Art & Architecture

Head beyond the grand boulevards of Buenos Aires and discover a world of street art revealing a uniquely Argentine story. Delve into the neighbourhoods of Palermo and Villa Crespo, your local guide revealing the themes that bring these vivid murals to life. Then, head to a local studio to try your hand at creating a street-art-inspired mural.

The largest religious monument on earth, Angkor Wat is the centrepiece of Cambodia’s Khmer civilisation, opening a window back to the early 12th century. Capture the essence of this massive but intricate masterpiece as your professional photography coach reveals the skills, settings and vantages that bring this inspiring wonder into sharp focus.

Skirt the crowds and let your guide position you in the best vantage point for the spectacular sunrise at Angkor Wat. Enjoy an unobstructed view of the magnificent temple as it becomes illuminated by the sun’s first rays. Then an acclaimed archaeologist leads you on a revealing tour of the site followed by a champagne breakfast.

Often cited as the jewel in the crown of Santiago’s diverse museum scene, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art offers a window into South America before Spanish explorers arrived. Take advantage of an exclusive out-of-hours visit to the collection, admiring artefacts from an era when Chile’s Indigenous peoples ruled.

Experience behind-the-scenes insight on a guided tour of the architecturally resplendent Royal Danish Opera House, designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen. Admire the marble-clad foyer and its sweeping views of Renaissance Copenhagen before exploring the extensive backstage facilities and the vast, inspiring auditorium where dramatic performances are delivered.

Join Juan Pablo Toral, a young and talented artist for a unique painting class. Visit his studio, a 100-year-old house overlooking a river in a traditional neighbourhood of Guayaquil. He has been painting for over 16 years, and sees painting as a way to express his urban spirit and showcase his hometown.

The world’s first university museum, the Ashmolean houses an impressive range of classic art and ancient archaeological artefacts. Dive into the world-famous collections, drinking in the historic exhibitions from Egyptian mummies to ceremonial Samurai armour and appreciating the creative genius behind the contemporary art.

Discover World Heritage listed Blenheim Palace, a monumental, heritage-listed stately home in Oxfordshire, principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough and ancestral home of Winston Churchill. Peek into the gilded state rooms with their priceless collections of portraits, tapestries and furniture, and frolic through the formal gardens, full of exotic flora, fine art and statuary.

England’s energetic capital, London, boasts a history dating back to Roman times and has been home to the British Royal Family since at least the 11th century. Chock full of iconic attractions, both ancient and modern, it is also an important centre of the arts, boasting some of the world’s most notable galleries and museums plus three world class orchestras, the Royal Opera House and the annual Proms season of musical events.

Gondar, nicknamed the “Camelot of Africa,” was founded in 1636, and its stone castles, churches and monasteries are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn from an expert how these citadels were later reimagined in the Baroque style by Jesuit missionaries. Then, continue to Debre Birhan Selassie Church to admire the frescoes on its walls and ceiling depicting magnificent biblical and medieval scenes.

Discover the man behind the label as you visit Louis Vuitton’s Art-Deco-Style home and tour the production studio where skilled artisans still stich the iconic fashion house’s designs by hand. Then, browse the rotating exhibits of the adjacent museum showcasing the latest designer collaborations. Finally, set out on a Parisian shopping trip custom-tailored to your own personal style.

Munich, the capital of Germany’s largest state, Bavaria, is an important centre of European culture with a history dating to the Middle Ages. A cosmopolitan city, it is prized for its galleries, outstanding museums, theatres, opera, breweries and a vibrant market scene.

Accept a private invitation into the home and studio of Manousos Chalkiadakis, one of Greece’s most famous ceramists. Set in a small village amidst olive groves, cypresses and spectacular views, unleash your creative expression and discuss all things art with this renowned master.

Led by a passionate art expert, discover a treasure trove of wonders on a tour of exquisite antique dealers, curio merchants, local artisans and art galleries. Take a deep dive into the precious wonders of Liang Yi Museum, its four stories hosting one of the world's largest collections of Chinese antiques.

One of the world’s most celebrated monuments, this stunning mausoleum leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter it. Rise early to watch the first rays of dawn bathe the iconic white marble façade in a soft white aura. Return to marvel as the last waves of sunset paint a palette of soft pastels or dramatic oranges and reds, the sky’s canvas deepening as the silhouetted monument fades to black.

Experience a biosphere of wonders at the exquisite Garden of La Foce, considered one of Italy’s most striking private gardens. With spectacular views over the valley of the Orcia and Mount Amiata, learn all about Tuscan architectural and cultural evolution, which reveals itself in the harmony between buildings, garden and nature.

Explore St Mark’s Basilica blissfully free of the typical crowds on an after-hours tour. Marvel at the magnificent façade before stepping inside, admiring the beautiful Byzantine altarpiece and treasured mosaics illuminated in all their glittering glory. Then follow your guide into the crypt where St Mark himself is believed to rest.

One of the world’s oldest cities, Petra is as beautiful and mysterious now as it ever was. Head out after sunset for a new perspective on this stunning destination, viewing the oft-photographed Treasury façade, carved from sandstone, with its glorious frontage illuminated by the light of 1,800 candles.

Discover a hidden creative wonder in Penang on a guided tour of Art and Garden, a three-tier sculpture garden set on acres of green sanctuary. Showcasing an amazing variety of plant life amidst glass, clay and metal sculptures, embark on an artist's education with the designer and creator Fuan Wong through this outdoor garden gallery.

For almost 300 years, Malta served as headquarters for the medieval Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of St John. Its vibrant capital - Valletta - brims with treasures from this era including the St John’s Co-Cathedral, filled with priceless Baroque masterpieces, and the Grandmaster’s Palace, which houses an impressive collection of armour and weapons.

Revealing a patchwork of stories at every turn, Mexico’s fabled Spanish cities will leave you spellbound. Peel back layers of history as you wander in the footsteps of Mexico’s Spanish conquerors. Explore your creative side in San Miguel de Allende. Marvel at grand monumental colonial architecture in the vibrant town Guanajuato. Each city has its own tale to tell.

From fine brassware to luxurious leather goods, the Moroccan tradition of craftsmanship spans countless generations. Explore this creative legacy in Marrakech's medinas, galleries and showrooms accompanied by a renowned local designer and crafts expert.

The tiny charming town of Chefchaouen located in the heart of the Rif Mountains was built in the 17th century as an Arab Fortress, and the town boasts one of the country’s most fascinating medinas. Painted in varying shades of blue, it is otherwise known as the Blue City, an enticing labyrinth of narrow blue alleyways heavily scented with spices, incense, fresh flowers and oranges.

The Roman ruins of Volubilis remain remarkably well preserved, the site's arches and graceful columns frozen in time on the vast fertile plain. To the north, the sleepy enclave of Meknes hides its historic Alaouite architecture in plain sight. Your guide reveals privileged insights, evoking images of glories past.

Explore the artistic legacy of the great Dutch masters on a private boat cruise through Amsterdam’s canals to the Rijksmuseum, home to Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. Privately tour the world-class collection with your expert guide, before opening, and step inside the Cuypers Library, home to the oldest and most extensive collection of art history texts.

Immerse yourself in Dutch art and history with a visit to the monumental Mauritshuis and the remarkable Rijksmuseum. The two world-renowned artistic institutions showcase iconic works from the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer, sharing the stories of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Discover Norway’s largest collection of art, architecture and design at the National Gallery, Oslo. Home to almost 400,000 pieces including the Edward Munch expressionist icon The Scream, it’s a mecca of masterful works of old and new art, architecture, design and crafts.

Famous for its decorative ceramic tiles, or azulejos, Lisbon’s National Tile Museum shows off some of the best. View its most prized masterwork, a sprawling mural depicting the city before the great earthquake of 1755, and try your hand painting a tile under the supervision of an expert artisan before baking it in the kiln. A fitting memento of your visit.

Perched atop a rocky crag, Stirling Castle brims with history and atmosphere which is revealed on a privately guided VIP after-hours tour. Enter the castle chambers where Stuart kings held court and the Royal Chapel where infant Mary was crowned Queen of Scots. Stroll the gardens and ramparts and marvel at the breadth of history concealed within its towering walls.

Commanding a ridge above its namesake city, Edinburgh Castle houses the Honours of Scotland (the country’s crown jewels) as well as the iconic Stone of Destiny and the richly decorated Royal Palace. Ask A&K about the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a thrilling, once-a-year display of martial music performed on the castle’s esplanade.

Drink in Singapore’s captivating architecture on an expert-led tour. Visit The Intan, an award winning Peranakan home museum, immersing yourself in the history, traditions and lifestyle before taking a spin in a Vespa sidecar to admire the diverse facades, rich ornamentation, and unique design styles of Singapore’s first heritage towns.

Marvel at the visually arresting exterior of Cape Town’s Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) before admiring the artistic creations within on a curator-led appreciation of the extraordinary pan-African collection. See highlights from the permanent collection and current exhibition with enlightening commentary about the artists and their works.

Be captivated by the intriguing blend of acrobatics, martial arts, music, magic, comedy and culinary skills on show at a NANTA performance. Be enthralled as the talented artists cook up a storm in the on-stage kitchen offering a taste of Korean culinary creativity.

Travel back in time to the medieval grandeur of the Alhambra, the palace fortress of the Nasrid sultans and heart and soul of Granada. Let your expert guide reveal the magnificence and might of the splendid Moorish architecture as you explore the soaring Royal Palace, fortress complex and famous gardens.

Experience the living heritage that is flamenco. Begin with a warm welcome at a local studio, including a glass of wine and a Spanish tapa, as you listen to an expert guitarist and a singer. Then, take to the floor with a top instructor and learn some of the dance’s simpler steps, along with tips for playing the castanets.

Hop aboard a fast ferry to MONA, Hobart's breathtaking and utterly brilliant museum. Lose yourself in the contemporary collection of art and antiquities that never fails to inspire and challenge. Afterwards, enjoy a private, vineyard tour of Moorilla with wine tasting before a delicious two-course lunch of seasonal local produce with matched wines at MONA's stellar restaurant.

Explore hidden gardens, shrines and residential communities in old Bangkok — home to a glittering array of temples, palaces and ancient architecture. Discover hidden landscapes of serenity, as well as old merchant’s houses, eclectic street art and rice barns.

Fly by private helicopter to discover the secrets of Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital city, with an Abercrombie & Kent Insider and archaeologist. Discover ancient ruins of palaces and temples, as well as the extraordinary Buddha head wrapped within the trunk of a tree.

Meet local designers and artisans in Bangkok’s Creative District where new life has been breathed into a charming old neighbourhood through architectural preservation and creative arts. Explore with the district’s co-founder, meeting local designers and artisans along the way, before riding a tuk-tuk through the backstreets to discover street art, vibrant murals and quirky boutiques.

Intriguing Istanbul is where Asia and Europe collide. The skyline is dominated by minarets and mosques, while in the heart of the walled Old City lies the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, where you may meet local artisans, sip Turkish coffee and haggle over the price of onyx jewellery or silk carpets.

Be enthralled by one of the most impressive art collection in the Southern Hemisphere on a private tour of the oldest and largest public art gallery in Australia, NGV International. Admire works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Marco Palmezzano, Rembrandt, Monet, and more, led by passionate experts on an artistic education.

Explore Vietnam’s trendy boutiques, designer craft stores and social enterprises that are putting Vietnamese artisans in the spotlight. The streets of Hanoi and Hoi An are brimming with innovative locally made products, from tailor-made fashion and handmade wood and leather crafts, to fine silks spun in Vietnam’s central highlands.