Thursday, August 11, 2016

Musée Carnavalet to close for major renovation in October

The beautiful and beloved Carnavalet museum of the history of Paris has started undergoing a major renovation and many galleries are closed at present. In October the Carnavalet is scheduled to close until 2020 for a major renovation of its heating, cooling and lighting systems, along with other efforts to stabilize this Renaissance era mansion and to enhance the visitor experience of the various collections.

The Carnavalet is a major draw in the Marais.  Fortunately the Picasso has re-opened after its renovation and the Cognac Jay are open.  The Center for European Photography, the Jewish Museum remain open, as is the Museum of the 'Chasse' or the Hunt.

And that is just in the Marais.


Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Andalucia. Taste. Explore.Experience.

Well, its not Turkey or France, but I am planning another intimately sized tour in magical Andalucia next spring.  From April 22 to May 1, starting in romantic Seville and ending in Granada, this is your chance to enjoy the culinary, cultural and architectural treasures of this fabled region of Spain. 

We are partnering once again with our Seville-based Andalucia expert colleague to offer this tour and it will be a terrific experience.  Highlights included visits to food artisans (the best jamon, olive oil, local cheese, vintage sherry wine in Jerez and a fine winemaker in Ronda), a 'fighting bull' farm, the Royal Andalucian Equestrian Stables, and dining ranging from a Sevillan tapas crawl to bodegas and restaurants of note for delicious local cuisine. 

We will, of course, enjoy guided tours of Seville's ancient juderia, the glorious Alcazar and the old city,  spend a day in Cordoba and visit the great mezquita and Medina Al Zahara, and, the Alhambra in Granada.  Flamenco?  Yes, we will have a private performance and chat with an up and coming young flamenco guitarist and enjoy a flamenco performance in an intimate venue in Seville.  And there's more.... a visit to luminous Cadiz, to romantic mountain side Ronda and other 'white towns', a visit to a private palace in Seville.  Lot's of great and unique experiences are guaranteed, on and off the beaten track!

Call 781 391 6183 or email me for a tour flyer and the daily itinerary.  Price is $4,650 double occupancy.  Minimum 8, maximum 12 persons.    s.peabody@verizon.net