Provincial French Countryside & Paris
15 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS April 21 — May 5, 2014 Chateau Chenonceau
P
rovincial French Countryside - Experience the beauty, allure, and hospitality of provincial France. From the bustling market town of Albi to the silent windswept beaches of D-Day, our spring journey untangles many of the artistic and historical strands of an endlessly fascinating region and offers an extraordinary range of vivid images, solemn memories, scents and sounds of France.
WITH OPTIONAL POST‐TOUR EXTENSION: “Paris—On Your Own” FROM NEW YORK
$5,295 Land, Air, Taxes & All Fees FROM FORT MYERS/CHICAGO
$5,595 Land, Air, Taxes & All Fees ASK ABOUT OTHER DEPARTURE CITIES!
LAND ONLY $4,295
The Renaissance Academy of FGCU 1010 5th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102
239.434.4838 (tel) jguerra@fgcu.edu email Giverny
www.fgcu.edu/racademy
Provincial French Countryside & Paris: April 21 - May 5, 2014 DAY 1 - Monday, April 21: Depart the U.S. for Toulouse, France This evening you’ll depart for Europe, with a connecting flight to Toulouse. DAY 2 - Tuesday, April 22: Arrive Toulouse You arrive in Toulouse today and transfer to your hotel to rest and relax, or perhaps to begin exploring the city on your own. Tonight meet your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and fellow travelers for a briefing and dinner together at your hotel. Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Toulouse; Meals: Dinner DAY 3 - Wednesday, April 23: Toulouse/Carcassonne This morning we tour medieval Carcassonne, the renowned French hilltop town with the longest city walls in Europe. Located in the Languedoc region of France and overlooking vast green plains that stretch all the way to the Pyrénées, Carcassonne boasts battlements and ramparts dating to the 1st-century Romans. The walled city preserved today is only a fraction of the original design; a vast majority of Carcassonne was reconstructed during the 19th century. However, both the town itself and its canal – Canal du Midi – were recently named UNESCO World Heritage sites, and we see why on our tour of this remarkably well-preserved 13th-century Carcassonne domain. After returning to Toulouse mid-afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Lunch and dinner today are on your own. Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Toulouse; Meals: Breakfast DAY 4 - Thursday, April 24: Toulouse/Albi/Sarlat We depart Toulouse for Albi, the historic market town that was home to Belle Époque artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. As we walk through this medieval town built of pink-hued bricks, we visit the Palais de la Berbie, the ancient fortress housing a museum devoted to the works of ToulouseLautrec. After lunch on your own, we continue on to admire the 13th-century Cathédral SteCécile, the largest all-brick building in the world. We then board the motorcoach for the three-hour drive to Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Perigord Noir nestled in Albi the heart of the Dordogne Valley. The area surrounding Sarlat is extraordinarily beautiful country, with deep green valleys and heavily wooded hillsides, and dotted with ancient caves that were used as dwellings thousands of years ago. The town of Sarlat itself is a medieval gem, with more registered historic sites than anywhere else in Europe. Many of the streets are pedestrian only, making it perfect for wandering. Well-preserved medieval houses line the narrow streets, which all eventually lead to Sarlat’s main square, the lovely Place de la Liberté. Late this afternoon we arrive at our hotel located on a hillside overlooking the beautiful valley down below, and just a 10-minute drive from Sarlat’s historic Old Town. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at our hotel. Accommodations: Hôtel Meysset; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner St. Cecile’s Cathedral, Albi
The France Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!
Provincial French Countryside & Paris: April 21 - May 5, 2014 DAY 5 - Friday, April 25 : Sarlat/Lascaux II Early today we visit the Caves at Lascaux II, the reproduction of the original pre-historic caves nearby that were painted with stunningly beautiful animals by Stone Age hunters some 17,000 years ago. Discovered only in 1940 and opened to the public in 1948, the original caves were then closed to the public in 1963 to prevent deterioration from the significant number of visitors who flocked to see this extraordinary find. Still, Lascaux II offers an exact replication, and you’re sure to marvel at the majestic and lifelike bulls, wild boar, deer, and other animals depicted. After lunch in Les Eyzies at Le Cro Magnon where we enjoy authentic Perigourdine cuisine, we spend the afternoon on a leisurely cruise along the Dordogne, passing cliff-top castles and fortified medieval towns, Dordogne River fields of sunflowers and rocky outcroppings. Our voyage traces a well-worn historical route; this is the land where Eleanor of Aquitaine ruled in the 12th century. Following our cruise, we return to Sarlat and our hotel, where we dine tonight. Accommodations: Hôtel Meysset; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 6 - Saturday, April 26: Sarlat/Dordogne Valley/Rocamadour This morning we have a brief walking tour then have free time to explore this charming town at your own pace, perhaps with a walk through the public gardens; a discovery of medieval architecture; a visit to a local museum; or a stop at the local market (if here on a market day). After lunch on your own, this afternoon we tour the Dordogne, an area of lush valley and woodland punctuated by tiny villages dating to medieval times. Of all the beautiful vistas we encounter today, perhaps the most impressive is the setting of Rocamadour, perched atop a cliff set in a canyon. The town’s history is nearly as interesting as its location; after the discovery in 1166 of a perfectly preserved body believed to be that of Saint Amadour, Rocamadour became an important pilgrimage site. Adding to the town’s religious significance is a 12thcentury Black Madonna that resides in the Chapelle Notre Dame. We enjoy a guided walking tour of Rocamadour and then return to our hotel mid-afternoon before dining at our hotel this evening. Accommodations: Hôtel Meysset; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7 - Sunday, April 27: Sarlat/Le Dorat/Saumur This morning we depart for the 3 ½-hour journey to the Loire Valley, stopping in the small market town of Le Dorat for lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch we embark on another 3 ½-hour motorcoach ride to Saumur, a town of Saumur Castle, Loire Valley cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. Upon arrival, we take an orientation stroll of this quiet village set along the banks of the Loire River. Saumur remains one of Europe’s top mushroom producers, and you may choose to sample this local specialty as you enjoy dinner on your own tonight. Accommodations: Hôtel Anne d’Anjou ; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Provincial French Countryside & Paris: April 21 - May 5, 2014 DAY 8 - Monday, April 28: Saumur Today is at leisure to explore and enjoy Saumur at your own pace. You can explore Maison du Vin, home of a locally made sparkling wine: méthode champenoise. You might also enjoy a walk through Saumur’s Old Town, rich with 12th-century architecture; or a visit to the Saumur Cavalry Museum, housing displays and artifacts remembering Saumur’s role in World War II. A small force of 800 cavalry school “cadets of Saumur” became legendary for their heroic stand in June 1940, repulsing 10,000 superiorly equipped Nazi soldiers for two days. For those with equestrian interests, France’s national Riding School is located in Saumur with guided tours available. Tonight we gather for dinner together at the hotel. Accommodations: Hôtel Anne d’Anjou; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 9 - Tuesday, April 29: Saumur/Chenonceaux We travel today to the land of castles and chateaux, riverbanks bursting with grapes on the vine, valleys filled with the scent of flowers, imposing Renaissance palaces, Romanesque abbeys, and some of the loveliest wild scenery in all of France. In addition, there’s enough history here to satisfy the most avid aficionado, as the Loire Valley was also home to Joan of Arc and the site of many great battles between the English and the French. Today we visit one of the most impressive chateau of them all: Chenonceau (in the town of Chenonceaux), which boasts a particularly unusual history for its time, in that it was women who oversaw its construction. The architect was chosen by Catherine Briçonnet whose husband first purchased the site in 1515; further development was overseen by Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II, as well as by his famous wife, Catherine de Médicis. Priceless tapestries and paintings hang on the chateau’s walls, making it one of the most elegant residences in the nation. Lunch today is at La Cave in Montlouis. We return to our hotel this afternoon, and dinner tonight is on your own – an excellent opportunity to sample fine French cuisine. Accommodations: Hôtel Anne d’Anjou ; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 10 - Wednesday, April 30: Saumur/Mont-StMichel/Crépon This morning we board a motorcoach for the four-hour drive to the most visited site in France after Paris. Mont-St-Michel once was known as the Mount in Peril from the Sea, so named for the number of pilgrims who vanished in the quicksand or drowned trying to reach this rocky outpost. This magnificent Gothic abbey sits in one of the world’s most dramatic locations, atop a mound of rock that at one time would become completely surrounded Mont-St-Michel by the sea at high tide; now, because of excessive silt, water rarely submerges the surrounding flats. It’s a destination that inspires both awe and wonder. We’ll tour the 13th-century Abbey (please note that this entails an uphill walk and a significant number of steps), which was described by French author Guy du Maupassant as “the most wonderful Gothic dwelling made for God on this earth … a gigantic granite jewel.” The Abbey boasts a history equal to its setting: it was constructed over a 500-year period, from 1017 to 1521, of granite hauled stone by stone from Britanny. Over the years, the church, choir, nave, and tower have all collapsed and been rebuilt. The complex of buildings includes a cloister, Knight’s Hall, Refectory, Guest Hall, and cellars that once hosted a large religious community. Lunch today is on your own in the town of Mont-St-Michel before we board the motorcoach for the 2 ½-hour journey to Normandy and our lodgings in rural Crépon: a restored but rustic 35room farmhouse dating to the 13th-century and where we dine tonight. Accommodations: Ferme de la Rançonniere; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Provincial French Countryside & Paris: April 21 - May 5, 2014 DAY 11 - Thursday, May 1: Crépon/Bayeux/Caen The first town to be liberated during the Battle of Normandy, and miraculously spared wartime bombing, medieval Bayeux is the focus of today’s touring. We’ll begin at the Tapestry Museum and the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Embroidered nine centuries ago, it is truly a masterpiece; one which has lost very little of its color intensity or impact over the years. From here we’ll pay a brief visit to the British War Cemetery, an understated and touching burial site dedicated to Commonwealth soldiers who fell during both World Wars. Later we move on to Caen, just 15 minutes away, where we tour the moving Memorial of Caen, a museum devoted to “history for peace” built with funds and materials from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Germany, the former Czechoslovakia, the former USSR, and France. Then if our schedule permits, we’ll stop in Arromanches for a stroll along the harbor front. Here you can look out at the English Channel and still see the remains of the “Mulberry,” code name for the artiBayeux Tapestry ficial harbor built there by the Allies. Considered one of history’s greatest military engineering achievements, this harbor facilitated the landing of some 2.5 million men and 500,000 vehicles for the Allied invasion of Normandy. Late this afternoon we return to our lodging, where tonight we enjoy dinner together. Accommodations: Ferme de la Rançonniere; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 - Friday, May 2: D-Day Beaches A poignant day is in store as we travel to the very places where Allied forces overcame overwhelming odds to alter the course of World War II. We visit Pointe du Hoc, the most celebrated World War II site of all where American Rangers scaled towering cliffs to establish a beachhead; renowned Utah Beach; and Ste-Mère-Église, where the 82nd Airborne Division successfully parachuted on the night of June 5, 1944, and where we tour the evocative Airborne Museum. Many may still remember the church steeple from which U.S. paratrooper John Steele dangled during the fighting when his parachute got caught, and which now has a model soldier and parachute permanently affixed to the roof. And as a tribute to our American war heroes, we end the day with a moving visit to the American Cemetery in Colleville overlooking Omaha Beach. In this tranquil setting, row upon row of white crosses and Stars of David honor the nearly 10,000 soldiers buried here. After this American Cemetery, Colleville, overlooking Omaha Beach sobering day, we return to our hotel late this afternoon and dine there this evening. Accommodations: Ferme de la Rançonniere; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The France Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!
Provincial French Countryside & Paris: April 21 - May 5, 2014 DAY 13 - Saturday, May 3: Crépon/Honfleur/Giverny/Paris This morning we travel to Honfleur, village of artists, for a guided tour of this charming 16th-century port located on the coast of Normandy. After some time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own here we travel to the village of Giverny and the home and gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet, who lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926. We see the familiar lily pond and Japanese footbridge made famous through his paintings, and visit the studio in which he created his huge water lily canvases. The gardens are kept just as the artist left them, and the house has been restored to Monet’s original designs. Taking our leave of Giverny, we travel to Paris. After settling in at our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring the “City of Light” as you wish. Dinner tonight is on your own in this city famed for its gastronomy. Accommodations: Hôtel Château Frontenac; Meals: Breakfast Giverny
DAY 14 - Sunday, May 4: Paris Today we see the highlights of romantic Paris on our half-day city tour, which includes an inside visit to the magnificent Louvre, home to priceless works of art including the bold “Winged Victory,” Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” and the lovely “Venus de Milo.” Collections in the Louvre range from Oriental, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities to sculptures by Michelangelo to paintings from the 15th century on. In addition we pass Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and Champs Élysées, among other well-known sites in this grand city. Our tour ends after our museum visit early this afternoon; you are then free to continue exploring the museum on your own. Or you may choose to visit another of Paris’ fine museums on your own, including the Musée d’Art Moderne; or the Musée Rodin, specializing in the work of the great sculptor. Tonight we gather with our fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. Accommodations: Hôtel Château Frontenac; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Notre Dame Cathedral
DAY 15 - Monday, May 5: Depart Paris for the U.S. Early this morning, you’ll depart Paris for the flight to the United States. Meals: Breakfast
The France Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!
Provincial French Countryside & Paris: April 21 - May 5, 2014 IMPORTANT NOTE: This tour involves some full days of touring and considerable walking, often along uneven terrain or cobblestone streets. In Mont-St-Michel, for example, if you choose to visit the Abbey, you will climb more than 200 stairs. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy it to the fullest. Outside of major cities, our accommodations are quaint, somewhat rustic lodgings that do not have elevators. As one might expect in unique centuries-old properties, room sizes differ. This type of accommodation also reflects the French conception of country hotels as places to stop and enjoy regional foods in one-of-a-kind surroundings. Several of our properties are family-run with owners who take great pride in continuing this tradition. Also, outside of Toulouse and Paris, you can expect a typically French – and simple – Continental breakfast of fresh breads, jams, yogurt, and cheese rather than an American-style full breakfast. In addition, we will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though, unexpected obstacles, and opportunities, may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be open-minded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly. Additionally, please note that airline schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your departure.
Your Tour Price Includes
Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
13 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe and First Class hotels
26 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunch, 9 dinners
Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip "Paris – ON YOUR OWN" OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION
(3 days/2 nights) 2 nights’ accommodations at Hotel Château Frontenac (Superior First Class), 2 meals (2 breakfasts), and transfer to the airport.
DAYS 15 & 16 - Monday, May 5 & Tuesday, May 6: Paris No need to transfer anywhere. You are right at home for the next two nights and are free to further explore Paris as you wish. Options include visiting the Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 to celebrate the French Revolution; the Latin Quarter, with its many bistros and cafés; or l’Arc de Triomphe, the monument at the center of the Champs Élysées built by Napoleon in honor of the French Army. You may also wish to visit your choice of the many cathedrals, museums, or historic landmarks found in this wondrous city. Or you may choose to enjoy a Bateaux Mouches river boat cruise along the Seine as it leisurely passes many of Paris’ most famous monuments. Accommodations: Hôtel Château Frontenac ; Meals: Breakfast daily DAY 17 - Wednesday, May 7: Return to the U.S. After breakfast you’ll take an included transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States. Meals: Breakfast Price per Person: $495
Single Supplement: $355
Hotel Accommoda ons Crowne Plaza Toulouse, 7 Place du Capitole, 31000 Toulouse, France Phone: 011‐33‐5‐616‐11913 Fax: 011‐33‐5‐616‐11908 www.crowne‐plaza‐toulouse.com Well located in the heart of Toulouse’s “Ville Rose” on Capitole Square, the 162‐room Crowne Plaza offers a restau‐ rant, cocktail lounge, Internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air‐condi oned guest rooms have pri‐ vate bath with hair dryer, in‐room safe, mini‐bar, TV, and phone. Hôtel Meysset, 62 rue d'Argentouleau, 24200 Sarlat, France Phone: 011‐33‐5‐53‐59‐08‐29 Fax: 011‐33‐5‐53‐28‐47‐61 www.hotel‐meysset.com With panoramic views of Sarlat Valley, the 30‐room Hôtel Meysset sits on a country road amidst three acres of gar‐ dens about a mile outside of Sarlat’s city center. Ameni es of the tradi onally‐appointed lodging include a restau‐ rant, outdoor swimming pool, and library. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, TV, free Internet access, and phone. Hôtel Anne d’Anjou, 32‐33 quai Mayaud, 49400 Saumur, France Phone: 011‐33‐2‐41‐67‐30‐30 Fax: 011‐33‐2‐41‐67‐51‐00 www.hotel‐anneanjou.com Overlooking the Loire River, the charming 18th‐century Hôtel Anne d’Anjou stands with its original wood, glass, and freestone moldings that date to the Louis XVI, Restora on, and Empire periods. Minutes from the town’s center, the 45‐room hotel has a restaurant and bar, lounge, Internet access, laundry service, and garden. Guest rooms come in all shapes and sizes, but all have private bath with hair dryer, mini‐bar, TV, and phone. Ferme de la Rançonniere, Route Creully Arromanches, 14480 Crépon‐Creully, France Phone: 011‐33‐23‐122‐2173 Fax: 011‐33‐23‐122‐9839 www.ranconniere.fr Da ng to the 13th and 15th centuries, this rus c restored farmhouse is located in a rural se ng outside the village of Crépon. The hotel features a bar, a medieval dining room with vaulted ceilings, and Internet access. The fine food served here is typical of the region. Each of the 35 Normandy‐style bedrooms, decorated in period furniture, has a private bath with hair dryer, TV, and phone. There is no elevator. Hôtel Château Frontenac (also used for Op onal Post‐Tour Extension), 54 rue Pierre Charron, 75008 Paris, France Phone: 011‐33‐1‐53‐23‐1313 Fax: 011‐33‐1‐53‐23‐1301 www.frontenac‐paris‐hotel.com Ideally located between the Champs Élysées and Avenue Georges‐V, close to entertainment, restaurants, and shops, the 104‐room Hôtel Château Frontenac offers a bar and breakfast room, laundry and dry cleaning services, and Internet access. Air‐condi oned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini‐bar, in‐room safe, TV, and phone.
Prrovinc cial Frrench Co ountryside & Pariis (15 Days)) Encloosed is my/ou ur non-refund dable deposit for f $______($750 per persson) for ______ persoon/people on the “Provinciial French Co ountryside & Paris” P tour deeparting the U USA on April 21, 2014. I/w we understand d the fiinal payment is due on or before b Januarry 16, 2014. Your Y deposit may be paid by Americann Express, Disscover, MastterCard, VISA A, or personall check. Thiss excursion iss limited to 244 participantss. Please maail this compleeted form as soon as possible to: t The Renaiissance Acad demy of FGCU, Attention:: John Guerrra, 1010 5th A Ave South, Naaples, FL 341 102. (PRIN NT CLEARLY)
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II/We wish too reserve AIR R & LAND for f $5,295 pp p (Roundtrip air from NYC; includding airline taxes & all fees) II/We wish too reserve AIR R & LAND for f $5,595 pp p (Roundtrip air from Ft. Myers orr Chicago; includinng airline taxes & all fees) II/We wish too reserve LA AND-ONLY for $4,295 pp p I prefer singlle accommoddations for an a additionall cost of $1,1195 (Single acccommodations are limited) II/We wish too reserve the Post-Tour Paris P Extensiion for $495 pp ($355 singgle supplemennt) I have the folllowing speccial requirem ments (includiing dietary): I am travellinng alone but will share a room with __________ _ ______________________________________ II/We wish too reserve a Trans-Atlantic Business Class C upgradde (price avaiilable upon reequest and subbject to chang ge) Pricees are per person n based on doub ble occupancy an nd include airlinne taxes, fuel surrcharges, and dep eparture fees of $$701, whicch are subject to change until finnal payment is m made.
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PLEEASE ENCLOSE A PHO OTOCOPY OF YOUR P PASSPORTT WITH YO OUR DEPOSSIT IMPO ORTANT: TH HIS IS A MOD DERATE EXER ERTION TOUR R. PARTICIPA PANTS MUST T BE ABLE TO O WALK, STAN ND AND CLIM MB STAIIRS WITHOU UT DIFFICULTY. I understaand that The Reenaissance Acaademy of FGC CU is unable to accept any person as a tour passeenger who may y require speciaal attention beccause of a mediical condition uunless they havve a companion traveling witth them who caan provide whatever seervices and asssistance is neceessary. I furtherr understand thhat The Renaissance Academ my of FGCU caannot accept or retain any pperson whose health h or generaal deportment impedes i the op peration of the tour or affectss the rights, welfare or enjoym ment of other to our passeengers. I accep pt sole responsiibility for deterrmining that I am a in good phyysical and menntal health and am able to parrticipate in grou up tourinng. I further ceertify that I hav ve read and agrree with the Geeneral Terms aand Conditions associated witth this excursioon.
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The Renaissance Academy of FGCU Provincial French Countryside & Paris April 21 (Depart USA) – May 5, 2014 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $750 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following General Terms and Conditions. Please retain a copy of these General Terms and Conditions for your records.
Tour Cost: Total tour cost, air and land, including taxes and all fees from Ft. Myers, FL or Chicago, IL airport is $5,595 per person; and $5,295 from NYC. Land‐only cost is $4,295 per person. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees of $701, which are subject to change until final payment is made. A non‐refundable deposit of $750 per person is required with your signed application. Final payment in full is due on or before January 16, 2014. The single supplement is $1,195 per person. Tour costs, which are based on current exchange rates and a minimum group size of 20 participants, are subject to change.
Upon reservation you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
Luggage: Only one carry‐on and one checked bag per person is accepted on tour.
Documents: U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport for entry into France.
Cost of Tour Includes: Round‐trip airfare; 13 nights' accommodations in Superior First Class, First Class, and unrated hotels; 24 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunch, 9 dinners; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Services of a private Tour Director; Private motor coach transportation; Luggage handling for 1 bag per person; Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
Cost of Tour DOES NOT Include: Roundtrip airfare from any departure point other than those listed herein or when purchasing a land‐only package; costs of passports, visas; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals and beverages not specified; airline baggage fees; communication charges; airline transfers when purchasing a land‐only package; gratuities to your Tour Director (suggested gratuities: $10‐$15 per traveler, per day) , which are at your discretion; optional sightseeing; and travel protection insurance.
Cancellations: All deposits are non‐refundable. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Cancellations received 95 days or more from the date of departure will be subject to a $300 processing fee plus any and all additional charges dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. Cancellations received at or within 94 days of departure are subject to the following schedule of cancellation fees: 94‐65 days prior to departure ‐ 65% of the tour cost per person; 64‐30 days prior to departure ‐ 85% of the tour cost per person; 29 days or less prior to departure – 100% of the tour cost per person. If a guest makes any changes within 94 and 30 days prior to departure to either their departure city and/or the optional post‐tour extension, a $150 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties will apply. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.
Travel Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Compare and purchase insurance at www.squaremouth.com
Medical Conditions: If you or a member of your party suffers from any physical challenge or medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of traveling abroad and make this known to us before you book. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants, but are not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants and other independent suppliers.
Smoking: Smoking is NOT permitted in the hotels, on motor coaches, or other modes of transport used by the group.
Responsibility‐Tour Participation Contract – IMPORTANT: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU does not provide travel services or act as the agent of any provider of travel services. The liability of Florida Gulf Coast University, as a sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as a tour operator, is strictly limited. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is not responsible or liable for any of the services provided for/by Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. or any other travel agency, or for any of the services of hotels, motor coaches, trains, vessels, aircrafts or other forms of transportation that may be used in connection with the tour. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under its control. All arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express condition that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant, tour operator/supplier, ground handler, etc., including their employees, agents, servants or representatives, who is to or does supply any goods or services to the tour. Without limiting the foregoing, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, quarantine, criminal activity, the defect of any vehicle or for any other cause beyond their control. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour or to substitute similar quality hotels or airlines without prior notice. If the tour is cancelled by The Renaissance Academy of FGCU for any reason, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participant deposits received by them, net of any and all expenses due to suppliers and the airline refund policies. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, in its sole discretion, may increase the tour price in the event costs increase. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU may decline to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any time. Airline tickets may be sold in conjunction with the services of any airline. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers, cruise line, and other independent suppliers when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of or changes to this tour. The parties agree that Ft. Myers (Lee County) in the state of Florida shall be the venue for any disputes arising out of this tour. A signed FGCU General Release and Waiver Agreement is required from each participant prior to departure.
Important Note: When you purchase “Provincial French Countryside & Paris” as a “land only” package, airport transfers and luggage handling at the arrival and departure airports at the beginning and end of the tour are not included. However, should you be at the arrival airport and departure hotel concurrent with the group of arriving Odysseys Unlimited travelers, you are welcome to transfer with the group at no charge, providing additional seating is available. However, please note that the motor coach cannot wait for you; you must be aboard when the coach is leaving. Business Class upgrades apply ONLY to the trans‐Atlantic portion of your itinerary. Domestic U.S. flights are not included.