ST. PETERSBURG, SARASOTA and TAMPA

JANUARY 22-27, 2024

Join our winter getaway to the WEST COAST of FLORIDA. Our itinerary is filled with museums, historic landmarks, gardens, and the performing arts. Soak up the GULF OF MEXICO sunshine in ST. PETERSBURG, SARASOTA, and TAMPA, cities blessed with a fascinating variety of new and old architectural styles. Special highlights are the RINGLING MUSEUM in SARASOTA and the exciting SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM in ST. PETERSBURG. Also on the agenda is a visit to LAKELAND to see the architecture of FRANK LOYD WRIGHT on the campus of FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE. We will be accompanied on this trip by an exceptional teacher and art historian SYLVIA LAUDIEN-MEO. She will guide us through the museums we visit and explore with us gardens, galleries, public art, and the amazing transformation of the award-winning ST. PETE PIER!

MONDAY, JANUARY 22 – Fly to TAMPA this morning, Florida’s third largest city, first settled by Spanish explorers in the 16^th century. Then cross the beautiful SUNSHINE SKYWAY BRIDGE to ST. PETERSBURG. Check into the HAMPTON INN AND SUITES conveniently located near downtown museums and restaurants. In the afternoon, we will meet our guide, Sylvia, for an introductory tour of the city followed by an included dinner at a local eatery. (D)

The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 – Our day begins at the MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS in ST. PETERSBURG, with splendid collections of American, European, Asian, Classical, and pre-Columbian art. Then spend the afternoon at the SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM, designed by architect YANN WEYMOUTH who worked with I.M. PEI on the LOUVRE and the NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART in WASHINGTON. It holds the world’s largest comprehensive collection of this great Surrealist artist. Enjoy the museum’s new installation DALI ALIVE 360 an immersive experience celebrating the life and creative genius of SALVADOR DALI (B)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 – A full day in SARASOTA starts with the MARIE SELBY BOTANIC GARDENS, with 20,000 tropical plants including 6000 orchids. Spend the afternoon at the JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART, where you can enjoy lunch on your own before viewing artworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Titian. Wander through Mable Ringling’s secluded ROSE GARDEN, the wonderful CIRCUS MUSEUM, and CA’ D’ZAN, the circus family’s former waterfront home restored in 2002. This evening enjoy an optional evening performance of INHERIT THE WIND at the historic ASOLO THEATRE on the grounds of THE RINGLING, the opulent 18^th-century venue brought to SARASOTA in 2006 from Italy. (B)

A view through the windows at CA' D'ZAN at the RINGLING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 - ST PETE has evolved in recent years from a sleepy retirement town to a vibrant mecca for artistic expression full of galleries, outdoor installations, and public art. This morning enjoy the creations of DALE CHIHULY, the extraordinary DUNCAN MCCLELLAND GALLERY, and the IMAGINE MUSEUM which contains a spectacular collection of glass art from around the world. We will stroll through the extensive WAREHOUSE ARTS DISTRICT, where more than 300 artists have dedicated themselves to building a thriving creative community in downtown ST PETERSBURG The afternoon is free to visit the SUNKEN GARDENS, a botanical paradise in the midst of the city, the JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN and WILDLIFE ART, not from our hotel, or even an ECOLOGICAL BOAT TOUR in Tampa Bay. (B)

Pictured from left to right: Paprika Persian, Glacier Blue Persian, and Mojave Macchia

C 2023 Chihuly Workshop. All Rights Reserved

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 – Travel to LAKELAND this morning for a tour of buildings designed by FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT on the campus of FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE. They include the ANNIE PFEIFFER CHAPEL, and the new USONIAN FACULTY HOUSE. Lunch is included in LAKELAND before we travel south to TAMPA for visits to the TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART and the lavish Moorish-style home of railroad magnate HENRY B. PLANT located in HYDE PARK. Finally, enjoy coffee and pastries in YBOR CITY, Tampa’s Cuban quarter, once the world's cigar capital, before celebrating our farewell dinner in ST. PETERSBURG. (B, L, D)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27- The morning is free in ST. PETERSBURG for shopping, browsing, and relaxation. Before returning to the TAMPA AIRPORT for your return flight to Philadelphia or your home city. Additional nights at the HAMPTON INN AND SUITES are available upon request.

SYLVIA LAUDIEN-MEO was born and raised in Germany. After high school, she studied French language and culture in PARIS earning a degree in Tourism at ECOLE SUPERIEURE DE TOURISME. Returning to Germany, she studied art history and American Studies at the JOH, GUTENBERG UNIVERSITY in MAINZ. Sylvia is a well-respected educator and tour guide in New York City, having led tours for the MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, the GUGGENHEIM, and the JEWISH MUSEUM. She has recently relocated to ST PETERSBURG but still offers online lectures sponsored by the MUNICIPAL ART SOCIETY in New York City and the NEW YORK ADVENTURE CLUB about art history in New York City and beyond.



THE COST for land arrangements is $2975. The single supplement is $675.

INCLUDED IN THE COST: Accommodations for five nights as described in the itinerary including tax; two dinners, one lunch, and buffet breakfast daily; all transportation for included events by deluxe motor coach or UBER/TAXI including gratuities; admission costs for included museums and sites; Costs are based on a minimum of 15 participants The trip will be escorted by a representative from EXCURSIONS FROM THE SQUARE. Tickets to INHERIT THE WIND: $135 including transportation back to ST PETERSBURG. Airfare is additional. SAVE $100 IF YOUR DEPOSIT IS RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 18 PARTICIPANTS and can be reserved with a deposit of $800. You can request a special link to pay online with a bank transfer or credit card. (CREDIT CARD FEES WILL APPLY). Or you can send a check made payable to EXCURSIONS FROM THE SQUARE and mail it to ELLEN KAY COLEMAN, 226 W. Rittenhouse Square, #1012, Philadelphia, PA 19103. When you make a reservation be sure to include complete contact information: address, phone number(s), and email address.

FINAL PAYMENT is due no later than MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023, Full refund for land arrangements may be made until DECEMBER 4, less your deposit of $800. Thereafter, all costs are non-refundable. Travel insurance is highly recommended and is available from EXCURSIONS FROM THE SQUARE.