'TOUR DE FRANCE'

Wayne Good is delighted, in association with House of Travel Te Awamutu, to be able to share with you a wonderful experience in one of his favourite countries, France.

Having just recently returned from France, Wayne has set the programme in such a way that we will focus on several stunning and interesting parts of France – Paris/Provence, the South of France, the South West, Dordogne and the Loire, all of which Wayne has just visited.

At this stage, I have put together an outline of what we are doing, the costs and what is included. A more detailed Itinerary will be available nearer our departure time.

On our Tour, outside of Paris, you will be transported by Minibus. We will be “Self-catering”for 1 night, and everyone will be expected to help with the preparation of the meal etc.

We will have a daily Food/Fuel Kitty, with the amount being $40.00 per day, per person for the 12 Days. Any money left at the end will either be divided back or we will have a last night bash!! This again will be confirmed a little further down the track

All flights are based on Economy Class Travel on Malaysian Airways through Kuala Lumpur. This airline offers superior space, comfort and facilities including a state of the art individual entertainment system.

Malaysian Airways have a frequent flyer programme which you are free to join. Information on this will be provided upon request.

 

PROGRAMME:
Day 1:
Depart on Malaysian bound directly to Paris with a change of Plane in Kuala Lumpur.

 

Day 2- 5 :
Upon arrival in Paris we will be transferred to our wonderful hotel – Les Trois Poussin, near the Opera. Having just stayed in this hotel I can tell you that it really is cute and in a great location.

We will enjoy 5 nights in this wonderful city

During this time we are having a half day conducted tour of Paris, an optional evening at the famous Lido Nightclub, an included day at Chateau de Versaille, visit Fontainebleau, the Musee dÓrsay and all the other wonderful sights that make this city one of the most exciting and colourful in the world. There will also be time just to wander around and visit some awesome shopping areas, or how about a drink at a street café in Monometer watching the world go by!! We will travel around Paris using the Metro.

 

Day 6:
Today we leave Paris on the famous TGV Train to Avignon. This train travels at speeds of over 200 Kph and quickly and comfortably gets us to our destination.

At Avignon we collect our Mini-bus and continue onto the picturesque village of Uzes, and the famous Pont de Garde. The Ponte de Garde is an exceptionally well preserved Roman Aqueduct built in about 19BC. From here we will drive back to Avignon where we will have a night’s accommodation at the Bristol Hotel. This is situated within the walls of the old city. While in Avignon, if time and energy allows, a visit can be made to the famous Chateau de Paps.

 

Days 7 & 8 :
Today we head into true Provence. While in Provence we will visit villages made famous by Peter Mayle for wonderful Cafes and Provencal Markets. We will visit the famous towns of Gordes, Roussillon, Lacoste, Carpentras and Menerbes (made famous by Peter Mayle).

 

Day 9 :
Today we drive to a little known part of France, but an area that I think is one of the most spectacular – The Gorge de Verdon. This is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world. The River Verdon plunges into fantastic gorges carved over millions of years by the water out of Jurassic Limestone. It is in a National Park and is truly a highlight for me on any tour within France. Our night’s accommodation is at the Le Relais Hotel, set high in a village called Moustiers Ste Marie – absolutely stunning!!

Moustiers dates back to about 435 AD when monks taking refuge in caves built a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Moustiers has been transferred into a place of pilgrimage. Perched above the village is Notre Dame de Beauvoir – a slightly challenging climb but a spectacular view at the top. Moustiers is also famous for its Ceramics.

 

Days 10 & 11 :
Today we drive through the Gorge to the town of Castillon and onto the Riviera for 2 nights. We are staying in the village of Cabris, set in the hills behind Grasse. We will use this as our base to visit Canne, Eze and the famous village of Saint Paul de Vence.

I know this will be a real highlight for many people. Oh yes and I didn’t mention the shopping and art galleries!!!!

Our hotel is Hotel L’Horizon.

 

Day 12 :
Today we leave the Riviera and head west and then north to the town of Carcassonne. This is a medieval walled town restored and used in the filming of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Our night’s accommodation is at the Hotel Le Donjon within the walls of the old town. There is also a fabulous restaurant here which I would love to take you to.


Days 13 & 14 :
Today we head further north to the town of Sarlat. While in the area we will visit the village of Rocamadour. This village, again a place of pilgrimage, literally hangs on a cliff and is truly spectacular.

Sarlat is in the Dordogne – a very pretty part of France. A true Medieval Town,

It is also the Gourmet area of France, famous for Truffle and Foie Gras. Our accommodation is in the elegant Le Renoir Hotel.


Day 15 :
Today we continue our drive north to the Limoge Area. Though just an industrial city, Limoge is famous for its porcelain and if time allows we will make a visit to the Limoge Museum, which houses one of the most spectacular collections of porcelain in France. Our accommodation is in a town called St Leonard de Noblat.

Days 16 & 17 :
A visit will be made today to the town of Oradour sur Glane, site of the horrific massacre by the German SS in 1944. I have just been here and it truly is very sobering and well worth a visit. It reminds us all of the horror of war.

From here (on a lighter note) we drive further north to the Loire Valley and the town of Blois. While in this area we will visit Chateau including the famous Chenonceau. Again this is such a picturesque part of France with what seems like a Chateau around every corner. The trees are also very beautiful making it a lovely part of France to end our Tour.

Our accommodation is at the Hotel Kyriad in Blois. On the banks of the Loire River this town is dominated by the Chateau de Blois. It also has some very good Restaurants and Cafes and lovely walks.

 

Day 18 :
Today we drive back to Paris and enjoy a last night in this gorgeous city.

Again we are at the lovely Les Trois Poussin Hotel.

 

Days 19 & 20:
Today we leave for Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival we will transfer to The Concorde Hotel, where we have dayrooms. This hotel is only 5 minutes from the hotel. The hotel also has a pool if you want a swim or perhaps catch up on some sleep

Our evening flight on the 29th gets us back to Auckland on Sunday October 1st at 11am.

 

COST PER PERSON BASED ON 9 PEOPLE TRAVELLING TOGETHER:

(This will increase if numbers decrease)

THE APPROX COST OF THIS TOUR IS $9499 + INSURANCE.

This Includes:

  • The services of Wayne Good as your escort.

  • Return Economy Airfares with Malaysian Airways.

  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies, including Auckland.

  • 5 night’s accommodation in Paris with breakfast.

  • 4-day Metro Pass.

  • 5-day Museum and Gallery Pass.

  • ½ day Escorted Orienteering Tour of Paris with a local Guide.

  • Escorted Tour to Versailles.

  • Escorted Tour to Fontainebleau

  • All train travel (2nd class)

  • 11 days transportation around France.

  • All hotel accommodation (twin share) with breakfast. All hotels are centrally located.

  • 2 nights in the Gitte in Provence including 1 dinner – self-catering.

  • All Transfers from and to Paris Airport.

Please note that entrance fees etc to the various Museums and Attractions on our 11-day tour are not included.


IMPORTANT GENERAL NOTES AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:

A NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $2000.00 per person is required to confirm a booking with the balance due 45 days prior to travel. This will be made payable to House of Travel Te Awamutu.

All prices are subject to accommodation availability at time of booking, currency fluctuations, airfare and tax increases until paid in full.

The costs are based on 9 people travelling together. Should this number change, above costing will change accordingly and we will request a requote.

It will be understood that you will contribute to the Food/Fuel Kitty for our 11 day Tour outside of Paris, with the amount being NZ $40.00 per day per person. This will be payed in Euros to Wayne Good 14 days prior to departure. This will cover your share of the Fuel for the vehicle, Breakfast and Dinner provisions while we are self catering for our 1 night in the Gitte and for any Picnic Lunches we may have. Lunches and any extra Dinners at restaurants/cafes/hotels are not included as part of the Kitty.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have correct documentation/passport and Travel Insurance. Proof of this will need to be shown to your escort prior to departure, along with a signed copy of our Conditions of Travel.

The price quoted is for Cash or Cheque payment. All Credit Card Payments will be charged an extra 2%.

We will endeavour to ensure that your experience of France with us will be beyond your expectations and will be memorable; however we take no responsibility for any last minute changes that are out of our control.


CLANFIELD INTERIORS
81 WILLIAM STREET
CAMBRIDGE.

Ph (07) 823 2018 Fax (07) 823 1412
Click here to email

 

2006 TOUR OF FRANCE
BOOKING FORM.

FULL PASSPORT NAME:…………………………………………………..


ADDRESS/CONTACT PHONE:…………………………………………………………………………………………...

 

DEPOSIT: $……………………Cash/Cheque (Payable to Te Awamutu House of Travel).

SPECIAL DIET REQUEST FOR MALAYSIAN AIRWAYS:……………

 

WHEN BOOKING PLEASE INCLUDE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE FIRST PAGE OF YOUR PASSPORT.

THE SIGNED CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL AND PROOF OF INSURANCE MUST BE PROVIDED BEFORE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WILL BE ISSUED. TRAVEL INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE FROM House Of Travel. CONTACT BETTY WAKELIN ON 07 871 8131.

FULL PAYMENT DUE 45 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.

PLEASE ADVISE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU INTEND TO STAY ON AT THE END OF THE TOUR. BETTY WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP WITH ANY FURTHER BOOKINGS YOU MAY REQUIRE.