Our Journeys || Distant Horizons

The Colours of Romance and Heroism in the Palaces and Paintings of Rajasthan. This trip has been cancelled and will be re-organised for February/March 2023

19 February - 04 March, 2022

Rajasthan is a place of exotic enchantment and of great natural beauty. On this unique itinerary enjoy unparalleled access to some of the region’s great private art collections. This journey is open the Alumni of SOAS Specialist Art Courses.

Trip Leader: Dr Heather Elgood

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Exploring Romania: Walks in the Enchanted Land

1 - 12 June, 2022

Through a series of walks, discover one of Europe’s most beautiful countries with its dazzling collections of cultural and artistic treasures, signs of a medieval past long since lost elsewhere. The journey is open to the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their family and friends.

Trip Leader:

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The Biennale in Venice and the Renaissance in Ferrara; Art’s Past, Present and Future

08 June - 13 June, 2022

Accompanied by History of Art Scholar, Nirvana Romell, spend two days exploring some of the 60 art pavilions of the 59th Venice Biennale and four days in nearby Ferrara, widely considered as Italy's first 'modern' city and one of the culturally most important Italian Renaissance city states. The journey is being organised in conjunction with the Friends of the Whitworth Art Gallery.

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell

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Crossing the Ancient Silk Road: Central Asia and China

17 August - 4 September, 2022

The term Silk Road is a modern one, it was of course not a single route but a vast network of roads stretching from Xi’an to the Eastern Mediterranean, linking India, Europe and the Far East. The journey is open to the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their family and friends.

Trip Leader: Dr Iain Shearer

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Ancient Routes of the Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia

01 September - 16 September, 2022

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 is open to alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their family and friends.

Trip Leader:

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The History and Culture of Japan

4 - 17 September, 2022

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 is open to the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their family and friends.

Trip Leader: Professor Jay Lewis

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

September 9 - 23, 2022

Few landmarks have tantalised the minds of poets, artists and historians more than the legendary cities of Central Asia. The journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is open to the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their friends and family.

Trip Leader: Professor Charles Melville

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Among Lakes and Mountains: North Macedonia and southeast Albania

10 - 17 September, 2022

At the heart of the Balkan peninsula, the newly formed Republic of North Macedonia and southeast Albania is a stunningly beautiful region with a fascinating and complex history. This journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge and Oxford Universality and for their family and friends...

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell

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Japan’s Hidden Garden Gems

15 September - 29 September, 2022

Travel with Japanese garden expert Hannah Gardner on this far-reaching, two-week itinerary and discover some of Japan’s most compelling gardens and landscapes. This unique journey has been designed by Hannah Gardner for the readers of Gardens Illustrated magazine.

Trip Leader: Ms Hannah Gardner

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Bhutan: Walks and Festivals in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

29 September - 14 October, 2022

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 series of walks in Bhutan will take in many of the major and minor sites. The journey is open to the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their friends and family.

Trip Leader: Mrs Zara Fleming

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The Borders, the Patriarchate and the Karst: A Journey through Istria and Friuli

01 October - 09 October, 2022

Squeezed in to a narrow passage between the Alps and Adriatic Sea, Istria and Friuli showcase a unique cultural and historical mix all set amidst a spectacular landscsape. Join Dr Peter Sarris on this unique journey in a region famed for its wonderful food and wine.

Trip Leader: Professor Peter Sarris

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Islamic Spain: Treasures of Al Andalus

13 - 19 April, 2023

Almost no part of the art and culture of southern Spain has been untouched by its Islamic legacy and this is particularly true in Granada, Cordoba and Seville. The journey is open to the Alumni of SOAS Specialist Art Courses.

Trip Leader: Dr George Manginis

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