UNESCO Rani-ki-Vav, built as a memorial to a king in the 11th CE showcases the height of craftsmens’ ability, silted for 800 years before discovery and excavation.  Start with an holistic overview and zero in on the 1000's of exquisite sculptures for a commentary on religious, mythological and secular imagery of 11th CE India.

The Maya have been a cultural force for over 3000 years as evidenced by their art, architecture, maths, astrology, calendrics and hieroglyphic writing. With this lecture, explore Maya culture ahead of our Fall Chiapas tour.

Connecting three continents, the Silk Road was a pathway for the exchange of luxury goods and new ideas. More than just silk traveled these treacherous roads. Rare and valuable commodities made fortunes along the way. 

Little is known of the dynasty that sponsored the creation some of the most spectacular religious structures in the world, such as the spectacular and massive Chandi Borobudur. A contextualized walk through the details of its evocative sculptures. Read more. 

Phulkari embroiders women's lives from birth, adolescence, marriage, childbirth to death. It survived Indo-Pakistan partition, but almost succumbed to machine copies and commercialisation. A mother-daughter duo revive original designs and motifs to breathe new life. View here. 

When placed on the head, textiles serve very specific purposes, ranging from identifying the wearer’s ethnicity, geographical location, or life achievements; age, marital, or economic status; and religious affiliation.   

Read more here. 

The mulberry tree is crucial to the extraordinary material culture of Uzbekistan with an emphasis on its glorious ikats. Due to a technical glitch, Dana's talk was repeated June 3 (above) But you can watch the tour preview here. 

Indian medieval warrior queens' contributions to religious harmony, the anti-colonial movement, art, and architecture. Clues to modern India through two strong queens - Sultana Razia and Abbakka Chowta. Read more. 

Messenger, protector and bank account are roles traditional jewellery plays Travel from the steppes of Central Asia to the Maghreb to decipher the language of silver. 

Chef Geeta invites you into her kitchen to explore myths and traditions of Diwali while focusing on the food that brings us together. Cook along or just watch. FREE - Catch the recorded session here. 

Built by kings, queens, and commoners to access water since ancient times, stepwells invert the concept of top- up architecture. The mystery of stepwells; why and how they were built. Preview of Oct Guj-Kutch-Rajasthan tour. Watch.

Discover why the word “moghul” is synonymous with concepts of wealth and power. Starting with the first emperor, Babur, and ending with Aurangzeb, the focus is on imperial patronage for works commissioned by these rulers that also provide insight into their lives. 

Slip into a desert vibe ahead of our Morocco tour! This book will transport you to the blue world of the Tuareg in the Sahara and post WW1 Britain. A discussion of the writing process as well as traditions of indigo and silver jewellery. Watch here 

UNESCO 2nd C BCE rock-cut caves of Ajanta, are a cross between monumental architecture and massive sculptures Notable not just for antiquity and religious significance, but also for spectacular artwork and ingeniously sophisticated techniques in its creation. Read more. 

In Uzbekistan, every part of the mulberry tree is used as food, wood, as a host for silkworms, and the pulp for generations-old paper making. Learn about its importance on design, spinning, tie-dye, and weaving of Uzbekistan's glorious ikats. View here. 

Moroccan zellige is as intricate as jewellery. Yet Morocco's royal cities are lavishly adorned with zellige. Go inside enchanting zellige interiors, learn how it's made, and why it's a prized but dying art. Includes Oct 2021 tour preview. Watch. 

Few countries offer such a rich and varied cultural heritage as Mexico. The arts and crafts of Mexico are a living force, not a nostalgic evocation. Dazzling colour and design combine Aztec, Maya and Spanish traditions. Read more here. 

Journey into the evanescent world of traditional Arab scent. Scent features in religious, personal, and social context through silver perfume containers, sumptuously scented paste beads, and fragrant clove necklaces. 

Frida Kahlo's iconic status lies in her flamboyant and courageous dressing style, an homage to Mexican indigenous cultures and an inspiration for designers and fashionistas the world over. Reading list here. 

Royal intrigues, power grabs, and the real reason why the world's most beautiful building was built. A synthesis of latest scholarship on northern India's "exposed zone" and the Timurid connection

King Anawratha faced an uphill battle in 1044 but with help from Buddhist leaders and strong generals he forged a powerful kingdom in central Myanmar. The art and architecture of Bagan illuminates political and religious changes that came to define Burmese culture of the period. 

Mexico's Day of the Dead honours the departed with lavish offerings. The roots of this festival stretch back into the distant past. In her new book, Chloë Sayer traces cultural significance and visual legacy of these uniquely Mexican celebrations. 

12th CE UNESCO Angkor Wat is an anomaly amongst Khmer temple mountains. Discover its purpose through the complex art and design of this massive religious complex.

Read about the Women of Angkor: Celestial or real? 

Tie-dyed head coverings are a constant companion in traditional women's lives, as a protection from the elements, confer identity, status, and a commentary on inter-religious relations. Hindu and Muslim communities share a common culture in this harsh desert land. Watch here

Hereditary Chettiar bankers built uniquely designed mansions of the finest from all over the world.  Learn about this fast disappearing microcosm, its fascinating culture, arts and crafts, and distinctive cuisine. Read more here

Preview of upcoming tour of South India. 

Visually splendid and often extremely costly, Mexican festivals feature dances with richly embellished costumes and masks. Most important on the festival calendar is Days of the Dead. Celebrate the passion that is Mexico!

A frank assessment of the travel scene ahead, including what to look for in cancellation and rebooking policies. Why E.Y.H.O.? Why small group, owner-led? Plus upcoming tours beginning mid Oct 2021. Watch here. 

Since earliest times, kohl has been used to beautify men and women, ward off evil, confer status, accompany rituals and feasts. Using SW Asia's canvas, explore its remarkable history from Early Bronze Age to the present. 

Colourful, turbulent art and lives of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera capture the world's imagination. Discover why Frida's intimate self-portraits and Diego's panoramic murals gave the pair iconic status.

India's least-known edifices are also its most marvellous. Unique marvels of architecture, engineering, and art, they proliferated throughout the subcontinent for over a millennium. Watch here