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Provence: The Alpilles 2008

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Travel by bicycle to the land that, through the ages, has been home to ancient Greeks and Romans, medieval royalty and masterful artists. Discover the art, culture and beauty of Provence!   Detailed Itinerary

ADMIRE scenic St. Remy, immortalized by Van Gogh, during a private tour with an art historian TRACE Roman history in Arles, where you see the ancient amphitheater—once used for gladiator battles—during a private tour VISIT Avignon and see the Pope's Palace during a guided walking tour EXPLORE Les Baux de Provence, a medieval-era citadel set on a limestone escarpment CYCLE along gentle rolling hills of farmland, vineyards and sunflower fields PICNIC in a classic Provencal setting LEARN the game of boules and practice during a fun-for-all tournament with local players WALK across the ancient Pont du Gard SHOP at Provencal markets and buy colorful pottery, baskets or tablecloths

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Air-Inclusive Tour Roundtrip international airfare 8 nights in 3- and 4-star French hotels and chateaux 13 meals - 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners Transfers And the option to add our Low-Cost Trip Extensions: Pre-trip: Paris - 2 nights for only $395 Post-trip: Aix-en-Provence - 2 nights for only $345 FREE use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Welcome reception with local wine and hors d'oeuvres Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy discount Land-Only Tour 6 nights in 3- and 4-star French hotels and chateaux 11 meals - 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners FREE use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Welcome reception with local wine and hors d'oeuvres Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy discount

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Rating Level: Easy/Moderate This tour offers a combination of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills. Suitable for novice cyclists and ideal for experienced cyclists. Full Van Support: Enjoy more flexibility and choice with full van support throughout your vacation. Group Size: 14-20 Daily Mileage: 18 - 45 Miles Daily Cycling Times: 2 - 5 hours Avg. Daily High Temperature: Avignon: Apr 60° May 65° Jun 72° Jul 78° Aug 83° Sep 82° Oct 76°

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Aquabella Hotel Centrally located hotel in the heart of Aix-en-Provence website: www.aquabella.fr Chateau de Varenne Situated in the heart of Provence in a tranquil environment, Varenne is an enchanting chateau set within 3 hectares of gardens, overlooking the charming village of Sauveterre, which is just a 10-minute drive from Avignon. Built in 1610, the chateau was purchased in the 19th century by Guillaume Puy, “the Perfect Mayor” of Avignon, according to Napoleon, and then occupied by his son-in-law, the Marquis of Cambis. The chateau was later sold to the Prefect of Gard before World War I. Newly renovated, Varenne is now a charming hotel, with the splendor and authenticity of the chateau. From the tower of the chateau, enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the Ventoux, Luberon and surrounding vineyards. An enchanting, heritage-protected, 400-year-old Liban cedar tree grows in the garden, which also has a fountain with a natural water supply. Relax on the tree-shaded terrace or beside the picturesque hotel swimming pool. website: www.chateaudevarenne.com Hotel Les Ateliers de L’Image In the center of St. Remy de Provence and one of Provence’s most charming hotels, the Hotel Les Ateliers de l’Image was established around the theme of photography. It has a gallery, private collection, projection hall and fully equipped photo lab. website: www.hotelphoto.com Hotel Rochester This elegant and charming hotel is located a few steps from the Champs-Elysees and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore’, making it very easy and safe for visiting Paris, shopping, and taking evening strolls. It is a small, family-run hotel that is part of a small, private chain. All the rooms are decorated in a Louis XV style and feature modern amenities, including air-conditioning. website: www.paris-hotel-rochester.com Le Moulin D'Aure Pass through a canopy of century-old pine trees, then enter the magnificent property of Le Moulin D’Aure. Set within an olive grove in the heart of the Alpilles, the hotel features a swimming pool and rooms decorated in pure Provencal tradition. website: www.hotel-moulindaure.com

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Paris 2008 (for Provence) 2 nights for only $ 395 Two nights at the Hotel Rochester • Daily breakfast • Full information packet and hospitality desk • Airport transfers Begin your adventure with a visit to Paris and see for yourself why the City of Lights has inspired poets, lovers, emperors, and artists for centuries. Visit Montmartre and its charming cafés and artists’ colony. Here, too, is The Moulin Rouge, made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec in his candid impressions. Or venture to the top of Notre Dame for a gargoyle’s view of the city. You have plenty of time to make a stop at the Eiffel Tower or one of the magnificent museums, like Musee Picasso or the Musee d’Orsay. Take a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens on your way to the Louvre. You can walk to many of the major sights from your centrally located, 4-star hotel. Available only with the Air Inclusive Package. Note: Single supplement for this extension is $ 295. top Aix-en-Provence 2008 2 nights for only $ 345 Two nights at the Hotel Aquabella • Daily breakfast • Full information packet • Airport transfers Discover the architectural and cultural treasures of Aix-en-Provence simply by walking around this beautiful town: some of the smallest streets of the ancient Roman town have kept their evocative names, offering an original overview of past times. Dine on typical fare, prepared with fragrant herbs from the hillsides, listen to the soft murmur of ancient fountains, gaze at bright colors in the markets, sit on crowded cafe terraces … . Experience the beauty of the Aix countryside immortalized by Cézanne. Available only with the Air Inclusive Package. Note: Single supplement for this extension is $ 195.

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Group Discount Program: You can earn a FREE VBT tour with our generous group discount program. Click here for details. Refer a Friend and Earn $100 Travel Credit: If you refer a Friend to VBT and they choose to travel with us, you earn $100 travel credit toward your next trip and your friend gets $50 off their first VBT trip. Click here for details. Good Buy Plan: The earlier you pay, the more you save. If you book early and pay in full by check, you can lock in your trip cost plus earn up to a 10% discount. 5% Frequent Traveler Credit: You will automatically receive a 5% travel credit good for your next VBT trip. This credit is good for one full year. Savings for Single Travelers: If you are on a bicycle tour where sharing is possible and you would like to share a room, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. We will charge you only 50% of the single supplement; if a match is available, we will refund you the single supplement after you return. If requested and available, single supplement is $565. Best Value Guaranteed: Click here for details. We reserve the right to correct errors. top