foodie france with chelsea winter

FOODIE FRANCE
WITH CHELSEA
WINTER
Pop the cork for a sparkling
encounter with Paris, a foodie
frenzy of delicious cuisine,
stunning chateaux, the Loire
Valley, a healthy helping of
Bordeaux, medieval cities,
bustling village markets, Roman
footprints left on the French
landscape centuries ago,
Burgundy’s gastronomic talents…
Including Economy class return
airfares with Cathay Pacific and
Hong Kong stopover.
25 August – 12 September 2017
19 days
FOODIE FRANCE WITH
CHELSEA WINTER
25 AUGUST – 12 SEPTEMBER 2017
UNBEATABLE FEATURES:
•Economy class return airfares with Cathay Pacific.
Opportunity to upgrade to Premium Economy and
business class (subject to availability).
•Hong Kong stopover for one night at Park
Hotel Hong Kong (or similar) including full day
sightseeing with lunch.
•15 day/14 night Trafalgar custom-made itinerary
of France staying in hand-picked 4 star hotels in
twin bedded rooms with private facilities.
•“Be my Guest” highlight meals in Tours at a
traditional farmhouse and in Avignon in a
converted historic mill on the banks of the River
Sorgue.
•Buffet breakfast daily in Hong Kong and France
(15), lunches (2) including a cooking experience in
Paris.
FRANCE
3 1
•9 three course dinners in local restaurants and
hotels including a welcome and farewell dinner.
See day to day itinerary.
PARIS
•Services of an expert Trafalgar Travel Director in
France.
•Local specialist in Paris (day 2), Arcachon, Pont du
Gard, Carcassonne, Arles and Lyon.
Loire Valley
TOURS
1
Beaune
•Travel by luxury air conditioned coach with
reclining seats. VOX audio system throughout, WiFi
on coach.
•Airport transfers in Hong Kong and Paris.
2
LYON
3
•Tips and gratuities to the Travel Director and Driver
in France
•All hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage
handling in hotels (on bag only) and hotel tips
(excluding Hong Kong).
Dordogne
BORDEAUX
Arcachon
Pilat
3
Arles
1
CARCASSONNE
AVIGNON
St Remy de Provence
•Group photo.
•Wallet containing comprehensive travel documents.
Day 1 Fri 25 August
Auckland – Hong Kong
Check-in at Auckland International Airport
where we are introduced to Chelsea Winter
and board our flight to Hong Kong. On
arrival in Hong Kong we will be met and
transferred to our hotel.
Day 2 Sat 26 August
In Hong Kong
Today’s sightseeing with our guide starts with
an exciting funicular railway ascent to the
top of Victoria Peak to take in the soaring
views of Hong Kong. We stop at Aberdeen
Fishing Village for a sampan ride allowing
a “close up” view of waterborne life for the
“floating community”. This is followed by
a delicious dim sum lunch. Then a short
drive takes you to the famous Stanley Market
– one of Hong Kong’s oldest settlements, best
known for its bustling market. At leisure this
afternoon before we transfer to the airport
for our overnight flight to Paris. (B, L)
Day 3 Sun 27 August
Hong Kong – Paris (3 nights)
Welcome to Paris, the city of light. France
is a diverse and fascinating country with
so much to offer. Relax after your journey
or take a stroll in the local neighbourhood.
Tonight, attend a Welcome Reception and
dinner in the heart of the city. (D)
Day 4 Mon 28 August
Paris Sightseeing
This morning after a leisurely start, your
Travel Director takes you on a tour of this
mesmerising city for views of the Champs
Elysées, Arc de Triomphe and Place de la
Concorde. Your Local Specialist reveals not
just where, but how real Parisians live and
shop, showing you the enchanting hidden
squares and secret passages of one of Paris’
oldest historical neighbourhoods. This short
insider walk finishes at one of the loveliest
squares, little known to outsiders, but a real
favourite of the locals. Later visit the second
level of the Eiffel Tower for breath-taking
views across the city. This evening enjoy
dinner at a local restaurant in the Latin
Quarter. (BB, D)
Day 5 Tues 29 August
French Cuisine Experience
Today’s exploration of French culture takes
on another dimension as you meet a real
Parisian chef for a French cuisine experience
including a light lunch. During your Cultural
Insight learn some culinary secrets and get
to savour your creation. The remainder of
the day is then yours to enjoy as you wish.
Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the River
Seine or enjoy some shopping at Printemps
- one of the biggest department stores in the
city. Your Travel Director will be there to give
you advice. This evening you may wish to
consider an Optional Experience to attend a
performance of a true French cabaret at the
world-famous Moulin Rouge. (BB, L)
Day 6 Wed 30 August
Paris – Loire Valley
Visit Chartres Cathedral, an important
place of pilgrimage and an architectural
splendour featuring original stained glass
windows. Continue through the Loire Valley,
past beautiful villages and castles. View
the impressive Château de Chambord, a
marvel of French Renaissance architecture.
This evening join your companions for a
very special Be My Guest dinner of mouthwatering French cuisine at a 17th century
traditional farmhouse. (BB, BG)
Day 7 Thurs 31 August
Loire Valley – Bordeaux (3 nights)
Visit Château Chenonceau, straddling the
River Cher. One of the most remarkable
castles ever built, Chenonceau features
stunning landscaped gardens and priceless
collections of Renaissance furniture,
tapestries and art. Later arrive in the
classical town of Bordeaux. Built on the
River Garonne, this is the world’s major wine
industry capital. Bordeaux wine has been
produced in the region since the 8th century.
See the sights including the magnificent
Esplanade de Quinconces during your
orientation. This evening we will dine in our
hotel. (BB, D)
Day 8 Fri 01 September
Bordeaux: Pilat and Arcachon Excursion
This morning visit the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s
tallest sand dune on the edge of the Atlantic
Ocean. A short drive will bring you to
Arcachon, a town famous for its oysters.
Enjoy a walking tour and an oyster tasting.
Arrive back in Bordeaux where you have
time to explore the city. (BB)
Day 9 Sat 02 September
Bordeaux: Dordogne Excursion
Enjoy a scenic day through beautiful
countryside and picturesque scenery in
the Dordogne region, best known for the
enchanting medieval ‘Bastide’ villages.
Drive to the renowned wine village of St
Emillion, possibly one of the most famous
towns with ties to wine production, a perfect
place to enjoy a wine tasting. Dine in a local
restaurant. (BB, D)
Day 10 Sun 03 September Bordeaux – Carcassonne
Arrive in Carcassonne, a walled city and
UNESCO World Heritage Site; see the
double ring of ramparts featuring 52 towers
during your sightseeing tour with a Local
Specialist. This evening we will dine in our
hotel. (BB, D)
Day 11 Mon 04 September
Carcassone – Avignon (3 nights)
Visit Pont du Gard aqueduct with a Local
Specialist. Enjoy a guided walk along
the top of the impressive aqueduct which
dates back to Roman times. Continue on to
Avignon for our 3 night stay. (BB)
Day 12 Tues 05 September
Avignon: Provence Excursion
Arrive at St. Rémy de Provence where you
have time to explore the food markets. At Les
Baux de Provence one of the most beautiful
villages in France, admire the stunning
views over Arles and the Camargue. A short
drive brings you to Arles where you see
the Roman Amphitheatre and Romanesque
Cathedral during your walking tour with
your Local Expert. Tonight enjoy a delicious
Be My Guest meal in a converted historic
mill on the banks of the River Sorgue. (BB,
BG)
COSTS:
Foodie France
with Chelsea Winter
19 days – 2 countries
From NZ$10990 per person twin share
NZ$1840 Single supplement
Day 13 Wed 06 September
Avignon Orientation & At Leisure
This morning’s orientation includes views of
the imposing Palace of the Popes and the
ruined bridge straddling the River Rhône.
This bridge inspired the famous French song
‘sur le pont d’Avignon’. Then you’ll have
time on your own to explore this glorious
medieval town. (BB)
Day 14 Thurs 07 September
Avignon - Lyon (2 nights)
From Avignon we drive to Chateauneuf du
Pape where we have the opportunity to
experience a Cultural Insight into the wines
produced in this area and enjoy a tasting of
the local produce. Later arrive in Lyon, the
great gastronomic city and UNESCO World
Heritage Site. (BB)
Day 15 Fri 08 September
Lyon Sightseeing & At Leisure
We take a walking sightseeing tour with a
Local Specialist through old Lyon where we
discover “Traboules”, hidden passageways
and secret alleyways. We visit les Halles
de Lyon, a unique covered market proudly
representing the tastes of the region. Then
time on your own to take in this wonderful
city. Enjoy a Beaujolais dinner in a local
‘Bouchon’. (BB, D)
Day 16 Sat 09 September
Lyon – Paris
Travel north and stop for wine tasting in
charming Beaune, a walled town in the
centre of Burgundy, surrounded by the Cote
d’Or vineyards before continuing through
to Paris. This evening celebrate with your
Travel Director and newfound friends at a
farewell dinner. (BB, D)
Day 17 Sun 10 September
Depart Paris
Time to say ‘au revoir’ at the end of your
wonderful French adventure as you prepare
to return home and transfer to the airport
for our flight to Hong Kong with fantastic
memories of your holiday. (BB)
Day 18 Mon 11 September
Hong Kong – Auckland
Arrive in Hong Kong for a transit visit before
continuing to Auckland.
Day 19 Tues 12 September Arrive Auckland
KEY:
BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch
BG Be My Guest D Dinner
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Tour costs
The costs are based on specially negotiated airfares on which special conditions
apply and on twin share accommodation. There are a limited number of singles
available at a supplement cost. Room Share is available on request (conditions
apply).
charges apply to the land content only. Airfare and stopover cancellation and
amendment fees are as levied by suppliers.
Reservations and payment
On receipt of a $1000 non-refundable deposit per person, Trafalgar will
confirm your land reservation. Final payment must be received 60 days prior
to departure from New Zealand. If payment is not received by the due date,
Trafalgar reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply the appropriate
cancellation charges.
Changes to tour costs
Tour costs are based on exchange rates as at August 2016 and are subject
to change. Should these rates or costs change, it may be necessary to make
a surcharge on the cost of the tour. No surcharge will be made in respect of
currency fluctuation once full payment has been received. This guarantee does
not apply to fuel surcharges or to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any
government or their agencies. Airfare costs are subject to minimum passenger
numbers and may change. Auckland, Hong Kong and Paris taxes are included
and are correct as at 16 February 2017 and are subject to change until group
is ticketed.
Before you join the tour
Travel documents and instructions for joining your tour will be sent to you
approximately 3 weeks before your tour commences provided full payment has
been received. Please read the documents and tour literature which are sent to
you, in an attractive passport wallet, before departure—they contain a wealth of
advice and essential information to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible.
Changes to tour itineraries
Trafalgar constantly tries to improve tour itineraries and tour features. If
improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control
make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and substitute
hotels. This special departure is based on a minimum of 25 passengers and in
the unlikely event that we have to cancel your reservation because of insufficient
numbers booked we will use our best endeavors to offer an alternative holiday
of similar standard. If you do not accept the alternative a full refund of all
monies paid to Trafalgar will be made.
Cancellations, refunds & booking changes
Notice of cancellation must be in writing either directly to Trafalgar or through
your travel agent. A $1000 fee per person will be charged for all cancellations.
Any changes to air arrangements after tickets issued will incur a $125 fee
per person per change. Additionally, the following scale of charges will apply
when cancellation is notified within 60 days of tour departure from NZ. The
No of days before tour departure
Cancellation charges as a percentage
of total price
Over 60 days
$1000 per person
60-22
25%
21-8
30%
7-1
50%
Day of departure
100%
Cancellation fees shown above are additional to any fees levied by your
Travel Agent. In the event you have to withdraw from a tour after it has
begun for reasons such as illness, be sure to obtain a medical certificate in
support of any insurance claim. We regret that we are not able to make any
refunds for absences from the tour, including but not limited to unused hotel
accommodation, meals or sightseeing.
Insurance
We recommend that you purchase insurance coverage for the duration of your
holiday including airfare cancellation, baggage and medical coverage.
Optional return dates
The international airfare on which this tour is based allows individual passengers
to return independently on a space available basis. There is a fee of $125 per
person for this and also a separate costing may apply.
Passports and visas
A current passport endorsed as valid for all countries to be visited is essential.
All passengers must hold a machine readable passport and applicable visas.
Foreign passport holders must be in possession of a New Zealand Re-entry
Permit, if applicable. Please note that passport and visa requirements are not the
responsibility of the Tour Operator.
Your trip cost does not include
• NZ domestic flights
• Passport and visa charges
• Meals other than those specified on day by day itinerary
• Items of a personal nature ie beverages, laundry, phone calls etc
• Optional excursions
• Travel insurance
• Some gratuities on the tour (at the discretion of the individual traveller)
• Accommodation prior to departure from Auckland
•S
ingle rooms unless the facility has been reserved and paid for at the time of
booking
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To speak to a Trafalgar expert call
0800 872 325 or speak to your travel agent