Art, culture, and lifelong learning through travel
Tour Dates and Destinations
Tour Dates: September 26 to October 4, 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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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.
Tours on the Horizon: 2027 Destinations Under Consideration
As we look ahead to 2027, several exciting journeys are taking shape. These destinations are currently under consideration, and your interest plays an important role in bringing them to life. If one (or more) speaks to you, I invite you to let me know by filling out the Count Me In form. Your response helps shape what comes next.
March 2027
Return with us to the cultural heart of the Low Countries, where art and history unfold in remarkable ways. From the luminous works of Van Eyck and Rubens to the intimate brilliance of Vermeer and Rembrandt, this journey explores the artistic legacy of Belgium and the Netherlands. We’ll visit world-class museums in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, and Bruges, wander through historic town squares and canals, and trace the evolution from Early Netherlandish painting to the Dutch Golden Age—all within the charm of early spring.
May 2027
This brand-new journey weaves together art, architecture, and the rich musical traditions of Central Europe. In Prague and Vienna, cities shaped by emperors and artists alike, we’ll explore masterworks by Klimt and Schiele alongside grand imperial collections. Music will play a special role, as we immerse ourselves in the world of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Dvořák—composers whose presence still resonates in these cities. Day trips to Salzburg and Bratislava will further enrich this cultural tapestry, offering a journey that speaks as much to the ear as to the eye.
September 2026
Few cities offer such a concentration of artistic masterpieces as Paris. This nine-day journey will take us through the great museums—the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Orangerie—where we’ll encounter works that have shaped the history of art. We will also explore the city’s architectural treasures, including the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral and the radiant Sainte-Chapelle, with its breathtaking stained glass. Beyond the city, we’ll visit the Château de Chantilly, Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final days. This tour offers not just a survey of masterpieces, but a deeper connection to the places that inspired them.
October 2027
Return to one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, where layers of history reveal the meeting of empires, cultures, and faiths. From the grandeur of Hagia Sophia and the mosaics of Chora to the splendor of Topkapi Palace and the vibrancy of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul offers an unparalleled journey through time. We’ll explore Byzantine and Ottoman masterpieces, cruise the Bosphorus, and experience the textures, flavors, and rhythms that make this city endlessly captivating.
Artblazing Tours
At Artblazing Tours we keep our groups relatively small, ensuring a personalized and intimate journey. Our tours are thoughtfully designed and competitively priced, making it easier for people to join us in exploring our favorite destinations’ artistic, cultural, and culinary 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. Alongside this, we place great care on the culinary experience—sharing memorable meals that reflect the spirit of each region, often becoming some of the most cherished moments of the journey. Our tours 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, culture, and cuisine.
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.
Maria will co-host the Provence Calling journey in March 2026.
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.
Sheyda will co-host the Illuminating Istanbul tour in the fall of 2026.
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 co-hosted 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.