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Burt Wolf Travels ™
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Cruise Highlights Cruise Itinerary Meals
Air Transportation Costs The Ship

TOUR BEGINS IN NICE
ON THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA,
CRUISE THROUGH PROVENCE AND BURGUNDY,
COMPLETE THE JOURNEY IN PARIS

EXCLUSIVE OFFER TO PUBLIC BROADCASTING MEMBERS

DEPARTURE 28th SEPTEMBER 2008 - RETURN 9th OCTOBER 2008
(TOUR/CRUISE 12 DAYS)

Tour/Cruise prices start at $3,899 (plus airfare).
Burt Wolf, the host of the public television series Travels & Traditions, invites you to join him on this Avalon Waterways’ Tour and River Cruise from Nice, France through Provence and Burgundy to Paris. Burt will be the onboard host throughout the trip. This is a unique opportunity to travel with Burt, see the sights, and experience the places where his television shows were filmed.

For more information please call Burt Wolf Travels toll-free: 1.888.365.3443
or email us at: tour@burtwolf.com.
To book the tour directly, please call Avalon Waterways/Globus at 1.888.847.3169.

SPACE IS LIMITED
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR RESERVATION
& CONFIRM YOUR STATEROOM

BURT WOLF CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Prior to the cruise, Burt will mail each guest a packet of his personal research and background material about the tour locations, and a DVD of one of his programs that relates to the tour.  
  • Onboard, Burt will present an overview of the area and give a number of talks about the importance of the locations we will be visiting.
  • Special BURT WOLF events during the cruise:
    • Tasting Class on the Wines of the Region.
    • Tastings of the Special Foods of the Region.
  • Cruising through France on the Sâone and Rhone Rivers is a perfect combination of cruising and touring with a pace you set yourself.
  • Unlike ocean cruising, our river cruise docks right in the city centers and the old towns. You can tour close to the ship or venture further into town.
  • The ship’s entire interior is non-smoking and all announcements are in English.

TOUR / CRUISE OVERVIEW

Our tour begins in the Mediterranean city of Nice on the Côte d’Azur. Then we drive to Arles with its Roman Amphitheater and the sunlight that inspired Van Gogh. In Arles we board our boat and cruise the Rhone River to Avignon (14th century residence of the Popes) where we will have a tasting of the wines and foods of the region. Then to the town of Viviers, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage, famous for their medieval architecture. One day in Lyon – France’s gastronomic center where we will taste the wines of the region. We cruise up the Sâone River with stops in the ancient towns of Mâcon and Tournus. We continue onto the village of Chalon-sur-Sâone where we disembark and drive north into the Burgundy region for a tour and wine tasting in the city of Beaune. Our final stop will be in Paris, for two days of sightseeing.

For more information please call Burt Wolf Travels toll-free: 1.888.365.3443
or email us at: tour@burttravels.com.
To book the tour directly, please call Avalon Waterways/Globus at 1.888.847.3169.

SPACE IS LIMITED
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR RESERVATION
& CONFIRM YOUR STATEROOM

CRUISE ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 – SUNDAY, 28th SEPTEMBER 2008
DEPART U.S. FOR NICE, FRANCE

Board overnight flight from the United States to Nice.

 
   

DAY 2 – MONDAY, 29th SEPTEMBER 2008
NICE

The city of Nice is located on the French Riviera. With its sunny temperate climate, Nice appeals to visitors from around the world. Among its many attractions are its beaches, seaside promenade, museums, and landmarks. Free time lets you get acquainted with the “Queen of the Riviera.”

   

DAY 3 – TUESDAY, 30th SEPTEMBER 2008
NICE - (EMBARKATION) – ARLES

After breakfast there is a guided tour of the Old Town. After lunch we will take a motorcoach along the Côte d’Azur from Nice to Arles where we board our ship, Avalon Scenery. The English-speaking crew will welcome us aboard with a reception and dinner.

   

DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY, 1st OCTOBER 2008
ARLES

Arles is the capital of Provence and was once a major Roman settlement. We will have a guided sightseeing tour to the Church of St. Trophime and “Les Alycamps” with a visit to the ancient Roman Amphitheater. The most famous paintings of Vincent Van Gogh were inspired by Arles, accordingly we will visit some of the locations that were most important to his work.

   

DAY 5 – THURSDAY, 2nd OCTOBER 2008
AVIGNON

The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the region and one of the most picturesque parts of Provence. During the 14th century it was the residence of the Pope and his palace dominates the city’s skyline. We will have a guided tour of the city and visit the palace. Châteauneuf-duPape is the wine of the region and the basis for our afternoon tasting of the wines of the area.

   

DAY 6 – FRIDAY, 3rd OCTOBER 2008
VIVIERS

A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we cruise the river. The town of Viviers was built around a Romanesque Cathedral and its Old Town is a blend of Roman, Christian and Medieval influences.

   

DAY 7 – SATURDAY, 4th OCTOBER 2008
TOURNON / TAIN L’HERMITAGE – VIENNE

The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage are situated in the vineyard country between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of Hermitage. We will take an orientation walk through Tournon, one of France’s medieval cities, with Roman ruins and a 16th century castle. Vienne is another charming little town surrounded by steep hills.

   

DAY 8 – SUNDAY, 5th OCTOBER 2008
LYON

A leisurely morning cruise to the ancient city of Lyon, which was founded by the Romans in the year 43. It is the second largest city in France, and the nation’s gastronomic capital. A guided walking tour will show us the Roman ruins, the Renaissance architecture, and the Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a free day set aside for you to explore Lyon at leisure. Early risers might like to join Burt in the local produce market. Other sites of interest include the Place Terraux and the beautiful Place Bellecour and many excellent museums.

   

DAY 9 – MONDAY, 6th OCTOBER 2008
TOURNUS - MÂCON

Free time to explore Tournus. Of particular interest is the cloister of St. Philibert. St. Philibert’s Church was built primarily in the 11th century and is one of the largest Romanesque monuments in France. A visit to see the folklore collection at the Museum of Burgundy, located in an old family mansion is also recommended. Sail to Mâcon for a guided walking tour of the old town including the Old St. Vincent Cathedral founded during the 6th century, and the ancient town hall.

   

DAY 10 – TUESDAY, 7th OCTOBER 2008
CHALON-SUR-SÂONE - (DISEMBARKATION)
BEAUNE - PARIS

After breakfast, we drive north into Burgundy where we stop in the city of Beaune. Take a walking tour of the old quarter, taste the wines of the area and visit the Hôtel-Dieu (a 15th century hospital and one of the architectural wonders of France). After lunch we drive past the forest of Fontainebleau (the favorite hunting grounds of the French kings) to Paris.

   

DAY 11 – WEDNESDAY, 8th OCTOBER 2008
PARIS

After breakfast we begin touring the city. Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower. We’ll celebrate the final evening of our tour with a special meal organized by Burt.

   

DAY 12 – THURSDAY, 9th OCTOBER 2008
DEPART FOR THE UNITED STATES

Our home bound flight will arrive back in the U.S. on the same day (Thursday 9 October).

For more information please call Burt Wolf Travels toll-free: 1.888.365.3443
or email us at: tour@burttravels.com.
To book the tour directly, please call Avalon Waterways/Globus at 1.888.847.3169.

SPACE IS LIMITED
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR RESERVATION
& CONFIRM YOUR STATEROOM

ABOUT THE MEALS

Each full day on board, there is a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board. There is a cocktail reception, welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner. One sitting with open seating arrangements (non-assigned). Quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner.

Early Riser Coffee: 6:00am, Self-service coffee, hot water, tea bags, croissants, cookies or other finger foods.

Breakfast: 7:00am – 8:30am, A buffet table includes a wide variety of breads, cereals, fruit and fruit salad, cold cuts, smoked salmon, cheeses, pastries, yogurts, juices. Scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, and other hot items can vary from day to day. The chef will prepare fresh omelets and other egg dishes to order.

Lunch: Usually served at 12:30pm depending on the cruise schedule, Buffet-style with appetizers, soups, sandwiches, cold cuts, breads, salad bar, two main courses (one of which may be a carving station), dessert table, cheese board, and fresh fruit.

Afternoon Tea: Coffee, tea and cake will be served either in the lounge or on the Sun or Sky Deck.

Dinner: Usually served at 7:30pm depending on cruise schedule. Dinner is traditionally four courses including a vegetarian selection. Choice of entrees with every dinner to include complimentary red and white wines from the region.

On Day 3: Buffet breakfast will be offered at our Nice hotel.

On Days 10 & 11: Buffet breakfasts will be offered at our Paris hotel.

For more information please call Burt Wolf Travels toll-free: 1.888.365.3443
or email us at: tour@burttravels.com.
To book the tour directly, please call Avalon Waterways/Globus at 1.888.847.3169.

SPACE IS LIMITED
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR RESERVATION
& CONFIRM YOUR STATEROOM

YOUR HOST

Burt Wolf
Since 1982, Burt has written and produced over 4,000 segments for Cable News Network (CNN), 800 segments for ABC (the American Broadcasting Company), 125 half-hour programs for the travel division of The Discovery Channel, 25 half hours for the Family Channel, and 250 half hours for Public Broadcasting. He has been nominated for two Cable Ace Awards and a national Emmy in connection with culture and history.

Burt is presently in production with his ongoing series entitled Travels & Traditions. Shot entirely on-location, this series travels throughout the world looking at the history, architecture, culture, customs, foods and festivals of many of the world’s most interesting locations.

For more information please call Burt Wolf Travels toll-free: 1.888.365.3443
or email us at: tour@burttravels.com.
To book the tour directly, please call Avalon Waterways/Globus at 1.888.847.3169.

SPACE IS LIMITED
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR RESERVATION
& CONFIRM YOUR STATEROOM

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Air Transportation between the U.S./Nice and Paris/U.S. can be made privately or through Avalon Waterways/Globus who offer competitive air-inclusive prices, including Business Class. Avalon Waterways/Globus offers free airport transfers (9/29/08 Nice airport to Nice hotel; 10/9/08 Paris hotel to Paris airport) when you book your transatlantic flights with Avalon Waterways/Globus.

Those wishing to extend their stay (arriving earlier and staying later) may make those arrangements on their own or may book with Avalon Waterways/Globus.
COSTS

The Land/Cruise cost (including hotels in Nice and Paris), per person (based on double occupancy):

Basic Cabin (category E) $3,899  
B-Level Cabin / Rear (category B) $4,348  
B-Level Cabin / Forward (category A) $4,398  
Top Deck Cabin (category P) $4,498  
Jr. Suite $4,998  

ALL Cabins are outside cabins. Cabins are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Expenses not included in the Land/Cruise cost include: roundtrip airfare, travel insurance, port tax (approx. $84.00); 2 lunches and 1 dinner in Nice (Days 2-3); 2 lunches and 2 dinners in Paris (Days 10-11); miscellaneous expenses onboard (laundry, internet, telephone, minibar, liquor/food not on the regular menu, porters at airports, excess baggage fees, gratuities to your Cruise Director, guides and ship’s crew), passport, airport transfers in Europe ($70.00 per person. If you book your air with Avalon Waterways/Globus the airport transfer fee is waived), and all other items of a personal nature.

THE SHIP

Overview

To be launched in 2008, the Avalon Scenery is the newest design in ships for river cruising. It is offered exclusively by Avalon Waterways to English-speaking travelers.

Deck Plans

Built: 2008; Length: 361 ft.; Crew members: 39; Staterooms: 67; Jr. Suites: 2

1 Sky Deck with Deck Chairs
2 Navigating Bridge
3 On-board Camera
4 Sky Lounge
5 Fun Pool
6 Reception
7 Foyer
8 Lobby
9 Lounge
10 Bar
11 Club Lounge
12 Hairdresser
13 Elevator
14 Restaurant
15 Galley
16 Fitness Centre
   
  Royal Deck   Sapphire Deck Forward
  Royal Deck   Indigo Deck Forward
  Sapphire Deck Aft  
   
Cabins  

Staterooms 172 sq. ft.

1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Washbasin
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Sliding glass doors

Suites 258 sq. ft.

1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Washbasin
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Sliding glass doors
8 Sofa
9 Coffee Table

Included Values

  • All staterooms measure 172 sq. ft. and feature large closets. Individual climate control, telephone, flat screen color TV, radio, minibar, safe, hair dryer and private modern bathrooms with shower.
  • Beds may be configured as two twins or one queen with European Duvet.
  • All staterooms are outside and those on Royal and Sapphire Decks have floor to ceiling sliding glass doors.
  • The interior of the ships are non-smoking.
  • Exercise room.
  • English-speaking staff.
  • One sitting at mealtimes, with open seating.
  • Wine included with all onboard dinners.
  • Coffee and tea are available free of charge, throughout the day.
  • Internet access available.

For more information please call Burt Wolf Travels toll-free: 1.888.365.3443
or email us at: tour@burttravels.com.
To book the tour directly, please call Avalon Waterways/Globus at 1.888.847.3169.

SPACE IS LIMITED
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO GUARANTEE YOUR RESERVATION
& CONFIRM YOUR STATEROOM