FRANCE Provence & Lavender Indulgence Women s Tour 8 days

Transcription

1 FRANCE Provence & Lavender Indulgence Women s Tour 8 days Including Architecture, Art, Cuisine, Culture, Gardens and Markets 29 th June 6 th July 2019 Provence; the most popular French regional destination with its dry sun-filled summers and mild winters. It is located in the south-eastern region of France on the Mediterranean and is steeped in history. Provence has retained its traditional rural values and cultures. A pot-pouri of dramatic features including mountains vineyards and green valleys. Experience the environs of famous writers; Somerset Maughan and Peter Mayle and world-renown artists including Van Gogh, Picasso etc. Explore the many charming unique villages with their textured centuries-old cobblestones. Taste the local delicacies - olives, ratatouille and pastis. The beauty of the area, the warmth of the people, and the relaxed lifestyle will capture your hearts. Join us on our delightful cultural and epicurean journey and experience all that is Provence for yourself. At A Glance: Destination: (Paris) Avignon, L Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes, Baux de Provence St Remy de Provence, Lacoste, Sault & Ménerbes, Commences in Avignon: Saturday 29 th June 2019 Concludes in Avignon: Saturday 6 th July 2019 Tour Style: Luxury Deluxe Small Group Tour (6-14) Length: 8 days / 7 nights Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Meals: Breakfasts; 8: Lunches; 7: Dinners; 3: Leaders: Western tour Director and specialised local guides Transportation: Luxury Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles Tour Grading: Moderate - Challenging: suitable for travellers with an average fitness and mobility Tour Highlights: The joy of being in Provence; it' s charming, picturesque, beautiful and idyllic for a our small group women's tour Be overwhelmed spectacular and lavender fields (in bloom mid-june to mid-august) & visit the lavender Musuem Be entranced with city of Avignon on the banks of the Rhone River and its historical centre (UNESCO) Be overwhelmed with the spectacular and beautiful lavender fields, its a joy to behold (in bloom mid-june to mid August) Be enchanted in the charming village of Isle sur Sorgue, (the Venice of Provence) experience its lively and colourful market and discover its famous antique shops Be in awe at the beautiful Abbey de Senanque a 12 th century Cistercian monastery, Discover the most spectacular village of Les Baux de Provence Be amazed at the stunning phenomenon of 'Carrieres de Lumieres' Visit St Remy de Provence to discover the capital of the art of living in Provence Walk & shop at the Tuesday market in Gordes & explore a picturesque ochre village of Rousillon Experience one of the most beautiful and charming villages in Provence, Loumarin Learn all about olive oils Enjoy wine tastings of the famous 'Rhone' label at some lovely Provencal wineries Shop at some wonderful Provencal shops that have a fabulous array of beautiful wares Experience a Provincial cooking class with a Michelin Star Chef Indulge in fabulous local cuisine and the best of fine wines Enjoy two beautiful hotels that really make this journey complete

2 ITINERARY: Day 1: Saturday 29 th June 2019: Arrive Avignon: (L/D) Bonjour and welcome to France. Option 1: This morning you will be met at your Paris hotel by your BT&T tour manager and driver and transferred to the train station Gare de Lyon to travel on the TGV high speed train south to Avignon in the region of Provence the land of old peasant villages surrounded by rich, purple lavender fields and vineyards. (2hrs 40mins) (Price not included) Option 2: You may wish to meet us in Avignon at the train station if you are travelling from elsewhere in France or Europe. Our meeting place will be at the Avignon Train Station before 12.30pm On arrival, we will transfer to our Restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we will have a guided tour of Avignon which is on the banks of the Rhone River. Our tour includes the historical centre which is classed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, The Popes Palace, Cathedral of Notra-Dame-des-Doms, Avignon Bridge (Pont Saint Bénezet) and part of its Ramparts. We drive to the famous winery of Chateauneuf du Pape for a guided tour of their vineyards and a tasting of several wines. Dinner this evening is at a Gastronomic Restaurant in Avignon. Day 2: Sunday 30 th June 2019: Avignon L Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Abbey de Senanque Avignon: (B) This morning we visit L Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (the Venice of Provence) and its lively and colourful Provençal market. This Sunday market is world renowned and you will have time to walk around and shop for lavender products, olive oil, pottery, cheeses, sausages, tapenades, honey, olive wood products, local herbs, Provençal table cloths, antiques amongst others. After the market, with our personal guide, we will discover this charming town surrounded by the river Sorgue on all sides. We will walk through the streets, across numerous tiny bridges, ancient waterwheels, past the many mansion houses. Later. We continue on our scenic drive to the Plateau de Vaucluse and the Senancole valley to visit the beautiful Abbey de Senanque a 12th century Cistercian monastery, which is still active with a community of Cistercian monks, surrounded by lavender fields. We visit the church, the cloister and the dormitories with our guide. Return to Avignon and enjoy the evening in this lovely town. Day 3: Monday 1 st July 2019: Avignon Le Baux de Provence St Remy de Provence Avignon: (B/L) Today we have a full day excursion of the Alpilles, to the south of Avignon. On the way we stop at a luxury House of Linen where we area able to have a brief tour of the factory. We continue on and visit of the magnificent medieval village of Le Baux de Provence where you will see the Château des Baux, the Saint Vincent church, the many 16 th and 17 th century mansions, some of which are now museums and artisan shops of the village. There is free time to walk the cobbled paths overflowing with its art and craft boutiques, restaurant and cafés and to buy some olive oil famed from this region or chocolate from the renowned chocolatier. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. We continue our drive to St Remy, along the way we will visit A Roman archaeological site, 'Le Antiques two monuments dating from 20 to 30 years B.C. This Roman site counts among the major classical sites of the South of France. We also visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole the monastery where the painter Vincent Van Gogh lived for one year and which was the inspiration of many of his paintings including The Irises and The Starry Night. We then continue onto the beautiful town of St Remy de Provence to discover the capital of the art of living in Provence and the birthplace of Nostradamus. It is truly is a lovely place to wonder. Day 4: Tuesday 2 nd July 2019: Avignon Gordes Rousillon Ménerbes: (B/L/D) After breakfast we leave for a day in the Luberon visiting the village of Gordes, classed as one of the most beautiful old villages in France. Gordes is perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. The stone buildings built in tight against the base of the cliffs and some perched on the rocks above, including the 12th-century castle, are made of an beige stone that glows orange in the morning sun. The view from the village is a southern panorama out across fields and forests and small villages of the Montagne du Luberon. Tuesday is market day in Gordes and you will have free time to stroll around the market and the main streets of the village. Lunch will be at a hotel gourmet restaurant, a magnificent venue.

3 We continue on to an olive oil Museum where the owner will take us for a tour in the olive groves and explain the different varieties of olives and discuss the process of fabricating olive oil. The tour finishes with a tasting of the olive oils. The olive mill has a lovely boutique where you can buy the olive oil you tasted, tapenades, organic Provençal herbs and herbal teas, cosmetics based on olives and more. We drive to our hotel with time to relax by the pool and enjoy a quintessential Provincial evening. Dinner this evening is at our hotel. Day 5: Wednesday 3 rd July 2019: Ménerbes Sault Apt Ménerbes: (B/L) Today we enjoy a very beautiful and scenic day on the lavender plateau of Sault. After breakfast we drive to Sault-en- Provence. On route you will pass fields of lavender, wheat and spelt wheat and there will be many opportunities for photo stops. We stop at Sault to visit this lovely small Provençal town where today is market day. Sault is also reputed for its artisanal nougat and we visit the boutique shop where the sell it. We also visit a Lavender distillery factory. We continue on the Lavender Road on the plateau d Albion past L agarde d Apt to St Christol and on to the pretty village of Simiane la Rotonde for another short visit to this village. We continue onto Apt before returning to our hotel. The most important monument in the town is the baroque style Cathedral of Saint Anne, built over the course of several centuries. (11 th to 17 th ) Dinner is on your own this evening. Day 6: Thursday 4 th July 2018: Cooking Class Ménerbes: (B/L) This morning there is a cooking class that includes lunch with one of the most famous chefs in the Lubéron. Drive to the authentic small perched village of Ménerbes where Pablo Picasso once lived in the 1940 s and where Peter Mayle lived whilst he wrote his book Year in Provence. Like Gordes, it too is classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. In the village see the house of Jane Eakin, town hall square, the 16 th century Castellet castle, the 16 th and 17 th century stone houses and the beautifully restored House of Truffles and Wine (Maison de la Truffe et Vin). Here are wonderful views of the Vaucluse mountains and Mont Ventoux from Ménerbes. Dinner on your own tonight at the hotel. Day 7: Friday 5 th July 2019: Ménerbes Lourmarin Cucuron Ménerbes: (B/L) Today we discover Loumarin amidst old squares, stone walls, gorgeous stores and clouds of bougainvillea and jasmine. Much of the village is set around a central bell tower built on the remnants of the medieval moated castle that once defined Lourmarin. We will wander through the morning market and around the town visiting the Chateaux de Lourmarin, a handsome 16 th century castle, part of which is open to the public. It s well worth a visit to see the furnished apartments, magnificent stairway and library of 28,000 books. After lunch we will visit the village of Cucuron and an olive oil mill followed by an olive oil tasting. Later we return to Ménerbes. Day 8: Saturday 6 th July 2019: Ménerbes Avignon: Depart Provence: (B) This morning, we check out of our hotel after breakfast. It is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends, adieu la Provence. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more in this amazing country-side; please don t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements. C est la belle vie This is the life.

4 INCLUSIONS: Luxury private air- conditioned vehicles for all our transportation Luxury hotel accommodation in Provence Daily buffet breakfast "B" "L" for Lunch and "D" for Dinner - as per itinerary Private Australian Tour Director Private services of a bilingual tour guide Admission fees to all activities, tours, excursions and entrance fees as noted in the program Organising of any luggage delivery via FedEx or postal services An exclusive information travel package EXCLUSIONS: International air or train fares Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges TGV train 1st class ticket Paris to Avignon / Avignon to Paris Passport and visa fees Excess baggage charges Personal travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Personal expenses Additional local guides Boutique Tours & Travel offers comprehensive travel packages with just about everything on land included in one price. Accommodation, most meals, transfers, baggage handling, all major sightseeing and numerous cultural events are also included. Before you travel, you may have questions about what to expect while on your tour; for further information about this tour, or assistance in booking this tour please don t hesitate to Contact Us.

5 BT&T Provence & Lavender Tour Small Group Tour HOTELS: CITY Avignon Ménerbes Luxury Hotel Deluxe Hotel D Europe La Bastide De Marie Land Cost Luxury Hotels $7,700 pp Single Supplement $1,900 pp Price is for a Minimum of 2 Guest Triple Rooms: Pre & Post Tour Accommodation & Travel: International Airfares: Insurance: All tour prices are current at the time of publication. To reflect significant fluctuations in exchange rates or the imposition of new government taxes that impact on the cost of providing its services, Boutique Tours & Travel reserves the right to adjust prices as may be necessary at any time. Accordingly, Boutique Tours & Travel in receiving any payments does not undertake that the price payable will thereafter remain unchanged. On receipt of full payment you will be sent an Information Booklet that includes a detailed Itinerary. For further information or assistance in booking this tour please don t hesitate to Contact Us

6 France Travel Information Accommodation: All our hotels are excellent four and five star boutique hotels. We highly recommend our hotels as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double or twin beds. Climate & Clothing: In summer the weather in France is mild to warm, the temperature average between June and July is about 78 F - 26 C. Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round. The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight cottons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests Currency & Money Matters: The official currency in France is EURO ( ). On January 1, 2002, the Euro became the official currency for 300 million Europeans, in use in 12 countries of the European Union. Traveller s Cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Electricity: The electrical current in France is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard. Insurance: You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. Language: French is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas. Meals: Our hotels offer a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts with a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals. Medical Services & Facilities: Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in France are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available. Passports & Visas: To enter France you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. No visa is required for tourists. Pre & Post Tour Accommodation: Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed. Solo Traveller: We welcome single travellers and we are able to arrange single accommodation. We negotiate strongly to keep single supplements at a reasonable cost. If you wish to share a room, we will endeavour to match you with another single guest and adjust the costs accordingly and refund any costs after you return home. We accept no responsibility for the suitability of a room partner. Special Requests: Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary needs or any other arrangement should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure your special request; however, they cannot always be guaranteed. Time Zone: France Standard time is GMT +1 (GMT + 2 during Summer Daylight Saving Time) Tour Group: Our small group tours provide you with a good balance of group activity and personal discovery. Transport: We generally use modern deluxe minibuses for tours. We also walk where and when it s suitable. Water & Beverages: Our hotels offer bottled water and bottled water is provided throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this tour except for welcome cocktails on the first evening.