
(Accommodations, Paris)
Afterwards, you'll cross the river to the Musee de l'Orangerie. Located in the Tuileries Garden, this collection offers 144 paintings from the late 19th and the first half of the 20th century, including the works of Cezanne, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and Derain. This exhibit includes Claude Monet's masterworks, the Nymphéas (Water Lilies); painted in the artist's garden at Giverny and donated to the French state in 1922. Monet stipulated that the (8) monumental panels be displayed precisely as they are seen today, in twin oval rooms that surround enraptured viewers with his vision. The gallery also houses special exhibits by by photographers and artists worldwide.
(Breakfast, Accommodations, Paris))
After departing Giverny, you'll stop for lunch before making the short one hour drive to Auver-Sur-Oise; the picturesque town that seduced Van Gogh and many other Impressionists. "Seriously beautiful" was Vincent's description in a letter to his brother Théo. This charming village attracted other painters, mainly impressionists, including Charles-François Daubigny, Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro who came to draw inspiration from it. Apart from the chateau, you can immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the period at the Auberge Ravoux, the final resting spot of Vincent and his brother Theo. This tormented soul spent his last 70 days here, while continuing to paint (more than seventy pictures). Vincent's room is upstairs with only a solitary chair. Take a short walk up the hill to the Notre Dame church, and behind in the cemetery, you'll find Vincent and Theo's grave side by side; both covered with ivy and symbolically dotted with sunflowers. At the end of this poignant tour, you'll return to Paris and your hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodations, Paris)
(Breakfast, Paris; accommodations, Amsterdam)
The morning is free to relax and explore on your own. In the afternoon, meet your guide to experience Amsterdam "like a Local". Beyond the breweries and coffee shops that Amsterdam is known for, there are many charming pubs tucked in the corners of the historic city. You'll find pubs like the Wildeman that are frequented mostly by the locals, giving you an authentic experience. You'll have 2 hours strolling through a city center neighborhood down and around canals (there's 165 ). On this tour, you'll learn not only about the history of Amsterdam and the daily life of the Dutch, but also the history of Dutch beer brands and their local spirit Jenever (also known as Dutch gin). Along the way, you'll pop into one or two local pubs and have a drink* at each pub, absorbing the congenial atmosphere.
After the walking tour your guide will escort you to the restaurant Grand Cafe 1884** and leave you to enjoy a 3-course dinner (excluding drinks). The restaurant is located next to the Central Rail Station and only a 5-minute walk to the trams to get you back to your Amsterdam hotel. Or if it is a lovely evening you can enjoy a stroll along the various canals.
*either a local beer, wine, soft drink or a local spirit.
**If you are staying at a centrally located hotel, meet your guide in the hotel lobby. If you are staying at a hotel outside the city center, your guide will meet you at Restaurant Grand Cafe 1884, De Ruyterkade105.
(Breakfast, Accommodations, Amsterdam)
(Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodations, Amsterdam)
(Breakfast, Amsterdam)