AmaWaterways Announces "Art Illumination Cruise" on Seine River in France

New hands-on painting cruise lets guests embrace their inner artist, no experience required

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Jan 14, 2014, 03:28 ET

CALABASAS, Calif., Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways will offer travelers a uniquely immersive art experience this summer – an Art Illumination Cruise on the Seine River through northwestern France, August 14-21, 2014.

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Embarking in Paris, guests will cruise through Normandy and visit places with a rich artistic legacy, such as Rouen's Gothic cathedral, Monet's famous gardens in Giverny, the picturesque seaside village of Honfleur, and Van Gogh's former home in Auvers-sur-Oise. After seeing the real-life inspirations for some of the world's most celebrated paintings, guests may participate in complimentary painting sessions on the Sun Deck of the ship. AmaWaterways will provide easels, canvases, brushes and paints so guests can create their own works of art under the step-by-step guidance of an expert art teacher. No painting experience is necessary – in fact, beginners are welcome and highly encouraged.

"Guests on our popular Paris & Normandy cruises often comment on how much they enjoy learning about art history as they travel through this beautiful region," said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. "Imagine touring Monet's beloved gardens and seeing the very water lilies immortalized in his paintings, then trying your own hand at turning a blank canvas into a one-of-a-kind piece of art. It will make a wonderful souvenir of this summertime journey along the Seine."

AmaWaterways' "Art Illumination Cruise" will be hosted by Elizabeth Grebler, an experienced Los Angeles-based art teacher who regularly conducts guided painting sessions. The 7-night cruise embarks in Paris aboard the AmaLegro, with an optional 2-night land extension available post-cruise in the "City of Light." Guests will enjoy onboard art discussions, scenic cruising through Normandy's lush countryside and a number of private guided tours, including a full-day excursion to the D-Day beaches of WWII and a visit to the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.

"We aim to fully immerse our guests in their destination so they come away with a truly unforgettable travel experience," said Karst. "This hands-on opportunity to paint and learn more about French art and artists is exactly the sort of life-enhancing vacation that travelers have come to expect from AmaWaterways."

To book a cruise, please contact a professional travel agent or call AmaWaterways at 800-626-0126. Join AmaWaterways' growing online community on Facebook and Twitter.

About AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways offers award-winning river cruises around the world, including Europe, Russia, Asia and Africa. The company's fleet features ships with spacious staterooms and suites (many with French Balconies or Twin Balconies), multiple dining venues, onboard massage and salon services, heated whirlpools or swimming pools, fitness rooms, complimentary bicycles, and many other upscale amenities and innovative design elements. AmaWaterways' cruise fare includes fine dining, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, in-room Internet and Infotainment, and shore excursions in every port of call. In 2013, the company received numerous honors and accolades, including a Travel + Leisure World's Best Award and a Cruise Critic Editors' Pick Award. AmaWaterways' European fleet includes AmaVista (2015), AmaSerena (2015), AmaReina (2014), AmaSonata (2014), AmaPrima (2013), AmaCerto (2012), AmaVerde (2011), AmaBella (2010), AmaLyra (2009), AmaDolce (2009), AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008), AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). The company's AmaVoyages division has a fleet of six ships that includes AmaPura (2014) on the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, AmaVida (2013) on the Douro River in Portugal, AmaKatarina (rebuilt 2011) on the Volga in Russia , AmaLotus (2011) and La Marguerite (2009) on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Zambezi Queen (2009) on the Chobe in Botswana.