Art, culture, and lifelong learning through travel
Tour Dates and Destinations
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SPLENDORS OF SICILY AND MALTA 2026
Tour Dates: February 16 to 25, 2026
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Sicily and Malta exploring Mediterranean history, art, and culture. From Prehistoric to Ancient Greek temples, from Norman, to Baroque palaces, we'll discover masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina while immersing ourselves in the region's rich heritage.
More info.
PROVENCE CALLING 2026
Tour Dates: March 23 to April 1, 2026
Experience 10 days in Provence and the French Riviera, tracing the footsteps of Renoir, Chagall, and Van Gogh. Explore the history and legends of Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and Avignon. Discover Matisse’s Chapelle du Rosaire, Cézanne’s studio, and Van Gogh’s landscapes with expert-led visits, Provençal cuisine, and 4-star accommodations.
ILLUMINATING ISTANBUL 2026
Tour Dates: September 29 to October 7, 2026
Experience 9 unforgettable days in Istanbul, a city where empires have risen, faiths have met, and cultures have intertwined for over two millennia. Explore the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Chora Church, and the Blue Mosque. Wander the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, sail the Bosphorus, and discover the mosaics, markets, and masterpieces that define this legendary city. Enjoy expert-led visits, Turkish cuisine, and 4-star accommodations.
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MAGNIFICENT SPAIN 2026
Tour Dates: October 8 - 17, 2026
Experience 10 extraordinary days across Spain’s cultural and artistic heartlands—Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Seville, and Granada. Follow in the footsteps of Gaudí, Picasso, Miró, Velázquez, El Greco, and the great masters of Andalusia. Explore the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Prado, the Mezquita, the Alcázar of Seville, and the Alhambra. Enjoy expert-led visits, scenic train travel, regional cuisine, flamenco, and 4-star accommodations as you journey through the art, history, and soul of Spain.
The full itinerary and pricing are currently being finalized. More details will be shared very soon.
Lecture Series
PROVENCE CALLING Lecture Series
The Provence Calling tour is accompanied by a rich series of Zoom lectures exploring the artists and legends in this luminous corner of France—from Chagall’s poetic visions and Renoir’s late masterpieces to the mysteries of Mary Magdalene, the grandeur of Avignon’s papal court, and the transformative genius of Van Gogh.
Join us on Tuesdays from 4:00–5:30 PM on the following dates:
Feb 3, Feb 10, Mar 3, Mar 10, and Mar 17, 2026.
Individual lectures are $15 each, or enjoy the full series of 5 lectures for $55 (save $20).
Register today at artblazingtours/lecture-registration.
Artblazing Tours
At Artblazing Tours we keep our groups small, with no more than 12 participants (plus traveling staff), ensuring a personalized and intimate journey. Our tours are affordable and competitively priced, making it easier for people to join us in exploring our favorite destination's artistic and cultural treasures.
We value knowledge and aim for you to come home not just with lasting memories, but with a deep understanding of the art, history, and culture of the places we visit. Each tour is preceded by a series of engaging Zoom lectures to prepare you for the adventure ahead.
Art is at the heart of our tours because we believe in its power to enlighten, elevate, and offer hope in the darkest times, celebrating the best of humanity. Our journeys are conducted with good humor, fun, and friendship, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.
We invite you to join us and discover our exciting destinations through art and culture!
Meet Our Team
Sevan Melikyan
Founder, Guide, Host
Sevan is an art historian and seasoned tour leader with a lifelong passion for connecting people to art and culture. Born in Istanbul to Armenian parents and raised in Paris, Sevan brings a rich cross-cultural perspective to his work. He has led international art tours since 2018. In addition to his tours, he lectures widely on art history and directs Wired Gallery in High Falls, New York.
Maria Guralnik
Host
Maria, Sevan’s wife of more than 30 years, is a veteran performing arts manager and educator. She teaches Arts Management at Purchase College, SUNY, and brings a deep understanding of cultural institutions and music to the Artblazing experience.
Sheyda Eversley
Host
Born in Toronto, Sheyda Eversley is a multilingual educator with nearly 40 years of experience in the international airline industry. She currently teaches French conversation classes in New Paltz, NY, where she focuses on practical language skills and cultural immersion. Sheyda is also Sevan’s sister.
Tori Garritt
Host
Originally from Cragsmoor, NY, Tori Garritt is a voice instructor and producer of musical comedies for after-school programs. For the past four years, she has lived in Tucson with Robert Melikyan, Sevan’s son. Drawing on her background in performance and education, Tori will co-host her first tour—the Splendors of Sicily and Malta journey—in February 2026.
BlueStone Press Feature
A beautiful article celebrating how Artblazing Tours connects Hudson Valley travelers with art, culture, and each other. Read the Article.