HAMBURG The Gateway to the world

4 days | £1995 per person with flights | 9 - 12 July 2025

HAMBURG The Gateway to the world

Fondly referred to by residents as ‘Gateway to the World’, Hamburg is Germany’s largest port and second largest city. It is defined by its proximity to the water, the Elbe river courses through its heart, dividing itself up into a network of smaller waterways and canals that meander through the urban landscape. Indeed, the water is the lifeblood of the city and the people of Hamburg have much to thank it for. A member of the powerful mediaeval Hanseatic League trading network, subsequent centuries of maritime commerce have endowed the city with lasting prosperity. This, coupled with a long history of self-governance, has meant Hamburg has always been able to invest in bold architecture befitting of its status. From the charming canal-side examples of traditional Hamburg architecture in the Deichstrasse, to an architectural flowering in the early 20^th century that saw the distinctive Brick Expressionist style flourish, here is a city that cares for its appearance. This is matched by a vibrant cultural scene; fabulous museums, galleries and the recently opened Elbphilharmonie, a glittering tribute to music designed by ‘starchitects’ Herzog & de Meuron, prove that investment in the arts is very much a Hamburg concern. Join Tom Abbott on this new Art Pursuits tour, a jubilant exploration of this exciting and noble city.



Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Hamburg. Transfer by private coach to Jenischpark in Hamburg, the city’s oldest landscaped park. There are a number of wonderful small museums located in the park grounds and we will be able to spend some time in two. The first, the Neoclassical Jenisch House, functions as the Museum for Art and Culture on the Elbe and is filled with elegant art and furnishings in the Empire and Biedermeier styles. The second, Ernst Barlach House is dedicated to the work of the Expressionist artist and printmaker and houses an impressive collection of his works and drawings. We travel on by coach to our hotel and after some time to settle in, we enjoy an evening meal together.



Day 2

We start the day viewing one of the special exhibitions at either the Deichtorhall or the Bucerious Art Form. After lunch, we move on to the Kunsthalle Hamburg, splitting the rest of our day into two sessions; delving first into the Northern and Romantic collections, then onwards from the works of Caspar David Friedrich – the museum is home to his iconic Wanderer above the Sea of Fog – to the contemporary. We have an independent meal in the museum and take advantage of its late-night opening.



Day 3

After breakfast we set out from the hotel on foot to explore the historic architecture of Hamburg. Of particular interest will be the city’s Kontorhaus district, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was developed in the early 20^th century under the direction of urban planner Fritz Schumacher. Breathtakingly statuesque buildings, such as the ship-like Chilehaus, stand as exceptional examples of Brick Expressionist architecture. Of course, Hamburg was able to invest in such development thanks to a successful history of maritime trade and we will explore this in greater detail in the city’s Maritime Museum. The afternoon reveals further architectural treasures. The Elbphilharmonie, opened in 2017, is a shining glass example of Hamburg’s continuing architectural ambitions, while St Michael’s Church is considered to be one of the finest Hanseatic baroque churches in existence. We conclude our day of visits at Kramer-witen Wohungen. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together.



Day 4

After checking out, we spend our last morning at the Hamburg Museum of Decorative Arts, one of the most important museums of applied arts in Europe. Collections within the museum range from artefacts of the ancient world to the present, encompassing over 4000 years of European, Islamic and Asian cultures. We continue to the airport for our return flight.



Renaissance Hotel, Hamburg

Housed in one of the most historic buildings in the city centre of Hamburg, the Renaissance hotel acts as the perfect base for our study tour. Designed in 1925 by Fritz Höger, the building exudes expressionist architecture with golden points adorning the façade. Its contemporary rooms are spacious and provide all necessary amenities such as a hairdryer, a safe and tea / coffee making facilities.

With Flights: £1995

Join Direct: £1845

Single Supp: £245

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

9 - 12 July 2025

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Return flights (Economy class) from London to Hamburg
• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Renaissance Hotel
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Two evening meals
• Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
• Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
• Detailed programme and study notes
• All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
  

Tour Lecturers

Tom Abbott

Tom Abbott studied psychology and art history in the US before completing his graduate research in the history of art and architecture in Berlin, where he now lives. Tom also studied at the Louvre School of Art History in Paris and has lectured around the world, specialising in architecture and art from the Renaissance to the Baroque and beyond.



Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.



Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.