The Journeys
I offer small group journeys centered on decorative arts, architecture, and design but that also encompass history, culture, food, drink, and the natural world. Along the way I hope to expose you to art, culture and history, some of which you may know and some of which may be a delightful discovery. We may visit the birthplace of European porcelain, see Bohemian glass in production, tour a restored Art Nouveau apartment, or explore Salvador Dalí’s self-made museum. We may also walk medieval streets, learn how to make vodka, descend into karst caves, ascend cathedral spires, and watch sunsets from seaside bars. I strive to mix the quintessential and the quirky in each itinerary.
The Travelers
The ideal ArchDeco Traveler is an experienced traveler, is fun-loving, and is incurably curious about the countries we visit and the people who journey with us. Our travelers are a mix of singles and couples with a range of ages and come from multiple countries. Knowledge of art, decorative arts, or architecture is not required! Only a desire to see and learn about beautiful objects and places.
If you would like a deeper dive, I publish articles in my journal and can provide bibliographies.
The Details
We travel as a small group. The maximum group size is 14.
I book singles, couples, and singles who double up. Singles will pay a higher per-person fee based on single-occupancy hotel rates.
Every journey includes a mix of group activities—some optional—and time on your own to explore your interests.
Through guided walks, tours, and coach lectures, you will learn about art, history, culture, and people.
Most journeys begin and end in cities. The itinerary allows you to extend your stay on either end. You will arrange your own travel to the starting location and leaving the final location.
During the journey we will travel in a 20-seat coach. The distance between destinations averages between 90 minutes and 3 hours and usually includes site visits and breaks.
The 3- and 4-star hotels are a mix of contemporary and historic properties, maybe even a castle or palace.
You will handle your own luggage including getting it to and from the coach, which in some historic locations will not pull up directly to the hotel. Many Europeans hotels have some steps to negotiate even if an elevator is available for the rooms.
The journey will include all hotel reservations during the itinerary, with breakfast included in most cases. If you wish to extend your stay, you will make those arrangements independently.
Most journeys include a welcome and farewell dinner. Other meals are on your own although the group often organizes meals together throughout the trip.
During the trip, we communicate via WhatsApp group chat to share updates, changes, discoveries, photos, and more.
The Leader
Jennifer Adams
I took my international trip when I was twelve and was hooked. Since then I’ve traveled on five continents and studied in France and England. I hold my master’s degree in the history of decorative arts with a focus on late 19th-century and early 20th-century design movements. Many years working in the museum field and teaching the history of decorative arts, design, and interior architecture at the college level cemented my love of sharing art and knowledge. ArchDeco Travel is my way of combining decorative arts and architecture with travel and inspiring others to share the passion.
