Blog
Academic travel articles, written by our expert tour leaders.
VIEW BY TOUR LEADER
- Academy Travel 13
- Ben Churcher 1
- Bernadette Drabsch 1
- Chris Carter 3
- Christopher Bradley 1
- Deborah Trentham 1
- Eireann Marshall 1
- Garth Gilmour 1
- Jeni Ryde 2
- Kate Bolton-Porciatti 1
- Michael Adcock 1
- Mike Turner 1
- Mindy MacLeod 1
- Neil Moore 2
- Peter McNeil 2
- Robert Veel 1
- Sophie Oosterwijk 1
- Stephen Wilkinson 1
- Stuart Barrie 1
10 great ways to experience Lisbon
Tour leader, linguist and art history specialist Dr Jeni Ryde takes you through one of her favourite destinations – Portugal’s coastal capital city of Lisbon. Situated on seven hills at the wide mouth of the river Tagus (Tejo), where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon enchants travellers with its white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways, and brightly coloured yellow trams.
What is the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair?
Darwin hosts two very important cultural events in the same week: the largest and most important annual event for Indigenous Australian art, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF); and Couture to Country, the leading space to highlight the rise of Indigenous fashion and textile design. It is a unique opportunity for over 1,500 artists from more than 70 Indigenous owned Art Centres to showcase
Modernism on the Côte d'Azur
Ah, the French Riviera! An enviable sun-soaked stretch of coastline renowned for its sensational beauty, glorious white sand beaches and alluring glamour – this adult playground was the ultimate resort of the first half of the 20th century. But did you know that it’s also a Modernist art lover’s dream destination… Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, and dozens of other famous 20th-century artists vacationed, lived, and created
The Alhambra of Granada
Granada is southern Spain’s precious jewel, and for much of the Middle Ages it dangled – like the glowing pomegranate for which it is named – temptingly before the eyes of the Christian conquistadors, who hoped to recapture it from the Muslim dynasties that ruled the city from 711. While the Almohads, who reigned until 1228, were known for their orthodoxy and sometimes repressive regime, the Nasrids
Highlights of Chianti
Stretching between Florence and Siena, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, is the romantic Chianti region – well known for its rolling green hills dotted with vineyards, terra-cotta-roofed towns and wine-soaked dinners. And while the copious amounts of red wine are well worth the visit, there is plenty more on offer for the cultural traveller amid Chianti’s winding roads and rolling hills.
Naples
Venice has its gondolas, Florence has Michelangelo’s David, Rome has the Colosseum and Naples…er, pizza? Despite 3,000 years of history, fine architecture, one of Europe’s greatest art museums, mouth-watering food and a vibrant local culture, many visitors to Italy are put off by Naples’ enigmatic reputation. But Naples is a nuanced and complex city that doesn’t give up its secrets easily
Top 5 Cultural Experiences in Rome
The most extraordinary thing about Rome is its sheer longevity. More than any other city, it has been a centre of the world since it developed an empire, which ruled over a third of the world’s population. The vast range of historic sites, stretching from Etruscan pre-history to the 21st century, creates a destination of unique character, with an unrivalled sense of historical continuity between ancient and modern society.
The Hidden Treasures of Green Spain
Northern Spain, also known as "Green” Spain, is a region that boasts a distinct culture and history from the rest of Spain. Nestled along the pristine Bay of Biscay, this enchanting region spans the length of the French border to the Atlantic and is comprised of the autonomous regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. With its oceanic climate and lush greenery, it feels like a country apart.
La Foce
The estate of La Foce, located in the heart of Tuscany, is a beautiful testament to the creativity and passion of its creator, the British-born writer and historian, Iris Origo. Iris created La Foce as a refuge from the pressures of her busy life, and today it remains a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tuscany, where visitors can experience what is now considered one of Italy’s most beautiful private gardens.
Alexander Mcqueen at the NGV
‘Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse’ is the latest sparkling fashion blockbuster at The National Gallery of Victoria. A collaboration between the NGV and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), it is a striking example of a value-adding fashion and art exhibition, as it combines fashion with a wide range of paintings, textiles, sculptures, porcelain and even furniture, including many masterpiece-gems
Listen to ‘The Thinking Traveller’
Catch up on the latest episodes on our podcast - The Thinking Traveller - a series that draws on the passions, expertise and interests of Academy Travel's academic tour leaders, to bring a wealth of additional knowledge to your travels, one topic at a time.