The Thinking Traveller

A series that draws on the passions, expertise and interests of Academy Travel's academic tour leaders, to bring a wealth of additional knowledge to your travels, one topic at a time. Our tour leaders talk on a range of topics and interests related to travel, covering history, culture, archaeology, architecture, the visual arts and the performing arts.

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Episodes

Rehabilitation of the Romanovs - Russia's last tsar

Known during communist days as 'the Bloody', Nicholas is now more commonly known to Russians as the 'Tsar-Martyr'. Writer and historian Dr Matthew Dal Santo explores the changing attitudes in contemporary Russia since the collapse of Communism, and the rehabilitation of the Romanovs. Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to a...

Apr 09, 2020•21 min•Season 1Ep. 8

The Norman Kingdom of Sicily – splendour in the sun

The Norman Conquest of Sicily began in 1061, five years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Cultural historian Robert Veel traces how the Normans came to rule in Sicily, why they were so important to Sicilian culture, and where to find Sicily's surviving Norman monuments. Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to ap...

Mar 26, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Pompeii - uncovering the truth

Internationally acclaimed archaeologist, Dr Estelle Lazer, takes us to the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, to uncover what is preserved under the ash. Estelle is now using CT scans and X-rays to investigate the unique plaster casts which encase many of the dead. Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to appeal to travellers wi...

Mar 11, 2020•21 min•Season 1Ep. 6

The life of Caravaggio - as provocative as his paintings?

Cultural historian Dr Kathleen Olive takes us into the often volatile life and career of the most famous Italian painter of the Baroque period, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, and explains his role in art history, and how his paintings are viewed today. Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to appeal to travellers with a s...

Feb 25, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Siberia & The Russian Far East - the world’s last travel frontier

Writer and historian Dr Matthew Dal Santo takes us to Siberia and the Russian Far East, and reveals the cultural and geographical wonders of one of the world’s last travel frontiers - from its awe-inspiring landscapes and unique to wildlife to a cultural kaleidoscope of peoples and dissidents. Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are des...

Feb 18, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Beethoven – 250 years of Ludwig van Beethoven

As the world celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday in 2020, classical music specialist Dr Tom Ford discusses his life and genius, how he continued to compose despite deafness, and why he is so venerated today. Tom also suggests some of the key places to visit during this year’s Beethoven 250th. Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are de...

Feb 18, 2020•19 min•Season 1Ep. 3

American Vogue – history of a fashion bible

Historian and educator Dr Anna Lebovic delves into the history of Vogue, examining how it has evolved since its birth as an American weekly newspaper in 1892, and why it has enjoyed such longevity in a world that is rapidly moving away from print. Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to appeal to travellers with a strong int...

Feb 18, 2020•22 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Venice – how to avoid the crowds

Cultural historian Robert Veel offers insights into how to locate the less-visited highlights when exploring Venice, including the best times to visit, tips on where to stay, and advice on how to discover the history of Venice without standing shoulder to shoulder with other tourists. Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to ...

Feb 18, 2020•18 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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