In Conjunction With; For further information please contact; Swagman Tours Level 1, 182 Latrobe Tce (PO Box 7473) Geelong West VIC 3218 P: 1800 808 491 E: karen@swagmantours.com.au GRAND EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE The Saone and Rhone Rivers, France 16 Days Departing 05 April 2017 * Escorted by Paul and Lizzie Pincini * from Merimbula Coach Tours
DAY 1: Wed 05 Apr MELBOURNE FLY TO PARIS (-) Arrive at Tullamarine International airport, check in and proceed through customs/immigration for your overnight Singapore Airlines flight departing mid-afternoon to Paris, via Singapore. (Meet your tour escorts Paul & Lizzie and fellow Sydney passengers at Singapore). DAY 2: Thu 06 Apr ARRIVE PARIS (D) Arrive into Paris early this morning, collect your luggage and be met by your assistant who will escort you to the waiting coach and driver. Enjoy the main sights of the city from the coach with your guide, and afterwards a cruise along the River Seine to gain a further insight into this romantic city. Afterwards transfer to the hotel where the remainder of the afternoon is at rest until dinner. Overnight: Paris DAY 3: Fri 07 Apr PARIS SIGHTSEEING (B) After breakfast a local guide will join the group on the coach for a half day sightseeing tour of Paris to see the main sights including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. This afternoon and evening is free at leisure for private sightseeing or further rest. Overnight: As Above DAY 4: Sat 08 Apr PALACE OF VERSAILLES & MONET S GARDEN (BD) Meet your local guide and travel to visit the immense and opulent Palace of Versailles and the immaculate surrounding gardens. Afterwards continue to Giverny to visit Monet s House and Garden and see first-hand the spectacular areas which inspired many of his artworks. Transfer back to Paris this afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure before dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight: As Above DAY 5: Sun 09 Apr PARIS LYON JOIN RIVER CRUISE (BD) A leisurely driving day south east toward to the historic Roman inspired city of Lyon, sitting on the confluence of the Saone and Rhone Rivers. Board your cruise boat at approximately 6.00pm in Lyon at Claude Bernard s quay. After settling into your cabins, meet the crew over a welcome cocktail in the lounge before dinner in the on-board restaurant and afterwards entertainment is provided in the lounge bar. Overnight: MS Camargue DAY 6: Mon 10 Apr LYON MACON (BLD) After breakfast on board set off by coach for this morning s excursion for a guided visit of Lyon. Here learn about France s second city, wonderfully situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Return on board for lunch as the boat sets sail towards Mâcon. This afternoon is an ideal opportunity to relax on board and admire the scenery as we cruise through the beautiful Burgundy countryside. Enjoy dinner as we cruise, followed by an evening of dancing and entertainment. Overnight: As Above DAY 7: Tue 11 Apr MACON VIENNE (BLD) This morning s excursion is to visit the abbey at Cluny. This Benedictine Monastery extended its influence throughout Europe in the Middle Ages and this historic church was the largest in all of western Christendom. Return on board in time for lunch and set sail again heading for Vienne. Dinner and an evening of entertainment on board as we cruise, arriving in Vienne towards the end of the evening and moor for the night. Overnight: As Above
DAY 8: Wed 12 Apr VIENNE ARLES (BLD) After breakfast on board visit Vienne, the history of which dates back some 2000 years, and we are lucky enough to see the relics left by the Romans as well as the cathedral of St Maurice, all listed Historic Monuments. Return on board for lunch and the boat departs toward Avignon. This afternoon is yet another opportunity to relax on board and admire the scenery as we cruise down the Rhône, or take part in the fun and games proposed by our on-board entertainments crew. Overnight: As Above DAY 9: Thu 13 Apr ARLES (BLD) Arrive early morning in Arles with time to explore this fascinating historical town with its Roman treasures and artistic legacy. Afterwards travel to the country or arrière pays to learn how Provençal olive oil is made then return on board for lunch. Then enjoy an excursion to the Camargue, a huge nature reserve where the sea and marshland are inhabited by an amazing array of water fowl and birds. Have free time in the delightful town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a remarkable twice-yearly pilgrimage centre for gypsies from all over Europe and housing an interesting fortified church. Return on board in time for dinner and afterwards be treated to a provençal folk evening on board. Overnight: As Above DAY 10: Fri 14 Apr ARLES AVIGNON VIVIERS (BLD) Travel toward historic Avignon this morning and on arrival enjoy a guided tour of the Palais des Papes, a true fortress perched on a rocky pinnacle and surrounded by city walls and a major feat of Gothic architecture dating back to the 14 th century which was the formal residence of the sovereign pontiffs. Return on board for lunch before continuing in the direction of Viviers, spending the afternoon afloat. After dinner is an excursion to Viviers to discover this open-air museum a medieval city which also happens to be home to the smallest cathedral in France. Overnight: As Above DAY 11: Sat 15 Apr VIVIERS TOURNON LYON (BLD) This morning is spent cruising before arriving in Tournon early afternoon for a guided tour of the city. Stop at the château-museum where we'll see the permanent collection that traces the history of navigation on the Rhône River including a tasting of regional products and wines. Return on board by foot at a leisurely pace. After dinner the crew will put on a Gala evening as the boat cruises during the night towards Lyon. Overnight: As Above DAY 12: Sun 16 Apr LYON DISEMBARK CRUISE PARIS (BD) The final breakfast on board before arriving into the city at approximately 9:00am to disembark. Meet your coach, driver and local assistant and travel back toward Paris to check in at the hotel, and the remainder of the afternoon is for final private sightseeing before meeting back at the hotel for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Paris DAY 13: Mon 17 Apr PARIS FLY TO SINGAPORE (B) After breakfast transfer to Charles De Gaulle airport in time for your overnight Singapore Airlines flight departing at midday. Overnight: In Flight
DAY 14: Tue 18 Apr SINGAPORE STOPOVER (-) Arrive into Singapore s Changi Airport very early this morning and transfer to the hotel to store your luggage. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this bustling city further and utilise some of the deals in your travel voucher booklet as part of this stopover package. Return to the hotel to check-in and enjoy dinner (own expense). Overnight: Singapore DAY 15: Wed 19 Apr SINGAPORE FLY HOME (-) Another full day to explore Singapore further today, until meeting back at the hotel late afternoon to transfer to Changi Airport for your overnight flight home to Melbourne, departing this evening. Overnight: In Flight DAY 16: Thu 20 Apr ARRIVE MELBOURNE (-) Arrive back into Melbourne early this morning, so ending a wonderful river cruising experience. TOUR COST: $8,100.00 per person twin share, lower deck boat cabin Single supplement, lower deck cabin - $1,225.00 Upgrade to Upper Deck Cabin subject to availability on request (single cabin on upper deck extra) *Tour cost is subject to air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations. Non-refundable deposit required within 7 days of booking: $4,000.00 per person Balance due: 10 February 2017 CANCELLATION: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply, please see booking conditions for details. Tour cost includes: Economy airfares and pre-payable taxes Australia to Paris and return. River Cruise as outlined in the itinerary in main deck cabins (upper deck subject to confirmation) including shore excursions. Air-conditioned vehicle throughout for all land-based touring. Twin share 3½ - 4 star accommodation for the land arrangements throughout with en suite facilities. Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). All entry fees, activities and sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary. Services of experienced and knowledgeable English speaking local tour guides. Gratuities for the long distance coach drivers ONLY. Beverages on board the cruises included with meals; mineral water, house wine, beer, fruit juice, tea & coffee. Singapore Stopover accommodation, airport-hotel-airport transfer & deals. Tour cost does NOT include: Travel Insurance this is COMPULSORY to have in place prior to travel and a copy of the policy will be required prior to documentation being sent. Swagman Tours can assist with a quote and issue a policy, please phone Karen on 1800 808 491. Items of a personal nature ie laundry/phone etc and any optional extras listed in the itinerary. Beverages & Meals not listed in the itinerary. Cost of passport. Cost of any medication required. Gratuities on board the river cruise EUR 10 per person is appreciated but not compulsory. Gratuities for local guides doing the land arrangements (not compulsory but appreciated for rewarding good service). Porterage at hotels. IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, airfare, fuel surcharges and / or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to Paris. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $75 per person (plus extra touring and insurance costs). The cruise itineraries are also subject to change for 2017, a final correct version will be included with your tour documentation.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS Passengers travelling on an Australian passport will not require any pre-arranged visas for this tour itinerary. Passengers travelling on a non-australian passport should advise Swagman Tours immediately so we can organise visas if necessary. If you are extending this tour / travelling to other areas it is your responsibility to check visa information. Karen at Swagman Tours can assist, phone 1800 808 491 if you have any queries. All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday if necessary. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure that your "paperwork" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police. HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non-australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). Please advise Swagman Tours immediately if you travel on a non-australian passport so that visas can be obtained in a timely manner if necessary. NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate. CRUISE INFORMATION Your river cruise ship is spacious and light and offers a welcoming and refined setting. The MS Camargue has 54 cabins at the cutting edge of technology, their facilities offer comfort and safety. Carefully maintained and partially renovated each year, the fleet is largely made up of recently built vessels, less than five years old, all with Veritas certification. The leading European river tour operator, Croisi Europe owes its international reputation to its seriousness, its dynamism, its sense of innovation and its recognised value for money of long standing. Vessels are rated 3½ - 4 star and the food is superb - as you'd expect on a French-owned cruise line, staffed by French chefs and with top French and German wines aboard. The cruise company is a family-owned and operated firm, with brothers and sisters running different aspects of the company and keeping a close eye on all operations to ensure excellence. River cruising offers much free fun. Wake in the morning and observe the passing riverside scenery through your cabin window - perhaps from your bed. Gaze upon village churches or a patchwork of fields sparkling in the morning sun. The only "floating" hotel structures of its type in France, your river cruise reigns supreme over the kitchens on its boats. In charge of the company's Chefs, Alain Bohn manages and designs his cuisine and specific menus in the pure tradition of French cooking with his passionate kitchen teams. Dining on board is always a pleasure. Food is taken seriously and it shows. You'll soon become firm friends with your waiter and you'll quickly come to admire the choices made by world-renowned sommelier, Serge Dubs. Dinner is served at a set time at a single sitting and breakfast is buffet style and is also served in the restaurant. Dress is smart casual, no formal nights are held on board. Drinks included with on board meals: mineral water, house wine, beer, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Tipping is not expected, however if you wish to show your gratitude for exceptional service, feel free to do so. Deck Plans Facilities: Lounge & Bar Dining Room Souvenir Shop Wi-fi on board Large Sun Deck with Deckchairs Fully Air Conditioned & Central Heating Cabin Amenities: Ensuite bathroom Flat Screen TV Hairdryer Safe Radio 220v Electricity