Holidays of Culture for the Discerning Traveller.

Who says holidays have to be just sun, sand and romance? Great as these features are there is a growing trend among an ever more travelled society to search beyond this experience, to discover the real secrets and treasures of lands both near and far.


The world is literally dripping with precious ingots of culture, of history and of music.

A growing trend in tourism is emerging with small select groups of like minded folks gathering together to discover more about their passions and hobbies.

Travelling as an independent group or even as part of a group affords several benefits with affordability, being one of the more attractive.

Did you know for example, that there is symphony of different cultural music festivals taking place throughout Europe all year round, which maybe, for the first time, is an indulgence easily and affordably taken by those in the know?

Whether you prefer to experience these cultural events independently or as part of an escorted group I have identified key players in the travel industry expert in arranging just these types of holiday experiences.

Whether your fancy be a tour of Tuscany and its art and wine, or the great houses and gardens of Ireland, I know quality operators that can bring these experiences to life.

Personally, I am fascinated with the land of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and have my own eye on a fascinating tour to Jordon in November. This tour takes in not only the great treasure that is Petra, but unfolds also the fascinating links to ancient Rome, the Byzantine Empire and the period of Umayad. On the face of it there is nothing particularly special about this, as any number of trustworthy travel operators can carry you here, but combine this with the expert services of a Tour Lecturer, then the tour takes on a special, almost unique, quality, particularly if that lecturer is the popular author Dr Neil Faulkner*, a leading expert on all things Jordanian.

Dr Faulkner leads this 8 day tour on 13th November and it includes his own services, scheduled return flights from Heathrow to Amman, 8 nights dinner bed and breakfast, in 4 star quality properties, all entrance fees and gratuities and the services of a local guide. At a cost of just £1897.00 per person with just a £198.00 single supplement if required, it makes this tour fantastic value indeed.

If you are a group leader, or an individual, interested in horticulture, history, music, opera, or art, I am sure I can find or put together a tour to satisfy your passion.

*Dr Neil Faulkner

Neil Faulkner studied Political Economy at King’s college, Cambridge and turned to Archaeology some years later. He obtained his doctorate at The Institute of Archaeology with a study in late Roman towns. He is a well-known and popular lecturer and has led many tours in Europe and throughout the Middle East. He has led excavations for the Time team and is best known for his longrunning archaeological project at Sedgeford in Norfolk. Neil’s latest book ‘Rome: Empire of the Eagles’ was published in 2008.