ART and ADVENTURE
Sketching Tour Cambodia and Laos
5 - 15 July 2016
The epic temple complex of Angkor is one of the world's foremost ancient sites and this tour provides an opportunity to draw and paint directly from the grandeur of these breathtaking ruins. Along with the main Angkor Wat temple we will explore the tree festooned magnificence of Ta Prohm,the decaying beauty of Angkor Thom and the imposing images of Bayon.We will explore Siem Reap and enjoy the restaurants and markets of this lively riverside town.Here we will savour traditional Khmer cuisine and enjoy a performance of Apsara dance.
From Siem Reap we will travel deeper still into the heart of Cambodia with an extraordinary river boat journey up the Mekong to the charming town of Battambang . This boat journey takes us through the Prek Toal Bird sanctuary and across the Tonle Sap lake where we will observe the unique floating villages of this region. Battambang combines colonial era architecture, busy temples and traditional Khmer riverside villages ; all wonderful material for artists.Throughout the tour adequate time to paint and draw will be provided and you will receive instruction and positive feedback to enhance your skills.
Returning to Siem Reap we will then fly to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang in Laos . We will observe the morning alms procession of hundreds of saffron robed monks and visit active temples.This former Royal city is saturated in colour with gold roofed temples,emerald green jungle and vibrant traditional Lao houses.There is a feast of imagery to draw, paint and photograph as we soak up the visual delights of this town .
A visit to Nam Ou elephant sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to draw and interact with these magnificent creatures at close quarters .No cage bars here - we are eye to eye with the elephants as we draw. We will also travel down river , past ethnic Lao villages with terraced rice paddies,to the exquisite Kuang Si waterfalls to draw and swim. Finally, a Lao banquet will provide our farewell dinner for this fabulous trip.
You will return from this journey with a sketchbook filled with vibrant observations of the richness of South East Asia.
SKETCHING AND PAINTING TOURS with Richard Byrnes
At Art and Adventure we believe that both art and travel are an adventure. We believe that the wonder of travel can be transferred to the sketchbook page or canvas. Guided by artists and experienced travellers,we will visit sites that beg to be painted, drawn and photographed.As you require it one to one tuition and constructive feedback.will be provided or you will be left alone if the muse takes you.You will return home with a sketchbook filled with vibrant memories of breathtaking locations.
We specialise in small group tours of people who share your passion for art , travel and life.
Colours of Vietnam
September 25 - October 6th 2016
Vietnam is a feast for all senses. This ten day tour takes us through the highlights of this amazing country. We start our journey in the historical grandeur of Hanoi and the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. This maze of alley ways and shop fronts is the pulsating heart of Hanoi and provides an inexhaustable parade of images for the sketchbook.From Hanoi we travel to the World heritage site of Halong Bay with its thousands of towering limestone islands jutting up from the South China Sea. We will cruise the labyrinth of islands and sleep aboard our own boat as we explore this unique natural formation.We then fly south to the World Heritage site of Hue ,the ancient capital of the Nguyen Emperors .Here we can explore the mighty Citadel to see its own version of the " Forbidden City " and visit the beautifully preserved pagodas and temples of this Imperial city.We then take a boat trip up the Perfume River ,visiting the extravagant Nguyen Tombs,final resting places of these dynastic Emperors.Hue,as a result of the discerning palate of Emperor Thu Duc , boasts its own particular cuisine and so it is fitting that this is the location for a Vietnamese banquet to remember.
From Hue we will travel to the 13th Century Chinese trading port of Hoi An . A UNESCO World Heritage site , Hoi An is an atmospheric blend of French colonial architecture , old Mechant houses , pagodas and temples and its iconic Japanese covered bridge - perfect material for drawing and painting. Pulsing with activity by day and Illuminated by lanterns at night ,exploring the streets of Hoi An is a delight and we will also visit the nearby Cam Kim island to see master wodcarvers at work . Near Hoi An , and set in a lush mountain valley,are the enigmatic 4th century ruins of My Son , religious centre for the Kingdom of Champa .
Returning to Hue we will take our return flight to Hanoi.
$ 2900 pp. ex Hanoi
per person twin share ,single supplement $400
We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us “ - Anonymous
$ 2900. pp ex. Siem Reap
per person , twin share Single supplement $ 400
ABN 67821 764 410