Travel with The Met

In the company of The Met’s Nadine Orenstein, Drue Heinz Curator in Charge of the Department of Drawings and Prints, cruise through the enchanting landscapes of Belgium and Holland at a time when daylight extends deep into the evening. Celebrate the Low Countries’ rich art heritage in the region’s most acclaimed museums, meeting Dr. Orenstein’s longtime friends along the way. Start with a pre-cruise overnight stay in Amsterdam, where you will experience the Rijksmuseum’s historic exhibition devoted to Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Witness an unprecedented gathering of Vermeer masterpieces in one place, including the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring and two treasures on loan from The Met. Transfer by motor coach to Bruges and embark the boutique riverboat Magnifique IV. Throughout this cruise, enter ornate medieval cathedrals in charming towns and village and encounter the titans of Dutch and Flemish art, from Hans Memling’s works at his museum in Bruges, to a viewing of the Van Eycks’ recently restored Ghent Altarpiece in its original home, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. Behold works from Rubens and other Old Masters at Antwerp’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts, now reopened after a $105 million, 11-year renovation. Conclude with a return to Amsterdam, where you will explore the Van Gogh Museum.

Traveling with You: Nadine Orenstein, Drue Heinz Curator in Charge of the Department of Drawings and Prints, who has written and lectured extensively on 17th-century Northern European prints and drawings. She has previously accompanied Travel with The Met groups on European river cruises as well as to Mexico and Cuba.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $8,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate 

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Travel with veteran museum educator Rika Burnham to her ancestral Scandinavia during a time when the silvery sunlight extends deep into the evening. She will introduce you to the flourishing art scenes of Oslo and Stockholm. Experience many of Oslo’s newly opened museums housed in dramatically designed spaces, signaling the Norwegian capital’s arrival as a contemporary art powerhouse. Highlights include a special tour of a spectacular new museum devoted to native artist Edvard Munch (The Scream), featuring more than 26,000 of his works, and an inside look at Norway’s massive new National Museum, now Europe’s largest museum by size. Then, discover Stockholm’s wealth of royal collections in glorious palaces, including an astonishing number of Old Masters paintings. Delight in exclusive access to Stockholm’s fascinating museums and their ever-expanding collections of contemporary art. One of many highlights will be a curator-led visit to the National Museum, which has amassed an enviable collection of works by Rembrandt.

Traveling with You: Rika Burnham is a leading theorist and practitioner of art museum gallery teaching. Author of Teaching in the Art Museum: Interpretation as Experience, and lecturer at Columbia University, she has served as Head of Education at the Frick Collection, Museum Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Project Director for TIME/Teaching Institute in Museum Education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and was appointed Getty Research Institute Museum Scholar in 2002 and 2018.

Land Rate: $11,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Sail aboard Sea Cloud Spirit—a brand-new member of the Sea Cloud family—on a classic voyage along both sides of the English Channel, including fascinating, lesser-visited islands, and onward to centuries-old estates along the Irish Sea’s coastlines. After boarding Sea Cloud Spirit in Portsmouth, England, cross the Channel to Caen, France, once home to William the Conqueror. In Bayeux, view the legendary Bayeux Tapestry, one of the landmarks of medieval art, inside the 11th-century Bayeux Cathedral. In the Channel Islands, step ashore on the tiny island of Sark to visit La Seigneurie, a 17th-century estate with granite-walled Victorian formal gardens. Stop in Guernsey for a tour of novelist Victor Hugo’s exile hideaway. In the former Norman port of Dartmouth, England, join a guide to stroll its Elizabethan streets. Then visit Tresco in the Isles of Scilly to explore the 19th-century Abbey Garden, a subtropical garden set amid a 10th-century monastery. Sail the Irish Sea to the Welsh coast and visit the 19th-century Bodnant Garden. Nearby, accompany the owners of the enchanting 18th-century mansion Plas Newydd for a look at their private collection, including an acclaimed landscape mural by Rex Whistler. Before disembarkation in Dublin, step ashore in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to join the owners of the 19th-century Italianate palazzo at Ballywalter Park for an exclusive look at their holdings of painting and sculpture as well as the estate’s walled garden.

Traveling with You: Melanie Holcomb is Curator and Manager of Collection Strategy in the Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she’s worked since 1999. She is a specialist in the luxury arts of the Middle Ages with a particular interest in the arts that merge sea travel and trade.

Cruise Rates: From $10,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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This exclusive journey will follow in the footsteps of three icons—Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse—who captured Provence’s magical landscape and imagery in their extraordinary bodies of work. Immerse yourself in the Arles of Vincent van Gogh with special tours of the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles and Frank Gehry’s Van Gogh-inspired LUMA Arles. Enjoy private access to the Monastery of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy, the asylum where Van Gogh produced masterpieces such as The Met’s Wheat Field with Cypresses and The Starry Night. Delight in an exclusive look at Paul Cézanne’s life in Aix-en-Provence, enjoying a private tour of the Atelier Cézanne, his last studio, where he painted from 1902 until his death in 1906. Explore Henri Matisse’s life in Nice, with an exclusive look at his murals and stained-glass windows inside the Matisse Chapel in nearby Vence. On the Côte d’Azur, revel in private tours of the Musée Picasso in Antibes and the Musée National Marc Chagall in Nice and explore Eileen Gray’s and Le Corbusier’s recently renovated architectural masterpieces overlooking the Mediterranean. Following this program, a Paris Impressionism Interlude is offered, featuring special access to Impressionist collections at the Musée d’Orsay and more.

Traveling with You: Kathryn Calley Galitz, an art historian specializing in European art, with an emphasis on late 18th- and early 19th-century French painting.

Land Rate: $8,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Known for its Old World charm and invigorating mountain air, Switzerland has also become home to some of the world’s most forward-thinking art and design. Spend an enriching week in Zürich and Basel, and visit border towns in Germany and France that will reveal their treasures. A special highlight of this highly exclusive program will be a visit to Art Basel, the world’s unrivaled showcase for contemporary art. Start in Zürich, with its wealth of contemporary art, from the Kunsthaus Zürich and the Migros Museum of Contemporary Art, to private galleries inside the former Löwenbräu Brewery. In Lucerne, admire works by Picasso, Klee, and other masters at the Sammlung Rosengart Luzern, a museum housed within a grand 17th-century palace. Enjoy four nights in Basel, with the exclusive opportunity to fully experience Art Basel and a special tour of Kunstmuseum Basel, founded in 1661. In the French town of Colmar, you will have a private tour of the Unterlinden Museum featuring the powerful Isenheim Altarpiece. Discover Le Corbusier’s UNESCO-listed Chapelle Notre-Dame du Haut in nearby Ronchamp. On the German side of the Rhine, we will explore the groundbreaking architecture of Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, and Herzog & de Meuron on the magnificent campus of the Vitra Design Museum. 

Traveling with You: Christopher Noey is an art historian, author, and an Emmy award-winning producer of films on art and culture. At The Met, he created video installations for a diverse array of exhibitions and interviewed several contemporary artists for The Artist Project, an online series and related Phaidon publication of his interviews with 120 contemporary artists on how they are inspired by The Met and its collections.

Land Rate: $13,499 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Join Keith Christiansen for a summer art journey through Europe’s historic heart, featuring a charming river cruise along the Moselle. The beautiful Moselle Valley is lined with incomparable cathedrals and splendid ruins, evidence of the powerful forces who’ve claimed this region, most notably, ancient Roman conquerors who nurtured the valley’s thriving vineyards. Yet, this small area of western Germany, eastern France, and Luxembourg is less renowned for its inspired, intimate art collections, hidden gems you’ll see with Keith. Begin in the less-visited German cities of Frankfurt and Heidelberg. Take a curator-guided look at Frankfurt’s outstanding Städel Museum, home to one of the world’s most cherished European art collections. Visit medieval Heidelberg, with its romantic hilltop castle, and meet artists at the Heidelberger Kunstverein (HDKV), one of Germany’s oldest art organizations. Then, transfer to the enchanting village of Cochem for your seven-night Moselle voyage on the newly renovated Princesse Royal, a Dutch-style riverboat with only 15 staterooms. Stop in delightful, underexplored towns, including Trier, Germany’s oldest city, with its UNESCO-listed Roman monuments and medieval cathedrals, and Traben-Trarbach, with its sparkling Art Nouveau mansions. Disembark in Metz, France, for a tour of the massive, spellbinding Cathédrale Saint Étienne de Metz, featuring stained-glass windows from Marc Chagall. Conclude with two nights in Luxembourg for a rare exploration of its cultural gems, including the American WWII cemetery where General Patton is buried and the National Museum of History and Art.

Traveling with You: Keith Christiansen, Curator Emeritus, formerly the John Pope-Hennessy Chairman of the Department of European Paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. He began work at The Met in 1977 and has since organized numerous exhibitions, ranging in subject from Painting in Renaissance Siena, Andrea Mantegna, and The Renaissance Portrait to Giambattista Tiepolo, El Greco, The Age of Caravaggio, Juseppe de Ribera, and Poussin and Nature.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $9,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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During the 19th century, Claude Monet and his contemporaries flocked to picturesque Normandy, leaving their studios, setting up their easels outdoors, and capturing the beautiful light and coast views of this region, giving rise to a new way of painting that became known as Impressionism. Go behind the scenes of Normandy’s renowned museums, artistic landmarks, and villages, where many of the movement’s leading artists found inspiration. Begin in Auvers-sur-Oise, the beautifully well-preserved hamlet where Vincent van Gogh produced more than 80 paintings in the last two months of his life. Admire the famous Rouen Cathedral that Claude Monet painted more than 30 times. Take a special tour of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, which houses works by Monet and the Impressionists, along with other important 19th-century paintings by Géricault, Delacroix, and Corot. In Le Havre, where Monet grew up, join a curator at the Musée d’art moderne André Malraux for a special viewing of one of France’s largest collections of Impressionist works by artists like Renoir, Pissarro, and Degas. Visit the cliffs of Étretat that captivated Monet and have an expert-guided inside look at Les Jardins d’Étretat, a neo-futuristic, cliffside garden inspired by the painter. In Honfleur, enjoy an exclusive visit to the Musée Eugène Boudin, which features Monet’s early works, drawings and paintings by Boudin, and works by Courbet, Dufy, and their contemporaries.

Traveling with You: Kathryn Calley Galitz, an art historian specializing in European art, with an emphasis on late 18th- and early 19th-century French painting.

Land Rate: $6,299 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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On this voyage aboard Sea Cloud II, travel along the Aegean’s turquoise waters to unspoiled islands, timeless villages, and ancient sites in Turkey and Greece. As you set forth into this ancient cradle of culture, discover treasures spanning millennia, from Bronze Age archaeological wonders to Byzantine monasteries. From Istanbul, sail to the port of Kepez to view the ancient ruins of Troy and archaeological finds from the city in the on-site museum. Stop in Kuşadasi to venture to Ephesus, whose impressive ancient buildings include the Library of Celsus. Be on deck as the ship approaches the lush and mountainous island of Samos. Discover the remains of the celebrated Heraion of Samos, dedicated to the goddess Hera and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view artifacts from its excavation at its Archaeological Museum. Arrive on Patmos and explore the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John the Evangelist lived in exile. On the Cycladic island of Amorgos, see the impressive Byzantine Monastery of Hozoviotissa set on a precipitous cliff facing the sea. Cruise onward to the island of Sifnos—home to picturesque traditional villages, cubic houses, and fascinating traditional pottery workshops—before disembarking near Athens. An optional Istanbul prelude will be offered.

Traveling with You: Frank Dabell was educated at Oxford University and is a former Fellow of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has led tours for major museums on journeys throughout Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Russia and has been named one of the world’s greatest tour guides by Travel + Leisure. Most recently, he led a Travel with The Met tour tracing the legacy of Alexander the Great through Northern Greece and Athens.

Cruise Rates: From $8,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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Join Joanne Pillsbury, Met curator of ancient American art, for a special insider’s journey in Peru. In the country’s lush Sacred Valley, go behind the scenes of the Inca Empire’s glorious royal estates, masterpieces of architecture and landscape design, including Machu Picchu, the Incas’ UNESCO-listed, 15th-century winter palace. At Machu Picchu, a private guide will accompany you to uncover its secrets, including the meticulous engineering of its magnificent stonework, achieved without iron tools or mortar. Visit some of Joanne’s favorite, less-explored Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, a spectacular fortress where the Incas had a rare victory over the Spanish. On an exploration of Lima, Peru’s vibrant modern capital, a highlight will be excellent pre-Inca ceramics and goldwork at the Museo Larco, all housed in a mansion constructed on a seventh-century pyramid. In Cusco, the Incas’ ancient capital, discover its Spanish colonial monastery built atop the ruins of the Incas’ most lavish temple. Throughout the program, you will also meet several gifted artisans who are carrying the Incas’ artistic legacy forward. The founder of the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco will privately lead us through her textile workshop and collection. Travel with alumni from Princeton University, a co-sponsor of this program.

Traveling with You: Joanne Pillsbury, a specialist in the arts of the ancient Americas and the Andrall E. Pearson Curator of Ancient American Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Land Rate: $7,149 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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Join this special Great Artists program in Paris prior to The Met’s autumn exhibition Manet/Degas, a fascinating dialogue between Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas, who were pioneering artists, close friends, and sometimes bitter rivals. This exclusive trip will delve into their dynamic relationship, uncover the influences of their art, and highlight their profound legacy on art history, Impressionism, and Modernism. Explore the areas of Paris where these artists and their peers like Claude Monet lived and worked, dine in the cafés where they socialized, and walk in their footsteps in Montmartre and Pigalle, Paris’s historic neighborhoods for artists. Take privately guided visits to the splendid Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Marmottan Monet to view the works of Manet and Degas in context with the paintings of other Impressionists like Monet. Enjoy lunch at the iconic Eiffel Tower with views of Paris. Outside the city in Giverny, take a private look at the glorious home where Claude Monet lived for 43 years and see the garden that inspired so many of his paintings. Discover the life and art of Gustave Moreau at his eponymous museum. Conclude with a special visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie to behold Monet’s famous Water Lilies murals.

Traveling with You: Dr. Barbara Stehle, an acclaimed lecturer who teaches member courses at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. After earning her PhD in Contemporary Art History from the Sorbonne, she has worked at museums including the Centre George Pompidou in Paris and the Zurich Kunsthaus in Switzerland. She also serves on the faculty at the Rhode Island School of Design and is founder and director of Art Intelligentsia. 

Land Rate: $10,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Join an unforgettable two-week adventure, discovering vibrant cultures and ancient religious traditions in the heavenly heights of the Himalayas. Journey through three spellbinding lands⁠—mystical Ladakh, colorful Nepal, and peaceful Bhutan—in one trip. In Ladakh, an Indian territory bordering Tibet, admire a colossal 17th-century palace, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and white stupas (dome-shaped shrines) in the capital of Leh. Stop in Kathmandu, Nepal, to explore awe-inspiring monuments, from an enormous "floating" statue of Vishnu at a revered shrine, to a 1,500-year-old hilltop stupa displaying four sets of "all-seeing" painted eyes. Finally, be among the few travelers admitted each year to tiny Bhutan. Venture to an astonishing 17th-century mountain fortress, tour an 18th-century monastery housing 105 monks, and roam a 15th-century temple with exceptional murals. Enjoy an optional half-day hike to a spectacular treasure: the legendary cliffside Tiger’s Nest, one of the holiest sites in the Himalayas.

Traveling with You: Christopher Noey is an art historian, author, and an Emmy award-winning producer of films on art and culture. At The Met, he created video installations for a diverse array of exhibitions and interviewed several contemporary Asian artists for The Artist Project, an online series and related Phaidon publication of his interviews with 120 contemporary artists on how they are inspired by The Met and its collections.

Land Rate: $16,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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On an exclusive coast-to-coast journey through the Emerald Isle this autumn, immerse yourself in the art-filled, rarefied world of Ireland’s landed gentry. In the company of historic homes scholar Alice W. Schwarz, enjoy accommodations fit for royalty as you stay in historic castles and estates, including the enchanting Dromoland, known as Ireland’s “most magical address,” with its connections to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Luxuriate in the 170 acres of picturesque lakes, historic gardens, and emerald woodlands at Lyrath Estate, a true Irish countryside gem. In Dublin, take a private tour of exquisitely restored glasshouses at the National Botanic Gardens. Delve into history at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, with an exclusive tour led by the Director of Conservation, exploring the magnificent Old Library and marveling at The Book of Kells. A curator-led tour of the National Gallery of Ireland awaits, showcasing remarkable works by Caravaggio, Vermeer, and esteemed Irish artists. Indulge in a whiskey and food pairing at Powerscourt Distillery, nestled within the 18th-century Powerscourt House & Gardens—a majestic stately home adorned with breathtaking gardens. Join Lady and Lord Rosse for an exclusive tour of their remarkable residence, Birr Castle, their family’s home for 400 years. Gain private access to Kylemore Abbey, a captivating 1,000-acre estate that has housed a Benedictine order of nuns for a century, boasting a splendid Victorian walled garden. In addition, stand in awe before the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder.

Traveling with You: Alice W. Schwarz, a lecturer and educator with 40 years of experience at The Met and a master at the art of gallery-based teaching. 

Land Rate: $11,399 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Discover traditional Japanese hospitality at its most refined aboard the lavishly appointed Train Suite Shiki-shima, with access to some of the country’s artistic and natural splendors. Begin in Tokyo, where highlights will include a private tour and wine reception at a modern mansion with an incredible contemporary art collection. Then travel aboard the elegant Train Suite Shiki-shima, designed by Ken Okuyama, celebrated for his work with Ferrari, Maserati, and Porsche. At the peak of Japan’s vividly colorful fall foliage season, gaze upon mountains and scenic coastlines from the Shiki-shima’s futuristic, glass-enclosed observatory cars as you travel up the west coast to Hokkaido. Unwind during a night at a traditional onsen (hot spring) resort in Hokkaido; and, on the return trip down the east coast of Japan, visit an active archaeological site in Aomori or the Uchiwa Fan Workshop in Kuroishi. Along the way, delight in exquisite meals prepared by the imaginative chef, whose dishes highlight the unique culture of each region on the journey as well as the very best seasonal local ingredients. After the train journey, overnight in Tokyo, then spend three days exploring the striking temples and vibrant museums of the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

Traveling with You: John T. Carpenter, Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese Art in the Department of Asian Art. He has published widely on Japanese art and has helped organize numerous exhibitions at the Museum, including Designing Nature (2012–13), Birds in the Art of Japan (2013), Brush Writing in the Arts of Japan (2013–14), Celebrating the Arts of Japan (2015–17), The Poetry of Nature (2018–2019), and The Tale of Genji: A Japanese Classic Illuminated (2019).

Land/Rail Rate: From $29,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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Travel with Christopher Noey on this autumn journey to mesmerizing Morocco. Experience its art and traditional crafts at spectacular museums and vibrant artisans’ workshops, and discover the country’s tapestry of cultures at lavish palaces and mosques, Roman ruins, and colorful cities. Begin in Marrakesh, where you’ll join a curator at the Berber Museum before opening hours and see the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s extensive collection of ancient Berber treasures. Then, enjoy an exclusive visit to Villa Oasis, Saint Laurent’s private sanctuary. While in Marrakesh, an optional full-day excursion to the scenic Atlas Mountains will be available. On a stop in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, the Hassan II Mosque, an enormous, opulent house of worship that stands on the oceanside, will be a highlight. Venture to the capital of Rabat, where the soaring, red Hassan Tower and Mohammed V’s white marble tomb are among the splendors you will see. Travel by high-speed train to Tangier, and discover the often-overlooked city of Tétouan. In its UNESCO-listed medina, take a private visit to its Dar Sanaa school to observe local artisans at work. In Fes, enjoy three nights at a boutique riad (traditional Moroccan house) reserved exclusively for us. Visit Fes’s 14th-century madrasas, including the Al-Attarine Madrasa, whose courtyard inspired the design of The Met’s Moroccan Court. Stop in Meknes, whose palatial grandeur rivals that of Versailles, and Volubilis, one of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman cities. Conclude this special Moroccan adventure with a return to Casablanca.

Land Rate: $12,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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As you sail Sea Cloud II around Sicily, discover the pearls of centuries past, including Baroque churches, ornate palazzos, and some of the world’s most extraordinary ancient Greek temples. Embark your luxurious, three-masted barque in Valletta, and, one after the other, marvels will follow. Stand in awe before the gorgeous Greek ruins in Agrigento’s Valle dei Templi; the well-preserved vestiges of one of the most important ancient cities, Syracuse; and Palermo’s glamorous, mesmerizing Cappella Palatina, with its gleaming gold mosaics. On the Italian mainland, call at Reggio Calabria to admire the Riace Bronzes, rare surviving ancient Greek bronze sculptures of male warriors. On this week-long cruise, Sicily will reveal her rich and unique culture as you walk in storied cities that were once centers of the Greco-Roman, Carthaginian, and Byzantine worlds, and enjoy warm welcomes to the dazzling private palazzos of local nobility. An optional Valletta, Malta, prelude is offered.

Traveling with You: Dan Kershaw, Exhibition Design Manager at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he’s worked since 1989. His designs include galleries for European Paintings (opening November 2023), American Paintings and Sculpture, Oceania, Early Medieval, Byzantium, and Native America, and the exhibitions Renaissance Portraits, Rauschenberg Combines, Art of the Samurai, Seurat, and Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll.

Cruise Rates: From $8,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Savor enchanting vineyards, verdant landscapes, and tremendous cultural history on a river voyage through Portugal’s Douro Valley, the birthplace of Port wine. Discover why this vine-clad region has attracted contemporary artists from around the world. As you embark on a round-trip journey from magical Porto, travel aboard the luxury riverboat AmaDouro, stepping ashore to explore timeless towns, tour remarkable collections at awe-inspiring museums, and sample world-renowned varieties. Join a curator for a private tour of Porto’s Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, designed by a Pritzker Prize-winning architect. Visit the Museu de Lamego, which houses religious art and 16th-century Flemish tapestries in an 18th-century episcopal palace. Cross the border to Spain for an exciting excursion to ancient Salamanca, UNESCO-listed for its extraordinary array of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, and Baroque monuments. Go behind the scenes of Salamanca’s Museo Art Nouveau y Art Déco, housed in Casa Lis, an urban mansion with a stained-glass façade. Conclude with a full-day immersion in Porto’s architectural diversity and stunning gardens.

Traveling with You: Rika Burnham is a leading theorist and practitioner of art museum gallery teaching. Author of Teaching in the Art Museum: Interpretation as Experience, and lecturer at Columbia University, she has served as Head of Education at the Frick Collection, Museum Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Project Director for TIME/Teaching Institute in Museum Education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and was appointed Getty Research Institute Museum Scholar in 2002 and 2018.

Activity Level: Moderate

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In the company of Met curator emeritus Keith Christiansen, embark on a captivating expedition through the enchanting region of Puglia, Italy’s “boot heel,” renowned for its rich history, architectural splendors, and archaeological sites. Colonized by the Greeks in the eighth century B.C. as part of Magna Graecia, Puglia has been claimed successively by Rome, Byzantium, the Normans, and Spain. Discover this wealth of history in stunning towns such as Bari, Matera, Monopoli, and the opulent city of Lecce, whose stately churches have earned it the sobriquet “the Florence of the baroque.” Go behind the scenes of the UNESCO-listed architectural monuments that reflect Puglia’s profoundly complex history. Join expert-led inside looks at prehistoric troglodyte settlements, medieval fortresses, art-filled Romanesque churches, pilgrimage sites, traditional cone-shaped dwellings called trulli, and Renaissance palazzos. Throughout the journey, stay in charming hotels, including a 16th-century masseria (traditional fortified farmhouse), and savor farm-to-table dining showcasing Puglia’s world-renowned cuisine, from exquisite wines to sumptuous orecchiette with broccoli rabe. 

Traveling with You: Keith Christiansen, Curator Emeritus, formerly the John Pope-Hennessy Chairman of the Department of European Paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. He began work at The Met in 1977 and has since organized numerous exhibitions, ranging in subject from Painting in Renaissance Siena, Andrea Mantegna, and The Renaissance Portrait to Giambattista Tiepolo, El Greco, The Age of Caravaggio, Juseppe de Ribera, and Poussin and Nature.

Land Rate: $7,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Delight in special access to Egypt’s timeless treasures during a ten-night journey that combines travel by plane and riverboat. Discover the ancient wonders of Giza and Cairo, including the Great Pyramids, the enigmatic Great Sphinx, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum. In nearby Sakkara, explore Egypt’s oldest pyramid, and see the recently uncovered tomb of Wahtye. Take a privately chartered flight to Abu Simbel, where you will marvel at the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, each over six stories tall. Continue by air to Aswan to board the intimate riverboat Sanctuary Sun Boat III for a four-night voyage down the Nile. Stop to admire precious artifacts in the Nubian Museum. At the Ptolemaic temple in Kom Ombo, encounter the crocodile god Sobek, and journey to Edfu to admire the splendid temple of Horus. At the UNESCO-listed necropolis in Luxor, enjoy a rare look at Queen Nefertari’s exquisitely preserved tomb, adorned with delicate yet strikingly colorful wall paintings. Return to Cairo for two nights, with visits to the ninth-century Ibn Tulun Mosque and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the new permanent home of Egypt’s royal mummy collection.

Traveling with You: Christopher Noey is an art historian, author, and an Emmy award-winning producer of films on art and culture. At The Met, he created video installations for a diverse array of exhibitions and interviewed several contemporary artists for The Artist Project, an online series and related Phaidon publication of his interviews with 120 contemporary artists on how they are inspired by The Met and its collections. An expert in Asian and Islamic art, Mr. Noey has taught at Williams College and the City College of New York.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $16,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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Discover a wealth of splendid art in the American Midwest, including a full-day curator-led tour of the spectacular, internationally acclaimed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. First, go behind the scenes of extraordinary museums and private collections in Kansas City, Missouri. Take privately guided tours of the well-preserved home of artist Thomas Hart Benton, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. In Harry Truman’s hometown of Independence, see his spectacular Presidential Library, recently reopened after a $29 million renovation. Then head to Bentonville for Alice Walton’s superb interweaving of art and nature at Crystal Bridges, which showcases masterpieces by O’Keeffe, Rockwell, and others. Wander the museum’s campus and miles of walking trails to view outdoor sculptures, site-specific installations, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House.

Traveling with You: Rika Burnham is a leading theorist and practitioner of art museum gallery teaching. Author of Teaching in the Art Museum: Interpretation as Experience, and lecturer at Columbia University, she has served as Head of Education at the Frick Collection, Museum Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Project Director for TIME/Teaching Institute in Museum Education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and was appointed Getty Research Institute Museum Scholar in 2002 and 2018.

Land Rate: $6,499 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Travel back in time on a New Year’s explorations of Egypt’s timeless treasures. On an extraordinary journey that includes a four-night Nile River cruise, celebrate the New Year while you marvel at unparalleled ancient history. In Giza, tour the Great Pyramids; get an exclusive, up-close look at the Great Sphinx; and be among the first to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled to open in 2023, and  the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, permanent home of the royal mummy collection. Ring in 2024 at dinner and evening festivities with fellow travelers. After a privately chartered flight to Luxor for an overnight stay, explore the vast necropolis of Ancient Thebes. Board the luxury riverboat Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, following in the wake of ancient pharaohs. Along the way, step ashore to tour the Temple of Horus at Edfu, meet the crocodile god Sobek at Kom Ombo, and sail to the Temple of Philae near Aswan. Disembark and fly to Abu Simbel, where you will view the awe-inspiring statues of Ramses II and Nefertari, each over six stories tall. Conclude with a return to Cairo.

Traveling with You: Diana Craig Patch, Lila Acheson Curator in Charge of the Department of Egyptian Art

Land/Cruise Rates: From $13,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Beginning in vibrant Kolkata, sail the holiest river of Hinduism, the Ganges, on an enlightening voyage through India’s West Bengal region aboard the luxurious Ganges Voyager. Discover the fascinating metropolis of Kolkata, India’s second-largest city. Visit the superb Indian Museum, home to the precious remains of the third-century B.C. Buddhist stupa of Bharhut, with an exclusive tour of its peerless collection of Mughal and Rajput paintings (pending confirmation). Learn about Mother Teresa’s extraordinary life on a specially curated tour of Missionaries of Charity headquarters. Then embark Ganges Voyager, an elegant riverboat with luxurious amenities, on a seven-night journey, exploring the hidden corners of West Bengal, from its historic palaces, colonial architecture, and temple towns to its vibrant markets and untouched villages. Roam the extraordinary domes and landscaped gardens at Lord Krishna’s ISKCON temple in the village of Mayapur, one of the most sacred places in India, and explore the exceptional French colonial buildings in the 17th-century port of Chandannagar. Optional Kolkata prelude; optional Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur postlude (featuring a spectacular visit to the Taj Mahal).

Traveling with You: Christopher Noey is an art historian, author, and an Emmy award-winning producer of films on art and culture. At The Met, he created video installations for a diverse array of exhibitions and interviewed several contemporary Asian artists for The Artist Project, an online series and related Phaidon publication of his interviews with 120 contemporary artists on how they are inspired by The Met and its collections.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $9,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

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On an enriching winter escape, cruise aboard Sea Cloud to captivating Caribbean islands. First sailing in 1931, Sea Cloud was once the residence-at-sea of heiress and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post. Savor the luxury and history of this legendary sailing yacht, which has hosted leaders and icons such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Sweden’s King Gustavus V. Discover colonial estates, gardens, and the cultural intersections of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Bask in Caribbean breezes, starlit nights, and impeccable hospitality. First, explore Carriacou’s historical society housed in the one of the world’s oldest cotton ginneries. Venturing onward, Nevis awaits, with its meticulously reconstructed 17th-century childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, who was born on the island, and a botanical sanctuary boasting resplendent orchid terraces and a verdant rainforest conservancy. Immerse yourself in the gardens of Romney Manor on St. Kitts, an 18th-century plantation once owned by an ancestor of Thomas Jefferson. Explore the military fortress of Brimstone Hill, an extensive Revolutionary War site on St. Kitts, UNESCO-listed for its outstanding, extraordinarily well-preserved example of Colonial-era British military architecture. Step ashore in charming Terre-de-Haut in the Îles des Saintes. Finally, in Martinique, the “island of flowers,” go behind the scenes of spectacular gardens and hidden architectural marvels, including a lavishly adorned library that was meticulously transported from Paris to its current location.

Traveling with You: Alice W. Schwarz, a lecturer and educator with 40 years of experience at The Met and a master at the art of gallery-based teaching. 

Cruise Rates: $8,999 per person, double rate

Activity Level: Moderate

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Aboard the brand-new small ship Ocean Albatros, embark on a captivating North Sea voyage to explore the influential Hanseatic League, a confederation of merchant guilds and market towns from the 12th to the 15th centuries, which generated unprecedented wealth along Europe’s northern coasts and laid the foundation for the Renaissance. Sail from the south of England to Denmark and discover the extravagant legacy of this prosperity, going behind the scenes of magnificent public buildings, lavish private houses, and richly furnished museums. Transfer from London to Portsmouth, where you will embark the recently christened Ocean Albatros. From England, sail to French Normandy for inside looks at marvelous châteaux, medieval cathedrals, and World War II history.  In the Bayeux Cathedral, enjoy a private look at the sprawling Bayeux Tapestry, a landmark achievement of medieval art. Behold jewel-like medieval architecture in charming Bruges, Belgium. During Holland’s tulip season, discover millions of flowering bulbs at Keukenhof Gardens; experience Groningen, a hidden gem of a town; and enjoy exclusive private tours of museums such as Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum. Arrive in Germany for a day in Hamburg, with its massive UNESCO-listed district of brick warehouses, or delve into Hanseatic history at the European Hansemuseum in elegant Lübeck. Then navigate the picturesque, 61-mile-long Kiel Canal connecting the North Sea to the Baltic. Call in sparkling Rostock, the “Gateway to Scandinavia,” and spend a day in Copenhagen, where you’ll have a special tour of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

Traveling with You: Rika Burnham is a leading theorist and practitioner of art museum gallery teaching. Author of Teaching in the Art Museum: Interpretation as Experience, and lecturer at Columbia University, she has served as Head of Education at the Frick Collection, Museum Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Project Director for TIME/Teaching Institute in Museum Education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and was appointed Getty Research Institute Museum Scholar in 2002 and 2018.

Cruise Rates: From $6,999 per person, double rate.

Activity Level: Moderate

Please call 844-878-5638 or email met@arrangementsabroad.com to be among the first to receive a brochure. 

In May 2024, embark on an enchanting cruise aboard the boutique riverboat Magnifique III, traversing the Low Countries from Amsterdam to Bruges. Journey along meandering rivers and canals, encountering majestic cathedrals, picturesque gardens, iconic windmills, and charming medieval villages. Immerse yourself in these cities’ medieval architectural splendor, from Amsterdam’s historic Begijnhof to Bruges’ serene béguinage. Travel with the guidance of seasoned museum educator Rika Burnham and enjoy private viewings of extraordinary masterpieces in churches and museums. From the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to Antwerp’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Dutch and Flemish masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt, Bosch, and Bruegel will captivate you. Marvel at the meticulously restored Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in Ghent’s St. Bavo’s Cathedral. In Rotterdam, discover the city’s experimental 21st-century architecture, including the awe-inspiring Markthal, which combines residential apartments with a grand market, and access to the newly opened Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first public art storage facility.

Traveling with You: Rika Burnham is a leading theorist and practitioner of art museum gallery teaching. Author of Teaching in the Art Museum: Interpretation as Experience, and lecturer at Columbia University, she has served as Head of Education at the Frick Collection, Museum Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Project Director for TIME/Teaching Institute in Museum Education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and was appointed Getty Research Institute Museum Scholar in 2002 and 2018.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $8,999 per person (for select single-occupancy-only cabins); from $9,999 per person, double rate.

Activity Level: Moderate

Download the brochure (PDF).