Andante Travels 2016 Xmas Brochure

christmas & new year in the

ancient world 2016

arranged by andante travelsÂ

expert-led archaeological and cultural tours since 1985

NEW YEAR

new for 2016 christmas in amsterdam pg. 6-7 new year in barcelona pg. 12-13 andante travels - expert-led holidays all over the ancient world 2

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CHRISTMAS

welcome

A message from Andante Travels...

Dear Traveller, I am delighted to present our 2016 Christmas and New Year tours to you. If you are yet to finalise this year’s yuletide plans, or have only just begun thinking about a festive escape, look no further. We’re here to help...

Christmas is nothing without food - indulge with a gourmet Italian escape. Perhaps you’d rather engage with history on foot, wandering through fascinating cities, including Amsterdam and Barcelona? Or maybe you’d rather immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and fireworks of a Venetian New Year’s Eve? There are so many options available to you.

If you’d rather not wait until Christmas to travel, we still have spaces left on a range of 2016 tours. All of our available tours can be found on our website. Please call or email us if you would like any more information.

With best wishes for happy travels,

Ian Finlay, Director Andante Travels

CONTENTS 5 Festive Reasons to Travel with Us...............4-5 Amsterdam at Christmas.................................6-7 Turin Festive Food............................................8-9 Thessaloniki at Christmas............................10-11 Barcelona at New Year.................................12-13 Venice at New Year......................................14-15 Festive Food in Bologna...............................16-17 Early Departures in 2017..............................18-19 Study Days..............................................back cover

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five festive reasons to travel with us

01

discover a different christmas... past & present

Can you remember what happened at your last two Christmases at home? Other than a vague recollection of the usual turkey dinner, and tinsel strewn tree? See Amsterdam in all its illuminated glory during an evening walking tour of its annual light festival. Traditional Italian firework displays are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world, especially in St Mark’s Square, whilst Italian food is world renowned - and their festive fare is no exception. The holiday season is particularly important in Greece - it’s a time to celebrate St Basil, one of the forefathers of the Greek Orthodox Church, for his kindness and generosity to the poor.

If you are desperate to cast your eyes on traditional Christmas sights, join us in Amsterdam (page 6) - Dam Square is home to a 20 metre tall, beautifully-decorated Christmas tree...

02

leave the cooking to someone else and taste delicious new foods

To some, Christmas is nothing without a turkey and all the trimmings, but there is so much more to discover across the ancient world. Hunt for truffles, make your own fresh pasta, and see how Parmesan is made in Bologna. Sample traditional Gramolino cake at a 15th century castle, and follow it up with a glass of the delicious traditional chocolate drink, Bicerin, in the heart of Turin. From special dinners aboard canal cruise boats, to gala receptions on New Year’s Eve, and traditional roast dinners that we can walk off during Christmas Day city tours - your palate will be positively dazzled on an Andante Travels Christmas and New Year tour.

If food is your favourite part of Christmas, you might like to join one of our gourmet tours. Take a look at Turin Festive Food (page 8) and Bologna Festive Food (page 16).

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03

explore more secluded sites without too many tourists

December offers the perfect opportunity to explore the ancient world when its most marvellous sites are blissfully uncrowded.

Visit the Church of Agios Dimitrios for Christmas Vespers, or receive special access to the 15-16th century fresco cycle at the remains of the Abbey of San Sileno in Turin. Welcome in the New Year at Barcelona’s light show and firework display at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, or venture beyond Thessaloniki’s city walls to picturesque ancient Dion and the Enipeas Ravine, at the foot of Mount Olympus...

You can enjoy even more seclusion during a private evening visit to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice (page 14).

05

04

spend the festive season with like-minded people

Travelling gives you the chance to meet a whole wealth of new people who may well turn out to be life-long friends. Our groups include people from all walks of life - some have a lifelong passion for archaeology, while others have no prior knowledge.

It doesn’t matter who you are. All you need to enjoy our tours is enthusiasm and an enquiring mind. Holidays exploring some of the world’s most fascinating ancient sites, in the company of like-minded fellow travellers - what could be merrier?

Of course, we all need some alone time too. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy independent exploration in Greece, during Thessaloniki at Christmas (page 10).

return home refreshed and renewed... just in time for the new year

Travelling offers the ideal antidote to Christmas related stresses. It takes you away from the everyday and out into the open, where you will find places that don’t require you to do anything but enjoy yourself and experience new things. Our tours are holidays, not study trips - drawing on the ancient sites we visit, our Guide Lecturers are able to build up a vivid picture of life in the past with knowledge, good humour and skill. Enter 2017 with newfound knowledge that you can expand on throughout the rest of the year.

See the New Year in with a literal bang at firework displays in Barcelona (page 12) and Venice (page 14). andante travels - expert-led holidays all over the ancient world call 01722 713800

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amsterdam at christmas

21st Dec - 27th Dec 2016 with Dr. Ir. Mark Driessen

ÂŁ2395 with flights

Special Access...

We take to Amsterdam’s famous canals for a special dinner aboard a cruise boat on our first evening. On Christmas morning we head to the imposing Basilica of St Nicholas for Vespers, and end Christmas Day in the traditional Amsterdam way at a performance of the World Christmas Circus.

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introduction Amsterdam is a city like no other. Once the northernmost reach of

Dr. Ir. Mark Driessen is a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University. His expertise spans across topics of Roman Provincial Archaeology, and archaeology of the Netherlands, as well as aspects of the study of the Roman Army.

Rome’s spread across continental Europe, it later became known for its 17th century Golden Age. Amsterdam offers the perfect combination of historical atmosphere and an intimate, welcoming character. The city really comes alive at Christmas - with markets, parades and performances that make this the perfect time of year to visit. This year, we combine the festivities with visits to museums and sites that bring the heritage of Amsterdam to life. Explore the remains of the Roman influence at Forum Hadriani, Nijmegen and DomUnder.

Experience Christmas Vespers at the Basilica of St Nicholas, attend an optional performance of ‘Nutcracker and Mouseking’ and the Illuminated Christmas Canal Parade. Discover the Allard Pierson Museum and Rijksmuseum. It’s so easy to enjoy Amsterdam this Christmas.

itinerary day one

We arrive in Amsterdam in the morning.

Our first visit is to De Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th century church on Dam Square. This afternoon we cross the square to visit Amsterdam Royal Palace. The palace originally functioned as a city hall. We enjoy a special dinner on a canal cruise boat tonight.

day two

Our day begins at the Allard Pierson Museum, the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam. The museum houses collections from Ancient Egypt, the Greek Empire, Etruria and more. After lunch we head out of the city to Forum Hadriani (‘Hadrian’s Market’).

Back in Amsterdam, we take a walking tour of the Light Festival and end the day with dinner in town.

day three

Today we visit Castellum Hoge Woerd Museum, a modern interpretation of the Roman fortress built on the same spot

the original stood. This afternoon we head to Muiderslot, a castle constructed in the 13th century. Tonight, you have the option to attend a performance of ‘Nutcracker and Mouseking’ by the Dutch National Ballet.

day four | christmas eve

This morning we travel to Nijmegen to explore the ruins of a Roman town that stood at the Northern border of the Empire. We continue to Het Valkhof Museum, where the collection of Roman artefacts complements our earlier excursion. After lunch, we visit Amstelkring Museum to view their Christmas exhibition and explore the hidden church. We end the day at the Illuminated Christmas Canal Parade.

day five | christmas day

We head to the Basilica of St Nicholas for Christmas Vespers. We enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch before taking a walking tour of the city and its canals. Those who wish to can join us

what’s included

for a Christmas Concert at the Bijbels Museum. We enjoy Wereldkerstcircus at Carré Theatre tonight - a much-loved Amsterdam tradition.

day six | boxing day

This morning, we visit the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. We travel to Oudewater and then on to Haastrecht - two cities rich in history. After lunch we continue on to DomUnder at Utrecht to explore archaeological finds from the Roman period onwards - representing over 2000 years of history.

day seven

We spend our final day at the Rijksmuseum, which houses paintings from artists including Vermeer and Rembrandt. We fly home this evening.

21st Dec - 27th Dec 2016 with Dr. Ir. Mark Driessen £2395 (£2245 w/out flights | £390 sgl supp)

• Return Flights - London to Amsterdam • Hotels - 6 nights in a hand-picked hotel • Meals - All meals included - dinners with wine

• Expert Guide Lecturer & Tour Manager • Local Travel - Private a/c coach • Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in programme; tips included

• Field Notes

Left: Night view of Amsterdam and the Basilica of Saint Nicholas Above Left: Amsterdam winter view with the river Amstel; Above Right: Amsterdam’s tranquil canals lit up at night andante travels - expert-led holidays all over the ancient world call 01722 713800

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turin festive food & archaeology

Wed 21st Dec - Tue 27th Dec

with Prof. Valerie Higgins & Rosetta Ferrari

ÂŁ2495 with flights

Special Access...

Join us for exclusive access to the 15-16th century fresco cycle at San Sileno. You also have the opportunity to join a special visit to the Basilica of Superga - burial place of the royal family of Savoy. The views during our train ride there are spectacular...

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introduction Nestled on three sides by the towering Alpine and Apennine mountains, Piedmont is a province as famous for its gourmet delicacies as its feuding fiefdoms. Home to the Savoy dynasty and

battlefield of many wars, Piedmont’s history is vibrant; and its archaeology and architecture define the region.

Join us as we visit sights that really bring history to life. Explore the wine cellars of Canelli and descend beneath Alba to the Roman city below. Take a tour of the local food; learning how to make pamissa; sampling traditional Gramolino cake in the 15th century castle at Galliate; and tasting the region’s famous white truffles in Alba. Travelling alongside your expert guide, enjoy a Christmas that combines the top archaeological sites with the best of Piedmont’s local food and wine.

Prof. Valerie Higgins is Associate Professor at The American University of Rome where she teaches archaeology.

Rosetta Ferrari has a great interest in food and culture and is a member of the exclusive Italian Society of Cheese Tasters!

itinerary day one

We arrive in Milan, and stop at Galliate, en route to Turin. We are welcomed to Piedmont with a slice of Gramolino cake inside an impressive 15th century castle.

day two

During our first morning we view the city from the iconic Mole Antonelliana tower. Back on the ground, we enjoy a splendid tour along Turin’s avenues and piazzas. We also visit the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s most important assemblages of Egyptian material. We enjoy a performance at the Teatro Regio tonight.

day three

Driving out of the city, we travel through the hills to Canelli, and the famous cellars of Asti Spumante. As well as being an attractive medieval and later town, Alba is the home of the innovative ‘Hidden City’ museum - a series of excavated and preserved sites beneath the city’s streets…

day four | christmas eve

We travel to the rice fields at Lucedio, and visit the Abbey of Santa Maria di Lucedio – a magical site, rising from the low-lying mists of surrounding rice fields. We learn how to make ‘pamissa’, the local rice dish, which we enjoy at lunch. Send some free time Christmas Eve shopping this afternoon in Turin.

We reunite tonight to toast in Christmas with a delicious Aperitivo Torinese in the elegant Piazza San Carlo.

day five | christmas day

We enjoy a leisurely start to Christmas Day - warming up with a glass of Bicerin – a delicious chocolate drink. Afterwards, we pay a visit to the Porta Palatina, and its archaeological park, which incorporates the original gateway of Julia Augusta Taurinorum. After Christmas lunch, those who wish to can visit the Basilica of Superga - the burial place of the royal family of Savoy.

what’s included

day six | boxing day

We begin with a drive to Lago Orta, which allows us to cross to the Isola San Giulio. The frescoed interior is striking and still has its carved Romanesque pulpit. We are joined by a wine expert who will lead us in a tasting of the regions best local food and wine. We stop en route back to Turin at an 11th century frescoed cellar in San Sileno. We enjoy a special dinner on our final night.

day seven

On our final morning, we learn the secrets of the beans behind the classic Italian espresso before stopping for lunch at a wonderful local restaurant near the 11th century Abbey of San Nazzaro Val Sesia. It is a superb example of a 15th century Lombardo Gothic church. We return home today.

Wed 21st Dec - Tue 27th Dec with Prof. Valerie Higgins & Rosetta Ferrari £2495 (£2265 w/out flights | £275 sgl supp)

• Return Flights - London to Milan • Hotels - 6 nights in a charming hotel located in the very heart of Turin • Meals - All meals included - dinners with wine • Expert Guide Lecturer & Tour Manager • Local Travel - Private a/c coach • Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in programme; tips included • Field Notes

Left: Lago Orta, a small northern Italian lake next to mighty Lago Maggiore Above Left: The rolling hills of Piedmont, covered in vineyards; Above Right: Traditional shop andante travels - expert-led holidays all over the ancient world call 01722 713800

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thessaloniki at christmas

Thu 22nd Dec - Wed 28th Dec

with Dr Christina Hatzimichael Whitley

ÂŁ2250 with flights

Special Access...

Enjoy a traditional Greek Christmas morning. The day begins at the Church of Agios Dimitrios, where we attend Christmas Vespers. Despite experiencing extensive damage during a devastating fire in 1917, five 8th century mosaics survive here, spanning the church’s altar.

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introduction Founded in 315 BC, Thessaloniki is a city whose historical importance and legacy can be said to rival that of Athens. The

Dr Christina Hatzimichael Whitley is Tutor in Greek Archaeology at the Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning. She specialises in Minoan Crete, and is codirector of the Praisos excavation Project in Crete. She is Greek, but lives with her family in Cardiff.

streets of Thessaloniki are rich in the monuments of this illustrious past; the palace and mausoleum of Emperor Galerius, Byzantine walls, ancient Orthodox churches, and Ottoman mosques.

Thessaloniki is home to numerous churches and mighty city walls from the Byzantine period. We venture beyond the city walls to picturesque ancient Dion and the Enipeas Ravine, at the foot of Mount Olympus. Thessaloniki is transformed into a magical Christmas city between December and January... a huge Christmas park welcomes young and old alike; and there are giant hollow snowballs, shadow plays, and a lovely outdoor Christmas market to keep you feeling festive.

itinerary day one

We arrive in Thessaloniki this afternoon, and walk to the White Tower on the city’s waterfront. The tower has long been viewed as the symbol of the city.

day two

We visit the Archaeological Museum and Museum of Byzantine Culture this morning. We continue to Agia Sofia and visit the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, and remains of the imperial palace. We stop for an afternoon coffee and traditional Christmas sweets, before exploring the city’s wide array of Xmas decorations – including sailing-ship Christmas trees.

day three | christmas eve

We drive to Pella, which was only discovered in the 1950s. The birthplace of both Philip II and Alexander the Great is renowned for its exceptional mosaics made from carefully-selected natural pebbles. After a brief stop in Giannitsa, we continue to the original capital,

Verghina, where the ‘great tumulus’ mounds are believed by some to contain the remains of the great Macedonian kings. The painted tombs are remarkable, along with the equally beautiful gold and precious grave goods, displayed in the site museum.

day four | christmas day

We take in Christmas Vespers at the Church of Agios Dimitrios. The enormous 5th-century structure was built to honour Thessaloniki’s patron saint, Dimitrios, who was killed under orders of the infamous persecutor of Christians, Emperor Galerius. We also visit the churches of Acheiropiitos and Agia Sophia. After a traditional Christmas lunch we go out into the city, and enjoy a walk through the festive markets.

oldest Jewish communities in Macedonia and we visit the synagogue and the parish church. We return to Thessaloniki and walk the city walls, stopping at the Ataturk Museum.

day six

Drive out to ancient Dion, seated on the borders of Thessaly at the foot of Mount Olympus. This was the site of an important temple dedicated to Zeus and has been extensively excavated. We shall take a short walk in the Enipeas Ravine, a beautiful forested valley where one can easily imagine the Greek gods lounging among the waterfalls and pools...

day seven

Free time in Thessaloniki this morning before we return home.

day five | boxing day

We drive to Veria, a typical town whose mix of Christian, Jewish and Ottoman monuments reflect the turbulent past of the region. Veria was home to one of the

what’s included

Left: Rotunda of Emperor Galerius, 4th century AD Above Left: The Byzantine walls of Thessaloniki; Above Right: Ancient ruins at Dion

Thu 22nd Dec - Wed 28th Dec with Dr Christina Hatzimichael Whitley £2250 (£1900 w/out flights | £290 sgl supp)

• Return Flights - London to Thessaloniki • Hotels - 6 nights in a luxury hotel,

overlooking the endless sea of the Thermaikos Gulf • Meals - All meals included - dinners with wine • Expert Guide Lecturer & Tour Manager • Local Travel - Private a/c coach • Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in programme; tips included • Field Notes

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barcelona at new year

28th Dec 2016 - 2nd Jan 2017 with Fernando López Sánchez

£2295 with flights

Special Access...

Enjoy a tour that perfectly blends archaeology with Christmas celebration. See in the New Year in style, with the Magic Fountain of Montjuic New Year’s Light Show and fireworks on New Year’s Eve - and a New Year’s Day Cirque du Soleil performance...

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introduction Barcelona sits at the heart of Catalonian culture, and possesses

a captivating mix of ancient and modern, from ancient Greek archaeology through to modern art and architecture. Our tour examines the rich heritage that Barcelona and the surrounding area have to offer… set against the backdrop of the New Year festivities.

The city’s origins date back to the Roman occupation in the 1st century BC; but the region is also home to well preserved archaeological sites from a range of other cultures, including the Phoenicians and Iberians. From a more modern perspective the architecture of Antoni Gaudi is impossible to miss, spread throughout Barcelona.

Fernando López Sánchez is an award-winning researcher who studied history at the University of Zaragoza and conducted post-doctoral research at Oxford University.

Fernando is particularly interested in the Roman Republic and its Empire.

itinerary day one

We arrive in Barcelona. We spend our first afternoon exploring the historic centre on foot. It is rich in Medieval architecture, with many Gothic churches and buildings across the city.

day two

This morning we travel out of the city to the ruins of Empúries. The history of this settlement spans over 2,500 years. The museum of Empúries features artefacts collected from the site and provides a good history of settlement across time.

After lunch we head to Ullastret where we explore an Iberian settlement that dates back to the 7th century BC.

day three

Today we head to Calafell, a town with an interesting history just waiting to be explored. We travel on to Tarragona to explore the rich Roman history of the town, visiting the amphitheatre, circus, and aqueduct. On our way back to Barcelona, we stop to admire the Arch

of Bera, an honorific arch dedicated to Lucius Lucinius, and the Tower of Scipios, an ancient tomb.

day four | new year’s eve

This morning, we visit the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia and explore its rich collection of artefacts, before heading over to Barcelona Cathedral to explore the cloisters. This afternoon we visit the Museu d’Història, which houses an enormous and ever-growing collection of artefacts from Spanish history. We also visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. This evening we enjoy a New Year’s gala dinner. Afterwards, we hope you will join us to take in the Magic Fountain of Montjuic New Year’s Light Show - welcoming the New Year with a display of fireworks.

construction. The temple consumed Gaudi’s final years and is funded solely by public donations – it is estimated to be completed sometime in the 21st century.

We visit Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Família, a small traditional Christmas market held at Sagrada Familia church, before pausing for lunch. This afternoon we enjoy a visit to one of Gaudi’s other masterpieces: La Pedrera, a modernist building and UNESCO world heritage site. We end the day with a spectacular viewing of Cirque du Soleil.

day six

We spend our last morning at the Caixa Forum art gallery. The gallery is housed in an old textile factory, highlighting the industrial heritage of the city. We return home this afternoon.

day five | new year’s day

Today we take a walk through the gardens of the temple of Sagrada Família. Designed by Gaudi in the early 20th century, it is still under

what’s included

Left: Roman amphitheater and Mediterranean Sea at sunset in Tarragona Above Left: interior from Barcelona Cathedral; Above Right: Park Guell in Barcelona

28th Dec 2016 - 2nd Jan 2017 with Fernando López Sánchez £2295 (£2045 w/out flights | £295 sgl supp)

• Return Flights - London to Barcelona • Hotels - 5 nights in a grand dame building

made up of canal houses dating back to the 17th century • Meals - All meals included - dinners with wine • Expert Guide Lecturer & Tour Manager • Local Travel - Private a/c coach • Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in programme; tips included • Field Notes

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venice at new year

28th Dec 2016 - 3rd Jan 2017 with Dr Eireann Marshall

£2945 with flights

Special Access...

Receive a private evening visit to the greatest Byzantine church in the west, St. Mark’s Basilica. The Italo-Byzantine architecture is incredible. You also have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Doge during a special secret tour of the Doge’s Palace...

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introduction At the head of the Adriatic, floating on the ephemeral islets of the lagoon, is the city of Venice. We explore both the great churches,

palaces, and museums, and the lesser-known archaeological remains, still being uncovered. We visit the islands of Torcello and Murano, where underwater investigation and excavation has revealed much about the trade that underpinned Venice’s rise to greatness.

This is a very privileged view of the city. We have special access to the iconic Doge’s palace, where we visit the cells and historic offices of state. We explore the once-mighty republic on foot and by boat. Our tour culminates with a private evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica - a chance to view the gilded Chapel of the Venetian Patriarchs in splendid isolation, after the crowds have departed.

Dr Eireann Marshall is a Research Associate and Associate Lecturer with the Open University and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter.

Eireann has led many tours to Italy for Andante. She is bilingual in English and Italian.

itinerary day one

We arrive in Venice. Our first visit is to the fascinating ruins of Altinum.

day two

We take a vaporetto across the lagoon to Torcello and visit the extraordinary 7th century cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. We continue to the Archaeological Museum. This afternoon, we board ship to visit the Medieval island of Murano, home of the Venetian glass trade. We end the day with a boat trip along the Grand Canal. Tonight, we have a private drinks reception, tour and lecture at the 14th century Church of the Madonna dell’Orto.

day three

We enjoy a day at the heart of power of the Venetian Republic at the Doge’s Palace - home of Venetian political power since the 14th century. We see both the palace and enjoy special access in the labyrinthine offices of the bureaucrats and the cramped cells of the prisoners –

including that of Casanova, who escaped his ‘inescapable’ cell in 1757. We continue to the Archaeological Museum and the Correr Museum, which charts the story of Venice as an imperial trading centre.

day four | new year’s eve

We explore the power and art of the Church in Venice. We begin at the astonishing Basilica of St Mark, nicknamed the ‘Church of Gold’ for its truly opulent interior - which we will view during our special private visit on our last day. We continue to the churches of the religious orders at the Frari and SS Giovanni e Paolo. We end the day at the parish churches open to a crosssection of Venetian society: architectural gems like Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the frescoed church of San Zan Degola.

Tonight, we enjoy an extravagant gala dinner, before heading out to watch New Year fireworks light up the sky around St Mark’s Square!

what’s included

day five | new year’s day

We tour the city, considering its principal bridges, including the Rialto - the oldest and most iconic in the city. We also explore Castello, home to vast, historic naval dockyards. We end the day at the former Cathedral of the city – San Pietro di Castello.

day six

On our final day in Venice, we venture to one of Europe’s earliest industrial sites, the mighty Arsenal. The history of this site is displayed at the Naval Museum.

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore. After a final dinner, we enjoy private access to St Mark’s Basilica, with views of the crypt, sacristy, and treasury.

day seven

We return home.

28th Dec 2016 - 2nd Jan 2017 with Dr Eireann Marshall £2945 (£2845 w/out flights | £480 sgl supp)

• Return Flights - London to Venice • Hotels - 6 nights in a very comfortable 4*

hotel in the heart of historic Venice • Meals - All meals included - dinners with wine • Expert Guide Lecturer & Tour Manager • Local Travel - Private a/c coach • Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in programme; tips included • Field Notes Left: The Cupola of St. Marks, Venice Above Left: Fireworks over the canals of Venice; Above Right: The Arsenal of Venice andante travels - expert-led holidays all over the ancient world call 01722 713800

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festive food in bologna

29th Dec - 5th Jan 2017

with Tony O’Connor & Rosetta Ferrari

£2575 with flights

Special Access...

Discover Italy’s “diamond of the kitchen” during a traditional truffle hunt. Food and history really do go hand in hand in Bologna.

Enjoy exclusive visits to traditional balsamic vinegar producers, and sample Panpepato made according to its original Medieval recipe.

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introduction Discover the home of tagliatelle, tortellini, mortadella, ragù, and more. This unique tour will satisfy even the most voracious of appetites

for food and for history! What better time could you find to taste the millennial fruits of culinary evolution than Christmas? The Emilian menu includes some of Italy’s most famous products such as Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, and the luxurious balsamic vinegar – which have been made for over 2000 years.

Led by both a renowned archaeologist and an expert in Italian food, this is an unusual tour for Andante – exploring the combination of the archaeological remains and gastronomic history of Bologna. Along the way we hunt for truffles, visit the city’s eclectic and fascinating museums, and enjoy sumptuous meals that would have satisfied even an Etruscan appetite!

Tony O’Connor is a specialist in the Roman Empire. He is deeply interested in the study of Roman coinage.

Rosetta Ferrari has a great interest in food and culture and is a member of the exclusive Italian Society of Cheese Tasters!

itinerary day one

We arrive in Bologna. Our tour begins with a cookery demonstration of the city’s famous dish: tagliatelle al ragú.

day two

We venture into the Medieval streets of Bologna - the day begins at the Archaeological Museum and walk through the old city markets on our way to lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our exploration of Bologna with a visit to the basilica of Santo Stefano.

day three | new year’s eve

We explore Ferrara and sample delicious Panpepato, cake first produced by local nuns some years ago. We stop at the Medieval Este Castle, in the centre of Ferrara, and the cathedral. We walk through the historic heart of Ferrara to the Archaeological Museum. We also stop at the Palazzo Schifanoia to view the Salone dei Mesi and its renowned 15th century frescoes.

day four | new year’s day

We enjoy a leisurely morning before stopping for lunch on the way to Parma, where we visit the impressive Baptistery and Duomo this afternoon.

This is an important Italian Romanesque cathedral, decorated by the highly influential Renaissance painter Antonio da Correggio.

day five

We have an early start to see ParmigianoReggiano being made at an artisan factory. We will have the chance to taste the renowned regional cheese before making our way to a local winery to discover the home and tradition of the real Lambrusco.

day six

We start the day with a typical truffle hunt in the woods with a local expert - with any luck we will find an elusive truffle or two to eat for lunch! We explore the Etruscan cemetery, capitol, and urban area in Marzabotto. We continue to the excavated site, visiting the extra

what’s included

Left: Ferrara (Emilia-Romagna, Italy): interior of the medieval cathedral Above Left: Traditional bread sticks; Above Right: Piazza Grande in Modena

mural cemetery, capitol, and urban area with shops and temples.

day seven

We visit Modena, stopping at the Piazza Grande. The magnificent 12th century cathedral was the work of two great artists, Lanfranco and Wiligelmus, and is a supreme example of early Romanesque art. After lunch, we visit a family run production of traditional balsamic vinegar... and sample some ourselves.

day eight

Before returning home, we ascend the leaning Asinelli Tower. The tower slants at just 4 degrees less than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and stands at more than 97 metres high. It is the tallest tower in Italy, offering the best view of the red city.

29th Dec - 5th Jan 2017 with Tony O’Connor & Rosetta Ferrari £2575 (£2025 w/out flights | £205 sgl supp)

• Flights - London to

Bologna; Venice to London • Hotels - 7 nights in a very comfortable hotel in the historic centre of Bologna • Meals - All meals included - dinners with wine • Expert Guide Lecturer & Tour Manager • Local Travel - Private a/c coach • Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in programme; tips included • Field Notes

andante travels - expert-led holidays all over the ancient world call 01722 713800

- tours@andantetravels.com - www.andantetravels.com

17

early departures in 2017 Book your tour in early 2017 now to avoid disappointment! You have until June 17th to book with a fully refundable deposit of £300...

“W

hat did I enjoy most? I think the answer may be obvious — all of it. Thank you. Wonderful tour.”

Guest - Pompeii & Herculaneum

CAMBODIA & LAOS Discover the ideal balance of forbidden cities, deep forests, and

colonial grandeur in Cambodia, home of the vast and magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat. We are very privileged to have secured a special guided visit with David Brotherson. Laos is the perfect tour companion to Cambodia. Rolling mountains, remote villages, and saffron-robed monks await you, but there’s so much more to see. Discover authentic Asia at its best; and enjoy an unforgettable adventure in one incomparable itinerary, beginning in Laos and continuing in Cambodia...

14th - 28th February | David Brotherson | second departure in November 2017

GUATEMALA, BELIZE & HONDURAS Uncover intricate details of the lives, politics, religious rituals

and wars of the all-powerful Maya aristocracy. A vivid picture has emerged of competitive city-states headed by aggressive dynasts... with blood-letting and human sacrifice at the centre of their religious practice. Much of Guatemala and Belize is still covered in jungle as it would have been in most of the ancient Maya period, making it easier to imagine the lives of these people, and making our journey an adventure as we dine with the roar of the howler monkeys and pick our way through dense vegetation, with brilliant macaws in the branches above...

14th - 28th February | David Drew

POMPEII, HERCULANEUM & CLASSICAL CAMPANIA Nowhere in the world could give a deeper insight into Roman life than the dramatic seaside towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Before the eruption of Vesuvius these were thriving, lively towns - but that came to an abrupt halt, one August day in AD 79. Vesuvius, having slumbered for at least two centuries, erupted with cataclysmic force.

Two thousand years later, the sites of the Bay of Naples confront the modern visitor with vivid, haunting immediacy like nothing else in the ancient world. Lose yourself in the past, walking the ancient streets in the footsteps of gladiators, slaves, senators and citizens...

6th - 13th March | Dr Eireann Marshall | further departures throughout 2017

andante travels - expert-led holidays all over the ancient world 18

call 01722 713800 -

tours@andantetravels.com - www.andantetravels.com

CRETE & SANTORINI

Knossos and all of the Minoan sites we visit have their own unique and characteristic charm and elegance, demonstrated

in a lively and free artistic expression, and an obvious delight in realistic decoration. Discover the beautiful, tiny island of Santorini, ‘Pompeii of the Aegean’, buried suddenly during the cataclysmic eruption of Thera - which signalled the ‘beginning of the end’ of Minoan civilization. In Crete we continue to trace the story of the Minoans, whose writing, organization and ambition had a profound influence on the development of ancient Greece, and thus the western world.

14th - 21st March | Sandy MacGillivray | further departures throughout 2017

NICARAGUA & COSTA RICA

Turquoise seas, magnificent Maya ruins, stratovolcanoes and heavenly cloud forests... Central America is an epicentre of

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discovery. A tapestry of cultures have left their mark on this fascinating land. Join us as we travel across three exciting regions. In Central America’s most underrated country, El Salvador, we find coffee plantations clinging to volcanoes, colourful Spanish colonial towns, and sublime national parks. In Nicaragua we are greeted by colonial architecture, and pristine forests that are at worst breathtaking. Finally, in Costa Rica we discover ancient pre-Columbian sites set on the jungle-rich slopes.

13th - 29th March | Dr Nicholas James

ANCIENT WONDERS OF SICILY

Let us introduce you to Sicily: seductively beautiful and perfectly placed in the heart of the Mediterranean. Discover an

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epicentre of philosophy, art and learning; and the prize of countless cultures, including the Phoenicians, Romans and Greeks. The island is home to wonderfully-preserved Greek temples, Roman villas and Norman cathedrals - many filled with glorious mosaics. Its sea, volcano and mountain scenery once formed the backdrop of many ancient battles; the city of Piazza Armerina boasts a plethora of monuments that tell of its glorious past.

15th - 22nd March | Dr Denise Allen | second departure in September 2017

for further advice, information and to book...

All of the tours on these pages have proved extremely popular, and as such may book up quickly. All tours subject to availability. For more information, please call, email, or visit our website to speak to our friendly customer service team.

01722 713800

tours@andantetravels.com USA: 1-888-331-3476 Australia: 02 9191 2623

andante travels - expert-led holidays all over the ancient world call 01722 713800

- tours@andantetravels.com - www.andantetravels.com

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STUDY DAYS Behind the Scenes with the Experts...

Prices f as litt rom le as pp

£85

Andante Study Days offer a privileged opportunity to go behind the scenes at Britain’s finest museums

and galleries. Handle ancient objects, discover how finds are excavated and conserved, and walk the ancient landscapes of Britain. Our Study Days are led by specialists, who invite you into their working lives and share exclusive access while they do so. You don’t need prior knowledge to enjoy these days - just bring along an enquiring mind!

privileged access | expert guide | good food and good company!

Vikings Raiders and Traders Discover an amazing Viking heritage on foot in Norwich £115pp | Oct 2016

Daily Life in Iron Age and Roman Britain Experimental archaeology at Butser Ancient Farm £120pp | Jul 2016

Roman Army in Caerleon Discover the ramparts, barracks, amphitheatre, and baths of Roman Wales £115pp | Oct 2016

Maritime Portsmouth Discover Britain’s naval glories led by international expert, Dr Ian Friel £130pp | Aug - Sep 2016

Nefertiti - Manchester Uncover the story of the beautiful and mysterious Egyptian Queen £115pp | Oct 2016

Roman St Albans Special access to documents & artefacts in the Mortimer Wheeler archive £115pp | Jul & Sep 2016

Ashmolean Museum Glories of Istanbul Greeks in Sicily Ancient Cyprus Check website for dates|£145pp

Wessex Walk Neolithic Stone Circles Uffington Walk Mysteries of the White Horse £85pp | July & Aug 2016

“T Stonehenge Enjoy a unique and privileged visit inside the Stonehenge Circle £145pp | Throughout 2016

Flinders Petrie Behind the scenes at one of the UK’s foremost Ancient Egyptian Museums £140pp | Jun - Oct 2016

his really was a case of privileged access - we had the undiluted attention of experts who spoke with so much energy and enthusiasm about their work.”

Ice Age Art at Creswell Crags See Britain’s only proven example of Ice Age art £150pp | Jun & Aug 2016

Call 01722 713800 for more details or visit www.andantetravels.com andante travels - the clock tower, 4 oakridge office park, southampton road, whaddon, salisbury, sp5 3ht Call 01722 713800 -

tours@andantetravels.com - www.andantetravels.com