From Beethoven to Bridgewater: Kirker’s pick of the most inspiring cultural trips for 2027

As one of the longest UK summers comes to an end, what better time to start planning for 2027?

Specialist tour operator Kirker Holidays has been creating tailor-made escapes and short breaks for discerning travellers for four decades and for 2027, has some superb suggestions based on many new exhibitions and openings taking place.

With a portfolio spanning more than 80 cities and 250 countryside properties across Europe, the Mediterranean and beyond, Kirker combines this expert knowledge with personalised service, offering unique experiences, hand-picked hotels and access to its award-winning concierge service.

Kirker’s top picks for 2027 include:

ART AND EXHIBITIONS

Culture, cuisine & comfort in Eurostar’s newest destination
Eurostar launches a new direct service from London to Antwerp on 14 December 2026, cutting journey times to just 2 hours 41 minutes. With 2027 also marking 450 years of Antwerp-born artist Rubens, there has never been a better time to discover Belgium’s vibrant second city. At the heart of Antwerp’s cultural quarter, the five-star Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is housed within a restored 15th-century monastery beside the historic botanical gardens, offering 108 elegant rooms and suites, an extensive spa with indoor pool, and exceptional dining including Michelin-starred restaurants. Guests are within walking distance of Antwerp’s major attractions, from the Cathedral of Our Lady and celebrated works by Rubens to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. A three-night stay at the Botanic Sanctuary starts from £1,079 pp (two sharing), including return travel and accommodation, including a special offer of three nights for the price of two until 27 March 2027.

The Potteries Uncovered
Created in collaboration with Dame Emma Bridgewater, this exciting new tour explores the extraordinary story of the Staffordshire Potteries, once the global capital of ceramic production. Uncover the region’s industrial heritage through visits to some of its most important surviving factories, workshops and collections. Highlights include a day with Emma Bridgewater at her factory in Stoke-on-Trent, behind-the-scenes visits to Middleport and Burleigh Potteries and exclusive access to the V&A Wedgwood Collection – described by UNESCO as “one of the most complete ceramic manufacturing archives in existence”. Departing 17 May 2027, this three-night holiday costs from £998 pp (two sharing), including accommodation with breakfast, three dinners and two light lunches, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities, and the services of Tour Manager Olivia Thackstone.

Marc Chagall in Amsterdam: a major cultural highlight for 2027
Art lovers have a compelling reason to visit Amsterdam next summer with the Marc Chagall exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, running from 15 May to 22 August 2027. The first major Chagall retrospective at the museum since 1956, the exhibition will showcase works from one of Western Europe’s most important Chagall collections, exploring the artist’s distinctive use of colour, dreamlike imagery and themes of love, hope and human connection. Stay at the Ambassade, a characterful hotel made up of ten 17th century canal houses overlooking the Herengracht and Singel. Renowned for its collection of original artwork, antiques and impeccable service, the hotel features the acclaimed Brasserie Ambassade and an elegant library bar, placing guests within easy reach of Amsterdam’s world-class museums and cultural attractions. A three-night stay at the Ambassade starts from £1,598 pp (two sharing), including return flights or Eurostar, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker’s Guide notes, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

MUSIC

Beethoven in Baden-Baden
In 2027, 200 years after Beethoven’s death, discover his enduring legacy on a refined musical journey to Baden-Baden, the elegant spa town renowned for its classical music heritage. Led by experienced tour leader Ger van den Munckhof, guests will enjoy performances at the renowned Festspielhaus, one of Europe’s premier concert venues, while discovering the town’s grand architecture, landscaped parks and Belle Époque heritage. Surrounded by the Black Forest and famed for its thermal spa culture, Baden-Baden provides a fitting backdrop for a journey celebrating the enduring legacy of Beethoven and his influence on the classical repertoire. Departing 22 March 2027, the Music in Baden-Baden tour starts from £3,486 pp (two sharing), including return flights, four nights’ accommodation with breakfast, concert tickets, two dinners, one lunch, sightseeing and the services of the tour leader.

The Kirker music festival in Northumberland
The first Kirker Music Festival to take place in England’s northernmost county is based at the magnificent Matfen Hall, Northumberland’s only five-star hotel. Set within 300 acres of parkland beneath the Cheviot Hills, this beautifully restored country house provides the backdrop for a festival featuring performances by the acclaimed Karski Quartet, whose dynamic programmes span classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Alongside the concerts, explore some of the region’s finest historic houses and gardens, including Wallington Hall, Belsay Hall and Cragside, and enjoy time to relax in the hotel’s excellent spa and swimming pool. Departing 10 May 2027, this four-night holiday starts from £2,686 pp (two sharing), including accommodation with breakfast, four dinners, three concerts, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities, and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Cities of ancient Mesopotamia in Turkey
This fascinating new tour with Kirker Holidays explores one of the world’s oldest cultural landscapes, tracing the history of Mesopotamia through the little-visited cities and archaeological sites of south-eastern Turkey. From the black basalt walls of Diyarbakır and the labyrinthine streets of Mardin to the sacred sites of Şanlıurfa and the remarkable remains of Göbekli Tepe. Along the way, visit Roman frontier fortresses, Byzantine settlements, Syriac monasteries and outstanding museums, culminating in Gaziantep, renowned for its pistachios, baklava, and an extensive collection of 5^th and 6^th-century mosaics. Departing 5 May 2027, this six-night holiday starts from £3,458 pp (two sharing), including return flights, accommodation with breakfast, three lunches and three dinners, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities, and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer and a local guide.

 Mountains & monasteries of Georgia
This new tour to Georgia explores a country where ancient traditions, dramatic landscapes and warm hospitality come together. From the cobbled streets and historic churches of Tbilisi to the vineyard-covered valleys of Kakheti and the soaring peaks of the Caucasus, discover a land shaped by centuries of faith and winemaking. Highlights include visits to medieval monasteries, wine tastings, a traditional folk performance, and journeys along the spectacular Georgian Military Highway to some of the country’s most breathtaking mountain scenery. Departing 10 June 2027, this seven-night holiday starts from £3,498 pp (two sharing), including return flights, accommodation with breakfast, five lunches and two dinners, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities, and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader and a local guide. No Single supplement.

Ancient treasures and Baroque splendour in Eastern Sicily
Discover the rich history, magnificent architecture and timeless landscapes of eastern Sicily on this immersive cultural journey centred on the elegant city of Syracuse. Exploring one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating islands, guests will encounter the legacy of successive civilisations through magnificent Greek and Roman remains, ornate Baroque churches and palaces, and the distinctive Norman influences that have shaped Sicily’s unique identity. Alongside visits to historic towns and traditional villages, travellers will experience the island’s warm hospitality, stunning scenery and celebrated cultural heritage. Departing 10 September 2027, the Syracuse & Eastern Sicily tour starts from £3,749 pp (two sharing), including return flights, five nights’ accommodation with breakfast, three dinners and the services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer.

Gardens, culture and history in Tangier and Fez
Explore the lush gardens, rich heritage and captivating landscapes of Morocco on this garden-themed journey through Tangier and Fez. Accompanied by garden writer and horticultural expert Kirsty Fergusson, guests will discover spectacular gardens and viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean and Atlantic, explore Tangier’s stylish artistic revival, and experience the timeless atmosphere of Fez’s ancient medina and beautiful riad gardens, shaped by the principles of Islamic design. The tour also includes visits to the vineyards of Meknes and the remarkable Roman ruins of Volubilis, combining horticulture, architecture and history in one itinerary. Departing 10 November 2027, the Gardens of Tangier & Fez tour starts from £3,998 pp (two sharing), including return flights, four nights in Tangier and four nights in Fez, five lunches and five dinners with drinks, sightseeing, entrance fees and the services of the tour leader and local guide.

CUISINE 

Cuisine of Extremadura
Led by Spanish chef and culinary expert Omar Allibhoy, this new journey explores the rich flavours and traditions of Extremadura, one of Spain’s most rewarding yet least-visited regions. From the beautifully preserved cities of Cáceres and Mérida to the oak-dotted dehesa landscapes of the south, discover a cuisine shaped by history, local produce and proud traditions. Highlights include tastings of Torta del Casar cheese, visits to acclaimed producers of jamón ibérico de bellota, lunches showcasing regional cooking, and opportunities to sample the wines of Ribera del Guadiana alongside some of Spain’s most distinctive local specialities. Departing 19 October 2027, this five-night holiday starts from £2,958 pp (two sharing), including return flights, accommodation with breakfast, three dinners, two lunches, visits and tastings as described, and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader. No Single supplement.

For more information, or to book one of Kirker’s small group tours, tailor-made short breaks or holidays to Europe and beyond, please call 020 7593 2284 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com.

Press: Please contact Gemma Minto or Julia Farish at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email g.minto@travelpr.co.uk / j.farish@travelpr.co.uk. At Kirker, contact Patrick Millar on 020 7593 2281 or email patrick.millar@kirkerholidays.com.