Arrive in Prague in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in (transfer included in tour price). In the late afternoon join Claudia and fellow art-lovers for a welcome briefing and special welcome dinner.

(D)

Following a morning talk by Claudia, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town. Prague’s history stretches back to the early 12th century and since its formal establishment by King Wenceslas I of Bohemia, it has been a significant political, cultural and economic hub of central Europe. Wander through the medieval Old Town and marvel at the ingenuity and mechanical beauty of the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall.

After lunch, continue to the Charles Bridge, a historic bridge built between 1357 and 1402 over the Vltava River. Walk from the Charles Bridge to the Museum of Decorative Arts, which features a fine collection of ceramics, porcelain, textiles, fashion, toys and jewellery, as well as one of the most extensive glass exhibitions in Europe.

(BL)

Begin the morning with a visit to Prague Castle, an immense castle complex dating from the 9th century. The numerous buildings comprising Prague Castle represent virtually every architectural style from the last millennium, including the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral (which features stained-glass windows by Alphonse Mucha), the Romanesque Basilica of St George and the Renaissance Rosenberg Palace. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before some free time to explore the sprawling castle district.

Then, visit the Museum Kampa art gallery, home to the world’s largest collection of works by one of the founders of abstract painting, František Kupka.

(BL)

Attend a talk by Claudia in the morning before transferring to the Mucha Museum. The exhibits offer an extensive overview of the works of the Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha, most widely known for the posters he executed for Sarah Bernhardt in the fashionable world of fin-de-siècle Paris. Stroll to the Grand Hotel Evropa to view the elegant Art Nouveau exterior. Then proceed to Koruna Palace, a late-Nouveau-style building featuring a domed hall with stained-glass windows.

Continue to Municipal House, which displays an impressive façade decorated with allegorical sculptural scenes and a mosaic called Homage to Prague over the main entrance. Enjoy a tour of the exquisitely decorated interior and appreciate some of the finest Art Nouveau furnishings in Europe. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Born in Prague in 1967, the subversive Czech sculptor David Černy initially gained notoriety in 1991 by painting the national Monument to Soviet Tank Crews bright pink. Spend this morning on a tour of his infamous installations, starting with The Horse, which hangs from the ceiling of the glorious Art Nouveau Lucerna Palace. Continue to the perpetually moving Head of Franz Kafka and Piss.

Later, visit the Futura Centre for Contemporary Art, a private gallery dedicated to showcasing work from both local and international artists.

After lunch, the remainder of the day is at leisure to continue your exploration of Prague at your own pace.

(BL)

Check out of the hotel for a morning flight to Brussels (flight included in tour price).

Arrive in Brussels and visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, a group of art museums dedicated to presenting the works of Belgian artists throughout history, with a collection spanning from the 15th to the 21st centuries.

(BD)

Following a talk by Claudia, depart the hotel for a morning walking tour of the city. The area was settled in the late 6th century and after it was established as a city in 979 CE, it became a major commercial centre throughout the Middle Ages. Now the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels is known for its culture, history and gastronomy. Wander through the Old Town, the Grand Place central square and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a gorgeous, glass-roofed arcade. Pass by the iconic Manneken Pis.

Enjoy a walking tour of Sablon, an area filled with antique shops, chocolatiers and cafes, then head down the hill to explore the Marolles, Brussels’ historic working-class district.

(B)

This morning, attend a talk by Claudia before transferring to Maison Cauchie and admire the opulent Art Nouveau exterior, famous for the remarkable allegorical sgraffito which adorn the building’s façade. Continue to the Hotel Van Eetvelde to view the exterior of this iconic town house designed by Victor Horta in 1895, and see the beautiful Saint-Cyr House.

After lunch, view a series of prominent buildings designed by Victor Horta, including the Hôtel Tassel, generally considered the world’s first true Art Nouveau building. Then learn to make your own chocolate and discover the tricks and techniques behind Belgium’s most famous sweet treat.

(BL)

Begin the morning with a visit to the Magritte Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of works by renowned Belgian surrealist, René Magritte. The artworks displayed at the Magritte Museum represent the entire span of this prolific artist’s career and includes key pieces from one of the leaders of the surrealist movement. Pass by the stately elegance of the Musical Instruments Museum, an Art Nouveau terrace housing an internationally renowned collection of antique and unusual instruments.

This afternoon, visit the Fashion and Lace Museum. This outstanding museum showcases an impressive collection of lace, an industry Brussels was famous for up until the 19th century, as well as a rotating exhibition of historic and contemporary fashion design. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

(BD)

This morning, transfer to Villa Empain, a private Art Deco-style house built between 1930 and 1934 and which now acts as a cultural centre and museum hosting a wide variety of exhibitions.

After lunch, visit the Horta Museum, located in the expertly conserved private studio and residence of the visionary designer. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

(BL)

Check out of the hotel and transfer to Brussels-Midi Railway Station. Travel by train from Brussels to Paris (train trip included in tour price) before enjoying lunch on arrival in Paris.

After lunch, visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, an extraordinary collection featuring the creations of one of the 20th century’s greatest designers. Displayed at the site of his iconic label’s former fashion house, the museum is an exhibition not only of the creative genius of a single individual, but of the history of haute couture fashion.

Check in to the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure, before having dinner in one of Paris’s charming local restaurants.

(BLD)

Attend a talk by Claudia in the morning before departing the hotel for an Art Nouveau-focussed walk of the 16th Arrondissement, a district of Paris known for its ornate 19th and 20th century architecture, wide avenues, parks and museums. Wander through the stunning Art Nouveau creations scattered throughout the district before continuing to the great Palais de Chaillot on the vast esplanade of Trocadero, overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Partially reconstructed from an original 19th century palace in the 1930s, this extraordinary building reimagines Neoclassical architecture through the lens of the Art Deco aesthetic.

After lunch, transfer to the Left Bank to see the opulent Art Nouveau home of Jules Lavirotte. Continue to L’Atelier des Lumières for an extraordinary, immersive experience as works of art are magnified, manipulated and projected onto the interior of a converted factory.

(BL)

This morning, take a stroll along the banks of the River Seine and wander through the Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air, an open-air sculpture museum featuring over 50 works by prominent French and international artists. Continue to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, a mainstay of the city’s Art Nouveau heritage, with its wood-panelled drawing room designed by Georges Hoentschel for the 1900 Exhibition.

After lunch, proceed to the Louxor Palais du Cinéma, a wonderful example of the Art Deco Egyptian revival style from the 1920s, and thought to be the oldest movie theatre in Paris. Continue to the Folies Bergère, the infamous cabaret music hall which received an Art Deco makeover by Maurice Pico in 1926, before ending the day with a stop at Le Grand Rex, a landmark of Art Deco architecture.

(BL)

Today, visit Saint Ouen Flea Market, one of the largest antique markets in the world. Wander through the winding alleys of this sprawling bazaar, where everything from priceless artworks to bargain mementos can be found.

Then, enjoy some time at leisure to continue exploring Paris at your own pace. Tonight, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner with Claudia and fellow travellers.

(BD)

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Make your way to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for suggested Emirates flights to Australia and New Zealand via Dubai. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour.

(B)