Join GAS as we travel to the world’s glassiest destinations!
GAS Travels offers exclusive experiences on specially curated tours to some of the world’s glassiest locales. Enjoy the company of fellow glass aficionados, indulge in delicious cuisine, and explore thriving craft communities across the globe.
GAS Travels 2027: Prague | March 16 – 25
Follow the story of Bohemian glass from the furnace to the palace—exploring master artists, legendary glassmaking centers, and the enduring creativity of a region shaped by glass for centuries. Join fellow glass enthusiasts on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Bohemia, where historic studios, visionary artists, and centuries-old traditions come together to reveal the enduring legacy of glass. Extend your adventure with an optional Vienna extension celebrating Austria’s iconic glass and design heritage.
Space is limited to 15 guests. Reserve your place today and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Bohemian glass.
Bohemian glass, from the furnace to the palace.
Few places on earth hold as deep a relationship with glass as Bohemia, and this March, GAS travelers will spend nine unforgettable days exploring its rich artistic legacy. Staying in Prague at the Fairmont Golden Prague, a 5-star luxury hotel, our group will experience world-renowned artists, historic glassmaking centers, museums, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of Bohemian glass from its earliest traditions to today’s most innovative studios.
The journey begins with a private studio visit to Martin Janečký, the Nový Bor-trained, Pilchuck-honed master celebrated for his extraordinary “inside sculpting” technique—a process so technically demanding it has been compared to violin virtuosity. His life-size, hyper-realistic sculptures are among the most remarkable achievements in contemporary glass.
From there, the tour travels into the heart of Bohemia’s legendary Crystal Valley. We will spend a day in Nový Bor visiting Novotný Glass, the family glassworks now led by second-generation gaffer Ondřej Novotný, before continuing to Ajeto Glassworks in Lindava, where elevated gallery walkways provide a spectacular view of the hot shop in action. Nearby, explore the historic glass school in Kamenický Šenov, founded in 1856 and believed to be the oldest glassmaking school in the world, where generations of Bohemian craftspeople perfected their art.
The itinerary also celebrates Czech history and culture beyond glass. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kutná Hora, home to the soaring Gothic St. Barbara’s Cathedral and the remarkable Sedlec Ossuary, whose elaborate chandeliers and decorative displays were created from the bones of an estimated 40,000 individuals.
Additional highlights include visits to the Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou—the world’s only museum dedicated to both glass and costume jewelry—the Museum of Decorative Arts (UPM) in Prague, and the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, a former industrial factory transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic contemporary art museums.
And that’s just the beginning…
Artist visits with:
Payment, Policies, + Itinerary
The tour begins on Tuesday, March 16, 2027, with Welcome Drinks at 5:00 PM. Please plan your travel to arrive in Prague in time to join the group.
The Prague tour concludes with dinner on Wednesday, March 24, 2027. Departure is independent on March 25, and participants may depart at their convenience or continue with the optional Vienna Extension.
The Prague tour includes nine (9) nights of hotel accommodations.
Please note: The tour price does not include international airfare or transportation to and from Prague. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the tour starting point and their onward travel following the conclusion of the program.
- Nine (9) nights of accommodations at the Fairmont Golden Prague
- Daily breakfast
- Welcome drinks
- Five (5) lunches and four (4) dinners (as indicated in the final itinerary)
- Private motor coach transportation throughout the tour
- All scheduled ground transportation during the main tour
- Admission to all scheduled museums, studios, demonstrations, and cultural sites
- Exclusive studio visits and artist presentations
- Professional English-speaking local guides, where applicable
- Tour leadership and coordination by GAS staff
- Gratuities for local guides and motor coach drivers
The tour price does not include:
- International airfare to and from Prague
- Transportation between Prague Airport and the Fairmont Golden Prague
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Passport or visa fees (if applicable)
- Meals not specifically included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary
- Optional activities during free time
- Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone, minibar, and room service
- Baggage handling at airports, hotels, or train stations
- Gratuities for hotel staff and other services not specifically included
Early Booking pricing is available exclusively for GAS members. You can sign up for membership at any time to take advantage of this discount valid until September 10, 2026. Register your travel in full or with a 50% deposit.
General Booking pricing is effective September 11, 2026. GAS member discounts are not available after this date. Pay your travel in full or with a 50% deposit.
Final balance for the Prague tour is due no later than December 16, 2026.
Final balance for the Seattle tour is due no later than July 1, 2027.
All rates are quoted in US Dollars and must be paid in US Dollars.
A minimum of 15 guests is required for this travel program to proceed. Please wait to hear from GAS to confirm this minimum before making your individual international flight arrangements.
All cancellations must be in writing to [email protected]. All cancellations are subject to a $250 cancellation fee and a $300 non-refundable contribution to GAS.
Trip cancellations must be received no later than by December 16, 2026. No refunds will be made after this date except in the case of a documented medical emergency, in which case all funds less the cancellation fee, donation, and expenses already incurred, or contractually obligated to be paid, by GAS (non-refundable deposits paid to suppliers on your behalf) will be refunded. There is no refund for a partially completed tour or for unused services of any kind. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
In the case that GAS cancels the trip for any reason other than a Force Majeure*, a full refund will be issued. If the trip is canceled due to a Force Majeure*, a full refund will be issued except for expenses already incurred or contractually obligated to be paid by GAS (non-refundable deposits paid to suppliers on your behalf).
*FORCE MAJEURE: GAS is not liable for acts of God, fire, weather, acts of governments or other authorities, wars, civil disturbances, riots, terrorist acts, strikes, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, dangerous incidents to sea, land and air travel, and other similar incidents beyond its control.
Moderate – see General GAS Travels program information.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Vienna, Austria, March 25–27, 2027
Additional fees apply.
Continue your journey with an optional two-night extension in Vienna, where Bohemian craftsmanship meets Austria’s rich artistic and design heritage. Additional fees apply.
Travelers will depart Prague by morning train on Thursday, March 25, for Vienna.
Highlights include:
- A private studio visit with Robert Comploj, the Corning- and Murano-trained artist reinterpreting Venetian glassmaking traditions in his Vienna hot shop
- The renowned glass and design collections of the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts)
- The historic Lobmeyr flagship showroom, supplier of imperial glassware and the chandeliers of the Vienna State Opera
- A day trip to the celebrated Glass Castle in Weigelsdorf, home to Austria’s largest gallery of handmade glass and a working glass factory
The optional Vienna Extension begins on Thursday, March 25, 2027, with round-trip train transportation between Prague and Vienna, and concludes upon arrival back at Prague Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) on Saturday, March 27, 2027, where participants will continue with their independent travel arrangements.
The extension tour includes two (2) nights of hotel accommodations in Vienna.
The tour is limited to guests participating in the Prague trip only. If you are interested in going to Vienna, a booking link will be available in your Prague 2027 confirmation email.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN PRICE:
- Round-trip rail transportation between Prague and Vienna
- Two (2) nights of hotel accommodations in Vienna
- Daily breakfast
- Two (2) lunches and two (2) dinners
- Admission to all scheduled museums, studios, and attractions
- Local transportation for scheduled activities
- Tour leadership and coordination by GAS staff
- Gratuities for local guides and drivers
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Passport or visa fees (if applicable)
- Meals not specifically included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary
- Optional activities during free time
- Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone, minibar, and room service
- Baggage handling at hotels or train stations
- Gratuities for hotel staff and other services not specifically included
GAS Travels 2027: Seattle | October 8 –17
Experience the epicenter of American studio glass during Refract, Seattle’s acclaimed citywide celebration of glass art. This exclusive GAS Travels journey offers an insider’s look at the creativity, innovation, and community that have established the Pacific Northwest as a global destination for glass. Explore renowned collections, private studios, iconic exhibitions, and the work of legendary artists while visiting the institutions that shaped the American studio glass movement. Join fellow glass enthusiasts for an unforgettable exploration of Seattle’s vibrant glass scene—where history, artistry, and cutting-edge innovation come together.
Space is limited to 15 guests. Reserve your place today and be part of this extraordinary celebration of glass during Refract.
Ten Days at the Epicenter of American Studio Glass
In October 2027, GAS will travel to the Pacific Northwest for a journey centered on Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience, the citywide celebration showcasing Seattle’s unique place at the heart of the global glass community.
Staying at the Thompson Seattle by Hyatt in downtown Seattle, the experience begins with the opening celebration of Refract at Chihuly Garden and Glass—the renowned Seattle Center exhibition featuring Dale Chihuly’s monumental installations, including the breathtaking Glasshouse sculpture, which stretches nearly 100 feet in length.
Travelers will also experience a rare opportunity: a guided visit to the Chihuly Boathouse, Dale Chihuly’s private studio and residence on Lake Union. Normally closed to the public, this remarkable space offers an intimate glimpse into the environment where one of the world’s most influential glass artists continues to create.
The journey continues with a studio visit to John Kiley, the Seattle-born glass artist whose career reflects the evolution of contemporary glass itself. A former gaffer on Chihuly’s Chihuly Over Venice project and a core member of Lino Tagliapietra’s private Murano studio from 1994, Kiley brings together decades of technical mastery and artistic exploration.
The Seattle experience culminates at the Pilchuck Annual Auction and Gala, the signature fundraising gala for Pilchuck Glass School. Founded by Dale Chihuly and supported by a community of visionary artists, Pilchuck’s Stanwood campus became the training ground for generations of artists and helped define the modern American studio glass movement—a fitting finale for a journey tracing that movement from its origins to its future.
Additional highlights include a visit to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, home to the West Coast’s largest working museum glass studio and the landmark Chihuly Bridge of Glass, as well as the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, where a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound reveals the region’s broader craft and contemporary art community.
From opening-night celebration to a private look inside Chihuly’s own studio, this is Seattle glass culture at full volume—and there is no better time to experience it than during Refract.
And that’s just the beginning…
Studio visits with:
- Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen + Jasen Johnsen
- John Kiley
- Shelley Muzylowski Allen + Rik Allen
Payment, Policies, + Itinerary
The tour begins on Friday, October 8, 2027, with a welcome gathering and opening experiences during Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience, Seattle’s annual celebration of glass art.
Please plan your travel to arrive in Seattle in time to join the group.
The tour concludes with the Pilchuck Annual Auction + Gala on the evening of Saturday, October 16, 2027. Departure on October 17 is independent, allowing participants to depart at their convenience based on their individual travel plans.
The program includes nine (9) nights of hotel accommodations at the Thompson Hotel Seattle.
Please note: Refract 2027 dates and programming are anticipated to align with the festival’s traditional mid-October Thursday–Sunday schedule. Final festival dates and event details will be confirmed closer to the event.
The tour price does not include airfare or transportation to and from Seattle. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the tour’s starting point and for their onward travel after the program concludes.
Your GAS Travels experience includes:
- Nine (9) nights of accommodations at the Thompson Hotel Seattle
- Daily breakfast
- Welcome drinks
- Five (5) lunches and four (4) dinners (as indicated in the final itinerary)
- Opening celebration at Chihuly Garden and Glass during Refract
- Private guided visit to the Chihuly Boathouse (subject to final confirmation)
- Admission to the Pilchuck Annual Auction + Gala
- Admission to all scheduled museums, exhibitions, and activities
- Private motor coach transportation throughout the tour
- Scheduled ground transportation and ferry transportation during the program
- Exclusive studio visits and artist experiences
- Professional local guides, where applicable
- Tour leadership and coordination by GAS staff
- Gratuities for local guides and transportation providers
The tour price does not include:
- Airfare to and from Seattle
- Transportation between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the hotel
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Passport or visa fees (if applicable)
- Meals not specifically included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary
- Optional activities during free time
- Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone, minibar, and room service
- Baggage handling at airports, hotels, or other transportation points
- Gratuities for hotel staff and other services not specifically included
Early Booking pricing is available exclusively for GAS members. You can sign up for membership at any time to take advantage of this discount valid until September 10, 2026. Register your travel in full or with a 50% deposit.
General Booking pricing is effective September 11, 2026. GAS member discounts are not available after this date. Pay your travel in full or with a 50% deposit.
Final balance for the Prague tour is due no later than December 16, 2026.
Final balance for the Seattle tour is due no later than July 1, 2027.
All rates are quoted in US Dollars and must be paid in US Dollars.
A minimum of 15 guests is required for this travel program to proceed. Please wait to hear from GAS to confirm this minimum before making your individual international flight arrangements.
All cancellations must be in writing to [email protected]. All cancellations are subject to a $250 cancellation fee and a $300 non-refundable contribution to GAS.
Trip cancellations must be received no later than by July 5, 2026. No refunds will be made after this date except in the case of a documented medical emergency, in which case all funds less the cancellation fee, donation, and expenses already incurred, or contractually obligated to be paid, by GAS (non-refundable deposits paid to suppliers on your behalf) will be refunded. There is no refund for a partially completed tour or for unused services of any kind. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
In the case that GAS cancels the trip for any reason other than a Force Majeure*, a full refund will be issued. If the trip is canceled due to a Force Majeure*, a full refund will be issued except for expenses already incurred or contractually obligated to be paid by GAS (non-refundable deposits paid to suppliers on your behalf).
*FORCE MAJEURE: GAS is not liable for acts of God, fire, weather, acts of governments or other authorities, wars, civil disturbances, riots, terrorist acts, strikes, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, dangerous incidents to sea, land and air travel, and other similar incidents beyond its control.
Moderate – see General GAS Travels program information.
Frequently Asked Questions
GAS Travels offers travelers to experience the world through a glassy lens. Not only will you get to see the best landmarks in each destination, but you’ll have VIP access to glass and craft artists with a fun group of like-minded travelers.
Our GAS Travels prices include accommodations, meals as indicated in the itinerary, and entrance fees to any venues. It does not cover the cost of your airfare to travel to/from our destinations.
We recommend medical and travel insurance to protect against last-minute trip cancellations and other travel-related risks. Comprehensive travel insurance policies package together a number of valuable benefits. You can also buy policies that cover only trip cancellation or only medical expenses.
GAS is unable to advise on trip insurance or make a provider recommendation. You can purchase travel insurance from any reputable Travel Insurance company. With the wide variety of plans available, you can find coverage levels that will fit your budget and trip needs.
Here are some reasons you may need travel insurance:
- You will lose money in non-refundable deposits if you cancel the trip. Trip cancellation is the coverage you want. It will cover 100% of the pre-paid money you’ll lose, as long as you cancel for a reason listed in the policy,
- You are traveling overseas and your health plan doesn’t have global coverage. Many health plans lack robust global coverage or impose high out-of-network deductibles for care outside the U.S. Check your health plan details to see what it provides. Travel medical insurance fills the gap.
- You are going to a remote area. If you are not near a quality medical facility, even a small injury could turn into a major medical event. Medical evacuation coverage will pay to medevac you to an adequate facility.
- You want emergency backup. The 24/7 travel assistance lines that are included with travel insurance can assist you with finding a pharmacy, language translation, replacing a lost passport and much more.
Yes, we require all travelers to be 18+ in order to have the opportunity to participate in all planned activities.
GAS staff are unable to provide one-on-one assistance during tours. This includes, but is not limited to, physical assistance, wheelchair assistance, in-flight support, baggage handling, in-room assistance, arranging private transportation, coordinating activities outside the scheduled itinerary, or other personal care needs. GAS staff are, however, available to assist with general group coordination, program-related questions, dietary requests and preferences, and helping ensure the smooth overall operation of the tour experience.
Travelers who require additional support are encouraged to travel with a companion who can assist with personal needs throughout the tour.
If you anticipate needing additional time, transportation assistance, or other accommodations, we encourage you to plan ahead to help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience.
If you require assistance with luggage or accessibility accommodations at a hotel, we recommend contacting the property directly in advance to discuss available services and options.
Our tours typically include full days of activities, often beginning with breakfast and concluding with dinner around 20:00–20:30. While the programs require sustained daily engagement, itineraries also include regular free time and several meals on your own. These moments provide opportunities to rest, explore independently, shop, or enjoy local restaurants and experiences at your own pace.
Participants are also free to opt out or cut short any activity, although GAS staff will not be able to meet any transportation needs associated with a participant’s decision to opt out or cut short an activity.
To help participants assess the physical demands of each program, GAS assigns an activity level to all tours. Please review the rating listed with each itinerary—Moderate or Active—to determine whether a tour is a good fit for your comfort, mobility, and preferred pace of travel.
Moderate
Suitable for most travelers with a reasonable level of fitness and mobility, with moderate walking distances, some elevation changes, and activities that may require sustained endurance for several hours throughout the day.
Participants should be comfortable:
- Walking 1–2 miles at a time during site visits and walking tours, often without a break
- Climbing multiple flights of stairs, sometimes without handrails
- Navigating uneven pavement, unpaved roads, paths, and cobblestones
- Standing for up to an hour or longer at sites where seating may not be available
Active
Designed for travelers with a strong level of fitness and stamina. These programs include longer walking distances, more physically demanding terrain, and sustained daily activity.
Participants should be comfortable:
- Walking 3 or more miles per day
- Navigating hills, uneven terrain, and significant elevation changes
- Remaining active for extended periods throughout the day
- Standing for long periods without difficulty
- Managing physically demanding days with limited downtime



