xmas brochure (rod test)

Christmas 2010Travelling by Rail to

France or ItalyYour carriage awaits...

A Continental Christmas by Rail 2010Your Carriage Awaits. . .

I am delighted to welcome you to our 2010

Christmas brochure, which features a

wonderful range of destinations all using the

Eurostar to Paris or Lille and onwards by

continental railways to a superb selection of

destinations throughout France and Italy.

For 2010 we have extended most tours to last 7

nights, allowing more time to enjoy the local

festive atmosphere, slow down the touring

programme and allow more time in each

destination during the shortened winter days.

We feel that this improves the pace of the tours

as well as offering excellent value for money.

New for 2010 is a lovely trip to the pretty town

of Salo on Lake Garda, travelling in two-berth

cabins overnight from Paris to Brescia, staying

at the delightful, family-owned Gambero Hotel,

located just 50 metres from the lake. Christmas

is a wonderful time to visit Italy and Salo has

an atmospheric Christmas market and a great

festive atmosphere.

All our tours offer excellent local cuisine –

these are not designed to replicate a British

Christmas - and are fully escorted by one of our

excellent tour managers to ensure you get the

most from your stay.

Reservations: 020 7251 0045 [email protected] www.traveleditions.co.uk2

Contents

Alsace 4

Paris 8

France 5 Nights

Lake Annecy 12

Dordogne 16

Languedoc-Roussillon 20

Provence 24

The Savoie 28

France 7 Nights

Lake Garda 36

Italy 9 Nights

Southern Provence &the Cote d’Azur 32

The Train JourneyAll tours commence with Eurostar’s superb

service from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet

International, connecting with the European

rail network in Lille, Brussels or Paris (where

a coach connection is provided as necessary).

There are two classes to choose from:

Standard ClassEquivalent to UK standard class inter-city

trains, with 4 seats across the carriage. On

both Eurostar and TGV/French railways a

buffet car is available selling drinks, small

meals and snacks.

First class (Standard Premier)The benefit of travelling first class is two-fold.

Firstly, seats are arranged with 3 across the

carriage and additionally, the Eurostar service

provides drink and a light meal option served

at your table.

Please Note: As with most trains, passengers

are responsible for carrying luggage onto and

off the train. Luggage can be stored overhead

or at the entrance to the carriages. Trollies are

available at St Pancras and Ebbsfleet, but bags

do need to be carried onto the platform.

Train TimingsWhere possible - particularly on the longer-

duration tours - we are scheduling departures

to leave St Pancras as late as feasible to enable

travel from further afield without having to

overnight in London. Schedules for

December are still not finalised however, so

all timings should be regarded as provisional

and may change significantly from those

shown.

Strasbourg

Alsace ~ Strasbourg, Heidelberg & Baden-Baden

Staying in central Strasbourg at the luxurious and atmospheric 4-star Cour du Corbeau Hotel ~ Departs 23rd December 2010 - 6 days from £799

Little known in Britain, the Alsace region

has a wealth of interest - from beautiful

scenery to fascinating medieval towns and

cities, and a superb regional cuisine.

Christmas is a wonderful time to visit

Alsace with several towns hosting

Christmas markets and exuding a festive

atmosphere. Highlights of the itinerary

include Strasbourg itself, relatively

unknown but one of France’s most

beautiful cities, Colmar, Riquewihr,

Ribeauvillé, Heidelberg and Baden-Baden.

Day by day itinerary:December 23Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet

to Paris and and onwards to Strasbourg by

TGV

ST PANCRAS / PARIS

DEP 08.02 / ARR 11.17

PARIS / STRASBOURG

DEP 12.24 / ARR 14.43

NB Ebbsfleet passengers need to take an earlier

train to Paris and wait for the arrival of the

main party.

EBBSFLEET / PARIS

DEP 07.45 / ARR 10.56

On arrival transfer by coach under tour

manager’s direction to hotel for check in for 5-

night stay on room and buffet breakfast basis

December 24Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Full day tour to Colmar, Riquewihrand RibeauvilléLess than an hour and 74 km from Strasbourg

Colmar is the town that quintessentially

captures the character of Alsace with its

immaculately preserved town centre that

boasts high-gabled timber framed houses that

front the charming streets and squares.

Outstanding are the galleried Old Customs

House, the Maison Pfister adorned with frescos

and medallions and Colmar’s own “Little

Venice”, the picturesque Krutenau district.

Other highlights include the Musée

d’Unterlinden where Grunewald’s

masterpiece, the Issenheim Altarpiece, is

displayed; the Dominican Church and

Collegiate Church of St. Martin.

Dating from 1049,nearby Riquewihr owes its

considerable prosperity to the wine industry

and boasts a wealth of sumptuous houses and

public buildings. Highlights include the Gothic

Church of Our Lady, the Dolder tower and

Porte Superieure. 3km away, at the foot of the

famous castles of Gursberg and Haut

Ribeaupierre, Ribeauvillé is distinctive for its

impressive Butchers Tower.

Christmas Eve festive dinner at a local

restaurant within a short walk of the hotel.


“Tour guide very sociable and friendly,

sensitive to feedback from members of the

party”. Christmas 2009

Strasbourg

Riquewihr

Departs 23rd December 2010 -6 days from £799

Included in the price:

• Return standard class Eurostar and

TGV from St Pancras/Ebbsfleet to

Strasbourg via Paris including coach

transfer in Paris

• 5 nights accomodation in standard

room on bed and buffet breakfast basis

at the 4-star Cour de Corbeau Hotel

• Christmas Eve 4-course festive dinner

at local restaurant

• Christmas Day festive lunch at local

restaurant

• Transfers and full coach touring

itinerary conducted by tour manager

• Tour manager throughout

Not included in the price:

• Holiday insurance (£30.00 per person)

• Single room supplement (£325.00)

• Standard Premier/1st class upgrade on

Eurostar/TGV. Cost is £190 per person

• Meals other than those stated

• Items of a personal nature such as

drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc

• Porterage and gratuities

Day by day itinerary at a glance:December 23

Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet

to Paris and and onwards to Strasbourg by TGV.

On arrival transfer by coach to hotel

December 24

Full day tour to Colmar, Riquewihr and

Ribeauvillé. Christmas Eve dinner at local

restaurant

December 25

Day free with Christmas Day lunch

December 26

Morning tour to Baden Baden

December 27

Full day tour to Heidelberg

December 28

Morning free in Strasbourg before transferring

to station to board TGV from Strasbourg to Paris

and onwards to Ebbsfleet / St Pancras

What our previous customers havesaid about this tour in 2009“The stay in Strasbourg was most enjoyable and well

organised”

“Accommodation – outstanding”

“Tour manager / guide – Bernard – was brilliant”

“Thoroughly enjoyable – would definitely recommend

to friends”

Hotel Cour du Corbeau, StrasbourgOne of the big attractions of this tour is our

base, the wonderfully atmospheric 4* Cour du

Corbeau Hotel in the heart of Strasbourg.

Recently converted from a 16th century half-

timbered coaching inn - that has hosted royalty

through the ages - into a beautiful new hotel.

Facilities here include bar, lounge areas and

beautifully decorated rooms with private

bath/shower, TV, telephone and minibar. Many

are situated on the first floor with a terrace

overlooking the medieval courtyard. The hotel

is situated in a tiny street with no through

traffic so is very quiet, yet a 50-yard stroll takes

you to the main river and the bustling heart of

the city – the magnificent Cathedral is about 5

minutes’ walk from the hotel. The hotel does

not have a restaurant so meals are to be taken

at two delightful restaurants close to the hotel.

For more details please visit

www.cour-corbeau.com

Reservations: 020 7251 0045 [email protected] www.traveleditions.co.uk 7


StrasbourgA full day free to explore the beautiful city of

Strasbourg, perfect for a pre or post Christmas

lunch walk. Lunch is included at the

atmospheric Maison Kemmerzell, housed in an

historic building dating back to 1427 in the

shadow of the Cathedral just a short walk from

the hotel and serving high quality local cuisine

under the direction of head chef, Guy-Pierre

Hotel.

The stunning city of Strasbourg is (in)famous

as the headquarters of the European

Parliament but is also a wonderful medieval

city. Highlights include the towering Gothic

cathedral, known as “the great pink angel”

that also boasts a 19th century Astronomical

Clock that draws the crowds for its midday

performance, Chateau Rohan, the delightful

“Petit France” district – the oldest part of the

city dating from the 1100’s, Rhine Palace, the

Palais de l’Europe and lovely cobbled squares

flanked with timber-framed houses.


Baden BadenJust 65km from Strasbourg across the border

into Germany, Baden Baden is an elegant spa

town, and since the 19th century has been

one of the most fashionable resorts in

Germany with splendid Belle Epoque

architecture, and a casino that is claimed as

the most beautiful in the world. It is a

delightful place that retains the feeling of a

more unhurried, leisured age.

December 27Buffet breakfast at the hotel

HeidelbergAnother excursion into Germany (138km from

Strasbourg) and fully deserving of the full day

allocated to it, Heidelberg is one of the most

important university cities in Europe and one

of Germany’s most beautiful destinations.

Dominated by the Castle, it is a city with a rich

literary and musical history. Highlights include

the castle, university, Kurpfalzisches Museum,

St. Peters Church, Rathaus and, for a superb

view of the

city, the Konigstuhl funicular. Return to the

hotel early evening.


Morning free in Strasbourg before transferring

to station to board TGV from Strasbourg to Paris

and onwards to Ebbsfleet / St Pancras

STRASBOURG / PARIS

DEP 12.13 / ARR 14.34

PARIS / EBBSFLEET / ST PANCRAS

DEP 16.13 / ARR 17.18 / 17.34

Christmas Market


Heidelberg

Baden Baden

Paris ~ Secret Paris on Foot at Christmas

Exploring hidden Paris in small groups ~ Departs 23rd December 2010 - 6 days from £799

Paris has a wonderful atmosphere at

Christmas with stylish Christmas

decorations enhancing its beauty. Our

tour is based in the "très Parisian" 17th

arondissement at the stylish 4-star

Ampère Hotel just north of the Arc de

Triomphe. As well as allowing plenty of

time for personal exploration, our tour

includes three fascinating local walks, a

festive meal programme and is fully

escorted. Each walk is restricted to a

maximum of 25 people and the content is

detailed below. These offer three

contrasting views of the city, often away

from the main tourist routes and include

wonderful anecdotes to truly bring the

city’s history alive.

Day by day itinerary:December 23Travel from St Pancras International or

Ebbsfleet to Paris

ST PANCRAS / EBBSFLEET /PARIS

DEP 12.29 / 12.45 / ARR 15.50

On arrival transfer by coach to your hotel for

check in for five-night stay on bed and

breakfast basis. Remainder of day free to

settle in and to enjoy the delights of Paris.


The first of three included walking tours today

starting with the village of Montmartre,

meeting at the exit of metro station Abbesses

(line 12). Your informed guide will take you

on a picturesque route through one of the

city's most beautiful and atmospheric districts.

You will see the vineyard, old, old cobbled

streets, artists’ studios, where Renoir, Lautrec

and Van Gogh painted, quiet gardens, the

oldest cabaret in Paris, the lively Place du

Tertre, the famous Sacré Coeur church and a

wonderful view over the city. Stories of

famous and not-so-famous past residents

abound and bring to life an era of almost

unsurpassed artistic endeavour during Paris’

Bohemian heyday.

Afternoon free before Christmas Eve dinner at

the hotel.


Montmatre

“The tour manager, Geraldine, was

exceptional - everything above and

beyond the call of duty”. 2009

Latin Quarter

Departs 23rd December 2010 -6 days from £799


• Return standard class Eurostar from St

Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris

• 5 nights’ accommodation on bed and

breakfast basis at the 4-star Ampere

Hotel

• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

festive dinners

• Return station transfers in Paris

• 3 day metro pass

• 3 guided walks





• Standard premier upgrade on

Eurostar. Cost is £140 per person







to Paris and transfer by coach to hotel

December 24

Late Morning (10am) walking tour of

Montmartre. Festive Christmas Eve dinner at

hotel/local restaurant

December 25

Afternoon optional Latin Quarter walking tour.

Festive Christmas Day dinner

December 26

Late morning (10.00am) walking tour of Le

Marais

December 27

Late Morning (10am) walking tour of the Ile de

la Cité

December 28

Transfer to Paris Gare du Nord for return train to

Ebbsfleet or St Pancras

What our previous customers havesaid about this tour in 2008 and2009“An enjoyable visit to Paris. Tour manager and

guided walks were excellent”

“Very much enjoyed the tour and made some new

friends”

I wold like to say how much I enjoyed my trip to Paris

at Christmas……the programme of walking tours

was excellent”

Ampere Hotel, ParisThe 4-star Ampère Hotel is located in the chic

17th district (nearest metro Pereire) close to the

Arc de Triomphe (approx 15-20 minutes on

foot) and the Champs Elysées and offers a

haven of peace and tranquility in the heart of

the hustle and bustle of Paris. The hotel has a

stylish restaurant, bar and very comfortable,

well-appointed bedrooms with private

bathrooms, minibar, satellite TV, wifi and safe.


www.parishotelampere.com



Latin Quarter (optional)A full day free to explore the beautifully-

decorated streets of Paris.

Alternatively, Paris Walks will be offering their

traditional Christmas Day guided walk of the

Latin Quarter (open to the general public and

not exclusive to Travel Editions). Meet outside

Café Le Metro at metro station Maubert

Mutualité (line 10) at 14.30. (The cost of this

walk will be about €12 per person payable

directly to the walking guide, there is no need

to book in .advance). Tour content may be

amended nearer the time.

Festive Christmas Day dinner at the hotel or

local restaurant.


Le MaraisThe second of your included walks today as you

head to perhaps Paris’s most beautiful area, Le

Marais (meeting point St Paul Line 1) for a

fascinating, informative and entertaining guided

walk. “Le Marais - Saints and Sinners.” The

most beautifully preserved quarter of the city,

Le Marais offers you the chance to discover

medieval houses, atmospheric old streets,

beautiful classical architecture, two lovely

churches, the antiques shops in the Village St

Paul, and the Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest

square. A host of colourful characters lived here

including dissolute duchesses and aristocratic

poisoners, whose stories will be relayed on this

superb walk. The balance of the day is free for

further personal exploration.


The Two IslandsThe last of our walks (starting from Pont Marie

metro station – Line 7) takes us to the very

origins of the city. “The Two Islands“ is a

walk designed to enjoy the essence of Paris on

the two islands. We start with the magical Ile

St Louis, with its elegant architecture and

aristocratic inhabitants. This island was a

favourite with the lost generation of the 1920s,

who savoured its old world charm. We also

look at the architecture and sculptures of

Notre Dame Cathedral, the remains of the

street plan of the medieval city under your

very feet and the history of the Ile de la Cité,

where Paris was first founded. We explore the

old streets and hear how Paris developed into

the majestic city of today.


Day free until transfer by coach to Paris Gare

du Nord for return train to Ebbsfleet or St

Pancras


16.13 / 17.18 / 17.34


Lake Geneva

Lake AnnecyStaying at the lakeside Les Grillons Hotel in Talloires ~ Departs 21st December 2010 - 8 days from £849

Lake Annecy is one of the most beautiful

areas of France and our short Christmas

tour features the lovely town of Annecy

itself, majestic Mont Blanc and

Chamonix, Lake Geneva, the spa town of

Evian, delightful Yvoire and the UN city

of Geneva. This tour is based at the

delightful, family-owned 3-star Les

Grillons Hotel, situated with mountain

and lake views on the edge of the village

of Talloires about 10km from the town of

Annecy. Dinner is included every night

in the hotel’s cosy restaurant with open

fires and excellent hearty cuisine.


Annecy & Lake AnnecyOne of the largest lakes in France, Lake Annecy

is surrounded by glorious mountain scenery

and attractive towns and villages, including our

base, the pretty village of Talloires famed for its

gourmet restaurants including the Michelin-

starred Père Bise.

The town of Annecy is one of the most

attractive and charming towns in the Alps, set

at the northern tip of Lac d’Annecy and

surrounded by mountains. Its small medieval

quarter is laced with canals, bridges and arcaded

streets. Perfect for leisurely and relaxing

browsing, there are nonetheless some major

sights - the formidable 12th Century Palais de

l’Isle and the turreted Chateau d’Annecy.

Dinner at the hotel.

Annecy


Lake Annecy

Day by day itinerary:December 21Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras or

Ebbsfleet to Paris and onwards to Annecy by

TGV.

ST PANCRAS / PARIS

DEP 10.25 / ARR 13.47

PARIS / ANNECY

16.50 / 20.32

NB Ebbsfleet passengers need to take an

earlier train to Paris and wait for the arrival of

the main party

EBBSFLEET / PARIS

DEP 09.12 / ARR 12.17

On arrival transfer to hotel for check in for 7-

night stay on dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Late dinner at the hotel.

“Hotel and food excellent – couldn’t have

been bettered!! Tour manager looked

after us very well.” 2009


Chamonix and Mont BlancAt the foot of Europe’s highest peak lies the

attractive resort town of Chamonix.

Wonderful alpine views are possible from the

Aiguille du Midi cable car - the highest cable

car in Europe - which takes you close to the

peak of Mont Blanc.


GenevaGeneva is one of the most international cities

in the world, being the European headquarters

of the United Nations, International Red Cross

and World Health Organisation. More than

200 international organisations are based here

and one in three residents are non-Swiss.

Sights include the world’s tallest fountain, the

jet d’eau, 16th century St. Peter’s Cathedral,

UN Building and excellent museums such as

the Museum of Modern and Contemporary

Art, Museum of Art and History, International

Motor Car Museum and Voltaire Museum.

Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel.


Full day free with Christmas lunch and

dinner. A lovely lakeside walk with glorious

lake and mountain scenery is sure to build up

an appetite and/or aid digestion!


Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) andRoute des Grandes AlpesStirring scenery and the gentle climate have

made the shores of Lac Léman a popular

resort area since the first spas were built at

Evian in 1839. Highlights of this varied day

include the pretty medieval walled fishing

port of Yvoire with its massive 14th century

castle and Evian (home to the famous

mineral water) with its tree-lined lakeside

promenade. Our route takes us through

wonderful mountain scenery (weather and

road conditions permitting) via the ancient

ruined abbey at St Jean d’Aulps and the

bustling ski town of Morzine – perfect for a

hot chocolate!



Chambéry and Aix-les-BainsOnce the capital of Savoy, the dignified town

of Chambéry has a distinctly Italianate feel

that betrays its history as part of Italy.

Highlights here include its much-loved and

extravagant Fontaine des Eléphants, Chateau

of the Dukes of Savoy dating back to the 14th

century and 17th century country house, Les

Charmettes, once home to the philosopher

Rousseau. Aix-les-Bains is a gracious spa

town on Lac du Bourget, famed for its

thermal baths and Faure Museum housing a

collection of Impressionist paintings and

Rodin statues.



Travel by TGV from Annecy to Paris and

onwards by Eurostar

ANNECY / PARIS

DEP. 09.35 ARR. 13.23

PARIS / ST PANCRAS

DEP. 15.07 / ARR. 16.36

NB: Return train does not stop at Ebbsfleet – Ebbsfleet

passengers will need to board later return train.

PARIS / EBBSFLEET

DEP 16.13 / ARR 17.18

Departs 21st December 2010 -8 days from £849


• Return standard class Eurostar / TGV

from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to

Annecy via Paris including coach

transfer in Paris

• 7-nights’ accommodation on half

board basis at the Les Grillons Hotel,

Talloires

• Christmas Eve 4-course dinner

• Christmas Day 4-course lunch and

light dinner















to Paris and onwards to Annecy by TGV.

On arrival transfer by coach to hotel for check in

for 7-night stay.

December 22

Full day Annecy and lake

December 23

Full day tour to Chamonix

December 24

Morning tour to Geneva

December 25

Full day free

December 26

Full day tour to Lake Geneva via Routes des

Grandes Alpes including Evian and Yvoire

December 27

Full day tour to Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains

December 28

Travel by TGV from Annecy to Paris and

onwards by Eurostar to Ebbsfleet or St Pancras

What our previous customers havesaid about this tour in 2009“Les Grillons was truly excellent. Nothing was any

trouble and the staff were hard-working and ever-

present”

“In your tour manager Steve – you have a real star”

“We had a wonderful holiday – the best ever with

Travel Editions. We cannot praise enough the welcome

we received in the hotel”

Hotel Les GrillonsThis charming 3-star hotel is located on the

edge of Lake Annecy (many rooms have lake

view) about 15 minutes’ walk from the pretty

village of Talloires. Facilities include extensive

grounds, bar, restaurant and comfortable rooms

with all modern amenities. (There is no lift).

Accommodation here is on dinner, bed and

breakfast basis. For more details please visit

www.hotel-grillons.com


AnnecyFontaine des Elephants, Chambéry


Chamonix

Rocamadour

DordogneOn Half Board basis at the delightful Le Soleil d’Or Hote ~ Departs 22nd December 2010 - 8 days from £849

Probably the most beautiful river in

France, the Dordogne winds majestically

through a magnificent tableau of

medieval hill villages, craggy hillsides,

vineyards and towns full of character.

Our tour takes you to some of the

highlights of this delightful region

including Sarlat, Rocamadour, Beynac,

the replica Lascaux II prehistoric caves

and much more.

The tour is based in the centre of the

pretty riverside town of Montignac,

ideally situated for exploring the sights of

this region and perfect for a pre- or post

dinner stroll along the river to a typical

local café or bar. The excellent local

cuisine is a feature of this tour, with

dinner included daily in the hotel's

charming restaurant.

Day by day itinerary:December 22Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras / Ebbsfleet

to Paris to Paris and onwards to Limoges by

SNCF fast train

ST PANCRAS / PARIS

DEP 08.02 / ARR 11.17

PARIS LIMOGES

DEP 12.56 / ARR 16.10



main party

EBBSFLEET / PARIS

DEP 07.45 / ARR 10.56


manager’s direction to Montignac for check in

for 7-night stay on dinner, bed and breakfast

basis.

December 23Breakfast at the hotel.

SarlatThe beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canèda boasts

a wealth of medieval, Renaissance and 17th

Century buildings almost without equal in the

whole of France and has been protected by

law since 1962.

Highlights include the Cathedral St. Sacerdos,

Chapelle des Penitents Bleus, and Bishop’s

Palace, but the real attraction here is to

wander the immaculate streets at leisure.


Prehistoric ManOur theme today is prehistoric man from our

base in Montignac as we visit Lascaux II and

Les Eyzies. The Dordogne area boasts a wealth

of sites occupied thousands of years ago by our

distant ancestors. The most famous site of all

are the paintings at Lascaux (now closed),

which were discovered in the 1950s by three

boys out playing in the woods. To preserve the

originals, they have been beautifully replicated

at Lascaux II, which offers a fascinating and

beautiful glimpse into prehistoric times. We

also visit Les Eyzies, considered to be the capital

of pre-historic Dordogne.

Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel.


Sarlat

“Very impressed with this tour and will

not hesitate to use Travel Editions for

future holidays.”

Departs 22nd December 2010- 8 days from £849


• Return Eurostar and SNCF from St

Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Limoges via

Paris including coach transfers in Paris

• 7 nights accommodation on dinner,

bed and breakfast basis at the 3-star Le

Soleil d’Or Hotel in Montignac

• Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas

Day lunch and dinner














Travel by Eurostar and SNCF from St Pancras /

Ebbsfleet to Limoges. On arrival transfer by

coach to hotel for 7-night stay on dinner, bed

and breakfast basis

December 23

Full day tour to Sarlat

December 24

Mornign and early afternoon tour to Lascaux II

and Les Eyzies. Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel

December 25

Day free with lunch and dinner at hotel

December 26

Full day tour to Beynac, La Roque-Gageac &

Domme

December 27

Full day tour to to Bergerac, Monbazillac &

Périgueux

December 28

Full day tour to Rocamadour

December 29

Transfer to Limoges for SNCF and Eurostar back

to Ebbsfleet / St Pancras.

Le Soleil d’Or HotelOur delightful base on this tour is the

charming, friendly 3-star Le Soleil d’Or Hotel,

located on the banks of the Vezère in the heart

of the attractive town of Montignac. Facilities

here include lovely gardens, excellent

restaurant, bar, riverside terrace and

comfortable bedrooms with private bath or

shower, TV and telephone. A 3- course dinner

is included each evening. For more details

please visit www.le-soleil-dor.com



Breakfast at the hotel. Day free in Montignac

with lunch and dinner at hotel. The hotel is

situated on the banks of the Vezere river which

offers lovely riverside walks to work off the

Christmas excesses!


Beynac, La Roque-Gageac &DommeProbably the most spectacular and memorable

of the fortresses along the Dordogne, Beynac’s

14th Century fortress towers above a village

that clings to a sheer cliff overlooking a

beautiful stretch of the Dordogne. This lovely

day exploring the Dordogne also takes us to

the gorgeous riverside village of La Roque-

Gageac and the beautiful medieval fortified

town of Domme that offers a wonderful

panorama of the Dordogne river.


Bergerac, Monbazillac & PérigueuxThe lively and attractive market town of

Bergerac is a delightful place to explore with

excellent shops, restaurants, and fascinating

tobacco museum. Nearby is Chateau

Monbazillac that produces some of the area’s

best wine, including a famous dessert wine of

the same name.

The ancient and gastronomic city of Périgueux

is well worth exploring with lots to see,

including the Cathedral St Front, the cathedral

quarter of medieval streets and the Musée de

Périgord that houses a comprehensive

collection of prehistoric artefacts.

December 28Breakfast at the hotel

RocamadourA relaxed and leisurely day today with return

to the hotel in good time to allow time for

packing and a final look around Montignac.

One of the most important centres of

pilgrimage after the discovery in 1166 of an

ancient cave containing the undecayed body of

St. Amadour, the spectacular situation of

Rocamadour on a rock above the Alzou Valley

commanding wonderful views has ensured its

continued popularity with tourists. Highlights

of this iconic and impressive site include the

picturesque pedestrianised town leading up to

the compex of religious buildings including the

Basilica of St-Sauveur, the Stations of the

Cross, the Chapel of Notre-Dame (Miracles)

and the tomb of St Amadour.


Transfer by coach to Limoges for return SNCF

train to Paris and onwards to Ebbsfleet and St

Pancras

LIMOGES / PARIS

DEP. 10.32 / ARR. 13.35


DEP. 16.13 / ARR. 17.18 / 17.34


Domme

Bergerac

What our previous customers havesaid about this tour in 2008“Another excellent Travel Editions’ holiday. Our tour

guide, Sandra, was exceptional at all times and if there

was a column above excellent I would have ticked it!

Many thanks for a truly wonderful holiday. We’ll be

back!!”

“I enjoyed the tour very much and appreciated the

care and interest of our tour manager”

“Sandra – knowledgeable, friendly, attentive and very

friendly, comfortable hotel”

Périgueux Market

La Roque-Gageac

Carcassonne

Languedoc-RoussillonThe Hidden South of France ~ Departs 21st December 2010 - 8 days from £849

Day by day itinerary:December 21Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille and

onwards to Montpellier by TGV

ST PANCRAS / LILLE

DEP 11.04 / ARR 13.26

LILLE / MONTPELLIER

DEP 15.06 / ARR 19.58

Regrettably due to long wait times Ebbsfleet is

not an option for this tour.

On arrival transfer (on foot - 100m) under tour

manager’s direction to hotel for check in for 7-

night stay on bed and breakfast basis. (Please

note that the hotel is as close to the hotel as the

coach or taxi parking.)


MontpellierThe capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region,

Montpellier is an attractive and lively southern

city, and the perfect base for touring this area.

The main sights here include the Promenade de

Peyrou, a grand 18th century square dominated

by the Chateau d’Eau; old town lined with 17th

century mansions including the Hotel des

Trésoriers de la Bourse; 12th century Towers de

la Babote and Des Pins, and Musée Fabre that

houses an excellent collection of French

paintings. This morning you will enjoy a guided

walking tour of this delightful southern city in

the morning with the afternoon free for

personal exploration. The evening is free to

enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants

within a short walk of the hotel which enjoys a

superb central location within walking distance

of most of the main sights. There is an excellent

Christmas market “Les Hivernales.”


Millau Viaduct, St-Guilhem-le-DésertA day of wonderful contrasts today as we see

the ultra-modern Millau Viaduct and the

contrasting, quaint, medieval splendour of St-

Guilhem-le-Désert. The newly-opened 1.5 mile

Millau Viaduct has been hailed as one of the

engineering wonders of the 21st century and it

is certainly a spectacular sight. Standing 1,125

feet tall it is the highest bridge in the world,

taller than the Eiffel Tower and more than 100

metres taller than Canary Wharf. The huge bulk

of the 242,000 tonne structure, designed by

British architect Lord Foster, is belied by its

elegant lines, described by its creator as a

“sculpture in the landscape.” Remotely situated

in the Hérault Valley, the stunningly picturesque

9th century village of St-Guilhem-le-Désert

grew up around the abbey founded by William

of Aquitaine. It is dominated by the strikingly

simple Romanesque Abbey church, famed for its

possession of a fragment of the True Cross.


Millau Viaduct

The festive meals were excellent …..all in

all, this was one of the best Christmas-time

holidays we have had.”. 2009

The southern region of Languedoc-

Roussillon and its capital, Montpellier, is

a wonderful Mediterranean escape for a

memorable Christmas. Highlights of the

tour include the perfectly-preserved

medieval citadel town of Carcassonne,

Millau Viaduct, Narbonne and Aigues-

Mortes and the Camargue. Montpellier

itself, our base, is a delightful southern

city with a lively atmosphere and plenty

of bars, cafés and restaurants catering to

most tastes and budgets.

Montpellier




TGV from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to

Montpellier via Lille

• 7 nights accommodation on room and

breakfast basis at the 4-star Holiday

Inn Montpellier-Metropole Hotel,

based on shared occupancy of a twin

room

• Christmas Eve four-course dinner at

local restaurant

• Christmas Day four-course dinner at

local restaurant














Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille and

onwards to Montpellier by TGV. Transfer (on foot

- 100m) to hotel for check in for 7-night stay

December 22

Montpellier

December 23

Millau Viaduct, St-Guilhem-le-Désert

December 24

Pézènas and Sète. Dinner at local restaurant

December 25

Day free with dinner at local restaurant

December 26

Full day tour to Carcassonne and Narbonne

December 27

Nimes, Aigues-Mortes and the Camargue

December 28

Transfer (on foot) to station for TGV and Eurostar

to St Pancras

Holiday Inn Montpellier-MetropoleLocated in the centre of the beautiful city of

Montpellier and dating from 1898, this

traditional 4-star hotel offers a high standard of

accommodation and service. Facilities here

include comfortable rooms with private

facilities, bar and belle-epoque-style restaurant

“La Closerie” and tranquil enclosed garden. For

more details please visit

www.holiday-inn.com/montpellier



Pézenas and SèteNot quite a full day today as we head to

Pézenas and Sète with return to the hotel mid-

afternoon in plenty of time to relax and

prepare for a superb Christmas Eve dinner at a

local restaurant.

The charming and compact town of Pézenas is

easily appreciated in a gentle stroll that takes

in most of its (well-indicated) sights, such as

the Hotel des Barons de Lacoste, Maison des

Pauvres and Porte Faugères. The fishing port

of Sète is very much a working town as well as

a tourist destination, and its quayside

restaurants selling fish straight off the

boat are as likely to be frequented by sailors as

visitors. Sights here include the Grand Canal

lined with Italianate houses decorated in pastel

colours and seafood restaurants and the Marin

Cemetery above the town, where poet Paul

Valéry is buried.

4-course dinner this evening is at the

charming and atmospheric Le Kinoa restaurant

in the centre of Montpellier.


A full day free to relax in the hotel or enjoy the

sights of Montpellier. Dinner is at the elegant

and impressive Castel Ronceray on the outskirts

of Montpellier with return transfers by coach

(our 6th year at this excellent restaurant).


Carcassonne and NarbonneA delightful full day of touring to work off the

excesses of Christmas Day today. The citadel of

Carcassonne is a perfectly restored medieval

town. Crowning a steep bank overlooking the

River Aude, it offers a fairytale skyline of turrets

and ramparts. Dating back in parts to the 5th

century, highlights of the fortified old town

include the Chateau Comtal and the Basilica of

St-Nazaire which houses the famous Siege Stone,

Musée Lapidaire and Porte Narbonnaise, the

gateway to the old city, which is almost like

stepping back in time. The charming town of

Narbonne is bisected by the 17th century Canal

du Midi, with the restored medieval quarter to

the north, where most of the sights are to be

found. These include the 13th century Cathédrale

St-Just et St-Pasteur, Archbishops’ Palace and

“horreum,” an intriguing underground warren of

granaries and grain chutes dating from the 1st

century BC when Narbonne was the capital of

the largest Roman province in Gaul.


Nimes, Aigues-Mortes& theCamargueThe perfectly preserved walled town of

Aigues-Mortes (“Place of Dead Waters”) is

approached across the salt marshes of the Petit

Camargue just to the east of Montpellier. Now

marooned 3 miles from the sea the fortified

town was established by Louis XI in the 13th

century to consolidate his power on the

Mediterranean and was built to a strict grid

pattern. The Camargue region is a protected

area of outstanding natural beauty and

numbers wild horses and migrant flamingoes

amongst the wildlife it accommodates.


Morning transfer (on foot) to station for TGV

and Eurostar to St Pancras.

MONTPELLIER / LILLE

DEP 08.24 / ARR 13.29

LILLE / ST PANCRAS

DEP 15.05 / ARR 15.26


Sète Harbour

Aigues-Mortes

What our previous customers havesaid about this tour in 2009“An excellent base hotel with a lovely breakfast and

very friendly and informative staff.”

“Our guide – Angela – was excellent, lively, helpful,

great fun, well-organised and so knowledgeable about

the area. Christmas meals were outstanding”

“We have travelled with Travel Editions before and

there is no reason not to again. Congratulations!!”

St-Guilhem-le Désert Carcassonne

Narbonne

Holiday Inn, Metropole

Holiday Inn, Metropole, Restaurant

ProvenceAvignon, Aix-en-Provence, Orange and Chateauneuf-du-Pape~ Departs 22nd December 2010 - 8 days from £779

heart of the city, Place D’Horloge. This morning,

you will enjoy a guided walking tour with the

afternoon free for personal exploration.


Uzès and the Pont du GardA leisurely day today with return to the hotel

mid-afternoon to allow plenty of time to rest and

prepare for our festive Christmas Eve dinner.

A charming hilltop town, Uzès’ narrow streets

are perfect for strolling, browsing or stopping at

a leisurely cafe. Sights include the ducal palace

and 12th century Fenestrelle Tower. The three-

tiered Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct dates

from around 19 BC and spans the Gard Valley.

Amazingly-preserved, this hugely impressive

158-foot high structure served as aqueduct and

general crossing, and is a remarkable symbol of

the Romans’ engineering capabilities. Indeed,

the Romans considered it the best testimony to

the greatness of their Empire and, at 48 metres,

was the highest bridge they ever built.

Evening 4-course dinner at atmospheric local

restaurant, Le Petit Bedon, a short walk from the

hotel, a venue for our Christmas groups for the

past 4 years.


Pont du Gard


to Lille and onwards by TGV to Avignon

ST PANCRAS / EBBSFLEET / LILLE

DEP 12.57 / 13.15 / ARR 15.24

LILLE / AVIGNON

DEP 16.06 / ARR 20.10


manager’s direction to hotel for check in for

7-night stay on room and breakfast basis.


AvignonYour base for 7 nights and the cultural heart of

the Provence region, Avignon is a beautiful and

fascinating city. Surrounded by massive ramparts

the old town is dominated by the immense and

imposing Palais des Papes, headquarters of the

Catholic Church from 1309 to 1377. The

building’s heavy fortification reflects the violent

nature of 14th Century religious life, whilst its

luxurious trappings were either looted or

destroyed during the Revolution of 1789.

Nonethelesss, there is lots to see here including

the Grand Tinel tapestries, Stag Room, Consistory

Hall, Benedict XI’s Cloister and Grand Chapel.

Elsewhere in the city, major sights include the

incomplete Pont St Benezet bridge, partially

destroyed by floods in 1668, that lends its name

to the famous song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”, Petit

Palais, several churches including the Notre

Dame Cathedral, two museums and the lively

One of the most alluring regions of

France has to be Provence, conjuring up

images, immortalised in countless films

and books, of sleepy villages, boules,

rustic cuisine and robust wines. This is

only part of the truth. It is also a region

that boasts some of the best preserved

Roman sights in the world, beautiful

cities with world class museums, galleries

and restaurants, and stunning scenery

dotted with rich vineyards and fragrant

olive and peach groves.

Avignon“This was another excellent tour with a very

good tour leader who knew her stuff, but also a

very good mix of people (as usual)”. 2009

Aix-en-Provence



• Return standard class Eurostar from St

Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Avignon via

LilleParis

• 7 nights’ accommodation on room

and breakfast basis at 3-star Bristol

Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a

twin room with private facilities


dinners






• Single room supplement. Bristol

£125.00 / Cloitre St Louis £305.00









to Avignon and transfer to hotel for 7-night stay

December 23

Avignon

December 24

Uzès and the Pont-du-Gard. Dinner at local

restaurant

December 25

Full day free with dinner at local restaurant

December 26

Aix-en-Provence and The Luberon

December 27

Orange and Chateauneuf-du-Pape

December 28

Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence and the Camargue

December 29

Travel by TGV from Avignon to Lille and back to

Ebbsfleet / St Pancras

Your HotelsWe use two hotels for our Christmas tours,

both located within 100 metres of each other in

the heart of Avignon.

The BristolThis traditional 3-star hotel is located on the

tree lined boulevard Cours Jean-Jaurès in the

heart of Avignon within the city walls. Facilities

include cosy bar and double-glazed air-

conditioned rooms with private bath/shower,

TV and telephone. Attached to the hotel

(though run separately) is a typical French

brasserie open throughout the day serving

everything from a cup of coffee to full meals.

For more details, please visit

www.bristol-hotel-avignon.com

Cloitre St LouisAlternatively,you can upgrade your

accommodation to the stylish 4-star Cloitre St

Louis. This hotel, an intriguing blend of old

and new, converted and extended from a

monastery with its own private chapel, is set

round a beautiful courtyard and offers a stylish

restaurant, bar and very comfortable bedrooms

with all modern facilities. For more

information, please visit

www.cloitre-saint-louis.com

There is a supplement of £175 per person

sharing twin/double room for this hotel.



Full day free to enjoy the delights of Avignon

with dinner at characterful local restaurant, Au

Jardin de la Tour (coach transfer included)

,presided over by chef de cuisine Jean-Marc

Larrue, where our groups have enjoyed festive

dinners for more than a decade.


Aix-en-Provence and The LuberonA wonderful quintessentially Provencal day

today as you head to Aix and the Luberon. The

former capital of Provence, Aix is a lovely

town with a host of fountains, classical

mansions and elegant boulevards. The city’s

most famous son is Paul Cézanne, whose

studio is preserved exactly as he left it when

he died in 1906. Other sights include the

Cathedral of St Sauveur, noted for Froment’s

“Triptych of the Burning Bush” and several

excellent museums. It is a wonderful place to

linger, too, at an outdoor café, particularly one

of many along the elegant tree-lined Cours

Mirabeau. The regional national park of The

Luberon is one of the most appealing areas of

Provence with limestone cliffs, river-hewn

gorges, rugged peaks and rustic villages, such

as the perched village of Gordes with its 16th

Century Castle. This is the area that inspired

Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’.


Orange and Chateauneuf-du-PapeAnother day that illustrates the tremendous

range of sights in this wonderful region.

Orange contains two of the finest Roman

monuments in Europe; the Théatre Antique

d’Orange and the Arc de Triomphe, which was

built to celebrate Caesar’s victory over the

Gauls. The old town is also worth exploring

with its 17th Century Hotel de Ville, Notre

Dame Cathedral, and peaceful, shady squares

overlooked by terrace cafes. In the 14th

century, the Popes of Avignon decided to build

a new castle (Chateauneuf) and plant the

vineyards that have since produced one of the

finest Cotes-du-Rhone red wines, famous

throughout the world. This attractive village is

full of wine merchants offering tastings and

sales.


Les Baux-de-Provence & LesAlpilles, Arles and The CamargueAnother superb day of touring to finish this

festive programme first takes you to the

ancient ruined citadel of Les Baux-de-

Provence, which clings to one of the highest

ridges of the spectacular Alpilles, an area of

limestone crags south of the pretty village of St

Rémy. The village is divided into two: the

bustling, inhabited lower village of elegant

Renaissance houses and cobbled streets and

the deserted “Ville Morte” above, its ruined

buildings hardly distinguishable from the

limestone crags. Arles is another town with a

strong Roman history, with a well-preserved

Arena offering lovely views of the town from

its top tier, Constantine Baths and Roman

Theatre. Other sights in this beautiful

Provencal town include the lovely 12th

Century Church of St Trophime and its

peaceful cloisters and Espace Van Gogh. A

protected area of outstanding natural beauty,

the marshy 75,000 hectare expanse of the

Camargue is a wilderness of enormous

interest. It is a nature lovers’ paradise with

wild horses, migrant flamingoes and a host of

other birds often visible.


Day free until transfer to the station for return

travel by TGV from Avignon to Lille and on to

Ebbsfleet / St Pancras

AVIGNON / LILLE

DEP 13.41 / ARR 17.38

LILLE / EBBSLFLEET / ST PANCRAS

DEP. 18.35 / ARR. 18.47 / 19.03


Orange

Arles

What our previous customers have said

about this tour in 2009

“A very enjoyable holiday led by an outstanding tour

manager”

“Sandra was amazing!!”

“Hotel location great….””

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

The Bristol

Cloitre St Louis

Annecy

SavoieStaying at the charming Chateau des Comtes de Challes ~ Departs 20th December 2010 - 8 days from £899


Day by day itinerary:December 20

Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras / Ebbsfleet

to Paris and onwards by TGV to Chambery

(including coach transfer in Paris)

ST PANCRAS / PARIS

DEP 10.25 / ARR 13.47

PARIS / CHAMBERY

DEP 16.50 / ARR 1943



main party

EBBSFLEET / PARIS

DEP 09.12 / ARR 12.17

On arrival transfer by coach to nearby Challes

les Eaux under tour manager’s direction for

check in for 7 nights stay on dinner, bed and

breakfast basis


ChambéryOnce the capital of Savoy, the dignified town

of Chambéry has a distinctly Italianate feel

that betrays its history as part of Italy.

Highlights here include its much-loved and

extravagant Fontaine des Eléphants, Chateau

of the Dukes of Savoy dating back to the 14th

century and 17th century country house, Les

Charmettes, once home to the philosopher

Rousseau. A guided tour in the morning will

cover the main sights with the afternoon free

for further individual exploration.


Annecy & the LakeThe town of Annecy is one of the most

attractive and charming towns in the Alps, set

at the northern tip of Lac d’Annecy and

surrounded by mountains. Its small medieval

quarter is laced with canals, bridges and

arcaded streets. Perfect for leisurely and

relaxing browsing, there are nonetheless some

major sights – the formidable 12th Century

Palais de l’Isle and the turreted Chateau

d’Annecy. One of the largest lakes in France,

Lake Annecy is surrounded by glorious

mountain scenery and attractive towns and

villages.

Scenically wintry, this delightful tour

visits one of France’s most distinctive and

beautiful areas, the mountainous Savoie

region. Highlights include the delightful

town of Chambéry, Annecy and its

stunning lake, gastronomic Lyon, Aix-les-

Bains and Abbaye d’Hautecombe. The

tour is based at the atmospheric, family-

run Chateau de Comtes de Challes.

Annecy

“Anita deserves a medal - so caring and

organised - she was wonderful”. 2009

Chambéry

Departs 20th December 2010 -8 days from £899



TGV trains from St Pancras / Ebbsfleet

to Chambéry via Paris including coach

transfers in Paris

• 7 nights accommodation on dinner,

bed and breakfast basis at the 3-star

Chateau des Comtes de Challes, based

on shared occupancy of twin room

• Upgraded Festive Christmas Eve

dinner and Christmas Day lunch &

dinner







• Room upgrades for twin/double

occupancy: “Charming” room (nicer

décor) £77 per person Junior suite

(with sitting area) £126 per

person.Upgraded rooms not available

for single occupancy








Travel by Eurostar and TGV to Chambéry.

Transfer to hotel for 7-night stay

December 21

Chambéry

December 22

Annecy and the lake

December 23

Lyon

December 24

Abbaye d’Hautecombe and Aix-les-Bains.

Christmas Eve dinner

December 25

Day free with Christmas Day lunch and dinner

December 26

Grenoble and Chartreuse

December 27

Transfer to Chambéry station for return TGV

and Eurostar to Ebbsfleet or St Pancras

Chateau des Comtes de Challes, near ChambéryThis tour is based at the beautiful Chateau des

Comtes de Challes, located in the pretty village

of Challes-les-Eaux about 6km from

Chambéry. Dating from the 15th century, this

atmospheric hotel was converted from a

fortified house and offers a very high level of

comfort and service. Facilities at this friendly,

family-owned hotel include an elegant

restaurant and dining room (where dinner is

served each evening), bar, delightful grounds

and charming, well-appointed rooms with

private bath/shower, TV, telephone and

minibar. It even has its own private chapel!


www.chateaudescomtesdechalles.com



LyonDramatically sited on the banks of the Rhone

and Saone rivers, France’s second city, Lyon,

has long been a vital gateway between north

and south. It is renowned as the gastronomic

centre of the country with a wealth of

excellent restaurants from humble bistros to

Michelin-starred centres of excellence and is

bordered by the two important wine regions of

Beaujolais and Cotes-du-Rhone. Sights here

date back to Roman times with two theatres

which still stage events (and an excellent

Gallo-Romaine museum). The old town is an

atmospheric warren of cobbled streets, covered

walkways and Renaissance palaces, perfect for

a leisurely promenade. The main sights include

the Basilique de Notre-Dame de Fourvière,

Roman theatres, Cathédrale St Jean, 15th

century Hotel de Gadagne that houses two

museums and Chemin du Rosaire, a beautiful

path that leads down from Fourvière offering

spectacular views of the city.


Abbaye d’Hautecombe and Aix-les-BainsThis morning we head to the beautiful and

peaceful Abbaye d’Hautecombe,

spectacularly-situated on Lake Bourget with a

wealth of architectural and artistic treasures.

This Benedictine monastery contains the

mausoleum of the Savoyard dynasty and was

transformed by Piedmontese architect, Ernest

Melano. We then head into Aix-les-Bains, a

gracious spa town on Lac du Bourget, famed

for its thermal baths and Faure Museum

housing the 2nd largest collection of

Impressionist paintings in France, including

works by Pissarro, Renoir, Degas and Sisley

and a collection of some 30 Rodin statues.

Return to the hotel mid-afternoon in plenty of

time to prepare for festive Christmas Eve

dinner at the hotel.


Day free with lunch and dinner at the hotel.

For the energetic, there are lovely walks

around the hotel.


Chartreuse & GrenobleThe Chartreuse is a magnificent region of

mountains and forests, famed for the

Monastery whose monks produced the

renowned liqueur, but which is now produced

in the town of Voiron. The monks still inhabit

the monastery and live in silence and

seclusion, though there is a small museum at

the entrance which depicts their daily lives.

Grenoble is a thriving university city, home to

the 1968 Winter Olympics, whose sights

include the cable car to the Fort de la Bastille,

lively Place St-André in the heart of the

medieval city, 13th century Church of St-

André and several museums.


Transfer to Chambéry station for return TGV

and Eurostar to Ebbsfleet or St Pancras

CHAMBERY / PARIS

10.24 / 13.23

PARIS / ST PANCRAS

DEP. 15.07 / ARR. 16.36

NB Ebbsfleet passengers need to take a later

train from Paris

PARIS / EBBSFLEET

DEP 16.13 / ARR 17.18


Lyon Grenoble

What our previous customers have saidabout this tour in 2009“An enjoyable Christmas, the highlight being the

excellent standard of food at the Chateau des Comtes

des Challes”

“We had a really lovely break”

“The tour manager coped wonderfully well….she did

a really fantastic job”

“Thanks to Anita who made our Christmas”

Christmad Market

Chateau de Comtes de Challes

Sanary-Sur-Mer

Southern Provence & the Cote d’AzurSanary, Bandol, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis and St Tropez ~ Departs 22nd December 2010 - 8 days from £899



to Paris and onwards to Toulon by TGV

ST PANCRAS / EBBSFLEET / PARIS

08.55 / 09.12 / 12.17

PARIS / TOULON

13.46 / 17.33


Toulon & HyèresYour first day of touring takes you a short

distance eastwards along the coast to Toulon

and Hyères. Tucked into a fine natural harbour,

Toulon is home to France’s Mediterranean fleet.

Sights here include the opera house, Cathedrale

Ste-Marie-de-la-Sedo and several interesting

museums including the Musée des Arts

Asiatiques, Baroque Musée de la Marine and

Hotel des Arts. The palm-tree-lined streets of

Hyères make for a charming town, one of the

oldest resorts in the south of France, attracting

such luminaries as Queen Victoria, Robert Louis

Stevenson and Edith Wharton since its 18th

century inception. Sights here include the 13th

century church of St Louis, delightful old town

and elegant Belle-Epoque buildings.


Bandol, Cassis and the CalanquesA lovely scenic and relatively short day today

as you visit Bandol, a cheerful seaside resort

with tree-lined promenade, casino and yacht

harbour, renowned for its superb red wines,

produced here since 600 BC, and often served

cold. The day also includes Cassis, which has

remained much the same little fishing village

that attracted artists such as Signac and Derain,

and is a great place to relax at a waterside café.

From Marseille to Cassis the coastline forms

narrow inlets, the Calanques, a series of

jagged white cliffs (some up to 400 metres

high) reflected in the dazzling turquoise water.

We will return to the hotel in good time to

prepare for Christmas Eve festive dinner at a

local restaurant.

This new tour is based in the delightful

seaside town of Sanary-sur-Mer, close to

Cassis and Bandol. As well as visiting Aix-

en-Provence for the day, it concentrates

on the wonderful myriad of sights along

the coast including the lovely town of

Cassis and the dramatic Calanques cliffs,

Bandol, Toulon, Hyeres, the hill village of

Grimaud, St Tropez and Marseilles. The

base for this new tour is the charming

seaside town of Sanary, with its delightful

harbour lined with pretty pink and white

houses and medieval tower. Full of

attractive harbourside cafés, bars and

restaurants, Sanary is a wonderful place

for an evening stroll and delicious dinner.

“Another enjoyable holiday, seeing

interesting places with a full

commentary! Spring 2010

“Watcher of the Skies”, Cassis Harbour

NEW

Sanary



• Return Eurostar and TGV trains from

London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to

Toulon including coach transfer in

Paris

• 7 nights accommodation on bed and

breakfast basis at the 4-star Soleil et

Jardin Hotel in Sanary-sur-Mer, based

on shared occupancy of twin room


festive dinners at local restaurants

• Transfers and full touring itinerary

conducted by tour manager












Travel by Eurostar and TGV from St Pancras or

Ebbsfleet to Toulon. Transfer by coach to

Sanary for 7-night stay

December 23

Toulon and Hyères

December 24

Bandol, Cassis and the Calanques. Dinner at

local restaurant

December 25

Day free, dinner at local restaurant

December 26

Marseilles

December 27

Aix-en-Provence

December 28

St Tropez & Grimaud

December 29

Transfer to Toulon station for return TGV and

Eurostar to St Pancras or Ebbsfleet

Soleil et Jardin Hotel, Sanary-sur-MerThis tour is based in the beautiful town of

Sanary, at the modern and well-appointed 4-

star Soleil et Jardin Hotel. Located about 5

minutes’ walk from the pretty town and

harbour lined with restaurants, the hotel’s

facilities include indoor pool, bar and

comfortable, air-conditioned bedrooms with

private bath/shower, TV, telephone, hairdryer

and minibar. For more details please visit

www.sanary-hotel-soleiljardin.com



Sanary-sur-MerA full day free in Sanary – perhaps a nice

coastal walk – with Christmas Day festive

dinner at a local restaurant.


MarseilleA fascinating day to day as we explore France’s

largest port and 2nd largest city, Marseilles,

with a population of 800,000. It has close links

to the Middle East and North Africa which lend

it an exotic, cosmopolitan air. Sights here

included the renowned fish market, the old

harbour, Chateau d’If, setting for Dumas’

Counte of Monte Cristo, 11th century Abbey of

St Victor, church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde,

Cathédrale de la Major and several excellent

museums including the Musée des Beaux Arts

and Archaeology Museum.


Aix-en-ProvenceA wonderful day of sightseeing today to Aix-en-

Provence. Aix is one of Provence’s most

beautiful towns with a wealth of sights that

reward detailed exploration. Highlights include

the Cathedral of St Sauveur, noted for Froment’s

“Triptych of the Burning Bush” and several

museums including the Archaeology and

Tapestry Museums. There is a Cézanne trail, too,

that takes you to significant locations in the

artist’s life, such as the family estate, Jas de

Bouffan, the quarries at Bibémus, and his studio

at Les Lauves. Aix is a wonderful place to linger,

too, at an outdoor café, particularly one of many

along the elegant treelined Cours Mirabeau.


St Tropez & GrimaudA final day of coastal delights as we head east.

Favoured destination of the rich and famous,

St Tropez retains its charm despite the

onslaught of summer visitors. There is lots to

see here – the old town, pretty Quai Jenan-

Jaurès lined with pretty painted houses,

Baroque 19th century Church of the

Assumption, citadel and innovative Musée de

l’Annonciade, housed in a former chapel, and

containing an exceptional collection of early

20th century art including works by Signac,

Bonnard and many more. The picturesque hill

village of Grimaud is a legacy of the ubiquitous

Grimaldi family and is dominated by its 12th

century castle ruins. Offering lovely coastal

views, its position made it an ideal place for the

Knights Templar to watch for invasions and its

main street, the Rue des Templiers, dates from

this time, lined with arcades designed to be

battened down in case of attack.


Transfer to Toulon station for return TGV and

Eurostar to St Pancras and Ebbsfleet

TOULON / PARIS 11.32 / 15.31

PARIS / ST PANCRAS 17.13 / 18.29

NB Ebbsfleet passengers need to take a later

train from Paris

PARIS / EBBSFLEET

DEP 19.13 / ARR 20.18


Sanary-sur-Mer

This tour is new for Christmas 2010but has enjoyed a very favourableresponse from inaugural customersin spring this year“We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. It was the first

escorted tour we have taken and we are encouraged

to take more. We liked the mix of the information

and convenience but also the measure of

independence.”

“Difficult to fault anything”

“The Soleil et Jardin was was delightful”

Sanary-sur-Mer

St Tropez Soleil et Jardin, swimming pool

Soleil et Jardin

Grimaud

Lake Garda

Lake GardaTravelling overnight from Paris and staying in the lovely lakeside town of Salo ~ Departs 21st December 2010 - 10 days from £1195



to Paris

15.02 / 18.17

Ebbsfleet passenges will need to take an earlier

train as the 1502 does not stop at Ebbsfleet and

await the arrival of the main group

Ebbsfleet / Paris 12.45 / 15.50

Transfer to Bercy station for overnight train to

Brescia

Paris / Brescia 20.33 / 06.43

Accommodation is in 2-berth cabins and there

is a restaurant / buffet car on board to enjoy a

leisurely meal as your head towards Italy.

December 22SaloArrival Brescia and transfer to Salo (approx 30

minutes). After checking in to your hotel the

day is free to enjoy the delights of Salo,

including its grand town hall, Cathedral and

Christmas market.

The evening is free for dinner in the hotel’s

excellent restaurant or perhaps one of the

many lakeside restaurants within a few

minutes’ walk.


Lake GardaA full day tour of Lake Garda offers a scenic

contrast to the wealth of history and culture

on the other excursions on this tour. Flanked

by picturesque villages along its shoreline with

a dramatic backdrop of mountains and hillsides

dotted with vineyards, the lake is regarded by

many as the most beautiful, as well as the

largest, of the Italian lakes. The lakeside towns

are a delight too, such as pretty Sirmione, Riva

and Sirmione.

This delightful new tour is the first of

our tours to take make use of the

overnight service from Paris to Brescia

which travels through the night so that

you leave Paris in the evening and arrive

in Italy early the next day, refreshed and

ready to sample the crisp, clear air of the

Italian lakes.

The tour is based at the delightful Il

Gambero Hotel in the lovely lakeside

town of Salo, which celebrates the

festive season enthusiastically with a

Christmas market and excellent lakeside

restaurants creating a cosy, festive

atmosphere. Tour highlights include

Lake Garda itself, Verona, Mantova,

Vicenza and Padova as well as excellent

local cuisine served in the hotel’s

charming restaurant with roaring open

fires and festive decorations.Salo

NEW



• Return standard class Eurostar from

London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris

• Return overnight train in 2-berth

cabin from Paris to Brescia (equivalent

to first class category – no upgrade

possible/required)

• 7 nights accommodation on bed and

breakfast basis at the 4-star Il

Gambero Hotel in Salo, based on

shared occupancy of twin room

• Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas

Day festive lunch

• Transfers and full touring itinerary

conducted by tour manager





single occupancy not possible on the

overnight train – this will be sharing

an all-male or all-female 4-berth cabin

• 1st class upgrade on Eurostar

(£120.00)






Travel by Eurostar to Paris and overnight to Brescia

December 22

Arrive Brescia and transfer by coach to Salo for

check in to hotel for 7-night stay

December 23

Lake Garda tour

December 24

Verona. Christmas Eve dinner

December 25

Christmas Day lunch

December 26

Mantova

December 27

Day free in Salo

December 28

Vicenza and Padova

December 29

Brescia and overnight train to Paris

December 30

Travel by Eurostar from Paris to Ebbsfleet / St

Pancras

Il Gambero Hotel, SaloThis tour is based in the beautiful lakeside

town of Salo on the western side of Lake

Garda. Family-run, the 4-star Il Gambero is

situated about 75 metres from the lake and

offers friendly service, a cosy lounge,

atmospheric restaurant with open fire and

very well-appointed bedrooms with private

shower, satellite TV, telephone, safe and

minibar. Some rooms have a balcony and/or

partial lake view, but all are quiet and well-

furnished. For more details please visit

www.gamberohotel.it



VeronaOne of the highlights of your festive break

today as you visit one of Italy’s most beautiful

cities, to rival Florence or Venice. Renowned as

the city of Romeo and Juliet and for its opera

festival held each summer, Verona is an

ancient and beautiful city in its own right.

Highlights include Juliet’s legendary balcony,

the magnificent Roman Arena, the church of

San Zeno Maggiore, and lovely piazzas

including the heart of the city, the Piazza delle

Erbe. We will return to Salo mid-afternoon to

allow plenty of time to rest and change before

your Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel.


Full day free with gala Christmas lunch at the

hotel. An afternoon lakeside stroll will help

work off the excesses of lunch!


MantovaAnother of northern Italy’s most beautiful

citieis is on the agenda today as you head to

Mantova. Described as “the most romantic

city in the world” by Aldous Huxley, Mantova,

surrounded by lakes and often described as

“piccola Venezia” (Little Venice), has an

immaculate medieval centre that includes the

impressive Palazzo Ducale and an evocative

skyline of ancient towers.


Full day at leisure to explore Salo and perhaps

enjoy a leisurely lunch (a favourite pastime of

many Italians!) or a lovely lakeside walk.


Vicenza and PadovaAnother day of glorious architecture and art

as we visit Palladio’s city of Vicenza and the

beautiful university city of Padova.

A delightful city, overlooked by most tourists,

Vicenza is the home and bears the influence of

the architect Andrea Palladio with a host of his

hallmark buildings giving the city a distinctive

look. Most important among the sights are the

Monte Berico church, Basilica in the beautiful

main square, the Corso Andrea Palladio lined

with his buildings including his home, and the

Teatro Olimpico, Europe’s oldest indoor

theatre. Padova, renowned for its university,

has a wealth of sights, particularly the

wonderful Giotto frescoes at the Scrovegni

Chapel, the imposing Duomo and Baptistry,

Palace of reason, several beautiful squares and

the Palazzo del Capitano.


BresciaMorning free before heading to Brescia for an

afternoon visit before catching the overnight

train to Paris. Lombardy’s 2nd city (after

Milan), Brescia boasts a rich artistic heritage

ranging from Roman temples to the

triumphalist Mussolini-era architecture of

Piazza Vittoriale. Highlights include the Roman

ruins around the Piazza del Foro; Duomo

dating from the 11th century, Piazza del

Loggia, where the market is held and Museum

of Santa Giulia, the city’s main gallery.

There is time for dinner in the city before

boarding your overnight train to paris

BRESCIA / PARIS

22.06 / 08.19

December 30Arrive Paris and transfer to the Gare du Nord

for onward train to St Pancras

PARIS / ST PANCRAS 11.13 / 12.29

NB Ebbsfleet passenges will need to take a later

train as the 11.13 does not stop at Ebbsfleet

Paris / Ebbsfleet 13.04 / 14.15


Verona

Our Managing Director writes:I am very excited about this new tour that I had the

pleasure to inspect off-season earlier this year. The

itinerary revisits a host of wonderful sights from a

variety of our tours over the years, including perhaps

my favourite small city in Italy, Vicenza. The hotel is

a delight with friendly staff, comfortable rooms and

an excellent restaurant with open fires and (I am

assured) festive décor. The lakeside town of Salo is

well used by locals so has a good atmosphere all year

and its restaurants are thriving over the festive season.

Sirmione

Padova

Vicenza

Il Gambero Hotel

Travel Editions Limited

69-85 Tabernacle Street

London EC2A 4BD

Telephone: 020 7251 0045

Fax: 020 7251 7399

Email: [email protected]

ABTA No.V3120

xmas brochure (rod test)

Documents

continental christmas

st pancras

christmas brochure

train journeyall tours

standard classequivalent

nightslake garda

wonderful time

longerduration tours