Esprit de France (201213)

A 13-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $6,650

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Starting Price: $6,650 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 13 Days
Countries Visited: France
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category:
Tour Operator: Insight Tours
Tour Code: G500AU07
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Cities Visited:
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France is synonymous with fine wine and food so we include some fabulous, authentic dining experiences here. Your journey also brings you tête-a-tête with the country’s artistic heritage and wealth of historic and architectural marvels . Tour Pace: Your quest for the spirit of France is as unhurried as it is refined. Each day has its raison d’être, yet always tempered with a relaxing meal or leisure time to explore or maybe spend in the delightful surroundings of your hotel. Hotels: Every conceivable style is represented here, from contemporary chic in central Paris to charming, rural chateaux. Stay in a secluded converted 14C priory and a prestigious building in Belle Époque style on the main boulevard of Nice.

 
YOUR DELICIOUS DINING EXPERIENCES
Get to know your Tour Director and fellow guests over a Welcome Reception including a light meal (WR)A highlight lunch in the Champagne region. (HL)Wine pairing and gala dinner on a chateau estate in Bordeaux (HD)A highlight lunch of authentic local cuisine in the village of St Paul de Vence. (HL)A Celebration dinner with wine on the French Riviera. (CD).11 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 3 three course dinners with choice (D).

YOUR INCLUSIVE GOLD SERVICES
Escorted by your ‘Personal Concierge’, an Insight professional Tour Director; and accompanied by expert local guides where appropriate.First Class TGV train from Paris to ReimsEnjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom.Insight Traveller Welcome packAirport arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 13.

 
Day 1: DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight (not included).

Day 2: PARIS
Welcome to Paris, one of the world’s most exciting cities! Airport transfers depart from Charles de Gaulle Airport for your landmark hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. This evening, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and light informal meal. Afterwards, the ‘city of light’ awaits.(Welcome Reception)

Day 3: SPARKLING CHAMPAGNE
The high speed TGV train ferries you eastwards to the town of Reims, important in French history as the coronation place of kings. Drive out into the Champagne vineyards to learn about the appellation system. Walk in the footsteps of Napoleon as you visit the underground cellars and taste some exceptional champagne. An exquisite and delicious lunch has been arranged, which of course includes a glass of the local sparkling wine. Then return to Paris where the evening is at leisure.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 4: PARIS AND THE PALAIS DU LOUVRE
In the mid 19th century, Baron Haussmann transformed much of medieval Paris into something more modern. Admire his work as you glide along the elegant, tree lined boulevards that link all the iconic sights like the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Disembark for a private tour of one of the world’s greatest art collections at the Louvre Museum. Your guide leads you through the galleries to see the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Mona Lisa and many more works amassed over the ages by the Kings of France.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 5: PARIS – CHARTRES – LOIRE VALLEY
Head south to Chartres to visit the magnificent gothic Cathedral, world renowned for its stained glass windows. Then on again, past Orleans, and along the valley of the Loire River, where the nobility and royalty of France built their chateaux as symbols of their wealth and power. Visit King Francis’ ‘hunting lodge’ of Chambord - 440 rooms and a chimney for every day of the year! Now on through Chinon, with its associations with Joan of Arc, to your 15th century château hotel, set in its own park.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6: LOIRE – COGNAC – BORDEAUX
Enter Aquitaine today, paradoxically named land of water but in fact famous for its wines. Stop in Cognac to examine the secrets of the distillation process and taste the brandy. Then move on to Bordeaux, containing the finest examples of 18C architecture in France. See the façades of the quay sides, the Grand Théâtre and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces. Tonight, your gala evening begins with a drive to the Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte, one of the leading estates in the Graves region. On arrival taste some of the recent vintage before sitting down to a mouth watering three course dinner, all accompanied with matching wine to enhance your dining experience.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 7: ST EMILION AND THE DORDOGNE
Travel out to the wine town of St-Emilion perched on a rocky out crop overlooking the Dordogne Valley. St-Emilion offers all the beauty of a medieval village with ancient paved streets, ramparts surrounded by vines and rows of houses that slope down the plains below. Then take a scenic excursion into the beautiful countryside of the Dordogne. Today’s excursion also includes a tasting of the full-bodied red wines for which the region is famous.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8: BORDEAUX – CARCASSONNE – FLOURE
As you follow the fertile Garonne Valley upstream this morning, vineyards are everywhere. Travel through the plum growing region, where the prunes ‘pruneaux d’Agen’ are renowned throughout France. Continuing east, you arrive at the medieval town of Carcassonne. Entering Carcassonne is like stepping back in time; the city has a complete set of ramparts, a medieval keep, even a sports ground for jousting! In a tiny, nearby village your charming, rustic and unmistakably French hotel awaits with its heavy oak beams, lovely gardens and a great outdoor pool.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 9: FLOURE – VILLENEUVE-LÈS-AVIGNON
Head east and follow the Golfe du Lion around the flat marshy area formed by the Rhone Delta, famous for wild, white horses, black bulls and pink flamingoes. Upon reaching historic Avignon, visit the 14th Century ‘Palace of Popes’ and see the four remaining arches of the Bridge of St. Benezet, the Pont D’Avignon of the famous song. Your 5 star hotel lies across the river, nestled in a priest’s garden perfumed by roses and wisteria.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 10: POST-IMPRESSIONISTS LANDS
A journey into the sun baked landscapes that played a key role in the development of modern art. First drive to the charming village of St Remy, birthplace of Nostradamus. At the nearby asylum of St. Paul de Mausole, Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works. Visit the beautiful cloister, gardens and upstairs Van Gogh’s bedroom and bath. Now visit medieval Les Baux-de-Provence, perched atop a rocky spur, and crowned with a ruined castle. After taking in the magnificent views, taste the local produce at a nearby olive oil mill. Return to your charming and elegant hotel, where you are at leisure.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 11: VILLENEUVE-LÈS-AVIGNON – NICE
Eastwards today to the thermal resort of Aix-en-Provence for a brief stop near the fountains and shady plane trees of the elegant Cours Mirabeau. Take ‘La Provençale’, the inland highway, towards the Côte d’Azur before veering off to the hill-top village of St Paul de Vence, where famous contemporary painters perpetuate art as a living tradition. Savour a glass of wine and superb highlight lunch before driving down to the sparkling Mediterranean and the elegant resort of Nice. Take a stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais, or browse in the exclusive boutiques.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 12: THE LEGENDARY CÔTE D’AZUR
Drive to Monaco to walk through the old town to see the Royal Palace, the yacht-filled harbour and the Cathedral where the late Prince Ranier and Princess Grace are buried. Then return along the coast to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat. Surrounded by 17 acres of landscaped gardens, the magnificent rose-coloured villa of Baroness Rothschild is filled with rare porcelain, old master paintings and antique furniture. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure in Nice. Tonight you have reservations for an end-of-tour Celebration dinner with wine at a delightful local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 13: RETURN TO USA
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Transfers arrive at Nice Airport at 06:15 and 09:00 hours.(Buffet Breakfast)

 

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Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

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.

YOUR EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
Reims: See the CathedralChampagne: Cellar visit and Champagne tasting.Paris: See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and other major landmarks as well as a guided tour of the Louvre Museum.Chartres: Visit the magnificent gothic Cathedral.Loire Valley: Visit the grand Château de Chambord.Cognac: Witness the distillation process and taste the brandy.Bordeaux: See the façades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre and Esplanade des Quinconces on your orientation tour.Dordogne Valley: Visit St Emillion and enjoy a wine tasting.Carcassonne: Enjoy the ambience of this medieval walled town.Avignon: Visit the Palace of the Popes and the famous bridge.Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Visit St. Paul de Mausole monastery, where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works.Les Baux-de-Provence: One of the most beautiful villages in France set on a rocky spur in the Alpilles mountains.Aix-en-Provence: Enjoy the ambience of the Cours Mirabeau.St Paul de Vence: Wander through the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the panoramic views.Monaco: Walk through the old town to see the Royal Palace and visit the Cathedral.Cap Ferrat: Visit the Belle Epoque style Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, set on a hill with dizzying sea views on both sides.

 

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Save up to $300 per person on select 2012 Insight Vacations USA itineraries

 

Tour Name Tour Duration Departing Was Now Saving Promo Code
American Parks Trail 10 May 13, 27 $2525 $2325 $200 12USSALE1
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Best of Eastern Canada & USA 16 May 27 $4175 $3875 $300 12USSALE3
Capitals of Eastern Canada 7 Jul 8 $1799 $1599 $200 12USSALE4
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Terms and Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only made after March 31, 2012 on departures listed above for 2012 travel. Subject to availability. Excludes Early Payment Discount and any other promotional offer. Please note if the booking is made within 45 days from the departure date full Payment will be due at the time of booking. No bookings may be made after June 26th, 2012. Other conditions apply.

SAVE Up To $700 On 2012 Insight Europe Tours

SAVE UP TO $700 ON 2012 INSIGHT EUROPE TOURS

 

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LAND-ONLY DEPARTURE: Save up to $500 per couple on Insight Gold, and $300 per couple on Premium Europe tours.

BOOKING WINDOW: March 31st - June 28th, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: April 15th - October 25th, 2012

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions: Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by June 28, 2012. Offer is valid for new bookings made from March 31, 2012 through June 28, 2012. Travel must begin between April 15, 2012 and October 25, 2012. Offers valid on any airline. Offers not valid to Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, or any tours with train and tours with cruise. Save $700 ($350pp) offer valid only on air-inclusive Insight Gold Europe tours; Save $500 ($250pp) air offer valid only on air-inclusive Premium Europe tours. Normal name change policy applies. Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees are included in quoted rate. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. Save $500 ($250pp) land offer valid on land-only Insight Gold departures; Save $300 ($150pp) land offer valid on land-only Premium Europe departures only. Offers are combinable with brochure discounts found in our 2012 Premium Europe & Britain brochures except Early Payment Discounts. Offers are not combinable with Hot Deals or each other. Offers may be withdrawn at any time and are subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions are met. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20

SAVE $300 Per Couple On Insight Winter Tours

Save $300 on autumn, winter and spring vacations!

 

BOOKING WINDOW: April 16, 2012 - July 12, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: November 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions: $300 per couple savings ($150 per person) valid when booking and deposit (plus applicable insurance) for vacation package is made by July 12, 2012. Offer valid for new bookings made on Winter Europe brochure vacations from April 16, 2012 through July 12, 2012. Travel must begin between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Offer not valid to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, and tours with cruise inclusions. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts found in Insight Vacations’ 2012/13 Winter Europe brochure except Early Payment Discounts. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions being met. Offer ends July 12, 2012. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20

 
 

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.