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Kensington Tours launches Voyages by Kensington

Post date: Sep 28 2021

Date: Sep 28 2021

By: Travelweek Group

TORONTO — Kensington Tours has launched Voyages by Kensington Tours, a one-stop shop that allows travellers to combine pre- and post-cruise experiences with the world’s top ocean and river cruises.

Featuring both the Classical Collection and the Adventure Collection, Voyages by Kensington Tours weaves together ocean and river cruises with curated pre- and post-cruise experiences on land to create personalized journeys in the world’s most desirable destinations.

Travel advisors earn commission on the entire trip, plus they earn double the cash in a prepaid VISA Swift card, paid upfront, up to $400 on each of their first five Voyages by Kensington Tours bookings.

On each journey, a Kensington Tours Destination Expert will work closely with travel advisors to select the destination, vessel, time of year and level of accommodation. Around that cruise, they will tailor a pre- and post-cruise itinerary on land featuring Kensington Tours’ private-guided experiences.

With the Classical Collection, clients enjoy luxury river cruises in some of the world’s most captivating destinations, from the Rhine to the Danube and the Nile. Available cruise lines include Avalon Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Sanctuary Cruises and VIVA Cruises. With help from the Destination Expert, curated itineraries can sail down the Danube, for example, starting or ending in Munich, Prague, Vienna or Budapest, for as many days as the client wishes.

For those looking for more thrills, the Adventure Collection features a broad range of land and sea expeditions that allow clients to explore destinations in the Arctic, Antarctic, Alaska, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon. Cruise partners include Celebrity Cruises, Albatros Expeditions, Aqua Expeditions. Hurtigruten Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Silversea and Swan Hellenic. Before and after their cruise, clients can personalize their itinerary just as they would with the Classical Collection, with possible adventures that include hiking, diving and more in Iceland, Norway, Chile, Argentina and more.

“This is delightful news for those who want to enjoy exceptional travel experiences that they’ll remember for literally the rest of their lives,” said Helen Giontsis, President of Kensington Tours. “Voyages by Kensington Tours is the only single point of contact available that allows clients to pair some of the world’s finest cruise experiences with authentic privately guided experiences on land, all with our unparalleled level of customization.”

Kensington Tours has extended its Risk-Free Guaranteed booking promise until Dec. 31, 2021, for travel through 2022. The promise allows clients to change their mind, for any reason, right up to 30 days before departure, knowing that their travel investment is fully protected, including airfare booked with a Kensington-preferred air carrier. Clients can postpone their trip, cancel it for a 100% future travel credit, or rebook to any other Kensington Tours destination.

For more information about Voyages by Kensington Tours, go to www.kensingtontours.com/voyages .

Tags: Kensington Tours, Lead Story

• Agent Tools

Kensington Tours Launches Agent Portal

Indeed, powered by proprietary technology, the portal gives agents access to thousands of ground, air, and accommodation services and activities that can be custom tailored on an easy-to-use web platform. To go one step further, the website allows agents to choose between the aforementioned “do-it-yourself” quote that you’ll get in minutes or you can request a custom quote from Kensington’s team of experts that—the company says—have an average turnaround time of three hours. They are quick to point out, however, that for newer regions, these “Kensington expert quotes” can take a couple of days. The “Kensington expert quotes” are, says Doheny, “highly customized and good for agents who really don’t feel comfortable in the region they’re booking.”

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Kensington Tours Review (My HONEST Experience)

I recently came across Kensington Tours, a company that specializes in creating customized, private-guided trips. I was impressed by their website, and decided to take a trip through them.

Kensington Tours offers a wide range of trips, including group and small group tours. They cater to various interests and preferences which makes them an attractive option for diverse groups of travelers. In particular, I was impressed to find out that first-time customers were pleased with their experiences, praising the logistics, planning, and knowledgeable local guides provided by Kensington Tours.

In this article, I will be telling you my opinion of this tour-booking company, based on my experiences of travelling with them.

Overview of Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours can be worth your money if you select the correct packages. However, some people have faced problems, so be careful when booking.

This company also provides experienced guides who will take you through all the sightseeing places and accompany you on tour. They are mainly used for traveling to foreign countries where people need to learn more about the local scene. The guides will know the local language and can interact with the locals on your behalf.

You won’t have to worry about anything other than your flights to reach your destination.

Services Offered

During my research about Kensington Tours, I discovered that they provide customized itineraries and personalized travel experiences. A wonderful woman by the name of Amanda Jex was my destination lead, and she was very accommodating to the last-minute changes we made to the itineraries.

Kensington Tours made our multi-country trips stress-free with efficient logistical services, such as on-time drivers, clear signage, and convenient train tickets.

Kensington Tours delivered a great bespoke European vacation for my visit to Italy and Switzerland. The company listened carefully to my family’s desires and tailored the itinerary accordingly.

Destinations Covered

Kensington Tours offers a variety of trips to different parts of the world. Some of the popular destinations I found include:

• Ultimate Ireland (Small Groups):  This 13-day group tour costs $7,775 and covers iconic Irish attractions.
• Northern Lights Escape:  A 6-day small group tour priced at $2,340, with a focus on chasing the mesmerizing aurora borealis.
• Iceland Discovery:  This 8-day small group tour, costing $3,950, takes travelers to the stunning landscapes of Iceland.
• Everest Base Camp Trek:  An adventurous small group tour that brings participants on a trek to the base camp of Mount Everest.

Pros and Cons of Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours gives exceptional service, tailored itineraries, and knowledgeable local travel guides. The company offers a wide range of  interesting trips  catering to diverse interests and preferences, such as small group tours in Ireland, Northern Lights escapes, and Everest Base Camp treks. Their flexibility and customization options make them appealing to travelers looking for unique or personalized experiences.

In addition to the impressive variety of tours, I was also happy with the accommodations, transportation, and overall logistics provided by Kensington Tours. Their level of organization and attention to detail contributed to a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

However, there have been instances where some travelers had  less than satisfactory experiences  with Kensington Tours. It’s important to note that discrepancies in service quality or tour expectations can happen with any tour operator and do not necessarily reflect the overall offerings of the company.

My main gripe with them is that they charge a very high cancellation fee ($350 per person). This makes it difficult to book a trip with them if you are not sure about when exactly you will be departing.

Nonetheless, potential issues to be aware of include inadequate accommodations or miscommunication in terms of expectations and itineraries . To avoid disappointment, I recommend doing thorough research on the specific tour you are interested in and reading multiple reviews to gather a well-rounded understanding of what to expect.

Can You Cancel Tours On Kensington Tours?

All cancellations of confirmed reservations on Kensington Tours will face a penalty of $350 per person. You will receive a full refund only if you cancel the tour 90 days before departure.

If you cancel a booked tour 60-89 days before departure, the penalty paid will be 30% of the booking price. Any canceled trip 30-59 days before the tour will face a loss of 50% of the program price. 

Any tour cancellation about 29 days before departure won’t qualify for a refund. The cancellation fees will be 100% of the program price.

How To Get Refunds From Kensington Tours?

You need to contact customer support to get a refund from Kensington Tours. You have the option to call them or send them an email on their registered email ID. 

They levy heavy cancellation charges even if you cancel a month in advance. They won’t be responsible for the cancellation fees imposed by the airlines and other associated services.

Is It Better To Trave With A Tour Company Or On Your Own?

It is better to go with a tour company if you are traveling to a different country. However, arranging the trip yourself is better when traveling within your own country. 

When visiting foreign countries, you will face many cultural and language barriers. These issues can cause trouble in planning your perfect trip.

Additionally, you may miss out on good tourist spots in foreign countries. This will not happen on guided tours since they know them all.

However, if you are familiar with the country and its language, you can travel alone. It will be a fun experience if you have the time to research properly. 

All in all, just adopt this rule of thumb 👉 Domestic Travel – Travel on your own; International Travel – Travel with a tour company.

Final Remarks 

In this article, I tried to give you an honest depiction of what traveling with Kensington Tours might look like.

I would suggest you try Kensington Tours if you have the budget. Just be sure to be clear in your communications and what you expect from the trip, especially the itineraries.

My name is Jeyn Dashner and I am the founder of WanderFever. I have worked as a travel journalist for many years, and exploring new places is my greatest pleasure in life.

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Kensington Tours

Personalized journeys with local private guides..

See the world, differently. Kensington Tours creates fully personalized and privately guided journeys based on your preferences and travel wishes. With expertise in over 100 countries worldwide across all seven continents, Kensington Tours takes on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy. From culturally immersive experiences and culinary delights to exclusive access and unique places to stay, you’ll travel alongside local private guides who will immerse you in the authentic best of your destination.

With Platinum Destinations® Vacations, Platinum Card® Members who book custom vacations through American Express Travel can get 2X Membership Rewards® points on eligible itineraries with participating providers.

Share a few details about your dream trip and we’ll contact you to plan the rest.

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*Terms and Conditions

Cruise Privileges Program Cruise Privileges Program (“CPP”) benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy; the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express ® Card in the eligible Card Member's name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits and amenities may not be available to residents outside of the 50 United States. Onboard credits and amenities apply per stateroom, with a three-stateroom limit per eligible Card Member, per cruise. For new CPP bookings with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and/or $300 for suites. For new CPP bookings with Cunard, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $300 for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and/or Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher. For new CPP bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, and Windstar, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit of US$300 for all stateroom categories. For new CPP bookings, Centurion Members receive an additional US$200 onboard credit on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credit amounts in local currency may vary due to foreign exchange rates; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard amenities vary by participating cruise line and are not available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos and Silver Discoverer. Onboard credits and amenities are not available on Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings.

Extra Membership Rewards ® points: CPP-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel; separate airfare and other charges associated with such bookings are not eligible. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card (described above). The extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after completion of the CPP cruise. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms .

Platinum Destinations ® Vacations Platinum Destinations ® Vacations (“PDV”) benefits are valid only for new bookings made with participating suppliers through American Express Travel. Participating suppliers and PDV benefits are subject to change. Benefits cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated. Benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). PDV bookings must be made using the eligible Card and eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. PDV-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on PDV bookings; separate airfare and other charges associated with PDV bookings are not eligible. Extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account within 8-12 weeks after completion of the PDV travel. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms.

Membership Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards ® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.

The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms .

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Kensington tours reviews & ratings, not blown away by this supposedly 5 star company.

Overall pretty decent tours and guides but an epic failure on planning. They didn’t book 2 of of our 5 in country flights and I had to chase them multiple times to g...

Kensington Tours may rip you off.

Kensington Tours is a vendor with nasty, pushy old school sales tactics and sketchy opaque pricing to get you fleeced in my opinion, read on ! Kensington Tours pre...

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They're terrible at custom trips

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First time using a Tour Company and will do it again!

Overall, we had an amazing trip using Kensington Tours to Vietnam & Cambodia in Nov 2023. The assistance with logistics was seamless and exceptional -- including...

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My sister and I recently returned from Kensington's tour of the Cotswolds. We saw so many wonderful places, we could never choose a favorite. Each stop was unique an...

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Editoral Review of Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours is an award winning travel company offering in depth tours with experienced guides, unique activities and premium to luxury accommodations.

What Makes Kensington Tours Stand Out?

Kensington Tours is, in their own words “not in the business of booking tours.” Rather they highlight the individuality aspect of each traveler - and their dedication to designing personalized experiences.

Specialized travel experiences created by knowledgeable experts in destinations and experiences. Their local guides add a personal touch as they provide true insider knowledge and make the trip that much more memorable. You can take multiple types of tours from safari to river cruise, active adventure to honeymoon. They also have a unique Explorer in Residence program where you can take a tour guided by explorers such as travel photographers and storm chasers.

They have highly trained, experienced, and knowledgeable destination experts who contribute to the experience by providing local insight, spontaneity, and breadth - so you don’t feel that you miss anything while exploring your destinations.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Kensington Tours?

Kensington is a luxury operator; their travelers are well-to-do and value dedicated high class customer service, premier accommodations, and excellent cuisine.

Travelers on a tour with Kensington seek to explore the world in comfort, are adventurous with an appreciation for the finer things. If you’re the kind of person who makes room for hiking boots alongside a few dressy items in your suitcase, Kensington Tours could be a good fit for you.

As opposed to Abercrombie & Kent, which whom they are often compared, Kensington has a more youthful focus, less obviously geared toward older travelers. That said they are a recognizable name among the 55+ crowd and their primary traveler, simply by default of the budget range does tend to be older.

Top Destinations

Kensington operates tours around the world, utilizing local accommodation, and diving into the local culture. Knowledgeable and passionate destination experts are on hand to help bring the destination to life.  

They are well known for their Africa tours and safaris, which travel throughout the most popular safari destinations, as well as farther afield. In addition, Kensington tours also operate trips in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America. They also have cruise departures to Antarctica!

Kensington Tours Travel Style

Kensington certainly ascribes to the notion that “luxury” does not mean “stiff” or require that you stick to 5 star resorts. Rather it’s a style of travel that allows you to see the world on a deeper, extremely personal level - in safety, comfort, with a guide who becomes like a friend helping reveal small nuances that bring each destination to life in a new way.

Think luxury eco lodges in the heart of Central America, a yacht down the Amazon, 5 star safari lodges where you can sip champagne looking out over the savannah. Transportation is in luxury coaches, comfortable safari jeeps, hot air balloons, river cruises etc.

The Kensington travel perspective is not to book a tour - but to craft an unforgettable experience.

They have many travel styles including Safaris, which they are especially known for, river cruises, and family trips.

Safaris with Kensington Tours - Enjoy the “fabled” African safari experience when you travel with Kensington Tours in Africa. Unforgettable wildlife encounters, luxury lodges, and exclusive private game drives, where expert guides reveal the best viewing opportunities and give excellent tips for spotting and photographing the animals.

And it’s not just about the wildlife. Your safari may include a visit to Mt. Kilimanjaro, an afternoon visiting with local tribes, enjoying their hospitality, food, and learning about their culture.

Active Adventures - True to their outlook on travel, Kensington combines the best of luxury with active adventure. This means whitewater rafting, hiking in Wales, or waterfall rappelling. A day full of activity followed by a well deserved cocktail in the sunset. Kensington adventure tours are offered in a variety of physical levels and are intended for beginners all the way up to hard core experienced adventure travelers.

Family tours with Kensington - Sometimes it can be hard traveling with young ones because not all activities are open to them, and age restrictions cause an unbalanced experience. So Kensington has several family tours designed for a variety of ages. Most feature a stay at one hotel or on a cruise, allowing you to unpack only once and relax into the travel experience.

Food & Wine - All Kensington tours feature spectacular food and wine, but sometimes you want to focus on this specifically - diving deeper into the culture surrounding a places culinary delights. These tours often feature private kitchen visits, winery tours with the winemaker themself, and classes where you can learn to make traditional dishes.

Honeymoon - Let Kensington Tours help you plan the perfect Honeymoon getaway. Work with an expert who will listen to what kind of travel experience you’re looking for and craft an itinerary that is uniquely you.

Festivals & Events - Year round there are spectacular festivals and events held around the world - with countless niches and meanings. You could take in the fun of Oktoberfest, or the brightly colored Carnival in Rio, or the Tulip Festival in Holland. These events are often crowded, very busy, and can be difficult to navigate. Visiting with a Private Guide, and having all the logistics planned out in advance is the best way to relax and be able to truly appreciate the meaning behind the festival and have more fun!  

Other styles include “We to Me”, in which you participate in volunteering and conservation initiatives, giving back to local communities and helping keep wildlife areas protected. They also have an “Explorers Club” - tours that follow in the paths of scientists, and explorers both modern day and ancient. And for one of the best holiday traditions, you can book a special Christmas departure, which visits the lovely Christmas markets of Europe.

Why Choose a Tour With Kensington Tours?

If you’re looking for a luxury travel experience with a small, intimate group and private expert guides with you every step of the way, who promise to “transform a vacation into an experience of a lifetime,” then look no further.

The price is hefty (though some more mid budget options are available), but well worth it for a fully immersive, luxurious, comfortable, unforgettable travel experience. Don’t expect to only stick to the tourist sites; Kensington is about incorporating many off the beaten path unique experiences, as well as highlighting fascinating historical and cultural facts.

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Kensington Tours specializes in custom tours to over 90 countries worldwide. Our tailor-made journeys are carefully crafted to deliver a personalized adventure like no other. We build in extraordinary, enriching experiences and put the best private guides at your service. We do all this with award-winning attention to detail and unbeatable value for your travel dollar.

Kensington Tours Trips & Specials

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Customized & Help for Us

Really enjoyed how the experience was customized for our needs and wish list. Securing the right show tickets, helping with city/museum tours, and restaurant experiences. The price was competitive with a large high end group tour but just for us. Every trip there will be an issue. What was impressive was the help on the other end of the phone to make sure we had the right flight, insurance or last minute tour change. Our family was a teen (new to overseas travel) with 2 adults (its been 20+ years)

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Reply from Kensington Tours

Dear Sandra, Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review. We are elated to read how you found our services to be customizable to what you and your family needed. It is also great to hear you received assistance smoothly through our 24/7 phone line. We hope to work with you again one day on another special family vacation! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Working with Caroline Flarty is a Joy

Working with Caroline Flarty is a Joy Caroline helped me with a family trip to Paris, Annecy & Chamonix and it was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and redirected this family to alternative areas when their desired locations were not seasonal. They LOVED their trip and their daughter got to celebrate her sweet 16 in the most magical way. I can't say enough about her thorough communication style and look forward to working with her again. She is the best.

Date of experience : March 30, 2024

Dear Laura, Thank you for your kind words for Caroline. We are so happy to read about how integral she was to your family's experience in France. We hope to host you for other memorable family trips in the future! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Personal Heritage Journey to Okinawa

This was a joint venture between Kensington Tours and Ancestry.com, and the main purpose was to visit my grandparents' ancestral villages in Okinawa and potentially meet distant relatives. I had high expectations going into the trip, and my expectations were exceeded. Everyone involved, from Jeremy (Kensington), Kyle (Ancestry), Yuzo (genealogist), Suiko (guide), the drivers, etc., all worked to ensure this was a trip of a lifetime. The hotel (Double Tree by Hilton, Naha) was also in a great location. I give the Personal Heritage Journeys program my highest recommendation.

Date of experience : April 07, 2024

Dear Jon, We are so happy to read your review. It is wonderful to know Jeremy was such a big part of exceeding your expectations for your ancestry trip. As well as all parties involved that made your experience special. Thank you for taking the time to write your review, and ultimately, your praise and recommendation. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Anit Singh and Kensington do an…

Anit Singh and Kensington do an outstanding job! This was our second trip with Kensington, and if you wish to travel in comfort and security and have a great adventure, this is the best company to use. Many thanks for all your effort Anit!

Date of experience : January 17, 2024

Dear Eric, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about Anit's outstanding work for your second trip with us. We really appreciate your kind recommendation. Looking forward to hearing from you again soon! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Great trip to Port Douglas thanks to Emma with Kensington Tours

Emma our tour planner was able to quickly put together a package trip to Cairns / Port Douglas which worked perfectly for our last week in Australia. We stayed in a darling boutique hotel, had prompt/fun drivers and knowledgeable tour guides who made our trip a success. Thank you Emma and Kensington Tours!

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

Hello Corina, Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted you had a great trip to Port Douglas with Kensington Tours and Emma as your Destination Expert. Your kind words mean a lot to us, we'll be sure to share this Emma and the rest of the team. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure with us in the future! - The Team at Kensington Tours

Vietnam and China Two Week Trip

Vietnam and China Two Week Trip: Kevin Smith of Kensington Travel did an excellent job of setting up a fantastic itinerary and making sure we were supported every step of the way. Trip of a lifetime.

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

Dear C Busbee, Thank you so much for your review. We are so happy to read about your great experience with us and Kevin. We hope to host you on your next trip of a lifetime! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Kensington is the only way to go!

Angelique is the consummate professional. She is thorough, patient, amicable and flexible. She spent a lot of time with us to ensure a fabulous experience. So there were no surprises. We loved our hotels, the tours and tour guides, and the ease of our traveling from city to city in Portugal and Southern France. We were singing Angelique's praises throughout our wonderful trip. Because Angelique took the time to know us and learn about our interests, the selections she made for us were just perfect. It's like she was with us the whole time we were away. Can't say enough about Angelique and Kensington. Thanks so much.

Date of experience : February 21, 2024

Dear Dee, We are so thankful for your review, and happy to hear your praises of Angelique and your trip to Portugal and France! Personalization is a major part of luxury, and very important in our services. Thank you again for taking the time to share your wonderful experience. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

An unbelievable adventure

An unbelievable adventure. The trip was organized so that we experienced the wonders of India,Nepal and Bhutan. Not only the sights but the culture also. We weee immersed in the chaos, beauty, the opulence and poverty that makes up each of these countries. All and all a total and positive experience. Suntia Singh was so very helpful

Date of experience : February 29, 2024

Dear Carl, Thank you for your comments on your unbelievable adventure. We are delighted to read about your experience and how helpful Sunita was. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Costa Rica - Great trip and Kensington great tour

Camila Rico did a great job in planning our trip to Costa Rica. She listened to what we wanted and planned the trip around our interests and lifestyle. We spent 4 nights at The Springs Resort in Arenal. The staff at the hotel were outstanding, remembering our names, and always friendly. Our guide for 3 days was Diego Ramirez. He was knowledgeable, prompt and took us to some out of the way places. Guillermo Vargas was our guide and Waddy was our driver in Monteverde. We stayed at the Senda Monteverde. The rooms are comfortable and updated. Here too the staff were great, helpful, and friendly. Our last 3 nights were at the Arenas del Mar. This is a must visit hotel. The rooms overlook the ocean, the staff, like at all the other hotels, was outstanding. Very friendly and caring. We had a guide to Manuel Antonio Park one day. Camila booked us a catamaran ride with Planet Dolphin cruises. This was a fun morning relaxing, eating, and drinking on the catamaran. I would recommend Kensington Tours and Camila Rico for Costa Rica

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Dear Barbara, Thank you for taking the time to write your review for Camila and Kensington Tours. It is what we hope for our clients to receive a personalized and customized experience for their desires. We also love to read that our local partners provided the service we know them for, and all other great service provided to you in destination. We thank you so much for your recommendation, and we look forward to your next trip! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Wonderful time in Morocco

We had a great time in Morocco. Thanks to Moe who’d been so patient with such difficult customers like us. Perfect hotel selection.

Date of experience : February 19, 2024

Dear Supachitra, Thank you so much for your review of your Morocco trip organized by Moe Sami. There is no customer too difficult! We hope the trip exceeded your expectations. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

The easiest way to travel!

We have used Kensington Tours in Morocco, Portugal and Angkor Wat/Bangkok. We cannot praise our experience with Kensington enough. They are thorough in the planning, keep you informed during the planning process and the experience is flawless. We have enjoyed each experience thoroughly.

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Dear Barb, Thank you so much for your review. We are so pleased to read about your experiences traveling with us. We can't wait to host you again soon! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Egyptian Tour

I would like to thank Kensington for organising one of the very top trips of my life. I've been to over forty countries and I am so pleased with your service. I particularly I have to single out two people, my guides Marwa and Hassan. Marwa and Hassan alike were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, courteous and helpful. They bought the trip to life and they both exceeded expectations in every regard, they were truly excellent. The drivers were also very professional and safe and I would like to mention Ibrahim particularly. The boat was very comfortable and the staff exceptionally professional. My only comment to help would be the lack of WiFi on the boat because it was only available in the reception area and I still had some work to do and make calls, so that was the only gripe on the entire trip but I understand all of the boats are the same in that respect. The set up, and follow up led by Moe and Mohammed was excellent. Thanks Kensington team!!

Dear Philip, Thank you so much for your review. We are ecstatic to read that it was a top trip for you. We are delighted to pass on your praises for Marwa and Hassan to our local partners. We know how quality guides can really make your whole trip! Thank you for the feedback for your drivers, like Ibrahim. As well as your kind words for Moe and Mohammed. We are sorry to hear about the poor wi-fi. We are so glad you still had the trip of a lifetime. We look forward to working for you again in the future. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

If I could give them a 0 or subzero I…

If I could give them a 0 or subzero I would. Once the sales folks get you to book and are super responsive throughout the process occurs. Try getting any additional support regarding your trip - no existent. All promises and no delivery. Sent an email to the company and they ultimately responded telling me to contact the marketing department regarding my concerns. Can't you forward the email to your own marketing department. It is now two weeks since my original email and no response. My "sales" consultant doesn't follow through on any of her timeframes. Waiting two weeks now for any type of response. My trip is two months away and I am concerned. Don't use this company- they are the worst

Date of experience : August 10, 2023

Hello Jeff, We are truly sorry to hear about your negative experience with our company. Your feedback is important to us, and I apologize for any communication or support issues you've encountered. This is not the level of service we strive to provide. We understand your frustration and concerns about your upcoming trip. Rest assured, I'm here to assist you in any way I can. Please provide us with your booking details and concerns at [email protected], and we will address them promptly. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we will work to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention, and we are committed to helping resolve them to your satisfaction. -The Team at Kensington Tours

We had an amazing experience with Kensington Tours

We had an amazing experience with Kensington Tours. We gave Kensington and our advisor Cem Yalcinkaya all the places we wanted to see in Egypt and Jordan. Cem mapped everything out for us and it was so much more than we expected. Our guides, airport liaisons, tour managers and drivers were all excellent. When we wanted to add an extra trip while there, Cem took care of it. We loved Egypt and Jordan and hope to return soon with Kensington.

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

Dear mmuylaert, Thank you very much for your review of your Egypt and Jordan trip by Cem. We love to read he exceeded your expectations! Those last-minute changes are what we are there for. Looking forward to working with you again. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

I read about raving review of…

I read about raving review of Kensington Tour before , after I experienced the service , I am a fan! Dario, my personal travel advisor is very knowledgable about the region I am traveling to. He is creative in crafting the travel plan that fits in my interest , duration of the trip, while maintaining quality of the accommodation and staying close to the budget . With Kensington and Dario , I feel like a friend is planning my dream vacation for me. The personalized service model sets them apart!

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Dear Happy Days, Thank you so much for your review. We are so happy to read that you found Dario to be a knowledgeable and creative Destination Expert for your vacation. We look forward to hopefully creating a personalized itinerary for you again soon! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Awesome custom trip to Iceland

Awesome custom trip to Iceland. Courtney at Kensington was responsive to our requests for an active and packed itinerary and did not disappoint. Local guide Hannah was awesome. Snowmobiling, glacier hikes, blue lagoon, geysers, atvs, black sand beaches, city tour, etc…pack it all in…

Date of experience : March 01, 2024

Dear Memdown, Thank you for taking the time to write your review. We are so happy you received prompt service and a wonderful itinerary from Courtney, as well as a top notch local guide. We hope to connect with you again in the future! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Amazing but leaving was like leaving family!

Just got back from Egypt and Jordan a week ago. Kensington Tours was awesome. The drivers and guides were friendly and knowledgeable. In my heart they are family! The Tour Directors were helpful and so nice! Again, like family! The airport assistance was was spot on. I felt safe The entire trip. The itinerary was good. I caught a cold and had the flexibility to scale back a little so I could rest a little. The guide and driver made sure I got the proper cold medicine and plenty of tea and food to soothe the throat. Like I said, it was like family! I can't thank Kensington enough for making my trip so wonderful!

Dear Donna, Thank you so much for your great review! We are very pleased that your trip. Drivers and guides with local knowledge and culture are a huge part of your travel experience. We love to read about your personalized experience and how you were well taken care of. We hope to be able to assist you for more travel in the future. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Trip of a lifetime

Our trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand with Kensington was amazing. Thanks to all the planning by Dev Jai every detail was attended to. From getting through immigration at the airport, to cooling wet clothes on the vans. We never had a worry. The hotels were top notch with incredible breakfast every morning. Our guides were knowledgeable and made the history and culture come to life. We especially enjoyed Phi. We look forward to our next trip with Kensington. We were so surprised to receive a personalized gift to celebrate our anniversary. Everyone one involved in our trip were so thoughtful. Thank you Dev.

Date of experience : January 08, 2024

Dear Audrey, Thank you for your review of your itinerary by Dev and Kensington Tours, to Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand. We are so happy to read you never had to worry. That is one of the biggest luxuries when traveling. We hope you had a wonderful anniversary. Looking forward to being in touch for your next travel plans! All the best, -The Team at Kensington Tours

An amazing trip to Egypt

An amazing trip to Egypt. We were a little hesitant about the security. Moe Sami talked us though the issues and made us feel comfortable.He made the sign up processing easy and he was always available to answer our questions Big help. The Egypt staff ,tour director Mohamed and guides Ramadan and Mahmoud as well as the drivers were professional knowledgeable helpful and fun. Can’t wait for the next trip with Kensington

Date of experience : January 07, 2024

Dear John, Thank you very much for writing your great review! We are so happy to read about your experience with Moe and traveling to Egypt. Of course these amazing experiences come with their important logistical details and preparation, and it's our goal to assist with those tasks as much as possible. Looking forward to being in touch with you again, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours 👍👍👍👍

Kensington Tours is top notch! As a travel agent, I interact with different suppliers. Few come close to the quality of Kensington. I want to make mention of Jason Peura, a Central Europe Destination Specialist. Jason created a custom itenirary of Germany from scratch.. He was very knowledgeable of local train routes and hotel’s proximity to notable landmarks. His experience and knowledge of the area was quite impressive.. I look forward to working with Jason and the entire Kensington staff again in the near future.

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

Dear Heather, Thank you for taking the time to write your kind review. We are so happy to read your accounts of Jason's expertise. We highly value our agent partners and thank you for working with us. Looking forward to working with you again soon, -The Team at Kensington Tours

A picture of strength, dignity and courage: Tatler commissions British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor to honour the Princess of Wales for its third annual cover portrait

By Helen Rosslyn

THE FUTURE QUEEN: A NEW PORTRAIT OF THE PRINCESS OF WALES BY ARTIST HANNAH UZOR, COMMISSIONED FOR TATLER ’S JULY 2024 COVER

To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, Tatler commissioned a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by a Commonwealth artist for the July front cover. The portrait, by Nigerian artist Oluwole Omofemi, was followed in July 2023 by Trinidadian artist Sarah Knights’s portrait of the newly crowned King Charles III. Together, they sowed the germ of an idea, which has recently borne fruit as a new artists’ residency. The Akoje Residency was announced earlier this year, founded by rugby star Maro Itoje and his business partner Khalil Akar in collaboration with the King’s Foundation, for African, Caribbean and diasporic artists to spend time at Dumfries House in Scotland to focus on their artistic practice. In tandem with this exciting development, Tatler is delighted to commission a third portrait in the series . What better way to show our support than to choose as a subject our much-loved and highly respected Princess of Wales – and who better to paint her than fellow mother-of-three, British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor?

THE PORTRAIT IS THE THIRD IN A SERIES OF COMMONWEALTH PORTRAITS WHICH TATLER HAS COMMISSIONED: PICTURED, THE QUEEN ON THE COVER OF JULY 2022

By Harriet Johnston

By Isaac Bickerstaff

TATLER HERALDED A NEW ROYAL ERA WITH A HISTORIC PORTRAIT OF KING CHARLES III ON THE COVER OF THE JULY 2023 ISSUE

Uzor first shot to prominence in 2020 when she undertook a wide-reaching project using portraits to highlight historical figures of the African diaspora who had played a part in English history and the complex relationships they had with Victorian society. Her striking portrait of Sara Forbes Bonetta came to the attention of English Heritage and became the catalyst for their major initiative Painting Our Past. Inspired by Uzor’s work, the charity went on to commission five other portraits from five other artists, an achievement of which Uzor is rightly very proud. ‘Sara’s story is very important because it helps to bring the complete story of our history and to question some of our own prejudices,’ she says.

I talk to Uzor as her first solo show is opening at the Niru Ratnam gallery in Fitzrovia. She recently finished an MA at the Slade School of Fine Art, where, in 2021, she won the inaugural Milein Cosman Scholarship for Drawing. She has been given just three weeks to complete the Tatler commission but is unfazed by the challenge. ‘I work quickly,’ she says. ‘Once I start painting, it will only take me two or three days.’

UZOR, PICTURED AT HER HOME IN ST ALBANS WHERE SHE HAS BEEN WORKING FROM A SPARE ROOM SINCE WELCOMING HER SON, GABRIEL, THREE MONTHS AGO

She tells me that her practice is driven by her interest in history, particularly diasporic culture and its manifestation in personal and public memory. The act of researching and observation is just as important to her in building a picture of the sitter as the research material she discovers. Each body of work is centred on a particular research focus, drawing from a variety of references, including archival images, historical paintings, family photographs and literature.

For this commission, she predicts that she will spend a lot more time preparing and researching than actually painting. There is a lot of material to cover – there are more than 189,000 pictures of the Princess of Wales in the Getty Images archive, she tells me. But she doesn’t seem daunted and intends to look at as many photos as she possibly can before basing the final work on a composite image.

‘When you can’t meet the sitter in person, you have to look at everything you can find and piece together the subtle human moments revealed in different photographs: do they have a particular way of standing or holding their head or hands? Do they have a recurrent gesture?’ Has the recent video released by the Princess of Wales’s household, in which she explains her cancer diagnosis, given Uzor a new perspective? ‘Without a doubt,’ she replies. ‘All my portraits are made up of layers of a personality, constructed from everything I can find about them.’ The video has added another layer to Uzor’s reading of the princess, showing ‘a moment of dealing with something difficult, speaking from the heart, having the courage to tackle it head-on’.

MEETING THE MONARCH: UZOR WITH KING CHARLES III IN JANUARY 2023 DURING HIS TOUR OF THE AFRICA CENTRE, A SOUTH LONDON-BASED CHARITY

Uzor places a lot of emphasis on how both the visible and invisible parts of a character can be revealed through a painting. She works with acrylics and will start with the background, which she will paint in a colour wash. For the Princess of Wales, she already has a colour in mind: ‘A green-blue, which I chose based on her eye colour and also trying to get elements of being in a garden and on water – rowing being one of her [favourite] sports and in some pictures.’

The next step will be the figure, which she will construct from elements pulled together from the countless photographs she has used for inspiration. The important thing for her in any portrait is to convey the layers of the subject’s personality – in this case, more specifically to capture the dichotomy between the public persona and the private. Uzor expresses huge admiration for the Princess of Wales: ‘She has really risen up to her role – she was born for this. She carries herself with such dignity, elegance and grace.’

‘I CAN’T QUITE REMEMBER WHEN I PAINTED MY FIRST PORTRAIT', UZOR PICTURED IN HER STUDIO AT HER HOME

Uzor’s palpable confidence comes from a lifetime of expressing herself through art. From as early as she can recall, she would record her memories through drawing. Her father remembers how, when she was a very young child, they went on a road trip together and when they got home, she painted the whole journey in detail. ‘I think a lot of my work has to do with evoking a memory,’ she says, ‘the spectator looking in at a moment in time.’

She was born Hannah Hasiciimbwe in Lusaka, Zambia, in 1982, but came to England with her parents as a baby and lived here until the age of two, ‘so I started walking and talking in England’. The family returned to Zambia, where Uzor spent her formative school years. She remembers constantly doodling and finds it difficult now to pinpoint exactly when she painted her first portrait: ‘I can’t quite remember because I have been painting for so long. It was probably during my teenage years and probably a portrait of one of my siblings, as I was always painting them.’

A BRUSH WITH THE PAST: UZOR WITH HER 2022 PORTRAIT OF SARA FORBES BONETTA, GODDAUGHTER OF QUEEN VICTORIA. THE PAINTING WENT ON DISPLAY AT THE QUEEN’S FORMER SUMMER RESIDENCE, OSBORNE HOUSE ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

As she progressed in high school, it became apparent that her father was counting on her to ‘do something sensible’, so she put her art to one side and returned to the UK to study for a BA in computer studies, going on to work in business development and digital marketing. For her creative outlet, she turned to music, and it was during this time that she met and married her husband, Peter, through their church, where she sang and he played the guitar. Peter is a software developer, but Uzor also describes him as ‘a creative in music’ and music clearly plays an important part in their home life. Their two eldest children, Nathan, 11, and Rinnah, seven, both sing and play piano; Nathan is also a drummer.

Uzor’s mother died in 2016, which was a life-changing moment for her. It prompted her to return to her real passion: painting. She enrolled at Kensington and Chelsea College (now Morley College), where she was the winner of the 2021 Higher Education Award. She doesn’t regret her years in the corporate sector at all; in fact, she attributes much of the way she approaches a project to the discipline required in her former working life. ‘It taught me to respect deadlines,’ she explains.

‘ELEANOR XINIWE – UNPARALLELED BEAUTY’, 2021

SELF-PORTRAIT, 2022

‘PRINCE ALEMAYEHU OF ETHIOPIA – LONGING FOR HOME’, 2021

She is clearly exceptionally capable and organised. As we speak, she keeps her three-month-old baby, Gabriel, occupied on her lap throughout our conversation. ‘My studio was previously in central London, but since Gabriel, I have painted at home,’ she says. The wall behind her is covered in pink and green sticky notes – not randomly stuck on a board, but arranged in a regular grid – on which she has written exactly what she is going to do and when. Knowing my own approach to lists – to write them endlessly and then ignore them – I ask her whether she follows these instructions. ‘Absolutely,’ she says. ‘I would be lost without them. At the moment, I try to work mostly at night, when the children are asleep, and do my best to keep family time on Saturdays.’

When I ask about her artistic influences, she cites Toulouse Lautrec ‘because he both paints and draws’, as does she. I can see the same sense of balance in her work, the subject often sitting off-centre against a complementary background. She also admires Gauguin for colour and Cézanne for construction; and her contemporary art heroes include Kerry James Marshall, Barbara Walker and Yinka Shonibare, all of whom she admires for the importance of history to their work.

What she doesn’t mention, but what strikes me as I am talking to this articulate, confident yet unassuming artist, is how many qualities she seems to share with her subject. Both have three young children whose importance to them ranks more highly than anything else. ‘I sense with her the joy of motherhood,’ Uzor says. Yet both women appear to juggle family life and high-achieving professional roles with a skill that belies this complexity. Uzor dismisses it simply as ‘passion – if you believe in it enough, you will make it work’.

THE FINISHED PORTRAIT OF THE PRINCESS OF WALES, IN WHICH UZOR SOUGHT TO CAPTURE THE PRINCESS' DIGNITY, ELEGANCE AND GRACE

This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue of Tatler, on sale 30 May

By Ben Jureidini

By Anya Ryan

• The Top 10 Things To...

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Located about 400km east of Moscow , Nizhny Novgorod is one of the most important centers of cultural, economic, and political activity in European Russia . Widely considered, after St Petersburg and Moscow, to be Russia’s ‘third city’, Nizhny is fast becoming a hot-spot for Russian and global tourists alike, attracted by the city’s up-and-coming reputation and stunning landscape.

The Kremlin

Jutting out from the cliffs that overlook the meeting point of the great Volga and Oka rivers, Nizhny Novgorod ‘s ancient Kremlin boasts of some of the best views in the city. Designed by an Italian architect, the 13 magnificent towers and the 12 meter high walls of Nizhny’s Kremlin date back to 1500. On this very spot in 1612, heroes of Russian history Kuzma Minin and Count Dmitry Pozharsky defeated the invading Polish army in extraordinary circumstances. This moment has become legend in Russian history and a statue in honor of these two lies at the foot of St Basil’s in Moscow. The Kremlin is the historic center of the city where you will find an art museum and the lovely Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, as well as a striking monument to those that fought in the Second World War and its flame eternally flickering on in their memory.

Ride on the cable car

Completed in 2012, taking a ride on Nizhny Novgorod’s cablecar has fast become a favorite activity of tourists. The trip offers unparalleled opportunities to view the city’s gorgeous natural landscape from this bird’s eye position. The 3660m long gondola lift connects Nizhny to the town of Bor and stretches across the Volga River for 900 panoramic meters. The gondola acts as both a convenient means of transportation and a fantastic sight-seeing expedition – come at sunset for a golden-bathed view of the river and surrounding landscape.

The house-museum of Maxim Gorky

During the Soviet era, Nizhny Novgorod, birthplace of celebrated Russian writer Maxim Gorky , was renamed ‘Gorky’ in honor of this national hero. This home has been preserved in a state as accurate as possible to how it was left by Gorky and is so successful in this that it would seem as though the writer still lived there. The museum ‘s historic interiors and authentic furnishings will transport you back to the 1900s and the creative world of this icon of Russian literature. Come and make the most of this unique experience to delve into the childhood world of this Russian father of social realism. Museum booklets and guided tours are available in English.

Nizhegorodskaya Yarmarka

A yarmarka is something akin to a fair, and this historic former market place was restored in 1991, the site now playing home to a superb modern exhibition center. The city’s yarmarka plays host to international events, fairs, and conventions. In 2011, for the 20 year anniversary of the fair’s refounding, a vast array of exhibitions were organized, attended by thousands including members of the British royal family, Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Gorbachev , and Margaret Thatcher . The fair is not only a buzzing center of business and culture, it is also one of the city’s most impressive sights.

The Nizhegorodsky State Art Museum

Located inside Nizhny Novgorod’s ancient Kremlin, the building that houses this art gallery was once the home of the governor of the city. The exhibits are wide-ranging and include everything from 14th century religious icons, to work by 20th century contemporary Russian masters. Particularly dazzling is the collection by Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. There is also a large arts and crafts collection which demonstrates the exquisite handiwork of Russian artisans throughout history.

1. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street

Bolshaya pokrovskaya street.

An excellent spot to soak up the best of the city’s atmosphere, this pedestrian street lies in the heart of Nizhny Novgorod. The beautiful Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street is constantly buzzing and provides new and exciting sights at every turn. Gorgeous buildings and fountains tower on all sides – showcasing the best of Nizhny’s architecture. Quirky shop fronts and lovely local souvenirs will have you pausing at every window while the charming cafés will draw you in with their tempting aromas. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street transforms by night into a vibrant hub of evening activity and is the place to come for a night-out in the city. The bars of this street are favorites with Nizhny Novgorod’s student population.

The Chkalov Staircase

An idyllic spot from which to watch the sun’s rays set over the city, this monumental creation was constructed by the Soviet government and is unique to the city of Nizhny Novgorod. The staircase derives its name from pilot Valery Chkalov who, in 1937, became the first man to fly from Moscow to Vancouver through the North Pole. A monument to Chkalov stands at the top of the stairs. The construction of the staircase cost almost 8 million rubles – an immense sum at the time. Over 1,500 stairs connect the city center with the river embankment – making Chkalov’s landmark the longest flight of stairs along the Volga. Nowadays the staircase is a favorite meeting place and relaxation spot for locals.

The Rukavishnikov Estate Museum

The Rukavishnikovs were a family of immensely wealthy merchants originating from the region around Nizhny Novgorod. This superbly restored palace , their former home, has been transformed into a museum of Russian history and gives a realistic snap-shot of life for the wealthy under tsarist rule. The ornate 19th century interiors and exquisite facade are sure to dazzle with their beauty while the lush green of the surrounding natural landscape provides a tranquil getaway from the city center. Lavish furnishings, priceless antiques, and glistening gold will transport you back in time to a world of balls, carriages, banquets, and tsars. Join the world of Russian noble ladies and gentlemen for a day in this stunning palace.

The Sakharov Museum

Nizhny Novgorod’s Sakharov Museum is dedicated to dissident Russian scientist Andrei Sakharov . The nuclear physicist and human rights activist was exiled for six years to the very flat in which the museum is now housed. Sakharov’s support for civil reform and improved human rights in the Soviet Union earned him harsh persecution from the Russian government, but also, in 1975, a Nobel Peace Prize . Sakharov was incarcerated here until 1986 when a KGB officer arrived to install a phone in the flat. Just after the phone was installed it began to ring: the caller was Mikhail Gorbachev, ringing Sakharov to inform him of his release. This phone is now one of the museum’s most treasured artifacts.

The National Centre of Contemporary Art

Inside the walls of Nizhny’s Kremlin can also be found one of the best modern art galleries in Russia. Linked to galleries in both St Petersburg and Moscow, this top-ranking exhibition center houses regularly changing displays of both Russian and international art as well as interactive exhibits and a media library. Progress is also on-going of adding a concert hall, extending the exhibition areas, and creating a restaurant. These additions aim to make art contemporary, not simply a detached, unrelatable concept, but bring it closer to the Russian people.

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