Adelaide: A Literary and Artistic Escape II – 2026
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31 Jul – 2 Aug 2026
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Adelaide: A Literary and Artistic Escape II – 2026
Tour Highlights
Join literary expert Susannah Fullerton, and award-winning artist David Henderson for 3 days based in the The Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in Adelaide, enjoying world-class exhibition, special viewing of the treasures of the library of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia in the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library, and discover exquisite interiors and glorious lead light windows, including some designed by Arts and Craft masters William Morris and Sir Edward Burne Jones.
- Enjoy a private after-hours viewing of the major exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia: ‘Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition’ from the Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio. For the first time works from this internationally significant collection will be seen in Australia. David Henderson will provide an illustrated lecture introducing this major exhibition.
- Susannah Fullerton will offer lectures on ‘Auguste Rodin: An Artist Inspired by Literature’ and on William Morris, English textile designer, poet, artist, writer and socialist associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement.
- At the Art Gallery of South Australia, take a curated tour of the William Morris collection (Morris & Co), and learn about the history of the Adelaide Arts & Craft Movement.
- Enjoy a special viewing of the treasures of the library of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia in the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library, crowned the second most beautiful library in the world.
- Tour Fermoy House in North Adelaide, with exquisite interiors displaying the collections built up over decades by David Roche.
- A behind-the-scene visit has been arranged at Carrick Hill, the home of Sir Edward “Bill” Hayward and his wife Lady Ursula. Enjoy a tour of the garden and a private curated led tour of the house and library.
- Lunch at the renowned ‘Star of Greece’ restaurant on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Overnight Adelaide (2 nights)
Itinerary
The following itinerary describes a range of sites which we plan to visit. At the time of publication (January 2026) most visits have been confirmed.
The daily activities described in this itinerary may change or be rotated and/or modified in order to accommodate alterations in opening hours and confirmation of private visits. Participants will receive a final itinerary, together with their tour documents, prior to departure. The tour includes meals indicated in the detailed itinerary where: B=breakfast and L=lunch.
Adelaide - 3 days
Day 1: Friday 31 July, Arrive Adelaide
- Meeting Point: The Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in the foyer at 11.00 am.
- Lecture: ‘Auguste Rodin: An Artist Inspired by Literature’ by Susannah Fullerton
- Lecture: ‘Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition’ by David Henderson
- Curated tour of the Library of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia
- Drinks
After arrival in Adelaide, we meet in the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel to begin the tour with a talk entitled ‘Auguste Rodin: An Artist Inspired by Literature’.
After lunch, artist and art historian David Henderson will discuss some of the works on display in the exhibition ‘Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition’. This collection comes to Australia from the Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio. Fifty-seven art works tell the story of transformations in modern art, from Impressionism to Cubism, Surrealism to Abstract Expressionism.
This afternoon we visit the library of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia in the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library, crowned the second most beautiful library in the world. The Royal Geographical Society of South Australia is a prestigious organisation that promotes the study and understanding of geography and its related environmental issues. The society has an extensive and fabulous library of books, maps and art. With over 25,000 items, this is one of the most significant geographical collections in Australia. We will enjoy a private and especially curated visit to see some of the oldest maps in the collection, rare manuscripts and books.
We then head to East End Cellars for welcome drinks and refreshments. (Overnight Adelaide) L
Day 2: Saturday 1 August, Adelaide
- The David Roche Foundation: Tour of House and Collection
- Lecture: William Morris by Susannah Fullerton
- Art Gallery of South Australia: Curator led tour of ‘Morris & Co’
- Art Gallery of South Australia: Private after-hours viewing ‘Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition’
This morning we visit Fermoy House. David Roche (1930 – 2013) was an avid collector and he filled his Adelaide home, Fermoy House, with an extraordinary range of priceless objects – pieces by Fabergé, walking sticks, French and Russian antique furniture, a marvellous array of dogs, Staffordshire and Meissen ceramics, clocks (there are thirty-four of them), sculpture and beautiful paintings. We will enjoy a tour of the house and collection (there’s always a special exhibition on as well) and enjoy the opulent interiors of this important Adelaide house.
We return to the hotel where Susannah will present an illustrated lecture about William Morris. When William Morris was dying, his doctor declared that his death came as a result of fitting into his life the work of at least ten men. He was a poet, painter, designer of textiles, wallpapers, tiles and furniture, conservationist, socialist and novelist. His legacy is an enduring one, his former homes are museums. The Morris & Co. exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia has many items designed by Morris with links to the prominent Barr-Smith family of Adelaide, who were clients. Also on display are works by May Morris, William’s beloved daughter, who was an innovative designer in her own right and talented embroiderer.
The afternoon will be spent at the Art Gallery of South Australia. We will view the William Morris collection, with curator Rebecca Evans, who will tell us more of the history of the Adelaide Arts & Craft Movement.
Early evening we enjoy a private after-hours viewing of the ‘Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition’, with guidance from David Henderson. (Overnight Adelaide) B
Day 3: Sunday 2 August, Adelaide – Port Willunga – Adelaide Airport
- Exclusive tour of Carrick Hill House & Garden
- Farewell Lunch at ‘Star of Greece’ Restaurant, Port Willunga
- Tour ends at Adelaide Airport at 5.00 pm
This morning we travel to Carrick Hill House, once home to Sir Edward ‘Bill’ Hayward and his wife Lady Ursula. Built in the style of an English manor in the late 1930s, this was a home designed for gracious county house living, with some furnishings by William Morris, a superb collection of books, and lovely gardens. Former director of Carrick Hill, Richard Heathcote, will guide us through the gardens, current curator Ellen Whitton will show us the house, and Susannah Fullerton will discuss some of the treasures of the library.
Port Willunga, south of Adelaide, is famed for its beaches and golden cliffs. Caves were carved out by local fishermen as places to safely store their boats and nets. The local Star of Greece restaurant overlooks the sea and offers delicious Mediterranean style cuisine. It’s where we will enjoy our farewell lunch, before heading to the airport. BL
Accommodation
Adelaide (2 nights): 4-star Majestic Roof Garden Hotel– a modern hotel located in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, close to restaurants and the Botanic Gardens.
Note: Hotels are subject to change, in which case a hotel of similar standard will be provided.
Single Supplement
Payment of this supplement will ensure accommodation in a double/twin room for single occupancy throughout the tour. People wishing to take this supplement are therefore advised to book well in advance.
How to Book
ASA RESERVATION APPLICATION FORM
Please complete the ASA RESERVATION APPLICATION and send it to Australians Studying Abroad together with your non-refundable deposit of AUD $500.00 per person payable to Australians Studying Abroad.
Practical Information
Fitness Criteria
Level 1 ACTIVE
For people with active lives and good mobilityThe number of flags is a guide to the degree of difficulty of ASA tours relative to each other (not to those of other tour companies). It is neither absolute nor literal. One flag is given to the least taxing tours, seven to the most. All ASA tours are active programs. They are not suitable for people who lack stamina, have difficulty walking at the group’s pace or who have mobility issues. An unavoidable aspect of every tour is the need to manage walking, stair-climbing and standing for long periods of time.
Fitness Level: Active
This tours is appropriate for people with a reasonable level of fitness and good mobility. You must be able to:
- manage at least four to five hours of physical activity per day with ease
- walk at an easy to moderate pace
- keep up with the group at all times
- climb a few flights of stairs without duress
- get on and off a coach with steep steps unassisted
- stand for one to two hours during visits to museums and galleries without the need to sit
- handle your own luggage at the hotel
Please note: it is a condition of travel that all participants agree to accept ASA’s directions in relation to their suitability to participate in activities undertaken on the tour, and that ASA retains the sole discretion to direct a tour participant to refrain from a particular activity on part of the tour. For further information please refer to the Terms and Conditions section given below.
Tour Price & Inclusions
AUD $1990.00 Land Content Only
AUD $175.00 Single Supplement
Tour Price (Land Content Only) includes:
- Accommodation in twin-share rooms with en suite bathroom at the 4-star Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in Adelaide CBD
- Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary where: B= breakfast and L=lunch
- Drinks at the farewell lunch.
- Transportation by air-conditioned coach on day 2 an day 3
- Departure airport transfer according to the times as indicated in the tour itinerary
- Lecture and site-visit program
- Entrance fees
- Tips for the coach driver, local guides and restaurants for included meals
Tour Price (Land Content Only) does not include:
- Return airfare to Adelaide
- Personal spending money
- Luggage in excess of 20kg (44lbs)
- Travel insurance
- Porterage
Tour Map
Gallery
Deposits
A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 AUD per person is required to reserve a place on an ASA tour.
Cancellation Fees
If you decide to cancel your booking the following charges apply:
- More than 75 days before departure: your initial deposit of $500.00 is non-refundable**
- 75-31 days prior 50% of total amount due
- 30-0 days prior 100% of total amount due
**$250.00 of this amount (ie 50% of your deposit) may be credited to another ASA tour departing within 12 months of the original tour you booked. We regret, in this case early-bird discounts will not apply.
We take the day on which you cancel as being that on which we receive written confirmation of cancellation.
Unused Portions of the Tour
We regret that refunds will not be given for any unused portions or services of the tour, such as meals, entry fees, accommodation, flights or transfers.
Will the Tour Price or Itinerary Change?
If the number of participants on a tour is significantly less than budgeted, or if there is a significant change in exchange rates ASA reserves the right to amend the advertised price. We shall, however, do all in our power to maintain the published price. Occasionally circumstances beyond the control of ASA make it necessary to change airline, hotel or to make amendments to itineraries. We will inform you of any changes in due course.
Travel Insurance
ASA requires all participants to obtain comprehensive travel insurance. A copy of your travel insurance certificate and the reverse charge emergency contact phone number must be received by ASA no later than 75 days prior to the commencement of the tour.
Final Payment
The balance of the tour price will be due 75 days prior to the tour commencement date.
Limitation of Liability
ASA is not a carrier, event or tourist attraction host, accommodation or dining service provider. All bookings made and tickets or coupons issued by ASA for transport, event, accommodation, dining and the like are issued as an agent for various service providers and are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by each service provider. ASA is not responsible for their products, services, terms and conditions. If a service provider cancels or does not deliver the product or service for which you have contracted, and does not give a refund, your remedy lies with the service provider, not ASA.
ASA will not be liable for any claim (e.g. sickness, injury, death, damage or loss) arising from any change, delay, detention, breakdown, border closures, cancellation, failure, accident, act, omission or negligence of any tour service provider or authority however caused (contingencies). You must take out such travel insurance as is available against such contingencies.
ASA’s liability in respect of any tour cancelled or changed will be limited to the partial refund of amounts you have paid, less an administration fee of $500 and other costs and charges of third party service providers. No compensation will be payable to you by ASA where ASA cancels or changes a tour, or any part of a tour.
ASA reserves the sole discretion to cancel any tour or to modify itineraries in any way it considers appropriate and in the best interests of health, safety and wellbeing of tour participants. Tour costs may be revised, subject to unexpected price increases or exchange rate fluctuations.
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