Tours and Holidays
“ We want to thank you very much for all that you did to make our trip so interesting and making it all come to life. Your extensive knowledge of all that we saw was breathtaking and we appreciated learning about places and works of art which we had not seen on earlier visits. A truly memorable few days.”
Prof and Mrs Brian and Margaret Clarkson, private tour of Florence and Tuscany 2011
"A whole week has gone by since our return from Venice and still the images are pouring in, reminding me of our truly wonderful visit. I could make a long list of the highlights, which kept on coming day after day. Thank you for such a well organised trip and for all the information you poured out to us each day."
Mrs Margaret Brown, Secret Venice 2011
"...The itinerary you organised was superb - and as ever your commentary was great, providing insight into the city and its art and architecture that we would have found difficult to gain for ourselves. You also took us to places that we probably would never have found or been able to get into ourselves..."
Mr and Mrs John and Ros Hamburger, Secret Venice 2011
“Thank you so much for the wonderful time we spent with you in Venice. Your excellent planning both before and during the holiday made for a very relaxing time for us all. Your infectious enthusiasm makes us wish we had discovered art years ago!”
Mr and Mrs Alan and Ann Smith, Venice: Art and Architecture 2006
“Thank you so very much for a simply wonderful few days in Florence - I enjoyed it all immensely and was so pleased to meet so many nice people. You are a superb lecturer and everything is always so beautifully organised on your tours - it is a real treat to be with you.”
Miss Jennifer Bowen, Florence 2009
“Thank you for such a splendid trip to Spain. Although we had visited Avila and Salamanca before, we saw both beautiful cities afresh when accompanied by your superb and always fascinating explanations of their history and monuments…We had such fun and learned so much – your enthusiasm and knowledge really does bring everything alive. Thank for also for organising everything so smoothly. We are already looking forward to our next trip with you!”
Mr and Mrs Graham and Jill Zacharias, Castile and Extremadura 2010
“Once again, our sincere thanks for a lovely weekend away in Bruges. Good company, excellent food and wonderful things to see – all arranged, as ever, in impeccable style. Thank you!”
Mr and Mrs Terry and Penny Moore, The Art of Flanders 2010
“We had such a wonderful visit to Bruges – your organisation is exceptional, your knowledge awe-inspiring and your “joie de vivre” infectious! We had such a special and memorable few days with you – thank you for all the hours of work and thoughtfulness that goes into making your trips such magical occasions.”
Mr and Mrs Richard and Angela Fry, The Art of Flanders 2010
“Thank you so much for our Bronzino weekend - I am still buzzing with it all, and cannot believe how much we managed to pack in, thanks to your excellent timings and organisation. Thank you too for your unfailing kindness to us in everything, it is very much appreciated.”
Mrs Elsie Galbraith, Bronzino in Florence 2010
“Many, many thanks for a very special few days in Florence. I really appreciated your schedule and wonderfully informative talks, which I will savour and hopefully remember as much as possible. Florence came alive for me through your love of the city and its treasures. A big thank you for all your thought and hard work.”
Mrs Suzanne Kerr, Bronzino in Florence 2010
"Thank you again for organising such a wonderful trip to Siena. As always, the arrangements were faultless and we had to do nothing but turn up and enjoy ourselves and the experience. The hotel was beautiful and the itinerary varied, full and so very interesting. Your extensive knowledge and relaxed communicative style made it, as always, extremely informative"
Mr and Mrs David and Denise Lennox, Discovering Siena and Tuscany, 2011
"Many many thanks for an amazing holiday in Siena. Every minute was inspirational: the city itself, the incredible beauty of all the glorious paintings we saw, the hotel .. and the care of meals ............. Plus so much else. Thank you for your excellent organisation"
Mrs Caroline Tate, Discovering Siena and Tuscany, 2011
"Thank you very much for making our introduction to your tours such a thoroughly enjoyable and instructive experience. We learnt a lot, saw a lot and ate a lot! Your organisation was impeccable and the hotel was really comfortable."
Mr and Mrs Michael and Gillian Williams, Discovering Siena and Tuscany, 2011
"Another triumphant tour to a city we had never visited before. We particularly enjoyed the introduction of Andy's walks and the pasta-making demonstration was great fun and amazingly skilled. Very many thanks for our awesome holiday"
Mrs Jenny Lebus, Discovering Bologna and Ferrara - Art, Gastronomy and Guided Walks, 2011
It is hard to believe the Italian adventure is over, but I am dining on all the wonderful memories. I had a super time, as I think you know. You and the others really made my trip, and I am looking forward to another "Sian holiday". You have inspired me to really concentrate on art history and perhaps pick up Italian!"
Mrs Ruth Bennett, Discovering Bologna and Ferrara - Art, Gastronomy and Guided Walks, 2011
“We thoroughly enjoyed the trip with you and are hugely appreciative of all you did to make the trip so memorable. Your meticulous planning, varied itinerary and attention to detail ensured everything was perfect for us and we had nothing to worry about. The delightful and informative way you shared your extensive knowledge of the art and history of Venice really brought the past to life for us. This added enormously to the pleasure of our holiday. We look forward to future trips - especially Rome next year.”
Mr and Mrs David and Denise Lennox, Venice: Art and Architecture 2007
“David and I had the most amazing time in Rome. We wanted to say thank you for such a well-organised, informative, friendly and thoroughly enjoyable tour. We felt totally comfortable in your capable hands.”
Mrs Rosie Williams, Renaissance and Baroque Rome 2009
"Many thanks for an excellent and very enjoyable holiday. Oh to be in sunny Rome again looking at some Caravaggio paintings! Holidays with you are a joy and we look forward to many more in the future. ”
Mr and Mrs Ken and Jane Medler , Renaissance and Baroque Rome Rome 2008
“Thank you very much for a wonderful trip to Florence …. Your patience and kindness are appreciated as much as your knowledge and scholarship.”
Mrs Tracey Howcroft , Florence 2009
“Many many thanks for our unforgettable weekend in Florence. Everything was perfect down to the last detail. We enjoyed every minute.”
Mr and Mrs Maureen and David Chesters , Florence 2006
“Thank you for making my dream of seeing art in Florence a reality.”
Mrs Carolyn Malarkey, Florence 2009
“ Thank you for the wonderful trip you organised for Elizabeth and friends to Florence. I really enjoyed it so much, and learned so much too. Your timing was perfect as we were not involved with crowds at any time. It was great to experience it with such good friends. ”
Mrs Hilda Childs, private tour of Florence and Tuscany 2011
“Thank you for a super holiday much exceeding our expectations. Thank you for your enthusiasm, your willingness to share knowledge and most of all your care and friendship. We look forward to travelling with you again.”
Mr and Mrs Ann and David Easton, Venice: Art and Architecture 2007
“I am sure I speak for all when I say what a pleasurable trip around the Castile area of Spain you gave us. Your knowledge of art amazes me - you continually chat along with information from what appears to be a very deep well on the subject. Thank you Siân for a lovely week.”
Mrs Doffy Humphreys, Castile and Extremadura 2010
“Alan and I want to reiterate our thanks to you for such a perfect trip to a part of Spain we never knew before. Our eyes have been opened to the paradors, the dry desert scenery of the area and the feast of cathedrals, churches and monasteries, to say nothing of Zurbaran, El Greco and Velazquez. Thank you.”
Mr and Mrs Alan and Sheena Kingsley, Castile and Extremadura 2010
“Thank you for all your efforts which made our last trip to Tuscany so informative and such fun. It was lovely to see some familiar faces as well as some new ones (both people and places!). I would love to know your secret for all your energy and enthusiasm which makes your trips that extra bit special.”
Mr and Mrs Pauline and David Allbeury, Art and Wine in Tuscany 2008
“Thank you so very much for a perfect holiday. We returned totally refreshed, with minds full of beautiful works of art and warm interesting companions …… All beautifully and perfectly organised.”
Mrs Elizabeth Fussell, Venice: Art and Architecture 2006
“Thank you so much for such a superbly structured trip based in Verona ….Using your knowledge and experience so skilfully made the trip so enjoyable and it was a real tour de force.”
Mrs Helen Garside, Verona and the Renaissance Courts of Italy 2008
“Thank you for such a wonderful trip to Tuscany ….. The whole holiday was really a joy. We thought the accommodation and its location were excellent, and we very much enjoyed all the excursions. The wine tastings were also fantastic. We really appreciate all the time and organisation that you put into making your trips run so smoothly.”
Mr and Mrs Jill and Graham Zacharias, Art and Wine in Tuscany 2008
“As usual with your meticulous planning and forethought it was a super weekend and a real delight to see all the art work that we had studied The group was again so friendly - everyone always seems to get on with everyone else and it was also really good to see some familiar faces from previous trips and catch up on past news!”
Mr and Mrs Maureen and Vic Kimber, Art in Flanders 2010
“Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend in Bruges. Once again you excelled with all your arrangements and you got exactly right the balance between culture and free time. It was all great. See you soon for the Dutch Art day - looking forward to it.”
Mr Richard Lebus, A weekend in Bruges 2007
“Siân is not just a tour lecturer, she is a true enthusiast and obviously loves paintings, sculpture, architecture and history. Her passion for her subjects enthused us all …. The knowledge she has of her subjects is awesome, and her ability to impart it to the group faultless.”
Mr and Mrs Linton Rainbow, Florence 2006
“A HUGE thank you - you gave us all such a really wonderful trip (In fact Nicholas & Angela rang and said it was the best trip they have ever done!) you thought of everything, the excursions were totally marvellous, and you then managed to get us into special places as well … being able to see those wonderful Titians was just so special, and all the restaurants too, so thank you so much for making it a trip to remember for ever.”
Mrs Sue Lewis, Director, SL Travel
“You are like a breath of fresh air. Many thanks.”
Mr and Mrs Joan and Bill Chalmers , Florentine Discovery
For information about our tours click here
Study Days
“The best study day that we had ever had.”
North East Essex NADFAS
“Many thanks for a fascinating and illuminating lecture on Leonardo – it really brought the exhibition alive!”
Mrs Jill Zacharias, Leonardo at the Court of Milan, December 2011
"Thank you for organising yesterday's visit to the National Gallery. We really appreciated your excellent talk before going to look at the exhibition and it made the whole experience that much more absorbing"
Mr and Mrs Bruce and Ann Aitken, Leonardo at the Court of Milan, December 2011
“Thank you for a lovely time on Thursday, a fascinating lecture, excellent lunch, and the lovely paintings”
Mrs Barbara-Anne Hunter, Leonardo at the Court of Milan, December 2011
“Once again, thanks for such a super day on Wednesday...the usual excellent introductory lecture, the yummy lunch and the cheery exhibition...what more could you want! Everyone seemed to be leaving the exhibition with a smile on their face.”
Mr and Mrs Terry and Penny Moore, Canaletto and his Rivals, October 2010
“Thank you for such a great day on Wednesday! We really enjoyed your lecture on Degas which so enhanced our experience of the exhibition and so wonderfully explained the motivation behind his sketches, sculptures and paintings. Understanding the background to his work really brought the exhibition to life for us. It was also a privilege to meet Raymond [Chai] who as well as being so interesting with his insights into the ballet world, is just lovely - I could have listened to him for ages!”
Mr and Mrs Jill and Graham Zacharias, Degas and the Ballet, October 2011
“A huge thank you for the 'Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries' Study Day. Gill and I had a wonderful time and found the whole thing fascinating.”
Mrs Sue North, National Gallery Study Day, 2010
“Thank you for a great day at the V and A yesterday, for putting these beautiful objects in context and make them come to life.”
Mrs Sally Day, V and A Renaissance and Medieval Wings Study Day, 2010
“Many thanks for yesterday. I much appreciated your lecture - lucid and informative as ever and enabling me to get so much more from re-visiting the exhibition as one knew what defining features to look for in the paintings. Altogether a very civilised and enjoyable day in the most appropriate surroundings.”
Mr David Wailen, Van Gogh at the Royal Academy, 2010
“Thank you for such a great day last Saturday. It was such an informative and well organised day. I always love visiting Cambridge and it was great this time to be guided and informed by such knowledgeable experts. It has really whetted my appetite to return there.”
Mrs Debbie Rees Davies, Cambridge Day Trip, 2010
“I'm so glad I saw the exhibition yesterday for so many reasons - it's always a delight to listen to your presentations, and quite inspiring to hear Xavier speak with such passion and expertise about such a radically innovative project. We (your students) are very lucky to have access to the best of the best! The exhibition made a huge emotional impact both in content and theatrical effect. “
Mrs Liz Bell, The Sacred Made Real, National Gallery, 2009
“Thank you so very much for a really lovely day. It was great fun to go to the club and what an excellent lunch. We loved your informative and witty lecture, and your perfect organisation. All in all, a very happy day. Thank you again.”
Mrs Elizabeth Fussell, Queen’s Gallery Study Day, 2007
“I was transfixed by the exhibition, .. the mood of the visitors was one of awe and wonder, and the atmosphere in all the galleries one of great satisfaction and joy. I absolutely adored it, and thank you so much for your introductory talk with slides which was brilliant!”
Mrs Caroline Tate, Caravaggio at the National Gallery, 2005
For information about our study days click here
Courses and Lectures
“An ongoing vote of appreciation and gratitude for your inspiring courses.”
Mrs Angie Fry
“Thank you so ever much for your excellent art history evenings – I really feel I have benefited and you have made my visits to the National Gallery much more enjoyable and rewarding.”
Mrs Caroline Tate
“Siân brings the subject alive … I can’t wait to join her next class.”
Mr and Mrs David and Maureen Chesters
“May I take this opportunity of thanking you for all that you have put in to make your courses so interesting and enjoyable. You deserve your popularity and success. “
Mr David Spatcher
“A most interesting and stimulating course, which inspired me to delve much further into the subject. It opened a door onto another way of looking at paintings.”
Mrs Irene Johnson
“I have enjoyed this module immensely and feel at last I am starting to understand and read paintings! Siân has been a first class tutor – I wish they were all like her! – and she has taught us in a very clear and focused way, making everything easy to understand.”
Surrey University, Power and Patronage B.A Course
“Thank you warmly for coming to Bangor, and for delivering a brilliant lecture. It has been very enthusiastically received here, as I know you'll have appreciated from the audience's reaction, and it rightly takes its place in a long line of distinguished T. Rowland Hughes lectures in Bangor.”
Dr David Roberts, Bangor University
“Thank you for a simply marvellous lecture. You showed us an absolute feast of paintings and opened our eyes to better understanding them.”
Southampton DFAS
“Thank you so much for coming to Notre Dame and for your excellent talk this afternoon … Let's hope one or two are inspired to “get into” their Art - a lifetime of pleasure from one General Studies session! I think I need to book a History of Art holiday and to hear more of your fascinating lectures.
Sincere thanks and I hope we will meet again.”
Mrs Mary Lewis, Head of Sixth Form, Notre Dame School
"Thank you for the wonderful lecture you gave yesterday. Your delivery was so confident and the contents so informative ... I was really interested in your comparative slides and to have Caravaggio's stylistic changes explained so well was a real treat"
Mrs Paola Davy, North East Essex DFAS
“In the name of the Human Resources team of the National Children's Bureau I would like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for a very interesting, dynamic and enjoyable lecture. It was just what we were looking for and everybody in my team was so pleased to learn to see the paintings in different way!”
Mrs Thamara Moncada, HR Administrator for I CAN and NCB Charities
“What a wonderful lecture you gave yesterday, everyone who attended was thrilled with your presentation, and the committee are so grateful to you. Many thanks, and hope we meet again in the future.”
Mrs Ann Gray, Programme Secretary, North Bedford Nadfas
“Thank you so much for such a super lecture last Thursday. It is a long time since our members have been so enthusiastic, they really enjoyed your lecture.”
South Wales DFAS
“We had an excellent holiday and the visit to the Scrovegni Chapel was absolutely wonderful. The group all said how much the visit was enhanced by having heard your lecture on Giotto the previous Friday and having had such an insight into the frescos. We would very much like to invite you back in 2010.”
Sarisbury Green DFAS
“Thank you again for coming to Market Harborough the other Wednesday. Everyone loved your wonderful talk on Venetian Art of the Renaissance and are very keen to have you again.”
Harborough DFAS
For information about our courses and lectures click here