Holiday Extras

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.

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.

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.