THE INTRIGUE OF & NORMANDY STORIES OF WIZARDS, STONES, KINGS, & BANDS OF BROTHERS

May 25 - June 5, 2010 Come with us to explore a land with a history that goes back before writing . . .and a culture that preserves the best of our past in a modern context. We can explore an exciting mixture of medieval architecture, early industrial workshops, one of the most momentous and important confrontations of modern time, the remnants of our Neolithic ancestors and a romantic myth that has attracted admirers for hundreds of years. Add to this an invigorating landscape of sea coast and countryside. A visit to Brittany and Normandy is an opportunity to experience the enchantment of a unique corner of Europe! Our time in Brittany will give us a chance to discover wonderful towns and villages. Vannes was an important center during the time of the Celts, the Romans and then the Breton period of independence. Its medieval walls and streets clustered around the cathedral draw visitors every year. Fougeres, the largest medieval castle in Europe - is truly a sight to be seen! Dinan is a wonderful walled medieval town, complete with imposing ramparts, port and a castle. Josselin is a beautiful medieval town set on the river Oust, boasting a delightful château near the town square where many cafes overlook the Basilica de Notre Dame du Roncier. Mont Saint Michel is an iconic image of France. It has been a place of worship and pilgrimage since the 6th century when a church was built by the Bishop of Avranches after the Archangel Gabriel had burned a hole into the Bishop's head with his finger. But it has also seen battles such as when the British attacked during the 100 Years War. Accessed across the sands on a one km roadway -- where tides can rise up to 40 feet per day -- the island is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk up the steep narrow streets and then explore the fortified abbey. Tales of are to be found throughout Europe and are particularly strong and interwoven into folklore in this part of France. In Brittany, the Château of Comper-en- Brocéliande contains the "Centre de l'Imaginaire Arthurian". Many of the Arthurian names can be easily translated into Breton. Forest, formerly the magical Brocéliande forest, is where built a crystal castle for the . The stories claim that the Lady of the Lake raised (translated as 'Wanderer' in Breton) here to become the most chivalrous of all the Knights of the . The forest also contains the tree (in which the Lady of the Lake imprisoned Merlin) and the fountain of youth. Carnac, in the Gulf of , is one of the world's most renowned megalithic sites, We will take in the impressive atmospheric stone alignments, passage graves, and that surround the village. Many menhirs rise up to 20 meters and weigh up to 200 tons. Imagine the work that men undertook to raise these monuments when sea level was lower than today. We will also explore some of the other notable Neolithic sites in the Gulf. William the Conqueror is one of the prominent names of history for French and British alike. For both nations the history of the last 1000 years has been underpinned by the events that took place in Normandy and southern England in 1066. The hands of the Normans, the Plantagenets, the Capetians, the Bourbons and even the Tudors have marked these lands as kings, queens, lords and feudal barons fought for power and money. Normandy will forever be associated with the D-day landings that initiated the liberation of Europe. We will pay tribute to the men and women who played a role in that momentous contest . . . from the drop zones for US airborne troops in and around St Mere Eglise through the great concrete emplacements at Pont Du Hoc . . .from Utah and Omaha Beaches to Pegasus Bridge (captured by British paratroopers and considered to be one of the first places in France liberated on D-Day). Our time visiting the D-Day landing areas will honor the brave 'bands of brothers' who fought here in 1944. We will also examine the culture in Brittany and Normandy that travelers from across the world enjoy. Our tour will include Glass Blowing in Saint Meloir des Ondes, a Bell Foundry, Copper workshop in Villedieu les Poeles and a visit to a village, Poul Fetan, which preserves the medieval way of life. We will also sample some of the local delicacies such as cheese - the world famous Camembert, Cider and Calvados.

LEADERSHIP The expedition will be lead by Mike Scott, a British schoolmaster and historian. Mike has a BSC in Politics and History, BA in Computer Sciences and MA in Management. He has led trips for his own pupils since 1985, mainly in Europe but now also in Africa and India. He has worked as a tour guide since 1999 and is a full member of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides. Mike has had several works published. Mike thoroughly enjoys leading trips and interacting with travelers who share his love of travel, different cultures, and history.

ITINERARY Day 1-2 JFK to Brittany - The Adventure Begins Depart from JFK International Airport on Air France for Paris. Arrive on the morning of Day 2, and take a connecting flight to . Meet your expedition leader and transfer by coach to our hotel in Vannes (3 nights). Afternoon for rest and leisure, then guided walk around the center of the town. Evening trip orientation and dinner. D Day 3 Neolithic Brittany Today we will explore the land surrounding the Gulf of Morbihan (the Little Sea). This area is populated with megaliths and monuments raised by Neolithic tribes. Carnac is one of the world's most renowned sites for Neolithic megaliths - , menhirs and stone alignments. We will visit Le Menec, Kerlescan and Kermario. Lunch at an atmospheric creperie, La Potion Magique. In the afternoon visit other pre-historic sites on the Morbihan coast including Locmariaquer. Our day will give us a comprehensive insight into the different types of structure erected by ancient man in this area. Enjoy local cuisine this evening. B,L Day 4 Breton History We leave our hotel to immerse ourselves in history today. First we travel to the village of Poul Fetan about 25 miles northwest of Vannes. Poul Fetan is a 17th Century village in which the inhabitants demonstrate the crafts of the past from spinning and weaving to baking and the ancient farm. This morning evokes the life lived by Bretons 300 years ago. From Poul Fetan we drive to the picturesque medieval town of Josselin. The half-timbered buildings and charming character of the town are why Josselin has been recognized as a Petite Cité de Caractère. B Day 5 The Magic of Arthur Today we leave our base in Vannes to move to Dinan (2 nights) on the Channel (La Manche) Coast of Brittany. Today is a day of myth, story, legend and imagination - a place of magic, if you let yourself believe! Starting at the Centre de l'Imaginaire Arthurien in the Château de Comper en Brocéliandee we will explore the story of Arthur, Merlin, Queen Guineviere and the Lady within Paimpont (Broceliande) Forest. En route to Paimpont we will stop at the Chateau de Largoët, or Towers of Elven, (a name you may recognize from the Lord of the Rings story). This is one of the tallest medieval keeps in France and dates from the 13th Century. It was fought over in the Breton War of Succession, hosted Henry Tudor before he became king, and has been used as a film set, notably for Lancelot du Lac. B,L Day 6 Breton-Norman Coast - Mont St. Michel Today we will start with a visit to a glass blower in Saint Méloir des Ondes. We will see the methods and may be able to attempt the skills of a glassmith (or gaffer) ourselves. From here we move along the Breton Channel Coast, crossing the Brittany-Normandy boundary for the first time, to one of the world's great treasures - the impressive and iconic Mont St Michel. Driving on the narrow roadway across the tidal sands, we will arrive at this island which for centuries has been a place of refuge and pilgrimage. We will have time for lunch, a tour of the Abbey and shopping in the narrow and evocative lanes of the island. B,D Day 7 On to Normandy This morning we depart our hotel for a transfer to Caen (5 nights). We will stop at Fougères, which lies at the borders of Brittany, Normandy and Maine. Here is the biggest remaining castle in Europe - dating from the 13th Century - originally built at the Breton border to help preserve independence from France and Normandy. This will be an afternoon of industrial history. We will stop in Villedieu les Poeles to visit a Bell Foundry and a Copper Workshop, with temptations for the acquisitive traveler, though some of the larger bells may be an interesting challenge in your baggage on the flights back home. B Day 8 Caen & Bayeux Caen is the capital of Lower Normandy. It is a lively city blending heritage and culture. Founded by William the Conqueror around 1060, Caen has preserved its splendor through peace and war as the town developed into the city we see today. The heart of the city is in the old quarter where we will walk a route which takes in the fabulous medieval landmarks and Caen's rich history. After lunch we will move on to Bayeux, another of William the Conqueror's towns. Here we can visit the Cathedral, and possibly see the Chapter Room and Treasury. The most glorious prize today is the Bayeux Tapestry -- a landmark of Norman history that cannot be missed! B,L Day 9 Crossing the Years -- Caen Memorial Peace Museum Today we will visit the Caen Memorial Peace Museum. The museum helps to set the scene for our visits to the D-Day beaches, but it also contains sections on other aspects of 20th Century history and the ongoing struggle for peace. After lunch we will move into the Norman countryside to visit cider and cheese 'factories' or farms. Camembert and Breton/Norman cider or the fortified Calvados will be available to sample as we watch how they are made. In preparation for our next visits, we’ll have a presentation this evening on the build up to the D- Day landings on June 6, 1944, and the events on June 6th and days following. B,D Day 10 American Venues on D-Day Our starting point today is the town of St Mere Eglise. You may recall the scenes of Red Buttons in the film 'The Longest Day' playing the role of John Steele, a US paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division, hanging from the church in the centre of the village as his comrades fought and were killed around him but gradually captured the village. But this place has a bigger story to tell than just that of John Steele. We will explore the surrounding area which was the scene of landings by thousands of American airborne troops. Numerous memorials and locations each have an interesting tale which we will share. From St Mere Eglise we will move in a circuitous route through the countryside to Utah Beach where we can uncover the stories of bravery and fortune that befell the men who landed here and secured a beachhead by mid-afternoon. We will also try to explain the German perspective on that day. On the way to Pointe du Hoc we will stop at the German cemetery at La Cambe. Pointe du Hoc marks the edge of Omaha Beach and was attacked by Ranger Battalions who climbed the cliffs to capture the emplacements. We will look at the full story in our visit to the remaining emplacements. Our final venue for the day is Omaha Beach. It was on Omaha Beach that the Americans suffered the worst casualties on D-Day - more than almost all other American units combined in the attacks on D-Day. As a result, Omaha Beach has become a particular place of pilgrimage. Today we will visit the beach itself and take time to reflect on the challenge that was overcome on that day 65 years ago. B,L Day 11 Other Venues on D-Day As part of our attempt to learn about the story of the invasion of Europe by the Allies here in 1944 we will spend much of today away from the American sectors. First we’ll visit the Merville Battery, a German battery which had to be captured during the night of 5-6 June by the 9th Parachute Battalion to protect British troops coming ashore on Sword Beach on D-Day. Similarly, the British cemetery in Ranville contains the last resting place of many of the men dropped in this area to capture vital river crossings or prepare the area for the troops landing on the beaches. One such vital river crossing across the Caen Canal is 'Pegasus Bridge', named after the cap badge of the 6th Airborne Division which captured the bridge. For the British the attack and capture of the bridge (and the nearby bridge over the Orne River) in ten minutes is one of the great stories of the war. One of the members of the 7th Battalion reinforcements was young actor Richard Todd who would, nearly two decades later, play Major Howard in the film 'The Longest Day'. There is a new museum, the original bridge, and a cafe (which has long claimed the title of the first cafe in France to be liberated). We will move on to Arromanches to see the remains of the Mulberry Harbor and take lunch. Our final visit on the D-Day Beaches will be the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach. This is a moving and peaceful location which gives us a chance for quiet contemplation and self- reflection as we honor those Americans who fell here in Normandy. Farewell dinner in celebration of our journey. B,D Day 12 Journey's End After breakfast we will depart for the Caen train station for the express train to Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris. Take flights to New York and home. B

COSTS & CONDITIONS Expedition Fee: $3,850 per person twin share (plus air fare of $895 + tax from New York to Paris and Rennes, with return from Caen to Paris by train and flight Paris to New York. Air Fares Are Subject to Change. Expedition Fee Includes: Land transport; group airport transfers; accommodations twin share; breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners; tips to local guides and drivers; entrance fees; baggage handling; leadership, administration. Expedition Fee Does Not Include: Air fare (quoted separately); independent transfers; some meals; gratuities to expedition leader; personal items such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, snacks; personal insurance, or foreign airport departure taxes. What to Expect: This expedition is for travelers who would like to explore the heritage of Brittany and Normandy, from the prehistory to the modern era, led by a historian and expert on the WWII sites in Normandy. This is a rich cultural experience in the pleasing landscapes of Brittany and Normandy. The group will travel from 2 to 4 hours by bus or van most days. We will explore villages, Neolithic tomb sites, historic castles, museums, and WWII sites. Walks will be at a leisurely pace suitable for discovery. It will be late spring with midday temperatures in the 60s-70s and some rain. The expedition will be a tremendous experience for travelers with an appetite for adventure who would like a chance to explore the unique heritage of Brittany and Normandy, and the great historical significance of these areas. We will have a grand adventure of discovery. (No smoking in vehicles, during lectures, or meals please.) Air Fare & Airline Ticketing: Please phone Marisa at Betchart Expeditions, (800) 252- 4910 for information about the group flights. The group flight departs from JFK on Air France, for Paris with a direct connection to Rennes. On the return, we will travel by train from Caen to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, and connect directly to our return flight to JFK. AIR FARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Accommodations: Are in comfortable first class hotels well situated for our site visits, based on twin share with a private bath. We will stay in a renovated, historic stone hotel in Dinan old town. Limited single accommodations are available for a supplement of $795. Reservations, Deposits & Payments: To reserve a place on this expedition, please mail a deposit of $500 per person with the completed reservation form to: Brittany & Normandy Expedition, Betchart Expeditions Inc., 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014- 5435. Balance of land fee is due 60 days before departure. Cancellations & Refunds: The initial deposit is refundable up to 60 days before departure less a handling fee of $100 per person. There is no refund after the 60-day period unless your place is resold, then only the $100 per person handling fee is withheld. There are no refunds for unused meals or other expedition features. Questions: Please call Marisa Eide, Betchart Expeditions Inc., (800) 252-4910 or (408) 252-4910.

Responsibility: Betchart Expeditions Inc. acts only as agent for the passenger with respect to transportation and hotels and exercises every care possible. Betchart can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident, or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motorcoach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, terrorism, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to substitute another leader of similar expertise or to cancel any tour prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed on to participiants. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. c 2009 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved. CST#2036304-40 ------RESERVATIONS #1134 YES! I/We want to join the Brittany & Normandy Expedition, May 25 - June 5, 2010, offered by Betchart Expeditions Inc. Please reserve _____ space(s). As a deposit, I/we have enclosed a check for $______($500 per person), payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account. Name(s) ______Age ______Sex ______Age ______Sex ______Address______City ______State ______ZIP ______Phone: Home (____) ______Work or Cell (___)______Email #1: ______#2: ______Membership (please circle): AAAS Sigma Xi ACS Planetary Society Accommodations Preference: _____ Twin _____ Twin share _____Single _____ Nonsmoker _____ Smoker Signature: ______Date: ______Signature: ______Date: ______Please mail to: Brittany & Normandy Expedition Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014-5435