BRANDONS TRAVEL PRESENTS. 23 Days ... of the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde and then travel along the ..... cheque or
BRANDONS TRAVEL PRESENTS
CULTURAL FRANCE 23 Days | Departing 28 June 2017 | Fully Escorted Group Tour
Abbey of Mont-St-Michel
DAY 1: WED 28 JUN 2017 Depart Townsville Depart Townsville (inflight meals) DAY 2: THU 29 JUN 2017 Arrive Paris Welcome to Paris, the City of Light! France is a diverse and fascinating country with so much to offer and your tour will reveal a host of regional delights and specialties. Upon arrival into Charles de Gaulle Airport you will be met by your Tour Director and transferred to your hotel. Relax and settle in, or start exploring this great capital. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine at our hotel. (WD) DAY 3: FRI 30 JUN 2017 Paris Sightseeing Today our Parisian guide will introduce us to all the fabulous sights of this beautiful city. We see the Notre Dame Cathedral, with its tale of Quasimodo, the fascades of the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde and then travel along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Next we ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular panoramic views over the city! You are at leisure for the rest of the day to enjoy this elegant city as you wish. Why not meet the enigmatic Mona Lisa in the Louvre or shop in the chic boutiques and elegant department stores? By night why not try one of the world famous cabaret shows for an evening of excitement and glamour? (BB)
discover this charming city on a walking tour, taking in the architectural jewel of the region - the Hospices. Tonight we enjoy a Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Grand Cru village of Fixin. (BB,HD) DAY 6: MON 03 JUL 2017 Dijon – Chamonix Head towards the Maconnai and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits, as you head into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. Why not take a spectacular drive high into the mountains this evening for a traditional Savoyard style dinner? (BB) DAY 7: TUE 04 JUL 2017 Chamonix - Grenoble This morning, embark on a breathtaking drive to the lakeside town of Annecy. Enjoy free time for lunch in the Little Venice area or perhaps take a boat trip. Then it’s off to Grenoble, the ancient capital of the Dauphiné region. (BB,D) DAY 8: WED 05 JUL 2017 Grenoble - Nice Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy, as you travel along part of the spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to
DAY 4: SAT 01 JUL 2017 Paris - Dijon This morning we depart Paris and head to Troyes, in the Champagne region - its magnificent core of medieval buildings is appropriately shaped like a champagne cork. Continue into Burgundy, once a powerful duchy and synonymous with fine wine. Stop in the quiet village of Chablis which gives its name to one of the most famous French wines. Join an expert vintner for a taste and introduction to these refreshing steely whites before moving on to historic Dijon, its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Duchy of Burgundy was more powerful than the Kings of France. (BB,D) DAY 5: SUN 02 JUL 2017 Beaune & The Burgundy Wine Road We take a scenic drive through the most prestigious vineyards of Burgundy - the Cote d’Or, where every village sign reads like a wine list. Arriving in Beaune we will
Cote d’Azur
try to take the throne of France once more. Continue to the French Riviera and the elegant resort of Nice. Tonight we take a guided walk through the historic and colourful maze of alleyways and streets of the Old Town. See Piazza Rozzetti, stroll along Rue Droite and finish in Cours Saleya, where we enjoy dinner together at one of the local bistros. (BB,HD) DAY 9: THU 06 JUL 2017 Cote D’Azur Excursion Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, then continue to Monaco. Drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and explore the old town which overlooks the yacht-filled harbour. See the Royal Palace and visit the cathedral housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The remainder of the day is then set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. (BB) DAY 10: FRI 07 JUL 2017 Nice - Avignon Visit the medieval village of St-Paul-de-Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Continue to Aixen-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau, before continuing to the pretty village of
Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy a wonderful introduction to the famous wine, taste the difference for yourself and learn about the various grape varieties that are allowed in the final blend of the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine. Journey on to Avignon for the next two nights. (BB,D) DAY 11: SAT 08 JUL 2017 Arles & Avignon Excursion Head to the beautiful town of Arles, ancient capital of Gaul and follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh during an orientation tour. Next, see the greatest of the Roman remains, the incredible three-tiered Pont du Gard. Return to Avignon and see the remaining arches of the 12th century Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Pont d’Avignon of the famous song and walk through the medieval battlements to the town centre, dominated by the fortified Papal Palace. The rest of your day is at leisure. This evening enjoy drinks and mouth-watering cuisine, served in stunning surroundings in the town of Villeneuveles- Avignon, a residence for Cardinals in the 14C. A feast for all the senses! (BB,HD)
Chateau Chenonceau
Cahors, famous for its ‘Black Wine’, and see the Pont Valentré before heading to Rocamadour. A resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain, the medieval town is perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River. After some time to explore, continue on to your hotel in the Dordogne. (BB,D)
DAY 12: SUN 09 JUL 2017 Avignon At Leisure Today is completely free at leisure for you to relax and soak up the Provencal atmosphere of Avignon. Explore the quaint streets such as the Rue des Teinturiers and elegant squares like the Place des Corps Saints. Or perhaps sit at one of the many cafes in the heart of town at the Place de l’Horloge, which is lined with shady plane trees and watch the world go by. (BB)
DAY 15: WED 12 JUL 2017 Dordogne Valley Excursion Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II where the worldfamous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Later, make your way to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses. Later, sample some of the local Dordogne specialties. (BB)
DAY 13: MON 10 JUL 2017 Avignon – Carcassonne Today we head to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travellers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem. The UNESCO listed site is like stepping back in time, the city has a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep, even a sports ground for jousting! This afternoon we embrace the relaxed pace of the south as you cruise the sun-dappled Canal du Midi, lined with shady plane trees. Drift through the vine-clad countryside, with an included coffee and pastry tasting. (BB,D)
DAY 16: THU 13 JUL 2017 Bordeaux Excursion Today is devoted to the grandeur of Bordeaux, where a Local Expert unveils some of the finest 18th century architecture in France. Drive along broad leafy boulevards, past monuments which recall the days of trading success; the façades of the quaysides, Grand Theatre, Triangle d’Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all helped Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Return via a local cellar in Saint-Emilion to sample some great regional wines with an expert vintner. (BB)
DAY 14: TUE 11 JUL 2017 Carcassonne – Dordogne Continue to Albi, where we enjoy an orientation tour of this old city known for its amazing cathedral and the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. Next we stop in
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Mont Saint-Michel
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Château d'Ussé
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(Day 6)
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(Day 10, 11 and 12)
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DAY 17: FRI 14 JUL 2017 Dordogne – Loire Valley Continue north through the Poitou Charentes region to the Loire Valley and stop to visit the beautiful Chateau Chenonceau. One of the most remarkable castles ever built, Chenonceau features stunning landscaped gardens and priceless collections of Renaissance furniture, tapestries and art. Tonight for dinner, we enjoy some delicious local specialties at a traditional family-owned and operated gastronomic restaurant. (BB,HD) DAY 18: SAT 15 JUL 2017 Loire Valley Excursion In the morning we take a guided tour of Chateau de Villandry, the ‘Jewel of the Loire’. Visit the glorious gardens and ensure you don’t miss the water garden, ornamental garden and kitchen garden – a stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil. We then head to the fairytale castle of Chateau d’Usse where we take a fascinating tour of the castle that inspired Charles Perrault to write ‘Sleeping Beauty’. (BB) DAY 19: SUN 16 JUL 2017 Loire Valley – St Malo Today we stop in Saumur, where a local vinter will guide you through tastings of the region’s delicious wines. We then travel through Brittany where with a local expert, we visit the hilltop abbey and picturesque streets of Mont-St-Michel, perched on an island on the Normandy coast. Then, continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning St-Malo - one of the most charming places in France. You are at leisure to walk around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets are abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. (BB) DAY 20: MON 17 JUL 2017 St Malo – Paris Driving through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce, Chartres Cathedral looms large on the horizon. Once inside, marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window that floods the cathedral with colour and light. From here, return to the French capital, where there is time for last minute shopping! This evening we enjoy a leisurely Farewell Dinner cruise along the River Seine, where Paris at night is a city transformed. A perfect finale to your journey through France!. (BB,FD) DAY 21: TUE 18 JUL 2017 Depart Paris Our memorable tour comes to an end today as we transfer to the airport for our onward flight home! (BB) DAY 22: WED 19 JUL 2017 In Transit (inflight meals) DAY 23: THU 20 JUL 2017 Arrive Townsville
MEAL KEY: (BB) = Buffet Breakfast, (WD) = Welcome Dinner, (D) = Hotel Dinner, (HD) = Local Restaurant Dinner, (FD) = Farewell Dinner
TOUR INCLUSIONS
TOUR PRICE
including Economy Air
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS Paris: Ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
$12,740*
Chablis: Taste one of the most famous wines in the world.
per person twin share
Cote d’Azur: Visit a French perfumery, then walk through the old streets of Monaco to see the Palace and the Tomb of Princess Grace.
*Return economy airfares to France ex Townsville - Airfares subject to Early Bird availability
St-Paul-de-Vence: Discover how this hilltop town became a refuge for an artist. Chateauneuf-du-Pape: Enjoy a visit to the famous wine village where you sample wine with an expert.
$2,650* per person single supplement
Arles: Visit the ancient two-tiered amphitheatre built by the Romans in the 1st century AD and which is still used for plays and concerts today. Carcassonne: Visit the medieval fortified UNESCO heritage listed town which is like stepping back in time. Lascaux II Caves: Containing some of the oldest and finest prehistoric art in the world. For preservation reasons, they have been replicated in all their glory. Sarlat-la-Caneda: Visit this beautiful town and sample some of the local Dordogne specialities. Chateau Chenonceau: Enjoy a visit to one of the most remarkable castles ever built, with stunning landscaped gardens and priceless collections of Renaissance art. Villandry: Beside the Cher river stands Villandry Castle, surrounded by France’s finest formal gardens.
TERMS & CONDITIONS - LAND ONLY
(CONTACT BRANDONS TRAVEL FOR AIRLINE TERMS & CONDITIONS) NOT INCLUDED Passport and applicable Visa Fees, charges imposed by third parties, laundry, phone calls, items of a personal nature, beverages, meals and sightseeing not detailed in the itinerary, excess baggage, travel insurance, travel to and from Townsville airport. Please note that travel insurance is highly recommended. Please see Brandons Travel for more details.
Saumur: Fun and informative, discuss the grape varieties and local terroir while sampling wines of the Loire Valley.
DEPOSIT A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required within 7 days to secure a place on tour. Airfare deposit and final payment requirements will be advised at time of booking.
Mont-St-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of MontSt-Michel.
PART PAYMENT A further nonrefundable payment of $3,000 is due 30 Oct 2016.
Chartres: Inside Chartres Cathedral, marvel at the stained-glass windows, considered the finest medieval glass in France.
FINAL PAYMENT The balance of monies due for the tour must be paid by 31 Mar 2017. Payments can be made by cash, cheque or credit card (no fees apply). Airfare final payment conditions will be advised at time of booking. Payments after this date may incur a late fee payment.
Chateau d’Usse: Visit the fairytale castle, Charles Perrault inspiration for his tale ‘Sleeping Beauty’.
INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICE • Fully Escorted from Townsville by Victoria Brandon • Escorted by a professional Tour Director from Day 2 to Day 21 • Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seater coach with extended leg room and on-board rest room • 19 nights in First Class hotel accommodation including all service charges, taxes and porterage • Group arrival and departure transfers at a scheduled time on arrival in Paris on Day 2 and departing Paris on Day 21
INCLUDED QUALITY DINING • 19 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) • 1 Welcome Reception and Dinner (WD) • 1 Highlight Dinner including a Burgundy wine tasting in the Grand Cru village of Fixin (HD) • 1 Highlight Dinner in Nice at one of the local bistros (HD) • 1 Highlight Dinner in the town of Villeneuve-des-Avignon a residence for the Cardinals in the 14C (HD) • 1 Highlight Dinner in Loire in a traditional family-owned and operated gastronomic restaurant (HD) • 5 three-course table d’hote Dinners plus tea or coffee (D) • 1 Farewell Dinner in Paris on board a Seine River cruise through the heart of the ‘City of Light’ (FD)
CANCELLATIONS In the event you have to cancel your booking, cancellation fees will apply. Deposit will be forfeited on cancellation prior to balance payment. After due date for final payment, additional cancellation charges are subject to the conditions imposed by individually contracted tour operators, airlines and hotels. CHANGES IN PRICE AND ITINERARY Prices in this brochure are based on costs, charges, tariffs, taxes, levies and exchange rates at the time of publication. In the event that such fluctuations affect the price to be paid for services, Brandons Travel reserves the right to adjust the price as necessary at any time. Insight Vacations reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary or change hotels should it be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Coach use is subject to EEC Regulations. TRAVELLING ALONE We do not wish to disadvantage individuals travelling without a companion. Should you prefer
a guaranteed single room, a single supplement will apply. Brandons Travel will try to match you with another traveller of the same gender. Please understand that compatibility cannot be guaranteed and this offer is conditional on acceptance of this factor. PORTERAGE One suitcase on tour is included in the tour price and at arrival or departure from each hotel. Due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should have a weight not exceeding 30 kg and dimensions not exceeding 77.5 cm x56 cm x 32 cm. Charges will be levied in the event these limits are exceeded and our promise to transport you as indicated may be invalidated. Note: Airlines may restrict check-in baggage to 20kgs per person – check with your travel agent for airline luggage allowance. LOCAL CURRENCY, TRAVELLER CHEQUES We recommend that you take with you a combination of holiday money, credit cards and local currency. Brandons Travel can provide further assistance if required. PASSPORT, VISAS AND TAXES You must have a valid passport with 6 months validity from date of return. SMOKING is not permitted on board aircraft or coaches, and within the airport terminals. SEAT CHANGES A seat rotation system will apply on board our coach whilst touring. DOCUMENTATION Approximately 2 weeks prior to departure from Australia, documentation will be received by your travel agent including a tour itinerary, a full hotel list, baggage labels and ticket wallet. MINIMUM NUMBERS A minimum of 20 passengers is required to operate this tour as brochure. Should this not be met, Brandons Travel reserves the right to alter or cancel arrangements. For further information on any of the above conditions, please contact our friendly staff at Brandons Travel.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO BOOK PLEASE CONTACT
118 Queen Street, Ayr Qld 4807 | Ph: 07 4783 1400 Email:
[email protected] | www.brandonstravel.com.au
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