Affordable Antique Tours 

Set your sights on great outdoor markets, special trade sources, under-the-radar dealers, shops and warehouses -- we'll be traveling oh-so-far off the beaten path...  

Our antique tours are popular and space is limited.  Reserve early.  Pre-register to get on the list and contact us for details below (no obligation).

See the Fall 2009 tour description above.  Pre-register and request more information...

December 1-9, 2010  
Germany's Enchanted  Christmas Markets

See the description for the 2009 Christmas Tour above.   Pre-register and request more information...

 Why Heart of Europe Tours?

Are you looking for a new kind of antique tour?    

Are you hoping to find treasures for your own home, or inventory for your shop?  Looking for a few special pieces for a favorite client?  Are you open to a one-of-a-kind travel experience?  If so, we think we have the kind of European antique tour you’ve been looking for...
 

There are still things in life that inspire and amaze you...   
You're capable of being awed and can can spot beauty and charm under dust and dirt.

You live with and love antiques. You delight in the hunt.
You have a good eye and know what you like.  You’re a savvy shopper. 

You're an adventurer...
You love new travel experiences and are ready for the road.

We hope you'll like what we offer... 
Experience one of our insider antique shopping tours -- you'll love the fun and appreciate the depth and insight that go into our trips.  Veer off the beaten path and shop for antiques in places few outsiders have ever heard of.  Immerse yourself in remarkable European antiques, design and decor in all styles and price ranges.  Experience Europe's nooks and crannies as never before and stay in historic hotels most tourists only see from a bus window.  And when you're done shopping, we'll ship your treasures home!  

Plan your getaway now. 
Demand is high and our tours fill up -- Reserve now for the best selection.

ANTIQUE BUYING TOURS

Many of our trips focus on Central Europe which is fast becoming the hottest new antiquing spot on the Continent.  The selection is huge, ranging from unrestored jewels in the rough to high-end Biedermeier and Baroque.  Prices are friendly, despite the strong Euro.  And best of all: Your purchases are exempt from the local value-added tax since you will be exporting them.

Whether its Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic or Belgium, our goal is to help you access great sources.  And since we don’t believe in cookie cutter travel, we offer a range of antique buying tours with various features.  For example, you can choose among expeditions of varying lengths.  You might opt for a tour featuring one or another antiques market.  Or a different trip, offering additional options such as museum visits and historical attractions that may appeal to you.  You’re bound to find an antique buying tour that fits your needs and interests.

Are you traveling with someone who is not an antiques buff? Boredom is verboten on a Heart of Europe tour.  We’ll be happy to help your travelmate find other local attractions or cultural activities. 

>> More about our antiquing expeditions

>> Who should go on a Heart of Europe buying tour

>>See what USA Today has to say about us

GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS TOUR 

A lot of people have asked us to include a German Christmas Tour to our repertoire, so when the time came, it was easy to say yes.  We’ve added our own extras, which set it apart from other Christmas trips.   For one, we’ll be experiencing the thrill of Christmas in three distinct regions --Franconia, Thuringia and Saxony.   Christmas markets will be front and center stage.  Our added touches make this Christmas adventure even better.  They include a visit to the Erzgebirge region, a session with one of the top restorers of antique Christmas figures in Germany, and a special trip to the glass-blowing region of Germany.  It will be an unforgettable trip.

>> More about our Christmas Markets Tour 


INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

We welcome international travelers on all our antique buying expeditions.  We will gladly arrange to ship your antiques to a port in your country and have them trucked to your door.   Questions?  We recommend that you get in touch with us earlyso we can discuss your needs and make arrangements.  We would be happy to have you aboard. 

YOU SHOP.  WE'LL SHIP. 

If you've ever shopped for antiques overseas, you know how costly it is to have larger pieces individually shipped (it cost upwards of $ 1100 just to ship an armoire to the U.S. if you're sending it alone). 

And if you've ever packed smaller antiques in your checked baggage or entrusted them to the post office, you know how expensive and risky it is to get even small items home safely.   With new weight restrictions on baggage and soaring postage costs, carrying your antiques with you on the flight home or sending them by mail is hardly an option any more.   

We've been at it a while.  And over time, we've tried out just every method we could think of -- we've paid extra baggage fees, we've schlepped, mailed,  stowed and shipped our antiques home in small quantities.  And at the end of the day, we're convinced that container shipping is the best option.  That's why we offer it as part of many of our tours.

Our goal is to make your buying trip as cost-effective, convenient and hassle-free as possible.  This means that you can concentrate on antiquing and count on us to help with shipping.  And if you want to buy a larger quantity, we can reserve a separate container just for you and have it delivered to your door.  Whether you're sharing space with others or sending your own container home, ocean freight is the most cost-conscious, efficient way of getting your treasures home.