It’s August – whether your perfect idea of time off is sunbathing on a white sand beach, hiking, or visiting a gallery or museum (while social distancing, of course!) we’ve selected a range of wonderful holiday destinations inspired by our collections. Travel the world through art!
Sicily is a place that caters to all tastes. Sun, sea and sand provide a perfect destination for anyone hoping for a relaxed get-away this summer. The scorching Mediterranean climate provides the promise of a tan, and delicious seafood dishes that are impossible to resist. This picturesque island boasts beautiful and diverse landscapes to explore, as well as being home to a hugely diverse cultural history. Find time to explore quaint villages, impressive amphitheatres and beautiful buildings.
Taormina, Sicily, 1876 (w/c on paper), Ferguson, William J. (fl.1849-86) / Private Collection / Abbott and Holder, London, UK
Often thought of as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice is home to a variety of rich cultural hot-spots making it a destination that does not disappoint. The Peggy Guggenheim collection displays a wide variety of exciting modern art, the second most visited museum in Venice, the gallery displays artwork from Peggy Guggenheim’s private collection as well as temporary exhibitions, with work ranging from Cubist works, to photography, to Surrealism.
However, sights such as Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica provide an alternative cultural insight into the culture of Venice. The historical heritage of these buildings harks back to the splendour of the Venetian Republic. Furthermore, the picturesque canals and beautiful Gothic architecture make Venice the perfect place for a stroll in the sun.
View of the facade of the Basilica di San Marco (photo), Italian School / Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy / Cameraphoto Arte Venezia
Consider this a one-way ticket to be outlandish: find yourself in San Francisco. Good times and social revolutions tend to start here, from manic gold rushes to blissful hippies. If there’s a technology still to be imagined, a poem left unspoken or a green scheme untested, chances are it’s about to happen here.
Greens, San Francisco (oil on canvas), Peter Graham (Contemporary Artist) / Private Collection / Bridgeman Images
This city, affectionately known as “San Fran”, is a never ending paradise of places to visit and things to see. From the world famous Golden Gate Bridge to one of the United States’ most infamous prisons Alcatraz, there is sure to be something for everyone. So grab your coat (and maybe a handful of glitter), and enter the land of mysterious fog. So long, inhibitions; hello, San Francisco.
Visit the vibrant cities of Marrakesh and Fes for a world of bustling bazaars, snake charming and music. Moroccan buildings are often decorated with bold patterns and intricate carvings, making an exploration of the city’s architecture a really worthwhile and interesting activity.
Morocco is also home to delicious food, having been influenced by a wide range of cultures: Berber, Middle Eastern, Turkish and French, to name but a few, creating a fusion of flavours that is not to be missed. A trek through the Sahara Desert by camel promises dramatic landscapes and exotic wildlife, in addition, a hike through the Atlas Mountains is sure to provide some awe inspiring views, making both areas a unique and exciting place to spend a few days.
The Blue Fountain, 2000 (w/c on paper), Lucy Willis (Contemporary Artist) / Private Collection / Courtesy of the Curwen Gallery, London / Bridgeman Images
Looking for something a bit beachier? Look no further than Puerto Rico. This American territory not only has 20-foot waves for those enticed by the surfing life, but also calm, clear waters for families with small children.
Beach Cricket (oil on canvas), Victor Collector (Contemporary Artist) / Private Collection / Bridgeman Images
You are able to take a stroll back through time walking the streets of Old San Juan and an explore the more contemporary side of Puerto Rico on the Calle del Cristo. It’s an exhilarating mix of landscapes, from the winding jungle of El Yunque to the daunting caves of Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy. And if you want to get away from civilization entirely, you can ferry over to the secluded — not to mention jaw-droppingly gorgeous — islands of Vieques and Culebra. Convinced? We think so. You’re sure to find something in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico, Carolina, silhouettes of people walking along beach at Isla Verde, sunset / Dorling Kindersley/UIG
The South of France boasts warm climate, sunny beaches and picturesque coastal towns, making it the ideal place to visit this summer. The glamorous towns of St-Tropez and Marseilles offer interesting museums, expensive boutiques and fashionable hotels, however, if you are looking for a more secluded get-away, visit the historic city of Hyères, or remote islands off the coast that are home to dramatic coastal landscapes. These more remote locations provide stunning views, diverse marine life and flora and flora, making it an ideal place to get away completely from the hustle of normal life.
Sure, Montréal may be the media star of Québec, but Québec City has something else: the soul of the province, and the fiercer grip on French Canadian identity. It also happens to be one of North America’s oldest and most magnificent settlements.
When thinking of summer destinations, one rarely thinks “Canada,” but hear us out. Québec City goes to great lengths to entertain visitors all summer long. Musicians, acrobats and actors in period costume take to the streets, all while fantastic festivals fill the air with fireworks and song. Its picturesque Old Town is a living museum of narrow cobblestone streets, 17th- and 18th-century houses and towering church spires, with the splendid Château Frontenac towering above it all. Even with a T-shirt shop on half the corners like most major cities, there’s more than a glimmer of Old Europe in its classic bistros, sidewalk cafes, and manicured squares.
The iconic Chateau Frontenac dominates the skyline of Quebec City as seen from the Saint Lawrence River at sunset / Richard Nowitz / National Geographic Image Collection / Bridgeman Images
Berlin can be thought of as the epicenter for a large proportion of 20th Century European history. Its social history is displayed all over the city today, making it a really interesting place to visit this summer. Remnants of its past can be seen throughout the city, through the still present contrast between East and West, and the Holocaust Museum. Furthermore, Museum Island also boasts the Pergamonmuseum, one of the leading archaeological museums, making Berlin a really interesting cultural hub to visit. Berlin is also home to Grunewald forest, a peaceful place to get away from the crowds who come to the city, bring a picnic and have some time to relax. It also boasts our German Bridgeman office!
Berliners from East and West celebrating the opening of the border at the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, 9th November 1989 (photo) / Berlin, Germany / © H.P. Stiebing
Cornwall is a place full of character. With dramatic seas and sculpted coastlines, Cornwall is the the perfect place for a family holiday. Quaint coastal villages and cliff-top walks provide the ideal setting to get away from the business of everyday life. The large sandy beaches offer the perfect location for sandcastle building or to simply relax, and large waves make it the prime spot for surfing, adding fun and excitement to your visit. Don’t miss out on an indulgent cream tea or a traditional Cornish Pasty.
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