lyon, admire contemporary Lyonnais art and cuisine, and cruise the Rhone river. Excursions to the medieval towns and chateaux of Brancion and Cormatin.Days 9–12: Explore the papal palace of Avignon, travel to Nîmes, its Roman ruins and the Pont du Gard, and walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles.Days 13–17: From Antibes, explore Marseilles and the Côte d’Azur, with art galleries and museums dedicated to Bonnard, Picasso and Chagall.

Switzerland

FRANCE

Saint Paulde Vence

Nice

Geneva

Beaune (5)

VezelayDijon

Lyon (3)

Avignon (4)

NimesArles

Antibes (4)Marseille

Fitness requirement


Amsterdam to Dresdenmusic in northern Europe


Fitness requirement


GERMANY

NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam (4)

Cologne (3)

AachenBonn Weimar (2)

Marburg

Delft

Leipzig (3)

Dresden (4)

Berlin

ItineraryDays 1–4: In Amsterdam, attend performances, visit the Rijksmuseum and take a day trip to The Hague and Delft.Days 5–7: Travel to Cologne via the medieval city of Aachen, where Charlemagne held court. Explore Cologne, and visit Beethoven’s birth house museum in Bonn.Days 8–9: Drive to Weimar via Marburg’s perfectly preserved medieval upper town. Explore Goethe’s Weimar and visit Bach’s Eisenach.Days 10–12: Travel to Leipzig for more performances.Days 13–17: The tour ends in Dresden for more art and music. Or continue on the optional five-night extension to Berlin.

Experience• Orchestral music and opera of the

highest quality in some of Europe’s finest venues

• The rich choral tradition of northern Germany and Flanders

• In-depth background to the music you will hear in live performance

• Visits to leading art museums, such as the recently refurbished Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Mauritshuis in The Hague and the famous ‘Green Vault’ in Dresden

Your tour leaderRobert Gay is one of Australia’s leading music tour leaders and music educators. He has designed and led more than 80 performance-based tours. For 30 years,

he has presented music history courses at the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sydney.

Getting thereEtihad Airways flys into Amsterdam and home via Berlin. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Performances Eight performances will be included as follows:> A concert by the Royal Concertgebouw

Orchestra of Amsterdam> A performance by the Dutch National

Opera – winner of the 2016 Opera Awards> A concert by the Gürzenich Orchestra in

the Cologne Philharmonie and an opera at Cologne Opera

> A concert by the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt

> Three performances of orchestral music and opera at the Semperoper Dresden

OverviewThis new tour visits both familiar and less well-known centres of music-making in northern Europe. From outstanding compositions of the Renaissance and Baroque periods to modern masterpieces, our itinerary is built around a carefully selected set of eight performances. The music program is complemented by city walking tours, visits to composer museums, and talks by our expert tour leader. An optional five-night extension to Berlin is also available.

Limited places remaining

More details at academytravel.com.auMore details at academytravel.com.au 35

London music & theatre

January 18-30, 2018$9,150pp, twin share$2,380single supplement

Enjoy• Ten performances of the highest

quality opera, ballet, stage drama and orchestral music, including all four major London orchestras

• Historic performance venues, including Covent Garden and Wigmore Hall

• Visits to some of London’s best galleries and historic houses

• Background talks on all performances and post-performance discussions

• Accommodation in historic Bloomsbury

Performances Ten performances of opera, orchestral music, chamber music and drama are included. Details to be announced July 2017. Based on previous years, the performance line-up will include:> The London Philharmonic Orchestra,

Wagner’s Das Rheingold> Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus 2018 at the

National Theatre> Paul Lewis Piano Recital at Royal Festival

Hall> Two operas at the Royal Opera House,

Covent Garden > At least two performances by London’s

leading orchestras, such as the London Philharmonic, the London Symphony, the BBC Symphony and the Philharmonia

> A performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company in its London winter season

> One or two major West End plays or musicals – new productions selected from the current season

> One or two recitals at the iconic Wigmore Hall

OverviewFor lovers of music, theatre and art, January is a great time to visit London. Yes, it’s cold, but the concert and opera season is in full swing, theatre companies have launched new productions and the major galleries are featuring exhibitions by leading contemporary artists and old masters. Best of all, the city is not at all crowded. Our 13-day program is packed with a range of musical and theatrical performances, including all the major London orchestras.

Your tour leader Dr Tom Ford holds a PhD in history from the University of Adelaide. He has written extensively on classical music, and is currently the PR and media manager (classics and jazz) for

Universal Music Australia, based in Sydney.

Getting thereEmirates flies to London daily. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Fitness requirement

LONDON

Tate Britain

Westminster

12 nights

British Museum

Victoria & AlbertMuseum

TateModern

TowerBridge

Handel House Museum

CoventGarden

The WallaceCollection

Royal Academyof Arts

ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in London.Days 2–4: Visit the Tate Britain, the Wallace Collection and the Handel House Museum. Attend a West End play, opera at Covent Garden and the London Symphony Orchestra.Days 5–8: Visit the Royal Academy of Arts and Kenwood House, day trip to Oxford and enjoy the Royal Ballet and the Royal Shakespeare Company.Days 9–12: Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Tate Modern. Hear performances by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia and a recital at Wigmore Hall.Day 13: Visit the British Museum.


great musical citiespraGuE, vienna & budapest

April 16-30, 2018

Fitness requirement


CZECH

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY

Prague (4)

Ceske Budejovice (1)

Cesky Krumlov

Vienna (5)

Budapest (4)

Bratislava

ItineraryDays 1–4: In Prague, attend outstanding performances and visit a range of sites both in the city and the surrounding countryside.Day 5: Stay overnight in Ceske Budejovice and take a day trip to nearby Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.Days 6–10: In Vienna, in addition to performances, visit venues where Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert lived and worked.Days 11–15: Visit Bratislava en route to Budapest, attend performances and enjoy walking tours of both Buda and Pest, the Bartok and Liszt museums, and the Empress Elisabeth’s castle at Gödöllö.

Enjoy • Orchestral music and opera of the

highest quality in Central Europe’s most celebrated music venues

• The rich musical traditions of Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic

• In-depth background to the music you will hear in live performance

• Visits to wonderfully preserved baroque theatres in Cesky Krumlov and Prague

• The delightful city of Bratislava on the Danube and the breathtaking scenery at Cesky Krumlov in southern Bohemia

• The many glorious Art Nouveau buildings in Prague

Your tour leaderLindy Montgomery is a graduate of both the University of Sydney and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she taught musicology for 13 years. Lindy possesses a fine

soprano voice and has featured as a soloist with the Pinchgut Opera and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

Getting thereEmirates flies into Prague and out of Budapest at times that coincide with the tour.

Performances Eight or nine performances will be included – details available May 2017.We plan to include the following:> An opera at the Estates Theatre, Prague> An opera at the National Theatre, Prague> A concert by the Czech Philharmonic

Orchestra at the Rudolfinum > Two operas by the Vienna State Opera> A concert by the Vienna Symphony

Orchestra at the Musikverein> An orchestral concert at the Konzerthaus

> Two performances by the Budapest State Opera

OverviewThis 15-day tour visits three of the great music capitals of Central Europe: Vienna, Prague and Budapest. As well as attending a series of fine performances, this musical pilgrimage takes you to the places where some of the great composers lived and worked. In Budapest, there are museums dedicated to Liszt and Bartok; in Vienna, an astonishing number of sites associated with Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert; and in the countryside near Prague, the birthplace of Dvorak. We will also visit two beautifully preserved baroque theatres, one in Cesky Krumlov and the other the celebrated Estates Theatre in Prague.

More details at academytravel.com.au 37

Music in GermanyMunich to Hamburg

April 19 – May 5, 2018$9,750pp, twin share$1,850single supplement

Experience• Germany’s immense musical heritage,

expressed both in its famous composers and the high standard of its orchestras and opera houses

• The dynamic capital city of Berlin, revitalised since the fall of the Berlin Wall and brimming with galleries and museums

• The refined Saxon cities of Leipzig and Dresden, once part of East Germany, with well-preserved historic sites, theatres and museums

• The distinctive region of Bavaria in Germany’s south, with prosperous cities, fine food and alpine scenery

PerformancesNine performances will be included – details available October 2017.We plan to include the following:> An opera by the Bavarian State Opera> A concert by the Munich Philharmonic

at the Gasteig Concert Hall> An opera at the Semper Oper, Dresden> A concert at the Staatskapelle Dresden,

with Musical Director Thielemann> A possible orchestral concert at the

Leipzig Gewandhaus> A concert by the Berlin Philharmonic

at the Philharmonie> A concert by Berlin’s Deutsche Symphonie-

Orchester at the Konzerthaus> An opera by the Deutsche Oper or the

Komische Oper> A concert at the Elbphilharmonie > A performance at the Hamburg Opera

and Ballet

OverviewAcademy Travel’s annual musical pilgrimage to Germany explores the rich cultural heritage of Berlin, the Saxon cities of Leipzig and Dresden, and the prosperous cities of Bavaria, including Bayreuth and Munich. The itinerary is built around at least nine performances of opera and orchestral music, including the new Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg. We also visit sites associated with some of the great German composers – Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann and Wagner – and enjoy a selection of Germany’s fine art galleries and museums.

Your tour leaderRobert Gay is one of Australia’s leading music tour leaders and music educators. He has designed and led more than 80 performance-based tours. For 30 years he has presented music history

courses at the Centre of Continuing Education at the University of Sydney.

Getting thereEmirates flies into Munich and out of Hamburg at times that coincide with the tour. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Fitness requirement

GERMANY

Czech

Munich (4)

Bayreuth (2)

Regensburg

Dresden (4)

Karlovy Vary

Berlin (4)

Leipzig

Hamburg (3)Lubeck

ItineraryDays 1–4: In Munich, attend performances and enjoy walking tours and excursions to Neuschwanstein Castle and Nymphenburg Palace.Days 5–6: Travel though Bavaria, via Regensburg on the Danube, to Bayreuth. Days 7–10: In Dresden attend performances, enjoy galleries and walking tours. A day trip to Leipzig.Days 11–14: Visit Sanssouci Palace en route to Berlin; explore renowned galleries and museums, uncover the city’s dramatic history and enjoy at least three performances.Days 15–17: The tour ends in Hamburg, where we attend a performance at the new Elbphilharmonie concert hall.


Music in Scandinaviaincluding the Bergen International Festival

May 21 – June 5, 2018

Fitness requirement


Oslo (3)

SWEDEN

NORWAY FINLAND

Stockholm (4)

Bergen (4)Helsinki (3)

1

ItineraryDays 1–4: In Helsinki, explore sites associated with Sibelius, as well as great architecture and design. Overnight ferry to Stockholm.Days 5–8: Explore Stockholm’s maritime history and visit Drottningholm Palace.Days 9–12: Fly to Oslo in Norway to view the Viking Ship Museum, the art of Munch and others, and Oslo’s harbourfront opera house.Days 13–16: Take a train and boat journey to Bergen for three nights, to enjoy the Bergen Festival and sites associated with Grieg and Ole Bull.Day 17: Begin Iceland extension, or return home.

Get to know• The fascinating relationship between

Nordic music and the region’s culture, tradition and landscape

• Excellent performances by the region’s orchestras and opera companies

• Outstanding contemporary Nordic architecture and design in opera houses and concert halls

• Stunning scenery, from Stockholm’s island-strewn harbour to the fjords and mountains around Bergen

• Norse mythology as a source of inspiration for Nordic and German composers, including Wagner

Your tour leaderRobert Gay is one of Australia’s leading music tour leaders and music educators. He has designed dozens of music courses and led more than 80 performance-based tours around the world.

For 30 years he has been presenting music history courses for the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sydney.

Getting thereFinnair offers well-priced flights from Australia direct to Helsinki, for which you earn Qantas points.

PerformancesAt least eight performances will be included, comprising a combination of operas and orchestral concerts. Full details will be available in late 2017.

Helsinki, FinlandTwo performances at the new Helsinki Music Centre

Stockholm, SwedenTwo performances at the Royal Swedish Opera

Oslo, NorwayTwo performances at the new Opera House

Bergen, NorwayTwo or three concerts at the Bergen Festival

OverviewThis 17-day tour explores the landscape, history and music of Finland, Sweden and Norway. These northern lands have a strong and distinctive musical tradition, expressed not only through their composers – including famous names like Grieg and Sibelius – but also through the many fine conductors, singers and instrumentalists who hail from these parts. Nordic music is often inspired by folk literature and traditions, and travelling through the landscapes that have evoked these ideas will undoubtedly enhance your appreciation of the haunting music of this region.

Connect this tour with Gardens of Southern England on page 31


Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderBen Churcher has a wide range of experience as an educator, a traveller, a historian and an archaeologist. He holds an Honours degree in Ancient History and a Diploma of

Education from the University of Sydney. Ben has led numerous tours along the Silk Route, and throughout the Middle East and North and East Africa.

Getting thereSingapore Airlines offers daily flights into Beijing and out of Chengdu. Contact us for competitive quotes.

Western Chinaon the Silk Road

September 7-27, 2017$9,975 pp, twin share$1,995 single supplement

ItineraryDays 1–3: In Beijing explore the Forbidden City and visit the Great Wall.Days 4–6: Fly to Xi’an for the Terracotta Warriors and other sites.Days 7–10: Buddhist sculptures at Tianshui. Travel to Lanzhou. Visit the Bingling Grottoes and Islamic Linxia. Gansu Museum then Xiahe and the Labrang Lamasery.Days 11–13: Fly to Dunhuang and visit the famous Buddhist Caves.Days 14–17: Cross the Taklamakan Desert to Turpan. Explore Turpan and Ürümqi before flying to Kashgar.Days 18–21: Explore remote Kashgar. Fly to Chengdu.

Discover• Thousands of years of history,

art and culture passed on through the dynasties

• The ancient caravan routes along the Silk Road

• Grottoes and caves containing remarkable Buddhist sculptures and murals

• Museums filled with treasures dating from the Neolithic age to the modern era

• The contrast between Islamic culture in the western districts and Tibetan Buddhism in Gansu Province

CHINA

Beijing (3)

Xi’an (2)Tianshui (1)

Lanzhou (3)

Xiahe (2)

Dunhuang (2)

Turpan (2)

Kashgar (3)

Urumqi (1)

Chengdu (1)

Highlights> The Great Wall outside Beijing, a lasting

monument to the achievements of China > The overwhelming sight of over 8000

Terracotta Warriors lined up in rows ready for battle

> Remarkable Buddhist sculptures and over 1000 square metres of murals carved into the mountain face at the Maijishan Grottoes

> The ubiquitous red sandstone of the Flaming Mountains Gorge in the Mutou Valley outside Turpan

> A day immersed in the bustling Sunday markets at Kashgar

OverviewThe exotic Silk Road within China is rich in historical and cultural highlights. From the might of imperial China in the east, epitomised by the Terracotta Warriors, past brilliantly decorated Buddhist monasteries such as the Mogao Grottoes, to the eastern markets at Turpan, Ürümqi and Kashgar – this tour will be both a journey through the changing face of China today, as well as an examination of its deep and awe-inspiring history and culture.

Limited places remaining



Imperial ChinaHistory & the Arts


Explore• Beijing, the seat of imperial

governance established as the capital by Mongol conquerors

• An emperor’s extraordinary legacy of protection in the afterlife, with an army of Terracotta Warriors

• The confluence of traditional Chinese culture and European art deco in post-imperialist Shanghai

• Exquisite palaces and gardens built by a succession of Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors

• An emerging contemporary art culture against a backdrop of imperial tradition

OverviewChina, a civilisation rich in historical achievements and artistry, is predominantly defined by its imperial heritage. Our 18-day tour spans 2000 years of dynastic rule as we seek to understand how emperors sought to immortalise their reign, commencing with the imperial treasures at the Forbidden Palace and National Museum in Beijing. Visit the world’s most extravagant ‘afterworld’ in Xi’an. Explore the silk court costumes in Suzhou and the post-imperial republican years in Shanghai, culminating in forward-looking Hong Kong.

Highlights > Beijing’s imperial treasures at the

Forbidden City and the National Museum > An army of 8000 life-size terracotta soldiers,

chariots and cavalry horses in Xi’an> Shanghai’s art deco heritage, Missionary

Row, the Bund Promenade and the former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank

> Suzhou’s imperial silk and embroidery industry and two of China’s revered classical gardens

> A personal tour of the world’s most comprehensive imperial textile collection, at the owner’s private home

> Private visits to collections not accessible to the public

Your tour leader David Rosier is a lecturer specialising in the history and art of imperial China. For 14 years he and his family lived in Hong Kong. An expert on Qing Dynasty Chinese court costume, he

has led many tours to mainland China and Hong Kong.

Getting thereCathay Pacific offers daily flights from Australia to Beijing and out of Hong Kong. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Fitness requirement

CHINAShanghai (2)

Suzhou (3)

Hong Kong (4)

Xi’an (3)

Beijing (5)Great Wall

ItineraryDays 1–5: Imperial sites in Beijing, including the Forbidden City and National Museum, the Great Wall and Qing Tombs.Days 6–8: Fly to Xi’an and see the Terracotta Warriors and Wild Goose Pagoda.Days 9–10: Explore art deco in Shanghai and visit the furniture collection at the Shanghai Museum.Days 11–13: Visit elegant classical gardens and discover the famous textiles of Suzhou and Nanjing.Days 14–18: Fly to Hong Kong to enjoy private and public art collections, cultural and site visits on the island and Kowloon.


Japan unmaskedart, history & culture

(Tour full) November 3-18, 2017 May 11-26, 2018


Get to know• The contrast of a contemporary

metropolis against the backdrop of Edo period Tokyo

• Serenity in some of Japan’s finest landscaped gardens and shrines

• A bygone era at the well-preserved wooden teahouses of Kanazawa’s entertainment district

• The floating world of the geisha in Kyoto’s Gion district

• An abundance of art, history and culture dating back to the 6th century

• A unique cuisine using the freshest produce that perfectly reflects the seasons

Your tour leaderDr Kathleen Olive has led tours to Europe, Turkey and the USA, and is a popular teacher of art and architectural history at the University of Sydney and the WEA. She looks forward

to adding Japan to her repertoire.

Getting thereQantas, Japan Airlines and ANA offer daily flights to Tokyo, with return connections through Tokyo from Osaka. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

OverviewUncover Japan’s rich history, art and culture on our inaugural 16-day tour. Explore old and new world Tokyo. Visit one of Japan’s best landscaped gardens in Kanazawa. Understand the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and the tranquillity of Miyajima. Spend seven nights in Kyoto exploring temples, shrines and museums and glimpse the geisha’s floating world. Complemented by day trips to Nara and Arashiyama, this tour offers a comprehensive insight into the beauty and mystique of this wonderful land.

Highlights> The hustle, bustle and bright lights of

Tokyo, its galleries, museums and shrines> Kanazawa’s famed Kenrokuen Garden, one

of the best landscaped gardens in Japan > Speeding through the countryside on the

shinkansen or bullet train> The moving display of human resilience

at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial > Day trips to Nara, and the bamboo grove

and garden at Arashiyama> Seven nights discovering Zen temples,

stone and moss gardens and an incredible array of art and culture in Kyoto

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

Fitness requirement

Japan

Tokyo (4)

OsakaHiroshima (2)

Kanazawa (2)

Kyoto (7)Nara


Your tour leaderJudy Tenzing has over 30 years’ experience as an administrator and tour leader in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Burma. Judy has a degree in South Asian History and regularly

presents courses at Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education on the history and culture of this remarkable region.

Getting thereSingapore Airlines offers daily flights to Yangon. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.


BURMA

Yangon (3)

Nyaungshwe (3)

Maymyo (2)

Mandalay (3)Bagan (3)

THAILAND

China

INDIA

(1)

Highlights> A magical sunset at the golden-domed

Shwedagon Pagoda, the greatest in Burma > New Year’s Eve on Lake Inle exploring the

monasteries, pagodas, villages and floating gardens all built on stilts over the lake

> The extraordinary complex of crumbling stupas at Indein in Shan state

> Roaming through the National Botanic Gardens in Maymyo, with its stunning four-acre orchid garden

> An overnight cruise down the famed Ayeyarwady River

> The amazing pagoda-studded plains of Bagan, each structure unique in design and decoration

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

Experience• A nation gradually emerging from years

of military rule • A rich cultural and artisanal tradition of

silk weaving, world-class lacquerware and skilled puppeteers

• A wealth of Buddhist culture evidenced by the multitude of stupas and exquisite carved teak monasteries

• Colonial history and architecture from the era of the British Raj

• A remarkably friendly and easy-going nation made up of over 135 ethnic groups eager to share their history and culture

OverviewFrom its ancient origins in settlement by Hindu Sakyas from India, through millennia of spiritual and political change, Burma has emerged with all that is quintessentially Burmese intact and as enchanting and enriching as it has always been. This tour takes you into the heart of old Burma – the sleepy town of Nyaungshwe on the edge of Lake Inle, the last royal capital of Mandalay, the vast Buddhist pagoda-studded plain of Bagan, and the splendour of the great pagodas of Yangon.

Burma

December 29, 2017 – January 13, 2018

Fitness requirement


Tasmaniahistory, art & landscape

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

Discover• Outstanding colonial heritage, with

some of Australia’s oldest private and public architecture

• The complex history of Tasmania, involving early indigenous contact and the full articulation of the convict system

• A vibrant visual arts scene, ranging from important 19th-century painters to remarkable contemporary art

• Pristine World Heritage-listed landscapes of forest, river and ocean

• Wonderful food and wine, now gaining global attention

Your tour leaderDr Kathleen Olive has led tours to Europe, Turkey and the USA and is a popular teacher of art and architectural history at the University of Sydney and the WEA.

Getting thereJetstar/Qantas offer direct flights to Launceston from Sydney and Melbourne and return flights from Hobart. These can be booked online.

OverviewTasmania has a distinctive history, culture and landscape which makes it quite different from Australia’s other states and territories. This tour offers a unique itinerary which combines the island’s well-known attractions with sites of particular interest to specialised travellers. Staying in Launceston, on the Freycinet Peninsula and in Hobart, with day trips to surrounding areas, we visit historic homes and gardens and travel though stunning landscape. Art lovers are well treated, with an in-depth look at colonial artist John Glover and a visit to the renowned Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) on the Derwent River near Hobart.

Highlights> Tasmania’s colonial sites, including

Clarendon Estate and World Heritage-listed Port Arthur

> Tasmania’s leading public art galleries in Launceston and Hobart

> Cruise from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay, offering a unique perspective of the Freycinet Peninsula’s sheer cliffs and abundant wildlife

> A day trip to the Huon River Valley, visiting pristine rainforests, gardens and wineries

> Fine regional wine and produce while dining at some of Tasmania’s excellent restaurants and vineyards

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

TASMANIA

Launceston (3)

Freycinet (1)

Port Arthur

Ross

Hobart (3)

Fitness requirement


Your tour leaderJudy Tenzing has over 30 years’ experience as an administrator and tour leader in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Burma. Judy has a degree in South Asian History and regularly

presents courses at Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education on the history and culture of this remarkable region.

Getting thereCathay Pacific and partner Dragon Air offer flights into Kaohsiung and out of Taipei via Hong Kong.

$6,200 (approx) pp, twin share$2,100 (approx) single supplement

Highlights> Historic ancient temples, colonial forts

and Meiji-era architecture in Old Tainan

> The pristine environment of Sun Moon Lake, surrounded by steep mountain peaks

> The art of Taiwanese tea-making at an Assam tea farm

> The extraordinary Chung Tai Chan Monastery near Puli, headquarters of a popular Zen Buddhist order

> A spectacular drive hugging the Chingshui Cliffs and into the valley of Taroko Gorge

> Taipei’s National Palace Museum, Taiwan’s celebrated cultural institution, home to over 500,000 artefacts and artworks, including the Jadeite cabbage

Uncover• An indigenous culture pre-dating

the arrival of the Chinese in the 17th century

• The cultural legacy, including elaborate tea ceremonies, of the Japanese who ruled the island for 50 years

• Stunning scenery of mountain peaks, lakes and gorges, formed through volcanic activity on the edge of the Pacific’s ‘Ring of Fire’

• An array of architecture, from Dutch forts, centuries-old Daoist and Confucian temples, to Japanese Meiji-era buildings

OverviewTaiwan has been ‘off the radar’ for tourism since the tumultuous events of 1949, when Chiang Kai Shek and his nationalist compatriots separated themselves from the Communists on the mainland. Discover the place that 16th-century Portuguese explorers named ‘Ilha Formosa’, the beautiful island, on our 10-day tour. Unlike mainland China, where warfare, revolution and an economic boom have transformed the country, large sections of Taiwan retain Chinese traditions and culture with a wealth of art, architecture and beautiful landscapes to enjoy.

TaiwanCultural treasures & majestic landscapes

April 15-24, 2018

Fitness requirement

What does Taiwan offer?> The culture of the indigenous

inhabitants> Well-preserved traditional Chinese

culture, architecture and streetscapes> The cultural and architectural legacy

of the period of Japanese rule, 1895–1945

> Outstanding mountain scenery, with sharp peaks rising to nearly 4000 metres

> Two superb museums> A destination not affected by

mass tourism

TAIWAN

Lugang

Tianan (2)

Kaohsiung

Sun Moon Lake (3)

Taroko Gorge (1)

Taipei (3)ItineraryDays 1–2: Arrive into Kaohsiung and transfer to Tainan to explore the city.Day 3: Admire Lukang, and continue on to Sun Moon Lake.Days 4–5: Explore sites around the lake, spending a full day at the Chung Tai Chan monastery and museum.Day 6: Traverse the Central Range to Taroko Gorge and experience Taiwanese indigenous culture. Days 7–9: Drive to Taipei. Ascend the Taipei 101 skyscraper, and visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and the National Palace Museum.Day 10: Depart Taipei.


Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderChris Carter holds a first class Honours degree in archaeology from the Australian National University. He has worked as a professional archaeologist and has taught extensively in the

field. He is currently involved with prehistoric sites in the Atacama region of northern Chile.

Getting thereQantas flies into and out of Santiago four times a week, coinciding with the tour dates on current schedules. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Chile, Argentina & Peru

September 25 – October 13, 2017$11,420 pp, twin share$2,785 single supplement

ItineraryDays 1–3: Arrive and tour Santiago, Chilean wineries.Days 4–6: Fly to Buenos Aires, experience the tango and visit the Rio Paraná Delta.Days 7–8: Fly to Puerto Iguazu and view the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides. Days 9–10: Sights in Lima.Days 11–12: Fly to Cusco, visit Sacsayhuaman and Coricancha.Days 13–14: Markets, churches and Inca ruins, culminating in Machu Picchu. Day 15: Train to the Sacred Valley, sites in Ollantaytambo.Days 16–17: Return to Cusco.Days 18–19: Fly to Santiago and depart.

Discover• Elegant squares and piazzas, a legacy

of Spanish colonialism• The tango, Argentina’s dance of passion• The legacy of the Spanish in the

churches, monasteries and delightful town squares

• Historic Inca sites and culture around Cusco and Ollantaytambo

• The superb cuisine of these regions now making their mark on the world culinary stage

• The vibrant capitals of Santiago, Buenos Aires and Lima

Santiago (4) Buenos Aires (3)

Puerto Iguazu (2)

Sacred Valley (3)

Aguas Calientes (1)

Cusco (3)

Lima (2)

Chile

Peru

Argentina

Highlights> Soaring snow-capped peaks of the Andes

– the world’s longest mountain range > See the mighty Iguazu Falls from both the

Argentinean and Brazilian sides> The colonial heritage of the city centres and

plazas of Santiago, Buenos Aires and Lima > Impressive Inca fortifications at

Sacsayhuaman and the sun temple of Coricancha in Cusco

> Admire the colonial town of Ollantaytambo built on Inca foundations

> Marvel at the glorious mountain estate of Machu Picchu built at the height of the Inca Empire

OverviewOur tantalising new 19-day tour showcases the history, culture and breathtaking scenery of South America. Admire the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, marvel at Iguazu Falls and enigmatic Machu Picchu. Explore colonial Cusco, bustling Lima and charismatic Santiago. Feel the beat of the tango in Buenos Aires; taste the emerging wines of Chile and try a mix of fine New World cuisine and classic dishes. En route we examine a fascinating array of sites associated with the Inca, colonial conquistadors and modern immigrants.


Your tour leaderDr Matthew Laing has a comprehensive knowledge of the history and society of the United States and has travelled the length and breadth of the country for research, personal interest

and as a tour leader.

Getting ThereWe recommend Qantas flights via Dallas or Los Angeles for this tour. Please contact us for fares and booking information.

USA

Charleston (4)

New Orleans (3)Nottoway Plantation (1)

Savannah

Washington (4)Charlottesville

Richmond (2)

Highlights> Thomas Jefferson’s fine Virginia estate,

Monticello, a fascinating window on the life and times of one of the USA’s most important founding fathers

> The famous Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg> Outstanding regional art galleries in

Richmond, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina

> The fine neo-classical colonial architecture of Charleston, South Carolina

> A day trip to Savannah, Georgia, the ‘southern gothic’ setting for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

> Historic sites in New Orleans, the bayou of Cajun country and evenings of jazz in intimate venues

ItineraryDays 1–4: Explore Washington’s early history, southern roots and take a day trip to Gettysburg.Days 5–6: Travel to Richmond, Virginia, via Jefferson’s Monticello. Visit Jamestown and Williamsburg, and tour the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.Days 7–10: Explore Charleston, with a day trip to Savannah in neighbouring Georgia.Days 11–13: Fly to New Orleans, Louisiana. Enjoy the city’s history, art and music.Days 14-15: Travel the banks of the Mississippi to Cajun country. Spend the final night of the tour on an historic plantation and visit a swamp!Day 16: Transfer to New Orleans for onward flights.


Get to know• The early history of the United States,

from the first arrival of Europeans to the Civil War

• The experience of African Americans in the South, arriving as slaves and emerging as a fundamental influence on the nation’s history and culture

• The fine Georgian architecture of the South Carolina plantations

• The coastal landscapes of the Atlantic seaboard

• The exuberant cultural life of New Orleans, an amalgam of Cajun and Creole cultures

OverviewFrom Gettysburg to gumbo, Academy Travel’s new 16-day itinerary explores the essence of America’s South. Beginning in Washington and ending on the banks of the Mississippi in rural Louisiana, we explore some of the earliest colonial settlements on the Atlantic seaboard, the history and immense cultural influence of African Americans in the region, the tumultuous experience of the Civil War, and of course the diverse communities and wonderful musical life of New Orleans. There’s also great food, superb art and fine scenery to be enjoyed.

The Southern USAWashington to New Orleans

October 9-23, 2017

Fitness requirement

Connect this tour with Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago to New York on page 47


Fitness requirement

Your tour leaderStuart Barrie has a passion for 20th-century American history and the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. He has led many tours to the USA. Stuart holds a Masters degree from the University

of New South Wales and is a co-founder of Academy Travel.

Getting thereWe recommend either Qantas or United, who both have daily flights to Chicago and from New York. Discounted fares are regularly offered.

Frank Lloyd WrightChicago to New York

October 22 – November 5, 2017$11,790 pp, twin share$2,710 single supplement

ItineraryDays 1–4: In Chicago, enjoy sights such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Wright’s Home and Studio, Robie House and the Johnson Wax Administration Building.Days 5–6: Travel by coach to Wisconsin to see Mies’ Farnsworth House and take an in-depth tour of Taliesin estate.Days 7–8: Fly to Buffalo to view the Darwin Martin House and tour Niagara Falls.Days 9–10: Coach to Pittsburgh to see Fallingwater, Wright’s masterpiece.Days 11–15: Fly to New York to enjoy architectural walking tours, Johnson’s Glass House, Wright’s Guggenheim and a Broadway musical.

Experience• Masterpieces of architecture in the

USA by Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson

• Stunning galleries and performance spaces by Frank Gehry, Richard Meier and Renzo Piano

• Extraordinary interiors at Fallingwater, Robie House, the Johnson Wax Administration Building, Darwin Martin House, Farnsworth House, the Glass House and Taliesin

• Amazing art collections, such as Chicago’s Art Institute and New York’s MoMA

Canada

USA

New York (4)

Madison (2)

Pittsburgh (2)

Buffalo (2)

Chicago (4)

Highlights> A private interior visit to Fallingwater,

Wright’s most famous work> Private interior visits to Farnsworth House,

Taliesin, the Johnson Wax Administration Building, Darwin Martin House, Graycliff and Johnson’s Glass House

> A cocktail reception in Robie House, the finest example of Wright’s prairie style

> Docent-led tours of the Art Institute of Chicago and a before-hours tour of New York’s MoMA

> Walking tours of New York

> Theatre performance in Chicago and a Broadway musical in New York

OverviewFollow the Frank Lloyd Wright trail from his early beginnings in Chicago and his prairie style homes, to his tragic yet inspirational home in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and the city of Buffalo with the Darwin Martin complex. Enjoy the natural beauty of Niagara Falls, discover Pittsburgh and admire Wright’s most famous work, Fallingwater. In New York, appreciate the development of post-modern architecture. The tour features private guided visits to homes and major galleries and enjoys the wealth of art, culture and history in America.

Connect this tour with The Southern USA on page 46


Your tour leaderDr Matthew Laing has a PhD in US political science from the ANU, specialising in leadership. He currently works as a researcher at Monash University. Matthew has travelled extensively

in the United States and has led several successful tours there for Academy Travel.

Getting thereQantas and United Airlines fly regularly to the East Coast. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

HighlightsPerformances> Franco Zeffirelli’s spectacular production of

Puccini’s Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera> The New York Philharmonic Orchestra

performing Saint-Saëns and Rachmaninov> The new Broadway musical Bandstand> A piano recital at Carnegie Hall> Junk, Ayad Akhtar’s new play, set in 1980s NY> An evening at the Jazz at the Lincoln Center

Theater> The Radio City Music Hall’s Rockettes’

Christmas Spectacular> A new stage play, selected from the

2017-18 season

Fine Dining> Lunches at the Morgan Library and

Guggenheim Museum dining rooms> Lunch at the Michelin two-star restaurant

The Modern, inside MoMA> Degustation dinner at the Michelin three-

star restaurant Eleven Madison Park

Art, Architecture and History> A private out-of-hours viewing of the Museum

of Modern Art with a museum lecturer> Charming small galleries, including the

Frick Collection and the Neue Museum> Private guided tour of the refurbished

Whitney Museum of American Art in Chelsea> Architectural walking tours of midtown art

deco, Brooklyn Heights and the High Line


Sample• The unique atmosphere of New York

in the fall, with seasonal food and the leaves turning gold in Central Park

• Special Thanksgiving events – the most important annual festivities in North America

• A stimulating range of new season performances of stage drama, musicals, opera and symphony

• An expert’s account of the history and architecture of New York over the decades

• Newly opened exhibitions at galleries including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA

Overview Enjoy Thanksgiving in the Big Apple and a host of other events on this special tour. As well as the regular offerings on our New York performing arts tours – opera, symphony, private visits to galleries such as MoMA etc – we’ve included seasonal events that are only on offer at this special time of year, such as the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the legendary Radio City Rockettes. There’s also some great new season stage drama and musicals on offer. Accommodation, as always, is in spacious premium plus rooms in the perfectly located Warwick Hotel on 54th Street.

Thanksgiving in New Yorkmusic, theatre, art & food

November 15-27, 2017

Fitness requirement

NEWYORK

Brooklyn Heights

Lincoln Center Theater

Broadway

Morgan Library

WhitneyMuseum

12 nights

High Line

Guggenheim MuseumNeue Museum

MoMA

Frick Collection

Warwick Hotel

49More details at academytravel.com.au 49More details at academytravel.com.au

Fitness requirement

HighlightsPerformances> Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the

Metropolitan Opera> Broadway legend Michael Feinstein

in Standard Time at Carnegie Hall> Renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman and

pianist Martha Argerich in recital at Carnegie Hall

> The New York Philharmonic Orchestra in concert

> A new season Broadway musical, selected from the 2017-18 season

> Two stage plays at Broadway theatres, selected from the 2017-18 season

Fine Dining> Lunch at the Morgan Library dining room> Lunch at the Michelin two-star restaurant

The Modern, inside MoMA> Degustation dinner at the Michelin three-

star restaurant Eleven Madison ParkArt, Architecture and History> A private out-of-hours viewing of

the Museum of Modern Art with a museum lecturer

> Charming small galleries, including the Frick Collection and the Neue Museum

> A day exploring Brooklyn’s fine museums and architecture

> Architectural walking tours of midtown art deco, Brooklyn Heights and the High Line

New Yorkmusic, theatre, art & food

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

Enjoy• Eight outstanding performances:

opera, orchestral concerts, plays and a Broadway musical

• New York’s marvellous architectural heritage, with a focus on art deco, modern and contemporary

• A breathtaking array of visual arts, ranging from the European Old Masters to 20th-century classics and the cutting-edge contemporary scene

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

• New York’s excellent small museums

Your tour leaderDr Matthew Laing has a PhD in US political science from the ANU, specialising in leadership. He currently works as a researcher at Monash University. Matthew has travelled

extensively in the United States and has led several successful tours there for Academy Travel.

Getting ThereQantas and United Airlines fly regularly to the East Coast. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

OverviewJoin us for a fortnight in the world’s most dynamic cultural city, attending the very best in opera, symphony concerts and drama while visiting some of the world’s top art and history museums and dining in a selection of the city’s best restaurants. Accommodation is in spacious premier-plus rooms at the Warwick Hotel on 54th Street in midtown Manhattan. The location is perfect for theatre and concert goers, being within walking distance of major performance venues, art galleries and some of the city’s architectural icons.

NEW YORK

Lincoln Center Theater

Broadway

Morgan LibraryHigh Line

Guggenheim Museum

Neue Museum

MoMA

Warwick HotelCarnegie Hall

Frick Collection

12 nights

Your tour leaderDr Matthew Laing has a PhD in US political science from the ANU, specialising in leadership. He is currently a researcher at Monash University, gives public lectures on US history and

politics, and has travelled extensively in the United States. He has led several successful tours to the US for Academy Travel.

Getting ThereQantas and United Airlines fly regularly to the East Coast. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

USA

Washington (4)

Philadelphia (2)

New York (5)

ItineraryDays 1–4: In Washington we explore the monuments that symbolise the ideals on which the US was built, visit Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation and enjoy the stunning galleries and museums of the capital.Days 5–7: Travel to Philadelphia, with an extended stop in Gettysburg, visit Amish communities in eastern Pennsylvania and follow the story of America’s independence in Philadelphia.Days 8–12: Travel to New York, where the focus switches to the vibrant 20th century, Modernism and the emergence of the US as a superpower.

$6,600pp, twin share $2,400single supplement

Get to know• The history of early colonial

settlements, the search for religious freedom, and the slave economy

• The American Revolution and the founding fathers’ vision for modern democracy

• Art and architecture in America: from extraordinary collections of European Old Masters to the birth of distinctly American styles and the cutting-edge contemporary scene

• American politics, from the emergence of the United States as a global power to the changes and tensions that have created the Trump era

OverviewJoin us as we explore the dramatic story of modern America’s foundation, independence and evolution into a global superpower. Staying in three key historical cities, we visit sites ranging from George Washington’s plantation estate to the battlefield of Gettysburg and the modern architectural and artistic landmarks of New York. Daily background talks followed by site visits ensure an intellectually enriching journey that will appeal to those with an interest in history, society and the arts.

Washington, Philadelphia & NYStudy tour

April 19-30, 2018


Fitness requirement

Highlights> The great galleries, monuments and

museums of Washington DC> George Washington’s slave plantation

at Mount Vernon, south of the capital> Gettysburg – site of one of the decisive

battles of the tragic Civil War> Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell,

where America’s founding fathers made history

> The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Collection, two of America’s finest galleries

> Architectural and historical walking tours of downtown and midtown Manhattan

> Private viewing of the Museum of Modern Art in New York

Study ToursAcademy Travel study tours are designed to provide in-depth intellectual stimulation for the independent traveller. The tours feature:

• Daily background lectures

• Morning guided site visits

• Several afternoons for individual exploration or optional visits with the tour leader

• Longer walking tours of historical cities, and use of public transport for short journeys

• Self-contained accommodation where possible, allowing you to live like a local

Your tour leaderDr Matthew Laing has a PhD in US political science from the ANU, specialising in leadership. He currently works as a researcher at Monash University. Matthew has travelled extensively

in the United States and has led several successful tours there for Academy Travel.

Getting thereWe recommend either Qantas or United who both have daily flights to Chicago and from Pittsburgh. Discounted fares are regularly offered, so please contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.


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

Highlights> A private interior visit to Fallingwater,

Wright’s most famous work

> Private interior visits to Farnsworth House, Taliesin, the Johnson Wax Administration Building, Darwin Martin House, Graycliff and Kentuck Knob

> A cocktail reception in Robie House, the finest example of Wright’s prairie style

> Docent-led tour of the Art Institute of Chicago and a theatre performance

> In-depth tour of Taliesin estate – Wright’s home for 30 years and the scene of tragedy and triumph

OverviewFollow the Frank Lloyd Wright trail from his early beginnings in Chicago and his prairie style homes, to his tragic yet inspirational home in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and the city of Buffalo with the Darwin Martin complex. Enjoy the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and discover Wright’s most famous work, Fallingwater, outside Pittsburgh. The tour features private guided visits to homes and major galleries and enjoys the wealth of art, culture and history in America.

Frank Lloyd WrightChicago to Fallingwater

May 5-16, 2018

51

Canada

USA

Pittsburgh (2)Chicago (4)

Madison (2) Milwaukee (1)

Buffalo (2)


Fitness requirement

Admire• American modern architecture in the

20th century, from Louis Sullivan and the “Chicago School” to Frank Lloyd Wright and beyond

• Wright’s transformation of the American home, using inspiration from the prairie landscape of the American Midwest and a Japanese-influenced aesthetic

• Extraordinary interiors at Fallingwater, Robie House, the Johnson Wax Administration Building, Darwin Martin House, Farnsworth House, and Taliesin

• The amazing art collection of Chicago’s Art Institute

Your tour leaderChristopher Bradley has an Honours degree from Liverpool University, with a particular interest in the history and art of the Middle East. He regularly leads tours to Iran and

lectures to ADFAS, NADFAS, at universities, and for the Royal Geographical Society.

Getting thereEmirates and Etihad offer daily flights from Australia to Tehran.

IRAN

Shiraz (3)

Yazd (2)

Kerman (2)

Isfahan (3)

Zanjan (2)

Hamadan (2)

Tehran (4)

Highlights> The Crown Jewels Museum and Golestan

Palace in Tehran> The imposing Mausoleum of Öljeitü

and ancient Ecbatana> Safavid Palaces, Islamic mosques and

squares of Isfahan> Zoroastrian and medieval sites in Yazd> Gardens, fortresses and royal tombs

around Shiraz> Achaemenid Persepolis and Cyrus the

Great’s legacy at Pasargadae

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

$11,295pp, twin share (April 2018 tour)$1,920single supplement (April 2018 tour)

Uncover• The rich diversity of landscapes,

cultures and peoples which make up modern Iran

• Memorable archaeological sites of the ancient Persian Empire

• The stunning art and architecture of Iran’s Safavid and Qajar-era mosques and palaces in the legendary cities of Shiraz and Isfahan

• The crosscurrents of Eastern and Western cultures at key Silk Road sites

• The enchanting world of Persian gardens and Sufi poetry

• A remarkably friendly, cultured and inquisitive population

OverviewOur 19-day tour begins in Tehran, with an introduction to the fine arts and traditional culture of Iran. From here we travel to Zanjan and Ecbatana over the Zagros Mountains, and visit the Renaissance-era city of Isfahan. We view Iran’s remaining Zoroastrian shrines and intricate mosques in Yazd, then continue to Kerman and Shiraz, the city of poets. Here we see some of Iran’s most exceptional historical monuments, such as the magnificent relief carvings of Persepolis and Pasargadae, before returning to 21st-century Tehran.

IranAncient Persia & the Silk Road October 7-25, 2017 April 27 – May 15, 2018


Fitness requirement

October tour – Limited places remaining

Your tour leaderLucia Gahlin is a UK-based Egyptologist and has a wealth of experience as an educator, archaeologist, museum curator and author. She is an Honorary Research Associate at

University College London’s Institute of Archaeology, and teaches Egyptology for the University of Exeter.

Getting thereEmirates and Etihad offer daily flights from Australia to Cairo. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.


ItineraryDays 1–4: Arrive Cairo and explore the museums, pyramids and tombs at Saqqara and Giza. Days 5–7: Drive to Minya and see Middle Kingdom tombs at Beni Hasan, Amarna and Abydos.Days 8–11: Travel to Luxor: visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut and Karnak.Days 12–14: Cruise the Nile, stopping at Luxor Temple, Edfu and Kom Ombo.Days 15–16: Disembark in Aswan and visit the Temple of Philae, Aswan Dam and Elephantine Island.Days 17–18: Fly to Abu Simbel, then back to Cairo for departure.

Highlights> Old Kingdom sites and New Kingdom

tombs at Saqqara, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser

> Giza’s iconic Great Pyramid, the Sphinx and solar boat museum

> Middle Kingdom sites in Amarna, rarely visited by tourists, with visits to active archaeological digs

> Luxor’s museums and the Valley of the Kings and Nobles, the Luxor Museum and Karnak Temple

> Cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, stopping at temples and sites along the journey

> A day trip to the Ramses II Temple at Abu Simbel

OverviewDelve into Egypt’s incredible ancient history on this 18-day tour. Explore the land of the pharaohs, colossal statues, vast pyramids and magnificent temples, travelling the full length of the Nile Valley visiting the highlights of ancient Egypt, and some of the rarely-visited sites. We cover 3000 years of ancient Egyptian history, from the pyramids of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, through to the Roman temple of Philae, making a comprehensive exploration of the pyramids, rock-cut tombs, temples and towns of ancient Egypt along the way.

Egyptfrom the Great PyramidS to Abu Simbel

January 18 – February 4, 2018

53

EgyptAbu Simbel

Cairo (5)

El Minya (2)

Abydos (1)

Luxor (4)

Aswan (2)

3


Fitness requirement

Discover• A land steeped in history dating

back over four thousand years • The intriguing world of the pharaohs,

mummies, funerary rituals and mysterious tombs

• Stories from the daily life of ordinary people at rarely visited non-royal tombs and art sites

• The importance of the life-giving waters of the mighty River Nile

• Howard Carter’s legacy of amazing discoveries from Tutankhamun’s tomb, at the Egyptian Museum

• The incredible feat of engineering at the Ramses II Temple at Abu Simbel

Connect this tour with Rome: Study Tour on page 15

Morocco

Casablanca (3)

Rabat (1)

Erfoud (2)

Ifrane (1)

Fes (3)Meknes (1)

Boumalne Dades (1)

Ouarzazate (1)

Marrakesh (3)

Essaouira (2)

$7,870 pp, twin share $1,445 single supplement

Morocco

March 26 – April 13, 2018


Your tour leaderBen Churcher has a wide range of experience as an educator, traveller, historian and archaeologist. He holds an honours degree in Ancient History and a Diploma of Education

from the University of Sydney.

Getting thereEmirates and Etihad have daily flights to and from Casablanca. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

Highlights> The bustling and picturesque markets

of Fes and Marrakesh> Rabat on the river Bou Regreg, a most

wonderfully located capital city> The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman

ruins at Volubilis, overlooking rolling plains> The Atlas Mountains, home of the Berbers

and stands of Cedars of Lebanon> Majestic kasbahs and verdant oases

on the fringe of the Sahara Desert> Peaceful Essaouira on the shores of

the Atlantic> The spectacular Todra and Dades gorges> Beautiful, secluded towns such as

Boumalne Dades, and Ouarzazate, the ‘Gate to the Desert’

ItineraryDays 1–4: Arrive in Casablanca and explore Morocco’s Atlantic coast, touring Casablanca and Rabat.Days 5–7: Travel inland, staying at Meknes and Fes and visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis.Days 8–12: Cross over the Atlas Mountains and explore the western edge of the Sahara Desert, including the spectacular scenery of the Todra Gorge.Days 13–15: Travel to Marrakesh, tour the city and enjoy a free day in a city of souks.Days 16–19: Travel to Essaouira, exploring the city and its complex history, then return to Casablanca for our departure.

Explore• A remarkable country that has been

the crucible for Islamic influence in the region for more than a millennium

• Exceptional scenery, from the Atlantic coastline to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert

• Beautiful, remote villages along the Todra Gorge and Dades River

• Distinct cultural regions, including the Europeanised north and the Berber interior

• A diverse inheritance, from Roman ruins, to medieval fortifications, Islamic kasbahs and cities

OverviewThis comprehensive tour brings you the diverse delights of Morocco, from stunning scenery to fabulous Islamic architecture, ancient cities and inviting locals. From cosmopolitan Casablanca, we travel along the Atlantic coast visiting Rabat, Roman Volubilis and bustling Fes, before crossing the Atlas Mountains to the kasbahs and oases of the northern Sahara. Returning to the Atlantic coast, we stay in Marrakesh, famous for its vibrant souks, foodstalls and palaces, and Essaouira, a medieval port still nestled inside its walls.

Connect this tour with Essential Iran on page 55

Fitness requirement


ESSENTIAL Iran

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

IRAN

Shiraz (4)

Yazd (2)

Kashan

Isfahan (3)

Zanjan (2)

Hamadan (2)

Tehran (4)

Uncover• The rich diversity of landscapes,

cultures and peoples which make up modern Iran

• The abundant and spectacular remains, testament to Iran’s power and influence in the ancient world

• The truly stunning art and architecture of Islamic Iran, seen at its finest in the legendary cities of Shiraz and Isfahan

• The enchanting world of Persian gardens and Sufi poetry

• A remarkably friendly, cultured and inquisitive population, eager to engage with the world outside Iran

Your tour leaderDr John Tidmarsh is the former president of the University of Sydney’s Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation and a former lecturer in the Department of Archaeology. He has led

numerous tours to Iran, Oman, Turkey, Syria and Jordan.

Getting thereEmirates and Etihad offer daily flights from Australia to Tehran. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings.

OverviewOver 18 days we travel through the marvellous spring-time mountain and desert landscapes of Persia and visit some of the most remarkable monuments in the ancient and Islamic worlds. We explore awe-inspiring Achaemenid palaces and royal tombs, mysterious Sasanian fire temples, enchanting mud-brick cities on the desert fringes, and fabled Persian cities with their enchanting gardens, caravanserais, bazaars and stunning cobalt-blue mosques. Perhaps more importantly, however, we encounter the unsurpassed friendliness and hospitality of the Iranian people, which leave most travellers longing to return.

Highlights> Tehran’s array of museums and palaces,

including the Crown Jewels Museum > The imposing Mausoleum of Öljeitü

and the Sasanian watch towers, palaces and fire temples at Takht-e Soleyman

> The gardens of Shiraz, where Persia’s poets are celebrated

> Great classical sites at Persepolis, Pasargadae and Firuzabad

> The desert city of Yazd, with its evocative Zoroastrian towers of silence and medieval sites

> The UNESCO World Heritage city of Isfahan, centre of the ‘Renaissance’ Abbasid period

ItineraryDays 1–3: Explore Tehran’s extraordinary palaces and museums.Days 4–5: Drive to Zanjan and examine the Sasanian ruins of Takht-e Soleyman.Days 6–7: Continue to Hamadan and explore Ecbatana.Days 8-11: Fly to Shiraz and investigate Persepolis and Firuzabad. Days 12–13: Travel to Yazd, visiting Pasargadae and the Zoroastrian fire temples.Days 14–16: Enjoy the Maidan, mosques, palaces and Armenian Quarter of Isfahan.Days 17–18: Return to Tehran via Natanz and Kashan before departure.

Connect this tour with Morocco on page 54

Fitness requirement


Upcoming tour program

July – December, 2018

Sneak peek!Our program for the second half of 2018 is now being finalised and includes an exciting range of new destinations, along with repeats of some of our more popular tours! Further information for each tour, including a detailed itinerary, will be released 9-12 months before departure dates. If you are interested in finding out more about a tour listed below, please contact us directly or register your interest on our website.

ItalyMalta to Venice aboard the Sea Cloud IISeptember 2018Tour leader: Dr Kathleen Olive

Sicily & the Aeolian IslandsSeptember 2018Tour leader: Dr Estelle Lazer

Florence & the Italian RenaissanceOctober 2018Tour leader: Dr Nick Gordon

Puglia to Pompeii: Classical Southern ItalyOctober 2018Tour leader: Dr Estelle Lazer

Venice: City, Republic & EmpireOctober 2018Tour leader: Dr Kathleen Olive

EuropeParis: study tourJuly 2018Tour leader: Dr Michael Adcock

Gardens of ScotlandJuly 2018Tour leader: Michael Turner

Switzerland to Rome: along the Pilgrims’ WaySeptember 2018Tour leader: Dr Nick Gordon

St Petersburg & MoscowSeptember 2018Tour leader: Dr Matthew Dal Santo

Turkey: Classical, Byzantine & OttomanSeptember 2018

Prague, Budapest & Vienna: the art & culture of the HabsburgsSeptember 2018Tour leader: Christopher Menz

Corsica & Sardinia: history & landscapeOctober 2018

Grand Tour of Spain: Granada to BarcelonaOctober 2018Tour leader: Dr Jeni Ryde

PortugalOctober 2018Tour leader: Dr Jeni Ryde

Northern Spain: Bilbao to SantiagoOctober 2018

Music & TheatreEnglish Summer Opera FestivalsJuly 2018Tour leader: Robert Gay

Chicago to New York: Operas & OrchestrasOctober 2018Tour leader: Robert Gay

Musical Christmas & New Year: Salzburg, Prague & ViennaDecember 2018 – January 2019Tour leader: Robert Gay

57More details at academytravel.com.au/adfas

The AmericasModern Architecture: Los Angeles to ChicagoOctober 2018Tour leader: Stuart Barrie

Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago to FallingwaterOctober 2018Tour leader: Dr Matthew Laing

New York: music, theatre, art & foodNovember 2018Tour leader: Dr Matthew Laing

Africa & the Middle EastEthiopia’s Classical HighlightsSeptember 2018Tour leader: Chris Bradley

Iran in depthOctober 2018Tour leader: Dr John Tidmarsh

Essential IranNovember 2018Tour leader: Dr John Tidmarsh

Asia PacificBroken Hill & Lake MungoSeptember 2018Tour leader: Chris Carter

Bendigo to the Yarra Valley: Victoria’s great regional galleriesOctober 2018Tour leader: Dr Nick Gordon

Japan unmasked: art, history & cultureNovember 2018Tour leader: Dr Kathleen Olive

Tasmania: history, art & landscapeNovember 2018

Fitness Requirementsof our tours

Grade one ParticipationcriteriaforaGradeOnetourGrade One tours are appropriate for travellers in good health with good mobility. You should be able to participate comfortably in up to three hours of physical activity per day on most days, including walking at an easy pace, sometimes on uneven terrain, climbing stairs and standing in galleries.

Youshouldbeableto:• keep up with the group at all times• walk for 2-3 kilometres at a moderate

to slow pace• stand for a reasonable length of

time in galleries and museums• negotiate stairs and escalators• get on and off a coach with steep

stairs unassisted• move your luggage a short

distance if required

AnoteforoldertravellersIf you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, you will find a number of our itineraries challenging. On a Grade Two tour it is unlikely that you will be able to undertake all activities and get the full value of the tour. Grade Three tours are unsuitable for travellers more than 80 years old, unless you are exceptionally fit. We kindly ask travellers more than 80 years old to contact Academy Travel before submitting a booking form, so that we can provide specific advice on the physical requirements of the tour in which you are interested.

Grade twoParticipationcriteriaforaGradeTwotourGrade Two tours are designed for people who lead active lives and can comfortably participate in up to five hours of physical activity per day on most days, including walking tours, challenging archaeological sites, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, and a more demanding tour schedule with one night stops or several internal flights.


pace with only short breaks• stand for a reasonable length of

time in galleries and museums• tolerate uncomfortable climatic

conditions such as cold, humidity and heat

• walk up and down slopes• negotiate steps and slopes on

archaeological sites, which are often uneven and unstable

• get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or boat unassisted, possibly with luggage

• move your luggage a short distance if required

Grade threeParticipationcriteriaforaGradeThreetourGrade Three tours are our most physically demanding. To participate on this tour, you should be able to comfortably undertake in up to seven hours of physical activity per day, over several days. Activities may include travelling long distances, walking on difficult terrain, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, exposure to high altitudes and long days of touring. These tours may include one night stops and early starts.


pace with only short breaks• stand for a reasonable length of

time in galleries and museums• tolerate varying climatic conditions

such as humidity and heat• enjoy a reasonable level of physical

and respiratory fitness• tolerate a diet that can be

significantly different from a typical Australian diet, and where some dietary requirements cannot be met

• walk up and down slopes• negotiate steps and slopes on

archaeological sites or mountain paths, which are often uneven and unstable

• get on and off a large coach with steep steps, train or boat unassisted, possibly with luggage

• move your luggage a short distance if required

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


DetaileditinerariesFor each tour, we publish a 10–12 page itinerary providing day-by-day descriptions of the tour program and other important information. This is published 9–12 months before departure. Bookings are only accepted once the detailed itinerary is published.

BookingonatourEach person booking on a tour must complete and sign a booking form and send it to us together with a deposit of $500. Booking forms are attached to all detailed itineraries and can also be downloaded from our website.

TravelconsultantEach of our tours has a dedicated, professional consultant who will manage all aspects of your booking from rooming and special requests to airfares, travel insurance and additional accommodation. Your consultant is your one-stop point of reference for all matters relating to your travel.

WelcomeletterandupdatesOnce we have received your booking we will send you a letter confirming all details of your booking and any special requests. We will keep you updated on special tour-related events and other matters as they arise.

Pre-departureAbout a month before your tour begins we’ll send you a comprehensive package with your travel documents, tour notes and practical information. If you prefer you can arrange a meeting in our Sydney office to go through your documents in person with your travel consultant.

Beyondthetour:OtherservicesOutstanding small-group journeys are just one of the services Academy Travel offers.We are a full-service travel agency and can also organise your international flights, additional travel before or after your tour, private airport transfers and travel insurance.We organise group airfares for tours to difficult-to-reach destinations such as Russia, Iran and Uzbekistan.For travel to Europe and the US we offer competitive individual fares in economy, business or first class.Why begin your tour jet-lagged? We can arrange pre-tour accommodation so you can relax for a few extra nights in the first hotel before your tour begins.

Meet our client services teamOur consultants are here to look after all matters relating to your travel. If you are interested in a tour or would like to book your place, get in touch with one of our consultants below on 02 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 outside of Sydney.

The NEXT STEPsitineraries, bookings, airfares

59

We’ve tempted you with one of our tours, so what happens next?

JemmaYorkGroups travel manager

[email protected]

LynseyMartinTravel administrator

[email protected]

FrederickSteynGroups travel manager

[email protected]

KathyWardropGroups travel manager

[email protected]

Back cover: Walking the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, New York.

Level 1, 341 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 AustraliaPh: +61 2 9235 0023academytravel.com.au

broaden your mind - academy travel · 2019-04-08 · broaden your mind dear traveller, i’m...

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