ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΗΣ ΥΛΗΣ - ΕΔΡΑ: ΑΘΗΝΑ

Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)

(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).

Τρίτη 10 Σεπτεμβρίου 2019

Follow in the Footsteps of Van Gogh On European Waterways’ New Provence Cruise



Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Follow in the Footsteps of Van Gogh On European Waterways’ New Provence Cruise


European Waterways announced that it is offering a limited number of departures in the culturally and historically rich Provence region in the South of France aboard its Anjodi hotel barge for 2020. Sailing from Avignon to Marseillan, cruise highlights include a tour of the city of Arles, said to have inspired hundreds of paintings by artists such as Van Gogh, as well as a visit to the medieval city of Avignon with its spectacular Papal Palace – home to the city’s annual arts festival, which is the oldest in France. The dates for the Provence sailing are June 28, July 5, and October 25, 2020, with cabins available from $4,750 per person, based on double occupancy.

Pretty as a Picture
Bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, Provence is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the South of France, renowned for its lush lavender fields, ancient olive groves, vast stretches of vineyards – and the many artists they inspired. Van Gogh painted 350 pictures here, attracted to the region’s vivid light and pastoral landscapes, while fellow artist Cézanne was born in Provence and spent the best part of his life translating his native surroundings to canvas.


“The beauty of the Provence countryside is legendary. Visitors instantly recognize why it held such fascination for Van Gogh and his contemporaries,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “In addition to the natural charm of the region, there is a great deal of historical and architectural intrigue surrounding the ancient palaces, gardens and arenas of the sun-drenched cities along the way.”

Itinerary highlights on the Anjodi Provence cruise include a visit to the medieval city of Avignon, located on the banks of the Rhône River and the former seat of Catholic popes for more than 300 years during the Middle Ages. Guests will climb the steps to the famed Rocher des Doms and its picturesque, English-style public gardens that feature numerous fountains and grottos. This is followed by a tour of the 14th century Palais des Papes, or the Pope’s Palace, considered one of Europe’s largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings.

There is also a visit to the city of Arles, where Van Gogh lived for over a year and worked alongside Paul Gauguin. Guests will explore the 1st century Roman Arena, the St. Trophime Basilica and the museum of Provencal life. Cruising a little farther through the wetlands of the Camargue National Park, renowned for its pink flamingos and white wild horses, Anjodi will moor at the walled city of Aigues Mortes. One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, Aigues Mortes was the port from which many crusaders embarked for the holy land in the 13th century. Here guests can visit the 12th century Constance Tower and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s many local restaurants specializing in regional cuisine.

A Taste of the Mediterranean
Provence’s culinary traditions are also on full display on the Provence cruise. European Waterways’ guests will tour the famous Chateau Neuf du Pape vineyards and indulge in a private tasting at a renowned wine maker. Fresh oysters with a sea view are also on the menu as the cruise continues across the Thau Lake to Villeneuve les Maguelones, with the boat mooring just a short walk to a Mediterranean beach. This is followed by a tour of the 12th century Cistercian Abbey of Valmagne, a former Benedictine monastery and one of the oldest vineyards in the region. Afterwards guests will stop at a local oyster farm for some fresh seafood and a glass of Picpoul de Pinet, a delightful white grape which has been grown near the Thau Lake for centuries.


For food lovers, the 8-passenger Anjodi is an attraction in itself, having appeared numerous times on Rick Stein’s French Odyssey, a popular television series that followed the famous chef on his culinary adventures through France.

“Onboard, guests can be assured of ‘Rick Stein-standard’ cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients that include fresh seafood from the nearby Mediterranean,” said Banks “The Anjodi cruise is the perfect way to appreciate art, be it the culinary creations served at the dining table each evening, or the marvelous Roman architecture and sweeping natural vistas that have inspired artists for centuries.”