FAQs

Why take a tour?

So often when you think of “tour” you envision climbing into a huge tour bus with 40 or more people whom you likely don’t know. Let us assure you, this isn’t something either of us would ever want to do, so our groups are strictly limited to no more than 12 travelers. And, as our trips are each devoted to a very specific topic, you know you’ll find among the others who have come along a shared interest and enthusiasm.

We’ve heard the advice “It’s always best to choose a tour company that is native to the country or region you’re visiting.”

On its face this makes perfect sense, as local people know their city/country the best. However, as Arts and Crafts Tours specializes in the art and architecture of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries – along with the history of any country we visit – our guides are always the most knowledge and expert in their field as well as always living in the country we visit.

As seasoned American travel providers, we know the standards that our (mostly American) travelers need and have come to expect. So you have not only the most knowledgeable guides, but you also have a variety of guides each of whom will spend a half day, a full day or a couple of days with the group which guarantees that there will be ample time to chat with them over lunch or dinner or drinks. This greatly enhances the experience and the knowledge you gain by traveling with us.

Why are Arts and Crafts Tours so expensive?

This is something we hear far too often. Of course “”bespoke” anything is always a bit more expensive, but if you really look at costs we think you’ll find that our trips are not much more than general interest packaged tours. Have you noticed how often those itineraries offer you “the day at leisure to explore on your own”, “dinner on your own”, or “the afternoon is free for shopping”? All that free time really isn’t free and can add a significant amount to your total cost.

We have never included airfare in our trips since so many people want to use their frequent flier miles or want to stay on or arrive early. Once we have picked you up and you are in country, you will rarely have to pay for a thing except for drinks or other incidental purchases such as laundry. So before dismissing us as “too expensive”, see what we offer for your money; we think you’ll find we are really a bargain.

Who are the people who travel with Arts and Crafts Tours?

Generally speaking, our groups are people who have the time and money to indulge their passion for art and architecture.  They are seasoned travelers who have been to the “standard” travel destinations, visited the “iconic” sights, monuments, museums, etc. Now they are ready to go a bit beyond the “Top Ten or Twenty” places and delve deeper into their love of art and architecture. They are happy to go back to fabulous cities like London or Vienna to see new museum exhibitions and there are always new restaurants to try or new experiences to have such as traveling by boat on the Thames from Westminster to Hampton Court with a narrative delivered by an expert in the period. (We did this last fall on one of our tours.) Those who travel with us in Britain are also happy to leave London and explore a new part of the English countryside with the knowledge that they will see wonderful and astonishing places and meet some brilliant and amazing people.

Elaine Hirschl Ellis, President

Gail Ettinger, Program Director