Overview
View the pastoral landscapes, glorious gardens, and enchanting cities of Burgundy and Provence on a cruise along the Saône and Rhône Rivers. Embark the splendid M.S. AmaDagio in Lyon, a handsome city with extraordinary museums. In Dijon, once the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts will reveal masterpieces of 15th-century sculpture. Step ashore in Tournus to visit the 17th-century Château de Cormatin with its "Gilded Rooms" and delightful gardens. Marvel at the impressive medieval papal palace in Avignon and join an excursion to either the Pont du Gard aqueduct or visit the lovely home — once a Benedictine abbey — of a former Louvre curator. Finally, in Aix and Arles, move through time from ancient Roman monuments to the world of Vincent van Gogh. There will be opportunities to see the flora and fauna of the Camargue and a masterpiece of architect Sir Norman Foster, the Carré d'Art Museum in Nîmes.Smithsonian Expert
Enjoy engaging presentations by an exceptional guest speaker. Maryan Ainsworth is Curator of European Paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Adjunct Professor of Art History at Columbia University.Special Highlights
Gather for a special reception at the lovely home of a former Louvre curator.Visit the remarkable medieval papal palace in Avignon.Stroll through delightful château gardens.Explore Aix-en-Provence, Nîmes, and Arles, which was immortalized by Vincent van Gogh.Learn expert cooking techniques during an onboard culinary demonstration by a renowned chef.Sample excellent local vintages at a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.See masterpieces of art, expertly interpreted by Maryan Ainsworth, Curator of European Paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.Don't forget to check out our photo slide show to glimpse the excitement of this special program!
View photos by clicking "Next Photo" at top of page!World Heritage Sites
This tour features the following World Heritage sites:- Arles, Roman and Romanesque monuments
- Pont du Gard acqueduct
- Historic center of Avignon
- Historic site of Lyon
See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.
