Heart of Europe Tours
ANTIQUING ADVENTURES &
GRAND GETAWAYS
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ANTIQUING IN
THE
HEART OF
EUROPE
 Antique Tours in 2007 and
2008
Read about our 2007 offerings in
the column on the right.
Here's a preview of our upcoming trips through fall
2008...
We're putting the final touches on our 2008
program right now. 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...
Don't wait. Our antique tours are
popular. Reserve early and take advantage of our
early-bird discount. Pre-register to get
on the list and contact us for details below (no
obligation).
December 1-9, 2007
Germany's
Enchanted Christmas Markets
Visit
Christmas markets in Dresden, Lauscha, the home of blown glass
Christmas ornaments, and the Erzgebirge, traditional home of wooden
Christmas decorations and toys. For details, see
the description at the bottom of the right-hand column and
follow the link. Spaces going fast, reserve soon!
Pre-register and request more
information...
February 18-25, 2008
Pre-Season Dealers’ and
Pickers’ Trip
A brisk, no-holds-barred trip for the inveterate
antiquer with a long shopping list and not much time. Restored and
unrestored furniture from all periods, art, smalls, décor, lighting,
architecturals and more. Three all-day markets, wholesalers, shops,
warehouses and other stops. Germany and the Czech Republic,
including Prague and Leipzig. Great buying opportunities
-- don't miss it! Pre-register and request more
information...
April 2-11, 2008
The Tuscan Antiques
Trail in Spring
Banish the winter blahs and enjoy early spring in
Tuscany. Two full days of shopping at Italy’s largest antiques
market, in Arezzo plus the Florence antiques market. We’ll visit
dealers, restorers and artisans in small hill towns, and will also
be sampling the region’s great wines, olive oil and
cheeses. A
great blend of antiques, local flavor
and culture. Pre-register and request more
information...
April 17-22, 2008
Belgium Antiques
Break
Belgium is the flea market capitol of western
Europe! Comb the famed flea markets of Brussels and Tienen 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 Flanders for estate finds,
furniture, smalls and décor. A great shopping
adventure. Pre-register and request more
information...
May 26 - June 3, 2008
Prague
Spring
Forage for antiques and art in Prague and Brno at
special trade sources where few Americans ever venture. Troll the
largest market in the Czech Republic for antique treasures, décor,
smalls, folk art and estate finds. Scour warehouses, old factories
and barns in up-country Bohemia and enjoy the delights of the Czech
countryside. We’ll see high-style, continental country, Art Nouveau,
Art Deco, Modernist, architectural and garden antiques and
more. Shop where dealers from western Europe
shop. Pre-register and request more
information...
June 4-12, 2008
Antiquing in the Hill
Towns of Germany
Venture off the beaten track and get to know
northern Bavaria, Thuringia and Saxony as we hunt for antiques along
the back roads and famous cities of this part of Germany. Includes
all-day shopping at the Dresden antiques market on the banks of the
Elbe, visits to wholesalers and under-the-radar dealers. Furniture,
collectibles, glass, art, porcelain, textiles, toys and dolls and
much more. Shop where Americans never venture.
Pre-register and request more
information...
August 22-29, 2008
Hunting for
Antiques, Champagne and Cheese
Visit the Brussels flea market, followed by two full
days of shopping at the legendary Temploux brocante, Belgium’s
largest bric-a-brac and antiques market which is held only once a
year. Then we’ll dip over the border into northern France and travel
deep into Champagne country with stops at local caves, tastings,
tours and a visit to a sensational artisanal
cheesemaker. A feast for all the
senses! Pre-register and request more
information...
September 27 - October 5, 2008
Antiques Extravaganza Tour
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, Art Deco,
Art Nouveau and Modernist. Enjoy the splendors of the imperial
cities of Leipzig and Prague, ‘City of a Thousand
Spires.’ An adventure like no other with lots of
shopping opportunities. Pre-register and request more
information...
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 its Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic
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
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. 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
as part of many of our tours.
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.
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Hot Antiques. Cool Tours.
This just in:
Read about our
recent
shopping trip to Germany
and the Czech Republic in
Country
Living
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 Today, Australian House &
Garden and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Featured 2007 Tours
 Summer
Antiques Extravaganza
July 24-Aug. 2
2007
Think of this trip as your very own “Antiques Roadshow European
Style.”
Our 11-day 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, décor, 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
Sept. 25-Oct. 4, 2007
11 glorious days of
antiques, history and cultural attractions. Trawl 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 this fall.
Includes extended 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
Oct. 5 -
13
Art Nouveau, Czecho-Deco, Modernism, Mid-Century and
More.
The only 20th-century antiques buying trip available
to Central Europe. Shipping included.
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. Prague
and Brno included. Shop tax-free. Enjoy a great
selection and friendly prices. Fully escorted. Shipping
included. More...
 Germany’s Enchanted Christmas Markets
December 1-9
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 Nürnberg, 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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