Istanbul, Where East Meets West.  In 2010, Istanbul has been designated the Cultural Capital of Europe with events organized around the theme of “A City of Four Elements”.  Earth marks the period representing the values of the past.  Air is the theme that embodies Turkey’s Spiritual wealth.  Water signifying the link of Europe and Asia.  Finally, Fire to symbolize the future of Istanbul.

Dates: Oct 6 -15, 2010

Cost: $ 4575.00 CAD

Day 1 Arrive in Istanbul

Airport pickup and transfer to hotel.  Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 Istanbul Highlights

This Cultural Discovery will lead us into the heart of what makes Istanbul special.

Byzantine Hippodrome

The Byzantine Hippodrome, the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history.  Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500 year old Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius and the spiral bronze base of a three headed serpent sculpture brought from Delphi in Greece.  They stand in contrast with the Fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II erected in the 20th century as a gift to the Ottoman sultan.

Blue Mosque

The world famous Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s premier sights.  Istanbul’s imperial mosque is still a working mosque with fascinating blue tile work.  With its 6 minarets and great cascades of domes, it is still under the shade of the Hagia Sofia.

Hagia Sophia and the Gallery

The church of the Divine Wisdom is eternally impressive and important.  Its dome was a daring engineering feat in the 16th century and engineers still marvel at the building’s many innovations.

Basilica Cistern

Beneath Istanbul lie hundreds of gloomy Byzantine cisterns.  The Basilica Cistern is the best preserved and the grandest of all.  With proper walkways and atmosphere lightening, it deserves a visit.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

This is a treasure house of beautiful objects from the Ottoman (14th to 20th centuries), Selcuk (11th to 13th centuries), and earlier periods beginning in the 8th century.  Turkish carpets, illuminated Kurans, calligraphy (at which the Ottomans excelled), carved and inlaid wood, glass, porcelain and stone are well displayed.

Day 3 Istanbul Highlights

Suleymaniye Mosque

Considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul, it was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the renowned architect of the Ottoman Empire’s golden age.

Topkapi

The palace was the home of the Ottomans and the heart of the Empire.

Spice Market and Grand Bazaar

The ultimate medieval shopping center offers beautiful Turkish carpets, glazed tiles and pottery, copper, brass ware, leather goods, cotton and wool…spend the afternoon exploring and indulging in Turkish coffee and sweets.

Day 4 Cruise on the Bosphorus

The best way to see the Bosphorus is by water.  A strategic waterway connecting the Black sea to the Mediterranean.  Zigzag between Asia and Europe admiring one of the most beautiful sights in the world.  Highlights include; Maidens Tower, Selimiye Barracks where Florence Nightingale worked, Dolmabahce Palace, Orakoy a chic art-boutique-and cafe scene with the baroque Mosque, Ciragan and Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Navel Academy, Anadolu Hisari the mighty fortresses of Europe and Asia, Sariyer a fish market…

In the afternoon we will take part in learning about Turkish Cuisine in the Culinary Institute.  A custom – tailored private course in classical Ottoman cooking, complete with a lecture about the history of Ottoman cuisine and a demonstration of Ottoman cooking techniques.  Later we will dine in the restaurant and cafe that serves items prepared by the school’s students.

Day 5 Transfer to Ephesus

Ephesus is a vast site, not yet completely excavated but what is visible gives some idea of its original splendor.  Allow yourself to really feel what life was like 2000 years ago during the glory days of Greece and Rome.

Tonight we will stay in Sirince.

Day 6 Aphrodisias and Pamukkale

Aphrodisias one of the most important archaeological sites of the Greek and Roman periods in Turkey.  Lying in the Meander River Basin, in a fertile valley, famous for its sanctuary of Aphrodite.  Today, many of the city’s ancient monuments remain standing, and excavations have unearthed fine marble statues and other artifacts.  The great beauty and extraordinary preservation of this site combine to bring the civic culture of the Greco- Roman world vividly to life.  As we drive through the Meander River Basin we will have the opportunity to see farming and agricultural life in Turkey.  Arriving in Pamukkale where we will enjoy a night in a thermal bath hotel, mud therapy and massage.  Pamukkale, a World Heritage sight that is home to baths and hot springs that the Ancients believed held healing powers.

Day 7 Meander Valley and Bodrum

We will drive south to Ionia exploring the Temple of Apollo at Didyma continuing to Miletus, the birthplace of the first known Greek philosopher, scientist and mathematician Thales.  Miletus is near the mouth of the Meander River and is one of the twelve Ionian cities of Asia Minor.

Ending the day in Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassors, and ‘The Land of the Eternal Blue’.

Day 8 Bodrum

Its narrow winding roads and tiny white houses still carry traces from its rich history of various civilizations; Persians, Greek, Roman Empire and Byzantines.

Day 9 Bodrum

This last day will be spent on the Mediterranean enjoying the sun and sea.  There are several options from boat trips, relaxing on the beach, enjoying a Turkish massage or shopping for souvenirs.  Tonight we will return to Istanbul and have our final group dinner.

Day 10 Depart

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Roaming Mongolia with a Glimpse of China is a once in a life time trip.  We start this intrepid adventure in China and then make our way to Ulaan Baatar the capital of Mongolia. Continuing  through the Gobi Desert-the green scenery turns into wild, dry dusty landscapes. Ending with the Naadam Festival a cultural highlight not to be missed.

Dates: Jun 29 – Jul 13, 2010

Cost: $5300.00 CAD OR $4700.00 CAD Mongolia ONLY start on Day 4 arrival in Ulaan Baatar

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

Transfer to Crown Plaza Hotel (5 star)

Day 2  Beijing

Visit the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Hutong and the Olympic Stadium

Day 3 Beijing

Today’s activities include Mutianyu Great Wall, the Sacred Way, Changling tomb, and the Cloisonne Factory. Our evening meal is at Qianmen Quanjude for a Roasted Duck dinner.

Day 4  Depart Beijing for Ulaan Baatar

Transfer to the centre of the Capital where we will begin our  journey visiting the Gandan Monastery, the most important Buddhist core for the Mongolian people. A short visit to the Buddhist schools, and a Tibetan-style temple.

After, we will have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit to Chojin Lama Museum to see a wonderful collection of Tsam Masks. Rest of the afternoon free for shopping and/or watching folk dances and listening to folk songs. Dinner at restaurant overnight in Ulaan Baatar.

Day 5  Ulaan Baatar

After breakfast we visit the Natural History Museum that hosts a unique collection of Dinosr fossils. Next stop is the Fine Arts Museun (Zanabazaar Museum) with its ancient rock carvings. Lunch at a restaurant.

In the afternoon we depart for Khustall National Park, a drive of about 2 hours over the savannah-like landscape. The buildings vanish, and on the horizon, we see the white gers-the Mongolian traditional felt tents that will be our accommodation.

Day 6 Khustall National Park-Kharkhorin

After breakfast, we leave the camp and we visit the inner park, escorted by rangers. Here we will see many wild animals-eagles, marmots, gazelles, foxes and the famous Takhi horses. After we’ll drive to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Chinghis Khaan. Lunch is at a local restraint. We drive back to camp for diner and overnight.

Day 7 Kharkhorin-Tsennkher Hot Spa

The morning is dedicated to exploring this ancient capital. After lunch we will head towards Tsenkher Hot Spa. On our way, we will pass through green pasturelands where we will meet local families and observe how they manage heir livestock and their lives. In the late afternoon we arrive at our ger camp for the night. Time to relax, have a massage or go to the baths. Dinner and overnight.

Day 8 Tsenkher-Tovkhon-Orkhon Valley

After breakfast, we leave and drive across hills and woods and arrive a the Tovkhorn Monastery which stands on a mountain rise. A short trek brings us to the Monastery where we can visit the temple. After a picnic lunch, and a visit to the local areas, we leave in the afternoon and drive to the Orkhon Valley. Arrival at the ger camp. Dinner and overnight.

Day 9  Orkhon-Ongii Khid

Today this trip leads us towards the Gobi Desert-the green scenery turns into wild, dry dusty landscapes. We will stop in Khujirt, a small village for lunch. In the late afternoon we arrive at Ongii Khid and our ger camp-Dinner and overnight.

Day 10  Ongii Khid-Bayanzag

Today we drive to the Gobi Dessert to the ger camp near Bayanzag. Lunch. In the afternoon walk with our guide in the Flaming Cliffs, searching for dinosaur bones. In the late afternoon we admire the sun setting on the rocks as the get redder as if on fire. Return to the camp for dinner and over night stay.

Day 11  Bayananzag-Yolin Am-Khongorin Sand Dunes

After breakfast we drive to Yolin Am, situated in the Gurvainsaikan National Park. We will take a small trek in order to observe the flora and fauna in the valley. Lunch is a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, driving trough narrow canyons that cut through the Gurvainsaikan mountain range, we arrive at Khongorin Sand Dunes-a wild landscape where the wind has accumulated the sand on the slopes of a black mountain chain. Dinner and overnight in a ger camp.

Day 12  Khongorin-Ongii Khiid

After Breakfast, morning trek on the sand dunes, then drive to Ongii Khiid. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon arrival in Ongii Khiid. Visit to the ruins of this large monastic complex that hosted more than 2000 monks and which was destroyed by the Soviets in 1939. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp.

Day 13  Ongii Khiid -Erdenedalai-Ulaam Baatar

After breakfast-depart for Ulaan Baatar. Our stop this morning is to visit the Erdenendalai’s monastery. Picnic luncheon. In the afternoon arrival in the Capital. Transfer to hotel-Diner and overnight stay

Day 14  Naadam Festival

In the early morning, after breakfast we leave for the Naadam Festival. Enjoy a full immersion in the Naadam atmosphere. We will have an opportunity to photograph the people who gather from all over Mongolia wearing traditional “del”, see the wrestling competitions, and partake with some traditional Mongolian cooking. We will leave the festival in the late afternoon to return to Ulaan Baatar downtown, have dinner at a restaurant and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 15  Depart for home

Provence is a favorite location for our Artist Retreats, the light here is renowned amongst painters and photographers alike, making this location the perfect inspiration.  Provence hosts a rural old world vibrance, French markets, picturesque scenes combined with some of the best cuisine in the world.  Our days are spent painting and sketching in small villages; Eygalieres , St. Remy, Avignon, Pont du Gard and along the Mediterranean Sea.

This workshop welcomes artists and art enthusiasts of all levels from novice to advanced. We will base out of one location however we will be changing workshop locations to provide new content and allow you time to explore. Focus on perspective, composition and selecting the subject as well as Mediterranean colors.

Dates: Sep 10 – 23, 2010

Cost: $5750.00 CAD

Day 1:  Arrival in Paris

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your city centre Hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Paris. (D)

Day 2:  Depart for Avignon

After breakfast, transfer by train to Avignon (3 hour trip approximately). Transfer to B & B.  After lunch spend the rest of the afternoon meandering in this great city of the popes. Meet for dinner at a designated spot. (B,L,D)

Day 3: I’sle Sur la Sorque, & Gordes

Today’s workshop session is about sketching and snapping photos as we explore. I’sle Sur la Sorque, a town with lazy canals and moss-covered waterwheels that once drove its silk, wool and paper mills, except on Sunday, when it transforms itself into a Marrakeeh of marketers, its streets crammed with antiques and brocantes. After lunch we drive to Gordes to capture the last of the Lavender fields and stop at the Lavender Museum. Menebres, near Gordes is where Peter Mayle’s wrote “A year in Provence.” (B,L)

Day 4: Painting Workshop in Avignon full day session

Painting Workshop morning and afternoon sessions. (B,L)

Day 5: Painting Session in Chateauneuf de Pape and trip to Orange

Our morning workshop is in Chateauneuf du Pape, wine country, where we will enjoy a wine and cheese lunch before departing for Orange. Less touristy than Nimes but nonetheless draws thousands every year to its spectacular Theatre Antique, a colossal Roman theatre built in the time of Caesar Agustus. (B,L)

Day 6: St. Remy de Provence, St. Paul de Mousolee & the Cathedral Images in Les Baux-de Provence ending the day in Eygallieres

Explore, sketch and snap photos as we visit the Market in St. Remy. We will also visit the St Paul de Mausolee monastery which became an asylum in the 19th century. Van Gogh took refuge here in 1889-1890 just before killing himself. This is where he produced the bulk of his work.  Another note of interest-this town was the birth place of Michel de Nostredame born in 1503.  Then the Cathedral of Images in Le Baux de Provence, a beautifully preserved medieval village. The unusual Cathedral of images is an impressive spectacle, with music accompanying the projection of images on the immense walls of a cave/cavern cut in the rocks when Bauxite was mined there. Depart for Eygallieres-a village set in a splendid environment & surrounded by wonderful harmonies of colours. (B,L)

Day 7 & 8: Painting Workshop in  Avignon full day session

Painting Workshop morning and afternoon sessions. (B,L)

Day 9:  Uzes Market in the morning, Painting session Pont du Gard

Wander in the market in Uzes – a remarkable vibrant, medieval town. After lunch we head out to Pont du Gard for an afternoon of sketching and painting. No other architectural sight in Provence rivals Pont du Gard, a mighty three-tier aqueduct. Erected some 2000 years ago as part of a 48 km canal supplying water to the Roman settlement of Nimes. (B,L)

Day 10:  Painting Session in the morning in Roussilon.  After lunch explore Venasque

Roussillon situated between the mountains of the Vaucluse and the Luberon. In deep shades of rose and russet, this gorgeous hilltop cluster of houses blends into the red-ocher cliffs from which the stone was quarried. Under the blue sky the earth blazes with colour.  Painting Workshop morning session.  After lunch we move on to Venasque, perched at the summit of a rocky outcrop. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France. (B,L)

Day 11:  Arles, Nimes

Arles, a Greek colony since the 6th Century BC, was liberated when Julius Caesar defeated Marseille and designated Arles a Roman colony. It was the light that drew Vincent Van Gogh to Arles, capturing the resonance of “golden tones of every hue”. Visit to the Cloitre St. Trophime and ruins of the Ancient Theatre, built by the Romans under Agustus. Nimes, choice option for Roman treasures. Visit to the fine Arts Museum, Cathedral Notre-Dame et St. Castor and the Museum of Old Nimes (look for the 14th- century jacket made of blue serge de Nimes, the famous fabric from which Levi-Strauss first fashioned blue jeans. (B,L)

Day 12:  Painting Workshop in Avignon

Painting Workshop Morning Session. Break for lunch. Free time. (B,L)

Day 13: Transfer to Paris

Depart for Paris mid morning. Check into our hotel and explore the Latin Quarter. Dinner, in the Latin Quarter. Optional-check out The Cave, a Jazz Club dating back to the 40’s. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Depart

We will arrange your transfer to the airport. (B)

Included:
Accommodation: 13 nights
Most meals included: 13 Breakfasts (B), 12 Lunches (L), 3 Dinners (D)
In country transportation
English speaking instructor and guide
Activity fees: Paris as a Painter, Bike or Open Bus Tour, Monet’s Garden, Chateu de Misery.
9 sessions of art instruction 3 hours per session

Excluded:
Airfare
Health and Flight Insurance
Personal Expenses
Some meals and beverages
Supplies: See pre departure information.