Cruising the Rivers of Provence and Burgundy VILLAGES and VINEYARDS of the RHÔNE and SAÔNE
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Cruising the Rivers of Provence and Burgundy VILLAGES AND VINEYARDS OF THE RHÔNE AND SAÔNE June 27 to July 8, 2011 a program of the stanford alumni association Ochre-tinted villages perched above red-rock mountains. Valleys carpeted with purple fields of lavender. Warm Mediterranean air scented with aromatic wild thyme and mint. Southern France is a feast for the senses, and it’s no wonder that the great painters of light and color – Van Gogh, Cézanne and Matisse – came here for inspiration. We invite you to the south of France next summer with popular Stanford professor Linda Paulson, who will share her love of this land and its literature with you. Our trip combines the highlights of Provence with a cruise on the Rhône and Saône rivers, a visit to Burgundy’s famous wine country and a final overnight in Paris. Summer in the south of France…what could be better? BRE TT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL /STUDY Highlights LUXU RIATE in the RETRACE impressionist WATCH horsemanship skills TOUR the magnificent castle cozy atmosphere of the artist Paul Cézanne’s steps in and Provençal bullfighting home near Avignon of a 78-passenger Rembrandt Aix-en-Provence and see the in the Camargue, France’s former curator of the Louvre and enjoy private shore sights that were part of his cowboy country, before and view her eclectic art excursions to quaint villages. daily life. eating a traditional meal with collection. gypsy entertainment. ROUSSILLON to Paris Dijon Beaune er v i S WITZERLAND R e n ô a F RANCE S Lyon Vienne r e v I TALY i Tournon R e Paris n ô FRANCE h R Roussillon Avignon n Marseille ea Arles n ra CAMARGUE Aix-en-Provence er it a Marseille Med Se WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 THURSDAY, JUNE 30 local “cowboys” still lead a AIX-EN-PROVENCE / AIX-EN-PROVENCE / ARLES LUBERON VALLEY / / EMBARKATION traditional rancher’s life. Visit Itinerary ROUSSILLON Enjoy a morning walking tour a private mas (ranch) whose Depart this morning for a tour MONDAY & TUESDAY, of Aix-en-Provence, including a owners demonstrate their JUNE 27 & 28 of the Luberon Valley. Visit stroll through its bustling flower horsemanship and bullfighting U.S. / MARSEILLE, FRANCE the 12th-century Cistercian / AIX-EN-PROVENCE and produce markets. Our tour skills in their private arena. A Depart the U.S. on overnight Abbey of Sénanque, finally includes the most interesting of typical “Camarguais” supper flights to France. Upon arrival a tranquil monastic retreat the hôtels particuliers (private follows, with entertainment in Marseille on Tuesday, after a turbulent history that mansions built by aristocrats by local gypsy musicians. transfer to Aix-en-Provence in extends from its founding in the 17th and 18th centuries), REMBRANDT (B,L,D) time for our welcome reception in the 12th century to the the Cathédrale St-Sauveur and SATURDAY, JULY 2 HÔTEL DU ROI RENE (D) French Revolution. After a and dinner. the perfectly preserved home AVIGNON / VILLENEUVE- look at the scenic village of and studio of impressionist LÈS-AVIGNON Gordes, perched high on a artist Paul Cézanne. After Arrive this morning in Avignon, rocky promontory, continue some leisure time and lunch the center of Christendom to Roussillon before returning on our own, head into the in the 14th century. View the to Aix-en-Provence. The rich countryside for a tour of impressive Papal Palace and supplies of ochre found in the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the explore the old town before Roussillon area were mined mountain range that was one returning to our ship for by the Romans and shipped of Cézanne’s favorite subjects. lunch. In the afternoon, drive throughout the Mediterranean. Continue by coach to embark to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon to HÔTEL DU ROI RENE (B,L) our ship in Arles, where we visit a former monastery, now dock overnight. REMBRANDT (B,D) the residence of a retired curator at the Louvre. During FRIDAY, JULY 1 this private visit, see the ARLES beautifully restored interior, Take a walking tour of Arles, as well as the gardens and much beloved by Vincent terraces overlooking Avignon. van Gogh. View the Roman Conclude our day’s travels with theatre and amphitheatre a visit to the Pont du Gard, an and the elegant 12th-century impressive Roman aqueduct church of St. Trophime. After and one of the wonders of lunch, head west into the antiquity, built by Agrippa in Camargue, a lesser-known 19 BC. REMBRANDT (B,L,D) area of Provence. In these remote marshes, a vast array of wildlife finds shelter, and SUNDAY, JULY 3 dramatic architectural renewal our ship late in the afternoon Then board a TGV bullet train RHÔNE VALLEY / TOURNON During a morning of cruising, in recent years. Our walking and gather for the Captain’s for Paris, enjoying a gourmet enter the longest canal of tour centers on Old Lyon, farewell reception and dinner. box lunch en route. Check in to the Rhône, the Donzère including the beautifully REMBRANDT (B,L,D) the Hôtel du Louvre, an elegant Mondragon, then pass through restored Quartier St-Jean, property located just steps filled with its famous traboules, THURSDAY, JULY 7 from the Louvre Museum. the deepest lock in Europe, DIJON / PARIS the Bollène, which raises the the haunting street-level and Disembark this morning Tonight celebrate in style at a Rembrandt nearly 100 feet in underground passageways and drive to Dijon, one of farewell reception and dinner. only a few minutes. Dock at that connect the district’s 15th- France’s most beautiful cities. HÔTEL DU LOUVRE (B,L,D) Tournon, located in the shadow century houses. The afternoon Surrounded by magnificent is at leisure for independent FRIDAY, JULY 8 of the world-famous vineyards vineyards, this former capital PARIS / U.S. of Tain l’Hermitage. Visit one exploration of Lyon. REMBRANDT of the Dukes of Burgundy Transfer to Paris’ Charles (B,L,D) of the best local wine cellars is famous for its many fine de Gaulle airport for return to sample some of the famous monuments that bear witness flights home. (B) Rhône wines. REMBRANDT (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 to a long and eventful history. BEAUNE See the Palace of the Dukes, MONDAY, JULY 4 Enjoy a morning of scenic Place de la Libération and the VIENNE cruising through lovely Fine Arts Museum. Enjoy a morning of cruising Beaujolais and Burgundy along an idyllic winding stretch landscapes, passing lush on the Rhône, bordered by vineyards, farms and quaint vineyards. This afternoon, villages. After lunch onboard, call at Vienne, an important spend the afternoon in Roman trading post, for a the jewel town of Beaune, short walking tour. See the considered the wine capital town’s lovely cathedral and the of Burgundy. The Hôtel Dieu, Cybele Garden, as well as the or Hospices de Beaune, 1st-century Temple of Emperor built in 1452 as a charity Augustus and his wife, Livia. hospital, is a highlight of REMBRANDT (B,L,D) our visit. It houses an TUESDAY, JULY 5 excellent collection of LYON tapestries and paintings, Arrive this morning in Lyon, including Rogier van der France’s culinary capital and a Weyden’s medieval 2,000-year-old World Heritage masterpiece, The Last Site that has undergone a Judgment. Return to Rembrandt Built in the Netherlands in 2003, this attractive four-star vessel carries a * maximum of just 78 guests in 39 cabins. Program Cost The décor combines beautiful woods with fabrics of soft colors to create an Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, elegant setting perfect for river cruising. unless otherwise noted Both the main lounge and dining room Category Rate feature large picture windows with marvelous views of the passing scenery. Category 1, Main Deck $7,295 The Rembrandt’s chefs prepare quality international meals, incorporating Category 2, Main Deck $7,595 regional specialties, served in a single open seating. Each cabin features a picture window, en-suite bathroom with Category 3, Upper Deck $7,995 shower, individually controlled heat/ air conditioner, satellite television and telephone with international access. Category 4, Upper Deck Suite $8,695 Cabins in Categories 1–3 measure 118 sq. ft. and feature twin beds that convert Category 1, Main Deck Single** $9,995 during the day to a comfortable sofa. Category 4 Suites (150 sq. ft.) feature a French balcony and a double bed. Category 2, Main Deck, Single** $10,695 The small capacity and comfortable, *Association nonmembers add $200 per person. casual atmosphere allow participants **Single accommodations are limited at this rate. to get to know each other easily and interact more readily, and the small size of the staterooms is offset by lovely, spacious public areas that provide ample space for people to gather for lectures and relax with friends. LENGTH: 270 feet | BEAM: 31 feet CRUISING SPEED: REGISTRY: 16 knots | France UPPER MAIN CREW MEMBERS: 26 DECK DECK Information Terms & DATES Conditions June 27 to July 8, 2011 (12 days) S IZE Deposit & Final Payment Responsibility Limited to 42 Stanford participants. We have secured block space on the A $1,000 deposit is required to hold The Stanford Alumni Association, space for Cruising the Rivers of Stanford University and our Rembrandt. Although there will be other passengers onboard, Stanford Provence and Burgundy. Final operators act only as agents will have exclusive shore excursions and events. payment is due 120 days prior to for the passenger with respect departure. to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every I NCLUDED Cancellations & Refunds care possible in doing so. However, 3 nights of 4-star hotel accommodations 7-night cruise aboard the Deposits and any payments are fully we can assume no liability for injury, Rembrandt 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners Welcome and refundable, less a $500-per-person damage, loss, accident, delay or cancellation fee, until 120 days prior farewell receptions House wine, beer or soft drinks with all group irregularity in connection with the to departure.