Our Journeys || Distant Horizons

The ‘Angelico’ Exhibition and the Early Renaissance in Florence

01 December - 06 December, 2025

This autumn, Florence will host a landmark exhibition titled Angelico, celebrating the life and work of Fra Angelico, a pivotal figure of the early Italian Renaissance. As well as visits to the Angelico exhibition this six day visit, accompanied by Nirvana Romell, offer a journey through early Renaissance art and architecture in Florence. The journey has been organised for Friends of the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell

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Empires of Indochina: Vietnam and Cambodia

14 - 31 January, 2026

Vietnam and Cambodia share rich cultural tapestries, spectacular landscapes, delicious cuisine and some of Asia’s most wonderful art and architecture. This journey has been specially planned for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to the Alumni of Oxford University and their family and friends.

Trip Leader: Ms Miranda Bruce-Mitford

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China: A Ceramics Journey

22 March - 02 April, 2026

Accompanied by Professor Stacey Pierson, travel on a journey through China’s great ceramic centres—Yixing, Jingdezhen, Hangzhou, Longquan and Dehua. The trip has been planned in association with the Alumni of SOAS University, London and is also open to friends and family of Alumni.

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Along the Golden Road from Samarkand. A Journey through Central Asia’

14 - 28 April, 2026

Few landmarks have tantalised the minds of poets, artists and historians more than the legendary cities of Central Asia. The journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to Alumni of Oxford University and their friends and family.

Trip Leader: Professor Charles Melville

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Exploring Romania; Wooden Villages, Painted Churches and Saxon Citadels

29 April - 7 May, 2026

Dr Koller will show that the cultural heritage of the three former principalities of Transylvania, Moldavia and Wallachia that make up the modem state of Romania is composed of elements derived from numerous outside influences. The journey has been planned for the Alumni of Cambridge University and is also open to Alumni of Oxford University and their family and friends.

Trip Leader: Dr Alex Koller

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From Aquileia to Ravenna: Three Lagoons, Politics and Mosaics

2 - 13 May, 2026

From Aquileia to Ravenna, the journey tracks the rise and spread of Christianity and corresponding changes in iconography, dogmatic disputes and changing of powers – from Rome, Lombards and Byzantines to Franks and Venetians. The journey has been planned for the Alumni of Cambridge University and is also open to Alumni of Oxford University and their family and friends.

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell

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Exploring China: Land of the Dragon. Past Present and Future

3 - 20 September, 2026

Travel with China scholar, Dr Desmond Cheung, through an itinerary that encompasses many of the most impressive experiences of China. The journey has been planned for the Alumni of SOAS University, London and also the Alumni of Cambridge University. It is also open to Alumni of Oxford University and family and friends of Alumni.

Trip Leader: Dr Desmond Cheung

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Along the Golden Road from Samarkand. A Journey through Central Asia’

18 September - 2 October, 2026

Few landmarks have tantalised the minds of poets, artists and historians more than the legendary cities of Central Asia. The journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University and SOAS University, London but is also open to Alumni of Oxford University and friends and family of Alumni.

Trip Leader: Ms Chiara De Nicolais

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Pathways of the Gods: Walks on the Amalfi Coast

21 - 30 September 2026

As well as being one of Europe's most breath-taking and beautiful regions, the Amalfi coast is an area of outstanding cultural and historical interest. For many this is a walker’s paradise. The journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to Alumni of Oxford University family and friends.

Trip Leader: Ms Lucia Ferrara

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‘Across the Bridge of Dreams: The History and Culture of Japan’

5 - 19 October, 2026

Examine the fascinating art, culture and history of Japan, from its beginnings during the Nara period, through the rise and fall of the Shoguns into an era of modernisation and economic power. The journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University and is also open the Alumni of Oxford University and family and friends.

Trip Leader: Professor Simon Kaner

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Ancient Routes of the Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia

6 - 20 October, 2026

From the legend of the Golden Fleece to the stories of ancient Ararat; Georgia, and Armenia, share turbulent histories, extraordinary cultural traditions and quite beautiful landscapes. The journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to Oxford University Alumni and family and friends of Alumni.

Trip Leader: Dr Alex Koller

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The Hidden Corners of Tibet. Walks in the Ancient Kingdoms of Kham, Amdo and Ü-Tsang

11 October - 3 November, 2026

This is a unique journey through the three states of the Tibetan world, Amdo, Kham and Ü-Tsang – each with its own cultural and linguistic traditions. Some sites, which are just opening up to international visitors, can only be reached on foot and therefore a number of moderate walks (up to 6 hours) have been arranged. TThe journey has been planned for the Alumni of SOAS University, London and also the Alumni of Cambridge University. It is also open to Alumni of Oxford University and family and friends of Alumni.

Trip Leader: Professor Charles Ramble

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Exploring Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon

13 - 28 October, 2026

Isolated by formidable mountain barriers, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a beautiful land of strange legends, ancient monastery fortresses and a strong cultural identity. This itinerary is designed to explore the much less visited eastern region of the country. The journey has been planned for the Alumni of Cambridge University and is also open to Alumni of Oxford University and their family and friends.

Trip Leader: Mrs Zara Fleming

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