andante travels hidden cities 2016 | uk edition

LIFT THE LID ON HISTORY...

HIDDEN CITIES 2016Unique, intimate and very privileged introductions to some of the world’s greatest cities

WELCOMEDear Traveller,

I am delighted to unveil our new Hidden Cities programme for 2016. Within the pages of this brochure you’ll find some extraordinary experiences. In Istanbul we have after-hours access to the Hagia Sophia – standing under the great dome of the basilica above you, lustrous in the soft light. In Venice, sip your aperitif in the Church of Madonna dell’Orto, surrounded by Tintoretto’s masterpieces.

I have been lucky enough to accompany dozens of wonderful Andante tours. It is hard to imagine an experience to match the one I had on our Hidden Rome tour in 2015. In the Vatican Archives, home to miles of papal records dating back over 1000 years. Here we were treated to a fascinating tour by young priest and archivist. Just as we were due to leave, our host (who had a flare for theatrics) asked if we would like to see just one more document? It turned out to be the original letter from Henry VIII to Pope Clement requesting an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon – a spine shivering moment.

So, I will leave you to rifle through the pages at your leisure – the secret histories, finest cuisine and splendid hotels of Europe’s cultural capitals. Don’t miss our new Hidden City tours to Venice, Athens and Istanbul.

If you have any questions, please do get in touch with our wonderful office team.

CONTENTSIntroduction ........................................4-5

Hidden Rome ......................................6-9

Hidden Venice ................................10-13

Hidden Athens ...............................14-17

Hidden Berlin .................................18-21

Hidden Istanbul..............................22-25

How to book .........................................27

Gudrun Schmid, General ManagerAndante Travels

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Unique, intimate and very privileged introductions - discover the secret history of Europe’s great cities, usually only accessible to experts and specialists.

Exclusive sites, Michelin-starred meals, luxurious hotels, small groups and a Tour Manager to take care of all the practicalities. Our Hidden Cities tours offer special access to the secrets of the ancient world.

Hidden Cities tours go one step further than our other all-inclusive tours, combining the same conviviality and convenience you’ve come to expect with special access to incredible and often overlooked sites...

These tours offer the perfect mix of luxury and culture. Whether you are celebrating a special anniversary or big birthday; or just want to explore your favourite European destinations in greater detail - these are the tours for you.

Reserve your space on an extraordinary experience - touring hidden corners of Europe’s finest cities.

THE TITLE OF THE TOUR WAS “HIDDEN ROME”, AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS - PLACES OFF THE WELL-BEATEN TOURIST TRACK AS WELL AS PLACES THAT ARE NOT EVEN ON THE TOURIST TRACK. UNMISSABLE!”

INTRODUCING HIDDEN CITIESUncover the concealed corners of history and submerged secrets of the past...

Book Now on Any Tour in this BrochureIf you have any questions about our Hidden Cities Tours please do get in touch. Our office is staffed 9-5, Mon-Fri, by our expert Customer Care Team. Joe, Sofia and Sarah will be happy to advise on any aspect of our tours – from flight requests to what the weather will be like during autumn in Istanbul…

C a l l : 0 1 7 2 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 | e m a i l : t o u r s @ a n d a n t e t r a v e l s . c o m | w w w . a n d a n t e t r a v e l s . c o m4

» Privileged Access - All of our Hidden Cities tours include access to sites, museums, underground temples and more that you won’t find on the typical tourist trail. Discover some of archaeology’s best hidden secrets…

» Luxury Hotels - A single base for the whole of the tour. We hand-pick all of our hotels - choosing only the best 5* and most luxurious 4* places for our guests to stay.

» Delicious Food - It’s not just the history that keeps people coming back to these wonderful cities - it’s the food too. Enjoy mouth-watering Michelin-starred meals and delicious local specialities throughout the entire tour.

» Expert Guide Lecturer - These tours are conceived, planned and led by experts: archaeologists, academics, writers and broadcasters with unrivalled knowledge in their fields, and enthusiasm to match!

» Tour Manager - All of our Hidden Cities tours include a professional Tour Manager - helpful, charming, unobtrusive and practical.

» Small Groups (max 16 guests) - We aim to create an easy, informal atmosphere. Such small parties allow real camaraderie to develop, with previous guests describing our tours as ‘like travelling with old friends’.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

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HIDDEN ROMERome is much more than you see on the surface...

Behind the grand Renaissance architecture, the city is laid out on Roman lines - a ‘town plan’ that is over 2,000 years old. To truly glimpse this ancient legacy you have to delve beyond the usual marble monuments and descend beneath the modern streets. We explore a hidden world of buried houses, temples and catacombs - the very fabric of Rome. A rare and privileged view of the Eternal City, usually only accessible to archaeologists and specialists.

In 2016 we have secured special access to the Secret Archive of the Vatican. A rare privilege indeed, we have the opportunity to view rarely seen documents, and tour areas of the Vatican usually closed to the public. Our Hidden Rome tours have all meals included and are based in a 5* hotel in the heart of ancient Rome. We have also arranged a spectacular dinner at a 3* Michelin restaurant with views over the dome of St Peter’s.

“GOING UNDERGROUND WAS WONDERFUL - GOING BACK IN TIME AS WE DESCENDED FROM LAYER TO LAYER TO LAYER”

» An insider’s guide to ancient Rome - visit working excavations, hidden Roman sites and museums.

» Out of hours access to Capitoline Museum - home to many ancient treasures.

» Explore the Vatican’s Secret Archives.

» Dine at the multi-Michelin starred restaurant, La Pergola.


GUIDE LECTURERSDr Gillian Shepherd is Director of the Trendall Centre for Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University, Australia. Gillian was previously Lecturer in Classical Archaeology at the University of Birmingham. Her research focuses on the Greek colonsation of Italy and Sicily.

Dr Eireann Marshall is a Research Associate and Associate Lecturer with the Open University as well as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter. Eireann was raised in a 15th century villa in Vinzenca- practically born into history. She is bilingual in English and Italian.

SPECIAL ACCESS » Visit the Secret Archives of the Vatican after

hours – discover the inner workings of the Vatican, browsing countless documents that have been amassed and stored here over the centuries.

» Enjoy private access to one of the world’s greatest museums - the Capitoline Museum.

» Special access to the Mithraeum of the Circus Maximus - an underground Roman temple.

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up to the Caelian Hill and look out on the Roman houses below. We finish the afternoon at the Palazzo Valentini - an excavated Roman house complex beneath a Renaissance palace. We enjoy dinner at the fabulous three Michelin-starred restaurant, La Pergola, tonight.

Vatican SecretsWe leave early and walk to Cripta Balbi museum

and excavations. These are some of the most exciting excavations seen in Rome during the last 30 years. We continue to the Palazzo Spada and Borromini Gallery – one of the great 16th century Renaissance palaces of Rome. In the afternoon we travel to visit the tomb of St. Peter. Vatican archaeologists have tunnelled below the floor of St. Peter’s

IntroductionWe arrive in Rome and transfer to our hotel.

Myths & Legends Our first day in Rome begins with a stroll up

the Aventine Hill - for churches, castles, myths and legends. We continue to the Forum Boarium - the ancient market, where the boats unloaded their cargoes.

We also have special access to the Mithraeum of the Circus

Maximus - a subterranean temple dating to the 2nd century AD.After lunch we visit the titanic Baths of Caracalla, before ending the day at the Tomb of Pomponius Hylas and the Tomb of Scipios.

Villas of the RichWe travel out of the city to the Via Nomentana,

ITINERARYone of the great roads leading away from Rome. We visit Santa Constanza, the circular mausoleum built by Constantine the Great for his daughter. We continue to the Appian Way to see the villas of the super-rich - including the Palace of Emperor Maxentius and the Villa of the Quintilii.

After dinner, we enjoy a private visit to the Capitoline

Museum - one of the world’s truly great museums - which is simply stuffed with masterpieces.

Underground RomeFirst stop is the exquisite 12th century church

of San Clemente - lavishly decorated with gold frescoes and elaborate carvings. A Roman temple and altar still survive in its basement. We then walk

Basilica to discover the famous street of tombs and a burial space... that might belong to St. Peter himself.

We end the day with an after hours visit to the

Secret Archives of the Vatican. Discover letters to and from kings, papal decrees and more. We also enjoy a superb view of Rome from the Tower of the Winds.

Imperial ShipsWe spend our last morning at Monte

Testaccio - ancient Rome’s enormous rubbish heap of 15 million olive oil amphorae. Finally, we stop at Portus, a Roman port with artificial ship basins built by Emperor Trajan. We continue to the airport for our flights home.

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Spend five nights in the very heart of Rome, in a prestigious 5* deluxe family-run hotel, minutes away from the vibrant Piazza Navona. The hotel lobby is its own museum – with paintings, sculptures and a valuable collection of Picasso ceramics on display. You’d be hard pushed to find a better spot - the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s Church can all be found just short steps away. Stop at the rooftop restaurant to enjoy panoramic views of the Eternal City. Each room is equipped with a bath or shower, TV, and air-conditioning. WIFI is available at an extra fee.

Our culinary highlight is dinner at La Pergola, the only restaurant in Rome to have been awarded three Michelin stars. The renowned luxury hotel restaurant serves incredible gourmet Italian cuisine, complemented by unforgettable city panoramas from its roof. People often say: when in Rome, eat like the locals... well, we really do on tour. Roman cuisine is based on seasonal ingredients, prepared in a simple way. Pasta is also hugely popular - from carbonara to spaghetti; rigatoni to the hearty, fragrant pasta e ceci soup - there’s something for everyone.

hotel meals » A professional Tour Manager will also take care of all your practical needs.

» Maximum 16 guests.

» Entrance to sites, field notes, local transport and tips included.

Tour Manager

Small Group

Entrance

without f l ights

Mon 1st - Sat 6th February 2016Mon 14th - Sat 19th March 2016Mon 31st Oct - Sat 5th November 2016£2,995£2,825Single supplement: £535

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HIDDEN VENICEAn exquisite city miraculously built upon the water...

Kissed by the waters of the northern Adriatic, the city of Venice is a jigsaw of low islands, grand canals and labyrinthine streets. Join us and explore ‘La Serenissima’ a city of mists, dark winding corridors, sudden bridges and canals. This is the city of a people renowned for their business acumen, and diplomatic ability, not to say duplicity; the city of Vivaldi, Titian and Casanova. The city’s spectacular beauty has proved inspirational to countless painters, sculptors, poets and composers - even during its long period of decay throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. It has an unmistakable, unrelenting charm that’s impossible to deny.

Travelling in a small group of just 16 we view the great and the lesser-known facets of the city – there are many hidden and obscure byways away from its more famous grand façade. Guide Professor John Mitchell has worked extensively across Venice and will introduce you to its exceptional landmarks. Our tour includes vaporetto rides to Torcello, across the lagoon; visits to great Renaissance churches; and special access to the magnificent St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

“WE REALLY ENJOYED THE INTERACTION WITH THE GUIDE AND THE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE THROUGHOUT THE GROUP.”

» Enjoy a secret tour of the Doge’s Palace, and visit St. Mark’s Basilica by night…

» Stay in a 14th century palazzo, right on the waterfront of Riva degli Schiavoni

» Take a vaporetto ride across the lagoon

» Dine at Michelin starred restaurant with unforgettable views of Venice

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GUIDE LECTURER

SPECIAL ACCESS

Prof John Mitchell is an art historian and Professor of the History of Art in the Department of World Art and Museology at the University of East Anglia. His specialisations include Italian history, painting, religious architecture and iconography, and epigraphy. He has lead many research trips to Venice over the years.

» Follow a special ‘secret itinerary’ through the back rooms, prisons and hidden offices of the Doge’s Palace

» Enjoy a private evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica

» Attend a private drinks reception, tour and lecture at the Madonna dell’Orto

» Take a special tour of a Murano glass factory

for a coffee or grab a gelato at one of the many fine cafes around the square. We will re-join to dine as a group tonight.

We enjoy a private visit to St Mark’s Basilica tonight. This

great Byzantine church holds a treasure trove of mosaics, marble, gold and more brought back by Venetian traders.

A Fantasy on the WaterWe make our way through Venice on foot and by

vaporetto. We stop at the grand church of San Giorgio Maggiore - the classic building was designed to appear as a mighty punctuation mark on the city’s waterfront. We climb up its campanile to savour the panorama of this fantasy on the water. We also visit the beautifully frescoed Church of San Zan Degola. We end the day

IntroductionWe begin our tour in Altinum, a small Roman

city on the mainland which was once part of Venice. We check into our hotel – which has hosted everyone from Lord Byron to Stephen Spielberg over the years.

Across the LagoonWe begin our exploration of the Islands - travelling

by vaporetto across the lagoon to the island of Torcello. In the Archaeological Museum, we discover many interesting finds and ascend the building’s bell tower for an unforgettable view of fog curling along the narrow thoroughfares.

We continue on to Murano - home of the Venetian glass

trade - where we take a special tour of a Murano glass factory.

ITINERARY We end the day with a private drinks reception, tour and lecture at the church of Madonna dell’Orto.

Doge & St Mark’sWe spend the day exploring St Mark’s

Square - the seemingly endless arcades of the square hide a plethora of secrets....

We continue to the Doge’s Palace - where we follow a

special ‘secret itinerary’ which takes us through the back rooms, prisons and hidden offices of the Doge’s state.We move on to view the eclectic collections of the nearby Archaeological Museum. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to truly take in the grandeur of the square. Revisit some of the splendours of the morning, stop

with a splendid evening meal at a Michelin-starred eatery in St Mark’s Square.

The Calle and BridgesWe take a walking tour of the city, considering its principal bridges –

including the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal: the Rialto. We explore the distinctive zone of Castello and wind our way through the Venetian calle out to the former Cathedral of the city at San Pietro di Castello. A boat trip along the Grand Canal - considering the ways in which the built environment of the city developed.

ConclusionWe transfer to the airport for our return home.

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Stay in sumptuous, elegant surroundings that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Venice. The gorgeous hotel is spread throughout three palaces and features sweeping views over the Venetian lagoons. The hotel is perfectly placed for inquisitive travellers - just moments away from Piazza San Marco; and has hosted figures as diverse as Byron, Charles Dickens, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Spielberg. All of the rooms are equipped with bath or shower, TV and Murano chandeliers. WIFI is available at an extra fee.

Discover delicious Italian cuisine during a sumptuous Michellin-starred meal at Ristorante Quadri. Their menu presents a contemporary expression of Italian and Venetian classics; alongside exceptional views of Piazza San Marco. Venice, like most regions of Italy, is known for its traditional specialities - including fish sourced directly from the Venetian lagoon. You must try the quintessential Italian dessert: tiramisu. Tuscany and Veneto have long fought over its origin... but many sources argue that Venice is its true home.

hotel meals » A professional Tour Manager will also take care of all your practical needs


» Entrance to sites, field notes, local transport and tips included

Tour Manager

Small Group

Entrance

without f l ights

Mon 7th - Sat 12th November, 2016£2,995£2,795Single supplement: £430

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HIDDEN ATHENSAthens: the most famous of ancient Greek cities...

Discover an Athens that you never knew existed... Athens was a powerhouse in Classical times - the birthplace of democracy - and home to many valuable resources. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation - people came from far and wide to trade and engage in intellectualism - the founders of Western philosophy all enjoyed their finest thoughts in Athens - including Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The great city will always be a must-stop destination for culture and archaeology buffs alike.

Join us as we eschew the typical tourist trail... Escape the crowds and explore parts of Athens that are usually only available to archaeologists and excavators; go behind the scenes at superb museums; and enjoy a fuller understanding of the Ancient Greek world. There are over 7,000 years of history just waiting to be discovered in this unmissable ancient Aegean city.

“OUR EXCELLENT GUIDE REALLY BROUGHT THE ANCIENT GREEK WORLD TO LIFE, IT WAS ALL SO INTERESTING.”

» Enjoy an introduction to the splendid personal collection at Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art

» Visit non-public areas of renowned sites

» Stay in a luxury 5* hotel on Syntagma Square in the centre of Athens

» Stop for dinner at the 2 Michelin-starred Spondi restaurant


GUIDE LECTURERDr Rita Roussos is a native Athenian and taught Archaeology and Art History at the American University of Athens. She has worked on archaeological projects at Isthmia, Kato Lossous and Mantinea. Rita’s research interests include the place of women in ancient Greece and Rome as well as 4th century sculpture from Greece.

SPECIAL ACCESS » Receive a private introduction to the incredible

personal collection at the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art.

» Enjoy special access to the non-public areas of the ancient sanctuary of Eleusis - and go behind the scenes at the museum.

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surrounding temples are thought to have been in use for more than 2,000 years – where the fascinating Eleusinian Mysteries were staged. The initiation ceremonies took place each year for the cult of Demeter and Persephone.

During our visit we have special access to non-public

areas, and a chance to go behind the scenes in the Eleusis Museum. This afternoon we visit the beautiful Byzantine Daphni Monastery, founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 11th. We enjoy a special dinner at Spondi restaurant, a critically-acclaimed Michelin star eatery, in the centre of Athens, tonight.

Secluded ThorikosWe journey to the secluded Thorikos,

an ancient city that became

IntroductionWe arrive in Athens and transfer to our 5* hotel.

In Honour of AthenaOur first stop of the tour is the impressive

Panathenaic Stadium - where games were held in honour of the goddess Athena. We continue to the Temple of Zeus Olympia – although only a few columns remain, it was once the largest Greek temple ever built. At the famous Acropolis we go beyond the parts most visitors see... This afternoon we walk up Filappappou Hill, stopping at the hidden Chapel of St Dimitrios Loumbardiaris along the way. We continue to the Tomb of Philopappos - situated in a clearing that offers wonderful views of the Athenian plain.

ITINERARYHealth and WisdomAfter lunch we continue our quest for health and

wisdom at the Amphiareion of Oropos, a 4th century BC sanctuary dedicated to the revered seer Amphiaraus.

This afternoon, we receive a private introduction to the

splendid personal collection - housed within the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, home to some of the most exquisite marble geometric ‘idol’ figurines of the 3rd millennium BC. Our day ends at Aristotle’s Lyceum – the ancient gymnasium can now be found nestled within a public park, amidst lavender, oregano, thyme, and olive trees.

Eleusinian MysteriesThe ancient sanctuary of Eleusis and the

prosperous thanks to the mining of silver and lead. We continue to Brauron - a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The museum displays many finds uncovered during excavations, including votive offerings. This afternoon we drive out to Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attic Peninsula. Its dramatic position overlooking the sea made this the ideal spot for a Temple of Poseidon, which we visit, as well as the remains of Temple of Athena.

Conclusion Your last morning is free

time to discover more of Athens before we fly home.

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Spend five nights in luxury, at a 5* boutique hotel in the centre of Athens. During your stay, you will be perfectly situated for captivating experiences at the inspiring venue. The hotel is located within walking distance from the wonders of Athens, including: the Acropolis, Agora, Plaka and Thission. Inviting boutiques, world-renowned museums, and the city’s vibrant business district can also be found nearby. All of the rooms are equipped with bath and shower, TV and DVD player. WIFI is also available at an extra fee.

We stop for a special dinner at the critically acclaimed, two Michelilen-starred Spondi restaurant, in the heart of Athens. They carefully craft amazing contemporary Mediterranean dishes - which are served in their beautiful vaulted stone dining room & courtyard. You will also have the chance to taste an appetising array of Athenian cuisine. Athens has a fine range of eateries ranging from down-to-earth traditional tavernas to upmarket restaurants. Prepare your palate for delicious seafood, unique spices and perhaps a glass of ouzo (or two).




Tour Manager

Small Group

Entrance

without f l ights

Tue 16th - Sun 21st February, 2016£2,595£2,375Single supplement: £275

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HIDDEN BERLINVibrant culture, tangible history and fantastic food...

Home to stunning monuments, architecture and museums, Berlin is an icon of 20th century history. Yet beyond the tourist hotspots, there is an even more intriguing Berlin to explore. In this tour we delve deeper and tell the real story of Berlin. Travel with us back in time to uncover Berlin’s lesser-known past: visit the underground Stasi headquarters in search of forgotten memories embedded within the fabric of the city; enjoy a special talk from more the world-renowned Pergamon Museum’s director; and interact with truly tangible history, during a special handling session at Berlin’s State Archaeological Museum.

This tour is a must for those wishing to get at the heart of Berlin’s dynamic and hidden history. Archaeologist and Berlin resident, Nick Jackson, leads the group as we explore the highs and lows of a city torn apart... and brought back together again.

“OUR GUIDE HAD AN EXCELLENT KNOWLEDGE OF BERLIN ACROSS THE CENTURIES AND HE COULD REALLY BRING IT ALIVE.“

» Go behind the scenes at Berlin’s most celebrated museums, and take a private tour around Stasi HQ and the Berlin Wall

» Stay in a 5* hotel in central Berlin, close to Brandenburg

» Enjoy dinner on top of the Reichstag building and during a special classical concert in Charlotteburg


GUIDE LECTURER

SPECIAL ACCESS » Discover more about the Pergamon Museum -

during a special talk from the museum’s director.

» Get involved with a special finds handling session with museum curators at the State Archaeological Museum.

» Take a private tour around the former Stasi Headquarters, which is now a museum.

Nick Jackson is an archaeologist and travel journalist specialising in the Bronze Age. He graduated with an Archaeology degree from University College London. After a research post at Cambridge University he made Berlin his home. Nick is one of the foremost English language lecturers on Berlin’s history. He is also a long term member of the Berliner Unterwelten - who document and research Berlin’s underground history.

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War II Berlin. We begin at the German Resistance Memorial centre, where resistance fighters were executed in 1944. We continue to the haunting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial this afternoon. Established in 1936, this was originally a training camp for SS officers. Over 30,000 people died here due to malnutrition, disease and execution. The camp now serves as a museum and memorial.

Behind the Wall We explore the site of the old GDR. We begin

at Tempelhof, Berlin’s oldest airport. Established in 1923, it was redesigned by Nazi architect Ernst Sagebiel as a gateway to Hitler’s ‘World Capital.’ This afternoon we visit Hohenschönhausen Jail,

IntroductionWe arrive in Berlin and meet our guide lecturer

Nick Jackson at our hotel for an orientation tour around Berlin.

Berlin’s Cultural HeartWe begin the day with a visit to Museum Island,

the cultural heart of Berlin. We marvel at more ancient history in the Neues Museum - the Late Bronze Age ‘Berlin Golden Hat’ and Heinrich Schliemann’s collection from his investigations at Troy are all on display.

We receive a special talk from the director of the Pergamon

Museum - home of the Pergamon Altar and the Ishtar Gate.We continue to the Jewish Quarter. We have lunch at a traditional restaurant, before our Architectural Secrets tour..

ITINERARYA Day in BrandenburgWe make our way through the State Archaeological

Museum this morning - the building houses artefacts from the Palaeolithic age to the 20th century; and was originally a Dominican monastery.

We take part in a special finds handling session with

museum curators. We trace the history of early Prussia through its Gothic brick architecture this afternoon - we visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, St. Catherine’s Church, and the Church of St. Gotthardt. We enjoy dinner on top of the iconic Reichstag building this evening.

World War II Berlin This morning we take a walking tour of World

where the Stasi - one of the most notorious intelligence services during the Cold War - detained their prisoners.

We take a private tour around the former Headquarters

of the Stasi. Now a museum, the centrepiece exhibition is the office and working quarters of the former Minister of State Security, Erich Mielke.Our final evening on tour is a magical one - exquisite food served alongside charming classical music in Charlotteburg.

ConclusionOur final day begins with a specially arranged

tour of the Berlin Wall - discover stories of hope, betrayal, and desperate attempts of people tunneling their way to freedom. We return home this afternoon.

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Spend five nights in a 5* hotel described as one of the ‘best places to stay in the world’ by Condé Nast Traveller. The hotel prides itself on impeccable service; first-class amenities; sumptuous accommodation; Michelin-starred cuisine; and a rich décor of fine upholstery and traditional Biedermeier furniture. This exquisite home-from-home is enticingly close to leading cultural and shopping sites and first-class transport links. All rooms are equipped with bath and shower, DVD player, flat screen TV and complimentary WIFI.

You’ll be treated to two taste experiences on tour - aside from dinner atop the Reichstag... we also enjoy excellent food paired with classical music in the unique setting of Berlin’s historic Charlottenburg Palace Orangery during our tour. The Berliner Residenz Orchester performs in authentic costumes, recalling life at the Prussian court - whilst you dine on a fabulous feast, in the style of Fredrick the Great. Germany is known for its hearty food and Berlin is the iconic home of wurst and schnitzel - but there’s so much more than that waiting for you on tour.




Tour Manager

Small Group

Entrance

without f l ights

Mon 6th - Sat 11th June, 2016£2,495£2,295Single supplement: £315

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HIDDEN ISTANBULMagical meeting place of East and West...

A new ‘Hidden Cities’ tour for 2016: this is a very privileged introduction indeed to the ‘jewel of the Bosphorus’. Staying in a 5* hotel in the heart of the old town, we have arranged special access to some of the big names and hidden gems of Constantinople. The tour is limited to just 16 guests and offers a rarely-seen perspective on one of the world’s great historic cities.

Escape the crowds around Istanbul’s major monuments and discover the hidden corners and vibrant street life of this great city, in the company of a man who knows Istanbul inside out. We make a chronological journey, starting with Byzantine highlights, the best of the Ottoman mosques, Crimean War and the birth of the Turkish Republic and the death of Atatürk! Sampling everything from the Spice Market to an authentic Turkish Bath…

“THE WIDE COMPASS EMBRACED - SHOWING MANY FACETS OF ISTANBUL - WAS WONDERFUL.”

» Experience a special tour of Istanbul – with private ‘after hours’ access to Hagia Sophia and Dolmabahçe Palace

» Stay in the heart of Sultanahmet with views of the Hahia Sophia

» Special permission to visit Florence Nightingale Museum and Selimiye barracks at Scutari


GUIDE LECTURER

SPECIAL ACCESS » We have arranged a private visit to one of the

world’s most prominent monuments - the Hagia Sophia - after hours tonight.

» We enjoy a special visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum - located where the British Military Hospital was established during the Crimean War - and part of the still active Selimiye Barracks at Scutari.

Terry Richardson has a university background in Ancient History and Classical Civilisation. He is the author of The Rough Guide to Istanbul, co-author of The Rough Guide to Turkey, and writes about Istanbul frequently for a well-known English-language Turkish newspaper. He has lived in Turkey for many years, speaks Turkish and visits Istanbul regularly for both business and pleasure.

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host to a museum housing some superb exhibits. Discover a vast collection of Chinese porcelain and an abundant collection of rare costumes worn by the sultans themselves. After lunch we take a ferry to the Asian side of the city.We enjoy a special visit to the

Florence Nightingale Museum. The museum is

located in the Selimiye Barracks at Scutari, where the British Military Hospital was established during the Crimean War. The Barracks are still an active military base.This afternoon, we continue to the nearby Haydarpaşa Crimean War cemetery. It has been beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission - and pays tribute to the 6,000 soldiers who were buried here between 1854-1856.

IntroductionWe arrive in Istanbul.

Byzantine TreasuresWe begin by exploring the most impressive remains

of Byzantine Constantinople. The huge underground water cistern known as the Basilica Cistern was rebuilt in the 6th century to hold water for the imperial palace. We discover treasures of numerous periods housed in the Archaeology Museum in the Topkapı Palace complex. We continue to the Hagia Eirene and Hagia Sophia - two of the earliest surviving churches in Constantinople.

We enjoy a private visit to the larger - and perhaps more

impressive - Hagia Sophia after hours tonight.

ITINERARYOttoman IstanbulToday, we see highlights of Ottoman Istanbul -

beginning with the most famous of all - the Blue Mosque. The nearby Hippodrome, was once a scene of chariot races and riots and still stands to an impressive height. We finish the afternoon, visiting the Rüstem Paşa mosque and strolling around the famous Spice Bazaar.

Vast CollectionsWe pay a visit to the vast and rambling Topkapı

Palace this morning. It is made up of of generous a collection of elegant buildings, arranged around a series of courtyards. This was once the home of the Ottoman sultans, and the political nerve centre of their mighty empire. Today it plays

Glass & Gold FantasiesWe stay in the 19th century today with a visit

to the late Ottoman Dolmabahçe Palace – a fantasy of cut glass and gold, where Atatürk spent the last days of his life. We continue to the nearby Ciragan Palace for lunch, then visit the Bosphorus-front Naval Museum, which contains elaborate Ottoman ceremonial ships as well as military ones. Our day – and tour – ends with an unmissable opportunity... an authentic luxurious Turkish bath. We end the tour in the perfect way - with an evening of fine dining at the wonderful Seasons restaurant in Sultanahmet.

ConclusionWe make our way to the aiport this morning, for

our flight home.

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Stay in a one-of-a-kind boutique, museum hotel in the heart of Istanbul. The deluxe hotel boasts a cistern and mosaics amongst its museum pieces dating from Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman times. The hotel is located within Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district - close to the city’s main cultural, entertainment and shopping areas; and just a short walk away from world-famous sights including: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace, Each room is equipped with a Jacuzzi bath, TV, WIFI and air-conditioning.

Enjoy a wonderful meal at the Seasons Restaurant in Istanbul. They have crafted a menu featuring local cuisine - including homemade pastas, bread and the chef’s signature boneless lamb shank which is slow cooked for eight hours. Their elegant, refined décor is combined with beautiful Turkish artwork and a landscaped garden which serves as a peaceful oasis within the middle of high-energy Istanbul. Turkish food is all about variety, so prepare your palate for an intoxicating fusion of Central Asian, Western, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.




Tour Manager

Small Group

Entrance

without f l ights

Mon 14th - Sat 19th November, 2016£2,995£2,735Single supplement: £425

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visit our website or call for more information

l ast chance to bookTime is running out... Some of our 2016 tours are now fully booked and there are a large selection with just a few spaces remaining. When they’re gone, they’re gone - so don’t miss out, reserve your place today:

Jordan & Petra Monumental and incomparable

remains; red sand deserts; crusader castles and Roman cities. March 2016 | £2,695 incl flights

Sicilia Antiqua Discover delights in the heart of

the Mediterranean - Doric temples and mosaic-covered cathedrals.

April 2016 | £2,675 incl flights

The Via Julia - Côte d’Azur Encounter the incredible feats of engineering the Romans created -

including St Chamas Bridge. April 2016 | £2,150 incl flights

Roman Germany Military history at its most

exciting... in beautiful countryside and handsome German cities.

May 2016 | £2,495 incl flights

Relaxed Provence The idyllic landscapes of Provence

are home to some of Europe’s finest Roman remains.

May 2016 | £2,245 incl flights

Rock Art of Altamira Receive special access to eight

original painted caves - alongside renowned expert Dr Paul Bahn.

June 2016 | £2,145 incl flights

China Buddhist temples, gargantuan

monuments of imperial ambition, and prehistoric settlements.

Oct 2016 | £4,750 incl flights

Iran: Great Kings and Shahs Explore Iran - one of the greatest

powers of the ancient world - citadels, circular cities and more. Sept 2016 | £4,195 incl flights

Cambodia & Vietnam Forbidden cities, colonial

grandeur and the vast magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat. Nov 2016 | £3,850 incl flights

how to book

the world leader in archaeological travel

UK: 01722 713800US: 1-888-331-3476

[email protected]

Founded and run by archaeologists, linguists

and travel experts, Andante offers over 140

tours exploring history and archaeology all

over the world. From London, to Pompeii, to

China, to Peru - we specialise in small group,

expert-led, eye-opening tours to the great and

lesser-known sites of the ancient world.

You can secure your place on any of these tours with a deposit of £400 per person. To book, or for more

information, simply call or email as per the details below, or book online through our website.

EXPERTS IN CULTURAL TRAVEL, ANDANTE’S TOURS COMBINE EXPERTISE, SPECIAL ACCESS, SMALL GROUPS, A TOUCH OF LUXURY AND FUN!

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UK: 01722 713800 | USA: 1-888-331-3476 the clock tower, unit 4 oakridge office park, southampton road, whaddon, salisbury, sp5 [email protected] | www.andantetravels.com

andante travels hidden cities 2016 | uk edition

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