Holiday Extras

From the Spanish colonists to the entertainment power brokers of Hollywood, Los Angeles has always been a magnet for risk-takers. Bankers, tycoons, oil men and philanthropists such as the Gettys and the Huntingtons collected on a remarkable level. Thus an astonishing array of art and antiquities can be found in and around the city and we shall see the best of the best!

Lombardy, once known as the Duchy of Milan, has always been a centre of fine craftsmanship and artistic patronage - the joint focus of our visit. Be it the masterpieces made by Leonardo for the Sforza Dukes or the outstanding instruments made by Stradivarius, excellence has always been appreciated by the locals. This innate sense of 'style' will inform all we shall see and hear in museum, church and opera house.

Cuba - is there another country in the Caribbean which has proved to be so endlessly fascinating in recent times? Explore the colonial and contemporary history of this remarkable country as it seeks to enter the modern world, albeit to a different rhythm to everyone else, the shadow of revolution still in the background.