French Quilted Treasures
April 30 - May 11, 2008
Port of Marseille
April 30: Depart
USA
Should you decide upon adding the air option, your trip begins with an overnight
transatlantic flight on Air France from New York's JFK airport to Marseille
with a short stop in Paris en route. Relax and enjoy the in flight meal service
and onboard entertainment as we fly east toward the city that ruled
textile trade in the 17th and 18th centuries.
May 1: Marseille to
Avignon
Upon arrival at the Marseille/Provençe International Airport we will be met by our tour guide and our air conditioned motor coach which will be our mode of transportation for the next 5 days. Once we have collected our luggage and are settled on our coach, we will be whisked into the hills above Marseille. Here, at the village of Chateau Gombert we will be introduced to life Provençial style as we dine in a restaurant that carries on the area’s traditions of cooking and dining. After our meal, we will take in the Museum of the Chateau Gombert which is dedicated to the history and cultures of this part of France. The broderie de Marseille (boutis) collection here is outstanding as is their collection of garments from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Following our stop here we will depart for Avignon and our hotel for the next 4 nights. Overnight: Avignon.
May 2: Tarascon and Nimes
After a leisurely breakfast this morning we depart for the city of Tarascon and the Souleiado Museum. The Souleiado Museum has been created in a private mansion which housed a cloth-printing factory from 1806. This social museum blends the history of Provençe with the tradition of cotton cloth and quilted pieces. These textiles, printed with colored motifs known as "Indiennes", are today's "Provençal fabrics". From here we will be transported to the ancient Roman city of Nimes where after lunch on our own, we will be visiting the Musee de vieux Nimes. The exhibits and archives richly depict the history of the textile industry in this city. Our final stop of the day will be the Maison du Boutis – a short drive away in Calvisson where they have what is considered to be the finest collection of Broderie de Marseille in the world. This evening you will be free to explore Avignon as you wish or join our tour director for a walking tour of the city, down to where the Sourge runs and the areas of some of the first Indienne factories in the region. Overnight: Avignon.
May 3: Les Baux, Gordes and Roussillon
No visit to Provençe is complete without seeing some of the remote hillside villages of the Luberon and Bouches de Rhône. After our breakfast as today we will depart for three villages which have each been designated as one of the “most beautiful villages of France”. The three that we have chosen are all built on hilltops or hillsides, with outstanding views over valley vistas. There will be time in each to explore, shop, and see these towns that have been enchanting people for hundreds of years. Overnight: Avignon
May 4: L’isle sur la Sorgue Market
Today we depart early and head off to visit the Provençial market and antique shops in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a lovely town straddling the islands created by five branches of the Sorgue River. It is market day and hundred’s of vendors will be set up on the town square and narrow roads selling regional items including textiles, antiques, fabric, soap, and spices. The town is famous for being one of the main antique regions in Europe and here you will find many boutiques and shops. There are several textile specialty stores in town and you will be provided with the locations of each. Enjoy lunch at one of the many outdoor café’s along the canals on tree-lined paths where you will find gastronomical delights. After a full day in L’isle sur la Sorgue, we will then head back to Avignon where we will gather at then end of the day for “show and tell” so that we may share the wonderful finds of the day. Overnight: Avignon
May 5: Avignon-Mulhouse
Today we will depart Avignon and head for Mulhouse by TGV train. Mulhouse is one of the great historic centers of the world textile industry where many of the finest textile printers were found during the 18th and 19th centuries. After our arrival and check into our hotel, we will have the opportunity for free time or join our guide for a tour of the city. Overnight Mulhouse
May 6: Musee de L’impression sur Etoffes
Today the highlight is a visit to the Musee de L'Impression sur Etoffes. In 1833, a group of textile manufacturers based in and around Mulhouse formed an Industrial Society known as the "Societé Industrielle". They decided to collectively archive the fabric designs they produced. In order to complement their own personal collections they added designs from other countries, and from earlier times. This collection grew in importance to become what is today the premier collection of printed textiles in the world. The original purpose of this design collection was to inspire artists and designers of the time by introducing them to new and different patterns and styles. This long established history of sharing ideas continues today in the form of the textile research room, the S.U.D. More than 3 million samples are housed here, spanning three centuries of design history. In addition to the S.U.D. the library of around 9000 volumes welcomes researchers and students. We will spend the day today touring the museum and in the S.U.D, studying the fabrics of our choosing. Overnight: Mulhouse
May 7: Mulhouse/Museum
After breakfast this morning we will head back to the Museum for your choice of activities. You may spend the day block printing your own fabric using ancient blocks from the museum’s extensive collection, or you may spend additional study time in the S.U.D. Both options are one-of-a-kind experiences. Due to space restrictions, numbers for each activity will be limited and requests will be taken on a first come basis. Overnight: Mulhouse
May 8: Mulhouse – free day.
Enjoy a hardy breakfast today as you will have the day to yourselves to discover the delights of the Alsace. While the textile museum is considered to be one of the most outstanding in the world, this area of France has several other places of interest and this is your day to explore on your own. The Wallpaper Museum in Mulhouse may be a place of interest as there are many printing motifs that were done on paper as well as fabric. OR, you may want to take the train for a day trip to Wesserling to see their textile and factory museum; to Colmar for it’s Swiss influenced village or perhaps to Strasbourg. The day is your’s and there is no shortage on things to do. Overnight: Mulhouse
Colmar
May 9: Mulhouse-Zurich
Today we depart Mulhouse and France and head toward Zurich, Switzerland. On our way, we will be stopping in Bern at the Abegg-Stiftung Museum, home to one of the world’s finest early textile collections. After checking into our Zurich hotel you will have the remainder of the day and evening to explore on your own. Overnight: Zurich
May 10: Zurich
Our final full day in Europe will be free for you to do as you wish. Zurich is a wonderful city and has many sites to see within easy reach. You may want to take a train to the nearby picturesque villages of Lucerne or Basel, or travel to the textile museum at St. Gallen; whatever you do, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery that Switzerland has to offer. Overnight Zurich
May 11: Departure
This morning after we have our final breakfast of the trip in at our Zurich hotel. We will bid Au Revoir to France and bis spöter to Zurich and all of their culture, history and beauty as we head to the airport to take our flight back to the USA.
Click here to e-mail Deb Roberts for Registration Packet
**There is a lot of walking activity associated with this tour, please consider any restrictions you might have before registering.
PRICING,
INCLUSIONS, TERMS & CONDITIONS
All prices in
US Dollars
Now - reduced $100, only $3,490 per person double occupancy - including RT air.
· LAND PACKAGE as described per itinerary.
· If full tour (including air) option is selected, round trip flight on Air France between JFK and Marseille and return from Zurich. (not including international departure taxes and surcharges)
· All transfers to/from airports and between designated cities and venues by deluxe motor coach. (with air package only)
· 1st class rail travel between Avignon and Mulhouse.
· Deluxe First Class Hotels (3 or 4 star)
· Full Buffet Breakfast Daily
· Welcome luncheon in Provence and farewell dinner.
· Porterage of one bag per person (hotel and coach)
· All non-optional gratuities
· Full time (24/7) services of bilingual tour director
· Optional walking tours in Mulhouse, Le Baux, Rousillon, Gordes and Avignon
· Entrance fees and applicable tours for activities per itinerary
Cost of tour including air: $3,490.00 per person, double occupancy. This price includes Round Trip airfare on Air France between JFK and Marseille and return from Zurich. Does not include international fees and departure taxes which are subject to change in either direction – currently they are $250.00 Anyone wishing to particpate in this group air block must reserve by January 20, 2008, as any remaining seats in the block after this date will be released. (air itinerary changed from ORD to JFK due to Air France flight cancellation)
Single Supplement: $950.00
Land Only: $3,145.00 (You are responsible for your own air transportation, however, selecting this option give you more flexibility)
Optional
Insurances: Tour with air: $195pp
double occupancy/$235 with single supplement
Land Only: $170pp double occupancy/$185 with
single supplement
Not included in tour costs:
· Personal Insurance
· Optional Porterage
· Public transportation for free time activities
· Optional Excursions
· Optional gratuities
· Transportation not specified in the itinerary, such as on free days
· Passport fees
Click here to e-mail Deb Roberts for Registration Packet
Terms and Conditions
Deb Roberts is an independent contractor with Joystar, Inc. a registered seller of travel CA# 2065045-40
THE TOTAL TOUR PRICE:
Tour price is based on airfare, land rates and rates of exchange in effect at
the time of arrangements. All rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Should the rates go up or down more than 3% prior to departure, an adjustment
will be made. As all services are contracted and prepaid on a group basis, no
refunds can be granted for any accommodations, services or events which are not
used. If you deviate from the tour, no consideration can be given to a refund
for unused services. Our tours are subject to a minimum number of people. Should
fewer than 25 people participate a price adjustment may be necessary. All trips
are subject to change at the discretion of Deborah Roberts or the tour provider.
Some restrictions apply.
AIR TRANSPORTATION:
If Deb Roberts through
Brian Moore International Tours is providing your group flight arrangements,
flight reservations are being held on behalf of the group on Air France's group fares. If a promotional airfare is
broken or extended for any reason, an additional fare may be applied. Any
deviations from the scheduled itinerary may incur additional fees and charges.
Once your ticket is issued there is a mandatory $250 charge plus any deviation
charges. There are no group fare refunds after February 20, 2008. Additional non-recoverable airline penalties of up
to $100 may be assessed for changes received within 90 days of departure.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Deluxe 3* or 4* hotels are selected and the price is based on twin occupancy
with private bath. A single room supplement will be charged where requested and
available. If you do not have a roommate and
Deb Roberts is unable to arrange
one, you will be billed for the single room supplement. All singles are subject
to availability. Deb will keep you updated as to possible roommate choices. Any
personally incurred hotel expenses, such as room service charges, mini bar
service, etc. will be at the traveler’s sole expense and are not included in the
tour cost.
MEALS:
Full American breakfast is provided daily. Other provided meals are as per
itinerary. An extra charge will be made when coffee, tea or other beverages are
not included in the menu of the day with the dinner meal.
INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is recommended on all tours and should be purchased at time of
deposit. I highly recommend insurance.
TIPS AND TAXES:
Tips and taxes normally appearing on hotel and restaurant bills as "service" are
included, as are all government and local taxes on hotels and meals, porterage
of one suitcase per person, housekeeping, reception and dining room staffs.
Airport departure taxes are not included. Tips to Tour Manager and guides and
driver are not included.
DEPOSITS AND
CANCELLATIONS:
A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure reservations and hold your
place. The deposit is refundable with written request received with 7 days
of when the deposit is received, after this it is non-refundable. This sum will
be applied to the price of the tour. Any balance is due on the final payment
deadline, February 1, 2008. Final payments received by Deb Roberts
after 30 days before departure must include a $100 late payment fee. (This does
not apply for new reservations made after the 30 days of departure deadline.) Reservations
made within 90 days of departure must include full payment. Credit cards and
checks are accepted, a credit card authorization form is needed for credit card
payments, which will incur a 3% surcharge. Funds for checks returned for any
reason must be returned by overnight mail in the form of a certified check or
money order and must include a $60 return check fee. Insurance is highly
recommended.
CHANGE FEE:
Any changes not received in writing at least 30 days prior to departure will
incur a $100 change fee per person for each revision.
DEVIATIONS:
Deviations to the itinerary cannot be guaranteed. Once you have received
your confirmation, a service charge of $75 per change will be
applied for any deviations made in tour, (where possible). Plus any additional
air or land charges incurred by the tour company.
LAND ARRANGEMENTS:
Deb Roberts and/or Brian Moore
International
Tours
reserves the right to change the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances or
emergencies.
MEDICAL ISSUES:
Deb Roberts
must be advised in writing, prior to any booking, of any medical
condition, physical, emotional or mental, which may require professional
attention during the trip or may require the use of special equipment. If you
fail to notify us of any such conditions, we may refuse to allow you to take the
trip and you will forfeit the cost of the trip; and in such event we shall have
no liability, financial or otherwise.
If you are so challenged, you must bring and be responsible for
all necessary
items related to your condition. If any such condition arises after the trip is
booked, you must advise us in writing immediately. Failure to advise us shall
release Deborah Roberts
or Brian Moore International
Tours
and all professional personal from any liability
related to such condition or its treatment.
If you require a wheelchair, you must provide your own small, collapsible
wheelchair. Some features on this trip may not be
wheelchair-accessible. We cannot guarantee any wheelchair assistance or
accessibility at any destinations.
Deborah Roberts reserves the
right to decline any trip participant whose condition, in our opinion, may
affect the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants.
Deborah Roberts is not
responsible for the costs of any medical treatment you may require during the
trip. Under no circumstances is Deborah
Roberts responsible for the quality of medical care, or lack
thereof, you may receive while on the trip.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Deborah Roberts is an independent organizer for this tour utilizing the service
of Brian Moore International Tours as the tour operator. As such,
Deborah Roberts and her representatives act only
independent tour organizers for the tour members in making
arrangements for hotels, transportation, sightseeing, restaurants or any other
services in connection with the itinerary. They will exercise reasonable care in
making such arrangements, however, they do not assume any liability whatsoever,
for any injury, damage, loss, accident or delay to person or property because of
any acts of war or terrorism, any act of default of any hotel, carrier,
coaching company, restaurant, company or person rendering any of the services included in the
tours. The tickets, coupons, tariffs, rules or contracts currently in use by any
carrier, hotel, restaurant or other contractor rendering services shall
constitute the sole contract between such contractor and the tour member.
Deborah Roberts or Brian
Moore International Tours, accept no responsibility for any damage
or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown,
quarantine, government restraints, weather, or any other cause beyond their
personal control. No carrier shall be responsible for any act, omission or event
during the time passengers are not on board its own conveyance. The right is
reserved to cancel or change itineraries, or substitute services without notice
and to decline to accept or retain any passenger at any time. In view of
statutory or contractual limitations that may apply to personal injury or
property damage losses, the purchase of accident and baggage insurance is
strongly recommended.