Insight > Country Roads of France

Country Roads of France
17 Days starting from $3,875

Countries Visited:
France

 

Length: 17 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Country Roads Tours
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E723
   
 
About This Tour


A well paced tour with two-night stays in five out of nine cities, with the opportunity for some leisurely later morning departures. The journey by TGV train is a relaxing way to return to the glittering city of Paris.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Train journey by TGV from Poitiers to Paris
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 17

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Dordogne (DA)
  • 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

17 Days ~ France

Tour Pace
A well paced tour with two-night stays in five out of nine cities, with the opportunity for some leisurely later morning departures. The journey by TGV train is a relaxing way to return to the glittering city of Paris.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Paris.

DAY 2 – PARIS AT LEISURE
Welcome to Paris! On arrival there are complimentary transfers from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your Insight hotel. Relax and settle in, or perhaps start exploring the riches of this great capital. In the evening, you are invited to join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Marriott Rive Gauche/Hilton.

DAY 3 – PARIS – DIJON/BEAUNE (SEE NOTES).
Head to the ancient capital of the Champagne region, Troyes: its magnificent centre of medieval buildings is appropriately shaped like a Champagne cork. Continue into Burgundy, famous for its fine wines, stopping in the famous wine village of Chablis to taste the local nectar. Continue to Dijon or Beaune for the next two nights.   
Hotel: Sofitel La Cloche/ Hotel de la Poste. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – VéZELAY EXCURSIONDrive through the leafy Burgundian countryside to the picturesque town of Vézelay, built along a rocky ridge among the northern Morvan foothills. Tradition has it that Mary Magdalene was buried here and from the famous basilica, Richard the Lionheart set off for the Crusades. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure. (BB)

DAY 5 – DIJON/BEAUNE – CHAMONIX
A scenic symphony awaits you as you head into the high Alps, and climb towards Mont Blanc and the ski resort of Chamonix.
Hotel: Alpina. (BB)

DAY 6 – CHAMONIX – AIX-LES-BAINS
After breakfast this morning, take a breathtaking drive to the lake-side town of Annecy. There’s time to have lunch in the Little Venice area or take a boat trip. Continue to your hotel in the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, situated on the edge of France’s largest and most celebrated lake, Lac du Bourget and overlooked by Mt Revard.
Hotel: Radisson SAS. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – AIX-LES-BAINS – NICE
Travel in the footsteps of Napoleon as he made his victorious return from Elba. A scenic, rugged landscape leads from the Alps, down to the French Riviera and elegant Nice.
Hotel: Boscolo Atlantic/Radisson SAS. (BB)

DAY 8 – NICE AT LEISURE
On a morning sightseeing tour, journey to the principality of Monaco, see the Grimaldi Palace and visit the cathedral, burial place of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Enjoy a drive on the Grand Prix circuit and views of the port with its luxury yachts. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera. (BB)

DAY 9 – NICE – AVIGNON
Visit the medieval town of St Paul de Vence, which sits high above the Riviera beaches. There is time to explore before continuing to Cézanne’s home town, Aix-en-Provence. Journey into the Luberon, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book “A Year in Provence”, and pass around Cavaillon, the melon capital of France, en route to Avignon.
Hotel: Grand. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – RHôNE EXCURSION
A short distance from Avignon, see the greatest legacy of the Romans’ presence: the incredible three tiered Pont du Gard. Head towards the Rhône River and the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste the renowned wine. Back in Avignon, take a little train ride for an overview of the town past the old Palace of the Popes, and the ‘Pont d’Avignon’ before taking time to relax. (BB)

DAY 11 – AVIGNON – NîMES
Drive to Arles, one-time home to Van Gogh and Roman legionnaires, and visit the amphitheatre. Continue through the Camargue to Stes Maries-de-la-Mer, where Gypsies gather annually to honour their patron saint. You may see flamingos and wild horses on the way to Nîmes where, on arrival, an orientation tour shows you the Roman Arena and 2,000-year-old Roman Temple, Maison Carrée.
Hotel: Imperator Concorde. (BB)

DAY 12 – NîMES – ALBI
After breakfast, cross the Languedoc for a walking tour of the fortified town of Carcassonne. Like stepping back in time, the city has a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Later, continue to your hotel in Albi, know for its Cathedral and the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec.
Hotel: Hostellerie Sainte Antoine. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – ALBI – DORDOGNE
Stop in Cahors, famous for its ‘Black Wine’, before continuing to Rocamadour. A resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain, this tiny medieval town is perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River. After exploring the beautiful town and its sanctuary, drive on to your hotel. Enjoy dinner tonight from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: La Truffe Noire/Relais de Castelnau. (BB,DA)

DAY 14 – DORDOGNE VALLEY EXCURSION
A morning drive take you into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda with its fine historic golden limestone houses. Make your way to the prehistoric site at Lascaux to view the world-famous cave paintings. (BB,D)

DAY 15 – DORDOGNE – PARIS
After stopping at the town of Limoges to visit a porcelain showroom, head to Poitiers to board a TGV train for your fast and comfortable journey to Paris.
Hotel: Concorde St Lazare/Marriott Rive Gauche. (BB)

DAY 16 – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, see Notre Dame Cathedral before driving past the façades of the Louvre and along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Stop for a photo of the Eiffel Tower before enjoying a scenic cruise along the River Seine. The tour concludes with a visit to Napoleon’s tomb in the gilded Église du Dôme. Perhaps celebrate the tour with a farewell bistro dinner. (BB)

DAY 17 – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Paris airport. (BB)


OPTIONAL PARIS & NORMANDY CRUISE

DAY 17 – EMBARK CRUISE IN PARIS
Transfer from the hotel to your cruise. (BB,D)

DAY 18 – CRUISE TO CONFLANS STE HONORINE
Auvers-sur-Oise tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 19 – CRUISE TO ROUEN
Walking tour of Rouen and the medieval quarter. (B,L,D)

DAY 20 – NORMANDY BEACHES
Full-day tour to the Normandy Beaches. (B,L,D)

DAY 21 – CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
Visit the charming harbour town of Honfleur. (B,L,D)

DAY 22 – CRUISE TO VERNON
Visit Monet’s home in the village of Giverny. (B,L,D)

DAY 23 – CRUISE TO PARIS
Paris city tour including the Luxembourg Gardens. (B,L,D)

DAY 24 – DISEMBARK PARIS
Disembark and transfer to Paris airport. (B)

Includes

  • 7-nights in an outside state-room on River Baroness
  • All meals onboard
  • 6 shore excursions with English speaking guides
  • Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
  • Exciting onboard entertainment and lectures
  • Transfers; Paris hotel to Cruise & Cruise to Paris Airport


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
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4/17/2009 - 5/3/2009
$4,675
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4/24/2009 - 5/10/2009
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5/1/2009 - 5/17/2009
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5/2/2009 - 5/18/2009
$4,775
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5/8/2009 - 5/24/2009
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5/9/2009 - 5/25/2009
$4,775
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5/15/2009 - 5/31/2009
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5/16/2009 - 6/1/2009
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5/22/2009 - 6/7/2009
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5/23/2009 - 6/8/2009
$4,775
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5/29/2009 - 6/14/2009
$4,699
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5/30/2009 - 6/15/2009
$4,799
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6/5/2009 - 6/21/2009
$4,699
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6/6/2009 - 6/22/2009
$4,750
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6/12/2009 - 6/28/2009
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6/13/2009 - 6/29/2009
$4,699
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6/19/2009 - 7/5/2009
$4,799
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6/20/2009 - 7/6/2009
$4,550
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6/26/2009 - 7/12/2009
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7/3/2009 - 7/19/2009
$4,550
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7/10/2009 - 7/26/2009
$4,550
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7/17/2009 - 8/2/2009
$4,699
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7/24/2009 - 8/9/2009
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7/31/2009 - 8/16/2009
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8/7/2009 - 8/23/2009
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8/14/2009 - 8/30/2009
$4,675
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8/21/2009 - 9/6/2009
$4,735
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8/22/2009 - 9/7/2009
$4,775
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8/28/2009 - 9/13/2009
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8/29/2009 - 9/14/2009
$4,775
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9/4/2009 - 9/20/2009
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9/5/2009 - 9/21/2009
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9/11/2009 - 9/27/2009
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9/12/2009 - 9/28/2009
$4,825
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9/18/2009 - 10/4/2009
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9/19/2009 - 10/5/2009
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9/25/2009 - 10/11/2009
$4,775
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9/26/2009 - 10/12/2009
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10/2/2009 - 10/18/2009
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10/9/2009 - 10/25/2009
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Hotels
There is a varied selection of modern hotels like the Radisson SAS in Aix-les-Bains, as well as those which are both historic and modern like La Truffe Noire in the Dordogne and the Sofitel La Cloche in Dijon.

Fellow Passengers
This tour attracts the experienced traveler who wishes to delve deeper into the diversity of France and its way of life – with special emphasis on the delights of French cuisine, fine wines and Champagne.

Highlights
The scenic mountain splendor of Chamonix contrasts with the sunshine of the French Riviera, while the magnificent scenery of the Dordogne is followed by the super-fast TGV train ride to Paris.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • Visit medieval Vézelay, Champagne capital of Troyes & the wine village of Chablis
  • Stay in alpine Chamonix and visit lake side Annecy & Aix-les-BainsVisit charming Aix-en-Provence
  • Drive on part of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit
  • See the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard
  • Visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Arles
  • See the Maison Carrée & Arena in Nîmes
  • Visit Stes Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue
  • Walking tour of Carcassonne
  • Visit cliff top Rocamadour Visit lovely Cahors
  • Visit a Limoges porcelain showroomSee Notre Dame & Eiffel Tower
  • Wine tasting in Burgundy & Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  • Scenic Drives – Burgundy, High Alps, Route Napoleon, French Riviera, The Luberon National Park, Camargue, Dordogne Valley

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tour with audio headset in Paris
  • Orientation tours in Troyes, Dijon/Beaune, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Nîmes & Carcassonne

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Train journey by TGV from Poitiers to Paris
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 17

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Dordogne (DA)
  • 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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