Y FRANCE - Two's a Crowd

EXCLUSIVELYCHARTERED BYTWO’S A CROWD.YOUR OWN CABIN.

FRANCE14 DAY SOLO TOUR: NOVEMBER 2019

7TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION RIVER CRUISE

§ Exclusively for Solo Travellers § Your Own Room Always § Visit Amazing Destinations § Low or Zero Single Supplements

ITINERARY

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LEVEL 1: Minimum walking; excursion by bus with short photo stops.

LEVEL 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

LEVEL 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

LEVEL 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.

Some excursions involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces. The following classification system has been used to assist with identifying which excursions are appropriate for you. Please feel free to ask us for additional information as required.

• All times shown are a guide only. The schedule of individual excursions can vary; this is partly due to the volume of traffic in the cities, weather and the opening hours of facilities.

• We recommend sturdy shoes, comfortable clothes and an umbrella or waterproof jacket for excursions.

• When exploring on your own, please remember to return to the vessel in time for its departure. If you arrive after the scheduled departure time you will need to travel to the next port of call at your own expense. The scheduled all aboard time will be listed in the daily program.

• Itineraries are subject to change.

On all our excursions you’ll be provided with a wireless AMADEUS listening device. The comfortable headphones allow you to hear your experienced tour guide’s explanations with the very best acoustic quality. Enjoy complete freedom of movement, without missing any of the interesting commentary.

Two’s a Crowd will be 7 years old in 2019. We’ve spent the last 7 years helping solo travellers everywhere to spread their wings, travel to unique destinations all over the world and all in the company of like minded travellers. To celebrate and to say thank you for joining our family, we’ve organised a very special cruise through the heart of France. And you’re all invited! We’ve chartered an entire French River Cruise ship just for Two’s a Crowd solos in November 2019. We’ll discover historic Lyon, take tours of the majestic Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions, explore the 12th-century Cluny Abbey and hit the streets for city tours of Avignon, Arles, Viviers and Tournon as well as spending a spectacular day at Chateauneuf du Pape with a wine tour, tasting and lunch.And along the way we’ll take in some fantastic scenery as well as some of France’s finest history and culture, all while enjoying life on board.That’s 14 days of spectacular river cruising! No couples, no kids, just like minded, solo travellers enjoying an amazing 2 weeks on some of France’s most breathtaking waterways. With all meals, drinks with lunch and dinner and all shore excursions included, just unpack and enjoy your beautiful cruise through France.Will you join us?

EXCURSION INFORMATION

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Our last two cruises sold out fast. Book early to avoid

disappointment!

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14 DAY SOLOS TOUR: 7TH - 20TH NOVEMBER 2019

Day 1 - Thursday 7th November 2019 (D) LYONWelcome to France! You will be met at the airport and transferred to the cruise ship where you can then relax and unwind after your flight. You will be able to acquaint yourself with the ship’s fascilities, and then you can meet the crew and all of your fellow travellers at this evening’s on-board welcome dinner.

§ Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard the MS Amadeus Provence.

Day 2 - Friday 8th November 2019 (B,L,D) CITY TOUR OF LYON (9am-12pm)Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich, ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. The city tour begins with a coach trip to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The well-known pilgrimage church stands on a hill, offering an unforgettable view of the city. After a brief stop, continue with a drive along the banks of the Sâone, with views of various sights including the Cathedral of St. John and the Palace of Justice. Afterwards take a gentle stroll through Lyon’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the famous Roman theatre and buildings reflecting the influence of the Italian Renaissance.Duration: approx. 3 hrs Walking grade:

VISIT TO LES HALLES DE PAUL BOCUSE (2pm-5.30pm)Lyon is well known for its gastronomy, thanks to its local specialties. We invite you to stimulate your taste buds and to discover the know-how of the best producers of Lyon at Les Halles Paul Bocuse. Follow your guides through this labyrinth of alleys and taste the emblematic products of the Worldwide Capital City of the Gastronomy: wine, cheese, cooked mixed meat and pastries. Enjoy a cooking demonstration/party with some of the specialties bought at the market onboard the ship following the tour.Duration: approx. 3 hrs Walking grade:



Day 3 - Saturday 9th November 2019 (B,L,D)

MÂCONNAIS EXCURSION WITH VISIT TO A WINE MUSEUM (8.30am-12noon)With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, Mâconnais has a Mediterranean charm. From here we will tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. We will make our way through the vineyards which grace the area, as well as the castles and stately homes which bear witness to the wealth of the region. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of a 19th-century railway station, marvel at the wine making process: the transporting of grapes and wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the winemaking processes, bottling and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”.Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs

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MÂCON DINNER (evening)Enjoy a lovely dinner in the Restaurant l’Amaryllis Bistro Clulinaire, facing the Saône River.Duration: approx. 2 hrs

Walking grade:


Day 4 - Sunday 10th November 2019 (B,L,D)

VISIT TO CLUNY ABBEY (9am-12.30pm)The Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy was the center of a major monastic movement in the Middle Ages. Its church was the largest Christian building in the world until St. Peter’s Basilica was rebuilt in Rome in the 16th century. Although most of the great Abbey of Cluny is in ruins, you can still see remnants showing the size and glory the abbey possessed at its zenith and imagine it as it once was. Today, one transept of the 12th-century abbey church remains, along with the 15th-century abbots’ residences and 18th-century convent buildings. The site also includes beautiful gardens and a museum with Romanesque artifacts. Your guide will show you around the ancient Benedictine abbey, with its unusual dimensions, completed under the abbacy of Pierre the Venerable and consecrated in 1130. The principal architect was Hézelon de Liège. The idea for its construction is said to have come from a monk’s dream.Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs Walking grade:



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Day 5 - Monday 11th November 2019 (B,L,D)

BURGUNDY EXCURSION TO BEAUNE WITH WINE TASTING AND LUNCH (9.30am-12.30pm)After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Today, it covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, 15th-century bastion and hundreds of meters of cellars, which are notable for containing the personal reserve of the Hospices. The four buildings open to the public are situated around the Court of Honor and represent the Hôtel-Dieu of former times. The great Salle des Pauvres (”hall of the poor”), is decorated with multi-colored beams which are unique in the world. Serenity reigns here which will leave no one unmoved. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings, tapestries and more. The kitchen has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 19th century. The polyptych of “The Last Judgement”, a masterpiece by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden, is particularly well presented. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars. Duration: approx. 5.5 hrs Walking grade:

EXCURSION TO BRANCION AND CORMATIN (2.15pm-4.15pm)We leave Chalon-sur-Saône and drive to Brançion for a short photo stop before continuing to the Castle of Cormatin. Behind its understated exterior lies inestimable splendor. The castle is undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous castles in Burgundy, and, in addition, it boasts a Renaissance garden. The sculpted yews break up the symmetry as you enter this moated château. The rich, colorful interior reflects the French and more particularly, the Parisian fashion during the reign of Louis XIII. Built between 1605 and 1629 by the du Blé family, it chronicles the history of the arts at this time in France. The formal Renaissance garden has the “fountain of life” at its center. Beyond this is a maze with a charming wrought-iron aviary. From the top of this you can get an overview of the park. Duration: approx. 4 hrs Walking grade:


FRENCH RIVER CRUISE 14 DAY SOLOS TOUR: 7TH - 20TH NOVEMBER 2019

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Day 6 - Tuesday 12th November 2019 (B,L,D) CRUISING DAYSit back, enjoy life on board and take in the spectacular surroundings.


Day 7 - Wednesday 13th November 2019 (B,L,D)

LUNCH IN AVIGNON (11am-1.30pm)The restaurant is located in the city center of Avignon and called “Le 83 Vernet”. It is an exceptional place with beautiful settings.Duration: approx. 1.5 hrs Walking grade:

WALKING TOUR OF AVIGNON WITH PAPAL PALACE (2pm-5pm)Today’s excursion is a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the “City of Popes” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century, when a pope abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), is a fortress, church and palace all in one and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. A must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge.

Duration: approx. 2 hrs Walking grade:


Day 8 - Thursday 14th November 2019 (B,L,D)

EXCURSION TO PONT DU GARD AND UZÈS (8.30am-1pm) The Pont du Gard is the greatest surviving stretch of a fifty-kilometer long (thirty-one mile) aqueduct, built by the Romans in the middle of the first century to supply fresh water to the city of Nimes. With just a seventeen-meter difference in altitude between beginning and end, the aqueduct was quite an achievement for its time. Some miles further on, near the start of the aqueduct, visit the city of Uzès. This lovely old town perches on a hill above the River Alzon. Half a dozen medieval towers rise above its tiled roofs. The most fetching is the windowed, Pisa-like Tour Fenestrelle, tacked onto the cathedral. The narrow lanes are lined with Renaissance and Neoclassical houses which were once the residences of the 17th- and 18th-century bourgeoisie, who had grown rich on textiles.Duration: approx. 4.5 hrs Walking grade:



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Day 9 - Friday 15th November 2019 (B,L,D)

WALKING TOUR OF ARLES (9am-11am)Arles is a city steeped in history. During the course of centuries, it was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, view many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. If time allows, take a break in thew café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”. Duration: approx. 2 hrs Walking grade:

EXCURSION TO CAMARGUE NATURE PARK (2pm-6.30pm)The Camargue is like a little country in its own right, with its series of long, level roads crisscrossing the marshes and farmlands. For the protection of the exceptional fauna and flora, part of the Camargue was listed as a nature reserve as early as 1927. In 1970, the whole Island of Camargue (the delta of the Rhône River) was listed as the Regional Nature Park of Camargue. It is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, including the renowned Camargue bulls and horses that live in semi freedom, and many hundreds of species of birds. You will also visit Saintes Maries de la Mer, located on the Mediterranean Sea where the Rhône joins the ocean. This village is steeped in history and boasts stunning beaches which meet the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.Duration: approx. 4.5 hrs

Walking grade:


Day 10 - Saturday 16th November 2019 (B,L,D) FULLDAY EXCURSION CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE | WINE TOUR WITH WINERY VISIT, TASTING AND LUNCHSpend your day between Chateauneuf du Pape and Caumont sur Durance visiting two domains. Start with Le Pavillon des vins Skalli, a domain founded in 1898, in the heart of the flagship vineyard of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, specialized in the Rhône Valley fine wines. After a visit and some tastings, you will enjoy lunch in this original and authentic atmosphere. In the afternoon, carry on your discovery to La Chartreuse de Bonpas in Caumont sur Durance, with an interactive cultural tour and tasting of prestigious wines. Thanks to a video staging, discover the history of the Chartreuse, then travel through the time of the chapel to the Grand Cellier through the new store. Duration: Full Day 9 hrs Walking grade:


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FRENCH RIVER CRUISE 14 DAY SOLOS TOUR: 7TH - 20TH NOVEMBER 2019

Day 11 - Sunday 17th November 2019 (B,L,D) EXCURSION TO THE ARDÈCHE GORGE (1pm-6pm)The Ardèche Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe, its spectacular limestone cliffs tower up to 1,000ft above the meandering river below. The entrance to the Ardèche Gorge is through the famous Pont d’Arc near Vallon which, at 192 feet is, according to the Natural Arch and Bridge Society, “the largest natural bridge in Europe”. You will take the famous Gorge Trail, from which you can see the harmonious meanderings of the river. Beautiful viewpoints such as the Pont d’Arc and Serre de Tourre offer the greatest views onto the canyon and the river Ardèche.Duration: approx. 5 hrs

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DINNER IN VALAURIE (7.30pm-9.30pm)Enjoy a wonderful evening in a typical, local restaurant in Valaurie.Duration: approx. 2 hrs Walking grade:


Day 12 - Monday 18th November 2019 (B,L,D)

CITY TOUR OF VIVIERS (FROM VIVIERS TO TOURNON) (1pm-6pm)You will discover a medieval city, also called “the true open-air museum of architecture”. Rich of a prestigious past, Viviers is today part of the 3 saved sectors of the Rhône-Alpes region. Indeed, the city has preserved a splendid architectural heritage that covers nearly 2000 years of history for the great joy of the visitor who will make a trip through history; A journey through the history of Art.Duration: approx. 5 hrs Walking grade:


Day 13 - Tuesday 19th November 2019 (B,L,D) CITY TOUR TOURNON AND LE TRAIN DES GORGES (8.30am-12.30pm)Enjoy a walking tour of Tournon before boarding the Train de l’Ardèche for a locomotive ride through the deep gorges of the Ardeche plateau, cut by the Doux River. You will make the short transfer to the train station and board the Train de l’Ardèche, a steam train and engine listed as French historic monuments. This untouched region is inaccessible by road, making it a beautiful wilderness region. You will follow the Doux river, heading through the countryside, verdant valleys and woodlands.Duration: approx. 4 hrs Walking grade:

EXCURSION TO VALRHONA “CITE DU CHOCOLAT” AND WINE TASTING (2pm-5.30pm)Get to know the local delights of Tain l’Hermitage: Chocolate and wines. Start your afternoon with a stop at La Citée du Chocolat Valrhona to discover the backstage of great chocolate from know-how to the making process. Then, a small workshop related to chocolate will allow you to discover or perfect your baking skills. A ten minute walk later, end your day with a glass of wine and a visit of the Cave de Tain. Immersed in the culture of the perfect fruit and the perfect technique, the Cave de Tain is recognized today as a jewel in the crown of the northern Rhone valley for its prestigious cru de wines.Duration: approx. 3.5hrs

Walking grade:


Day 14 - Wednesday 20th November 2019 (B)LYON Enjoy your final morning on-board the spectacular MS Amadeus Provence. After breakfast the group will disembark the ship. A group transfer from the port to Lyon Airport is included. However, if you wish to continue to soak up the Provincial atmosphere, we can organise post-tour accommodation in Lyon. A group transfer will also transport those from the port to the hotel.

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A new addition to the Amadeus fleet, the MS Amadeaus Provence travels exclusively along the Rhône and the Saône, two of France’s most beautiful rivers. The generous interior offers all the luxuries of a floating 5-star hotel. The extensive restaurant and Panorama-Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes, and the outdoor, glass-shielded River Terrace allows you to relax in the open regardless of the weather. This luxurious ship features a pool deck with swimming pool and the Lido Bar, where you can enjoy hours relaxing on board in the sun.

ABOUT THE MS AMADEUS PROVENCE

ON BOARD FEATURES:

• Panorama-Restaurant• Panorama-Bar and Lounge• River Terrace open-air lounge• Amadeus-Club with Internet station• Sun deck with swimming pool and lido-bar.• Fitness Room, Hair Salon, Massage Room• Gift Shop• Laundry service• Wi-Fi available• Elevator

AMENITIES:

Suite (26.4 m²/284 sq.ft) with walk-out exterior balconyMOZART DECK• Comfortable corner sofa, luxurious bathroom, walk-out

exterior balcony, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, double bed, flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, bathrobe, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

A-1, B-1, B-4 Cabins (17.5 m²/188 sq.ft) with drop-down panoramic windowSTRAUSS & MOZART DECK• Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-

bar, walk-in wardrobe, double bed, flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

C-1, C-4 Cabins (16 m²/172 sq.ft) with panoramic windowHAYDN DECK• Spacious bathroom, small panoramic window

(cannot be opened), spacious wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

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How to book your cabin.

Our birthday cruises sell out quickly, so don’t miss out on our 2019 celebration. A $1500 deposit will secure your place. This can be paid by credit card or direct bank transfer.

Tour Inclusions: § 14 nights cruising on board the MS Amadeus

Provence in your own cabin - no sharing.

§ Choose from 6 levels of stateroom including Suites. All staterooms have full private ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, safe, hairdryer, flatscreen TV.

§ Group airport arrival and departure transfers by private coach from Lyon Airport to the port and return.

§ Welcome cocktail on arrival.

§ Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily prepared onboard using fresh local ingredients.

§ Free flowing quality regional wines and beers along with soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner.

§ Bottled mineral water to your cabin.

§ Complimentary WIFI in designated areas.

§ Comprehensive shore excursion program as per itinerary.

§ On-board entertainment including information talks and music.

§ All entrance fees, as per itinerary.

§ Port charges and local taxes.

§ Two’s a Crowd Tour Hosts.

Tour Exclusions: § International flights (the friendly Two’s a Crowd

team can assist with competitive quotes and airfare bookings from wherever in the world you are located).

§ Travel Insurance.

§ Tips and gratuities.

§ Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature.

§ Pre and post tour accommodation in Lyon: Mecure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache Hotel from $280 including breakfast and 1 way transfer.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE TEAM: (Phone: 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) or 0800 895 145 (NZ) Email: [email protected]

ABOUT TWO’S A CROWD: We are an award winning tour company exclusively dedicated to the needs of solo travellers. At Two’s a Crowd, single and solo travellers have access to fantastic itineraries at great prices without ever feeling like a third wheel to someone else’s

private getaway. Our travellers enjoy the best of both worlds: private time, personalised attention, low single supplements, as well as thecamaraderie of like-minded travellers. For your peace of mind we are ATAS accredited (No A13850).

Our commitment is to make solo travel more enjoyable and affordable.Terms & Conditions: • Prices are per person and based on sole use rooms throughout • Pricing correct at October 2018 and is subject to change until paid in full.

• Refer to our website www.twosacrowd.com.au for full terms and conditions. ©2018 Travel Passion Pty Ltd | ABN 32 140 754 856 trading as Two’s a Crowd.Two’s a Crowd and the disk logo are registered trademarks of Travel Passion Pty Ltd.

Issued: 26/10/2018

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CRUISE PRICING:Stateroom Haydn (C4) A$6,897Stateroom - Haydn Deck (C1) $7,990Stateroom - Strauss Deck (B4) A$8,450Stateroom - Strauss Deck (B1) A$8,993Stateroom - Mozart Deck (A1) A$9,850Suite - Mozart (Balcony) A$12,631


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Fancy extending your travels?

Two’s a Crowd are offering a solos Morocco Tour prior to the French River Cruise.

There will also be the option of a Scandanavia solos or a Vietnam + Cambodia/Laos solos tour for you to enjoy after the French River Cruise comes to an end.

Please ask the Two’s a Crowd booking team for more details.

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Y FRANCE - Two's a Crowd