Archive for the ‘History’ Category

Zurich’s Fraumunster Church

Friday, July 24th, 2009

This small Swiss church with historic significance is worthy of a visit for another reason. Though not included on many group tour itineraries, this church once a Benedictine convent (853) was closed at the Reformation and later held services for the Catholic and Protestant worshipers (1833-1844) was renovated in the 20th century.

The renovation is important because, the Frumunster became known not only for its beautiful spire but, also for the exceptional stain glass windows created by two of the world’s most renowned artist.

Giacometti (1940’s) designed a large stained-glass window in the north transept. This beautiful window depicting God and Christ, the eight prophets, the Four Evangelists and ten angles is worthy of much attention. However, it is Marc Chagall’s five stained-glass windows that have become the bigger attraction. The Chagall windows are around 33 feet tall and when the morning light shines through they are most spectacular. A symbolic color scheme, of blue, green, red and orange is used to represent the earth and the heavens. The five windows are titled, the Prophets, Jacob, Zion, Christ and Law. Marc Chagall had a very personal relationship with the city of Zurich and these windows allowed him to express how much he cared.

Even if you are only in Zurich for a short time this church is a must visit. Select will be sure to include the Fraumunster into your tour itinerary. Call us today for more information about unusual places to visit on your custom tour in Switzerland.

Visiting Buckingham Palace

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Every summer visitors can experience life like the Queen during the opening of Buckingham Palace. Between late July and the end of September every year the Palace opens its doors to the public. See dresses and jewellery worn by The Queen, and gifts presented to Her Majesty by the people of the Commonwealth will be on display in Queen & Commonwealth: The Royal Tour. The exhibition marks the 60th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth and will evoke some of the most important overseas tours undertaken by Her Majesty during her reign. Select Travel will tailor your visit with along a Royal theme and can include visits to Hampton Court and Windsor Castle during a visit to England.

German Emigration Centre Bremerhaven

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

The German Emigration Centre brings to life the story of the seven million people who emigrated by boat from Bremerhaven between 1830 and 1974. More than 90% of the emigrants who sailed from here were headed for the USA and Canada. The route across the North Atlantic became the world’s busiest “bridge to overseas”. At one time, Bremerhaven was the largest emigration port in Europe. Many people failed in the New World, but many made it too. Instead of using information boards and photos, the German Emigration Centre offers visitors a chance to truly experience this period through a combination of education, entertainment, recreation and culinary delights. Using real-life examples, the museum gives visitors an insight into what it was like for people to leave their homes behind and start afresh in America. You get a real sense of history, emotions and the pain of parting. 1,000 personal histories are stored in the archives, and the exhibition focuses on the biographies of around 60 selected emigrants. With elaborate reconstructions and spectacular scenes, the museum tells visitors to this historic location about people’s reasons for leaving, how they survived the cross-Atlantic journey and what happened to them afterwards.

If you have a group that are interested in their European ancestry, or would just like to include a visit to the Emigration Centre, to see what it was like to go through this process all those years ago, then just let Select Travel know and we can design your tour accordingly.

Mad as a Hatter?

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Are you as Mad as a Hatter? Whether a “bowler”, a “trilby” or a “boater” hats have long been part of the English tradition. Hatworks in Stockport, near Manchester, a centre dedicated to the history of hats and millinery. Tours are led by expert demonstrators who will share their knowledge and expertise about the history of the hatting industry. Select Travel tours give an insight into the processes involved in producing a hat. Learn about the cottage industry, pay a visit to a typical hatter’s cottage, enjoy demonstrations with our original working Victorian-style machinery, plus much more.

Select Travel carries a broad range of industrial heritage tours of England.

London Walking Tours

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

Walking tours of London with a difference. The past decade has seen east London dramatically transformed. Today, it’s one of London’s most vibrant and multi-layered enclaves. Big money projects sit alongside traditional family businesses, while Londoners of a thousand ethnicities share the same neighbourhood with recent migrants. A walking tour of East London is an explosion of scenes and sights. From magnificent 18th century townhouses and Victorian terraces to stand-out art galleries and über-cool spaces. And because this is London’s creative hub, we can introduce you to up-and-coming fashion designers, artists and designer-makers and their work. For food lovers there is plenty to experience too, as we visit stores and markets selling foodstuffs from across the globe. The East End Hip walking tour is an eclectic experience for visitors looking to discover the hidden streets in one of London’s most vibrant areas. This is just one example of how Select Travel Service can tailor your tour to your market – we have the ideas and contacts that make all the difference!

Germany 2010

Monday, May 11th, 2009

For many group planners Germany and 2010 means just one thing; Oberammergau Passion Play.  While we,  like many, have some exciting packages available for this special event, there are some other equally deserving  reasons to visit Germany in 2010.   

  •  325th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach.  Leipzig – the home of Bach hosts the Bach Festival in June 2010, celebrating his 325th birthday.
  • 200th Munich Oktoberfest in September 2010.
  • 300 years of porcelain manufacture in Meissen.  Since 1710 the first European porcelain factory has been producing the world-famous Meissen porcelain in its traditional form. Table services, figurines and accessories are still hand-crafted, painted and artistically decorated by hand in a range of styles by our specialist team at the factory. Meissen porcelain still remains today the model of European table and fine dining culture. The Meissen porcelain manufactory’s third centenary in 2010 will mark the start of the fourth century of Meissen manufacturing and will be celebrated with exhibitions, limited editions, celebratory events and gastronomy.  Groups will be able to see the traditional porcelain being made and decorated and this is definitely a must-see if you are planning a visit to the Saxony region. 

Imperial War Museum North

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

A heart-rending yet captivating exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North, is “Captured: The Extraordinary life of Prisoners of War” (23 May 2009 - 3 January 2010), which is the first exhibition of its kind and marks the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War. This unique exhibition will look in detail at what was needed to survive in an often harsh environment. Using an engaging mix of objects, art, documents, photographs, film and sound from Imperial War Museum’s unrivalled collections, Captured will reveal incredible personal stories during periods of captivity that in many cases lasted for several years.  Select Travel Service has a wide variety of military history tours available for groups.  Visit http://www.selecttravel.com/tours_military_history.asp

Royal Windsor Wheel

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Everybody has heard of Windsor Castle, but Windsor now has two new reasons to visit:  The Royal Windsor Wheel is now almost a permanent fixture allowing groups to enjoy the panoramic views whatever the weather and from the comfort of their climate controlled capsules.  Visitors can soar over 50 metres into the skies above historic Windsor, with views over the Castle battlements, River Thames and countryside beyond. On a clear day or night you can even see as far as the gleaming arch of Wembley Stadium and the glittering skyline of Central London. Each of the 36 capsules can seat up to six people. Groups can also enjoy a glass of Pimms or champagne at the licensed Wheel Café Bar. Each flight will encompass a number of rotations and will last approximately 12 minutes.

Royal Windsor has also introduced a new Land Train providing a much needed service for groups and less able visitors from the coach park up to the Castle entrance and town centre shopping area, and return.  The Land Train seats up to 72 passengers, including access for one wheelchair. A commentary is provided, and the train will run at a relaxed pace enabling passengers to take in the town as they travel. The journey will take approximately 15 minutes each way.   So, no excuses not to make Windsor one of your “Top Ten Must-sees” when visiting!  In fact if any of your groups have mobility problems, then just let us know and we’ll be pleased to try and find a solution for you, so that each and every member of your group  can get the most enjoyment they can from their tour!

Warwick Castle’s “New” Dungeon

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Warwick Castle located in the Heart of England, and a short drive from Stratford-upon-Avon is one of Europe’s best preserved.  It has witnessed some of the darkest, bloodiest and most frightening times in English history. The new Castle Dungeon experience is set in the mid 14th century, when theregion was gripped by the plague. In true Dungeon style, gore seekers will be greeted by decaying bodies, chanting monks, torture implements, execution and ‘the labyrinth of lost souls’ - a fantastic scary mirror maze. This new attraction will certainly bring Warwick Castle history to life.  A “must see” for educational and student groups.

Anniversary of King Henry VIII

Friday, March 13th, 2009

22nd April 2009 marks the 500th anniversary of England’s King Henry VIII’s accession to the throne. Henry VIII was a larger-than-like character who lived life to the full, and 6 wives is certainly testimony to that!!

Henry’s life looms large across the tapestry of British history and many venues associated with his life, including Hever Castle, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, will be dedicating the year to marking the lasting legacy of the mighty monarch through both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Contact Select Travel for tour programmes based around King Henry, Tudor History and many other historical and royal themes ranging from Medieval England to Victorian times and the Industrial Revolution.