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Apr 22 - May 5, 2025
France/United States
Art History: A Transatlantic Voyage on Queen Mary 2
Program No. 24970RJ
Say “ahoy” to an immersive art history experience — experience the Louvre, Giverny and more before setting sail across the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2!
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14 days
13 nights
33 meals
12B 10L 11D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
8
Lecture, Free Time
At Sea
9
Lecture, Free Time
At Sea
10
Lecture, Free Time
At Sea
11
Lecture, Free Time
At Sea
12
Lecture, Free Time
At Sea
13
Lecture, Free Time
At Sea
14
Arrive New York, City, Disembark, Program Concludes
New York City
At a Glance
Van Gogh, Monet, Dufy — explore some of the most famed artist and art galleries in the world, then continue learning on a transatlantic voyage on Queen Mary 2! Immerse yourself in art history with visits to the home and gardens of Monet in Giverny and iconic galleries and museums, including the Louvre, Muse’e d’Orsay and Rouen Museum of Fine Arts. Follow this firsthand experience with lectures and continued learning on Queen Mary 2, as well as enjoying onboard activities with your fellow Road Scholars. Set sail for an education in art history all across the Atlantic!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 2-3 miles daily on field trips; paved streets with some cobblestones, gravel paths and grass lawns. Extent of walking and other activities aboard ship according to personal preference.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn from experts on board Queen Mary 2 as they share their insight into art history.
- Visit Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny, where the famed impressionist lived and painted in his later years.
- Explore the Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen, home to works by Rubens, Caravaggio, Degas and more.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Matthew Palczynski
Matthew Palczynski is an art history lecturer, consultant, curator, and educator. With a Ph.D. in art history and a focus on vanguard art after around 1850, he leads programs for academic, corporate, and nonprofit organizations around the world. His talks include those for Renaissance Weekend, Stanford University, The Wharton School, and United Airlines. Matt is an Adjunct Senior Instructor at The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, and has taught at the Tyler School of Art since 2004.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Matthew Palczynski
View biography
Matthew Palczynski is an art history lecturer, consultant, curator, and educator. With a Ph.D. in art history and a focus on vanguard art after around 1850, he leads programs for academic, corporate, and nonprofit organizations around the world. His talks include those for Renaissance Weekend, Stanford University, The Wharton School, and United Airlines. Matt is an Adjunct Senior Instructor at The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, and has taught at the Tyler School of Art since 2004.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Art History: A Transatlantic Voyage on Queen Mary 2
Program Number: 24970
The New Paris
Move past the clichés and learn about what makes up Paris today. Explore the open-minded sensibility, diverse populations, and hidden corners of The New Paris.
F is for France: A Curious Cabinet of French Wonders
An alphabetized catalogue of quirky French culture and history tidbits.
A Traveller's History of Paris
A fast-moving, short survey of French history with a focus on Paris from its foundation, through the heady days of revolution and up to modern time.
A Day with Claude Monet in Giverny
The beautifully vivid illustrations of Monet’s paintings, his home, and the grounds give readers unprecedented access into the flowery paradise to which Monet dedicated the last forty years of his life. Lovers of garden design and Impressionist art are invited on an intimate tour via this handsome volume.
Monet: Or the Triumph of Impressionism
The definitive Monet biography by Daniel Wildenstein, a leading authority on Impressionist painting and author of the catalogue raisonné of Monet's works, is lavishly illustrated with 572 reproductions and complementary photographic documents.
180 Years of Cunard
Cunard’s first ship, Britannia, set sail across the Atlantic on 4 July 1840, inaugurating a service that has endured for 175 years. Cunard’s success is in part due to its continuous technological advances; from the early years of wooden paddle steamers to steel-hulled leviathans, electric lighting to steam turbine engines. But it is the ships themselves, the shipbuilders, managers, crew and guests that have had the greatest impact on the success of the line, creating unique environments full of personality. This book uses stunning photographs and personal stories to explore the history of these magnificent ships.
Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light
A history of black Americans who settled in Paris, France, from 1900 to the present.
Paris Pratique Par Arrondissement
This pocket atlas contains detailed maps of every neighborhood in Paris, as well as details about bus and metro stops.
The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris
Australian critic and writer Baxter draws on his second career as a literary tour guide in his adopted city for this witty memoir, laced with terrific tales.
The Flaneur: A Stroll through the Paradoxes of Paris
A 'flaneur' is a stroller, a loiterer, someone who ambles through city streets in search of adventure and fulfillment. Edmund White, who lived in Paris for sixteen years, wanders through the streets and avenues and along the quays, into parts of Paris virtually unknown to visitors and indeed to many Parisians
Murder in the Marais
Literate and thrilling, with a strong sense of the geography and flavor of Paris, the first in a series of mysteries starring Aimee Ledoc shows off the French-American detective's wit and wile. The series continues with Murder in Belleville (FRN562), Murder in the Sentier (FRN563) and many more.
Monet at Giverny
Richly illustrated with photographs taken as the seasons unfold, this guide takes us on a tour of the house and gardens, inviting us to explore the settings in which Monet and his family spent their daily lives, from the iconic yellow dining room to the famous salon-studio.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
14 days
13 nights
What's Included
33 meals (
12B, 10L, 11D
)
6 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Paris, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Paris
Meals:
D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel we’ll have some time to relax and settle in before our Orientation meeting. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our program is staffed with both a Study Leader who will lecture, conduct field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics, and a Group Leader who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Paris Museums, Free Time
Location:
Paris
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will visit one of Paris's most famous museum's with our Study Leader and Group Leader.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will visit another one of Paris's museums with our Study Leader and Group Leader.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Paris Museum, Seine River Cruise
Location:
Paris
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will board our motorcoach and head out to visit one of Paris's many well known museums with our Study Leader and Group Leader.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will enjoy a Seine River Cruise, discover the City of Light from its legendary river where we will see some of the iconic monuments of Paris.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Monet's Gardens in Giverny, Check in at hotel in Rouen
Location:
Rouen
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of our hotel in Paris, board our motorcoach and ride to Giverny. Upon arrival in Giverny, we will visit Monet's Gardens where the Impressionist master painted his most famous works.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to Rouen where we will check into our hotel. We will then go on a walking discovery of Rouen with our Study Leader and Group Leader.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Rouen Museum of Fine Arts, Art Class
Location:
Rouen
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will visit the Rouen Museum of Fine Arts featuring paintings, sculptures, drawings and objets d'art ranging from the 15th century to present day.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will participate in an art class where we will try out our own artistic skills.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Check out, Honfleur, Embark QM2 in Le Havre
Location:
Le Havre
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Queen Mary 2
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of our hotel in Rouen, board our motorcoach and ride to Honfleur where will will have a walking discovery with our Study Leader and Group Leader. Honfleur is known for it's distinctive tall, narrow, timber-framed, and slate-clad townhouses built from the 16th to 18th century. It was also popular with Impressionist painters like Monet and Boudin.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Honfleur.
Afternoon:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to Le Havre where will complete embarkation procedures, and board the Queen Mary 2. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops are subject to change as weather and ocean conditions could affect the progress of the vessel. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time in each port is set by the cruise line. The cruise line reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Aboard the Queen Mary 2, breakfast and lunch are in the venue of your choosing. Afternoon tea is served in the Queens Room. Road Scholars are invited to have dinner together in the Britannia Restaurant. Snacks, juice, tea, coffee, water are available 24 hours a day in the buffet restaurants and there is 24-hour room service.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The Queen Mary 2 is a floating city. The options for activities and entertainment are many and varied. You might like to see a show in the ballroom, go dancing, listen to music, watch a movie in the theatre, have a beverage and a chat with new Road Scholar friends in one of the bars, or wander through the library — one of the best shipboard libraries anywhere — to find a book and curl up in that perfect reading chair.
Day
8
Lecture, Free Time
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Queen Mary 2
Activity Note
Full day at sea
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Our Study Leader will present the first of a series of dynamic and informative lectures.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. The ship offers a variety of enrichment activities. You might attend a presentation by a guest speaker, attend a class such as watercolor painting or ballroom dancing, take a dip in one of the swimming pools, or any of the many other choices.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Choose from a variety of activities on board, from movies to shows or simply enjoying the ambience of the different themed bars.
Day
9
Lecture, Free Time
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Queen Mary 2
Activity Note
Full day at sea
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will learn more about art and artists with our Study Leader.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Weather permitting, you might like to take a leisurely stroll around the Promenade Deck and take in the fresh sea air.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. You may choose to enjoy a show in the ship’s theatre, practice your dance steps in the ballroom, or simply return to your stateroom and enjoy one of the movies screened on the ship’s TV.
Day
10
Lecture, Free Time
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Queen Mary 2
Activity Note
Full day at sea
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll settle in with our Study Leader for another illuminating lecture about art.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take advantage of the many educational, social, and physical activities available, or simply relax in a deck chair with a view of the glistening Atlantic.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to visit the Queen Mary 2’s beautiful theatre, home to nightly productions with stars of stage and screen alike.
Day
11
Lecture, Free Time
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Queen Mary 2
Activity Note
Full day at sea
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will learn more about the fascinating aspects of art history with our Study Leader.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. A perfect opportunity to visit the spellbinding planetarium show, polish your bridge skills during a tournament, or perhaps retreat to the spa for a massage.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The Golden Lion, a traditional English pub aboard the QM2, runs a competitive pub quiz — perfect for showing off your newly gained knowledge.
Day
12
Lecture, Free Time
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Queen Mary 2
Activity Note
Full day at sea
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will continue learning about art history with our Study Leader.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. You might like to explore the history of the Cunard Line at a unique exhibition running through the halls of the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The Queen Mary 2 travels with expert sommeliers, who host nightly wine tasting and appreciation events.
Day
13
Lecture, Free Time
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Queen Mary 2
Activity Note
Full day at sea
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Our Study Leader will deliver the final on-board lecture.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take advantage of the many educational, social, and physical activities available, or simply relax in a deck chair.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation in the morning.
Day
14
Arrive New York, City, Disembark, Program Concludes
Location:
New York City
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Since the ship is scheduled to arrive in New York in the morning, we recommend not booking any departure flights until 1:00 p.m. or later.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
33 Meals
12 Breakfasts
10 Lunches
11 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Apr 22, 2025 - May 05, 2025
- Apr 22, 2025 - May 05, 2025
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