DETAILS
Immerse yourself in the beauty, culture and delectable food and wines of this fabulous stretch of coastline on a nine-day journey aboard the majestic three-masted Sea Cloud II, with expert guides helping to explore the best the region has to offer. Stroll Barcelona’s Gothic quarter, experiencing Gaudí and Miró in the city where they created their masterpieces; see the eccentric Dalí Museum in Figueres; explore a Roman arena in Arles; peruse street market stalls in Aix; and sip rosé and play boule along the Route of Cézanne in Provence.
- Pricing from
- $5,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Apr 26, 2024 - May 4, 2024
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the
National Trust Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
ITINERARY
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day 1
Depart U.S.
Overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain
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day 2
Barcelona, Spain
Arriving Saturday, transfer to the fivestar Hotel El Palace in the city center close to boutiques, markets, and historic sites for a three-night stay. This classic property has been frequented by Spanish artists including Dali and Miro since its founding as the Ritz in 1919. Gather at the hotel with fellow travelers this evening for dinner and a wine reception.
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day 3
Barcelona
After breakfast, take an immersive guided tour through two of Antoni Gaudi’s famed Barcelona architectural masterpieces: The towering Sagrada Familia Basilica and the fanciful Parc Güell. A local guide will share the history and significance of these amazing creations, while explaining the ongoing 140-year construction project of the basilica. The afternoon is at leisure to tour the city independently, with a recommended visit to the Fudació Joan Miró which will be open late into evening. The museum houses thousands of the Barcelona native’s artworks and drawings.
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day 4
Barcelona
Begin with a walking tour of Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter for prime peoplewatching and windows hopping with a healthy dose of history, then experience the mouth-watering sights, smells, and tastes of the stalls of the famed La Boqueria market before lunch at a neighborhood restaurant. Also see the towering interior of the 500-year-old La Seu Cathedral with its awe-inspiring stained-glass windows, then journey into the 20th century at the Picasso Museum to discover this artist’s close links with Barcelona in some of his famous works. Top off the day’s tour at a traditional granja cafe for hot chocolate and ensaimada pastry, a Catalan specialty.
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day 5
Barcelona/Sea Cloud II
This morning, choose between: 1) A visit to Monserrat Monastery, an enormous structure in a seemingly impossible setting among mountain crags, with a vast basilica, iconic virgin sculpture, and a museum with world renowned art, or 2) A private tasting at a winery in the nearby Penedès region, most famous for its naturally sparkling cava wines. After lunch at a local restaurant, embark the majestic, three masted Sea Cloud II in the afternoon for the first leg of a four-night, five day journey along the scenic shorelines of the Spanish and French Rivieras.
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day 6
Figueres
Arrive in the Catalonian port city of Figueres where you’ll tour the Dali Theatre-Museum, touted as “the largest surrealist object in the world,” to examine Salvador Dali’s art and his connections to Catalonian culture. Continue to nearby Pubol to tour the medieval modern workshops and art displays in the Gala Dali Castle, which the eccentric artist designed for his wife. This evening, sail across the border to the French Riviera.
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day 7
Arles and the Camargue
Dock at the mouth of the Rhone River to visit Arles, a beautiful setting which served as inspiration to van Gogh and many other regional artists. Travel through time while touring the city’s expanse of Roman and Romanesque monuments, many dating to the time the city was a metropolis in the 1st Century B.C. Experience true living culture in the afternoon on a journey to the countryside to visit a working ranch. Over a rich regional feast, enjoy a demonstration of amazing horsemanship skills by Camargue cowboys.
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day 8
Marseille/ Aix-en-Provence
Call at Marseille for a visit to picturesque Aix-en-Provence, a medieval university city that served as the inspiration, home, and workplace of Paul Cezanne, and continues to wow visitors with its architecture, shopping, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Spend the morning on a walking tour, strolling through markets bursting with fresh regional produce, flowers, local crafts, and handmade textiles. Then visit Cezanne’s historic studio in town, where the artist incorporated much of this local color into his masterpiece paintings. After an independent lunch and fee time in town, ride along the “Route of Cezanne,” passing the scenic farms, forests, and mountains that starred as subjects in many of the artist’s works. Stop for a wine tasting in the shadows of craggy limestone peaks at Montagne St. Victoire to sip local rosé while trying boule (the French version of bocce ball).
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day 9
Disembark /Return to U.S.
Arrive in Nice and transfer to the Nice-Cote d’Azur International Airport for flights home.
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