An in-depth look at Madrid with Mauricio Macarron
Wednesday 13th January 2010
Those who travel regularly with us know the importance which we attach to providing top class guides and lecturers. Mauricio Macarron, a resident of Madrid, continues to attract the highest praise from all our groups who visit the city due to his encyclopaedic knowledge and his ability to communicate with enthusiasm and flair.
Several of you have expressed an interest in returning to Madrid in order to explore sights not covered first time around, and with this in mind Mauricio has helped us put together a few suggestions for alternative visits. Such a tour would appeal to those who already have some knowledge of the city but who would like a more in-depth look in the company of someone who knows it intimately. Four small museums immediately come into the reckoning - the Sorolla, the Cerralbo, the Lazaro Galdiano and the Romántico. These are all intimate spaces which are often overlooked but where one finds superb collections in exquisite city mansions. A number of churches and convents also offer opportunities for rewarding visits – near the delightful convent of Las Descalzas Reales is the convent of La Encarnación, foundation of Margaret of Austria, spouse of Philip III. Meanwhile the church of San Antonio de la Florida contains wonderful Goya frescoes and the church of San Francisco el Grande, close to the Royal Palace and rarely visited, is arguably the most beautiful in Madrid.
A second visit to Madrid also offers the opportunity to explore further afield. Segovia, La Granja, Aranjuez, Chichon are all possibilities whilst a second visit to the Prado allows a more focused approach to viewing some of the vast collection. For the adventurous, the High Speed Train also provides a link to the south since the city of Cordoba can be reached in around 2 hours.
With flights available from a large number of regional airports Madrid is easily accessible for a short visit. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary and prices.
The Secrets of Florence
Friday 24th April 2009
We all have images of Florence, but beyond the familiar red rooftops, the famous collections of its state museums and the ecclesiastical shrines of its Renaissance heart the city has many other secrets. Join Heritage Group Travel this winter for some glimpses of hidden Florence in the company of a well-connected resident, without the crowds! The tours which we have designed include visits to places which are often overlooked and to which few people have access, making this a truly special opportunity for you and your group.
Please call us for a brochure and an itemised itinerary
Royal Academy Exhibition and a visit to Istanbul
Tuesday 17th February 2009
Many of you have already told us of your visit to the wonderful exhibition at The Royal Academy which traces 1,000 years of the splendours of Byzantium from 330-1453. Some 300 objects are on display, showcasing the artistic output of an Empire throughout its rise and its fall.
It closes on 22 March – so you still have time to go!
Byzantine Constantinople was fabulously wealthy with its legendary hippodrome, palaces and churches and much of this can still be seen in modern day Constantinople (Istanbul) which is European Capital of Culture 2010.
2010 is the perfect time to soak up more of this incredible period of history. The parks and gardens of the old city, the exquisite architecture of the sultans’ Topkapi Palace (housing treasures of the Ottoman Empire), and, of course, the famous Blue Mosque make this a special destination.
Istanbul offers a rich historical and artistic blend of the European and the Asian. The imposing Hagia Sophia, for example, began life as a Byzantine Cathedral, was later used as a mosque, and is now a museum. Other highlights which could be included in a tour are the Church of St Sergius & St Bacchus, Dolmabahçe Palace and the magnificent Mosaic Museum.
Call us for more ideas on a tour Istanbul 2010.
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