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About this tour

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: DEPART USA

Overnight flight.

Day 2: PARIS AT LEISURE

Welcome to Paris! On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. Relax and settle in, or perhaps start exploring the riches of this great capital. Don't miss the chance for a shopping spree in the famous department stores or even the elegant designer boutiques of the Left Bank. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink. Afterwards, the 'city of light' awaits.
Hotel: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel.

Day 3: PARIS - TROYES - DIJON

Head to Troyes, the ancient capital of the Champagne region - its magnificent core of medieval buildings is appropriately shaped like a champagne cork. After some free time to explore, continue into Burgundy, once a powerful duchy and famous for its fine wines. Stop in the wine village of Chablis. Despite its fame, the village retains a quiet atmosphere. Enjoy a taste of the local nectar before reaching Dijon, a beautiful city full of great cultural heritage.
Hotel: Sofitel Dijon la Cloche. (BB,D)

Day 4: VEZELAY EXCURSION

After breakfast, set off through the leafy Burgundian countryside with road signs that read like a wine list. Stop in the picturesque town of Vezelay. Tradition has it that Mary Magdalene was buried here and Richard the Lionheart set off for the Crusades from the famous basilica. Later, return to your hotel for some relaxing time at leisure. (BB)

Day 5: DIJON - CHAMONIX

A scenic symphony awaits you as you head into the high Alps, and climb towards Mont Blanc and the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix.
Hotel: Le Prieure. (BB)

Day 6: CHAMONIX - ANNECY - AIX-LES-BAINS

After breakfast this morning, take a breathtaking drive to the lake-side town of Annecy. Free time for 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: Marina d'Adelphia. (BB, D)

Day 7: AIX-LES-BAINS - NICE

Glorious mountain scenery today, as you travel in the footsteps of Napoleon today, as he made his victorious return from Elba. A scenic, rugged landscape leads from the Alps, down to the French Riviera and the elegant resort of Nice.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Nice (BB)

Day 8: MONACO EXCURSION

On a morning sightseeing tour, journey to the principality of Monaco to see the Grimaldi Palace. You'll also 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 - ST. PAUL DE VENCE - NIMES

Visit the medieval village of St Paul de Vence, which sits high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and breathtaking views of mountains and sea. Get to know the village, revel in its pleasures and experience its art and lifestyle. Continue to Cezanne's home town, Aix-en-Provence to see the elegant mansions and popular Cours Mirabeau. 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: Avignon Grand Hotel. (BB D)

Day 10: RHONE EXCURSION

In Avignon, see the greatest legacy of the Romans' presence: the incredible three tiered Pont du Gard. Head towards the Rhone 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'. (BB)

Day 11: AVIGNON - NIMES

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 Nimes where, on arrival, an orientation tour shows you the Roman Arena and 2,000-year-old Roman Temple, Maison Carree.
Hotel: Imperator Concorde (BB)

Day 12: NIMES - CARCASSONNE - ALBI

Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before heading inland to the unspoilt fortified town of Carcassonne. The city has a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. After your walking tour, continue to your hotel in Albi, known for its Cathedral and the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec.
Hotel: Hotel Saint Antoine. (BB,D)

Day 13: ALBI - ROCAMADOUR 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 in the Dordogne. For dinner tonight there is a selection of restaurants to choose from. During the evening, enjoy a short informative presentation on the regional wines that complement your meal.
Hotel: La Truffe Noire. (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-Caneda 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 - LIMOGES - PARIS

Your first stop is at Limoges to visit a porcelain showroom. Continue to historic Poitiers to board your TGV train for the fast and comfortable journey to Paris.
Hotel: Concorde St. Lazare. (BB)

Day 16: PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing with a local guide reveals the highlights of the city. See Notre Dame Cathedral before driving past the facades of the Louvre and along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Stop for a photo of the Eiffel Tower before embarking on a scenic cruise along the Seine. The tour concludes with a visit to Napoleon's tomb in the gilded Église du Dome. Perhaps celebrate the tour finale with a farewell bistro dinner. (BB)

Day 17: RETURN TO USA

Departure transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 & 11:00. (BB)

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About Insight Vacations

Insight is a mid-range tour company which separates itself from the pack by selecting hotels in great locations and by offering more included sightseeing than comparable tours from other companies. They do charge a premium for the optional add-ons however. Transportation is comfortable and visitors tend to feel less rushed at each sight because the tours spend longer in each destination.

Traveler profile

Generally appeals to couples of 50+ though single travelers of ages 40+ (and occasionally significantly younger or older) are also often guests on these tours.

Group size

Maximum 40 people on a bus, seating adjusted so there's space for only 40 passengers (vs. typical 55)

Tour directors

Tour guides are generally very experienced (10+ years) and experts in their destinations.

Hotel type

"Hotels are centrally located, close to interesting sights, and generally of a
higher quality than many tour companies. "

What's included

Most city tours included. Full breakfast included. Some other meals included, at 2 and 3 star restaurants. Optional add-ons, including many of the most appealing visits, are available for an extra fee.

Free time

Generally there is free time in the evenings upon arrival in each city, and more if you opt out of the add-ons.

Booking Policy

BOOKING CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Online Bookings:
To make changes and or cancel a booking made online, Travel agents must call Insight Vacations Automation Helpdesk to modify at (800) 299-1120.
Booking changes:
A fee of $30 per transaction will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Any alterations will risk the loss of air space or increased airfares. Name changes or corrections will be treated as a cancellation of air and all normal air cancellation fees will apply.
Note: Cancellation fees will be charged if you cancel you entire tour package to reschedule for a different date.
Cancellations and Cancellation Fees:

* If notice of cancellation is received by Insight Vacations 45 days prior to departure*, the non-refundable deposit will be retained along with the Travel Protection Plan, see Insight’s brochure.
* If full payment is not received 45 days prior to departure the Airline(s) have the right to cancel your Air reservation. Regrettably, if payment is not received by Insight we will not be responsible for lost reservations.
* Notice of cancellation must be made in writing either directly to Insight or through your Travel Agent.
* The following scale of charges will apply when notice of cancellation is given after the booking is confirmed:

No. of days prior to Departure* (Cancellation Fee)

45 days or more (the non-refundable deposit)
44-22 (25% of total price)
21-8 (30% of total price)
7-1 (50% of total price)
Day of departure*/No show (100% of total price)

• Extra night hotel accommodation that is cancelled within 14 days of the booked date incurs a 100% cancellation fee. When accommodation is cancelled outside 14 days, the cancellation fees are:

45 days or more (US$30 per person)
44 - 22 days (25%)
21 - 15 days (30%)

*PLEASE NOTE: The departure date constitutes the date indicated on Insight’s confirmation.
• Airline arrangements: The following cancellation charges apply for airline arrangements made by Insight Vacations:
- Prior to Airline Ticketing service fee $50.00 per person.
- After Airline Ticketing service fee $75.00 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value.

Refunds and Penalties:

* Illness or Absenteeism: In the event of your withdrawal from a tour after commencement for reasons of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any claim. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including but not limited to, missed meals or sightseeing. Insight makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursements of funds paid by you under any claim.
* Air & Land Packages: These packages are based on non-refundable airfares. If flight changes requested after the deposit has been received, or if flights are cancelled after tickets are issued, change fees or airline penalties will be applicable.
* Airline Seating: Tour members are requested to contact the Airline(s) for seating assignments 30 days prior to departure. Seating is solely under control of the Airline. Flight delays are the sole responsibility of the Airline.
* Airlines & Airfares: No refund will be made for cancelled air tickets on air inclusive bookings until tickets are returned to Insight. Refunds for tour portion will only be processed after return of documents to Insight. Please ensure that returned tour documents which contain airline tickets are sent by certified or registered mail. Lost ticket replacement can take up to 1 year and processing fees can be assessed.
* Air Availability: If Insight is unable to confirm your air reservation in its scheduled class of service, Insight may offer an alternative of either connecting flights, substitute gateways or a more expensive booking category. Any air surcharges will be at the passengers’ expense. You will be advised of these conditions at the time of booking.
* Airline & Airport Taxes and Charges: Any domestic and international departure or arrival taxes, security charges, and other types of taxes or charges imposed by Airlines, Airports, Governments, etc. are not included in the Tour Price. The amount of these charges will be passed on to each passenger at the time of booking.

Note: If a promotional airfare is broken or extended for any reason an additional cost may be incurred. Airfares are subject to change at any time. Changes to flight itineraries and name changes may result in penalties charged by the Airline concerned and passed on to the passenger.

* Prices do not include taxes and fees, may not include airfare and are based on double occupancy. Tour information including pricing may not be up to date.

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