Travel-Learn Program
Paris and Villages of Provence
When: September 16, 2013 - September 24, 2013 (iCal)
Description
“We knew we could rely on Tufts to plan everything and provide a group of graduates to socialize with.”
This quintessential French journey features a stay in Paris, travel on the TGV high-speed train from Paris to Lyon, and a five-night Rhône River cruise through the radiant countryside of Provence. We will spend a full day in Lyon taking in France’s culinary gateway city before embarking the M.S. AMADEUS SYMPHONY.. Experience the Côtes du Rhône wine region, whose landscapes inspired several great impressionist artists. Then, we will visit the Roman city of Orange, the historic Papal Palace of Avignon, and the wonderfully preserved Roman Amphitheater in Arles. This journey offers both the unmatched cosmopolitan cultural experience of Paris and the relaxation of quaint cities and villages of the serene, Provençal side of France. Optional London pre-tour and Aix-en-Provence post-tour extensions are available.
Activity level: Moderate
Featuring Faculty Host:
Professor Noit Banai
Cost
From $4,495
From $3,495 (if booked by March 11, 2013)
land only; per person, based on double occupancy.
For an early booking incentive and to avoid the disappointment of a sold out program, Register Now!
Contact
Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Director Tufts Travel-Learn Program, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 617-627-5323.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart U.S. for Paris, France
Day 2 - Paris, France
Upon our arrival in Paris, we will transfer to the LE GRAND INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, a deluxe hotel in the heart of Paris’ shopping, theater and banking districts, minutes away from the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme and the Louvre Museum. We will have the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 3 - Paris
After breakfast, we will board the motorcoach for a panoramic tour of the “City of Light.” We will see landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde. The afternoon and evening will be free for independent pursuits.
Day 4 - Paris/TGV High-Speed Train/Lyon
Today our journey will continue by way of the famous Train à Grande Vitesse—TGV high-speed train—from Paris to Lyon. After embarking the M.S. AMADEUS SYMPHONY we will enjoy an evening at leisure in Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the dramatic gateway to Provence located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Day 5 - Lyon
Atop the lofty Fourvière Hill (Praying Hill), we will see the ornate 19th-century Basilica of Notre Dame and the restored Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), where almost 300 elegant Gothic and Renaissance mansions attest to the wealth of Lyon’s long-standing silk industry. Together we will walk in the ancient quarters of St. Jean, St. Paul and St. Georges, linked by charming traboules—narrow, covered pedestrian passageways.In a nation that holds sacred the enjoyment of food and wine, Lyon occupies pride of place as France’s “Capital of Gastronomy.” This afternoon is free to pursue independent interests, which may include the city’s famous cuisine.
Day 6 - Viviers (Orange)/Avignon
Today we will arrive in Viviers to visit to the Roman city of Orange. Here we will see the Roman Triumphal Arch, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the first century as a tribute to Augustus and a symbol of Roman imperial glory.Our visit continues to the Pont du Gard, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This exquisitely built 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct supplied over 40 million gallons of water daily to the city of Nîmes until recently. Its magnificent structure was constructed of stones made to fit together seamlessly without mortar and makes clever use of arches to support the weight. Following lunch on board the ship, we will cruise to Avignon.
Day 7 Avignon
During the 14th century, Avignon became the center of western Christendom when Pope Clement V arrived here after fleeing the turmoil of Rome. The next six pontiffs enlarged the city into one of the richest and most powerful in Europe, until the Great Schism led to the eventual end of the Avignon Papacy. Our walking tour visits the grandiose Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), one of the largest châteaux/forts built in Europe during the Gothic era, the primary reflection of Avignon’s golden age and one of the most famous landmarks in France. We will walk to the nearby splendid Garden of the Popes and the Rocher des Domes, which offers panoramic views of the Rhône River Valley. At the river’s edge we will see the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d’Avignon––one of the most beautiful bridges constructed during the Middle Ages. We will stroll along the well-preserved, 14th-century ramparts, one of the finest surviving examples of medieval fortification still encircling the city. Dinner is on board and the evening is at leisure in Avignon.
Day 8 - Arles
Few places on earth can match the distinctive joie de vivre of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our first visit is the Amphitheater, built in the first century B.C., one of the most majestic remaining Roman monuments in France and second only to Rome’s Colosseum in magnificence and grandeur. Next, we will see Arles’ 12th-century Cathedral of St. Trophime, which has a fascinating Last Judgment-themed portal, one of the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture.Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles between 1888 and 1889; the subject of his famous Night Café painting is still open on the lively Boulevard des Lices. We will enjoy time at leisure before re-boarding the ship. This evening we will join the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship.
Day 9 - Arles/ U.S.
Today we will disembark and continue on the Aix-en-Provence Post-Program Option or transfer to the airport for flights returning home.
*Price and Itinerary are tentative and subject to change
617-627-5323|usha.sellers@tufts.edu
