The Best of France
July 19-29, 2009

Join us for a wonderful way to spend an extended summer holiday visiting France in all its glory. 

Enjoy touring the fabulous French Riviera towns & beaches of Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez.
Spend 3 days in the scenic region of Provence, strolling the picturesque villages of Le Beaux, St. Remy and Avignon, with free time to enjoy the Avignon Summer Festival.  Tour the Papal Palace, home to the popes’ official residence for nearly 100 years in the 14th century.  Enjoy a wine tasting at a French Chateau Winery and a stroll in the foothills of the French Alps with a picnic lunch catered and served to you.
Spend 3 days in Paris with a tour of its famed sites, a sunset river cruise alongside the Eiffel Tower and many more sites, aglow under the setting sun and watch from a private balcony, as Lance Armstrong and the rest of the Tour de France cyclists reach the finale of their annual race, amidst music, and great festivity.
Stroll Monet’s gardens at Giverny, visit the site where Joan of Arc rode and was burned at the stake in Rouen.  Visit the scenic Cliffside & beachside monastery of Mont St. Michel and the historic World War II D Day beaches and the American military cemetery commemorating the monumental achievements there.
All together, you will enjoy a journey that will leave memories to cherish.
 
DAILY ITINERARY:

Sunday JULY 19TH
 THIS EVENING WE WILL DEPART FROM New York JFK AIRPORT, FLYING DELTA AIRLINES NONSTOP SERVICE INTO NICE, ON THE FABULOUS FRENCH RIVIERA.

Monday July 20th
On arrival this morning in Nice, we will be met by our bilingual tour manager guide and escorted to our chartered coach.  We will enjoy a short tour of scenic Nice, followed by a tour of nearby Cannes, home to the annual famed Cannes Film Festival.

Next, we will continue our drive along the Riviera to the most famous beach town of them all, St. Tropez.  Here we will check into our hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to relax on the glorious beaches of St. Tropez or people watch the “beautiful people” where you may just see a celebrity. 
Overnight at the Sube Hotel or similar, centrally located hotel right in the heart of St. Tropez’s excitement.

One of the scenic beaches along St. Tropez on the fabulous French Riviera

Tuesday July 21st
After checking out of our hotel on scintillating St. Tropez, we will coach to Cassis, where we will enjoy a 2 hour cruise of the incomparable cliffs (called Calanques).  The views of the cliffs are astounding as we sail alongside 8 unique calanques.

THE CLIFFS ALONG THE ROUTE OF OUR CALANQUES CRUISE

Following our cruise, we will next coach to the nearby village of Le Beaux in the scenic region of Provence.

Le Beaux is situated in a fantastic promontory overlooking astounding views.  Stroll the quaint streets that are picture postcard and shop for French treats.

It has a spectacular position in the Alpilles mountains, set atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a ruined castle overlooking the plains.  It has earned a reputation as one of the most picturesque villages in France

The surrounding dramatic rocks and cliffs are said to have inspired Dante in his vivid descriptions of Purgatory in the Inferno

The cliff top village of LeBeuax France

Time permitting; we will visit the scenic town of St. Remy, where Vincent Van Gogh lived his final days and where many commemorations to his life still exist.

We will end the day in the scenic town of Avignon, where we will check into to our hotel, home to our stay the next 3 nights.  The Citea Avignon , is a brand new hotel in Avignon, having opened in September 2008.  It is part of the respected Citea chain with 52 locations across France, with this Avignon hotel being their newest addition.

Each room has its own kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, sink and even a small dining table.  Each room also has free high speed internet access.  Our hotel is less than 5 minutes walk to the train/bus terminal where every 20 minutes a city bus goes into the hopping center of town – a short 10 minute ride, where you will find many shops, restaurants and fun, especially during the exciting Avignon Summer Festival, ongoing all week across our stay.

Visit the Citea website for more details if you wish at http://www.citea.com/Site/HomePage,en.html 

The balance of the day and evening is at leisure to stroll the scenic town of Avignon, filled with quaint French bistros and more and enjoy the festivities of the Avignon Summer Festival.

The scenic Rhone River, flowing through Avignon France

Wednesday July 22nd
 This morning we will enjoy a visit to the incredible Papal Palace, official home to the Popes of the 14th century.  The palace is an amazing structure, boasting an equally amazing history.

Papal Palace as seen from across the Rhone River

After returning to our hotel, we will have free time to freshen up and then we will enjoy this afternoon, a leisurely walk/hike in the foothills of the amazing French Alps.  The walk is suitable for all ages.  We will enjoy a picnic lunch catered to you during our walk and will finish at a scenic French Chateau, which is also a winery.

We will enjoy a wine tasting here along with free time, before heading back to our hotel in Avignon, for the balance of the day and evening, at leisure.

Thursday July 23rd
 Today we will enjoy a free day to explore Avignon and its wonderful Avignon Summer Festival.  Enjoy music, food and drink, or if you prefer, head to see the historic Roman Aqueducts and Arena in the nearby towns of Nimes or Arles.  If you wish, sign up for our optional cooking class, where the French chef will show you the finer points of French cooking.

Friday July 24th

 Today we will be taken to the train station where we will enjoy 1ST CLASS SEATS aboard the TGV high speed train for our short 3 hour journey to Paris.  Upon arrival at Gare de Lyon station in Paris we will be transferred to our hotel for check in for our 3 night stay in Paris.  Our hotel, The Mercure Gare de Lyon is conveniently located just 1 block from the TGV station and the adjacent metro station, thus providing the most convenient access to visit the many sites of the city at your leisure.  Such famed sites as the famous Louvre Museum (only 1.2 miles away), the Notre Dame Cathedral ( only 1.8 miles away) and Eiffel Tower (only 2.2 miles away) are all a very short and easy metro ride, or a leisurely walk if you are so inclined.

There are a number of good seafood restaurants in walking distance across the street from the station, as well as fast food within the station itself, for those wishing to find convenient access to dining options and many more nice restaurants within an easy metro ride from our hotel.

All rooms are equipped with hair dryers, mini bar, in room safe, WIFI access, and more.

This afternoon, we will enjoy a city tour of Paris, including its most famous sites including the Arc d Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eifel Tower

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Stain glass windows at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

The balance of the afternoon is at your leisure.  This evening we will enjoy a scintillating cruise on the famed Seine River.  The cruise starts just before sunset, and ends just after sundown, thus allowing all the chance to see the sights of Paris at their best in the sunlight, in the glow of the sunset and in the shimmer of the night lights along the scenic Seine River.

 
Seine River cruise passing by the Museum d'Orsay

The Eiffel Tower as seen from our Seine River cruise

Saturday July 25th
 Today, choose between a fabulous morning tour to visit the home and Gardens of Claude Monet in nearby Giverny, followed by a full afternoon at leisure back in Paris or enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Paris at your own pace and your own interests.
Our visit to Giverny, the former home and gardens of famed French Impressionist painter Claude Monet, you will be able to stroll the same gardens as did Monet.  View the ponds where the water lilies he painted still float effortlessly and tour the house in which he lived.  Giverny is just 1 hour from Paris, so those choosing to make the visit will be back in Paris by mid day with a full free afternoon to visit the exquisite museums of Paris, including the famed Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa.

The exterior of the most famous museum in the world – the Louvre, Paris
Those choosing not to visit Giverny will enjoy a full free day to explore Paris at your leisure.

Monet's Home at Giverny

The gardens of Monet at Giverny

The scenic water lilies in Monet’s gardens at Giverny.

This evening you may wish to attend one of the famed shows of Paris including the Moulen Rouge or the Lido.

You may choose instead to return to the Eifel Tower to take the elevator to its observation decks for an incredible view or evening for a great dinner at its restaurant atop the city skyline.

 Sunday July 26th
Today is a full free day to explore Paris at your leisure. 

Be sure to stop for French Crepes at one of the many Creperies that dot the streets of Paris

If you wish, visit the artist’s quarter at Montemarte for an absolutely charming afternoon stroll

Carousel at the foot of Montmartre

Visit the Louvre, or if you made your Louvre visit on Saturday, maybe you wish to visit the Musee D Orsee, the home to France’s most prized collection of impressionist art, including the most famed works of Monet. (If you visited Giverny and the inspiration of Monet on Saturday morning and the Louvre on Saturday afternoon, you may enjoy visiting Monet’s most famed works on display at the Musee D Orsee on Sunday)
For those interested, you can enjoy the festivities today of the arrival of the Tour D France cycling race.

The exciting conclusion - Racers chase the finish line of the Tour D France
Only one day a year does Paris get excited for the arrival of its annual most celebrated sporting event of the year.  On this day, excitement, drama, pageantry, food, drink and music all come together for a one of a kind celebration centered on the Arc d Triomphe, the destination where the riders, all of who have been cycling across France for the last 10 days, will arrive and cross the finish line to cheers of fans and casual observers alike.
The finish traditionally is in the mid to late afternoon, so if you wish to enjoy the morning at leisure to explore one of the famed museums of Paris and then enjoy the festivities in the afternoon, you will have a great day in store.

We have secured a limited number of passes to have a select number of our passengers attend a private party on the balcony of a 5 star hotel overlooking the finish line at the Arc d Triomphe.
Make your reservation early to secure this coveted viewing opportunity.

The Arc D Triomphe – finish line of the Tour D France
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806

Tonight, enjoy one final night in Paris, the city of lights.

Monday July 27th

This morning is once again at your leisure to relax, or if you wish, catch or visit again a museum you missed or just wish to see more…
At mid day we will check out of our hotel and then ride in comfort aboard our chartered coach to the town of Rouen, approx 90 mins. to 2 hours from Paris.  On arrival we will enjoy a tour of the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake and the history behind her legend.
Joan of Arc, Saint, in French, Jeanne d'Arc (1412-1431), called the Maid of Orléans, national heroine and patron saint of France, who united the nation at a critical hour and decisively turned the Hundred Years' War in France's favor.
On May 30, 1431, Joan was burned at the stake in the Old Market Square at Rouen, after being convicted of heresy.
Twenty-five years after her death, the church retried her case, and she was pronounced innocent. In 1920 she was canonized by Pope Benedict XV; her traditional feast day is May 30.
 
The spot where Joan was burned at the stake in the Old Market Square at Rouen

We will then check into our hotel, The MERCURE CHAMPS DE MARS.  Our hotel is just a 10 minute walk from the historic city centre with all shops nearby. Hotel Mercure Rouen Champ De Mars is located on Seine river side, face to Lacroix Island and is near to the esplanade flourish of the Champ de Mars.
Click the link below to view details of our hotel:
http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-1273-mercure-rouen-champ-de-mars/index.shtml
Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure in Rouen to explore this fascinating town.

The dramatic Cathedral of Rouen

The flower market in the Old Town Square of Rouen, near the memorial to Joan of Arc’s burning at the stake.

Tuesday July 28th
Today we will enjoy a full day of fabulous siteseeing.
First we will coach to visit the incredible monastery of Mont. St. Michel.
The monastery is located on a unique beachside promenade where the waves come in each morning and crash alongside the monastery, creating the most unique images. 

Mont St. Michel towering over the sea

Following our visit to Mont. St. Michel, we will continue through the region of Normandy to visit the site of the historic World War II D Day beaches.  Here we will see the site where American and other Allied troops stormed the Normandy coast to challenge the enemy forces of the Nazis in one of the most heroic battles that shaped the future of both our nation and the world.

We will visit the American Military cemetery that pays tribute to the American soldiers that gave their lives in this historic battle for freedom.  We will have free time for lunch alongside the beach and time to reflect on the historic significance of the area.

A map displays the allied invasion strategy of the successful D day raid

The Landing Beaches - Mother of Pearl and Bessin Coasts
Beyond the Orne stretch steep cliffs shadowing beaches of fine golden sand. The British beaches (Sword, Juno, Gold Beaches), and the American beaches (Omaha Beach, Utah Beach) were names given in the war and have remained, the original ones never to be reverted to.

Time permitting, we will have free time to visit the museum that houses many exhibits that pay tribute to the same heroic efforts of American and Allied troops
In the war (entrance fee to the museum is not included).

Museum in Arromanches – The museum of the D day historical raids of World War II

At the end of our day we will enjoy our chartered coach for the ride back to our hotel in Rouen.

Wed. July 29th
This morning we will coach back to Paris to check in at the airport for our nonstop flight from Paris to Atlanta on Delta airlines.

Passengers choosing to take our group air on Delta will also have the option of connecting flights from Atlanta to their home city at discount rates.

Included in our tour of the Best of France:

• 1 night accommodations at the Sube Hotel or similar centrally located hotel in the heart of in St Tropez
• 3 nights accommodations at one of the Mercure family of hotels, centrally located in Avignon France (Provence)
• 3 nights accommodations at the Mercure Tour Eiffel, or similar centrally located hotel in Paris
• 2 nights accommodations at the Mercure Champs De Mars hotel, centrally located in Rouen France
• All hotels include breakfast daily

Plus included tours of:

• The fabulous French Riviera towns of Nice and Cannes
• The scenic cliffs and calanques of Cassis on our 90 minute guided cruise
• The quaint towns of Provence including the Cliffside village of Le Beaux, offering mesmerizing views above Provence
• The Papal Palace of Avignon, home to the official residence of the popes for nearly 100 years in the 14th century
• Guided hiking tour in the foothills of the French Alps outside Avignon, with catered picnic lunch and visit to French winery
• City sightseeing tour of Paris
• Sunset cruise on the Seine River alongside the Eiffel Tower and other famed sites of the city
• Visit to Monet’s home and gardens at Giverny.
• Tour of Rouen including the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake
• Tour of Mount St. Michel Monastery
• Tour of the American Military cemetery and D Day beaches of World War II

• Plus a special offering of free viewing balcony at the finish line to watch the finale of the tour d France for a select number of passengers.
  

• Also included is our 1ST CLASS RAIL TICKETS FROM AVIGNON TO PARIS

• PROFESSIONAL BI LINGUAL FRENCH TOUR MANAGER THROUGHOUT THE TOUR

TRIP COST:  ONLY  $2299 PER PERSON

Optional single supplement (for passengers not wishing a roommate):  $599

Optional group air on Delta airlines nonstop flight from New York JFK to Nice France and returning to NY JFK from Paris: $1499 round trip  including all air taxes guaranteed locked in (our fare on this trip can not increase !)

Flight options:  Passengers traveling from Atlanta may choose to take return flight from Paris nonstop to Atlanta, along with outbound flight from Atlanta to JFK, connecting to the group’s flight nonstop from JFK to Nice for round trip fare of $1738 including all taxes locked in.

  Passengers travelling from Los Angeles may choose to take flight LAX to JFK, connecting to group’s flight JFK to Nice and return flight Paris to Atlanta, connecting to LAX for round trip fare of $1738 including all locked in taxes.

  Passengers travelling from any other city may inquire as to the best fare from your city into JFK connecting to the group’s nonstop flight to Nice with return from Paris through the best routing back to your home city.   

A $200 deposit is required to secure your space.
  Deposits are fully refundable if cancelled by March 31st and non refundable if cancelled thereafter.

Final payment is due Monday May 4th and is
Non-refundable upon receipt.