The New Year is almost here. If one of your resolutions for 2020 is to travel more, Arrangements Abroad has journeys for every type of traveler. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorites.
Valencia, Spain
Best cruises for art aficionados: Sail stunning coastlines to experience art treasures in Spain and France during “Mediterranean Masterpieces” (April 16-25). On “Belgium, Holland & Van Eyck” (April 30-May 9), call at Ghent, which will be celebrating the “Van Eyck Year” in 2020 with the return of the magnificent Ghent Altarpiece to St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
Most relaxing river cruise: Immerse yourself in the art, architecture, and history of some of Italy’s most beautiful cities during “Pearls of the Po” (May 9-17).
Derrick Pitts
Top trip for stargazing: Join Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer at the Franklin Institute, to go behind the scenes at the Griffith Observatory, Caltech, and SpaceX on “Science & Innovation in the Golden State: Los Angeles & Pasadena” (May 13-17).
A-list trips for Anglophiles: Discover the rich heritage of England’s architecture, enjoy exclusive events, and stay in stunning historic properties during “English Elegance: Majestic Manors of Bath & Cornwall” (May 12-20). Or experience the British capital’s icons such as the fabulous Crown Jewels and Kensington Palace outside of public hours during “Met Classics: London” (September 30-October 6).
Machu Picchu, Peru
Outstanding tours to see ancient wonders: On “Legends & Landscapes of Peru” (April 20-28), enjoy special access to private collections and archaeological sites. Alternatively, cruise the Mekong aboard the elegant Jahan and discover the UNESCO-designated temple complex of Angkor during “Treasures of Cambodia & Vietnam” (September 24-October 5).
Incomparable train journeys: Luxuriate in an epic journey from Mongolia to Moscow aboard the exclusive Golden Eagle during “Splendors of Siberia & Mongolia” (July 9-22). Alternatively, experience Japanese hospitality at its most refined during “Journey to the Deep North of Japan: Tokyo to Hokkaido Aboard the Train Suite Shiki-shima” (October 1-12).
Short getaways exploring America: See the best of Newport, Rhode Island before the summer crowds arrive during “Newport, Rhode Island: From the Revolution Through the Gilded Age” (May 17-22). Or, if you prefer a fall escape, discover masterpieces of art and architecture during “Treasures of the Brandywine Valley: Private Estates & Exclusive Collections” (October 4-8).
Top tour for foodies: Attend the annual International Alba White Truffle Fair, meet with a trifulau (truffle hunter), and enjoy a private tour of one of the most celebrated and beautiful wineries in the world during “Hidden Gems of Northern Italy: Castles, Collections & Culture in Milan, Turin & Alba” (November 8-16).
Best journey for nature lovers: Experience Iceland’s lava fields, black-sand beaches, majestic waterfalls and more during “Phenomenal Iceland: Contemporary Art & Natural Wonders” (September 8-15).
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Her story has many chapters. The first begins in 1931, when Sea Cloud was built (as the Hussar V) for Edward F. Hutton, a stockbroker and expert yachtsman, and his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post. At a cost of over a million dollars—more than $15 million in today’s money—this four-masted windjammer was bigger and more spectacular than similar yachts owned by Morgans and Vanderbilts. Measuring 316 feet from bow to stern and with 55,000 feet of sail, Sea Cloud was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest private sailing yacht in the world.
While E.F. was responsible for designing Sea Cloud’s exterior, Marjorie took care of the ship’s interior. “Luxurious” does not do it justice. Marjorie’s stateroom, decorated à la Louis XVI, was so opulent that when Queen Maud of Norway glimpsed it, she gasped, “You live like a queen, don’t you?”
Celebrated for her glamour and style, Marjorie was also renowned for her philanthropy; she gave generous, often anonymous gifts to the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, and other favorite charities. Still, the Huttons worried that their wealth could attract the wrong attention. Thus Marjorie, E.F., and their only child Dina (who later became the movie star Dina Merrill) spent much of the Depression safe in relative isolation aboard Sea Cloud, sailing the world. In 1935 E.F. and Marjorie divorced, and 20 years later, Sea Cloud was sold to Rafael Trujillo, the dictator of the Dominican Republic, who renamed it the Angelita after his daughter.
1. A seven-night stay aboard Magnifique II.
Much of Maria’s art explores the concept of memory. On her website, Maria, who has a background in biology as well as art, writes: “I approach my work from the hybrid sensitivity that arises from the mutual influence of art and science. My photographs emerge from the counterbalance between these two forms of operation, which I regard as complementary. Within this dynamic I am interested in the social/anthropological processes which traverse the categories of thought and image. It is my personal quest to go inside spaces of remembrance and forgetfulness. Photography is my way of not only adding and revealing layers to the process of reminiscence; but also of participating in this cryptic accumulation.”
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