Have you ever wanted time to sketch the scenic splendors of the ever-changing countryside from the deck of a luxurious floating boutique hotel? Check out Uniworld’s four exclusive Floating Art Workshops in Europe and Asia with renowned landscape and portrait artist Larry Aarons as your art instructor and mentor.
Designed for all skill levels, his three classes will include: how to create a charcoal portrait using his signature brush method; a small group capturing a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape; and a hand-drawn memento for you to keep. All sketch materials are provided at no additional cost. Classes are limited to 10 students each, so sign up as soon as you are settled aboard. 
Just named the 2018 World’s Best River Cruise Line by the readers of Travel + Leisure, Uniworld’s meticulously-designed luxury vessels not only take you on spectacular itineraries but the onboard ambiance also reflects the rich character of the historic regions in which you cruise. Complimentary daily shore excursions are also carefully curated to fully immerse you in the culture, cuisine and historic sites in ancient towns and villages that thrived as commercial traffic developed along the waterways. Exclusive Experiences also offer several options daily so you curate your own adventure. You can also use the vessels’ bikes or explore on foot.
Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy | 8 Days: Roundtrip from Venice | Departs October 21, 2018 | Ship: River Countess
The first of the four Floating Art Workshops is an 8-day roundtrip cruise from Venice highlighting the treasures of Northern Italy. Departing October 21, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy features the hidden treasures, food, wine, centuries-old art, architecture and historic sights of this splendid region. Enjoy an evening and lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, the seaside town of Chioggia loved by fishermen and artists alike, and a multicourse lunch with wine pairings at a historic wine estate in Valpolicella. Explore medieval Padua, once home to Galileo and Copernicus; Bologna’s sprawling historic Piazza Maggiore lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures; and UNESCO-designated Ferrara with its famed Palazzo dei Diamanti, Ferrara Cathedral and 14th centuryCastellol Estense.
Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong | 15 Days: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi | Departs: December 18, 2019 | Ship: Mekong Navigator
Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong, the second workshop mentored by artist Larry Aarons, is a 15-day sailing aboard the Mekong Navigator departing December 18 from Ho Chi Minh City for Hanoi. Two of the most beautiful, historic and friendly places in Asia, dynamic Vietnam and pastoral Cambodia are intriguing studies in contrast. Colorful floating villages lining the shores of the Mekong are rich in reminders of its French Colonial past. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s thriving capital, is fast-forwarding to the future yet retains a provincial intimacy, while lively Siem Reap is the gateway to the vast UNESCO-designated jungle temple complex of Angkor Wat.
Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time | 8 Days: Brussels to Amsterdam | Departs: March 24, 2019 | Ship: River Queen 
Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time is an 8-day itinerary from Brussels to Amsterdam departing March 24 aboard the River Queen. Fields of tulips as far as the eye can see, windmills silhouetted against the sky, and landscapes once painted by Vincent van Gogh are among the unforgettable sights that await you during spectacular annual tulip season when the fields and towns as far as the eye can see are alive with color. There’s great shopping, countless activity options, fabulous foodie spots and traditional culinary favorites including Belgian waffles, beer, pralines and chocolate during a walking tour of the world’s diamond capital. Maastricht, with its hundreds of national heritage sites, is one of the most beautiful cities in Holland. Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps ass you stroll through Nuenen where you’ll wander through the sites that inspired much of his art. In the historic town of Heusden, learn to make bread at a local bakery and wander through the remnants of a 13th-century fortress. See Kinderdijk’s 19 well-preserved windmills, and in Amsterdam, you’ll have an exclusive “Morning with the Masters” visit — minus the crowds — to the Amsterdam Hermitage Museum.
Brilliant Bordeaux | 8 Days: Roundtrip from Bordeaux | Departs: June 16, 2019 | Ship: River Royale
From its turbulent history, splendid châteaux, and rolling vineyards to its winding waterways and hilltop villages, Bordeaux is the ultimate oenophile’s paradise and traveler’s dream. Departing Bordeaux June 16, you’ll sail three magnificent rivers—the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde—and discover the proud legacy and heritage of Southwest France. Explore the cultural treasures and wineries of Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks and magnificent vineyards where you’ll sample French life, food, wines and enjoy an exquisite wine tasting in Fort Médoc. You’ll also see World War II in France from the enemy’s point of view during your visit to a defensive army camp and portions of the Atlantic Wall. A scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie reveals the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill. You can also opt to experience that same scenery on the seat of a bike. En route back to Bordeaux via Libourne, please your palate with several wine tastings, village tours, a farmers’ market visit, and Bordeaux Heritage walking tour.
About Larry Aarons 
Originally from Long Island’s North Shore, Larry graduated with a degree from NYC’s School of Visual Arts and works in every medium. His art has been featured in numerous one-man shows presented in galleries and museums in New York City, Art Basel in Florida and on Long Island, as well as numerous publications. His signature drawings have earned him the prestigious Presidents Award of the Salmagundi AAP and the Gold Medal of Honor from the American Artist Professional League. He has also been the spokesperson for Life and Art at the United Nations in New York City and was the artist featured on the cover of the international magazine ARTVoices. Fun Fact: Larry’s portraits of actor Robert di Niro and Chris Rock are now in their subjects’ respective personal collections.
Details are available at www.uniworld.com/en/promotions/floating-art-workshop/
All photos courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
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