How to Shop for Antiques in Europe without the Hassle -- September Trip Planned

Philadelphia, May 27, 2005 — Heart of Europe Tours (http://heartofeuropetours.com)today announced the launch of its September 6-18 Antiques Tour to Central Europe. The biggest flea markets in Germany and the Czech Republic are on the itinerary.

"Central Europe is becoming a hot new source for affordable antiques, collectibles and furnishings in every price range," says Philadelphia-based dealer Tom Conrad who just returned from the region and will lead the buying tour in early fall.

The twelve-day "Heart of Europe Antiques Tour" will take antique buffs, dealers and designers from across the U.S. on a buying trip through Central Europe from September 6 -18, 2005. Container shipping is included to make it easy for participants to get their wares home. The group will visit Nürnberg, Prague, Dresden and several smaller towns.

"We are psyched about the positive response we've gotten, even before we began active promotion," said Conrad. The company is accepting reservations. He said applicants will be placed on a wait list when the trip reaches capacity, and will be notified if a space clears. The tour is designed for seasoned antiquers and people who are newer to the field. Information is available at www.heartofeuropetours.com by phone at 215.991.9892 or by email at info@heartofeuropetours.com

The Heart of Europe 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 extraordinary furniture and outstanding art, glass, crystal, porcelain, pottery, toys, dolls, folk art, primitives, jewelry and textiles," according to the company.

"The Heart of Europe Antiques Tour gives dealers, decorators and collectors access to overlooked sources that few Americans are aware of," according to Conrad. "The sheer variety and volume of antiques and furnishings alone make the trip a winner. That, plus the great prices, makes the tour unbeatable for antique dealers and collectors who are looking for affordable new finds."

The group will be up and out early to get good deals at local antique and flea markets along the way. In addition to markets, the group will visit retail shops, antique wholesalers and warehouses on the back roads and blue highways of Franconia, Saxony and the Bohemian Highlands. They will stay in small, family-run hotels that capture the character and flavor of the region.

We make it possible for collectors and dealers of all sizes and stripes in the U.S. to buy antiques at the source – the same place large European wholesalers buy from, says Heart of Europe Tours.

"Central Europe is one of the best-priced markets right now, despite the strong Euro. Prices are very friendly. The local economy is in a downturn and European 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 exorbitant shipping costs that make it prohibitive to send an individual item 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 tour is designed to take the stress out of antiquing. "We take care of all the details so participants can focus on ‘the hunt,’" says Conrad.

The Heart of Europe Tour includes airport transfers, travel by chartered minibus, a bilingual guide, hand-picked hotels, 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.

"Whether it’s Baroque, Biedermeier, Classicist, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid-Century or Country, we will see it all on the Heart of Europe Antiques Tour."


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