Join us for a fascinating and educational week in art filled London... visiting London's top art museums with collections of international masterpieces of artists from all over the world... seeing and learning about paintings through the centuries leading up to contemporary art works... and going to internationally renowned London auction houses and art galleries. After spending a week with our local London art historian guides you'll be immersed with a greater understanding and appreciation of why London is among the world's leading cities for art.

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We'll visit the National Gallery that houses one of the greatest collections of Western paintings in the world. From a striking Northern Renaissance collection, to one of Da Vinci's finest, through the Post-Impressionists. A walk through the National Gallery is akin to a stroll through the annals of western civilization's best works. Our art historian guide, will lead us through an in-depth exploration of the Gallery, providing a sense of context and progression to the museum's unparalleled collection. We'll explore different periods represented in the Gallery and consider the stylistic and technical devices employed by artists in order to achieve their specific aims. We will finish the tour in the late 1800s with works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, and other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.

 

With our art historian guide we'll tour the National Portrait Gallery where we'll see the portraits and learn about the most significant characters from the last 700 years of British history... meeting British Kings and Queens... Princess Diana and the modern royals... Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill and Oliver Cromwell... rock n' roll legends The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elton John... and many more prominent British characters.

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We'll visit Tate Modern, one of the best modern art museums in the world featuring some of the world's most innovative contemporary art exhibitions. We'll Immerse ourselves in the rich history of modern art. Our tour will be led by an art historian guide, providing an understanding of the development of art throughout the modern age, from its origins in the early 20th-century, through surrealism, post-modernism, and up to today. We will begin by discussing the history of Tate Modern, the conversion and opening of the gallery in a disused power station in 2000. We will discuss why certain styles and movements proliferated and examine different artists and works in relation to artistic tradition and the socio-political climate of the period. We will discuss the early challenges to traditional modes of painting, focusing on Cubism, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque; and discuss the works of colorist Henri Matisse. We'll see one of the finest Surrealist collections in the world, including works by Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte and Joan Miro.​

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We'll take a tour with of local guide visiting London art museums many international visitors never see... The Courtauld Gallery with paintings by Botticelli, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, Rubens, van Gogh... and Tate Britain with its national collection of British art from 1500s to today, including David Hockney paintings and Henri Moore sculpture.

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Art Auction House & Galleries... for centuries London has been the center of the multi-billion dollar art market. Names like Christie's, Sotheby’s and Bonhams are synonymous with luxury art trade today. With our local guide we'll visit some of London's most prestigious commercial galleries, including two of London's art institutions, Christie's and the White Cube Gallery, to see some important artworks and objects rarely on public view. We'll learn about the history of the auction houses, how art dealers function, and how the two interrelate. We'll discuss how prices are determined and the role of the auctioneer in the success of a sale. Our discussion will take us to the Fine Art Society and the Royal Academy, where we'll learn about the key players of the art world, from the 18th century until today... and how they can make or break the fortune of an artist. We'll discuss how a gallery like White Cube has contributed to Damien Hirst becoming one of the highest-earning artists in the world.

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For six nights we’ll stay in London's exclusive Mayfair district, in a personally-selected luxury hotel close to major London landmarks, shopping, restaurants and West End theaters.

 

​Afternoons are free for personal exploring, sightseeing, shopping and relaxing in London on your own.

 

WalkEurope's concierge service can help arrange afternoon visits and tours to other London landmarks and museums -- Tower of London, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Churchill War Rooms, Silver Vaults, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum... excursions to Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Oxford, Kew Gardens... to London neighborhoods & markets... to boutiques, antiques shops and specialty food stores.

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We'll have a welcome reception to meet everyone on the tour and review the week's activities.

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One afternoon we'll take time out to relax and have a traditional English "afternoon tea" consisting of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream & preserves, and cakes & pastries.

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One evening we'll attend a West-End play... another evening we'll venture on a London pub crawl visiting a few of WalkEurope's favorite traditional pubs.

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We'll dine at personally-selected international cuisine restaurants which London is famous for.

 

We'll have a farewell dinner with traditional English cuisine and French wines.

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The trip is ideal for couples, friends, families and solo travelers desiring a fun and WORRY-FREE Europe vacation! ​​

 

The London Art History & Appreciation Tour is Designed to Provide:

• A fabulous European vacation experience!

• Friendly and fun small group environment limited to 15 persons. Enjoy the camaraderie and begin friendships with like-minded travelers.

• Learn about the development of Western art from London art historian guides... visit London's top art museums.

• Many added activities -- English traditional afternoon tea... London pub crawl... West-End play

• Free personal time to enjoy London at your own pace. ... exploring & sightseeing... shopping... relaxing.

• Optional morning group pleasure walks led by WalkEurope president, Tom Harter.

• Recommended restaurants provided should you want to explore on your own, yet everyone is invited to join local-cuisine group meals.

• Concierge service & support – fully escorted tour, personal & customized service for a WORRY-FREE vacation!​

 

What's Included:

• Six nights in a personally-selected Central London premiere/signature/luxury hotel.

• Daily hotel breakfasts

• Welcome Reception - featuring English hors d'oeuvres and French wines -- an opportunity to meet fellow tour members and review the week's activities.

• Art History & Appreciation Tours -- led by art historian guides, private tours of top London art museums -- including visits to the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Courtauld Gallery and more!

• Evening at a West-End play.

• English traditional afternoon tea.

• London Pub Crawl - visiting and experiencing WalkEurope's favorite traditional pubs.

• Morning Pleasure Walks - optional before breakfast group pleasure walks through London neighborhoods & parks.

• Farewell Dinner - dinner with traditional English cuisine and French wines

• Museum entrance fees for all group activities.

• Ground transportation for all group activities.

• Concierge service & support.​

 

Space Is Limited -- Reserve Early!

Small Group Tour - Limited to 15 persons​