Walking and Wine in Provence: France– 2016 Trip Summary Our October 2016 Walking and Wine vacation in France celebrates the tastes, sights and sounds of Fall in Provence as we hike through the pastoral French countryside, enjoying the wine Dates and cuisine, villages and charm of Southern France. October 8 - 16, 2016 Roll the word "Provence" around your tongue and feel the warmth of Southern France - the heat of her sun, the delicious taste of her Cost dry rose wines, and the aromas of her pungent herbs. Like gliding $4,395 from Avignon, France ($800 deposit) through a French impressionist painting, you'll be immersed in the light and life of this land. On this walking tour in Provence, we'll Rating stroll through exquisitely colorful Fall landscapes and discover Moderate sensual Provence along her footpaths, in her villages painted in pastel pinks, blues and greens, and in delicious "déjeuners" enjoyed in local cafes. Our scenic walks will take us through Activities vineyards and pine forests - along trails which have served for Walking centuries – as we linger for picnics of olives, goat cheese, Hiking tomatoes and strawberries. Cultural Exploration Sightseeing This adventure vacation in France begins the moment you fly into Wine Tasting Paris and hop on the high speed TGV train and head south to Photography Train Avignon. Our walking tour will highlight three distinctive landscapes of Provence, starting from Vaison-la-Romaine, an ancient Roman city nestled under Mont Ventoux. Day hikes take us into the Dentelles de Montmirail, a wild and beautiful land of spiky, sun-white limestone, pocketed with vineyards and olive groves. We'll visit Crestet, with its art institute and mysterious steps carved into the walls of the chateau, and Gigondas, the famous vine village, which rises from a carpet of vineyards to hang from the hillside. Next we travel to the Luberon Valley and base in Bonnieux, elegantly perched high on a hill of golden limestone. Twisting alleys with boutiques and galleries tumble down from the chateau. A day walk here takes us to the charming village of Roussillon, which derives its name and appearance from the surrounding red ochre quarries. Our walks take us to the village of Oppede le Vieux where we visit the ruins of a 10th century chateau, and the 12th century Abbey of Senanque, a Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields. ADVENTURE TRAVEL FOR WOMEN SINCE 1982 - FIRST AND STILL THE BEST! Walking and Wine in Provence - 2016 2 This walking vacation in Southern France is a sensual indulgence on every level. We stay in wonderful hotels and dine as the French do. Leave your senses tingling on this hiking tour in Provence in colorful Fall, deep within the heart of the south of France! PLEASE NOTE: This trip is for women who are active, in shape, and LOVE to hike! We expect all participants to be in very good hiking condition, and that you have read the description of the Activity Level that you need to be in to take part in this adventure. Main Attractions A walking tour in the south of France among the landscapes that inspired van Gogh and the French Impressionists, while tasting world-renowned wines and savoring classic Provencal dishes. Experience a Provencal farmer's market, busting with cheeses, pates, produce, flowers and artisan wares. Meander up cobblestone paths and alleys to dramatic medieval hilltop villages that date back to the 8th century. Explore Gordes, listed as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The Most Beautiful Villages in France"). Hike to Menerbes, the French village made famous by Peter Mayle in his book "A Year in Provence". Stay in two charming French hotels: a beautiful small auberge ensconced in lovely, green and tranquil countryside with views of the sea and facing Mont Ventoux; and a renovated 18th century farmhouse in the Luberon, set amidst lavender fields and herb gardens. Enjoy camaraderie and share experiences with other AdventureWomen participants during this delightful, custom-designed walking tour in the South of France. What's Included: 8 days/7 nights, lodging in twin-bedded, double-occupancy rooms with private baths. Meals as specified in the daily itinerary, including 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners. Transportation and all transfers in France, from our pick up and departure in Avignon, France. Fully-guided walks each day led by Gillian Arthur, our European-based guide. All luggage transfers. All gratuities on meals covered in the itinerary. What's Not Included: Round-trip airfare and/or train to Avignon, France. Drinks including all alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer. A tip to your main guide ($100/person), assistant guide ($50/person), and if you have a driver ($20/person). Our Professional Guide Born in England, Gillian lived much of her life in Australia and for the past twenty five years has lived in Italy with her daughter and husband. She has been designing and leading trips in Europe for AdventureWomen for almost 20 years. Gillian's knowledge, her enthusiasm for the great outdoors, and her passion for good food and wine always creates a truly memorable experience on the 800 804 8686 | 406 587 3883 (outside U.S.) | [email protected] Walking and Wine in Provence - 2016 3 AdventureWomen trips that she guides. She has recently been awarded the Diploma of Wine from WSET ( London ). Her expertise in wine on this trip will be truly appreciated! When not researching and guiding tours, Gillian divides her time between Friuli, Italy and Scotland. Passports and Money Citizens of the U.S. must possess a valid passport to travel to France. There is no visa required. If you do not have a passport, APPLY NOW! You should always carry two extra photos, just in case of emergency (i.e., if your passport is stolen). *Credit cards are widely accepted in France and ATM machines are accessible in many towns (see the next paragraph!). You should bring a few hundred dollars in cash, which you can exchange into Euros, for your spending money and tips. Tips are also accepted in U.S. Dollars. *Important information about credit cards! Please note: You should bring at least one smart card, usually referred to as a chip card, or chip-and-PIN credit card for travel to Europe and to other overseas destinations. These new cards are more secure and you are more protected from credit card fraud. These so-called smart cards have embedded microchips in them. You will see the silver or gold microchip on the front of your card. They also have the traditional magnetic stripe, so can be used the same as your regular credit/debit card. You'll either sign for purchases, or enter a 4 digit PIN into a terminal. (Confirm with your bank that your PIN, or 4 digit number, will be the number that you use the FIRST time that a PIN is required for use with your new card. So just make sure you remember it for all future transactions!) It is best to have your chip card as a VISA or MasterCard, since American Express is often not accepted in many places. In Europe and in parts of Asia, they simply don't acknowledge magnetic- strip cards anymore unless they are chip-and-PIN enabled. In addition, in any automated transactions such as train stations and gas stations, ONLY chip-and-PIN cards are accepted. Chip-and-PIN cards have become standard in many European countries because of their superior fraud-prevention abilities. Now countries in Asia, North America and South America, and Canada are doing the same. Health Requirements and Physical Condition Required This AdventureWomen trip is rated as Moderate and requires that you be in very good physical condition, and be able to hike/walk 7 to 10 miles a day. The most you will carry is a small day pack with your rain gear, camera, water, etc. Paths are through rolling terrain and can be rough and uneven, so good hiking boots are recommended, as well as a walking stick if you prefer to hike with one. The pace on this hiking tour is leisurely, with stops that include plenty of time for lunch, and exploring villages, cultural, and historical sites. You MUST have your own health insurance, and not have any physical problems or conditions that would be adversely affected by participating in any of the planned trip activities and the rigors of international travel. Visit our award-winning website at: www.adventurewomen.com Walking and Wine in Provence - 2016 4 How To Register First, call (800-804-8686) or email ([email protected]) the AdventureWomen office to determine space availability. As a courtesy, we will hold your space for 5 days while you are completing the registration process, and making personal and travel arrangements. Next, complete and sign the Trip Registration and International Passenger Information forms on our Web site by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page. We can also fax or email them to you. Include, with your forms, the required deposit that can be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover), personal check, money order, or cashier’s check. You can also give us your credit card number over the phone. Once we receive your deposit and BOTH forms, we will mail you a trip confirmation/information packet verifying your registration. Traveling to France: Arrival and Departure You should plan to fly into Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris on the morning of October 9, 2016. You will then need to transfer to the TGV high speed train, which is located inside the airport, for a direct TGV to Avignon.