September 2011 Art Tour in Italy – check out our Testimonials from this trip.
Aug. 28 to Sept. 09 , 2012 (Mixed Company Tour)
12 days / 11 nights
Land Only CAD $4395 per person, based on double occupancy
Single supplement $1450
There’s something about Provence that goes straight to the heart – the fragrances of thyme and lavender, the flavours of olives and honey, the views of azure skies and sun splashed vineyards. This ‘promenade’ is an exploration designed to savour the region in small bites with easy strolls in picturesque towns, hilltop villages and stunning countryside. Walk in the footsteps of Cezanne and Van Gogh and enjoy the essential Provence. Experience Paris from an artists’s point of view. Visit the Louvre, Musee D’Orsay or the Pompidou gallery, explore the architectural beauty of Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur, or take a stroll along the Champs Elysee.
Join artist Bonnie Steinberg, and take part in group painting classes, discussions, critique sessions and demonstrations which will cover issues on linear and atmospheric perspective, light, colour and design. You will develop skills, techniques and design concepts as well as paint your own personal masterpieces.
Day 1 – Departure from Toronto
Departure on the overnight flight from Toronto with onward connection to Marseilles. (in flight meals)
Day 2 – Provence
Midday arrival at Marseilles airport and transfer to our hotel in Avignon for a delightful week spent exploring the picturesque towns, hilltop villages and stunning countryside of Provence. Avignon offers the charm and warmth of a Provencal city; the historic city centre where our hotel is located is a pedestrian area with great art in two leading museum, an outdoor covered market and a wide selection of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 3 – Les Baux, St. Remy
This morning our escort and private coach will take us to Les Baux where we will have our first painting lesson. Discover the windswept world of limestone peaks, roads lined with pine and cypress trees, olive orchards and vineyards. Climb the narrow cobblestone footpaths and investigate the castle ruins of this medieval village perched high on a rocky plateau above the mysterious Val d’Enfer. Lunch at leisure. Refresh yourself in the bustling artist’s town of St-Rémy where we will have a visit at a olive oil mill with tasting. Return to our hotel. Dinner at Leisure. (B)
Day 4 – Arles
Today we have our 2nd painting lesson in Arles. Stand in the middle of one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France – the amphitheatre “Les Arenes” where bullfights carry on the ancient tradition. Admire the fine sculpture at the Romanesque church and cloisters of St. Trophime. See the Place du Forum where Vincent Van Gogh painted his Starry Nights. Gather for a glass of pastis at the Café de la Nuit, made famous by Van Gogh. Lunch at leisure. After lunch we will enjoy a guided walking tour of the town, the Roman Amphitheatre and St. Trophime Cloister.
Return to our hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)
Day 5 - Avignon at leisure
A full day to relax and enjoy the feeling of being in Provence. Explore the wonderful covered market called Les Halles, a feast for the senses. Open from 7am to 1pm. Pick up a selection of cheeses and charcuterie for an impromptu picnic. Take a stroll in town, rent a bicycle to explore the countryside, explore the galleries and artisan studios or sit in a café and watch the world go by. (B)
Day 6 - Avignon
Today we will enjoy our 3rd painting lesson in Avignon. Lunch together at a local Brasserie. This afternoon our private guide will take us through the town of Avignon where we will visit the ‘Palais des Papes ’ an architectural ‘tour de force’ where an opulent palace overlaps a sober fortress. Dance on the Pont St. Benezet Explore this vibrant, sophisticated, very French, town through the eyes of our wonderful guide. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)
Day 7 – Aix en Provence
This morning our private coach will escort us to Aix en Provence where we will have our 4th painting lesson. Lunch at leisure. After lunch we will enjoy a private walking tour of this very rich town, including a visit to Cezanne’s studio. Return to our hotel. Dinner at leisure. (B)
Day 8 - Gordes, The Luberon, Bonnieux
Our 5th painting lesson will be in Gordes. Marvel at the vibrant scenery of the village of Gordes, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Lunch at leisure. After lunch we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the Luberon area famous for its wonderful wines. We will visit a local wine producer for a tasting then stop in Bonnieux to take photos of this charming town. Return to our hotel.
Farewell dinner together this evening in Avignon. (B, D)
Day 9 – TGV to Paris
Transfer to Avignon to board the TGV train to Paris, a three hour journey. The charm and elegance of the city is mirrored in its aristocratic buildings and cobble stoned streets. Both dynamic and intimate, Paris is a joy to discover or rediscover. Check into our hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 10 – Paris
Today we have our 6th and last painting lesson in the superb city of Paris! Lunch at leisure. Afternoon enjoy a panoramic tour of Paris. Our private coach and guide will take us through the city’s famous areas. This tour will take approximately 4 hours and it will give us a great orientation tour for our days at leisure!
Dinner at leisure. (B)
Day 11 - Paris at leisure
A full day to explore Paris on your own; choose to visit the Louvre Museum, the Musee d’Orsay or the Pompidou Gallery, shop the ‘Grands Magasins’ or stroll the tree lined streets of the Left Bank. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Optional private guided tour is available for a minimum of 10 participants to the Musee D’Orsay including entrance fees (skip the lines!) CAD$58.00 pp
Day 12 – Paris at leisure
A full day to explore Paris and it’s surrounding areas. Perhaps take a day trip to Versaille which is a short train ride away.
Day 13 - Return to Canada
Transfer to Paris airport for the return flight, or choose to extend your stay in Paris.
(B)
Itinerary subject to change to take advantage of local events
HOTEL DE L’HORAGE , Avignon***
Within the walls of the city, this tranquil hotel offers accommodation in the traditional convent and in a high style modern wing overlooking the courtyard. Rooftop swimming pool with fabulous city views, restaurant.
HOTEL CHATEAU FRONTENAC ****
On the left bank of the Seine, a stone’s throw from the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Latin Quarter with its busy streets, this charming hotel offers a warm welcome, with spacious and comfortable rooms ensuring a relaxing stay.
Whats Included:
- Eleven nights accommodation, based on double occupancy
- Hotel de l’Horage, Avignon 3* or similar
- Hotel Chateau Frontenac, Paris 4* or similar
- Transportation throughout by private coach
- TGV from Avignon to Paris – second class with seat reservation
- Breakfast daily
- 2 dinners in Avignon and 1 lunch
- 1 dinner in Paris
- Olive oil mill visit and tasting
- Winery visit with tasting
- All transfers if arriving and departing with the group
- Entrance fees to all sites visited with the group
- Guided visit of Arles
- Guided visit of Avignon
- Guided visit of the Aix en Provence
- Visits to Les Baux, St. Remy, Gordes
- Private coach and guide fora panoramic tour of Paris
- 6 painting classes with artist Bonnie Steinberg
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Services of an English speaking guide
Not Included:
- Round trip airfare (approximate cost from Toronto $1400)
- Meals other than those mentioned above
- Beverages with meals
- Gratuities
- Cancellation and medical insurance
- Any item not mentioned above
Reservations and Deposit Information:
To confirm your spot on “Promenade en Provence & Paris Art Tour” contact:
The Womens Travel Network via Phone: 905-771-8338
or toll free at 1-888-419-0118
Or click here to send your request electronically.
- A deposit of C$500.00 per person is required to confirm the booking.
- For information please check our Travel Policies and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
- Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. A quotation will be given based on each individuals needs.
- Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure, June 13, 2012.
Important!
Airfare is based on current rates at time of publishing, rates are subject to change. Price is based current exchange rates and are subject to change
Note: Tour is based on a minimum of 16 participants.
