Gastronomic TOUR OF FRANCE VIEWBOOK
Your 8 Day Culinary Adventure Itinerary Your questions answered!
Founded in 1974 as The Restaurant School
Meet the renowned Chefs leading the tour!
“La bonne cuisine est la base du véritable bonheur.” - Auguste Escoffier
PC: www.amygoesabroad.wordpress.com/2011/08/22
In English:
“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”
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Rester, c’est exister, mais voyager, c’est vivre. To stay is to exist, but to travel is to live.
- Gustave Naduad
For those who have never been to Paris, it is an experience that is a sensory explosion. The sights, sounds, and excitement abound. For those visiting Paris again, it is like a wise, old friend. It’s another chance to walk the magnificent boulevards and twist down some side streets to discover unique surprises!
LEARN
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Over 30 years ago, I had an idea to bring all of our culinary and pastry students to France for a week of gastronomy and inspiration. The experience is truly life-changing. Our students travel through Champagne, Burgundy, and Paris and meet chefs, wine-makers, and food artisans. For example, a vineyard becomes a classroom and the wine-maker is the teacher. The same holds true for charming restaurants, markets, and farms, where we meet the real French who are committed to their craft. The result of this initial idea is our Gastronomic Tour of France: a weeklong immersion into food and wine in charming villages and the bucolic French countryside. Today, after hosting over 6,000 students on this amazing journey, we can say that this experience has become the centerpiece of successful culinary and pastry careers. We have decided to share this experience with you! Now, you have the rare and exclusive opportunity not only to experience the gastronomic wonders of France, but to do so with two very special French chefs. My co-hosts will be internationally renowned Chef Georges Perrier and baking and culinary sensation, Chef Esther McManus. If you are a high school educator, chef, restaurateur, hospitality professional, or a truly avid foodie, I guarantee you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. Join us!
Daniel Liberatoscioli
WHC Students in France
ABOUT WALNUT HILL COLLEGE Founded in 1974 as The Restaurant School, Walnut Hill College is one of Philadelphia’s first colleges to focus on excellence in hospitality education. We prepare our students for the real world by combining classroom teaching with hands-on training in our award-winning restaurants, which are open to the public. Of course, the training we offer doesn’t just happen on campus. Our students live and learn in the heart of University City, Philadelphia, home to one of the largest student populations in America. With a bustling environment of restaurants and hotels right in our backyard, our students have incredible access to top-notch internships and jobs.
And well beyond Philadelphia, our students go on tuition-paid travel adventures around the world! Hospitality tours of France and England and a cruise and resort tour of Florida & the Bahamas are the highlight of our programs. By studying the industry both locally and globally, students from Walnut Hill College can expand their knowledge and thrive wherever their careers take them. We are not your typical college or university. Walnut Hill College is an accredited, independent, degree-granting institution centered on luxury hospitality education. We thrive in our boutique environment, which allows our students to flourish and get to know their faculty and classmates well.
4207 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 www.WalnutHillCollege.edu 215.222.4200
TRAVEL WITH EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS AND ENJOY A VOYAGE OF GASTRONOMY TO FRANCE!
PC: Kory Aversa
A RARE AND EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL WITH TWO RENOWNED CHEFS! Join Walnut Hill College’s President, Daniel Liberatoscioli, and its Director of High School Ambassadorship, Joanna Smyth Lupo, on a weeklong gastronomic voyage to Paris, Champagne, and Burgundy. President Liberatoscioli created this tour for his students in 1986, making The Restaurant School the only college in the United States to offer such an experience that was and still is included in the tuition. Nearly 6,000 students have traveled with us to France, creating a lifetime of memories and career-enhancing experiences. Georges Perrier has been called the greatest chef in the United States and is considered one of the best in the world. He led his eponymous restaurant, Le Bec Fin, for 42 years, putting Philadelphia at the center of the world’s culinary map. He has served heads of state and celebrities, who flocked to Le Bec Fin from around the
Eater - Documenting the Madness of Philadelphia’s “King Georges” - May 2016
world. The restaurant had been rated America’s finest French restaurant, and the Mobil Travel Guide traditionally awarded it five stars. Esther McManus is a culinary genius. Her passionate and engaging style has earned her awards as one of the best in her field. When Julia Child decided to write a tome on baking, it was Esther McManus who was summoned. “Baking with Julia” became a PBS hit and a best-selling book, and the teaming of Julia Child and Esther McManus lovingly preparing perfect croissants captured the charm and sincerity for which Chef McManus is known. Now in history, print, and film it is a convergence of two culinary stars inspiring cooks and chefs everywhere. These two culinary masters will present France and its gastronomy and wines for this very special week.
Croissants with Esther McManus (Baking with Julia Child) - YouTube
JOIN
“12 Most Amazing Fine Dining Dishes” - Elite Traveler Credit: Francesco Tonelli. “Marjoram Roasted Rack with Morel Panna Cotta and Fava Beans”
I F YO U E N J OY CU I S I N E , W I N E , C H A M PAG N E , T H E C U L I N A R Y A R T S , A N D F R E N C H C U LT U R E , T H I S AMAZING WEEK IS FOR YOU! For the lucky few who have the opportunity to join us, get ready to eat...and taste, and sip, and marvel at the culture that has embraced gastronomy! You will meet chefs, food artisans, farmers, wine-makers, and the real French, who are proud and delighted to share their passion with you.
Travel in style! Our deluxe motor coach will take us through the bucolic vineyards of Champagne, the picturesque villages of Burgundy, and the City of Lights, Paris! On board, as we drive from farms to restaurants and from villages to sites, there will be lively commentary by our special guests and hosts. You will sip champagne and wine and nibble on local specialties and sweets. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing scenery.
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The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. - St. Augustine
LEARN WHAT OUR STUDENTS LEARN, TASTE WHAT OUR STUDENTS TASTE, AND FEEL HOW OUR STUDENTS FEEL!
Great mornings, exclusive visits, sightseeing, and special dinners! Start your day with a steaming CafĂŠ au Lait and crisp, buttery croissants. Each day will bring new adventures. There are typically two visits in the morning, free time for lunch, and shopping and sightseeing on your own, followed by a great dinner. Some of our visits are actually to the family farms of French food artisans. And there is plenty of time for you to customize the week during the ample free time in each town and Paris. This very special educational vacation is for the avid food and wine lover. Gastronomy is our main focus. You will experience firsthand exactly what our students enjoy. The vineyards, farms, and restaurants of France will become your classroom!
Meet the French, full of passion! You will be up close and personal with chefs, farmers, food artisans, and the real French, who are full of passion. There is no better way to learn than from these experts, who will welcome you, in many cases, to their family homes and farms.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE DAY 1 - Sunday, July 2 You have the option to travel to France on your own and meet the college team at Charles de Gaulle Roissy Airport in Paris or to travel with Joanna Smyth Lupo from the college campus to NYC for our overnight flight directly into Paris.
DAY 2 - Monday, July 3 Mid-afternoon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Roissy Airport. Immediate transfer by deluxe motor coach to our first hotel in the Champagne region. We will make a rest stop along the route. The evening there will include a casual welcome reception.
DAY 3 - Tuesday, July 4 After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Brunot family to learn about champagne. We then visit the Abbaye of Hautvillers. Then we go to the city of Reims for an afternoon of free time, shopping, sightseeing, and lunch on your own. We then visit a local supermarket. Dinner this evening is at La Cave a Champagne in the charming town of Epernay.
DAY 4 - Wednesday, July 5 After breakfast, we travel further south in the Champagne region to the city of Troyes for a mid-morning and early afternoon of free time, shopping, sightseeing, and lunch on your own. We then travel further south into Burgundy. We visit the medieval town of Beaune for a wine tasting at Bouchard. Then you will have some free time to discover Beaune. Dinner this evening is at Le Carmin. Then we will have a late-night check-in at the Hotel Novotel Beaune.
DAY 5 - Thursday, July 6 After breakfast, we visit the factory of Vedrenne Cassis to learn how black currant liquor is made. Afterward, we visit the Chateau de Close du Vougeot. Then we head to Dijon for an afternoon of free time, shopping, sightseeing, and lunch on your own. Dinner this evening is a fun and lively experience at La Cremaillere with winemaker Michel Prunier in the tiny Burgundian village of Auxey-Duress.
DAY 6 - Friday, July 7 After breakfast, we travel north to Burgundy. We visit the farm of the Lapree family to learn about foie gras and their duck specialties. We then visit the town of Auxerre for an afternoon of free time, shopping, sightseeing, and lunch on your own. We then travel to the countryside again for a visit to the farm of the Gillot family to learn about artisan cheesemaking. We then check into our hotel just outside of Auxerre to freshen up for a wonderful dinner at Le Bourgogne with Chef Eric Gallet.
DAY 7 - Saturday, July 8 After breakfast, we travel to Paris! We will start our day with a quick visit to Dehillerin, one of the oldest cookware shops in Paris. You will be in the Les Halles area of Paris, which is wonderfully situated for your day of free time, shopping, sightseeing, and lunch and dinner on your own. While you are enjoying Paris on your own, we will take your luggage to our hotel. You may check into your hotel anytime you wish. Paris is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Our team will have lots of suggestions for you and will assist you to plan in advance of your trip. Your will receive our Paris suggestions before you depart for this amazing voyage.
DAY 8 - Sunday, July 9 After breakfast at our hotel, Paris is yours again for a morning and mid-afternoon of discovery on your own. For those traveling back to the United States with the college team, we will meet back at our hotel for our transfer to Charles de Gaulle Roissy Airport to take an evening flight to NYC. Then our motor coach will return us to the Walnut Hill College campus.
After we arrive at Charles de Gaulle Roissy Airport, our deluxe motor coach will take us directly to the Champagne region. You will enjoy a casual welcome reception at the hotel and then a restful night to prepare for the busy and exciting week. The next morning, you will start with breakfast a la Francaise. We then visit the tiny home and vineyards of the Brunot family. They produce only 25,000 bottles of champagne per year – all by hand. You will learn the Methode Champanoise and enjoy a sparkling tasting. We then visit the village of Hautvillers, where the famed monk Dom Perignon is buried. Then we visit the beautiful city of Reims for an afternoon of free time, shopping, and sightseeing. You will not want to miss the magnificent Cathedral of Reims, built over 800 years ago and the site of the coronation of
all the kings of France. Reims is steeped in champagne, so be sure to sip a coupe from a local producer at one of the many cafés. It’s now time for a little shopping, just like the French do – at a hyper marche, a fascinating supermarket to ogle and perhaps purchase food and wine specialties at great prices. Dinner tonight is with Chef Bernard Ocio at La Cave a Champagne in Epernay. We will enjoy classic French cuisine literally steeped in champagne. This lively evening includes a surprise!
Seven days of food, wine, culture, and fun in France!
Croissants with Esther McManus (Baking with Julia Child) - YouTube
On to the next full day... After breakfast, we begin our travels south into the Burgundy region. We stop in the city of Troyes, the southern-most city in the Champagne region, for sightseeing, shopping, and lunch. Our motor coach then brings us into breathtaking Burgundy. There might be a sip and nibble while we drive through the tiny villages. We arrive in the medieval town of Beaune, world renowned for wine. We will enjoy a tour and tasting of fantastic red and white burgundies at Bouchard Winery. You will then have some free time to explore the quaint shops and winding streets of Beaune. Dinner will bring us to Le Carmin for traditional Burgundian flavors presented in a modern style.
Afterward, we will have a late-night check-in at the Hotel Novotel Beaune for our first restful night in Burgundy.
ABOUT TROYES Troyes is a town in the Champagne-Ardenne region of northeastern France. Its medieval old town features narrow, cobbled streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses, mostly dating from the 16th century. The town is home to several Gothic churches with striking stainedglass windows. These include the Troyes Cathedral, the Église Sainte-Madeleine and the Basilique Saint-Urbain. In medieval times Troyes was an important international trade centre, centring on the Troyes Fair. The name troy weight for gold derives from the standard of measurement evolving here. - Wikipedia 2017
Croissants with Esther McManus (Baking with Julia Child) - YouTube
A S A LW AYS , T H E R E W I L L B E TA ST I N G S . T H E R E A R E A LW AYS TA ST I N G S !
As the sun rises, we begin this busy day with breakfast, followed by a tour of Vedrenne Cassis outside of the tiny village of Nuits-St.Georges. You will learn how Cassis, the black currant liqueur, is made. You will also hear about the aging of the famous brandies of Burgundy, Marc and Fine. As always, there will be a tasting. There are always tastings! Wait until you smell the liqueurs and brandies. They are almost like perfumes! We then visit the famous Chateau de Clos du Vougeot. This former monastery is now a museum, with huge wine presses that were hand carved by monks in the 12th and 15th centuries. This is one of our students’ favorite visits.
Now on to the classic Burgundian town of Dijon for an afternoon of free time, shopping, and sightseeing. Of course, while in Dijon do not miss the mustards, black currant candies, and pain d’epices/spice bread, all local specialties. We have suggestions for lunch at some great restaurants. As always, consider us your “on-board concierges” for any assistance you need.
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“PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO EAT A R E A L W A Y S T H E B E S T P E O P L E .” - Julia Child
Tonight’s dinner is truly fun. You will be treated to an evening of hearty country cooking, great Burgundy wines, and a few songs! We are hosted by Chef Philippe Santailler at La Cremaillere, a casual restaurant in the tiny village of Auxey-Duress.
We will enjoy some great wines, and the best news is that the winemaker, Michel Prunier, will be our co-host, leading us through the tasting. This lively evening is video worthy!
Kyle O’Neil Restaurant Management Bachelor of Science Degree, 2014 Vetri, Philadelphia
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After breakfast the next day, we pack our luggage and board our motor coach for a picturesque drive further north in Burgundy. Our first stop is at the home and farm of the Lapree family. They raise sheep and ducks. They create wonderful duck specialties, most notably foie gras. Wait until you taste the foie gras with a glass of wine in your hand, overlooking the farmlands of Mont St. Jean. The experience is a gastronomic poem! We then visit the town of Auxerre with its many Tudorstyle buildings and colorful roof tiles. You will love this charming town for its boutiques and cafÊ. You’ll stroll along the Yonee River and perhaps enjoy a glass of chilled Chablis and a wonderful saucisson.
We then travel to the countryside again to visit the home and farm of the Gillot family, artisan cheesemakers. You will learn every step of the process, starting by meeting the cows in the barn, then visiting the milking area and the cheese lab for a demonstration. The visit will end with a tasting of their wonderful cheese with great bread and wine. You will never eat cheese the same way again! We check into our hotel and give you a chance to freshen up for what will be a fantastic dinner. Tonight we dine at Le Bourgogne with cuisine created by Chef Eric Gallet. He and his team will present the best of Burgundy on your plates and in your wine glasses.
Get some rest tonight, because tomorrow you are going to Paris!
Croissants with Esther McManus (Baking with Julia Child) - YouTube
In the morning, pack your luggage and enjoy a hearty breakfast before our drive to Paris.
For those who have never been to Paris, it is an experience that is a sensory explosion. The sights, sounds, and excitement abound. For those visiting Paris again, it is like a wise, old friend. It’s another chance to walk the magnificent boulevards and twist down some side streets to discover unique surprises. We start our day in the Les Halles area with a quick stop at Dehillerin, one of the oldest cookware shops in Paris. You are then free to discover the city on your own.
Your choices are endless: renowned museums, sightseeing, grand department stores, fashion boutiques, food emporiums, cafĂŠs, restaurants, and, if you desire, some of the most important Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. We have lots of ideas for you, so tell us what you like in the areas of art, shopping, culture, fashion, and cuisine, and we will offer great tips.
“ I L O V E P A R I S W H E N I T S I Z Z L E S .” - Cole Porter TRAVEL TIP The Metro is easy to navigate and is marked by Hector Guimard’s Art Nouveau designs. Just be sure to lift the lever on the door if you want to enter or exit -- they don’t open automatically. And never throw out your ticket. You’ll likely buy a carnet of 10 reallyeasy-to-lose tickets. Controllers do periodic checks for these, and if you’re caught without, you’ll have to pay a big fine! - Thrillist
Paris is a city of neighborhoods called arrondissments. You should have sufficient time to discover one or two of them. We will rendezvous at the Eiffel Tower later that evening. After an overnight stay at our hotel, we go back to the center of Paris for a second bonus day of more sightseeing, shopping, dining, and exploring. This voyage promises to offer a lifetime of memories and inspiration! For the fortunate few who will see France though the eyes of Chefs Georges Perrier and Esther McManus, you will have a newfound passion for the culture, gastronomy, and hospitality of a country that has elevated those experiences to true art.
INVEST
PRICING + INFORMATION The tour includes deluxe motor coach services while in France, amenities on the coach, hotels for six nights, breakfast each day at the hotels, special dinners for five of the nights, tours, and tastings. Your special pricing is only $2,295 per person. Single supplement is $400.
ASK ABOUT OUR EDUCATOR DISCOUNTS!
The tour does not include round trip airfare, lunches, and expenses of a personal nature. Norwegian Air now flies from JFK directly to Paris with very special rates. Currently, our reserved rate is $850 per person, which is ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL 15, 2017. You certainly have the option to extend your trip with a few extra days in Paris before or after our travel dates.
Our tour starts on Monday, July 3 at Charles De Gaulle Roissy Airport in the afternoon. The tour ends on Sunday, July 9 in the evening with a drop off at Charles De Gaulle Roissy Airport.
For additional information, please email: Mrs. Joanna Smyth Lupo Director of High School Ambassadorship JSmythLupo@walnuthillcollege.edu
FLIGHT DETAILS If you are traveling with us and purchasing your airfare through the college, please see below for your flight information. If you would like to book your airfare through the college, the deadline to reserve AND pay in full for the flight is APRIL 15, 2017. If you do not book by this date, the reserved seats will be released.
NORWEGIAN AIR $850 per person Roundtrip Airfare Non-stop Inclusive of Baggage Fare 2 Meals Provided Onboard
THIS INFORMATION IS ONLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE PURCHASING AIRFARE DIRECTLY THROUGH WALNUT HILL COLLEGE!
NORWEGIAN AIR Sunday, July 2, 2017 RETURN Sunday, July 9, 2017 DEPART
FLIGHT NUMBER
TIME
DY 7020 DY 7019
10:25 PM - 11:25 AM 6:16 PM - 8:30 PM
JFK - CDG CDG - JFK
*Please note that flight times are subject to change. We will notify you in case of any changes.
Transportation to and from John F. Kennedy Airport is available. Please email us for full details.
Mrs. Joanna Smyth Lupo Director of High School Ambassadorship JSmythLupo@walnuthillcollege.edu
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S WHO ARE WALNUT HILL COLLEGE GASTRONOMIC TRAVELERS? WHC Gastronomic Travelers are travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten path and immerse themselves in a food and wine driven vacation! This trip is designed for avid foodies, chefs, pastry chefs and hospitality professionals as well as culinary, baking and family consumer science teachers who are passionate about expanding their knowledge of food and wine.
I AM TRAVELING ALONE. IS THAT OK? Absolutely! Some of our travelers will join because they want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER IS CONSIDERING ATTENDING, BUT THEY ARE NOT REALLY A “FOODIE.” WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST? Since every stop along this tour is about food and wine, we ask them to truly consider whether this trip will be meaningful for them. We know that to get the most out of this trip, our travelers will want to be focused on and committed to participating in the food and wine discoveries that we will make along the way. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY TRIP? Good things come in small packages, which is why we will keep our group size small. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. Our vision is to travel with a group of 18-24 people. ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS ON YOUR TRIP? Due to the nature of our trip, travelers must be 18 years old or older to participate.
WHO WILL BE MY GROUP LEADER? This special week is being coordinated by Daniel Liberatoscioli, President of Walnut Hill College. He first conceived this gastronomic tour of France for his students in 1986. Since then, the college has hosted almost 6,000 students on this fascinating food and wine week. There will be two very special guest French chefs as cohosts: Georges Perrier, renowned chef and owner of Le Bec Fin, and Esther McManus, chef consultant and cohost of this tour for over two decades. Our Director of High School Ambassadorship, Joanna Smyth Lupo, will also join the group. CAN I ADD AN EXTRA NIGHT TO MY GROUP TRIP? You sure can! Feel free to add a few days before or after our week together. You will need to schedule your own flight, ground transportation, hotels and the like. CAN I OPT OUT OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES IF I WANT TO? Absolutely. If there are included or optional activities that you don’t wish to participate in, you can do your own thing instead. Be aware that on the days that we are transferring from one town to another, you will need to travel with the group. Please note that if you choose to opt out of an included activity, no reimbursement can be made by WHC. CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE GROUP ITINERARY? Please make sure you are happy with your group trip itinerary before booking, because we are unable to make changes to our schedule. DO I GET ANY FREE TIME? There will be free time every day. Lunch will be on your own, and you will have several hours in the afternoon to explore each town on your own. You will receive a fullcolor, detailed notebook with the full itinerary as well as suggestions for free time each day in each town. WHAT IF I ARRIVE LATE AND MISS PART OF THE TRIP? If you know in advance that you will be arriving late, please let our travel coordinator know. He will leave
instructions with the hotel reception as to where to meet your group that night or the following morning. If you plan to arrive a day or two into the itinerary (and our group has moved to a different destination), it will be your responsibility to catch up with the group. If this happens, we will provide you with the most up-to-date information as to where your group will be and at approximately what time. If you are late due to unforeseen circumstances or flight delays, please call the emergency contact number located in your itinerary guide book. WHC cannot reimburse you for any unused portion of the trip. CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY DURING THE TOUR? Each morning, there is a breakfast buffet at the hotel that is included in the tour. Then, depending on the day, there will be one or two visits in the morning, such as Champagne, wine, cheese, foie gras, black currant liquor, and the Chateau de Clos du Vougeot. Lunch is on your own. You will have the afternoon to discover the town that we are visiting. During four of the evenings, your tour guides will host a dinner. THE DAYS SOUND BUSY AND FULL. They are! Generally, we depart each morning at approximately 8:00 a.m. and do not return to the hotel until 10:30 p.m. HOW MANY HOTELS WILL WE STAY IN? Four. In Reims for two nights, Beaune for two nights, Auxerre for one night, and Paris for one night. IF I AM TRAVELING SOLO, WILL I BE CHARGED A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT? As a solo traveler, you will have the choice of either paying a single supplement of $400.00 or possibly sharing a room with someone of the same gender.
CAN I BOOK A SINGLE ROOM? Yes, we can accommodate this request. As mentioned above, there will be an additional cost of $400.00. WHAT TYPE OF LUGGAGE DO YOU RECOMMEND I TAKE? On this trip, you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes upstairs and on and off transport. We therefore recommend you bring along easily transported (on wheels) light-weight luggage (maximum of one carry-on bag and one piece of checked luggage). IS THE TRIP GOING TO BE PHYSICALLY DEMANDING? Be prepared for a lot of walking! Our recommendation is to bring a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. There will be many scheduled breaks and moments of leisure, but we suspect that the best part of this trip is walking and discovering what France has to offer. I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS. WILL I BE ACCOMMODATED? We will try our best to provide all dietary requirements but, at some venues, this may be more difficult to guarantee. We will attempt to look ahead in our itinerary and accommodate as best as possible. Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies, and we’ll pass this information along to our tour leaders. It may be a good idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in French for those times you are eating away from the group. WHAT IF I GET ILL OR INJURED ON THE TRIP AND AM UNABLE TO CONTINUE? If you must leave the trip early due to illness, your tour leader will assist you to find appropriate medical care. We recommend you bring your health insurance information with you. As well, you might want to consider traveler’s insurance. WILL REFRIGERATION BE AVAILABLE FOR MEDICINES? (i.e. INSULIN) Availability of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, many of our city hotels provide access to small fridges. However, outside of the city, we may not be able to rely on access to refrigeration. Please be sure
to advise WHC if you are traveling with medication that requires refrigeration. WHAT WILL THE FOOD BE LIKE ON MY TRIP? A buffet breakfast every morning at each hotel is included in the trip. The buffet includes coffee/tea, juice, fruit, cheese, yogurt, bread, croissants, and sometimes eggs and cereals. Lunch is on your own. There are four scheduled dinners. One is a three-course traditional French dinner, one is a three-course casual French dinner, and two are modern French dinners that will also feature a cheese course. Dinners on the first and last night are on your own. WHAT FOODSTUFFS CAN AND CANNOT BE PURCHASED AND TAKEN ON THE PLANE BACK HOME? As a general rule of thumb, if an item needs to be refrigerated, it is not permitted back into the USA. You will want to review US custom laws for specific questions: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/list/search/1/kw/cured%20 meats/suggested/1
TRAVEL TIP: USING SMARTPHONES! When wifi is available, smartphones can be extremely useful for pulling up maps, using skype to make long-distance calls, or checking museum schedules, among other things. The majority of France: homestyle apartments in Paris are now equipped with Wi-Fi. Be aware that international data roaming is prohibitively expensive and you should be very careful about using your device to make calls or browse the internet. The safest way to go is to switch off data roaming and put your phone in airplane mode as soon as you leave the US. Switching to an international plan will lower your per-minute charges, but they may still be pricey. Contact your provider before you leave to inquire about their specific packages and verify that your phone is unlocked, equipped with GSM and “tri-band,” or compatible with European bandwidth. Then you can switch out the SIM card for a local European SIM card that will allow you to make calls at local rates. Just remember that friends and family who call you will be paying higher international rates. Offline apps such as Paris guide and Metro navigator are effective tools and you won’t run the risk of overspending. Basic cell phones are inexpensive (around €30) in France. You may purchase a SIM card locally at a newsstand, mobile phone store, or large stores with electronics departments such as FNAC and Darty. - Francehomestyle.com
HOW SAFE ARE MY BELONGINGS WHILE ON THE TRIP?
WHAT ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
Travel with “street smarts”
You should keep your passport with you at all times in a safe, inconspicuous place. Also, bring a secondary form of a photo ID, your health insurance information, travel insurance if you decide to purchase it, and any important medical information such as a list of medications. You will receive a full-color, detailed itinerary notebook as well as a “pocket itinerary.” We highly recommend that you place the pocket itinerary in your wallet and keep it there throughout the week.
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Keep your cash, credit cards, and passports with you at all times. Do not carry unnecessary amounts of cash with you. Credit cards can be used everywhere in France, with VISA and MasterCard being the most widely accepted, followed by American Express. ATM machines are available everywhere and will dispense Euros. Your bank will charge a fee. You can select “English” on the ATM machine. Tourists brandishing 100 Euro notes (let alone anything bigger than that) can attract attention. Be extra careful with expensive jewelry and the like, especially in Paris. We recommend that you always keep your cell phone with you. Contact your cell phone service provider to establish international dialing options as well as a data plan.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARRY MONEY? ATM machines are available everywhere. When you insert your bank card, you will able to select English instructions. The ATM will dispense Euros. Your bank will charge a fee. We advise against traveling with large amounts of cash. Perhaps visit the ATM three times during the week. DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? There are many options for travel insurance. Some plans will cover the cancellation of a trip, while others are designed to assist you with unforeseen medical expenses not covered by your health insurance. Review your needs carefully, talk with your health insurance company, and make the best personal choice for you.
WHAT TYPE OF GROUND TRANSPORTATION IS USED? We will travel in a deluxe motor coach with all passengers seated above the luggage storage area, making sightseeing fantastic. Our driver is an experienced European travel expert. While on board, you will enjoy commentary from our hosts, President Liberatoscioli, Chef Georges Perrier, and Chef Esther McManus. During various drives, you will be treated to snacks of local specialties. DO WE TIP THE TOUR DRIVER? At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your tour driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in Euros the equivalent of $3.00 per person per day. Tips can only be paid in cash. I AM CONCERNED WITH THE POLITICAL STABILITY OF FRANCE. The safety of our passengers, leaders, and operators is a major priority for WHC. With this in mind, we monitor world events very closely and WHC makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources, in particular the United States Department of State’s travel advisories.
DIDN’T SEE YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED? No problem! Just email our Tour Group Leader: jsmythlupo@walnuthillcollege.edu
RESERVE
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RESERVATION PAYMENT Kindly enclose $250.00 (by check or money order only) per person to reserve your place on the tour. Please remit payment in enclosed envelope and sign application below to confirm this information. You can also reserve online with a credit card at store.walnuthillcollege.edu under the TOUR OF FRANCE option.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS All reservation services provided by and travel services coordinated by Walnut Hill College (WHC) are governed by and subject to these Terms and Conditions. By booking a reservation online using our website at www.WalnutHillCollege.edu (our “Website”) or through one of our representatives, or by making payment for a reservation made by you or on your behalf, you have agreed to and accepted these Terms and Conditions. THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS: WHC is only responsible for reserving the items listed in the reservation details. The third-party suppliers providing transportation, accommodations, sightseeing arrangements, tours, excursions and other components of your trip (collectively, “Suppliers”) are independent contractors and are not agents, affiliates, representatives or employees of WHC, or any of its subsidiaries. WHC has no ownership interest in any Supplier. Any use of the WHC name by a Supplier is for identification purposes only and does not constitute ownership, agency, supervision or control by WHC. All documentation, receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the Supplier. OTHER TRAVELERS OR CONTACTS: If you book services for other travelers, you must make sure that you have the right to do so. You must obtain the consent of other individuals who may accompany you prior to providing their names, as they may be unable to view or change any information you provide on their behalf. By providing the personal information of another traveler or third party, you represent that you have all necessary authority or have obtained all necessary consents from such person to enable us to collect, use, and disclose his or her personal information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT: Walnut Hill College accepts payment by personal check or by electronic check (ACH), credit and debit cards issued on the following: American Express, Visa, Mastercard or Discover. A deposit of $250 per person for land plus the cost of airfare must be paid by the deposit due date specified on the traveler invoice. Airfare is $830.30 Inclusive of taxes and fees until April 1, 2017 at which time unpurchased group tickets will be cancelled and airfare will be subject to change. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. If payment is not received by the due date, all components of the booking will be cancelled without a refund. Please remember that it is the obligation of the agent of record for a reservation to obtain a credit card imprint, proper authorization and a signature from the cardholder. WHC is not liable for chargebacks due to non-payment in cases where the agent of record did not obtain these forms of authorization. WHC is not responsible for any penalties, fare increases or fees incurred due to any late payments, all of which must be paid by the traveler. Any other person or entity (including a travel agent) who receives monies from individual travelers does so strictly as an agent of such travelers. LAST-MINUTE RESERVATIONS: Reservations are accepted up to 3 days prior to scheduled departure and subject to availability. Any reservations made 14 days or less prior to departure will require payment of a $25.00 special handling fee. RATES: All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted. Rates are subject to change at any time, without notice. WHC reserves the right to make adjustments if a particular rate was incorrectly stated. WHC can guarantee rates only for reservations paid in full; therefore, it is recommended that full payment be made at time of booking. Airline tickets must be paid and issued to avoid rate increases, fuel surcharges and cancellation of airline reservations. Government and Supplier-imposed taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time, must be paid by the traveler and are not the responsibility of WHC. QUOTED RATES DO NOT INCLUDE: Airline baggage charges, seat assignment fees or other ancillary fees, passport and visa fees, some departure taxes, gratuities, meals, beverages, resort fees, hotel energy surcharges, parking and valet fees, insurance, telephone calls, additional bedding charges, laundry service, and other miscellaneous charges of a personal nature are not included in our quoted fees, except where specifically noted. REVISIONS AND CANCELLATIONS: Any revisions, changes or cancellations made to a reservation are subject to a fee of up to $50 per person, in addition to any other Supplier charges and penalties. Most airlines consider a name change to be a cancellation. No refunds will be granted on unused or partially used services once travel has commenced. Depending on the nature of the revision/cancellation, travelers will need to provide appropriate documentation in order to request any refund. NO SHOWS: Failure to travel without prior notification is considered a no-show. No show penalties can be up to the entire cost of reservation and are subject to policies and procedures of the travel Suppliers. TRAVELER IDENTIFICATION AND PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all airline passengers to provide the following Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD): • Full Name as it Appears on Government-Issued I.D. • Date of Birth • Gender • Redress Number (If Available) The name of the traveler on all reservations and travel documents must be an exact match to the photo ID of such person that will be used during travel. The traveler is responsible for all fees and expenses that may be incurred due to an incorrect name, or to the denial of travel due to an incorrect name. Updated information regarding security measures and requirements for air travel are available at www.tsa.gov. It is highly recommended that travelers check this website prior to travel to their scheduled destination. All US citizens traveling to or from any international destination via airline transportation must have a valid passport which must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the return travel date. It is the traveler’s responsibility to verify current entry requirements and obtain the necessary travel documentation based on the country of origin, destination and any countries in which a stop is scheduled. Minors 17 and under traveling alone or with a single parent may be required to have additional documentation on international flights. No refund will be issued for losses incurred as a result of failure to obtain or provide required valid documentation. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Travel documents will be issued 30 days prior to departure once full payment is received. A document reissue fee of $25 per booking plus any Supplier penalties will be charged for the replacement of lost documents. AIR TRANSPORTATION & BAGGAGE FEES: WHC has no control over and assumes no liability for airline strikes, schedule changes, flight delays, flight cancellations or other airline initiated changes. In the event of such an occurrence, the airline is responsible and will determine what action will be taken. Baggage checked or carried on board an aircraft, vessel or vehicle are subject to fees based on weight, number and size. Many airlines have implemented a policy for charging for checked and/ or carry-on baggage. These charges are payable directly to the carrier. Please contact your airline for exact details. WHC is not responsible or liable for any delay, loss or damage to baggage and personal property. ACCOMMODATIONS: Facilities, guest services, amenities, hotel energy surcharges, resort fees and promotional offers are provided at the discretion of the hotel and are subject to change without notice. Any additional costs are the responsibility of the traveler and are payable directly to the hotel. Connecting rooms and bedding requests are not guaranteed and are based upon availability at time of check in. Hotel descriptions and photos do not necessarily depict the actual room in which guests will be accommodated; maps and images may not be exact or to scale, and are for general
description purposes only. Room standards are the sole responsibility of the hotel. Hotel ratings are based on information provided. PHYSICAL DISABILITIES: Travelers requiring special facilities, services or accommodations must disclose such needs to WHC at time of reservation. Wheelchair-accessible transportation and accommodations may be requested, but cannot be guaranteed, as accommodation standards vary by hotel and are not within the control of WHC. Your foreign destination may not conform to the United States’ Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and facilities for disabled persons may be extremely limited. WHC assumes no liability for the failure for the provision of accommodations by a travel vendor. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF WHC: No Liability for Suppliers or Providers NEITHER Walnut Hill College NOR ANY OF ITS PARENT, AFFILIATES, SUBSIDIARIES OR REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE OR BECOME LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY, AND EACH OF THEM HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR, ANY LOSS, COSTS, EXPENSE, INJURY, ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY RESULTING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM (I) THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF SUPPLIERS OR OTHER PROVIDERS OF GOODS OR SERVICES OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DELAYS OR CANCELLATION OF SERVICES, CESSATION OF OPERATIONS, BREAKDOWN IN MACHINERY OR EQUIPMENT, TECHNOLOGY PROBLEMS, OR CHANGES IN FARES, ITINERARIES OR SCHEDULES, AND/OR (II) ACTS OF GOD, FIRE, ACTS OF GOVERNMENT OR OTHER AUTHORITIES, WARS, ACTS OF TERRORISM, PIRACY, CIVIL UNREST, STRIKES, RIOTS, THEFTS, PILFERAGE, EPIDEMICS, QUARANTINES, OTHER DISEASE, CLIMATIC CONDITIONS, WEATHER, DANGERS INCIDENT TO ACTIVITIES OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND EXCLUSIVE GROUP TRAVEL’S CONTROL . WARRANTY DISCLAIMER ALL RESERVATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY WHC AND ALL TRAVEL ITINERARIES OR SERVICES OBTAINED BY YOU THROUGH WHC, WHETHER OBTAINED THROUGH OUR WEBSITE, THROUGH OUR REPRESENTATIVES OR OTHERWISE, ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS AND ARE SUBJECT TO ANY AND ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS, TARIFFS AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ANY AGREEMENT OR ARRANGEMENT WITH SUPPLIERS OR PROVIDERS. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EGT EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND SECURITY AND ACCURACY AND ALSO ALL WARRANTIES ARISING BY USAGE OF TRADE AND COURSE OF DEALING. EGT MAKES NO WARRANTY, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION THAT EGT’S WEBSITE OR SERVICES WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR WILL BE AVAILABLE ON AN UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE OR ERROR-FREE BASIS OR WILL BE UP-TO-DATE, COMPLETE, COMPREHENSIVE, ACCURATE OR APPLICABLE TO YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE OR THAT THE QUALITY OF ANY PRODUCT, ITINERARY, SERVICE, INFORMATION OR MATERIAL OBTAINED FROM OR THROUGH WHC’S WEBSITE OR SERVICES WILL MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS . LIMITATION ON DAMAGES YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER WHC NOR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, AFFILIATES, PARTNERS, SUPPLIERS OR PROVIDERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR: (A) ANY DAMAGES TO OR VIRUSES THAT MAY INFECT YOUR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT OR OTHER PROPERTY AS A RESULT OF YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF THE WHC WEBSITE, YOUR DOWNLOADING OF ANY CONTENT FROM THE WHC WEBSITE OR YOUR USE OF ANY WHC SERVICE; OR (B) ANY INJURY, DEATH, DAMAGE, LOSS, CLAIM, ACT OF GOD, ACCIDENT, DELAY OR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OR THEFT OF DATA OR RECORDS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF GOODWILL, LOST PROFITS AND LOST SAVINGS), WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER CONTRACT BETWEEN EGT AND YOU OR YOUR USE OF THE EGT WEBSITE, ANY WHC SERVICES OR THE PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE OR DELAY IN PERFORMANCE BY WHC OR ANY PARTNER, SUPPLIER OR PROVIDER, EVEN IF WHC HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGES ARISING FROM USE OF THE WHC WEBSITE OR WHC SERVICES OR FROM SUCH PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE. IF ANY ITINERARY OR PART THEREOF BOOKED THROUGH WHC IS CANCELLED BY WHC OR ANY SUPPLIER OR PROVIDER, WHC’S LIABILITY, IF ANY, RESULTING FROM SUCH CANCELLATION SHALL NOT EXCEED A REFUND OF THE AMOUNTS RECEIVED BY WHC FROM YOU FOR THE ITINERARY OR PART THEREOF CANCELLED. BAGGAGE AND OTHER PERSONAL BELONGINGS ARE THE TRAVELER’S RESPONSIBILITY OR THAT OF THE SUPPLIER OR PROVIDER, NOT WHC. WHC ADVISES THAT ALL TRAVELERS OBTAIN TRIP CANCELLATION AND LOST LUGGAGE INSURANCE. IF, DESPITE THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SET FORTH ABOVE, WHC OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, AFFILIATES, PARTNERS, SUPPLIERS OR PROVIDERS IS OR ARE FOUND TO BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO ANY OF THE OCCURRENCES DESCRIBED ABOVE, THEN, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE LIABILITY WILL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE TOTAL PACKAGE PRICE PAID TO WHC IN CONNECTION WITH THIS TRANSACTION OR (B) ONE-HUNDRED DOLLARS (US $100.00) OR THE EQUIVALENT OF LOCAL CURRENCY (THE “MAXIMUM LIABILITY”). Indemnity You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless WHC and its officers, directors, employees, representatives, affiliates, partners, Suppliers and providers from and against any claim, cause of action and/or demand, including, without limitation, costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’, accountants’ and expert fees incurred in connection with such claim, cause of action and/or demand, commenced by you for an amount in excess of the Maximum Liability or any claim, cause of action and/ or demand commenced by any third party arising from or relating to: (A) your breach of these Terms and Conditions or any other contract between WHC and you, including but not limited to, any applicable Group Sales Contract or our Website; (B) your negligence; (C) your violation of any law or the rights of a third party; (D) your use of our Website or (E) any other act or omission by you. CHOICE OF LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION: These Terms and Conditions constitute a legal and binding agreement (“Agreement”) between you and WHC, which is governed by the internal laws of the State of Pennsylvania, without regard to its choice of laws rules. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply to this Agreement, including these Terms and Conditions, nor shall it apply to your use of our Website or the Website Terms of Use. To the extent permitted by applicable law, you hereby consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the State and Federal courts located in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania for all claims and actions arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including these Terms and Conditions, or to your use of our website, including the Website Terms of Use. The prevailing party in such claim or action shall be entitled to recover all reasonable costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such claim or action. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE BOTH AGREE TO WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY FOR ALL SUCH ACTIONS AND CLAIMS AND THAT ALL SUCH CLAIMS OR ACTIONS WILL BE HANDLED AND RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION. These Terms and Conditions are subject to change at any time at WHC’s sole discretion without notice.
We hope to see you in Paris!
Walnut Hill College 4207 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 www.walnuthillcollege.edu 215.222.4200