Arrive in Singapore and make your way to the hotel. In the evening, join Claudia Chan Shaw and fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

(D)

Following a talk by Claudia, explore the vibrant neighbourhood of Little India. Discover the stunning Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, eclectic shophouses, colourful wall murals and The Great Madras, an Art Deco boutique hotel constructed in the 1940s and beautifully restored in 2018. Nearby Kampong Glam, the former home of the local sultan, retains much of its traditional flavour with the golden Sultan Mosque at its heart, but the area has also grown to become one of Singapore’s hippest areas. Enjoy some time at leisure in Haji Lane, known for its street art, bars, cafés and boutiques.

In the afternoon, embark on a leisurely cruise on the Singapore River before enjoying afternoon tea at Atlas Bar in Parkview Square. Inspired by the Art Deco architecture of New York and Europe, the iconic building evokes the glamour and decadence of the 1920s. End the day with a visit to the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, featuring two huge, cooled conservatories – a Flower Dome bursting with specimens from across the world, and a Cloud Forest replicating the mountain forests of Southeast Asia and South America.

(B)

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Tiong Bahru, one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates, featuring rows of quaint Art Deco buildings, quirky boutiques, whimsical animal murals and old-world charm. The transformation from swamp to swank began in the 1930s, and some of the landmarks from that era still stand today, including the residential blocks and the first Monkey God Temple.

In the afternoon, discover Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture in Joo Chiat and Katong as you stroll past heritage shophouses, quaint stores and eateries. Visit The Intan private museum, a treasure trove of Peranakan furniture, costumes and trinkets. Later, enjoy dinner at a local Peranakan restaurant.

(BD)

After a talk by Claudia, discover the riches of the Asian Civilisations Museum, an extraordinary museum which interweaves the varied cultures of the Asian continent. Highlights of the collection include Chola bronzes and Gandharan statues from India, Khmer and Javanese temple sculptures, and a horde of ceramic, gold and silver recovered from a Tang Dynasty shipwreck.

Spend the afternoon exploring Gillman Barracks, Singapore’s visual arts precinct. Home to leading international and home-grown art galleries, the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore and restaurants, the colonial barracks particularly come to life during the Singapore Art Week, with a wide range of exhibitions, artist demos, tours, workshops and talks. In the late-afternoon, take a walking tour of Chinatown, including the opulent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Dong Ya Building and The Majestic, a former Cantonese opera house whose façade is an interesting mix of Chinese and Art Deco features.

The evening is at leisure to tuck into local cuisine at Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market, which blends history, striking architecture and scrumptious local food into one heady experience.

(B)

Today, visit the National Gallery of Singapore, which boasts the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art. Among its many treasures are pieces by Singapore’s most prominent local artists Cheong Soo Pieng, Liu Kang and Georgette Chen, as well as works from luminaries such as Indonesia’s Raden Saleh, the Philippines’ Fernando Cueto Amorsolo and Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, and Myanmar’s U Ba Nyan.

The afternoon is dedicated to Singapore Art Week events – programme to be announced in late 2022.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the striking Marina Bay Sands complex, including the daily sound and light show spectacular.

(BD)

Enjoy the last morning at leisure, before a special farewell lunch with Claudia and fellow travellers.

Then, depart for Changi Airport. After some time to check in for your suggested evening flights, explore the astounding The Jewel complex, comprising the Shiseido Forest Valley, Canopy Park and the Rain Vortex – the world’s largest indoor waterfall.

Tour arrangements conclude at Changi Airport after the visit to The Jewel, in time for flights departing from 7:00pm. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your travel arrangements, including flights and additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(BL)