AIA National: Explore the World through Architectural Adventures

Explore the World through Architectural Adventures New travel program offers design enthusiast travelers 10 global destinations

Contact: Scott Frank 202-626-7467 sfrank@aia.org

For immediate release:    Washington, D.C. – September 19, 2016 – Beginning with ten world-class destinations in 2017, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) new global travel program, Architectural Adventures, will offer small-group trips tailored specifically to the discovery and appreciation of the world’s architecture. Every Architectural Adventures tour will feature subject-matter experts, hand-picked by the AIA, to guide travelers and enliven their awareness of the world’s architecture.   The tour guides will offer an up-close view of not just the iconic landmarks and buildings in the various cities, but also an explanation of how the historical, political and cultural events helped shape the cityscapes.

This is the premier travel provider for architectural, art and photography enthusiasts, as well as intellectually curious travelers alike.  Offering a variety of tours specializing in the exploration and appreciation of some of the world’s most remarkable architecture all while enjoying a destination’s culture, food and traditions.

Architectural Adventures tour features:

  • Enjoy educational guidance and commentary from a knowledgeable and engaging, Architectural Adventures-selected expert who will offer unique insights through formal and informal discussions.
  • Participate in special excursions, exclusive behind-the-scenes access and get insider knowledge to popular sights as well as lesser-known, yet equally fascinating architecture.
  • Explore and photograph the world and its architectural wonders with like-minded travelers.

2017 destinations and highlights include:

  • Havana: In March, set forth on a six-day immersion in the Cuban capital that spans from Old Havana and the 16th century stone fort that guards Havana Bay to the city’s early twentieth-century Art Deco wonders and its most prominent contemporary projects.
  • Barcelona:  In March, discover Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist marvels and see the city’s medieval Gothic Quarter.
  • Chicago:  In April, explore the varied works of Frank Lloyd Wright and see why Chicago is known as the first city of American architecture.
  • Lisbon to London:  In April, cruise Europe’s Atlantic coast, stopping to see its most spectacular sites and structures, like the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and France’s Mont Saint-Michel.
  • Northern Italy:  In May, immerse yourself in the Renaissance world of Andrea Palladio and visit Venice for an exclusive tour of St. Mark’s Basilica.
  • Cities of the Baltic Sea:  In June, sail from Copenhagen to Gdansk to Tallinn to St. Petersburg to Helsinki to Stockholm, stopping to see the Baltic’s grandest designs.
  • Along the Danube:  In June, experience Central Europe’s signature cities, including Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.
  • London:  In July, wander London’s charming back streets and towering triumphs like Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
  • Portugal and Northern Spain:  In October, take an epic 17-day journey from Lisbon to Barcelona by way of the seminal cities of the Spanish Pyrenees.
  • China:  In October, spend two weeks exploring Chinese culture and design in Beijing, Pingyao, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

Accommodations, most meals, tour transportation and logistical details of the trip are included in the tours. For more details on booking availabilities and new trip announcements visit architecturaladventures.org and to sign up for the Architectural Adventures mailing list.

About The American Institute of Architects Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.