European Antiques Tour Spotlights Hot Trends and New Sources, Includes Shipping

Philadelphia – Antique lovers can count on seeing an immense variety of appealing collectibles and antiques at great prices on the Heart of Europe Antiques Tour, September 6-18, 2005, according to Philadelphia-based dealer Tom Conrad.

Conrad recently returned from Central Europe and will lead the September tour which includes Nuernberg, Prague, Dresden and smaller towns along the back roads of Germany and the Czech Republic.

There is renewed interest in country and painted furniture of all periods. Art Deco, Mid-century and Modern are ascendant. Art Nouveau and older period antiques still hold sway among many antique lovers. “Prices are friendly and antiques are plentiful in Central Europe, whatever period, style or look you want,” says Conrad.

“Central Europe is the most-overlooked antiques region on the continent — that’s why it’s the best place to shop,” according to Conrad.

The tour covers a large area of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and the old kingdoms of Saxony, Franconia and Bohemia. “It would be hard to find another region that is as rich in such exceptional furniture and outstanding art, glass, crystal, porcelain, pottery, toys, dolls, folk art, primitives, jewelry and textiles,” according to Heart of Europe Tours.

The Heart of Europe Tour includes airport transfers, ground travel, professional guide, hotel, visits to antique markets, retail shops, trade sources and wholesalers, ongoing support during the trip, ground freight within Europe for large pieces, packing and transatlantic container shipping, export documentation and U.S. customs clearance.

Who doesn’t love a bargain? “Central Europe is one of the best-priced markets for American shoppers right now,” according to Conrad. The Euro has reached its lowest point in over eleven months. Buying in Europe has been down, so dealers are eager to move their inventory. They are motivated to sell,” explains Conrad.

Buyers from the U.S. have an added benefit: They are exempt from the local value-added tax as long as they export the items they buy. In addition, tour participants escape the high shipping costs that make it prohibitive to send one or two pieces back to the States. “Container shipping is included in the tour – our participants can buy in quantity since there is no extra charge for shipping merchandise home.”

The Heart of Europe Tour is designed to take the stress out of shopping for antiques. “The reason we take care of shipping, customs and other details is so participants can focus on ‘the hunt,’” says Conrad.

Information is available on the web at www.heartofeuropetours.com, by phone at 215.991.9892 or by email at info@heartofeuropetours.com. Reservations are being accepted, according to Conrad who added that the tour will close soon.

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