An Introduction To
Ciceroni Travel

 “Old stones, fresh ideas - as ever with CICERONI - a perfect balance.”

Mr GH, Cambridgeshire

The long tradition of cultural travel peaked during the era of ‘The Grand Tour’. Travellers from all over Europe and beyond flocked to Italy to view the monuments of antiquity and to discover with excitement the defining moments in the evolution of architecture, painting and the decorative arts. Many visitors had the advantage of relying on the knowledge of a ‘Cicerone’ who was a cultivated, learned and, if lucky, companionable guide. The role of these ‘Ciceroni’ was to explain not just the general background to the places visited, but to bring to life the rich cultural and artistic heritage of each monument and site. Simply put, it was a graceful and leisured way of acquiring knowledge and visual stimulation without the stress of organising the detail oneself. It is this tradition of cultural travel that CICERONI Travel tours are designed to recreate, albeit adapted for modern times.

 So how did we begin? In 1994 Tom Duncan was asked to take a number of groups to explore Ireland’s artistic heritage. These visits led to invitations to organise similar tours more widely in Europe and CICERONI Travel was formed. We now escort and guide participants to destinations within the British Isles, Ireland and Italy, together with many other countries in Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, the Caribbean and North America.

An irish spring

Exploring ‘THE PALE’

Ireland
Sunday 5 - Friday 10 May 2024 (6 Days)
Dublin was the second city of the emerging British Empire for much of the Georgian period, its handsome architecture a testament to its prosperity. The surrounding counties hosted a series of extravagant country houses such as Castletown and Russborough. We shall also include some exciting spring gardens.
Places
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Turin & the House of Savoy

Elegance Personified

Italy
Tuesday 11 - Sunday 16 June 2024 (6 Days)
The House of Savoy was one of the most celebrated and well-connected dynasties in Europe. Turin, its capital, was upgraded in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to reflect its new status as a kingdom and power broker in the diplomatic affairs of Europe. Turin just before Christmas is a most handsome city. Masterpieces of fine art and architecture in both the urban palaces and country hunting villas of the Savoy family we will visit will be complemented by superb food and wine during our stay.
Some Places
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Cremona, Mantua & Parma

Monteverdi & Stradivarius

Italy
Wednesday 19 - Tuesday 25 June 2024 (7 Days)
The twin musical traditions of opera and violin-making meet in Cremona, the birthplace of Monteverdi and Stradivarius. Here is an ideal opportunity to discover these remarkable figures from musical history as we explore Cremona, one of Northern Italy’s most delightful small cities. Equally lovely are nearby Mantua so handsomely enriched by the ducal Gonzaga family and Parma, once dominated by the Farnese Dukes.
Places
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Tours & Study Days