Journeys. Savor the Pleasures of Provence and Normandy Explore the heart of Provence Cruise the Seine River from Paris to Normandy

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1 with Paul and Christine ~ A SPECIAL VALUE SIGNATURE JOURNEY ~ Savor the Pleasures of Provence and Normandy Explore the heart of Provence Cruise the Seine River from Paris to Normandy September 23-October 5, 2017 Hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen

2 with Paul and Christine Dear friends, Can you imagine a more pleasant way to enjoy early autumn than to savor the rich pleasures of France? We invite you to join us in September as we explore the timeless charms of Provence. From our base at a fine hotel in beautiful Aix-en-Provence, we ll visit charming villages, take part in a festive market day and, of course, dine well. (Have you ever read the books, beginning with A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle? If so, you won t want to miss this experience.) Next we ll race through the countryside on board one of France s high-speed TGV trains to Paris where we ll board a superb riverboat, the AmaLyra, to cruise through the idyllic Seine River valley to explore another sublime region of France, Normandy. Your Security Aware of our travelers concerns for their security, each of our Signature Journeys has been planned for destinations well removed from any civil strife or antagonism towards Americans. Moreover, when we travel, we maintain a low profile and work with trusted local partners who know local conditions and have great concern for your welfare. We want you to enjoy a feeling of comfort and ease when you travel with us. Of course, no visit to Normandy would be complete without a visit to remember the Allied landings on the beaches of Normandy. Each time we visit this region, we re reminded me of the bravery of thousands of valiant soldiers. As we cruise down the Seine we ll savor marvelous scenery from the ship s Sun Deck and stop to visit wonderfully memorable sights such as Monet s home and beautiful gardens (and the spot where he created so many masterpieces). Finally we ve designated this Signature Journey as a special value. Including our time in Provence, the cost of the entire journey is just a bit more than the cost of the week-long cruise on the AmaLyra. Just nine rooms are open for sale and some have been reserved even before this program has been completed. We invite you to join us as we savor the rich pleasures of France. Paul and Christine SW Greenburg Road, Suite 400 Portland, OR Telephone: Fax:

3 Itinerary September 23, 2017 Depart for Marseille, France As you begin your journey to southern France today, think about the pleasures that lie ahead: charming villages and fascinating markets to explore; fine cuisine and cheeses paired with lovely regional wines; a lovely cruise through the beautiful Seine River valley and all the fun we ll have with our pleasant circle of travelers. For now, settle back and sleep a little; it won t be long before you arrive. September 24, 2017 Aix-en-Provence, France When you land in Marseille today, we ll be there to welcome you and arrange for your transfer to our comfortable hotel in nearby Aix, perfectly situated to explore this grand city. After you ve had time to relax, Paul and Christine invite you to join them for a glass of wine and a pleasant dinner to celebrate the beginning of a delightful journey. DINNER 3

4 Each Signature Journey is unique and individually planned. As we create our Signature Journeys, we keep your personal travel objectives and your satisfaction in mind. When you travel with us, you ll be one of a select few (typically travelers). If you are just another cruise passenger, you are one of nearly 160 people. Art in the limestone quarry September 25, 2017 Le Baux and St.-Remy-de-Provence We ll begin our day with a uniquely French experience, visiting a limestone quarry. As you enter the darkened cavern, you ll walk through huge illuminated art projected on the towering walls of the quarry and even on the floor. It s an experience that s difficult to describe but you ll be delighted you came. While we re here we ll also walk into the historic hilltop village of Le Baux don t leave your camera at home! The unparalleled brilliance of the natural light in Provence attracted many of the impressionists. We ll conclude our day in nearby St.-Remy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh continued to paint while he was confined to an asylum near the end of his life. We ll view the same grove of olive trees he saw and painted from his little window. St. Remy itself is a delightful little community, often a discreet home to the world s celebrities. You ll find wonderful shopping and delightful places to sit outside for a café au lait or a glass of wine. Breakfast LUNCH 4

5 September 26, 2017 Aix-en-Provence, France Aix is an interesting, aristocratic university town with elegant avenues and over 40 fountains. Though some would say that the tree-lined grand boulevard, Cours Mirabeau, is typically Provencal; actually Napoleon ordered the trees planted to protect his troops from the sun. The noted painter, Paul Cezanne, was born in Aix-en-Provence. While enrolled to study law at the city s university, he spent his free time painting and writing poetry. (Reminds us of our kids.) While here, we ll visit his home and studio. It would be a pity to come to Aix without seeing more of the city so we ll explore the old quarter this morning. We ve left the afternoon free for you to return to those areas of Aix that interest you most. We invite you to join us for dinner this evening. Breakfast DINNER 5

6 We strive to introduce you to the best each region offers. We typically include special events and private invitations to inspire your imagination and provide you with special privileges. In addition we try to include some free time to pursue those activities that interest you most. We are not museum or cathedral focused ; rather, our goal is to introduce you to a region s way of life and to immerse you into the local culture. A village in the Luberon September 27, 2017 L isle-sur-la-sorgue and the Luberon The Island in the River Sorgue is a charming little town nearly surrounded by the waters of the river. Due to the many water wheels that could be built on the river, L Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was once a bustling manufacturing town known for weaving, dyeing, tanning, paper making and milling of grain. Today we ll visit the famous market in L isle-sur-la- Sorgue. In addition to all the fresh produce, flowers and colorful fabrics, this market is known for its antiques. Women bargain loudly with the merchants; the clamor of chickens, ducks and geese add to the noise, and the colorful fruits and vegetables provide wonderful compositions for photographers. In addition to tempting cheeses, patés, sausages, olives and garden-fresh produce, merchants display brightly printed Provencal tablecloths, rustic dishware, pungent spices and intriguing articles for the kitchen and home. It s a great morning! Afternoon: If you have not read the delightful book, A Year in Provence, by British author Peter Mayle, you ll want to do so before we head out to visit one of the delightful villages in the Luberon, the hilly region of Provence. We won t need guided tours here; rather, we ll simply walk along the charming old streets, greet the locals and, perhaps, envy the way of life in these little villages that overflow with charm. BREAKFAST LUNCH 6

7 We strive to introduce you to the best each region offers. We typically include special events and private invitations to inspire your imagination and provide you with special privileges. In addition we try to include some free time to pursue those activities that interest you most. We are not museum or cathedral focused ; rather, our goal is to introduce you to a region s way of life and to immerse you into the local culture. September 28, 2017 Provence to Paris After breakfast this morning, we ll say farewell to Aix-en-Provence as we board one of France s famed TGV trains (first class seats of course). In just about three hours we ll comfortably travel more than 450 miles through the heart of France at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour. Shortly after we reach Paris, we ll find ourselves on board the lovely AmaLyra, our home for the next week. You ll soon settle into your comfortable, well-equipped staterooms, each offering good closet space, a private bath, even a flat screen television with complimentary movies and an Internet signal. Tonight we ll gather for a drink before proceeding to the dining room for our welcoming dinner. Breakfast DINNER The AmaLyra If you haven t cruised Europe s rivers before, you have missed a great experience. Unlike an ocean-going vessel, you usually cruise within several yards of the shoreline, offering great views of the landscapes. Often you are close enough to the shore to say Bonjour to the locals. Want to head off on your own?borrow one of the ship s well-maintained bicycles and helmets for a ride through the countryside. Often the ship cruises at night, so you make the most of your waking hours. Excursions each day are complimentary (using those great ear-bud speakers that allow everyone to hear well) and are organized for active walkers, normal walkers and for those with limited walking capabilities. Often guides lead tours by bike as well. The dining room offers a rich bounty of cuisine complimented by free flowing local wines and beer during lunch and dinner hours. Specialty coffees and snacks are complimentary around the clock. We would be remiss if we didn t mention the on-board entertainment. On many evenings local entertainers come on board to perform in the ship s elegant lounge. Come early because these events are popular. 7

8 To preserve your individuality, we avoid the trappings and mentality of group travel matching caps and flight bags, long crowded bus rides, large numbers of travelers, inflexible schedules and uninteresting group meals. Though you ll travel with other guests, you won t find it necessary to compete with other travelers for a guide s attention. September 29, 2017 Vernon and Giverny, France As you awaken today, we ll be cruising along the Seine through the French countryside bound for Vernon, a pleasant town for exploring. After lunch our excursion brings us to Giverny to visit the home of the impressionist master, Claude Monet. As you visit his home where he lived for four decades, you ll see the lily ponds, bridges and flower gardens immortalized in his paintings. Monet s home and gardens at Giverny September 30, 2017 Caudebec, Honfleur or the Route of the Abbayes After a morning of scenic cruising, we reach the old fishing village of Caudebec. This afternoon you may select from two excursions. The first brings you to one of France s most picturesque ports, Honfleur, with pastel-colored houses that became a favorite subject for painters such as Monet and Courbet. The second option takes you on the Route of the Abbayes, visiting Normandy s famous abbeys (there were once more than 100 of them in this region.) On this excursion we ll visit one in ruins and another that is still a working monastery. Honfleur 8

9 We present you with an extensive Trip Book before you depart that helps you prepare for your trip with information regarding clothing, weather, cultural suggestions and much more. With such thorough preparation, you ll soon develop a sense of personal comfort in your new environment. October 1, 2017 Normandy Beaches You may select from various options today: The first brings us to the U.S. Sector including Omaha and Utah beaches and the moving American cemetery where nearly 10,000 solders lie at rest. We ll also stop to visit Point du Hoc, where the Nazis placed their machine guns to strafe the beaches. Before we return to our river ship, we ll stop at Arromanche to see the artificial harbor created to put some 400,000 soldiers and their equipment ashore. Been to the landing beaches before? You may be interested in the excursion to the Cider Route where you ll visit several picturesque Norman towns and villages and tour a Calvados distillery where you may sample apple cider and the region s iconic apple brandy. Quite a day! Today s activity on Omaha Beach 9

10 Christine and Paul Niskanen accompany most Signature Journeys. They have traveled extensively and enjoy good relationships in every country they visit. They assure every aspect of your trip goes smoothly, and provide a number of pleasant occasions to meet other travelers. You ll soon develop a warm sense of community. In the unlikely event of travel difficulties, it s comforting to know that veteran travel professionals are there to assist. October 2, 2017 Rouen and Les Andelys This morning our guides bring us through the medieval city of Rouen, a delightful place. You ll see the Notre Dame cathedral, often a subject for Claude Monet as well as the Square where Joan of Arc was martyred. This would be a great opportunity to sample some of Normandy s great cheeses. October 3, 2017 Les Andelys to Conflans Relax this morning as we continue our cruise up the Seine River towards Paris. This afternoon we ll stroll through Les Andelys to see the dramatic white cliffs of the Seine River, the centuries-old half timbered houses and the hilltop ruins of an old chateau, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionhearted. 10

11 We recognize that many of our guests could make some of these arrangements on our own. However our we ve been there experience and our expertise in organizing unique travel experiences will make your journey wonderfully memorable. October 4, 2017 Conflans to Paris Today, you have a choice of two excursions. The first option is to visit Château Malmaison, former home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Your tour includes the Château s interior, gardens and museum. Alternatively, travel to Auvers-sur-Oise, a town famous for the Impressionist painters who lived there in the 19th century, such as Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro. Your Artists Walk tour will include many sites associated with their work, including the Auberge Ravoux, former home of Vincent van Gogh. The upstairs room where Van Gogh died has been meticulously preserved. He and his brother Theo are both buried in the nearby town cemetery. The ship departs this afternoon for Paris, arriving in the evening. October 5, 2017 Disembark in Paris, Return home Filled with wonderful memories and countless photos, we ll begin our way home this morning. If you plan to fly home today, we ll make arrangements for your airport transfer. Thanks to the time difference, you ll arrive home early in the afternoon or evening. Of course, you may elect to stay on for a few days in Paris. After all, there is so much to see and do in this beautiful city. We ll be pleased to assist you with your arrangements. Thank you for your visit. Have a good flight home! 11

12 This Signature Journey Includes Four days in a deluxe hotel in the city of Aix-en-Provence including taxes and breakfast daily. Excursions each day while in Provence guided by a licensed English-speaking guide. Lunch or dinner each day in Provence. Lunches include 1-2 glasses of wine, beer or soft drinks and dinners include ½ bottle of wine or beer or soft drinks. Paul and Christine Niskanen plan to host this journey It s comforting to know that you ll have more personal care (and special experiences) than other travelers and that seasoned travel professionals, knowledgeable in this region, are nearby in the event of unforeseen travel issues. Should a problem arise, they are your advocates. Comfort Class seats on France s high-speed TGV train between Aix-en-Provence and Paris. 7-day cruise on the Amalyra riverboat. The cruise includes all meals while on board. Lunches and dinners include complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks. Daily excursions while traveling on the Amalyra as listed in the ship s daily program. Typically AmaWaterways offers excursions for gentle walkers, normal walkers and, occasionally, for fast walkers. Most excursions include the use of the Quiet Vox system whereby each guest uses ear buds and a radio transmitter to hear the guide s narrative. A detailed Trip Book, prepared especially for this trip, filled with helpful travel suggestions, packing lists, maps, a detailed itinerary, even some of the cultural do s and don ts you ll know how to pack, what to wear and what to expect well before you go. Complimentary transfers in Europe as described in the program. Every Signature Journey includes a number of unpublished delights and little extras along the way, just for our guests. Prices Double Single E Stateroom with twin windows on Piano deck $4895 $6,775 D Stateroom with twin windows on Piano deck $5100 $7,050 C Stateroom with French balcony on Violin & Cello deck $5495 $7,625 B Stateroom with French balcony on Violin & Cello deck $5600 $7,805 A Stateroom with French balcony on Violin deck $5675 $7,900 S Suite with French balcony on Violin Deck $6400 $9,025 Prices include The above prices include transfers in Marseille upon arrival and in Paris upon departure*. Also included are at least two meals per day while in Provence as indicated in the itinerary and all meals on board the Amalyra beginning with dinner on the day of embarkation and concluding with breakfast on the final day. Wine, beer or soft drinks are included with lunches and the dinner in Provence. Complimentary house wines or beer or soft drinks are included with lunches and dinners on the Amalyra. Also included during the cruise are daily excursions (operated by AmaWaterways) as described in the itinerary as well as the services of Signature Journeys hosts. Prices do not include Prices do not include airfare, personal expenses such as laundry, dry cleaning, telephone or Internet charges, alcoholic drinks (except as specified) premium drinks or vintage wines, excess baggage charges, visa fees (if any) and all other items not specifically included above.* * Certain conditions apply. 12

13 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Deposits and Final Payments A deposit of $2500 per person is due at the time of booking. The deposit may be paid by credit card or check. Final payment is due by June 15, Note that the final payment must be made by cash or check. If credit cards are used, a fee of 4% will be added to the payment due. Airfare and Land Arrangements Signature Journeys is happy to provide quotations for coach or business class air flights for this program. If you would like to use your mileage for free coach or business class travel. Signature Journeys will investigate the flight opportunities. However, in view of the considerable time it takes to research mileage award flight arrangements Signature Journeys charges a research fee of $100 per person or per couple traveling together, for this service. This fee applies regardless whether we find suitable arrangements or not. Since relatively few seats on most flights are allocated for no cost mileage tickets, it is often easier to purchase a regular or full fare coach ticket and upgrade your service to business class. All land arrangements included in this Signature Journey have been made either by Signature Journeys using recognized local on-site receptive companies that will be fully disclosed in the travel documents or by AmaWaterways. Credit for not using Signature Journeys land arrangements We regret that no refund is available for the non-use of any of the land arrangements included on this Signature Journey. Overseas Airport Transfers If you are arriving and/or departing on the days our Signature Journeys are scheduled to begin or conclude, Signature Journeys will provide airport transfers as follows: September 24, 2017 in Marseille. October 5, 2017 in Paris Signature Journeys will provide a single transfer from the Marseille Airport to the Renaissance Hotel in Aix-en-Provence at, tentatively, 2:30 pm for those guests arriving on September 24. At the conclusion of the Amalyra cruise on October 5, 2017 in Paris, Signature Journeys provides transfers to Paris s Charles de Gaulle international airport. If your flights do not arrive on depart on the days our program begins or concludes, your transfers are not included; however, Signature Journeys will arrange individual transfer arrangements (at an additional charge) upon request. Excursions The itinerary lists the excursions AmaWaterways proposes to offer. However, should you wish private excursions on certain days, Signature Journeys would be pleased to make those arrangements. Contact Signature Journeys for specific information and cost quotations. Cancellations This Signature Journey is based upon a part charter of the m/s Amalyra. Consequently Signature Journeys assumes the financial responsible for these agreements regardless whether the space is occupied or not. Therefore the following conditions apply in the event of cancellation. A cancellation charge of $1,000 per person will be charged for cancellations received after the deposit is made and before May 1, For cancellations received on or after that date, refer to the table listed on the next column: Cancellation Penalties If your cancellation is received on or after: May 1, 2017 $2500 per person June 15, % of the full fare These cancellations penalties replace those of AmaWaterways and take precedence. Insurance for cancellations and certain other travel mishaps will be offered and is strongly recommended. Changes Signature Journeys reserves the right to charge $50 per person (in addition to charges levied by AmaWaterways and the airlines) for changes in passenger names, departure cities and departure times which are made after June 15, Other Information Approximately 21 days prior to departure, Signature Journeys will provide detailed, informative materials regarding the destinations. Signature Journeys Responsibility Signature Journeys (Perspectives, Inc.) constantly strives to improve each itinerary to your advantage and enjoyment. If improvements can be made or unforeseen conditions make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and substitute cruise ships and/ or hotels. In addition, day-by-day itineraries are subject to change without notice. No refund will be issued for any included item not utilized. Signature Journeys (Perspectives, Inc.) acts only as an agent for the suppliers of transportation, accommodations, food and other goods and services provided to the tour participant. All arrangements for transport, accommodations and services are made upon the express condition that Signature Journeys shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant, tour operator, transfer company, etc., who is to or does supply any goods or services for the tour. Without limiting the foregoing, Signature Journeys is not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity or for any other cause beyond its control. If this travel program is canceled by Signature Journeys for any reason, Signature Journeys shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participants deposits received by it. The prices for this trip are based upon exchange rates in effect March 1, Signature Journeys may increase the tour price in the event of significant currency fluctuations that effect the dollar adversely. Signature Journeys reserves the right to refuse to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any time. If any tour participant leaves or is removed from the tour, a refund only for refundable unused services shall be made. Any litigation concerning this tour must be brought in the state of Oregon. Changes in the RESPONSIBILITY clause can be made only in writing signed by an officer of Signature Journeys. Deposits paid by tour participants indicate acceptance of the above terms and conditions. Signature Journeys cannot accept liability for typographical or other errors in this brochure. Signature Journeys SW Greenburg Road, Suite 400 Portland, OR Telephone: or info@signaturejourneys.net