France s Hidden Canals The Loire Valley July 20-29, 2020

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1 France s Hidden Canals The Loire Valley July 20-29, 2020 Explore France s canals in the Loire Valley (one of the most beautiful in Europe) on a premier Canal Barge and get an up-close look and feel of local French culture, sights and cuisines on this 22 passenger canal barge. Visit small villages, beautiful vineyards, UNESCO sites and the famous Briare Aqueduct. Journey through the scenic Loire Valley and discover France s hidden canals at your own pace. Featuring Paris & 2 Tours The Loire Valley 6-Nights Premier Canal Barge Docked Nightly French Cultural Encounters Locally Sourced Exquisite French Cuisine Onboard Cabaret Performance A Tours of Distinction Exclusive Fine Wine and Cheese Pairings with Each Meal Bike Usage from the M/S Deborah Complimentary Wi-fi 7 Guided Shore Excursions Nevers Lantern Tour The Briare Aqueduct The Loire Valley 6-Member Barge Crew Optional Post-Cruise Night Briare Price (pp dbl occupancy) $4, 700 pp dbl $5, 800 sgl Activity Level Passport Required Group Size: Maximum 20 For Information & Reservations mytour@toursofdistinction.net toursofdistinction.net

2 10-Day France s Hidden Canals Loire Valley Day 1 Home Paris, France Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight across the Atlantic to the capital of France - Paris! One of the most fascinating and visited cities in the world, Paris will not disappoint. Day 2 Paris Upon arrival, embark on a guided city tour of Paris. Sights will include: the Eiffel Tour, l'arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées and more. After, check-in to our hotel and have the afternoon at leisure. Later, get together for our Welcome Dinner at a local Parisienne bistro. Day 3 Paris After breakfast this morning, we enjoy another tour of Paris - from a different perspective. Your local guide will unveil hidden Paris on this insider s look at seldom visited sites. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city. Day 4 Transfer to Nevers Leaving the wonderful metropolis of Paris behind, we head into rural France for embarkation and welcome dinner on the M/S Deborah. After nightfall, we ll leave on a walking tour of Nevers with lanterns. We ll remain in port overnight. Day 5 Nevers Marseilles-Les-Aubigny Our visit of Nevers this morning will begin with the Espace Bernadette Soubirous; the final resting place of the simple country girl from Lourdes who claimed to have seen the Virgin 18 times. Then, continue to the city center to see the Ducal Palace, which is considered the first of the Loire s castles. We will see: the Old Town, The Republic Square and a large park. Enjoy a stroll through the preserved old quarter, (with its half-timbered houses and picturesque streets) before reaching Nevers Cathedral which is a national monument. There will be a brief visit to the pottery quarter before ending our tour with a tasting of local products. Day 6 Marseilles-Les-Aubigny Chapelle Montlinard We ll leave by coach for the visit to Fontmorigny Abbey, a privately owned French historical monument. This is now one of the main cultural sites in the area and is testimony to over 8 centuries of French religious heritage. The contemporary stained-glass windows are not to be missed. We ll continue on to visit Apremont-sur-Allier and its floral garden. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this small medieval jewel on the bank of the Allier is an absolute must-see. The village offers a stunning point of view of the castle that overlooks it as well as a nice stroll along the Allier river. During our journey, discover the unique abundance of nature, culture and heritage. You ll have an outstanding view of the Val de Loire Natural Reserve. The evening is free to do as you please. Day 7 Chapelle Montlinard Menetreol-Sous-Sancerre We ll leave by coach for our tour of La Charit-sur-Loire and an authentic farm. Our visit will begin with the top priory, one of the most important restoration sites in Burgundy for the past 15 years. Then, visit a farm deep in the countryside, where we ll experience the rustic calm and authenticity that can be found only in France. This is a nice stop-over and a perfect way to get to know the animals (sheep, pigs, goats, donkeys, African or Highland cattle, llamas, ostriches, and of course, ducks)! After we return on board, we ll cruise toward Menetreol-sous-Sancerre.

3 10-Day France s Hidden Canals Loire Valley Day 8 Menetreol-Sous-Sancerre Lere Today, we visit Pouilly-sur-Loire, where we ll visit the Tour De Pouilly-Fume, a wine-tourism center located in a beautiful setting. We ll visit the vineyards, see the wine cellar, and enjoy a tasting. Once we return on board, we ll continue toward Lere. Take advantage of this moment to ride along a portion of the EuroVelo 6 (the bike route travelling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea). The evening is free to do as you please. Day 9 Lere Briare Excursion to Sancerre and a goat farm. Set in the historic Berry region, Sancerre overlooks the gorgeous Loire Valley. You ll discover this beautiful medieval city by following the Fil d Ariane; a red line painted on the streets taking you past the old wine-making neighborhoods, bakeries, fascinating buildings, and lovely art galleries. The Fief Tower (significant stairs to climb) is the only remaining tower of the 14 th -century medieval castle. Afterwards, we ll visit a goat farm and have a tasting of its trademark cheeses and the local Sancerre wine. The family on the farm will be happy to share their cheese making secrets with you. We ll spend the afternoon cruising to Briare and cruising through the Briare Aqueduct whose 14 masonry supports were built by the Eiffel Company. Until recently, it was the longest navigable aqueduct in the world. Tonight is our festive gala evening. Day 10 Briare Paris Disembarkation Enjoy one last breakfast on board before disembarking. Transfer by coach from Briare to Paris for the flight home. Optional Post-Cruise Hotel Auberge des Templiers $350 / room / night For those wanting a little extra time in France, the Auberge des Templiers, a Relais & Chateaux hotel, offers the perfect surroundings reminiscent of the cruise. The M/S Deborah Year built: 2016 Length: 126 ft. Width: 17 ft. Cabins: 10 Guest Capacity: 20 Staterooms: 20 Onboard amenities: Lounge/bar with large picture windows and dance floor, public patio, restaurant serving all passengers in one sitting, wide sun deck with chaise lounges & boutique. Conveniences: All staterooms have private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, safe, desk/storage/mini bar area, flat-screen satellite TV, cabin-to-cabin phone, radio, reversible air-conditioning & free Wi-Fi. Complimentary bike usage with helmet also available.

4 10-Day France s Hidden Canals Loire Valley The Details Airport Transfers* Roundtrip International Airfare 2-Nights Pre-Cruise Accommodation Paris 6-Night Canal Cruise with Tours of Distinction on the M/S Deborah 2 Breakfasts & Welcome Dinner in Paris All meals on the M/S Deborah Paris City Tor & Paris Gastronomical Tour Barge Transfers Onboard Cabaret Show A Tours of Distinction Exclusive Tours of Distinction Tour Director 7 Guided Shore Excursions Complimentary Wi-Fi and Bicycle Use Unlimited complimentary beverages including beer, fine wine, spirits, soft drinks and specialty coffees Gratuities for Tour Director, Driver, Local Guides & Ship Crew All port charges, taxes and fees 6 Member Barge Crew *Airport Transfers Complimentary Within 50 Miles of Departure Airport PAYMENT SCHEDULE: $250 per person due at time of reservation + Optional Travel Protection $2,500 per person due February 28, 2020 Final Payment: April 4, 2020 OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION: Optional Travel Protection cost per person, double occupancy single occupancy: $319 pp $388 pp Categories not listed above or single supplement rates may increase the cost of your Travel Protection. It is advised that you submit the optional Travel Protection payment with your initial deposit. The Plan Document will be provided to you with your tour confirmation packet. Read this document carefully as it provides complete details of the plan, including benefits and exclusions. IF CANCELLING FOR A MEDICAL REASON, YOU MUST SEE YOUR DOCTOR AND PROVIDE SUPPORTING MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION WHEN SUBMITTING A CLAIM. CANCELLATION POLICY: A cancellation fee of $ per person + non-refundable tour expenses will be charged for any cancellation received from time of booking to 121 days prior to departure. A cancellation fee of 50% of the total tour cost + nonrefundable tour expenses will be charged for cancellations days prior to departure. A cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour cost will be charged for cancellations received 90-0 days prior to departure. toursofdistinction.net Disclaimer: We are in the business that plans far ahead of the tour s start date which can, at times, leave us with a change of itinerary, attraction, meal or accommodation. Due to any unforeseen circumstances, Tours of Distinction, Inc., must reserve the right to change the booked itinerary, attractions, restaurants or accommodations. In such an event, the alternative will be of equal or greater value.

5 2020 Cruise RESERVATION FORM One Form Per Person Name*: First Middle Last * Important: Name listed here MUST match the name on your passport Address: Occupancy: Single Double Travel Partner/Roommate(s): Tours of Distinction 10-Day France s Hidden Canals Loire Valley July 20-29, 2020 M/S Deborah GUEST DETAILS Date of Birth: City, State: Zip Code: Phone #: Address: Cell #: Passport issue date: Passport issued in what country: CRUISE DETAILS Passport Exp Date**: Passport #: Special Needs (wheelchair, diet, handicap, etc.): ~~Please note that we try to accommodate special preference requests (i.e. specific staterooms, specific deck, adjoining staterooms) when possible, but we cannot guarantee them. PAYMENT DETAILS Mail this form, a copy of your Passport & deposit to: Tours of Distinction (See Address Below) *Please check here if you will be applying for a Passport renewal or applying for a Passport. **Note: The U.S. Department of State recommends your passport have at least six months of validity beyond the last date of travel. Optional Deluxe Travel Protection Plan: I would like to: Accept or Decline the optional travel protection. I am paying by: Check (Payable to Tours of Distinction) or Credit Card Total Deposit for the Cruise Portion: $ Total Optional Travel Protection Insurance: $ Total Amount Enclosed: $ Credit Card Information: Visa MasterCard Discover Amex Card #: Name on Card: Expiration Date: CID #: 3 or 4 numbers located on back of card I acknowledge that I have read the Disclaimer and Cancellation Policies on the reverse of this page and understand all information given to me. Guest s Signature: Date: PO Box 1011, East Windsor, CT Phone: Toll-Free: Fax: For Office Use Only Date Received: Cabin Type: Cabin #: Reservation #:

6 Disclaimer and Cancellation Policies RESPONSIBILITY: Tours of Distinction and its affiliates act only as an agent for the passenger with respect to transportation and hotels and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motor-coach, train or other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, acts of God, or by other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make alterations to this published itinerary. Tours of Distinction reserves the right to cancel the tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour. PAYMENT SCHEDULE: $250 per person due at time of reservation + Optional Travel Protection $2,500 per person due February 1, 2020 Final Payment: April 4, 2020 OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION: Optional Group Deluxe Travel Protection cost per person: Double Occupancy Single Occupancy $319 pp $388 pp Categories not listed above or single supplement rates may increase the cost of your Travel Protection. It is advised that you submit the optional Travel Protection payment with your initial deposit. The Plan Document will be provided to you with your cruise confirmation packet. Read this document carefully as it provides complete details of the plan, including benefits and exclusions. IF CANCELLING FOR A MEDICAL REASON, YOU MUST SEE YOUR DOCTOR AND PROVIDE SUPPORTING MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION WHEN SUBMITTING A CLAIM. CANCELLATION POLICY: A cancellation fee of $ per person + non-refundable tour expenses will be charged for any cancellation received from time of booking to 121 days prior to departure. A cancellation fee of 50% of the total tour cost + non-refundable tour expenses will be charged for cancellations days prior to departure. A cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour cost will be charged for cancellations received 90-0 days prior to departure. Passports are required for all International Travel Passports need to be obtained no later than the final payment date of the tour. Rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis.