“I
don’t dare speak of Paris,
where I have lived for more than twenty years. To know
it is the work of a lifetime.”
Stendhal
Join SCM and savor the flavors of Paris, Provence
& the French Riviera! …
The adventure begins in the “City of Lights”.
Paris is the capital of fashion, culture, cuisine and of
all things beautiful, mesmerizing and enticing. On this
ten day journey you’ll sample all the delicacies
Paris has to offer: colorful markets, world-class museums,
vibrant ethnic neighborhoods and cozy bistros. Then you’ll
zoom south to the sunny Côte d'Azur on the French
Riviera and the gorgeous scenery of Provence! Hike to the
top of the stunning hill towns of Les Baux & Roussillon.
Enjoy the colorful outdoor markets of Arles, Aix-en-Provence
and kayak on the Gard River under a giant Roman Aqueduct.
Walk in the artistic footsteps of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso
and Chagall. Sample the earthy olive oil and delicious
wines of the South of France. The scent of lavender and
ocean breezes beckon, so join Space City Mixer for what
promises to be a delicious adventure to Paris & the
sunny Villages of Southern France!
LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!
3 Nights Paris
2 Nights Arles de Provence
2 Nights Aix-en-Provence
2 Nights Nice
HIGHLIGHTS
Private tours of the Louvre museum, Nôtre Dame and
the Sainte Chapelle • Intimate walking tours of Paris
neighborhoods • Dinners in cozy bistros • Sunny
beaches of Nice and the French Riviera • Wine tasting
in the Cotes du Rhone • Hiking up to the hill towns
of Les Baux & Roussillon • Colorful outdoor Provencal
markets • Roman ruins of Arles and the towering Pont
du Gard • Kayaking on the Gard river beneath an ancient
Roman aqueduct.
TRIP FACTS
10 days/ 9 nights (w/out air)
$2,195 PP Dbl. based on 25-28 guests. (Land only) [Maximum
group size: 28]
$2,395 PP Dbl. based on 18-24 guests. (Land only)
$2,595 PP Dbl. based on 13-17 guests. (Land only)
$395 Single supplement* (waived if you are willing to share)
Advertised
price include a 3% cash discount. Prices based on .80 Euro
= $1.00 USD
TRIP DATES:
Begins in Paris: Friday, May 11, 2007
Ends in Nice: Sunday, May 20, 2007
Solo Travelers: For those wanting roommates, the
single supplement will be waived. Roommates will be assigned
by Earthbound Expeditions (unless otherwise requested).
Single accommodations are based on availability. Most SCM
travelers sign up as solo travelers and are assigned roommates.
Deposit and Payments: A deposit of $300
is required to reserve your space. The deposit is refundable
for 6 weeks from the date it is received or until 60 days
prior to the trip - whichever comes first. Final payment
is due on March 2, 2007.
Not Included: Airfare, alcoholic beverages.
Prices are determined at the current US dollar exchange
and current fuel prices. Should these prices rise sharply
a small surcharge will be applied to help absorb some of
these increases. All Advertised prices are based on a 3%
cash discount.
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris
as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your
life, it stays with you, for all of Paris is a moveable
feast.”
Ernest Hemingway (1950)
IT’S INCLUDED!
Fully guided by an expert Earthbound Expeditions program
director.
Nine nights of accommodation in a charming, centrally
located hotels.
A cruise on the Seine River.
2 day museum pass in Paris.
Metro tickets in Paris.
Private museum and neighborhood tours with knowledgeable
local guides.
High speed train transfers from Paris to Marseilles
Transport by private motor coach in the south of France.
All entrances listed in your itinerary.
All breakfasts, three picnic lunches and five dinners.
A sumptuous wine tasting in the Cote de Rhone.
A Paris city map.
A kayak trip on the Gard River in France.
A pre-trip educational reading and viewing list.
Outings to open air antique markets.
A small, fun group of soon-to-be friends! |
“Paris is the greatest temple ever built to material
joys and the lust of the eyes.”
Henry James
|
YOUR
JOURNEY -
Arrive
Paris, Friday, May 11, 2007
Day 1: Médames, messieurs, bonsoir!
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your centrally located
hotel. The afternoon is yours to stroll through the
quaint alleyways of this city, or perhaps a nap is
in order. Let’s meet this evening for a welcome
orientation and dinner hosted by your guide. Sleep
in Paris
Day 2: A morning on the Ile de la Cité
After your café au lait et croissant this
morning, we’ll tour the historic core of Paris.
See where she was founded, so many centuries ago.
We’ll cover the Ile de la Cité including
Nôtre Dame, La Sainte Chapelle and have time
to duck into the Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette
was imprisoned awaiting her beheading. Sleep in Paris
Day 3: Explore the Louvre and enjoy a free
afternoon!
We’ll visit the Louvre this morning with a
local guide who will take us on a private tour of
this world-renowned museum. We’ll focus on
the most famous collections, and allow you some free
time to stay and enjoy the rest at your leisure.
Since a museum pass is included in the trip cost,
you’ll be able to do that whenever you wish.
May we suggest an exploration of the Museé
d’Orsay which is directly across from the Louvre?
Or, perhaps you would prefer a walk down the Champs
Elysees or a visit to the Rodin museum? This evening
let’s meet for an open air cruise down the
Siene. Sleep in Paris
Day 4: High speed train to Arles via Marseille,
Provence
We are off to Van Gogh's Arles. Located right in
the center of Provence, Arles is perfectly situated.
We have two full days to explore Arles' fascinating
past. A highlight will be visiting Arles’ impressive
Roman amphitheater. Since this is our first night
in the heart of Provence let’s enjoy a typical
Provencal feast together. Sleep in Arles
Day
5: The Pont du Gard and a Provencal outdoor market
& hill towns!
Today you have a full day to explore the countryside
around Arles. Let’s first stop to admire the
2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, le Pont du Gard. While
you relax and marvel at this architectural masterpiece,
your guides will prepare a lovely Provencal picnic.
For those interested, there is time for a leisurely
kayak trip down the Gard River is included.
Our afternoon will be spent rubbing elbows with locals
at one of the nearby Provencal outdoor markets. Filled
with antiques, colorful cloth, aromatic spices, delicious
cheese and vegetables, one could spend a full day
getting lost in the maze of market stalls.
Sleep in Arles
Day
6: East to Aix-en-Provence via a wine tasting in
the Côtes du Rhône
En route to Aix-en-Provence we visit the medieval
town of Les Baux. Famous for its stunning vistas,
lovely boutiques and rugged fortress, Les Baux was
also once the home of the poetic Troubadours and
the center for romantic love. Arrive into the handsome,
aristocratic city of Aix-en-Provence, often called
"the Queen of Provence."
Sleep in Aix-en-Provence
Day
7: A day in Aix en Provence
This morning a fascinating local guide will bring
this Provencal gem to life. You will be guided through
local flower markets and narrow colorful cobblestone
streets. You will also learn all about the life of
the impressionist Cézanne, who was inspired
by this charming town. Parisians call this city Sex-en-Provence
because it is known for its carefree atmosphere and
university student life.
Sleep in Aix-en-Provence
Day
8: The Cote d'Azur
We'll start today with a drive to the glamorous French
Riviera and Nice. Enjoy a lunch in Nice and visit
to the colorful Italian quarter… the district
that reminds us that Nice once belonged to Italy.
Enjoy some free time this afternoon and some beach
time. In the evening, enjoy a stroll on the English
Promenade. Sleep in Nice
Day
9: A country outing to the hill towns of Saint Paul
and Vence
Enjoy your coastal hideaway today or join your guide
for an excursion to the nearby hill towns of Saint
Paul and Vence. In the afternoon we’ll stop
to admire the Chapelle du Rosaire at Vence before
heading back to our seaside home.
Sleep in Nice
Day
10: Tour over after breakfast
Tour over after breakfast. Catch a high speed train
north to Paris or east to Italy …or take advantage
of your superb location and take time to further
explore the beaches of the Riviera, or a visit to
Monte Carlo or Provence. Your guides will be available
to assist you with any post-tour planning needs.
Bon Voyage!
-Itinerary Subject to Change-
|
FAQ's
Have some questions? Click
here to see the FAQ's and learn more about
what a "Group Adventure" is like!
CONTACT
/ MORE INFO
If
you would like more information about the trip, please
call Earthbound Expeditions. They are the talented and
wonderful local Seattle adventure company that is arranging
this fabulous trip!
Call
Earthbound Expeditions at (206) 842-9775. Ask about the
"Space City Mixer Trip to Costa Rica" or send
an email to: info@earthboundexpeditions.com
SIGN UP ME UP!
These trips are popular and
sell out quickly. Confirm your spot now! A $300 deposit
is needed to confirm your space. Click here
or call Earthbound Expeditions at (206) 842-9775 - they
will walk you through the sign up process and answer all
of your questions.
Upon
receipt of deposit, passengers are sent detailed trip information,
air flight suggestions, passport and medical forms and
trip insurance information. Clothing list and hotel details
are sent after final payment is received.