September 12-20, 2014

Sail the stunning coastlines of Spain and France and explore the architectural and cultural masterpieces along the Spanish Riviera and Côte d’Azur with the Artistic Legacies of the Mediterranean Aboard Sea Cloud II experience, operated by National Trust Tours.

Sea Cloud II
Boasting a friendly staff, luxurious staterooms, and fine dining, the magnificent Sea Cloud II create an ambiance of relaxed elegance and luxurious living. Sister ship of Marjorie Merriweather Post's legendary Sea Cloud, the sailing yacht Sea Cloud II is a three-masted barque steeped in the elegance of yesteryear and complemented with the utmost in modern amenities. From the mahogany-paneled library and gracious lounge to the fitness area and water-sports platform, no detail has been overlooked. Each exquisite sea-view cabin features a marble bath with brass accents, direct-dial telephone, and television. Generous deck space invites sunning, enjoying sea breezes and watching the crew practice the age-old art of setting the sails by hand. Enjoy friendly and accommodating service and five-star dining. Dinner each evening in the elegant dining room is the perfect culmination to the day's activities.

Study Leader Information
This exclusive experience is led by popular National Trust study leader Patrick Bowe, by Dublin-based architectural historian, landscape designer, and author of numerous books on historic gardens. Delighting travelers with his witty presentations, both formal and on site, Patrick will be joined by Paul Freedman, Professor of History at Yale University; and author and art historian Olivier Bernier, who frequently lectures at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Tour Itinerary
September 12 - Friday - New York, U.S.
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Barcelona.

September 13 - Saturday - Barcelona, Spain/Sea Cloud II
Arrive this morning in Barcelona, a city that has enjoyed a renaissance in the arts. A panoramic drive introduces the architectural masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí. At the Hotel Arts, enjoy lunch and time to relax before embarking Sea Cloud II at tea time.

September 14 - Sunday - At Sea
Experience the grace and romance of a bygone era of travel, during a day at sea aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II. The distinguished lecturers will discuss topics including the art, culture, and history of the region. Join the captain this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

September 15 - Monday - Port-Vendres, France
In Port-Vendres, “Port of Venus,” two excursion options are offered. Drive along the coastal route, passing brightly painted Catalan boats and narrow streets lined with flower-bedecked balconies to arrive in Perpignan. Called “the center of the world,” by Salvador Dali, Perpignan was the second city of Cataluna during medieval times, and also the birthplace of Hyacinthe Rigaud. An architectural tour includes the 14th century Palace of the Kings of Mallorca. Alternatively, continue to Saleilles, to visit the private garden of the passionate plant collector, Dr. Pierre Bianchi.

Return to Sea Cloud II via the charming port of Collioure, a favorite subject for both Andre Derain and Henri Matisse. Enjoy lunch at leisure in Collioure, or return to the ship for lunch on board. At tea time, Olivier Bernier will present a lecture on Marseille.

September 16 - Tuesday - Marseille, France
Arrive this morning at the lively port of Marseille. Tour the 19th century Nôtre Dame de la Garde Cathedral and the Musée des Beaux Arts, with its fine collection of paintings by artists ranging from Rubens to Courbet. After lunch on board, visit the Musée Cantini and the newly opened Musée des Civilisations d’Europe et Mediterranée, or join Patrick Bowe for a stroll through the lovely Parc Borely. Gather on Lido Deck for dinner and a special concert of guitar music. Sea Cloud II remains in port overnight.

September 17 - Wednesday - Marseille/Heyres, France
Depart by coach for Aix-en-Provence to see the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Saveur, the Granet Museum, and the 17th century Cours Mirabeau, an elegant street lined with plane trees and a series of fountains. After lunch in the Old Town, drive to Hyeres, with its sub-tropical flora. Reboard Sea Cloud II in time for a late afternoon lecture. During an alfresco dinner, enjoy the colorful folkloric group, L’Arbanenco de Giens.

September 18 - Thursday - Hyere/Porquerolles, France
Walk through Hyere’s Old Town to the 13th century Church of St. Louis, where Louis IX prayed upon his return from the Crusades. Continue on a private visit to Villa Noailles, situated in the hills above the city with enchanting views over the sea. A château cubiste designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens in 1924 for art patron Vicomte Charles de Noailles, the villa is now a museum with an unusual garden. During lunch on board, sail to Porquerolles in the Isles d’Hyeres. Join Patrick Bowe for a walk in the Botanical Reserve before a wine tasting at one of this tiny island’s fine vineyards. This evening the captain hosts a farewell reception and dinner on board as we sail along the Cote d’Azur.

September 19 - Friday - Nice, France
See the landmark sights of Nice and view the collections of the Matisse Museum during a special before-hours visit. After lunch on board, wind through ancient villages to Villefranche-sur-Mer to visit St. Peter’s Chapel, where dramatic frescoes by Jean Cocteau depict the saint and local fishermen. Continue to St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild’s magnificent gardens overlooking the sea. Enjoy a casual dinner on board, or dine independently in Nice.

September 20 - Saturday - Nice, France / New York, U.S.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Tour Price*
Per person, based on double occupancy.

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour please contact our tour VIP desk at +1 202 772 8000 or scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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*Per Person, based on double occupancy. State Rooms are available at no single supplement. Additional singles will be calculated at a supplement ranging from of 30% to 100% of the cruise rate.
Included in tour cost: Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Cloud II; All meals during the cruise and one lunch ashore; Complimentary wine with lunches and dinners; Sightseeing via private motorcoach as per itinerary; Entrance fees for all included visits; Enrichment program of lectures and special events; Airport, pier, airport group transfers; Taxes, service, and porterage charges; Gratuities to local guides and drivers; Customary shipboard gratuities; Pre-departure material and reading list.
Not included in tour cost: Airfare; Passport fees; Alcoholic beverages other than wine at lunches and dinners; Personal expenses; Trip insurance; Any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this       promotion.