In 2016, ACE Cultural Tours is delighted to introduce several new art tours to our programme, including a special itinerary in Venice to mark the 500th anniversary of the birth of Giovanni Bellini. Join our expert Tour Directors to explore Paris, Glasgow, Tuscany and Munich in small, friendly groups.

Evoke the elegance and charm of Belle Epoque Paris (April 21–24, 2016; £1195) on this tour with art historian Patrick Bade. Walk through the fabulous Art Nouveau interiors of Fouquet's jewellery shop and the notorious Maxim's, experience the clamour and excitement of the Hôtel Drouot, Paris's most venerable auction house, and enjoy a special visit to the Hôtel de la Païva – originally built for the courtesan La Païva by her princely lover – with its incredibly sumptuous interiors.

Dr Evelyn Silber, former Director of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum, will lead a fascinating examination of Glasgow: Patrons, Art & Innovation from Bute to Burrell (May 15–21, 2016; £1265). Highlights will include a lunch at Dumfries House – a little altered 18th century gem designed by Robert Adam – and a visit to the Isle of Bute for Mount Stuart, an incredibly lavish and individual late Victorian home.

The Pre-Raphaelites in Tuscany (June 21–27, 2016; £2095) follows in the footsteps of artists and writers, such as Burne-Jones and Ruskin as well as EM Forster and Browning, who were inspired by the landscape, architecture and painting of the Italian Renaissance. Led by Suzanne Fagence Cooper, our exploration of the Victorian love affair with Tuscany will bring fresh eyes to familiar sites.

Discover the art and architecture that flourished in Munich 1900 (July 12–15, 2016; £1460) on this art history tour with Patrick Bade. Learn about the Jugendstil style employed by such artists as Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee, and take in the Lenbachhaus, newly re-opened after lengthy refurbishment, which contains the world's finest collection of the Munich School. 

Giovanni Bellini's Venice (26 Sept – 2 Oct, 2016; £2145) marks the 500th anniversary of the death of the artist whose epic contribution to Venetian art in the 15th and early 16th century was so important that Kenneth Clark declared that “no other school of painting is to the same extent the creation of one man”. Alongside art historian Colin Bailey, examine the artist's works in details, both in the churches where his magnificent altarpieces can be seen in situ, to the museums where his paintings hang alongside those of his contemporaries. 

Find our full range of art tours here.

To book: www.aceculturaltours.co.uk or 01223 841 055

ENDS

Notes for Editors

For more information, images, or a copy of the ACE 2016 brochure please contact Jessica Burrows on 01223 841055, at jessica@aceculturaltours.co.uk or visit www.aceculturaltours.co.uk.

ACE Cultural Tours is the UK's most experienced cultural tour operator. With a growing portfolio of over 1000 specially tailored tours for small groups, ACE offers over 180 departures every year. Each tour is led by a Tour Director – both a specialist in their field and a convivial host – and the tour groups regularly enjoy privileged access to private buildings, collections and performers. Owned by the charity the ACE Foundation, all surplus from the tour company is used to fund educational projects in the UK and abroad.

ACE Cultural Tours is a bonded tour operator, holding ATOL licence no 1204 and is also a member of AITO and ABTOT.