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  ANTIQUING IN THE  
HEART OF EUROPE
 


Affordable Guided Antique Tours 

Set your sights on great outdoor markets, special trade sources, under-the-radar dealers, shops and warehouses -- we'll be traveling oh-so-far off the beaten path
...  


Our antique tours are popular and space is limited.  Reserve early.  
Call or click now to check availability.  Email us at info@heartofeuropetours.com or phone us at +1 215 991 9892. 

Our Feature Tours...


  March 20-29, 2011

Pre-Season Dealer's and Picker's Tour -- Antiquing in Europe's Attic 

Includes Two of Europe's Best Markets

You'll travel off-the-beaten path in a part of the continent where few antiques buffs venture.  Visit under-the-radar dealers and new sources along Europe's newest antiques trail as you enjoy the beauty and history of Central Europe.

This is a brisk, no-holds-barred trip for the enthusiastic antiquer who is interested in turning over new ground.  You'll see high-quality antiques and design, art, decorative arts, restored and unrestored furniture from all periods, smalls, decor, lighting, industrial, low-cost collectibles, textiles, architecturals, folk art and more.  18th and 19th century, Art Nouveau, Secession, Historicism, Black Forest, Deco, Czecho-Deco, Mid-Century, Functionalism and other styles and periods.  

This antiques safari includes two of the best markets in Europe, where dealers from France, Belgium, Italy and Germany shop. Also: wholesalers, shops, warehouses and other stops in Germany and the Czech Republic, including Prague and Leipzig and remote hill towns in Saxony and Bohemia.  Great buying opportunities for dealers, collectors, designers, trend scouts and adventurers -- low-cost, mid-range and up-market antiques.  

Includes ground transportation, private driver, full itinerary, guide, technical assistance, accommodations, taxes and much more.  Shared container shipping available.

This is a popular trip. Don't miss it.        

We are filling up.  Please call or click to check availability and request the trip description with details, itinerary, pricing and other information.  Email us at info@heartofeuropetours.com or phone us at +1 215 991 9892. 

 


May 2011

Belgium Antiques Break

Belgium is the flea market capitol of western Europe! Comb the famed flea markets of Brussels and then roll up your sleeves and forage for treasures at Tongeren, Belgium's biggest antiques market.  Finish the week, scouring antique shops and wholesalers in eastern and central Flanders for estate finds, furniture, smalls and decor.   A great shopping adventure and a huge variety of antiques, design objects, and treasures of all kinds.  We will be finalizing the dates in late 2010.  Email or call to get on the list.   

Pre-reserve / Request more information about this trip...



Late June 2011 

Summer Antiques Extravaganza

Two of the biggest and best antique and flea markets in Germany plus dealers and warehouses in Franconia, eastern Germany and up-country Bohemia. High-style and country furniture, Baroque, continental styles, Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Modernist. Plenty of decorative arts and small antiques, too.  Enjoy the splendors of the imperial cities of Leipzig and Prague, "City of a Hundred Spires."   An adventure like no other with lots of shopping opportunities and an immense variety of antiques, design objects, art and collectibles at all points on the price sprectrum.  Dates will be finalized in late 2010.  

Pre-Reserve / Request more information about this trip... 


September 23-October 3, 2011 

Fall Antiques and Design Tour

A brisk, fun adventure with tons of buying opportunities and a huge variety of venues.  We'll be visiting small towns in nothern Bavaria, eastern Germany and the Czech Republic -- two imperial cities, two UNESCO World Heritage sites and all the wonderful nooks and crannies in between.  Includes Dresden, Prague and Bamberg as well as Saxon hill towns and hideouts in Central Bohemia and Moravia.  Two of the very best markets with hundreds of dealers.  Also tons of shops, warehouses, farmsteads, wholesalers and galleries.  Antiques and design are very affordable in this part of Europe.  Container shipping available.  

Pre-Reserve / Request more information about this trip...


December 1-9, 2011 

Germany's Enchanted  Christmas Markets Tour  


Northern Bavaria, Germany's Historic Toy Route, the Erzgebirge and Hill Towns in Saxony


A wonderful dealer-led, small-group exploration of all things Christmas, different than any other tour on the market.  Experience the wonder and beauty of the Christmas season in the Bamberg, Lauscha, Dresden, the Erzgebirge region, Seiffen and the Saxon Highlands. 

This Christmas markets tour includes the breathtaking Lichtelfest(Festival of Lights) and folk choral groups in the Saxony, shopping at the Dresden Striezelmarkt, the medieval market at the castle mews, and other choice Christmas markets, private tour of historic creches, traditional family-based craft workshops on Germany's Toy Route, glimpse of a remarkable private collection of Christmas antiques and toys, an insider's look at a Christmas Stollen bakery, behind-the-scenes visit to a glassblower's workshop, Dresden's spectacular Frauenkirche and the Imperial Cathedral in Bamberg, a chance to see the famed Green Vault, concert in the Kreuzkircheand other special music of the season, plus many other surprises.  A super choice, whether you're traveling solo, with friends or with a family member.  You'll love that great "getaway" feeling!

Estimated Price: $2999 per person, double occupancy.  For a look at past Christmas market tours, see the description at the bottom of the right-hand column and look at the summary. Contact us via the link below for the itinerary and full trip description.   Limited space available -- reserve soon. 

Space for the Christmas Tours is limited.  Get on the list now! 

View the 2010 Enchanted Christmas Markets Tour description here.  

 Download the Tour Reservation Form here.

Why Heart of Europe Tours?


Are you looking for a new kind of antique tour?    

Are you hoping to find treasures for your own home, or inventory for your shop?  Looking for a few special pieces for a favorite client?  Are you open to a one-of-a-kind travel experience?  If so, we think we have the kind of European antique tour you've been looking for...
 


There are still things in life that inspire and amaze you...
 
  
You're capable of being awed and can can spot beauty and charm under dust and dirt.

You live with and love antiques. You delight in the hunt.

You have a good eye and know what you like.  You're a savvy shopper. 

You're an adventurer...
You love new travel experiences and are ready for the road.

We hope you'll like what we offer... 
Experience one of our insider antique shopping tours -- you'll love the fun and appreciate the depth and insight that go into our trips.  Veer off the beaten path and shop for antiques in places few outsiders have ever heard of.  Immerse yourself in remarkable European antiques, design and decor in all styles and price ranges.  Experience Europe's nooks and crannies as never before and stay in historic hotels most tourists only see from a bus window.  And when you're done shopping, we'll ship your treasures home!  

Plan your getaway now. 
Demand is high and our tours fill up -- Reserve now for the best selection.
 IN A NUTSHELL...

ANTIQUE BUYING TOURS

Many of our trips focus on Central Europe which is fast becoming the hottest new antiquing spot on the Continent.  The selection is huge, ranging from unrestored jewels in the rough to high-end Biedermeier and Baroque.  Prices are friendly, despite the strong Euro.  And best of all: Your purchases are exempt from the local value-added tax since you will be exporting them.

Whether it's  Germany, the Czech Republic, France or Belgium, our goal is to help you access great sources.  And since we don't believe in cookie cutter travel, we offer a range of antique buying tours with various features.  For example, you can choose among expeditions of varying lengths.  You might opt for a tour featuring one or another antiques market.  Or a different trip, offering additional options such as museum visits and historical attractions that may appeal to you.  You're bound to find an antique buying tour that fits your needs and interests.

Are you traveling with someone who is not an antiques buff? Boredom is verboten on a Heart of Europe tour.  We'll be happy to help your travelmate find other local attractions or cultural activities. 

 >> More about our antiquing expeditions

 >> Who should go on a Heart of Europe buying tour

>>See what USA Today has to say about us


OUR GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS TOUR 

A lot of people have asked us to include a German Christmas Tour to our repertoire, so when the time came, it was easy to say yes.  We've added our own extras, which set it apart from other Christmas trips.   For one, we'll be experiencing the thrill of Christmas in three distinct regions --Franconia, Thuringia and Saxony.   Christmas markets will be front and center stage.  Our added touches make this Christmas adventure even better.  They include a visit to the Erzgebirge region, a session with one of the top restorers of antique Christmas figures in Germany, and a special trip to the glass-blowing region of Germany.  It will be an unforgettable trip.

>>
 More about our Christmas Markets Tour 


INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

We welcome international travelers on all our antique buying expeditions.  We will gladly arrange to ship your antiques to a port in your country and have them trucked to your door.   Questions?  We recommend that you get in touch with us early so we can discuss your needs and make arrangements.  We would be happy to have you aboard. 

YOU SHOP.  WE'LL SHIP. 

If you've ever shopped for antiques overseas, you know how costly it is to have larger pieces individually shipped
(it cost upwards of $ 1100 just to ship an armoire to the U.S. if you're sending it alone). 

And if you've ever packed smaller antiques in your checked baggage or entrusted them to the post office, you know how expensive and risky it is to get even small items home safely.   With new weight restrictions on baggage and soaring postage costs, carrying your antiques with you on the flight home or sending them by mail is hardly an option any more.   

We've been at it a while.  And over time, we've tried out just every method we could think of -- we've paid extra baggage fees, we've schlepped, mailed,  stowed and shipped our antiques home in small quantities.  And at the end of the day, we're convinced that container shipping is the best option.  That's why we offer it in conjunction with many of our tours.  The cost of shipping is in addition to the cost of the tour.

Our goal is to make your buying trip as cost-effective, convenient and hassle-free as possible.  This means that you can concentrate on antiquing and count on us to help with shipping.  And if you want to buy a larger quantity, we can reserve a separate container just for you and have it delivered to your door.  Whether you're sharing space with others or sending your own container home, ocean freight is the most cost-conscious, efficient way of getting your treasures home.



Hot Antiques.  Cool Tours.  

Serving travelers from the U.S. , Australia, Canada, the U.K. , New Zealand and around the globe...



See Exploring Europe's Heartland, a special web slideshow about our trips on the Country Living website.



- Read about our  
shopping trip to Germany 
and the Czech Republic in  
Country Living Magazine
Pictures, stories and personal experiences from the European antiques trail by Country Living senior editor, Monica Willis.

...Click here for a free copy
 

- Read about our antique buying tours  in USA TodayAustralian House & Garden  and the Philadelphia Inquirer. 


Here are some of our tours from the recent past. (For current tours, check out the listings to the left.)

  
Summer Antiques Extravaganza


Think of this trip as your very own "Antiques Roadshow, European Style." Our  summer  expedition spotlights  Europe's hottest new antiques circuit and includes two of the best markets on the continent -- the only antique buying trip of its kind. 

You'll enjoy a stimulating mix of antiquing, history and cultural highlights.  Shop for small antiques and furniture, art, decor, furnishings, collectibles, glass, ceramics and much more -- you'll enjoy the immense selection and great prices.  Includes the  Bohemian Highlands , Saxony and extended stays in  Leipzig and  Prague , the " Florence of the North."  Fully escorted, with lots of extras.  Optional three-day extention available for the Porzellinermarkt, Germany's annual porcelain flea market in Selb.  More...


Fall Antiques Extravaganza

  


See the description of this year's fall tour to the left.  


Glorious antiques, history and cultural attractions.T
rawl shops in the Bavarian countryside, the Bamberg antiques market and great sources in Prague.  The only buying trip to Europe's hottest new antiques circuit available.

Includes stays in Prague and Leipzig, two of Central Europe's jewels.  Tax-free shopping and great prices at trade sources, warehouses, shops, the best markets in the region and auction houses. You'll see antiques in all styles and from all eras at prices you'll like.  Also: decor and furnishings, collectibles, art, estate items and other treasures. Fully escorted.  Lots of extras!    More...


20th Century Antiques and Design


Art Nouveau, Secession, Czecho-Deco, Modernism, Mid-Century and More.  The only 20th-century antiques buying trip available to Central Europe. 

The immense reservoir of 20th Century Design and Antiques on tap in Central Europe is nothing short of amazing.  The only thing more remarkable is how few Americans shop there.  We show you how to access this market, where to shop, and what to look for on this nine-day insider's buying trip to the Czech Republic and Germany.  Shop tax-free.  Enjoy  a great selection and friendly prices.  Fully escorted.  Shipping available. More... 


Germany's Enchanted Christmas Markets  



Eight glorious days along the Christmas trail in Germany,  the country that "invented" Christmas. 

Delight in Christmas antiques and contemporary Christmas decor.   There's no better  way to get in the Christmas spirit. 

A German Christmas market is something to experience rather than describe.  Wend your way among the stalls on a softly-lit Medieval square, enjoying music, mulled wine, beeswax candles, toys, German Christmas ornaments and Christmas crafts.  Includes Dresden, the famed Erzgebirge toy region and the glass-blowing village, Lauscha.  Fully escorted.  
More... 


Would you like us to design a custom antiques tour for you?

Hit the antiques trail with colleagues, a group of friends, dealers or designers  in your area.  We  provide a guide, arrange the itinerary, reserve hotels and help with shipping.  We also arrange solo buying tours.   Contact us.


 Antiquing a la carte

 Packages include a rental car, regional antiquing schedule and dealer information and a private apartment at a castle, chateau or farm.  An unbeatable combination for solo travelers, couple or friends who want tot travel together.  Contact us.
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