Provence, Burgundy & the Loire Valley

April 30th to May 13th, 2009
Thirteen days – Twelve nights

A special tour planned and escorted by Gerhard Meng & Tina Lynch

Join me on an enriching journey as we unfold a tapestry of sensations, discovering the true France and her many temptations. We’ll take in the art, architecture and culture of three very distinctive and exciting regions.

Provence has inspired artists and writers for centuries with its countryside of stark red soil, plentiful vineyards and olive groves. The bright landscapes in the famous paintings of Van Gogh and Cezanne catch a glimpse of the wonders of this sumptuous region. Travel through a landscape with red-roofed farmsteads, lavender fields and tranquil villages where life unfolds at an unhurried pace. History speaks out from the Roman ruins that are scattered everywhere.

The Burgundy countryside is filled with historic sites and medieval villages. Famous wine areas welcome visitors for tastings and the Burgundian cuisine draws on the wines and fresh local ingredients.

The Loire Valley is a rich and inviting experience. Willows dip into meandering streams and giant oaks arch across the quiet backroads. Castles, palaces and abbeys are everywhere, showcased along the banks of the river and majestically crowning the vineyard covered hills. Part fortress, part palace and part hunting lodge -- each chateau is unique.

The tour has been planned for your convenience. All gratuities, service charges, excursions, transfers and porterage are included in the cost of the tour. We will be available to meet flight arrivals in Lyon and will help with airport check-in on the day the tour is completed in Paris.

Gerhard Meng
Gerhard’s Odysseys

PRICE PER PERSON: $4,495 land cost ($1,195 single room surcharge)

• Twelve nights accommodation in outstanding, centrally located hotels & castles.
• 22 meals -- full buffet breakfast each morning and ten dinners.
• Choice of a complimentary wine, beer or soft drink with all dinners.
• Land transport and transfers by private motorcoach & train.
• Personalized tours of most towns visited with guides and entrance fees.
• Visit a winery in each region for a tasting of the local vintage.
• All gratuities, taxes, service charges for the restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers and local guides. No additional tipping.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at all hotels and on the coach.
• Airport transfers in Lyon and Paris.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
• Special feature: a brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk for
those who would like to start or finish the day with a bit of exercise.
• Hosted by Gerhard Meng & Tina Lynch.

DAILY ITINERARY

Thursday, April 30th – to Europe
Overnight flight to Lyon.

Friday, May 1st – Lyon
After settling into the hotel you have time to explore the gastronomic capital of France. Get acquainted reception tonight, followed by a special dinner. Carlton Hotel. http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/mer/2950/fiche_hotel.shtml

Saturday – Lyon
Our morning tour of the city with its wealth of historic sites will include the Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest squares. The afternoon is free to discover the shops and boutiques. Carlton Hotel.

Sunday – St. Remy
After breakfast we take the TGV Express train to Avignon. On our walking tour we explore "the other Rome" – the Palais des Papes was the home of seven exiled popes from 1309 AD to 1377 AD. Image Hotel.
http://www.hotelinprovence.com/index.html

Monday – St. Remy
Vincent van Gogh committed himself to an asylum in St. Remy in 1889 after cutting off his left ear. Our guide will show us the highlights of this town that attracts the occasional celebrity who is seeking peace and solitude. Image Hotel.

Tuesday – St. Remy
We explore the Luberon region, where lavender fields, castles and fortresses dominate some of France's most beautiful villages. This area was made famous by A Year in Provence. Roussillon is a village with a cluster of houses built into the red cliffs. Image Hotel.

Wednesday – Tournus
Today is traditional market day in St. Remy. The narrow streets are busy with food stands and street musicians. After lunch our coach takes us to the sunny slopes that produce the Beaujolais grapes. Hotel Le Rempart.
http://www.lerempart.com/gb/hotel_rempart.html

Thursday – Dijon
Today we tour the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Hillsides everywhere are laced with the patterns of the vineyards, as we journey through the Cote d'Or. Fine red wines are produced in the vineyards that stretch between Dijon and Beaune, the wine capital. Sofitel La Cloche. http://www.hotel-lacloche.com/

Friday – Dijon
A morning walking tour of Dijon. Historic sites include the Notre Dame quarter and the Palais des Ducs, which now houses the City Hall and the Fine Arts Museum. Afternoon is at leisure to shop for the local specialties of mustard and black currant liqueur. Sofitel La Cloche.

Saturday – Sully-sur-Loire
Our tour takes us to Vézelay, a center of pilgrimage through the Middle Ages and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the pretty village of Chablis, we visit a cellar for a wine tasting of the prestigious white wines. Hostellerie du Chateau.
http://www.hostellerie-du-chateau.fr/

Sunday – Chissay en Touraine
Today we visit two of the magnificent chateaux of the kings of France and their nobles. Highlighted is the largest chateau, Chambord (with 365 fireplaces) and the classic chateau, Cheverny. Chateau de Chissay.
http://www.chateaudechissay.com/frameuk.htm

Monday – Chissay en Touraine
Morning visit to Chenonceau, a 15th century palace that spans the River Cher. Afternoon at leisure in the town of Amboise for more sightseeing, such as Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci. Chateau de Chissay.

Tuesday – Paris
Arrival in the city of Lights. Our hotel is next to the Louvre. We will have a guided city tour, free time and a special farewell dinner. Hotel Regina.
http://www.regina-hotel.com/

Wednesday, May 13th – return to USA.
Pack up happy memories. Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we bid farewell to Europe and jet back home to North America.

If you would like more time to enjoy the delights of Paris you may wish to stay additional nights. We can make reservations for you at the Regina hotel and Tina will be available to give suggestions on shopping, dining and sightseeing.

GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 29 GUESTS

RESERVATIONS: Notify us that you wish to join the tour. Your space will be reserved and a sign-up packet will be forwarded with registration form, invoice for deposit and optional insurance application. Upon receipt of your deposit, another information packet will be forwarded with final confirmation of your reservation and details to help prepare for the tour. Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.

FLIGHTS & EXTRA NIGHTS: Arrive at Lyon Airport no later than Friday, May 1st – Gerhard will meet you. If you arrive a day early (April 30th) a package is available that includes hotel accommodations and airport transfer – $120 per person ($85 single surcharge). At the completion of the tour on May 13th (Wednesday) Gerhard will provide the transfer to Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris. Extra nights in Pairs are $245 per person ($160 single surcharge) including tax, service and breakfast. Tina will be available the morning of May 14th (Thursday) to provide transfers to the Paris Airport.
Air fare from North America to Lyon and returning from Paris is not included in the tour price.

Questions?  Call us at 1.800.966.2402

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