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The French Experience

Program Number: 9235RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/17/2013 - 2/22/2013; 11/10/2013 - 11/15/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Price starting at: $668.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

Bienvenue! Welcome to France — without the travails of international travel. Explore the great French culture through its art, architecture, music, literature and cuisine. Learn about the great age of French cathedrals, the inventiveness of novelists such as Flaubert and Zola, and the stage works of Molière. Survey the wine regions and then take part in a wine tasting session. End the week with an authentic French meal.




Highlights

• Study the celebrated French Impressionists and then see selected works at our Fine Arts Museum.
• Revel in the music of Ravel and Debussy with a live performance just for you.
• Examine important scientific discoveries of Pasteur and Curie, and the philosophies of Voltaire, Descartes, Rousseau and Sartre.




Date Specific Information

2-17-2013, 11-10-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Eckerd College.




St. Petersburg (Florida)

Known as the “Sunshine City” with an average of 361 sunny days per year, “St. Pete” has 234 miles of shoreline and boasts 125 city parks, as well as one of America’s top-ranked beaches and the largest municipal arena in the southeast.
Accommodations
Comfortable, convenient on-campus accommodations in our adult education conference center, with swimming pool and tennis courts.
Meals and Lodgings
   Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove
  St. Petersburg, Florida 5 nights
 Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove
Type: Hotel
  Description: With two pools and private beach, this full service 18-acre tropical resort is located directly on Tampa Bay. Convenient to nearby Gulf beaches and area attractions and all there is to do in St. Pete and the Tampa Bay area.
  Contact info: 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane
St. Petersburg, FL 33711 USA
phone: 727-867-1151
web: http://www.marinacoveresort.com
  Room amenities: Clock radio; coffee maker; free local phone calls' hair dryer; microwave (on request); refrigerator; 2nd floor rooms have a balcony
  Facility amenities: Arcade and game room; ATM; bar and lounge; fitness center; gift shop; wireless internet access in public areas; laundry facilities; private beach; hot tub; 2 outdoor swimming pools; shuffleboard, tennis and volleyball courts.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: call for prices Call the hotel directly at 727-867-1151 for prices.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: call for prices Call the hotel directly at 727-867-1151 for prices.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Approximately 5:00pm You will be staying at Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove that night.
  End of Program:
1:00pm You will be staying at Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free and available close to the accommodations.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  St. Petersburg, Florida
  From End of Program
  Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

To/From hotel

 

To Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Amtrak
phone: 813-221-7600
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for current rates
Prices are subject to change.
   

5251 110th Avenue North Pinellas Park Square, Suite 101 Clearwater, FL 33760 Taxi: Yellow:813-253-0121 United:813-253-2424
 

Magnuson Hotel/St. Petersburg

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
See below

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for current rates
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

5 miles
   

United Cab: 727-799-2222 Clearwater Yellow: 727-799-2222
 

To/From hotel

 

To Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Greyhound Lines
phone: 727-898-1496

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for current rates
Prices are subject to change.
   

To/From Magnuson Hotel 727-8981496 To/From Greyhound Lines-7 Miles (For Greyhound Only) Greyhound Lines 180 9th Street North St. Petersburg, Fl 33705 Taxi: United:727-535-0000 Clearwater Yellow:727-799-2222
 

Tampa International Airport & St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Supershuttle
phone: 180-028-2681 x7
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for current rates
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes to 1/2 hour 
 

Distance:

 

25 miles
   

Website: supershuttle.com Reservations are recommended but not required. Travel from airport to the campus is very convenient - all interstate.
 
Driving Directions
  From Tampa International Airport I-275 south (St. Petersburg). You will travel approximately 20 miles, all the way through Tampa, across Tampa Bay and past the downtown St. Petersburg exits. Take I-275 south to exit 16. Turn left at the stop. Turn right on Sunshine Skyway Lane. The Magnuson Hotel will be on your left.
  NORTH I-4 or I-75 south, merging onto I-275 (St. Petersburg). You will travel approximately 20 miles, all the way through Tampa, across Tampa Bay and past the downtown St. Petersburg exits. Take I-275 south to exit 16. Turn left at the stop. Turn right on Sunshine Skyway Lane. The Magnuson Hotel will be on your left.
  SOUTH I-75 north to I-275. Cross the Sunshine Skyway Bridge ($1.00 toll). Take exit 16, right onto Sunshine Skyway Lane. The Magnuson Hotel will be on your right.
  St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport Turn left onto Roosevelt Blvd. (686) as you exit the airport. Follow to Ulmerton Road. Take I-275 south to exit 16. Turn left at the stop. Turn right on Sunshine Skyway Lane. The Magnuson Hotel will be on your left.
Elevation Note: Sea Level
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Check-in, Registration & Orientation
(Sunday, February 17)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in at the Magnuson Hotel front desk. Report to assigned classroom for registration.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
 Evening: Program coordinator will conduct an orientation and introduction program. Final itinerary will be provided. Get ready for an enriching week exploring the great French culture through its art, architecture, music, literature, and cuisine. You can look forward to a live performance, a visit to our Fine Arts Museum, and a private wine-tasting followed by an authentic French meal.
   
Accommodations: Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: The Culture of France, Chateaux of the Loire Valley, France's Medieval Cathedrals, Comedy and Satire: Moliere & Voltaire, Special Guest Speaker
(Monday, February 18)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel with at least one hot item. Assorted fruit, juice, coffee and tea.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Expert lecturer Joe Menasce, a former resident of France, will provide an overview of the culture, character, and history of this most fascinating and picturesque country.

There will be a short mid-morning refreshment break.

PRESENTATION: We continue with a description and history of famous châteaux of the winding Loire Valley, rich with vineyards along the contours of these beautiful castles deep in the heart of one of France's most historic and beautiful regions.

 Lunch: Lunch on Eckerd College campus. The buffet includes hot entrees, side dishes, salad bar, soup, deli meats, bread, fresh fruit, desserts, and beverages. Self-service format with trays.
 Afternoon: LECTURE: Expert lecturer Dedee Aleccia, an avid researcher-traveler, will discuss the comedy and satire of two of France's most writers-dramatists, Moliere (the stage name of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, 1622-1673) and Voltaire (the pen name of François-Marie Arouet, 1694-1778).
 Dinner: Dinner on campus. The buffet includes hot entrees, side dishes, salad bar, soup, deli meats, bread, fresh fruit, desserts, and beverages. Select in a self-service format with trays.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Enjoy an evening with a special guest speaker (TBA). PLEASE NOTE THAT CLASS DAYS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES MAY ALSO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO AVAILABLITY OF SERVICES.
   
Accommodations: Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: The Enlightenment, Revolution & Napoleon; Gericault & Delacroix; Dumas, Hugo & Sand; Field Trip to St. Petersburg Fine Arts Museum prefaced with a Lecture on Impressionism; Chateau Life in the 17th Century
(Tuesday, February 19)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel with at least one hot item. Assorted fruit, juice, coffee and tea.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Dedee Aleccia will explore the Age of Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the reign of Napoleon.

There will be a short mid morning refreshment break.

PRESENTATION: John Schloder, Executive Director Emeritus of the Museum of Fine Arts, will discuss the Frecnh Art of the Museum, prior to a field trip after lunch.

 Lunch: Lunch on campus. The buffet includes hot entrees, side dishes, salad bar, soup, deli meats, bread, fresh fruit, desserts, and beverages. Self-service format with trays.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: John Schloder, who earned his doctorate at the Sorbonne in Paris, will lead an exploration of the museum and in particular its French Impressionist masterpieces.
 Dinner: Dinner on campus. The buffet includes hot entrees, side dishes, salad bar, soup, deli meats, bread, fresh fruit, desserts, and beverages. Self-service format with trays.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Songs of Paris. Did you know that there are more songs written about Paris than any other city in the world? After a life of working in theater and the arts, Jason Fortner has amassed a vast knowledge of entertainment that he will share with us in this entertaining session
   
Accommodations: Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Flaubert & Zola; Sartre & de Beauvoir; Pioneers of Aviation; Science on the Seine; Wine Tasting & Special French Dinner;
(Wednesday, February 20)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel with at least one hot item. Assorted fruit, juice, coffee and tea.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Dedee Aleccia leads our study of authors and philosophers including Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880), Emile Zola (1840-1902), Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980), and his lifelong amour, Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986).

There will be a short mid-morning refreshment break.

PRESENTATION: We finish the morning with instructor Hal Hultman's discussion of the French Pioneers of Aviation.

 Lunch: Lunch on campus. The buffet includes hot entrees, side dishes, salad bar, soup, deli meats, bread, fresh fruit, desserts, and beverages. Select in a self-service format with trays.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Expert lecturer Hal Hultman, a scientist and member of the Eckerd College faculty, will explore famous French scientists in a class entitled "Science along the Seine"

EXTRACURRICULAR: Before dinner, enjoy a tasting of both white and red French wines with Professor Tom Oberhofer of Eckerd College.

 Dinner: Enjoy a specially themed French meal to add to the enjoyment of the week.
 Evening: PRESENTATION - LECTURE OR ENTERTAINMENT TBD
   
Accommodations: Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: The Louvre and Parisian Monumental Icons Free Afternoon; Musical Evening
(Thursday, February 21)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel with at least one hot item. Assorted fruit, juice, coffee and tea.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Begin the morning with a virtual trip to the Louvre: Time Honored Treasure House. After a short refreshment break, your instructor will share with you information about other Parisian Monumental Icons,

David Mulligan is a retired public school educator from upstate New York.  He received a BA Degree from the State University College at Potsdam in Potsdam, New York and an MA Degree in French Studies from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.  He has studied, lived, and traveled extensively in France over the years. 

 Lunch: At the hotel
 Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: Take this opportunity to explore your personal interests. We'll provide transportation to the waterfront area in downtown St. Petersburg. You have many choices within walking distance or a local trolley ride: museums, shops, movies, galleries, and much more.
 Dinner: Dinner on Campus. The buffet includes hot entrees, side dishes, salad bar, soup, deli meats, bread, fresh fruit, desserts, and beverages. Select in a self-service format with trays.
 Evening: ENTERTAINMENT: A Musical performance that will enhance your French experience
   
Accommodations: Magnuson Hotel - Marina Cove
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Works of Debussy & Ravel / End of program
(Friday, February 22)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel with at least one hot item. Assorted fruit, juice, coffee and tea.
 Morning: Expert lecturer Duncan MacMillan -- singer, pianist, composer, teacher -- will delight you with an exploration of the works of two of the greatest French composers of the Impressionist era, Claude Debussy (1862-1918) and Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), who wrote some of the most gorgeous music in the entire repertoire.

There will be a short mid-morning refreshment break.

 Lunch: Final lunch at the hotel.

The program concludes with lunch.

We hope you have enjoyed this fascinating program and will join us for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  St. Petersburg, Florida Websites-Places of Interest
Dali Museum: www,salvadordalimuseum.org Fine Arts Museum: www.fine-arts.org South Florida Museum: www.southfloridamuseum.org Holocaust Museum: www.flholocaustmuseum.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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