Join renowned artist Kathy Karas on a wonderful creative tour of Paris, Bruges and Amsterdam.

About Kathy - Kathy is a visual artist and teacher living and painting in the Illawarra, NSW. She works in a wide selection of media including oils, acrylic, watercolour and pencil drawings. Her style has evolved over the years from craft to modern impressionist and most recently has developed an interest in contemporary work. Her works reside in collections within Australia, France, UK, Japan and the United States and her work has been featured in Australian Artist and Artist Palette magazines. Kathy trained as an interior decorator in her early career and is now enjoying life as a full-time artist.

Kathy is excited to be sketching in pen and watercolour washes the amazing areas of Paris, Bruges and Amsterdam.From the lively city and artist quarters to country vistas and canals we will be spoiled for choice of subjects to sketch in our travel journal which will be supplied in a small travel kit for your tour The art component of the tour has been designed to be relaxed and will be a series of daily quick sketches in your travel journal that can be coloured with watercolour as we go or later (even when you return home) from your photos. Kathy will be demonstrating how to achieve this so that you have your own visual art diary by the end of your trip. The idea is for this to be a creative trip taking in art, visits to museums and artist quarters and definitely suitable for the beginner to intermediate art lovers.

LAND ARRANGEMENTS

Tuesday 07 until Sunday 12 May 2019

Welcome to Paris, we will have 5 fabulous days exploring this beautiful city.Tonight we start our wonderful journey with a welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel d’Angleterre Saint Germain des Pres or similar Paris Double/Twin or single room including Breakfast

Located in the centre of Paris, close to the bustling boulevard Saint-Germain, the Hotel d’Angleterre offers a soothingly peaceful environment in which you can easily forget the bustling city. You awaken to the sound of church bells and the singing of birds and anticipate the tempting prospect of a leisurely breakfast. This may be enjoyed amidst the exquisitely tasteful décor of the piano salon or in a magnificent patio garlanded with seasonal flowers. 

PARIS, BRUGES AND AMSTERDAM BOUTIQUE ART TOUR WITH KATHY KARAS

Everything from the beautifully designed appearance of our hotel to the hospitality and friendliness of our staff is an invitation to partake of absolute relaxation. Wednesday 08 May 2019

Morning private walking tour of Paris

We take a walk around Paris with a local guide and see another side of this beautiful city. Walking with a local to guide you and share insights and stories is the best way to tour the classic sights of Paris. The walking tour of Classic Paris offers a complete overview of Paris from the ground up. Virtually every major site in the city centre is covered, including the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

This afternoon we will have time to visit some museums or just go off exploring.

Thursday 09 May 2019

Full day tour to Monet’s Garden Today we visit Monet’s Garden in Giverny with our private guide. We will have lots of time to take inspiration from the beautiful Spring garden; sketchbook in hand.

It was love at first sight when the famed painter and founder of the French Impressionist movement, Claude Monet, spotted the charming village of Giverny.

He immediately knew that this was the place where he would be spending the rest of his life, so he got off the train, walked into the village pub, and started asking the locals if there was a place available for rent. The villagers had some good news for him: there was a farm available for rent in Giverny. Monet soon moved there with his future wife, Alice Hoschedé, and their respective children.

True artistic success was far on the horizon for the middle-aged artist, who was practically penniless at the time he moved to Giverny. However, it was during the years he spent there that he would become one of the world’s most successful artists, attaining international fame and earning a lot of money, most of which he would spend for the creation of his “other” masterpiece–the colorful gardens at Giverny.

Friday 10 May 2019

Today we will spend some time visiting Montmartre – we can take public transport or walk (approx. 1 hour) and spend the day exploring this wonderful area of Paris. The Place du Tertre square, famous for portrait artists and quaint little shops will be a lovely spot to have lunch.We will also visit Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur; from there you won’t get a better view over Paris.

Saturday 11 May 2019

Full day private tour to the Loire Valley Enjoy a day in the French Countryside while you explore three remarkable Chateaux in the Loire Valley. Spend the day marvelling at the beautiful Renaissance castles of Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise! Wander through the flower gardens of Chenonceau, gaze at its delicate arches which cross over the Cher river, and learn the extraordinary history of this Chateau which was run by woman for most of its existence. At Chambord you’ll marvel at the largest of the Loire valley chateaux, admire its extravagant architecture with double spiraled staircase and hundreds of stunning columns and spires which adorn the roof. Then at Amboise you’ll visit the court of King Francois 1st, the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci, and experience the charming village attached to the Chateau! in Amboise you’ll enjoy 3 wines from this region (Red, Rosé & White).

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR : - Chateau de Chenonceau: This chateau has is remarkable for its feminine history of mistresses and ex queens of france as well as it’s unique aches over the River Cher. - Exquisite French Gardens: The gardens of Chenonceau with their more than 130,000 flowerings plants and shrubs are truly stunning! - Chateau de Chambord: This Chateau is famous for its outstanding architecture with an amazing double spiral staircase and dozens of unique spires on it’s roof! - Chateau d’Amboise: This Chateau has known the birth of princes, the reign of Kings, and the death of the greatest Renaissance master, Leonardo Da Vinci! - Wine tasting : At Amboise you’ll enjoy 3 wines from the Loire Valley region (Red, Rosé & White).

Other things to do whilst in Paris –

Musée d'OrsayMusée national de l’OrangerieMusée du LouvreMarché Bastille Markets - One of the biggest Parisian markets, with Place de la Bastille's Colonne de Juillet as the backdrop.Marché Des Enfant Rougen - An indoor market that was once a child orphanage. The children were tagged in red to identify them as orphans hence, the name.

Sunday 12 May 2019

Train – Paris to BrugesMorning trainTravelling time approx. 2 ½ hours – change trains in Brussels 1st Class

Sunday 12 until Friday 17 May 2019

Accommodation: Hotel de la Orangerie or similar Bruges Double/Twin or single room

Charming renovated 15th-century convent on Den Dijver canal in the centre of Bruges. Past and present mingle in a décor of antiquities and fresh, airy colours.

Sunday 12 May 2019

Afternoon private walking tour of Bruges…and yes, we will be sampling some fine Belgium chocolate!

Other things to do whilst in Bruges -

Little Towns to visit that are close by -Lissewege is a small village just outside of Brugge, with picturesque white houses. Bus or bike into the town. Damme is another little town with a harbor and is great for an afternoon visit. Another way to get to Damme is by paddleboat, which provides some beautiful views while being able to travel down the canal.

Friday 17 May 2019

Train – Bruges to AmsterdamMorning trainTravelling time approx. 3 hours – change trains in Brussels

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1st Class

Friday 17 until Tuesday 21 May 2019

Accommodation: Hotel Estherea or similar Amsterdam Double/Twin or single room

Boutique Hotel Estheréa is housed in a row of 17th century buildings on the Singel, Amsterdam's oldest major canal and part of the ring of canals added to the official UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010. Dam square, the central railway station, the main shopping area, museums, theatres and night life are all within walking distance.

Saturday 18 May 2019

Morning private Rembrandt Art Walking Tour Including Rijksmuseum

Relive the glory of the most famous painter of the Dutch Golden Age, Rembrandt van Rijn, on your private walking tour in Amsterdam. The artist lived for many years in this city, and this tour reveals the most important places tied to his life and career. See where he lived (now the Rembrandt House Museum) and where he painted his masterpieces, including ‘The Night Watch.’

We then visit the Rijksmuseum to marvel at Rembrandt’s most celebrated paintings including ‘The Night Watch,’ ‘The Jewish Bride,’ ‘Syndics of the Drapers' Guild’ and his signature portraits. We will also get orientate in the city centre as we learn about Amsterdam’s major historical landmarks.

Monday 20 May 2019

Today we will visit the Van Gogh Museum on a Private Skip-the-line tour.

Bypass the lines at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum and discover the major works of art inside the world's biggest Van Gogh collection on a 2 to 2 ½ hour private tour. Your personal guide walks you through such masterpieces as Sunflowers as well as lesser-known works by Van Gogh and the artists who inspired him. Your ticket is valid for the whole day, so you can follow your introduction to the great artist's life and work with further exploration of his art on your own.

Other things to do whilst in Amsterdam –

Hop On Hop Off Boat Tour - Glide around Amsterdam’s romantic city canals and admire its Golden Age architecture from a different point of view.Anne Frank House

Tonight we celebrate with a farewell dinner.

Tuesday 21 May 2019

Time to say goodbye and head off to another adventure…..

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LAND CONTENT COSTING – From AUD $6990* per person based on twin share

Single supplement + from AUD $2000 if own room is required

*Price is land only, per person, twin share and subject to availability at time of booking. The advertised price is subject to change due to fluctuation in currency and taxes. Once your expression of interest is received a confirmed booking will be made and a final price will be confirmed.

DEPOSIT AND BALANCE OF PAYMENT

A 30% non-refundable deposit will be payable at the time of confirmation. Balance payment is required on or prior to 07 February 2019.

MINIMUM/MAXIMUM NUMBERS

Minimum numbers will be required to guarantee departure of this small group tour.Maximum number is 12.Smaller groups give you a better holiday experience!

PRICE INCLUDES:

• ACCOMMODATION AS LISTED OR SIMILAR• ALL BREAKFASTS• WELCOME DINNER PARIS• DAILY JOURNAL SKETCHING DEMONSTRATIONS BY KATHY KARAS• 1ST CLASS TRAIN TRAVEL• SIGHTSEEING AS LISTED• ART PACK (you don’t need to bring anything else)• FAREWELL DINNER AMSTERDAM• FULLY ESCORTED

NOT INCLUDED:

• INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT • TRAVEL INSURANCE (MANDATORY)• ITEMS OF A PERSONAL NATURE• MEALS AND BEVERAGES NOT SPECIFIED

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