Our Journeys

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: Dr Alex Koller
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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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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: Dr Alex Koller
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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 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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‘The Borders, the Patriarchate and the Karst: A Journey through Istria and Friuli’ 1- 9 October, 2022

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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Cologne and Düsseldorf : Art and Exhibitions in Germany’s ‘Cathedral City’ and ‘Little Paris’

28 November - 02 December, 2022

There is a good deal of rivalry between the cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf, situated just 30 miles apart on the Rhine. Cologne prides itself on its history that dates back to Roman times, the UNESCO status of its famous cathedral however for some Düsseldorf is perhaps Germany’s preeminent city of contemporary art, culture and fashion. The journey takes in one of Europe's major new exhibitions; ‘Mondrian Evolution’ in Düsseldorf (29 October, 2022 to 12 February, 2023)

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell
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The Colours of Romance and Heroism in the Palaces and Paintings of Rajasthan

19 February - 04 March, 2023

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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‘Islamic Spain: Treasures of Al Andalus’ 29 September - 5 October, 2022

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

April 18 - 2 May, 2023

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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East Meets West: A Journey through Serbia and Croatia

10 June - 18 June, 2023

These two spectacularly beautiful countries are draped in mountainous pine forests and dappled with picturesque villages. They have shaped and are shaping the history of Europe. Their cultures are long-standing, intense and vivid but the challenges are huge cultural mixing; rebuilding so soon after conflict; power struggles; soothing tensions; a fascinating time to explore. The journey is open to the Alumni of Cambridge and Oxford Universities.

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell
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Walks in the Mountains of Georgia: Land of Heaven and Earth

16 June - 30 June, 2023

The journey involves a series of moderate walks (up to 6 hours) along the spectacular southern crest of the Caucasus Mountains whose peoples have been profoundly affected by the country’s adoption of Christianity in the 4th century. The trip is open to friends and family of the Alumni of Cambridge and Oxford Universities.

Trip Leader: Dr Alex Koller
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Crossing the Ancient Silk Road: Central Asia and China

16 August - 3 September, 2023

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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The History and Culture of Japan

3 - 23 September, 2023

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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Pathways of the Gods: Walks on the Amalfi Coast

06 September - 15 September, 2023

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

Trip Leader: Dr Alex Koller
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Burgundy: Cradle of the Renaissance

14 - 22 September, 2023

From the medieval abbeys and cathedrals of Cluny and Vezelay, Crusades, pilgrimages and religious reforms were launched that affected the course of European history. Easily accessible by train from London, discover the cultural legacy of one of the greatest Medieval superpowers whilst enjoying Burgundy’s great wines and cuisine.

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell
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Japan’s Hidden Garden Gems

14 September - 28 September, 2023

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

18 September - 3 October, 2023

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:
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