Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd.
95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1
Tel: 519-753-2695 / 519-756-4900 Fax: 519-753-6376
tours@pauwelstravel.com – www.pauwelstravel.com
A WINE & FOOD TOUR OF PROVENCE AND LANGUEDOC
Join us for an epicurean adventure focusing on two of France’s most famous wine regions, situated along the
beautiful shores of the Mediterranean. This tour is hosted by wine expert and writer Tony Aspler and features
visits to several notable wine producers, complemented by exceptional local cuisine and luxury
accommodations.
12-days, from Wednesday, May 15, to Sunday, May 26, 2013
Tour price: $5,995 from Toronto, based on double occupancy – Single room supplement: $1,095
PROPOSED ITINERARY:
MEALS INCLUDED: B(reakfast), L(unch), D(inner)
Day 1 - Wednesday, May 15:
Early evening departure from Toronto’s Pearson Airport to Paris with Air France. (Flight 351, departing 6:50
pm). Dinner and a light breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 – Thursday, May 16:
[B,D]
Early morning arrival in Paris, and short connecting flight to Toulouse, capital of the Languedoc region of
Southern France. Late morning (10:55 am) arrival, and transfer by private coach to the medieval walled city of
Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its fairytale collection of walls, towers,
drawbridges, and atmospheric cobbled streets. Our hotel is the exceptional 5* Hotel De La Cité
(hoteldelacite.com), situated within the ancient ramparts, one of only 3 five-star hotels in the entire Languedoc.
Mid-afternoon arrival and time to rest this afternoon after our overnight flight or explore the town at your
leisure. Early evening cocktails on the hotel terrace with its spectacular views before our welcome dinner in the
hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant La Barbacane.
Day 3 – Friday, May 17:
[B,L]
This morning we will begin our exploration of Languedoc-Roussillon, the world’s largest and most dynamic
wine region, comprised of 24 AOC areas and countless “pays”, that is, areas where rules allow for more
creative wine production techniques. Traditionally known more for its volume of wine production more than its
quality, this region has recently witnessed the emergence of a new generation of vignerons who are realizing the
area’s potential for producing spectacular wines of growing international renown. This morning we will venture
southwest of Carcassonne through the beautiful Languedoc countryside stopping in the wine village of Limoux
in the heart of the AOC of the same name, known for its still white wines and a popular sparkling wine known
as Blanquette. Group lunch in the picturesque medieval bastide (fortified town) of Mirepoix, known for its well
preserved wooden arcades and architecture followed by a visit to a top local estate. Late afternoon return to
Carcassonne and free evening.
Day 4 – Saturday, May 18:
[B,L]
Today we explore the sundrenched countryside and scenic towns east of Carcassone through parts of the
dominating Minervois and Corbières appelations where select red wines blended with variations of Carignan,
Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre are gaining in reputation. Lunch at a specially chosen restaurant along the
banks of the Canal du Midi (an extraordinary engineering achievement linking the Mediterranean to the
Atlantic), along with visits to one or two of the region’s more innovative producers. Late afternoon return to
the hotel and optional group dinner this evening.
Day 5 – Sunday, May 19:
[B]
Departure from Carcassonne after breakfast. We motor to the Mediterranean coast and head for the port of Sète
for a visit of the picturesque harbor and a taste of the local specialty, Muscat de Frontignan. Free time for lunch.
Late this afternoon en route to our destination we will stop to admire Provence’s premier architectural sight, the
Pont du Gard - a three-tiered, astonishingly well preserved Roman aqueduct built 2,000 years ago to transport
water to the nearby settlement of Nîmes. Early evening arrival in Avignon and our base for the following four
nights, the 5* Hotel d’Europe (heurope.com), a converted 16th century home perfectly situated in the heart of
the city. Free evening.
Day 6 – Monday, May 20:
[B,D]
Morning guided walking tour of beautiful Avignon, with famous sights such as the Papal Palace and the
legendary “Pont d’Avignon” of childhood-song fame. This capital of the region offers no shortage of historic,
gastronomic and other cultural attractions (such as shopping!). Free time for lunch and to explore the town’s
many attractions at your own pace this afternoon. Before our group dinner in our hotel’s Michelin starred
restaurant La Vieille Fontaine, one of the region’s top producers will lead us through an introductory tasting of
wines from the surrounding Rhône appelations.
Day 7 – Tuesday, May 21:
[B,L]
After breakfast we venture the short distance north of Avignon to the region’s most iconic wine producing
appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape (named after a fortified summer house, or “new castle” of the Pope in the
century). The specific terroir of the region surrounding the town, including the famous “galets” - large round
stones blanketing many of the vineyards and the influence of the area’s intense “Mistral” winds, produces wines
of tremendous character prized by wine lovers everywhere. This morning we have been invited for a VIP tour
and tasting at one of the top producers – Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe (vignoblesbrunier.fr). Group lunch at
an estate or nearby restaurant. This afternoon we cross east of the Rhône river and travel along the panoramic
Dentelles de Montmirail, an impressive rock outcropping which borders the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages
appelations of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise where we will make selected stops before a late
afternoon return to Avignon. Free evening.
Day 8 – Wednesday, May 22:
[B,L]
This morning we trace the Rhône river south to the historic city of Arles, famous for its magnificent and well
preserved Roman architecture as well as for its brief but influential association with Vincent Van Gogh and
several of his most revered works. Following a brief walking tour of the Old Town we will enjoy free time for
further exploration of the town’s many points of interest. Group lunch in a specially chosen restaurant in the
nearby countryside. After lunch we venture back through the low mountain range of Les Alpilles before
stopping to visit the magnificently perched ‘château-village’ of Les Baux de-Provence (named after the rich
bauxite deposits nearby), as well as the charming town of St. Remy-de-Provence with its inviting shops and
cafés. Depending on our timing, we may arrange a brief visit to one of the better known estates in the relatively
new Les Baux-de-Provence AOC. Late afternoon return to Avignon and free evening.
Day 9 – Thursday, May 23:
[B,D]
Departure from Avignon after breakfast. Today is dedicated to exploring the exceptionally lovely Luberon
countryside east of Avignon which gained international fame two decades ago in association with Peter Mayle’s
A Year in Provence. We will pass through a few of the region’s more notable villages, including the stunningly
picturesque hilltop towns of Gordes and Bonnieux, stopping to sample some of region’s fresh Côtes du Luberon
wines at the Domaine de la Citadelle (domaine-citadelle.com). Late afternoon arrival at the four-star chateauhotel Chateau de la Pioline (chateaudelapioline.com), situated on the outskirts of the historical city of Aix-enProvence and our base for the remainder of the tour. A “gastronomique” dinner this evening in the hotel’s
superb restaurant.
Day 10 – Friday, May 24:
[B]
Morning walking tour of the very attractive old town of Aix-en-Provence, with the Cours Mirabeau, possibly
the most attractive main street in the south of France, followed by a visit to the workshop of the painter Cézanne
(atelier-cezanne.com). Free time for lunch (people watching from one of the many cafés on Cours Mirabeau is
an institutionalized local pastime). Optional visit this afternoon to a specially chosen estate in the historic
Palette wine region surrounding the city for those not more tempted by Aix’ famous shopping. Free evening.
[B,L]
Day 11 – Saturday, May 25:
Our final full day in Provence will start with a visit to the Mediterranean coastal town of Bandol, surrounded by
an amphitheater of vineyards producing what is generally considered to be Provence’s finest red wines. The
late-ripening and notoriously gruff Mourvèdre grape achieves its greatest potential in these sun baked coastal
hills (no other appellation in France uses this grape as the predominant varietal in its wines). The small volume
of voluptuous red (almost black) wines produced here have enormous aging potential. Following a visit to one
of Bandol’s most notable estates, we continue our journey east along the Mediterranean coastline into the much
broader Côtes-de-Provences appellation most associated with the region’s famous pink rosé wines. Past the
port of Toulon we will enjoy a VIP “farewell” lunch and tasting at top regional producer Château Léoube
(chateauleoube.com), whose vineyards occupy a 4 km stretch of stunning Mediterranean coastline on the Bénat
peninsula. Early evening return to our hotel and free evening to prepare for tomorrow’s departure.
Day 12 – Sunday, May 26:
Morning transfer to Marseille airport for our (not ridiculously early!) 10:50 am connecting Air France flight to
Paris. Return flight from Paris to Toronto (departing 1:55 PM arriving 4:15 PM).
Tour price, based on double occupancy, from Toronto: $5,995.00 CAD
Single room supplement: $1,095.00 CAD
Included in the tour price are:
- Return flight with Air France.
- Accommodation based on double; the single room supplement is $1,095.
- Breakfast daily and a total of eight dinners or lunches.
- Overland transportation by private coach.
- All visits and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, including admission to museums and monuments
mentioned.
- Hotel taxes and gratuities.
Not included are:
-***The usual combination of airport taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges, presently (August 2012)
approximately $595, but subject to change.
- All items of a personal nature.
- Beverages with dinners, and meals other than those outlined above.
- Travel Insurance, available as follows:
Deluxe Package Insurance:
Up to age 59:
$380.16
Ages 60 to 64:
$469.80
Ages 65 to 69:
$563.76
Ages 70 to 74:
$732.24
Ages 75 & up:
Call for rates
Non-medical Insurance:
Up to age 59:
$338.04
Ages 60 to 64: $393.12
Ages 65 to 69: $450.36
Ages 70 to 74: $516.24
Ages 75 & up: Call for rates
With Single Supplement:
Deluxe Package Insurance:
Up to age 59:
$427.68
Ages 60 to 64:
$529.20
Ages 65 to 69:
$635.04
Ages 70 to 74:
$815.40
Ages 75 & up:
Call for rates
Non-medical Insurance:
Up to age 59:
$385.56
Ages 60 to 64: $452.52
Ages 65 to 69: $521.64
Ages 70 to 74: $599.40
Ages 75 & up: Call for rates
PAUWELS TRAVEL BUREAU LTD.
95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1
Tel: 519-753-2695/519-756-4900 Fax: 519-753-6376 Email: tours@pauwelstravel.com
Ont. Reg. #1034992
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
__________________________________________________________________________________________
RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS:
Reservations should be made as early as possible to ensure the departure of your choice. A deposit of $750.00 is
required at the time of registration. Your reservation is confirmed upon receipt of your deposit and
application form. No reservations will be accepted without a signed application form.
REFUND OF UNUSED ARRANGEMENTS:
Because the rates of Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. are based on group participation, no refund can be made for
any tour accommodation or tour service or tour feature not taken. If cancellation occurs while the tour is in
progress, no refund can be made for the tour portion not taken. We strongly suggest that to allow for any
unexpected contingencies, you purchase the all-inclusive insurance.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Refund of deposit is made in full if cancellation is received in writing by Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. more than
90 days prior of the departure date of the tour less a $500.00 non refundable administrative fee per person. For
cancellation received in writing 90 days prior or less the following cancellation charges apply:
90 days to 46 days before departure: 25% of tour cost
45 to 15 days before departure:
50% of tour cost
Within 14 days prior to departure: 100% of tour cost
RESPONSIBILITY:
Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. reserves the right without notice, to withdraw any part or all of the tour. Factors
such as airline schedule changes, hotel overbookings, inclement weather, etc. may necessitate changes in the
itinerary as outlined. There may also be other circumstances in which changes become necessary or advisable.
Any savings realized by these changes will be passed on to the passengers, any resultant expenses shall be
borne by the passenger. Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. acts only as an agent in securing hotel, transportation and
other travel services and in no event shall be held responsible for the failure by any person or company to render
any transportation, lodging or other travel service to be provided on the tour. All hotel, transportation and other
travel services are provided to tour members subject to all the terms and conditions under which they are
offered to the public generally. The acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be
considered an acceptance by the tour member of those conditions. Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. also reserves the
right to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour, in which case equitable refund will be
made at the discretion of the tour operators.
AIR TRANSPORTATION:
Transatlantic economy flight by scheduled IATA carrier(s), based on an economy class group fare. All fares are
subject to specific rules and regulations, to changes and to government approval. Deviations from the group
flights are possible but subject to higher rates.
APPLICATION FORM
Please book ___ seat(s) on the “Aspler Wine tour of Languedoc & Provence,” May 15 - 26, 2013.
Enclosed is my/our deposit of ___________ ($750 per person, plus insurance premium if taken.)
Deposit and insurance premium, if taken, are due with registration. A second payment installment will
be invoiced approximately 4-5 months prior to departure. You will then be invoiced for the balance
approximately 45 days prior to departure with balance due 30 days prior.
WE REQUIRE A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT (INFORMATION PAGES ONLY) TO BE SENT
WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM AT TIME OF REGISTRATION.
Name as on Passport. Indicate the appropriate title before each name (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Ms.)
NAME(S):_____________________________________________________________________
If applicable, give your commonly used first name as you would like it to appear on your name tag: (e.g. “Liz”
for “Mary Elizabeth”) ______________________________________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________Postal Code: ____________________
PHONE: (Residence)_________________(Business)_________________(Fax/Email)_______________
If traveling alone, please indicate your willingness to share accommodations: YES_____ NO_____
SINGLE ROOM REQUIRED: ______________
(We will try to find a roommate for those willing to share, but cannot guarantee success in doing so. For single
travelers we are not able to match, the single supplement will apply.)
SPECIAL REQUESTS: (Dietary, wheelchair assistance, frequent flyer number, twin beds, etc.) Please list
here so we can do our best to assist you. (We will do our best to assist you but cannot guarantee success,
especially in the case of requests for specific seating arrangements, since airlines do not normally allow
individual seat selections for groups.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
I/we agree to the “terms and conditions” attached to the program. ______________________________
Insurance - I/we accept:
All-inclusive Package _____ Non-medical Package ______
Decline Insurance ______
Signature (s) ____________________________________________________________________
If purchasing travel insurance, we require your date of birth:
Name: ________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________
Name: ________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________
PAYMENT:
Cheque payable to Pauwels Travel
Visa
Amount Paid: _________________________
Card Number: _____________________________
Signature: _________________________________
Mastercard
American Express
Expiry: ___________ Security Code: _________
Please forward this completed form, copy of passport and payment to:
PAUWELS TRAVEL BUREAU LTD.
95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1
Tel: 519-753-2695 / 519-756-4900 Fax: 519-753-6376