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| August 28, 2008, 5:27 am | |
| current temperature: 17°C | |
Journey to Saint Remy de Provence for stop at the Antiques (Triumphal Arch and funeral monument) located in a field of olive trees; a landscape painted several times by Van Gogh.
Visit Les Baux de Provence, village located upon a rock at 245 meters high, with its historical center: the Museum of Santons, the Hotel des Porcelets, beautiful houses of the 16th century, the St. Vincent Church, pretty Romanesque buildings.
Visit of the famous site le Pont du Gard dated from the first century AC and classified by UNESCO. It is an absolutely amazing and well preserved part of the Roman aqueduct of Nîmes.
Begin with a panoramic tour of Avignon, to discover its main monuments: the Remparts, the Popes Palace, the famous Pont d’Avignon and sightseeing in Villeneuve les Avignon to discover the Tour Philippe le Bel, the Fort St Andre and more!
Next is a visit of the famous site le Pont du Gard dating back to the first century AC and classified by UNESCO. It’s amazing and well preserved part of the Roman aqueduct of Nîmes.
Travel through the lock of Vallabregues on the Rhone river and Tarascon where you can admire the medieval Roi Rene castle.
Visit Les Baux de Provence, a village located on a rock at 245 meters high. Discover its historical center: the museum of santons, the Hotel des Porcelets, beautiful house of the 16th century, the St Vincent Church, pretty Romanesque building and more! Free time for lunch on your own.
Stop at the Antiques of Saint Remy de Provence (Triumphal Arch and funeral monument) located in a field of olive trees? the landscape painted many times by Van Gogh.
Journey to the Luberon through Menerbes, a village famous thanks to Peter Mayle and his book “One Year in Provence”.
Visit Roussillon, one of the most beautiful villages in France and famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs, unusual natural landscape.
Visit Gordes, perched village in Luberon, one of the most beautiful villages in France, completely made with dry stones.
Visit the Lavender Museum to discover the flower symbol of Provence. Demonstration of distillation during the harvest (from July to August).
Travel through Fontaine de Vaucluse and l’Isle sur la Sorgue, “island city” with nature green colors and a bright reflection of the water shining from the several canals running through its center. You will be dropped off at your hotel at approximately 6:00pm.
From Bayeux on your Normandy Battlefields Tour, drive to Pointe du Hoc, via Sainte Marie du Mont, where the infamous German gun position threatened the Allied ships all the way to Utah and Omaha. The site was attacked by the elite 2nd U.S. Rangers, commanded by LT. Col James Rudder, who had to scale the cliffs to get there. The site with its huge fortification blown to pieces is still today as it was when the Rangers left it and looks like a lunar landscape.
Drive along the coast to Omaha Beach where soldiers of the 29th and 1st Divisions landed, fought and died. This operation was the bloodiest one of the 5 beaches and almost failed, but the bravery of those young men turned this operation into a victory. Overlooking the bluff is the American Military Cemetery, where 9387 service men rest in peace (keep in mind the movie “Saving Private Ryan”).
The Omaha Beach Museum, situated at one of the strategic beach exits, code named ‘Dog 3′ on D-Day, has on display a large collection of uniforms, vehicles and arms of all calibers as well as one of the types of landing craft used during the landings. You can also see examples of the military equipment lost by both sides on the beach and inland, which is still being found by locals today.
Last stop is the German Cemetery which initially started out as one of a number of temporary American cemeteries. After coming in through the narrow entrance you emerge into the very somber surroundings of this place. There are more than 21,000 soldiers buried here who paid with their life for Hitler’s order to ‘Never Retreat, Never Surrender’.
Enjoy a guided tour of two wine chateaux within the below areas or surrounding (or one chateaux and medieval city), with tasting in the main Bordeaux appellations. The properties visited change every week and are not restricted to the below schedule.
Visit Ribeauville, a charming 13th century town with many Renaissance fountains. Created by the powerful Counts of Ribeaupierre, the romantic ruins of their Castles still dominate the town. The Church of the Augustines Convent, the 13th century Butchers’ Towers and its numerous narrow streets create a special atmosphere.
Drive through picturesque villages along the Wine Route with stopover at Kaysersberg, birthplace of Doctor Albert Schweitzer (Nobel Peace Price in 1953). The “Mount of the Emperor” crossed by the singing “Weiss” River, is situated right at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. Kaysersberg brilliantly managed to preserve its clean natural environment and its rich historical heritage. Storks feel at ease in this peaceful village and never miss a opportunity to greet visitors.
Eguisheim is a lovely medieval village built in concentric circles around its Castle where Pope Leon IX was born. The hospitality of its inhabitants highlights the architectural merits of its half-timbered houses, lovingly decorated with flowers. Since 1985, this passion has been rewarded with the top “4-flowers” rating in France’s National Floral Award.
Trip through the Wine Route to Turckheim, a delightful town right out of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Stroll along its narrow streets and the spectrum of its colored houses, where ancient inscriptions can be deciphered on the stone lintels.
Situated in the heart of Burgundy, the Cote d’Or is worthy of its name, the Golden Ridge. The autumn vineyards are rich with a myriad of colors.
Today you will journey through the vineyards of the Cote de Nuits wine district, traveling through the villages of Fixin, Gevrey Chambertin, Morey Saint Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee and Nuits St Georges on the Route des Grands Crus and along small vineyard roads.
Your wine specialist-guide will explain the different varieties and wine qualities as well as different tasks performed throughout the year to care for the vines, the harvest, and historical aspects of the vines and villages.
The tour stops for a guided cellar visit and comprehensive wine tasting where everything you’ve learnt throughout the day comes together.
Enjoy the delights of Burgundy … one sip at a time!
French Battlefield Day Tour from Lille - Western Front - Battle of the Somme
This is a tour of the First World War battlefield site of the Somme in Northern France.
To most people the Somme signifies one day - July 1st 1916. It was the day that the British Army suffered its greatest ever losses in a single day with nearly 60,000 casualties. But the actual battle for the Somme raged until November of that year, and saw massive fighting again in 1918. What remains is truly awesome. There are sites seen today that will be etched into your consciousness forever.
You will tour the Somme battlefield covering major sites from the calamitous first day, through the whole five months of the battle. You’ll see Delville Wood, the Welsh memorial at Mametz Wood, the huge Lochnagar mine crater, the sunken road where the Accrington Pals were virtually wiped out, Sausage Valley, the Poziere battlefield and Windmill Hill (both important site for Australians), Courcellette, site of the first major use of tanks supporting Canadian troops, and the nearby the tank memorial.
Also included are Albert, the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and the Ulster Tower. An undoubted highlight, however, will be a guided walk around the incredible preserved Beaumont Hamel battlefield site. Other sites will be added according to the interest of the tour participants.
This is your passport for exploring Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The easy-to-use city card offers total freedom for making the most of your stay in Lyon.
Start your Nice City Sightseeing Tour with a visit the Castel Park overlooking the Bay of Angels and Old Town, site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2700 years ago.
Drive along the port and admire the Genoese building. Contemplate the old in Place Garibaldi, and the new along Promenade des Arts (Modern Art Museum, Sosno’s library, Acropolis center).
Arrive in Cimiez, winter home of Queen Victoria. Stop at Roman Arenas of Cemenelum. Visit the Matisse Museum (entrance included) or walk among the olive tree gardens and the 15th century garden of the Franciscan Monastery. Visit the extraordinary Russian Cathedral (entrance included), the most beautiful outside of Russia.
Return by Promenade des Anglais passing its famous landmarks and “Belle Epoque” buildings. End your Nice City Sightseeing Tour with a visit to the flower market in Cours Saleya. SOCCA tasting included - the ultimate nicois specialty.
This tour is conducted by 8 seater minivan with an English speaking guide.
Drive along the Corniche road, enjoying its panoramic view points on the way to Monaco. On arrival at the Palace and you will have free time to have a look around before continuing on for a tour of the Formula One Grand Prix circuit before stopping in Monte-Carlo.
You will then spend around 2.5 to 3 hours enjoying the glamorous atmosphere of Monte Carlo. During this time you will dine on a 3 course meal overlooking the Grand Prix circuit, beside Casino Square. The choice of dishes is from the “gourmet” menu and 1/2 a bottle of wine or a beer or soft drink is included plus coffee.
After dinner you are free to explore at your leisure. If you wish to enter Monte Carlo Casino, you will need to pay EUR10 directly to the Casino and you must bring your passport.
This tour is conducted by 8 seater minivan with an English speaking guide.
Enjoy panoramic view over Nice from Mt. Boron as you drive to the Middle Corniche stop at Eze. Eze is a perched medieval village with artisan shops and breathtaking views where you will have a guided tour of a perfumery.
Visit the Old Town of Monaco with free time to visit the Palace (open June to October), Cathedral, Cousteau Oceanographic Museum and see the changing of the Palace Guards.
Continue to tour Monte-Carlo with a lap on the Formula One Grand Prix circuit. You will have free time at Casino Square to amuse yourself with luxury shopping, stunning gardens, megayachts, chic casinos or simply watching the rich and beautiful in their favorite haunt.
Drive along spectacular coastline Lower Corniche between Nice and Monaco harboring ancient villages and modern marinas. Admire the bay and Citadel of Villefranche as you return to your hotel in Cannes or Nice.
This tour is conducted by 8 seater minivan with an English speaking guide.

Drive through the charming countryside of Provence. to the second most visited village in France: Saint Paul de Vence. With ancient cobblestone lanes, ramparts and art galleries, its easy to see why it was home of the impressionist painters. You will have a stop of around 1 hour here.
Continue for photo stops at Tourrettes/Loup before winding up the charming Loup Gorges. View the Alps, valleys and spectacular coastline from the amazing perched medieval village of Gourdon. You will spend an hour here, and there will be time for lunch (not included) as well as tasting the Riviera specialty flower sweets in traditional Florian confectionery.
Next will be a guided perfumery tour in Grasse, world capital of the perfume industry or approximately 45 minutes of free time to visit the old town.
Last will be a 45 minute stop in Cannes where you will see the old port, la Croisette, the Film Festival Palace, designer shops and sandy beaches.
This tour is conducted by 8 seater minivan with an English speaking guide.
See the French Riviera in one day!
Travel by the coast road and enjoy the sea views from Cannes to Monaco as you see the famous towns of the French Riviera. See the designer shops of Cannes, trendy boutiques of Juan-les-Pins, ramparts of Old Antibes, colorful flower market in Nice, fortified rock of Eze and the glamor of the Principality of Monaco and Monte-Carlo.
Tour Highlights include:
This tour is conducted by 8 seater minivan with an English speaking guide.
Discover the joy of unlimited sightseeing with the city pass which gives you free entry to the best attractions Paris has to offer. Use it as your own personal Paris tourist guide and create your own itinerary to explore this magical city.
Save time as you skip the long queues, and save money with free entry to over 60 Paris sights and attractions. With The Paris Card, there is no need to use cash, simply show your pass for fast entry.
With The Paris Pass you will receive:
Get a bird’s eye view of the cobbled streets of the Left Bank, the Napoleonic splendor of the Ecole Militaire and of course the structure that they thought wouldn’t last more than a few years - the Eiffel Tower! Take time out to explore the Paris you’ve been looking for; historical, romantic, fashionable, fun and shopper friendly.
You can hop on and off as many times as you like with your 2 day pass aboard this open-top double-decker bus.
Skip The Lines! Book your Guided Tour of the Louvre ahead of time to take advantage of jumping the queue. Don’t waste time waiting in lines on vacation!
Your guided visit of the Louvre Museum in Paris will be centered around three world famous works: the Venus de Milo, the Victory of Samothrace and the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci at the beginning of the 16th century.
Since the phenomenal success of Dan Brown’s “Da Vinci Code” book and film, the Louvre has increased in popularity even more so for visitors to Paris. By booking your place on this tour, you can skip the queues and maximize your time inside the world’s largest museum.
After the guided tour, you are free to stay and continue exploring the Louvre Museum at your leisure.
Book early to avoid missing out! The Moulin Rouge is extremely popular and is regularly sold out in advance.
At dusk, Paris becomes the “City of Lights” and tonight you can admire its fascinating history, its tree-lined boulevards with their animated cafes, and all the brilliantly illuminated monuments and squares including Concorde and Vendome Squares, Pigalle and Blanches squares, Opera, Madeleine Church, rue Royale, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero, Invalides, Notre Dame, Chatelet Square.
Then continue your evening at the Moulin Rouge, the home of the French Cancan for more than a century. Sit back with your complimentary glass of champagne and wait in anticipation before “Feerie” bursts onto the stage.
The theatre lights go down, the curtain is raised and the entire troupe appears, under the admiring gaze of the audience who find themselves entering the Garden of the Moulin Rouge. From this moment on, let yourself be enthralled by the beauty of the Doriss Girls and the Doriss Dancers!
“Feerie” consists of a troupe of 100 artists, including the 60 Doriss Girls who have been recruited world-wide; 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins and set up in the most famous Parisian workshops; sumptuous sets in shimmering colors uniquely designed by Italian artists; the best outstanding international acts; and the awaited return of the giant Aquarium.
Please note:
In Winter (Nov - March), you will usually see the first show at 9:00pm at the Moulin Rouge. However occasionally, the Moulin Rouge allocates seats to the second show at 11:00pm. In this case, you will enjoy a complimentary cruise in between the Eiffel Tower Dinner and the Show. In Summer (April - Oct), you will usually attend the 11:00pm show, if it isn’t available, you will attend the 9:00pm show.
With the Overnight Champagne Express Package you have the choice of accommodation in Reims to suit your budget with either a 2 or 3 star hotel available, both including buffet breakfast.
Take advantage of a day ticket offering unlimited travel on the local bus network which allows you to explore the city until midnight at your own pace.
Your package also includes a tasting at 3 of the areas most well known Champagne houses including Mumm, Pommery, Taittinger, Martel and Canard Duchene.
Located approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) north east of Paris, Reims is the gateway to the famous Champagne region of France. Easily accessible by car (1.5 hours) or by the new TGV link (45 minutes), a visit to the city is within reach if you are staying in Paris.
Located approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) north east of Paris, Reims is the gateway to the famous Champagne region of France. Easily accessible by car (1.5 hours) or by the new TGV link (45 minutes), a visit to the city is within reach if you are staying in Paris.
The Reims City Pass is valid for 1 month from time of collection and gives you entrance to a variety of different museums. You can also visit the cellars of a famous champagne house (Mumm, Pommery, Taittinger, Martel, Canard Duchene), including a tasting, and get the chance to discover the famous “Biscuits Roses” made by the Maison Fossier.
The Reims City Pass also allows unlimited travel on the local bus network during the validity of the pass. Or you can make the most of the city center with 2 hour parking.