Medieval to
Modern History

Travel with the ABR, Australia's leading arts and literary review magazine, and relish in the extraordinary art, architecture and history of Germany and the Netherlands, and attend performances at world-class venues in congenial company.

An alternative to the crowded, cliched Rhine cruise, this itinerary gives you the time to properly explore elegant riverine cities from Strasbourg to Aachen, enjoy their wealth of art and understand their complex history.

Experience the wealth of art on show at Art Basel, one of the world’s premiere art fairs, and enjoy the beauty, history and art of Alsace and the Black Forest.

Take an in-depth look at one of Europe’s most cultured and dynamic capitals, and explore nearby Leipzig and Dresden.

From Franz Liszt and Hungarian folk music to the phenomenal vocal soloists and choirs of Latvia, explore the landscape, traditions and music from Central Europe to the Baltic.

Explore the art, architecture and gastronomy of France, from the birth of the Romanesque at Autun and Cluny, to the drama of modern art on the French Riviera.

Experience New York in its festive brilliance, seeing the best shows of the season, visiting great small galleries and capping it all off with New Year’s Eve in the city that never sleeps.

Go beyond Fidel Castro and Che Guevara to explore Cuba’s rich Afro-Caribbean culture, expressed in music, literature and architecture, and forged through the crucible of colonial and revolutionary history.

Uncover the Nile’s vital role in shaping Egyptian history from Lake Nasser, Luxor and Cairo’s pharaohs, to the river delta at Alexandria.

Deepen your knowledge of the extraordinary masterpieces and masterminds of Renaissance Florence, and discover new collections showcasing the city’s more recent history.

Follow the life and works of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the greatest all-time geniuses of architecture, on a trail through America’s Midwest.

French monasteries, Shaker villages, red barns, covered bridges and colonial towns: see the timeless beauty of New England and Quebec ablaze in autumn colour.

Enjoy the fascinating history, art and culture of Italy, from the Romans to the Renaissance and beyond, with special meals and private visits not available on most tours.

Travel through the Moorish kingdoms of Andalusia, explore imperial Madrid and be energised by modernista Barcelona.

From Alexander and Darius to the caravan cities of the Silk Road: discover the enduring legacy of Persia and its empires.

Ancient, eternal and exotic, discover the world-famous sites, extraordinary histories and ongoing fascination of two nations whose origins can be traced to the birth of civilization.

Take time out to explore one of the great cities of world history, a place of diverse and extraordinary history, art and architecture.

Unpack the many layers of tradition, history and culture that have fascinated generations of visitors to this once-isolated nation.

Enjoy the unique combination of art, design and nature in Italy’s north, from Renaissance villas to extraordinary baroque gardens and stunning alpine scenery.

Enjoy extended stays in London and Paris at the height of the cultural season, with galleries, opera houses and concert halls all at their winter best.

A luxurious way to sample over 4,000 years of history, art and architecture on these islands, crossroads of the Mediterranean.

Journey beyond the kasbahs to discover Morocco’s rich architectural heritage, fascinating history, vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes and unique gastronomy.

Discover Russia’s culture and art through its rich and tumultuous history, from the medieval Kievan Rus to the tsars and Perestroika.

Swap the Australian summer for the charm and the chill of these exceptional cities, visiting during the Christmas festival season, when the locals get out and enjoy life.

The Big Apple: a global powerhouse of finance, ideas, culture and art. Understand this iconic city of the modern era as never before.

Understand fashion and design from its earliest beginnings to the modern day, with fine dining and high culture, in the inimitable New York City.

Extend your knowledge of the Iberian Peninsula, visiting medieval and modern sites, and exploring Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

A detailed exploration of Paris’ rich history and extraordinary artistic legacy, taking you well beyond the city of tourists.

An in-depth look at the remarkable cultural heritage of Europe’s Atlantic-facing nation, a beguiling mix of history, seafaring and great natural beauty.

Take the road less travelled through southern Italy – brimming with ancient and medieval sites and outstanding natural scenery.

An in-depth look at the layers of Roman history, art and architecture for the independent-minded traveller.

From the Bronze Age to Napoleon, these less-visited islands of the Western Mediterranean combine ancient cultures, dramatic history and breathtaking scenery.

Explore Scandinavia’s history, from the voyages of the Vikings to contemporary Nordic design, and experience Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes and pristine coastlines.

Experience one of the world’s final travel frontiers, from its awe-inspiring landscapes and unique wildlife to a cultural kaleidoscope of indigenous peoples and exiled dissidents.

From Greek temples to medieval mosaics, Sicily showcases more than 3,000 years of Mediterranean civilisation, all set amid active volcanoes and glorious coastlines.

Travel the Baltic by ferry and train, exploring the mix of Nordic, German and Russian influences that have forged a unique cultural identity expressed in art, architecture, music and design.

Travel in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims and merchants from the shores of Lake Geneva, across the Alps and on to the gates of Rome.

An overlooked jewel among Asia’s diverse destinations, with a thriving arts scene, a visible and vibrant traditional culture with cosmopolitan influences from Europe, Japan and mainland China.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in New York – a time for food, reflection and good company – while experiencing the very best this iconic city has to offer.

Experience the world’s largest contemporary art biennale and enjoy the best of international cinema on this 9-day tour to Venice.

Take the road less travelled to some of Italy’s most beautiful and historic medieval towns, and enjoy a wealth of ancient sites, Renaissance art, superb regional food and wine and living artisanal traditions.

Unpack your bags and explore the history, art and architecture of the city that ruled the Mediterranean for more than 1,000 years. Timed to avoid the crowds.

Explore the city that ruled central Europe for 500 years, a mecca for musicians, artists, architects and intellectuals and still a vibrant cultural centre, European but with a distinctly oriental feel.

Explore the broader Habsburg world, linking the Germanic north to the Slavic and Italian south, a crossroads where cultures intermingle and great empires rose and fell.