Step Into the Historic
World of Jewelry & Treasures
The most exquisite adventures of your life are right around the corner! Discover the stories and history behind the rare jewels and treasures of the most remarkable countries in the world on one of our global adventures – all curated and led by author, antique jewelry expert and founder of Art and Treasures Tours, Marie Betteley.
Majestic Madrid Meets Zaragoza, Seat of the Aragon Kings, November 2026
Majestic Madrid Meets Zaragoza, Seat of the Aragon Kings, November 2026
Prague: Royal Riches and Timeless Treasures
Prague: Royal Riches and Timeless Treasures
New Prague Tour Coming SoonStay tuned as details about future tours emerge and contact us if you have any specific questions.
Previous Tours
& Locations
The Splendours of Dutch Art Tour, November 3-7 2025
The Splendours of Dutch Art Tour, November 3-7 2025
Paris Private Jewelry Tour and Art Nouveau Escapade, May 12-18 2025
Paris Private Jewelry Tour and Art Nouveau Escapade, May 12-18 2025
Vicenza: Jewel of Veneto Tour, October 2024
Vicenza: Jewel of Veneto Tour, October 2024
Walking Tour of St. Petersburg Jewelers March 2019
Walking Tour of St. Petersburg Jewelers March 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Art & Treasures Tours special?
Our tours are personal reflections of our quest for beauty in jewelry and art. We travel to Europe to explore historic treasures, often in private settings in current and former jewelry capitals such as Paris and St. Petersburg, Russia, or UNESCO Heritage sites such as Vicenza, Italy. Our philosophy is to keep it small and create carefully curated itineraries for individuals who love discovering rare jewels and treasures in historic settings.
How do you plan or design each tour?
We travel to each destination beforehand, choosing selected artistic sites, as well as visiting jewelry designers, dealers, curators, connoisseurs and other experts, art auctions, and handpicking restaurants and charming boutique hotels to accommodate a small group of art lovers.
We avoid the tourist traps, unless if for example we go to a famous museum, we’ll visit specific rooms only, such as the Louvre for the French Crown Jewels, the Gold and Diamond Treasury rooms in the Hermitage, the 18th century art rooms in the Rijksmuseum. Tours would not be possible without the expertise and knowledge of local art and cultural historians, guides and curators who help us create unique and fabulous tour experiences.
Who joins these tours?
Anyone who’s interested in the historical treasures, jewelry and culture of places we visit. It’s also a perfect way to connect with gemologists, collectors, dealers, curators and other professionals and in the field, and to meet like-minded tour guests. You don’t have to be in the business to enjoy these unique tours. Everyone is welcome.
Tour Planning & Scheduling
What time of year do you schedule tours?
Our tours occur in the Fall and usually in the Spring, typically from March to May and from September or October to the end of November. We avoid the high tourist seasons to bring down the cost of both travel and hotel stays.
How long do tours usually last?
Tour duration ranges from 3 to 6 full days. They usually begin on a Monday with a welcome reception and dinner and end with a farewell feast either on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday late afternoon or evening. We choose weekday travel to avoid weekend crowds of tourists, and to enjoy the expertise of jewelry professionals, curators and jewelry designers, art historians and other specialists who may only work during the week.
What are the available tour destinations?
Current tours include Madrid, Prague, Paris, Amsterdam, Vicenza, and seasonal additions. Each destination is chosen for its museum quality, private collection access, and art historical significance. Check this page or contact Marie for the full current schedule and upcoming tour announcements.
Booking & Registration
How do I book a tour?
You may book a tour on our website by clicking on the tour of your choice and following the prompts. Early Bird rates are usually available when the tour is first posted. To receive notification of when tours are posted, sign up for our newsletter or follow @mariebetteley on Instagram.
What is the deadline for booking tours?
Registration for tours usually ends 3 months before scheduled departure date. However, it’s always good to contact us afterwards as single spots may become available. We encourage potential guests to register early to secure a space as spots are limited and we have a generous cancellation policy.
How do I contact you to ask questions before booking?
Contact Marie directly at marie@mariebetteley.com or call +1-917-319-5736. You can also reach out through the website contact form. Marie responds to inquiries within 48 hours.
Tour Size & Group Details
How large is the group?
To ensure the utmost in personal attention our tours are limited to 10 guests. We match the services and curation of luxury travel companies at much more favorable prices. Potential guests are encouraged to register early as spots fill up quickly.
How many events are planned per day?
We plan up to two events a day, with the occasional addition of an evening performance. We also factor in free time to explore on your own as well as coffee or tea breaks.
What's Included & Activity Level
What's included in the price of the tour?
Each tour includes a comprehensive educational and cultural program with Art & Treasures Tours and local experts, venue tours and events as listed in the itinerary, transfers to and from venues during tour days, all meals per itinerary, entry fees to all museums and venues, services of experienced tour directors and local guides, speakers and translators if necessary, and pre-trip information.
Does the price include meals?
The price usually includes breakfast and dinner each full day, a welcome reception and a farewell meal as indicated in the itinerary. Restaurants range from those with Michelin stars to brasseries or excellent family eateries, many with locally sourced, seasonal food.
What is the activity level of each tour?
Guests may be expected to walk at a moderate pace for some distance during guided tours, to climb some stairs without handrails, and to stand for extended periods of time. Many programs involve extensive walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations, and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Contact Marie to discuss any mobility concerns or accessibility needs before booking.
What is the cost of a tour?
Tour pricing varies by destination and length. Contact Marie at marie@mariebetteley.com for pricing on your chosen tour. Early Bird rates are typically available when tours are first announced. The investment reflects the curated access, expert guidance, and private viewings that larger tour operators cannot provide.
Cancellation & Refunds
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours are fully refundable up to 45 days before departure. Cancellation from 44-20 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person. Cancellation from 19 to 10 days prior to departure results in 50% forfeiture of the trip cost per person. Cancellation from 9 days up to the time of departure results in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
Trust & Credibility
What are Marie's qualifications?
Marie Betteley is a certified gemologist with 35 years of experience in antique jewelry and fine art. She was the Russian jewelry specialist at Christie’s New York and is the published author of Beyond Fabergé, the definitive reference on Imperial Russian jewelry. She founded Rare Jewels and Treasures in 1991 and Art & Treasures Tours in 2017.
Why should I book with Marie instead of a standard tour operator?
Marie’s tours are built on her personal relationships with museums, private collectors, and art institutions developed over three decades. You receive insider access and expert knowledge that commercial tour companies cannot replicate. Each tour is personally designed by Marie and often led by her, ensuring the caliber of experience matches her standards.
Have others taken these tours? Can I read testimonials?
Yes. Testimonials are available on the website and through previous guest references. Contact Marie to speak with past participants about their experience.