We invite you to join our host Bill Anderson on our journey to
Burgundy & Provence through France’s Fabled Wine Country
May 30 – June 12, 2015 • Côte d’Azur to Paris
Classical Adventures from Côte d’Azur to Paris
Come along with me on a sensational river cruise in the
south of France followed by three glorious days and nights in Paris. We’ll begin
in spectacular Cote d’Azur with its glamorous villas and yachts. After 2 days
exploring the excitement of Monte Carlo, we’ll travel to Provence and board
our luxurious Avalon Waterways river ship, the Avalon Scenery®. We’ll cruise
the Rhone River through this famous wine making region and explore its history
and culture. Then we’ll take the high speed train to Paris for three more days
of enchantment and entertainment. There will of course be lots of music both
on board and on shore. We’ll be leaving on May 30, 2015. I hope you’ll choose
to travel with a group of like-minded people who love listening to Classical FM.
I’m looking forward to meeting you on this excellent French adventure.
Bill Anderson
Program Host
Classical 96.3 FM,
Toronto;
Classical 102.9 FM,
Collingwood;
Classical 103.1 FM,
Cobourg
BURGANDY & PROVENCE
From the Côte d’Azur to Paris
Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn
about France and the French. Your adventure begins with two
overnights on the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur.
Then, travel to Arles in the Provence region to board the Avalon
Scenery® and sail into the peaceful Camargue area during dinner,
before returning to Arles. Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval
Tournon, Vienne, France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as
Mâcon, Tournus, Chalon-sur-Saône, and fascinating Beaune await
you. Take the TGV train from Dijon to Paris, where your vacation
ends with three overnights, guided sightseeing, and free time to
explore the remarkable “City of Light” on your own! You’re sure
to return home with lots of memories and photos to share.
May 30 Depart Canada for our overnight flight to France
May 31 Arrive In Côte d’Azur, France – Welcome to
France! Located between the mountains and the deep-blue
Mediterranean Sea, the Côte d’Azur is synonymous with prestige
and beauty—with its enchanting yachts, glamorous villas, and
famous events. Time at leisure lets you get acquainted with this
amazing place. Enjoy a short welcome reception at the hotel this
evening. (O/N Hotel)
June 1 Côte d’Azur, France – A half day shore excursion will
introduce us to the best of the Côte d’Azur. Afternoon at leisure
and this evening we will have a special welcome dinner with a
special musical event. (Breakfast, Dinner) (O/N Hotel)
June 2 Côte d’Azur–Arles (Embarkation)–Camargue Region
– This morning, enjoy free time to explore further or join an
optional excursion to Nice, known as the “Queen of the Riviera.”
In the early afternoon, transfer by motorcoach to Arles in the
Provence region, where you’ll board your river cruise vessel.
Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception, then sail
toward the mouth of the Rhône for a taste of the tranquil vistas
of Camargue National Park. (Breakfast, Dinner)
June 3 Arles – In Arles, capital of Provence, join your
Local Guide for a GUIDED CITY TOUR. See the church of
St. Trophime, dating from the 12th century, and visit the
ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Still used today, the amphitheater
dates to the 1st century, and was constructed to hold over
20,000 spectators. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the
special light of Provence and spent a very productive year in
Arles. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
June 4 Avignon – During the night, set sail for Avignon, where
you arrive during breakfast. During your GUIDED TOUR you may
choose to join an included visit of the PALACE OF THE POPES,
built in the 14th century as the sovereign popes’ residence. With
a living space equivalent to four gothic cathedrals, it is the largest
gothic fortress in the world. Alternatively, you may opt for only city
sightseeing and more free time to explore on your own or to join
an optional outing to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of
Châteauneuf-du-Pape. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
June 5 Cruising–Viviers – A leisurely morning on board to relax
and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch, join your LOCAL
GUIDE for a walk around the charming town of Viviers, which
developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL. The OLD
TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval
influences. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
June 6 Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage–Vienne –
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage
lie nestled among vineyards between the
Rhône River and the granite slopes of the
Hermitage. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK of Tournon,
one of France’s oldest medieval cities, with its
imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins.
As you cruise to Vienne, there’s a treat in store
for chocoholics: an onboard CHOCOLATE
TASTING to delight the palate. Arriving in
Vienne in the late afternoon, a GUIDED WALK
shows you the charming little town surrounded
by steep hills–one of the oldest towns in
the region. Explore the town centre to see
the Roman Theater, which once held 13,000
spectators, and the Augustus and Livia Temple,
built around 20 BC and converted into a church
in the Middle Ages. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
June 7 Lyon – Lyon is France’s third-largest city and its
gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the
city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to
commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman ruins,
many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture
delight visitors. You are joined by a LOCAL GUIDE as you survey
the city from Fourvière Hill
and explore the Old Town,
a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, with its maze of medieval
alleyways and Place des
Terreaux, a popular area with
lively cafés, monuments, and
the famous fountain often
depicted on postcards. Be
sure to sample Beaujolais, the
wine of the region. Before
dinner tonight, attend an
ONBOARD LECTURE and
learn more about the French.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
June 8 Mâcon–Tournus–
Chalon-Sur-Saône – Wake up this morning in Mâcon on the
Saône River, a city that plays an important role in the wine trade.
From here, a choice of optional excursions, including a visit to
a wine cellar, is available. A short cruise takes you to Tournus.
Be sure to visit the abbey of St. Philibert, which dates back
to the 10th century and is a superb example of Romanesque
architecture. In 2002, while the abbey was being renovated,
electricians discovered a mosaic portraying the zodiac under
the floor coverings—this is now available for public viewing.
While sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône, enjoy an onboard CHEESE
TASTING. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
June 9 Chalon-Sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Dijon–
Paris – After breakfast, head by motorcoach to Beaune, the
unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area and Burgundy’s wine
capital. Although life here centres around wine, Beaune offers
much more with its ramparts, medieval houses, cobblestone
streets, and historical monuments. Visit the HÔTEL-DIEU charity
hospital, built in 1443 and paid for by the chancellor of Burgundy
after the Hundred Years’ War left many of the town’s population
destitute. Today it houses Van der Weyden’s painting of The Last
Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights. After
lunch, continue to Dijon, where you board the TGV to Paris, the
“City of Light.” (Breakfast) (O/N Hotel)
June 10 Paris – Known as one
of the world’s most romantic and
lively cities, Paris is a delight for
all your senses. Your included
CITY SIGHTSEEING shows you
magnificent must-see sights,
including Notre Dame Cathedral,
the unique Louvre Museum with
its glass pyramid as a contrast
to its ancient architecture, the
commemorative Arc de Triomphe,
and the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively,
you may wish to join a GUIDED
WALK through historic IÎe St. Louis
with its narrow one-way streets
and IÎe de la Cité, the centre of
Paris where the medieval city was founded and home to NOTRE
DAME CATHEDRAL. In your free time, stroll down the ChampsElysées with its lavish cafés, or perhaps visit the world-famous
Louvre or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacré Coeur
Basilica and bevy of artists on Place du Tertre. Paris is also well
known for its colourful nightlife that includes some of the world’s
most famous cabaret shows, such as the Moulin Rouge. All of this
awaits your discovery! (Breakfast) (O/N Hotel)
June 11 Paris – Paris would not be complete without one more
day for you to enjoy the city on your own terms. From famous
walks, to museums, from the inviting pastries to the delicious
wines we savour the city at our own pace. This evening we meet
in the hotel where we transfer for a “farewell city of lights cruise
and dinner” (Breakfast, Dinner) (O/N Hotel)
June 12 Paris – Return flights home – Your vacation ends with
breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Your cruise fare
includes:
AVALON SCENERY
• All meals and wine or
beer with dinner on board
• Shore excursions,
with several options at
selected ports
• Pre- and post-cruise land
stays as detailed on the
itinerary
• All gratuities for
restaurant and cabin staff
on board & cruise director
• Transfers between
airports/hotels and ship
• Return economy airfare
• Hosted by Bill Anderson,
Classical Program Host,
and his wife,
Sharon McCarney
• Private welcome
reception arrival evening
• Private musical event and
dinner in the Côte d’Azur
• Musical event in Lyon
and special hosted
session with Bill Anderson
on board
• Private musical evening
in Paris
Space is limited!
For best stateroom selection
call today!
CALL US 1.800.268.1820
or 416.368.8558
ON–4499356/4499372 | BC–33127/34799/34798 | QC–7002238
200–111 Peter Street, Toronto, ON M5V 2H1
DECK PLAN
1 Sky Deck with Deck Chairs
2 Navigating Bridge
3 On-board Camera
4 Sky Lounge
CATEGORY
Cat. E
Cat. B
Cat. A
Cat. P
Jr. Suite
5 Whirlpool
6 Reception
7 Foyer
8 Internet Corner
9 Lounge
10 Bar
11 Club Lounge
12 Hairdresser
DECK
PRICE
EARLY
BOOKING FARE
Indigo Deck
Sapphire Deck
Sapphire Deck
Royal Deck
Royal Deck
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,495
8,045
8,125
8,245
8,895
6,995
7,545
7,625
7,745
8,395
13 Elevator
14 Restaurant
15 Galley
16 Fitness Centre
Guests booked with
a deposit before
January 27th
appreciate a
500 p/p discount
$
Fares are in Cdn$ p/p, dbl occ
(unless noted otherwise) based
on space available and include
economy return air from Toronto,
and all taxes, fees. Please note
airlines may charge locally for
extra luggage, not included
in this fare. Offer is capacity
controlled and may be recalled at
any time. Guests booking this trip
understand cancellation penalties
apply. A 10% deposit is required
to hold your booking. Final
payment is due 100 days prior to
departure. Cancellation penalties
for this trip: Once deposit is
paid $300 of the deposit is
non-refundable.
Cancellations
received 100-30 days prior to trip
– 75% of the full price paid in nonrefundable. There is no refund for
any cancellations received after
this time.
We are delighted to announce that our musical event in Paris
will be visiting the famous Opera Bastille and seeing Mozart’s
The Magic Flute
The Opera Bastille is the creation of Canadian-Uraguayan architect
Carlos Ott who was selected for the project in 1983 from some 1700
other applicants. Since then, he’s created dozens of great
structures around the world including Simcoe Place in downtown
Toronto. The opera house is located at Place Bastille in Paris, once
the site of the infamous prison that was stormed by the peasantry to
ignite the French Revolution. The building was opened 200 years
after that historic date on July 14, 1989. Its architecture is marked
by transparent facades and by the use of identical materials for both
interiors and exteriors. There are 2745 acoustically consistent seats
providing an unmatched audience experience. The stage facilities
are unique with integrated scenery, costume and accessory
workshops as well as numerous rehearsal areas . It is indeed a
great modern theatre and the venue for almost all Paris Opera
productions. The 19th century “old” opera house (Opera Garnier)
now hosts ballet offerings..
The “magic” in The Magic Flute is its power to change
sorrow into joy. The marvelous Mozart opera is a parable on
the great themes that dominated intellectual conversation in
the 18th century – nature and nurture, education and
morality, truth and religion.
religion. The story portrays the
education of mankind, progressing from chaos through
religious superstition to rational enlighten
enlightenment.
enment. The music
is a showcase of Mozart’s talents at their peak
peak.
eak. The opera
has enjoyed immense pop
popularity since its premiere in
Vienn
Vienna
enna in 1791and is still the third most frequently
performed opera worldworld-wide. Its success definitely lifted
the spirits of its creator Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the
final months of his life. I hope you’ll accompany me to
Opera Bastille in Paris on Wednesday
Wednesday June 10, 2015 where
we’ll enjoy The Magic Flute, a triumph of light over darkness
illuminating the pathway to brotherhood and love.
Bill Anderson
Host – Bill’s Classical Jukebox
The New Classical FM