Travel Experiences EXPLORE HISTORY PARIS, THE WESTERN FRONT, BRUGES & THE LORD S TEST

Transcription

1 Travel Experiences 19 EXPLORE HISTORY PARIS, THE WESTERN FRONT, BRUGES & THE LORD S TEST

2 A perfect balance of organised and free time to explore. Introduction Paris is often called The City of Light (La Ville Lumière) primarily because of its leading role in the Age of Enlightenment and more literally because Paris was one of the first European cities to implement gas street-lighting. Paris certainly provides enlightenment and there s none better to ask than our highly experienced Events Travel Tour Manager, well renowned war historian Michael McKernan and Ray Gurry a notable history teacher from The Peninsula School who will be joined on the tour by an MCC host. Both gentlemen, who are MCC Members, have conducted the History Tour since the inception of MCC Members Tours in 2005, and each time via Paris. This is a fabulously informative tour for WW1 history enthusiasts but also for lovers of all things French and European, not to mention cricket lovers wanting to experience a Test match at Lord s! The tour is open to Full, Restricted and Provisional members to attend and each member can be accompanied by one non-member guest. Starting off with four nights in the Vendome area, which is the very heart of Paris, there is a balance of organised and free time to explore this amazing city which offers literally, something for everyone, including a full day trip to the Normandy Beaches. Leaving the lights behind it s off to Champagne for lunch and a tour of a famous Champagne House before crossing over to Amiens for 3 nights to start our personalised WW1 history trail including the newly opened John Monash Centre. Along the way, Michael will share wonderful tributes and stories of our Australian diggers. Moving onwards to Lille, we will visit the nearby Menin Gate Last Post ceremony in Ypres and a host of other battle sites & memorials. Past participants have said this tour is a very moving experience and the knowledge of our War Historian and Tour Manager becomes glaringly evident as we move through the different locations of the Tour. These are places that every Australian should visit at least once in their lifetime and you will be impressed with the respect the locals have for our nation. After leaving Lille, we head for the fascinating city of Bruges (pictured right), steeped in art, culture and history, enabling you to enjoy the last few days in Europe before boarding Eurostar for the English Capital. Welcome to the 2019 edition of the MCC Travel Experiences: History where you will of course, end up at the hallowed turf of the Lord s Cricket Ground for the second Test match between arch rivals England and Australia. For repeat MCC Tour travellers, welcome back and for the newcomers; we can assure you this will be an occasion you simply won t forget. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Scott Butler General Manager, Membership & Heritage Glenn & Gayle Hedley Events Travel Tour Managers and MCC Members

3 Thu 1st Aug PARIS (B) (D) HOP ON HOP OFF BUS Today is a completely free day designed for you to explore the city, whether on foot, by subway or using the Hop-on Hop-off Bus. You will receive a voucher at the Welcome Reception to be exchanged for a Hop on Hop off Bus Ticket and with several routes to choose from you can visit highlights such as Sacré Cœur, The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and so many more. If Museums and Galleries are your thing then plan ahead to maximise your time. There are nearly always long lines at Museé du Louvre for example so if you want VIP access we can offer a pre-paid ticket contact us at any time before final payment. There are also pre-paid tours to the Palace of Versailles, Claude Monet s Garden at Giverny and many other attractions as well as high-end private guided tours with a personal tour guide (can be a little expensive but very rewarding) Itinerary Flights & times shown are based on 2018 flight schedules and are subject to change. For lovers of architecture take a visit to the Gare de Lyon (Train Station) where inside the dining room, the painted ceiling is quite remarkable whilst there how about lunch it s bustling and exciting, and very Parisian. Tonight we will gather for a group dinner in Paris and enjoy the company of our fellow travellers. Included meals: B=Buffet Breakfast, L = Lunch, D= Dinner Fri 2nd Aug NORMANDY TOUR (B) Beverages are not included other than at Official Functions: WR=Welcome Reception, ETD=Events Travel Dinner, LL=Lord s Lunch Mon 29th July Tue 30th July MELBOURNE to PARIS Check in at Melbourne Airport considering a light lunch at the airport as dinner will be served inflight. Flight departs Melbourne. Arrival time in Dubai to remain in the Terminal. PARIS (WR) Flight departs non-stop to Paris. Scheduled arrival in Paris. On arrival you will be met by your MCC Host, Events Travel Tour Manager, a local guide and the coach driver for the transfer to the hotel for four fabulous nights. On arrival we are unable to check in until the early afternoon. The afternoon is free to freshen up, take a wander to explore your surroundings or indulge in a quick nap, however it s best to beat the jet-lag by suffering through day one and having an early night. We may do the Orientation Tour scheduled for 31/7 before check-in depending on flight arrival. Royal St. Honore Hotel (or similar hotel in this area) Place Vendome is a square in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris, located to the north of the Tuileries Gardens and east of the Eglise de la Madeleine and is the starting point of the famous Rue de la Paix. The original Vendome Column (pictured above) in the centre of the square was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz. This area is well known for its fashionable hotels including the iconic Ritz Hotel and many famous dress designers have their salons in the square. This is an ideal centrally located and very upmarket area of Paris. Expect to pay more for a café latte, thinking of the ambience and where you actually are! Early this evening you will be invited to our (dress: smart-casual) MCC Welcome Reception. Enjoy a cool beer, a soft-drink, Vins de Français and tempting canapés, as a light dinner, before retiring after the long journey. Your MCC Host and Events Travel Tour Manager will explain what lies ahead and update you on any possible time changes. Supper can be taken on your room account in the Hotel if required, however we do expect the canapés to be ample for most Members after a long day and the time-zone changes. Wed 31st July PARIS: Escorted Orientation Tour (B) Breakfast will be served and is included every day of the tour Our local guide will meet you in the Lobby to commence a 3.5-hour orientation of the major sights of Paris so sit back, relax and get to know the city. On returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day is free to relax and reduce that bucket-list! A lot can be achieved within easy walking distance from Place Vendome this location is hard to beat After breakfast it s a full-day excursion to the region of Normandy, should you wish this is included in the Tour however we do need to establish numbers prior to final payment date. If you wish to remain and do your own thing in Paris, you may. There is no price reduction for opting out of this tour. Enjoy the day going from Paris to the beaches in Normandy in the company of an Official Guide, who will bring these historic sites to life. On June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, the largest military operation in history began, which marked the beginning of the Battle of Normandy and led to the end of the Second World War. We return around 19.00hrs in time for dinner at your leisure. Sat 3rd Aug PARIS to CHAMPAGNE & AMIENS (B, L) After breakfast, gather with your luggage in the Lobby having checked out and having settled your incidentals Our coach departs the hotel heading North East to the wine district of Champagne and the city of Reims Expected arrival time in the city of Reims and our destination; Taittinger Champagne House (1932). On arrival after a rest stop we will undertake a tour of the famous cellars, 18 metres below the surface, revealing an incredible amount of Champagne and a history that is extremely interesting. Learn about the art of making Champagne and naturally, a taste of the famous bubbles is included! After the tour we head for a local restaurant for lunch, for a Plat du Jour menu (dish of the day) that will no doubt keep you going until well into the day. A half-bottle of wine is included per person so enjoy a local drop and the fabulous company! Onwards we set off to the fine city of Amiens. On the way you will no doubt see many signs for towns and villages that featured in the famous battles of WW1 and Michael will be on hand to explain more as we move into the area of the Somme The famous and spectacular Cathedral is a must see in the day and evening and our hotel will bein the ideal location to visit and move around this charming city on foot (certainly in the evenings). Amiens itself is an ideal starting point to follow our plans to navigate around the WW1 sights most relevant to the diggers but also to commemorate all that fell during this immense conflict and to honour their ultimate sacrifice. The evening is free to discover and enjoy dinner. No matter where you are in Paris, you do need to move around the city to achieve your goals. We do have limited time so it s advisable to create a list and use google-maps to work out a planned itinerary before you depart. The best way to move around is to use the Subway one-way so that you can start at the most distant point and work your way back, usually on foot, so pack walking shoes and take your supplied water-bottle! Keep in mind tomorrow you will have the use of a Hop on Hop off Big Bus ticket offering an audio commentary over several routes combine this with your own plans and start exploring. Approximate walking times; Cathedral of Notre Dame: 30 mins Place de la Concorde: 10 mins Place Vendome: 3 mins Louvre Museum: 10 mins Champs-Elysees: 25 mins The River Seine: 10 mins Galleries La Fayette: 15 mins Opera: 10 mins

4 Sun 4th Aug WESTERN FRONT: The Somme (B, L) After a hearty breakfast, the coach departs for a full day touring the Somme. Thu 8th Aug FRANCE & BELGIUM (B, L) Fri 9th Aug FRANCE & BELGIUM (B, L) More details on the times and routings will be in your final itinerary. Sat 10th Aug BRUGES (B) Over the next three days highlights will include; The Sir John Monash Centre, Villers Bretonneux, Lochnagar Mine, Pozieres, Mouquet Farm, Thiepval, Vimy, Albert, le Hamel, Peronne, Mont St Quentin, Newfoundland Memorial, Adelaide Cemetery and Bullecourt. For those who have read the events of the Somme all these names will resonate with the Australian experience of battles fought, won and lost, not to mention the lengthy stalemates and torrid conditions endured. Michael will explain the circumstances around each site including statistics on the huge numbers of fatalities, injured diggers, the hospitals, the conditions in which they lived and the battles they experienced. Seeing the lay of the land makes you wonder why such loss occurred over what was mainly an insignificant territorial gain. Amazingly what constitutes a hill is equally remarkable considering the terrain in this region, but you will come to realise that the weather played a significant part in the boggy conditions and the lack of hygiene that prevailed. Lunches in local restaurants are included each day also with shared wine included, so sit back, relax, get the cameras ready and find out first hand why this region is all so important to Australians and New Zealanders, indeed the Commonwealth and its allies. Dinner at your leisure in Amiens. Mon 5th Aug WESTERN FRONT: The Somme (B, L) Enjoy dinner in Amiens at your leisure after another enthralling day of discovery and commemoration to those who paid the ultimate price in our honour. Tue 6th Aug AMIENS to LILLE (B, L) Today after breakfast and checking out of the hotel, the coach departs Amiens, ultimately for Lille. Lunch is included with a half bottle of wine per person in the traditional French manner (!) and more sights will be discovered as we make our way to the city of Lille this afternoon. Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place Hotel (or hotel in similar area) Our hotel will be located in the centre of the city close to the Grand Place and the Palais de Congress, an ideal base for the next four nights. Free time to explore a dining option this evening there are plenty to choose from, and of course a pre-dinner drink can be taken at the hotels rather cosy bar. Wed 7th Aug FRANCE & BELGIUM (B, L) For the next 3 days we will explore this region bordering France and Belgium continuing our WW1 trail of discovery. Michael & Ray will enthral you with even more highlighted destinations including; The Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate in Ypres, Fromelles, Messines Ridge, Toronto Avenue Cemetery, Polygon Wood, Tyne Cot Cemetery, In Flanders Fields Museum, a visit to Ghent and much more. Further details will be in the final itinerary along with more specific daily schedules. Rest assured luncheons with wine are included daily! Today is a more leisurely day. The pace will be slowed so you can catch your breath after the recent days activities. Time to sleep in a little and take a more leisurely breakfast before we check out Our Coach departs Lille, touring into Belgium to our destination; Bruges. On arrival at the hotel we will bid farewell to our driver whist luggage will be stored until check in time. Your time will now be free to enjoy a stroll around the city centre with plenty of time for lunch, browsing shops and visiting some of the local sights, reserving your thoughts until our guided walking tour tomorrow morning. Grand Casselbergh Hotel (Canal View rooms) (or hotel in similar area) Bruges is pronounced and spelt in several ways with the purist way as; Bruges. Our hotel will be in an enviable location, close to the heart of the city which is a UNESCO Heritage site, the Burg and the Main Market Square, you couldn t be in a better position. After check-in, the rest of the day and evening is free to explore this stunning and historical city. Sun 11th Aug BRUGES (B, D) WALKING TOUR This morning you will be met by a local guide to undertake a 3-hour walking tour of the city. After the tour you are free to explore the city some more and perhaps retrace your steps after lunch A Tour Dinner is included tonight in a local restaurant, within walking distance of the hotel. This is our farewell to the Continent dinner. Mon 12th Aug BRUSSELS & LONDON (B) After breakfast and check-out we will board a new coach for the relatively short trip to Brussels. We will be joined by a local guide who will explain the sights en-route and explain the history, politics and more about the Capital and seat of the European Parliament. The journey is around 75 minutes by coach bypassing Ghent and some familiar landscapes before entering the city. We undertake a tour of the city seeing first-hand the magnificent buildings and seats of power in Europe before heading to the Station to check in for Eurostar. Ample time will be provided to clear immigration in advance of arrival in England. On arrival in London at St. Pancras Station we will move through Customs and meet in the Station s Arrivals Hall. Here we will establish our bus bay and board the coach for the short trip to our hotel. The May Fair Hotel, London On arrival, check in at the hotel noting that we have a large group and patience is required whilst this process is undertaken. Your hosts and other Events Travel personnel will be there to assist with check-in and luggage formalities, so you are in good hands. Once checked in your time is free to unpack and start looking for a laundry! (details will be provided). At this stage you will start to come across other MCC Members from the Cruise Tour as they return from a day trip. All Members will receive a pre-paid Oyster Card for use on the Tube and buses in the city. This will have a pre-paid credit of 30 per person and can be topped up at any Underground Station with cash or credit card, so start exploring this city, with never ending things to do and see. Tue 13th Aug LONDON + DOWNTON ABBEY at HIGHCLERE CASTLE (B) The number of visitors to Highclere is very limited with most of 2019 already booked out. The Castle is only open for 65 days of the year and walk up visitors are not permitted. We have arranged access for a maximum of 130 guests over two days, yesterday and today for both MCC tour groups. Once we have final numbers for the MCC Cruise it may be that you will have some Cruise Tour Members joining your tour today due to overflow. TBC The excursion will be a full day tour to include Highclere Castle. Return to London in time for dinner and Test match ticket distribution.

5 The first match ever played at Lord s Cricket Ground came in 1787 when businessman Thomas Lord staged a game between Middlesex and Essex.

6 Tue 13th Aug LONDON + DOWNTON ABBEY at HIGHCLERE CASTLE (B) The Tour returns to the hotel Members Test Match Ticket Collection at the hotel. A specific room will be advised to you when at the hotel. Please take your time, you don t need lines! Feel free to pop in any time over this period to collect your match tickets. Please note Test match tickets are not included in the tour package and will need to be ordered separately. Members will be notified, once Marylebone Cricket Club release the relevant information and process. Members will also be informed about the dress code and access to the Pavilion at Lord s at the information night held prior to the Tour departing Australia. Wed 14th Aug If this is your first time visiting the hallowed ground, then you are in for a real treat! Instructions on how to get to Lord s will be provided at ticket-collection. Note that the Marylebone Cricket Club Museum is open on Match days. It s also a good idea to obtain any merchandise early from the Lord s Shop to get the right sizes and availability. Thu 15th Aug Fri 16th Aug THE SECOND TEST AT LORD S (B, ETD) After the cricket,, it s time to put on the glad rags and head for the traditional Events Travel Test Dinner. This is always a highlight of the Tour and 2019 will be no exception. A jacket & tie is preferred. In 2005 the function was held at the Bailey s hotel, in 2009 at Cardiff City Hall, 2013 at the Grosvenor House Ballroom and in 2015 at Madame Tussauds. For 2019 watch this space! Sat 17th Aug Sun 18th Aug The history of recent Test matches in the UK has meant that playing for 5 days is a very good chance, however if the Test is finished early this becomes an automatic free day to further explore the city, pop in some late shopping in Knightsbridge or nearby Oxford Street or find an historic watering hole for a local ale or two. Mon 19th Aug MCC LUNCHEON (B, L) After experiencing the thrill of an Australia v England Test match at Lord s, today the Members Tour groups are provided a behindthe-scenes tour at the ground and will also enjoy a fully-inclusive luncheon at this wonderful venue. The exact timings and details will be advised in due course and transport will be provided to and from Lord s for this lunch where the Melbourne Cricket Club plays its traditional match against the Marylebone Cricket Club. It will be a lovely way to finish the tour and swap contact details with your fellow MCC members as our tours come to a close. This evening is free to relax at the hotel or head further afield for a light dinner. Tue 20th Aug LONDON TO AUSTRALIA (B) After breakfast it s time to have your luggage ready for collection or you can bring it down for us to load on to the coaches for the final time and the one-hour journey to the airport. Coach departs for Heathrow. Arrival for check-in at Heathrow Terminal 2. Wed 21st Aug Flight departs Heathrow. ARRIVAL IN MELBOURNE Arrive in Melbourne. Tour Pricing Twin= 2 beds. Double = 1 bed either Queen or King as supplied. $12,318 Twin or Double. Single occupancy $16,958* Upgrade to Business Class $ *If you are a single traveller wishing to share in a twin room with another single traveller, please notify us. This may not always be possible, so you still need to be prepared for the single tour cost. Once confirmed this arrangement is final. Estimated air taxes as at 06 Sep 2018 = A$355 (this may change depending on final airline selected) DEPOSIT SCHEDULE: *$3,000 per person before 21st September 2018 **$3,500 per person stage payment by 28th February 2019 **Balance payment by 15th May 2019 (air taxes will be added at this point and flights ticketed) *Initial deposit is paid to the MCC via Visa or Mastercard only, no credit card surcharges are incurred. ** 2nd stage payment and balance payment made to Events Travel. There is a 1.5% merchant fee for payments made via Visa or Mastercard, or a 1.98% fee for using Amex. N.B.: If the number of members wanting to attend, exceeds the tour places available, a ballot may be conducted. Funds will only be charged to those successful in the ballot. A detailed booking form will be sent to you by the MCC after lodging your initial deposit. TOUR INCLUSIONS: + Return Economy class flights (Airline TBC), inclusive of 30kg luggage allowance + All Transfers and Touring as outlined in the itinerary + 4 Nights in Paris at the Royal St. Honore or similar + 4 Nights in Lille at the Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place or similar + 2 Nights in Bruges at the Grand Casselbergh Hotel or similar + 8 nights in London at the May Fair Hotel (confirmed) + 21 Buffet breakfasts + 08 Tour Lunches + 03 Tour Dinners and the Welcome Reception + One-way Eurostar 2nd Class from Brussels to London St. Pancras + 24 hours Hop On - Hop Off Bus ticket in Paris + Guided walking and sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary + London Oyster Card with a GBP30 credit per person + Full day tour and entry to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) + In-room Wi-Fi at most hotels + Porterage at hotels + Group movement gratuities (drivers) + Services of an MCC Tour Host throughout the tour + Services of Events Travel Tour Manager throughout the tour and additional staff in London throughout + Renowned war historian services during the Western Front component of the tour + Events Travel Merchandise Pack (Travel back-pack, water bottle, poncho, quality travel wallet) + MCC Member Merchandise (Polo Shirt and Cap) There are no refunds on deposits. If you cancel your place refunds are only possible if we can resell your places and some penalties will still apply. Travel Insurance is available from Events Travel with a 15% rebate to all Tour Members.

7 NOT INCLUDED + Airline/Government Taxes & Fees. Current rate is A$355 pp. + These vary over time and will be outlined on your invoice then updated prior to flight ticketing. + Meals other than stated + items of a personal nature; personal tips, bar bills, laundry, phone calls etc. + Travel Insurance (this is available from Events Travel with a 15% discount for MCC Members) + Test Match Tickets for Lords (these are managed and ordered directly with the Club, an order form will be provided, once details are available) + Tips & Gratuities for good service offered at hotels and other services, tips are at your discretion (10% is recommended for good service) VISAS- note that Australian Passport holders do not require a visa for any portion of the official itinerary. Should your passport be from another country, please discuss with Events Travel to ensure you are aware of any visa requirements in advance. Note that all passports, regardless of nationality, must have at least 6 months validity from the date of departure from Australia. Additional travel arrangements- if you wish to extend your time in Europe or include stopovers on the way home, please speak directly to Events Travel. ACCOMMODATION ON THIS TOUR Our hotels are always chosen for their high quality and excellent locations with services suitable for high end group travel. The emphasis is always on having the best possible position to achieve our objectives yet always considering access for large coaches and the luggage involved with groups, as well as guest mobility. The Hotels listed in this itinerary will be confirmed as soon as possible and may change depending on final numbers. Any changes are unlikely however the same standard and rates will always apply. The May Fair London is an excellent 5-star property right in the heart of Mayfair, just a 2 minute-walk to Green Park Underground, where you will be at St. Johns Wood station without changing in less than 10 minutes. The hotel has excellent public areas with ideal wining & dining options; The May Fair Kitchen, the May Fair Bar and The May Fair Terrace with the former two at street level where you can watch the world go by. For those shoppers it s just a 15 minute-walk to Selfridges in Oxford Street and even less to Bond Street and Regent Street, all very close by. Piccadilly Circus is 10 mins walk, Buckingham Palace 15 mins and Harrods around 25 minuteswalk. Your bedroom has complimentary Wi-Fi and is one of the most spacious and comfortable standard rooms in London. Events Travel St. Andrews 112 Bittern-Dromana Road PO Box 299 Merricks North VIC Proudly operating MCC Members Tours since 2005 For any enquiries please contact Holly Baker on hollyb@mcc.org.au or (03)