Rhône & Provence April 2014
Discover the delights and pleasures of the Rhône Valley and Provence. Enjoy exceptional culinary delights, outstanding wines, and the comfortable luxury afforded by the finest river cruise service and a 5-star Provencal hotel. For your financial security the air holidays and flights in this brochure are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. The tour operator is Furlongs Travel, ATOL number is 3710. David Franklin / istockphoto
The Rhône is one of the major rivers of europe, rising in Switzerland and running from there through southeastern France. We join our deluxe AMADAGIO river cruise ship in the gastronomic capital of Lyon. here the Rhône meets its biggest tributary, the Saône, and then continues southbound through the wine producing regions of Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. During our 7-night voyage we will learn about wine production, enjoy tastings with local experts, and explore the Roman and medieval history of Avignon, Vienne, Tournon and Viviers. At Arles, near the Rhône s mouth on the Mediterranean Sea, the river divides into two branches, known as the Great Rhône and the Little Rhône. The resulting delta constitutes the Camargue region which we ll explore on route to a 5-night stay at our luxurious Provencal hotel, Le VALLOn De VALRuGueS & SPA. Located in the pretty town of Saint-Remy, it s a perfect base from which to explore the delightful PROVenCe region, famous for its mild climate, olive groves, lavender fields and picturesque hilltop villages. Rhone River AmaWaterways >> Enjoy a premium experience, sailing with the finest river cruise company and staying at a 5-star Provencal hotel. Included is a comprehensive programme of sightseeing and activities featuring winery visits and tastings, culinary delights, guided walks and city tours. >> No need to worry about optional extras. All the essentials and more are covered: flights, transfers, meals with wine, accommodations, sightseeing, activities, excursions and ALL tips. >> Every Furlongs tour is carefully researched. Richard Furlong undertook an extensive recce trip to the Rhône Valley and Provence to inspect and select the best suppliers. This first-hand experience and our insider tips ensures you get the most from your holiday. >> Proprietors, Richard and Dawn Furlong will personally escort the tour. They plan meticulously and organise discreetly to ensure you enjoy a hasslefree holiday. Les Halles Market, Lyons Richard Furlong >> Our ATOL tour operating licence offers you 100% financial peace of mind. Book with Ponders Travel www.ponderstravel.co.uk Telephone 01954 232 802
Rhône & Provence 2014 Itinerary Thursday 3rd April 2014 UK / Lyon We travel on British Airways scheduled services from London heathrow, direct non-stop to Lyon. nestled between the Saône and Rhône rivers, Lyon is one of France's most important cities and also a gastronomic capital. upon arrival we transfer by private coach to our luxurious river cruise ship, the AMADAGIO. enjoy a Welcome Dinner and meet fellow guests. Friday 4th April 2014 Lyon / Trévoux Today your panoramic tour of Lyon will take you to the Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the Place des Terreaux, with Bartholdi's Fountain and the Town hall. You will also visit Fourvière, part of the historic region designated a unesco World heritage Site. Known as the Hill of Prayers, Fourvière is famous for its iconic white Basilica of notre-dame, ruins of a Roman theatre and majestic views of the city below. We also plan to visit Les Halles, a covered food market where top chefs select their ingredients. Saturday 5th April 2014 Trévoux / Vienne This morning a guided tour will take you through the chateaux, fields and vineyards of the Beaujolais wine region, famous for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. We will visit the medieval hilltop village of Oingt, and the winery of a local vintner for a wine tasting and explanation of the history of wine production in the area. We return to the ship early afternoon and continue sailing to Vienne. Châteauneuf-du-Pape AmaWaterways Sunday 6th April 2014 Vienne / Tournon Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvellously preserved ruins and remains. This morning, you can enjoy a tour aboard a mini-train and see the Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ruins of a Roman theatre and medieval churches of St Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St Pierre. As an alternative, you may choose to visit Chateau Roussillon and a local pottery. Around midday we are all back on board and we depart for Tournon. This evening, we can explore the town on our own. Monday 7th April 2014 Tournon / Viviers This morning we visit Tournon's twin town of Cornas, located across the Rhône river and linked by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The fertile soil and ideal climate of the region has made Cornas the premier producer of Côtes du Rhône wines. enjoy a wine tasting and then some free time to visit the 16th century castle which is now a town hall. Returning to the ship for lunch we cruise to Viviers. Arriving this evening, you may join a ghost walk through this once thriving medieval town or, alternatively, join the on board nougat demonstration! Tuesday 8th April 2014 Viviers / Avignon After breakfast we join an excursion to Grignan, a magnificent village perched on a hill surrounded by lavender fields and topped by a Renaissance castle. From the castle, enjoy a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. We ll also visit a local truffle farm. Later we sail to Avignon, made famous by the children's song Sur le pont d'avignon. Seven popes resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace here, which you may visit during our walking tour. You will also see the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic centre of town, a unesco World heritage Site. As an alternative, you may choose an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is a masterpiece of engineering and another unesco World heritage Site. This tour will also visit uzes, a small Provencal town known for its Castle of the Duke of Uzes, medieval streets and a picturesque town square framed by archways. Wednesday 9th April 2014 Avignon / Arles enjoy a guided walking tour of Arles. You will visit the amazing Roman Amphitheatre and other Roman sites, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh. The 19th century impressionist rented a home here and Arles street scenes featured in many of his bestknown and best-loved paintings. Thursday 10th April 2014 Arles / Camargue We disembark AMADAGIO this morning and join our private coaches for a visit to the Camargue, a unique marshland that extends to the sea. Later, we arrive in St-Rémy-du-Provence to begin our five night stay at the luxurious hotel Le VALLOn De VALRuGueS. SAône RIVeR Viviers Avignon Arles lyon camargue Trévoux Vienne RHône RIVeR Tournon PARc du luberon PRoVence ST-RéMY RHône RIVeR Marseille Furlongs Travel
A warm welcome from the crew AmaWaterways Friday 11th April 2014 Alpilles Regional Park The Alpilles is a small range of mountains running in an east-west direction between the Rhône and Durance rivers. The landscape is one of arid limestone peaks separated by dry valleys, and many of the lower slopes are planted with olive and almond trees. Today we visit Moulin du Calanquet, a farm and mill well known for quality products including olives, tapenades, jams, aubergine caviar and fruit juices. Saturday 12th April 2014 Luberon Excursion In the last two decades the Luberon has become well known through a series of books by author Peter Mayle chronicling his life as an expatriate settled in the village of Ménerbes. Today we explore the region, including a visit to Roussillon, a village noted for its large ochre deposits. Ochre pigments were widely used in the textile industry during the 18th century and we visit an interesting museum housed in a former ochre factory. Book with Ponders Travel www.ponderstravel.co.uk Telephone 01954 232 802 Sunday 13th April 2014 Glanum Glanum was a fortified town founded in the 6th century BC by a Celto-Ligurian people called the Salyens. It became a Roman city in 27 BC and was abandoned in 260 AD. Modern day excavations began in 1921 and the ruins are now particularly well known for two Roman monuments, a mausoleum and a triumphal arch. A guided visit here is included, requiring a fairly easy 1.5km walk from our hotel. Monday 14th April 2014 Les Baux One of the most picturesque French villages, Les Baux-de-Provence, gave its name to the mineral bauxite discovered here in 1822. Our excursion to Les Baux includes entry to the Carrières de Lumières, an extraordinary audiovisual presentation inside a vast old quarry. The show includes music and art, and currently features the work of Monet, Renoir and Chagall. A visit not to be missed! Tuesday 15th April 2014 Marseille / UK Leaving our comfortable Provence hotel we drive south to Marseille to join our direct, non-stop British Airways flight home to the uk. Award-Winning Wining and Dining On board AmaDagio you will enjoy a lovely champagne breakfast every morning, with made-to-order specialities and freshly baked breads and pastries. The lavish lunch buffet includes fresh salads, pasta dishes, hot entrees, and desserts, as well as full menu service. Alternatively choose a light buffet option available in the ship lounge. If you feel peckish afternoon tea, coffee, delicious sandwiches, pastries and cookies are available! Dinner is a multi-course affair, accompanied by fine regional wines, beer or soft drinks, all complimentary. Top-notch culinary delights will continue at our Provencal hotel. Food and beverage services at Hotel Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa are supervised by Michelin star executive chef, Marc de Passorio. Breakfasts will feature a comprehensive selection of hot and cold foods and you ll enjoy our bistro style evening meals and a gastronomic finale dinner including complimentary wine or soft drinks.
AmaDagio - deluxe river cruising AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 to provide the most exceptional river cruise experience possible. The company were the first to offer such benefits as French Balconies, complimentary in-room Internet, shipwide Wi-Fi and free use of bicycles. Ships have been custom-designed and all cabins are comfortable and well appointed, with private facilities. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are of the highest quality and the service is attentive. Help yourself to tea and coffee 24-hrs a day. Wine, beer and soft drinks are complimentary with dinner. AMAWATERWAYS are the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world s most prestigious culinary organisations. Membership is by invitation only, extended to professional chefs, restauranteurs and hoteliers possessing world-class culinary acumen. AmaWaterways Ship cabin categories Sun DeCK / WALKInG TRACK 1 BRIDGe 2 Sun deck E-CAT Piano Deck / Twin fixed windows - 170 sq ft D-CAT 3 4 5 332 330 328 326 324 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 331 329 327 325 323 321 319 317 315 313 311 309 307 305 303 302 301 6 7 8 LOunGe & BAR VIolIn deck 9 Piano Deck / Twin fixed windows - 170 sq ft C-CAT Violin & Cello Deck / French Balcony - 170 sq ft 230 228 226 224 222 220 218 216 214 212 210 208 206 204 202 229 227 225 223 221 219 217 215 213 211 209 207 205 203 201 6 ReSTAuRAnT cello deck B-CAT Violin & Cello Deck / French Balcony - 170 sq ft A-CAT Violin Deck / French Balcony - 170 sq ft 10 112 110 108 106 104 102 113 111 109 107 105 103 101 PIAno deck SUiTE Violin Deck / French Balcony - 255 sq ft (1) Whirlpool, (2) Observation Deck, (3) Aft Lounge, (4) Massage & Hair Salon, (5) Fitness room, (6) Lift between Cello and Violin decks, (7) Gift shop, (8) Reception, (9) Bow seating area, (10) Crew cabins. Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa - five star hotel Hotel Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa is situated in the foothills of the Alpilles mountain range, just 600 metres easy walk from the historical centre of Saint-Rémy de Provence. Ideally located for exploring the Provence region, the hotel offers 48 comfortable rooms and suites, all with private facilities. Each room features air conditioning, satellite television, minibar, room safe, telephone and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet. Other facilities include heated indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, hiking trails, billiards, table tennis and petanque. Michelin star chef, Marc de Passorio, supervises the gourmet restaurant and bistro. The tour price includes a Deluxe category room. Subject to availability, upgrade to rooms with a balcony or suites:- Hotel bedroom categories Deluxe - approximately 248 sq ft Deluxe with balcony - approximately 258 sq ft Junior suites - approximately 355 sq ft Deluxe suites with a terrace - approximately 430 sq ft Deluxe room with balcony Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa
What s included? >> International economy class flights, round trip. >> 7-night Rhône river cruise aboard the AMADAGIO. >> Choice of cabin, assigned upon booking. >> Full board on ship: breakfasts, lunches and dinners, tea and coffee complimentary throughout, plus afternoon refreshments and late night snacks. >> Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks with ship dinners. >> 5-nights at HOTEL LE VALLON DE VALRUGUES & SPA. >> Half board at hotel: breakfasts and dinners. >> Complimentary wine or soft drinks with hotel dinners. >> Lyon city tour with visit to Les Halles market. >> Beaujolais excursion / tasting, with visit to Oingt. >> Vienne walking / mini train tour or chateau visit. >> Tournon / Côtes du Rhône winery visit. >> Viviers ghost walk. >> Grignan excursion including truffle farm visit. >> Avignon walking tour / Papal Palace or excursion to Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct / Uzes. >> Arles walking tour. >> Excursion to the Camargue. >> Olive farm visit to Moulin du Calanquet. >> Luberon excursion including Ochre museum. >> Walking tour of Roman ruins at Glanum. >> Les Baux excursion / Carrières de Lumières. >> Complimentary use of bicycles at ports of call. >> Port visits as per itinerary. >> Airport and ship transfers. >> Prepaid air taxes. >> Port charges. >> All tips including ship crew. >> Comprehensive tickets and information pack. >> Personally escorted from the UK. Rhône / Provence Tour Prices E-CAT D-CAT C-CAT B-CAT A-CAT SUiTE Thursday 3rd to Tuesday 15th April 2014 TouR PRIce BY SHIP cabin category TwIn Tour cost per person sharing twin cabin SInGle Tour cost per person sole occupancy PIAnO DeCK 3,245 4,395 PIAnO DeCK 3,395 4,575 VIOLIn / CeLLO DeCKS 3,645 4,845 VIOLIn / CeLLO DeCKS 3,775 on request VIOLIn DeCK 3,855 on request VIOLIn DeCK 4,495 on request optional HoTel RooM upgrades TwIn ADD this supplement per person to tour price SInGle ADD this supplement per person to tour price deluxe included included deluxe - WITh BALCOnY 25 50 Junior Suite 50 100 deluxe Suite - WITh TeRRACe 75 150 Hotel room supplements shown are the TOTAL extra costs, not per night. Flight choice AmaWaterways Please contact us if you require any further information. We can assist with airport hotels and parking, diets and other special requirements, single and twin-share arrangements. NB: This tour is not overly physically demanding but some of the shore excursions may involve walking on cobbled paths and uneven terrain. Terms and Conditions - Reservations are subject to our standard terms and conditions shown on the separate page and available to view online. We fly with British Airways on scheduled services from Heathrow to Lyon, and from Marseille back to Heathrow. Both flights are direct, non-stop. Business class upgrades may be available at extra cost. Subject to availability you may choose the morning OR afternoon schedule as shown below (local times). Please indicate your first choice on the booking form. Morning schedule: Depart Heathrow 11.35am, arrive Lyon 2.10pm. Depart Marseille 11.20am, arrive Heathrow 12.30pm. Afternoon schedule: Depart Heathrow 4pm, arrive Lyon 6.35pm. Depart Marseille 5pm, arrive Heathrow 6pm. Book with Ponders Travel www.ponderstravel.co.uk Telephone 01954 232 802
Richard Furlong RHône & PRoVence 2014 BOOKInG FORM Bookings are subject to the terms and conditions shown on the separate leaflet and available to view at www.furlongs.co.uk. Payment terms: First deposit 500 per person. Second deposit 500 pp due 1st August 2013. Balance: 90 days before departure. All guests must have their own comprehensive travel insurance for this trip. ACCOMMODATIOn PReFeRReD - please tick CABIn TYPe PReFeRReD - please tick your 1st choice hotel ROOM PReFeRReD - please tick your 1st choice FLIGhT SCheDuLe ChOICe - please tick your 1st choice or either SPeCIAL ReQueSTS - we try our best, but these are not guaranteed: q Double or q Twin or q Sole Occupancy or q Seeking twin-share q Cat-E or q Cat-D or q Cat-C or q Cat-B or q Cat-A or q Suite q Deluxe or q Deluxe with balcony or q Junior Suite or q Deluxe Suite q Morning schedule or q Afternoon schedule or q Either ADDReSS OF LeAD name ShOWn BeLOW: POSTCODe: home TeLePhOne: MOBILe TeLePhOne: Brochure published May 2013. Photos as stated. Front cover: AmaWaterways. email ADDReSS: MR/MRS MISS/MS ChRISTIAn name(s) exactly AS PASSPORT SuRnAMe exactly AS PASSPORT DATe of BIRTh BookInG And PAYMenT AuTHoRITY: I have read, understand and accept for myself and all others named, the terms and conditions of this booking. I enclose a cheque (payable to Furlongs Travel) or confirm my credit card details. SIGned PAYInG now dated Book with Ponders Travel www.ponderstravel.co.uk Telephone 01954 232 802 ABTA No V0086 3710