Dukes, Popes & Painters: Lyon to Arles Cruise aboard AmaDagio
October 2 - 11, 2013
Embark the splendid riverboat AmaDagio in the handsome city of Lyon and go behind the scenes at the opera house. Stroll through medieval town centers and exquisite château gardens. See masterpieces of 15th-century sculpture in Dijon; the Papal Palace in Avignon; ancient Roman monuments in Aix and Nîmes; and van Gogh treasures in Arles. Highlights include a reception at the home of a former Louvre curator and a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Study Leader Information
Patrick Bowe, a distinguished architectural historian and author of garden books. Dr. Maryan Ainsworth, Curator in the Department of European Paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Dr. Paul Freeman, Professor of Medieval History at Yale University
Tour Itinerary
October 2 - Depart on an overnight flight to Lyon, France
October 3 - Upon arrival in Lyon, transfer to the centrally located Sofitel Lyon Bellecour; Visit the Textiles and Decorative Arts Museums; Gather this evening for a welcome cocktail reception
October 4 - tour the Basilica of Nôtre Dame de Fourvière; see highlights of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, then board the awaiting AmaDagio; Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner as we begin our cruise up the Saône River
October 5 - Arrive this morning in Chalon-sur-Saône and drive to Dijon for a tour of the vieux quartier; see
the spectacular 15th-century tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy at the Musée des Beaux-Arts; stop at the Chartreuse de Champmol to admire Claus Sluter’s masterpiece, the Well of Moses; visit nearby Beaune, residence of the Burgundian dukes
October 6 - Step ashore in Tournus to visit the 17th century Château de Cormatin; continue to Mâcon; arrive
Collonges au Mont d’Or, where a Bocuse-trained chef will share tips and recipes, followed by dinner
October 7 - At Tournon this morning, enjoy a tasting of artisanal pastries and chocolate; a lecture presentation prepares us for our upcoming visit to Avignon; musical performance followed by a delectable dessert buffet
October 8 - Visit the medieval palace at Avignon; visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Château de Saint Privat, with a wine tasting, or visit a former curator of the Louvre at her home in Villeneuve-les-Avignon and see her personal collection, concluding with a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
October 9 - Arrive Aixen-Provence; See the ruins of the old city, the impressive St. Sauveur Cathedral; View the fine collection of French paintings at the Musée Granet; Alternatively, visit the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes and spend the afternoon in the Camargue with its vast natural wetland, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including flamingos and the famous wild horses
October 10 - Arles, immortalized by Vincent van Gogh, has kept its picturesque markets with their fruits and
vegetables, colorful tablecloths, and other handicrafts; visit the Romanesque church of St. Trophime; optional afternoon visit to nearby Nîmes includes the Maison Carrée,and the Carré d’Art Museum; Gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner
October 11 - Disembark AmaDagio in the morningand transfer to the Marseilles Provence Airport for the return
flights home
Reservations
To reserve by credit card, please call 888-484-8785; to reserve online, please fill out our reservation form. View our terms and conditions.
Questions?
Please email National Trust Tours for questions about this program. Be sure to include your mailing address if you are requesting a paper copy of the brochure for this program.
