Spin Your Wheels Cycle Tour - Gastronomic Indulgence in the Tracks of Tour de France

Website: www.nztravelbrokers.co.nz Email: [email protected] Phone:

In association with the Innovative Travel Company

Tour organised by The Innovative Travel Company www.innovative-travel.com Terms and conditions apply

“Spin Your Wheels” Cycle Tour: Gastronomic indulgence in the tracks of the Tour de France - 16 Days From 25 June to 10 July 2012

Join Pete Halligan and Steve Gurney for a glorious week of cycling around Provence, through its landscapes dotted with orchards and vineyards. Discover amazing perched villages, cycle up to the infamous summit of Mont Ventoux, Provence’s highest mountain and one of the classics of Tour de France. Gourmet Provençal picnics are provided during the day while you rest your cycling legs in charming hotels at night. “Après l’e�ort le réconfort” this popular French saying means relaxation is well deserved after e�ort. To do so, you will embark on a cruise along the valleys of the Rhône and Saone Rivers, passing through beautiful landscapes. This cruise will not only provide pleasure for your eyes, it will also stimulate your taste buds with several wine tasting opportunities and an unforgettable dinner in the purest French culinary tradition at the “Abbaye de Collonges”, a venue managed by recently named Chef of the Century: Paul Bocuse.

Your hosts on this tour:

Pete Halligan Pete Halligan is the name behind such iconic events as the Forrest Graperide, Brazier Properties Girls on Bikes and the New World Marlborough Marathon. He is on a crusade to make New Zealanders more active more often and to be challenged. The F word is of the highest priority to him and that word is FUN. He is a passionate recreational cyclist and can think of nothing more pleasurable than riding with like minded people on a road or track anywhere or anytime. Pete is an excellent coach and mentor and loves nothing better than helping newbie cyclists getting into the sport. His sense of humour is legendary and you can guarantee there will never be a dull moment on tour.

Steve Gurney Steve Gurney is an ex-professional adventure athlete, now a professional motivational speaker and adventurer. After winning the Coast to Coast twice, his record was almost interrupted when he was poisoned in Borneo, recovering he went on to win the Coast to Coast 7 more times. He has represented New Zealand in the world mountain bike championships. Always an adventurer, Steve also used his engineering background to invent a bike with wings. You may remember him from his first cheeky nudist appearance on breakfast TV (did you choke on your Weetbix?). Steve has been awarded an MNZM gong for services to Endurance Sport. His bestselling biography Lucky Legs has captured many of these memorable moments. These days,

Steve loves to inspire people to greater heights and loves teaching how to make mole-hills out of mountains. A perfect cycling guide.

07 8544 023TAANZ Accredited Travel Broker & ICCA Accredited Cruise Specialist


DAY 1: CHRISTCHURCH OR AUCKLAND ✈DUBAI Depart New Zealand on your flight to Dubai.

DAY 2: DUBAI ✈ NICE

Arrive Dubai. Connect with your flight to Nice. Arrival at Nice airport. You will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the Old City. Rest and refresh in your room. Later, join your guide and discuss the week’s program over an aperitif (drinks and nibbles included). Overnight in Nice. Accommodation in a 4**** hotel located in the heart of the Old City. DAY 3: NICE – FRENCH RIVIEIRA – AVIGNON

After breakfast depart on a tour to explore the French Riviera. Your first stop will be the small town of Saint Tropez. Quaint and quiet in the winter, Saint Tropez becomes a parade of see-and-be-seens during summer, with its ritzy yachts and shops. Free time in St. Tropez for lunch before continuing along the Riviera to Cassis, a charming seaside town with time to explore the pedestrian streets and beautiful beaches. Later in the afternoon continue to Avignon. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. (B,D) Accommodation at a character 2** hotel, built in an old "mas" house, so typical of Provence and located on a secluded island across the Rhône River.

DAY 4: AVIGNON – TAVEL VINEYARDS – PONT DU GARD – AVIGNON

After a morning briefing, set off by bike to the west riding among thyme-laden hills and vineyards. Our first stop is Tavel whose vineyards produce France’s most famous rosé wines. We will stop for a tasting before a gourmet Provençal picnic in the shade of oak trees to the chant of cicadas. The ride also takes you to the Pont du Gard, an awe-inspiring Roman bridge, 50m high, spanning across the Gardon river. Return to Avignon for dinner and night. (B,L,D) Cycling / Elevation: around 100km of cycling (several riding options to choose from) – 200m up DAY 5: AVIGNON – ST. REMY DE PROVENCE – CAVAILLON – ISLE SUR LA SORGUE

Today, you will ride south to the “Montagnette” Hill and to the lost monastery of St. Michel de Frigolet, founded in 1133. Back down into the plains, we reach the beautiful village of Saint Rémy de Provence at the foot of the Alpilles where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life. Crossing the Durance River, return to the Vaucluse region and through the bustling town of Cavaillon whose surroundings are carpeted with fruit orchards and vegetable farms. Reach the town of Isle sur la Sorgue, an island city surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sorgue, its quays lined with cafés and antique shops, your home for the next two nights. Dinner and overnight in Isle sur la Sorgue. (B,L,D) Cycling / Elevation: around 100km of cycling (several riding options to choose from) – 300m up Accommodation at a charming 3*** hotel set in a peaceful park, next to the River Sorgue.


DAY 6: ISLE SUR LA SORGUE – GORDES – ROUSSILLON – BONNIEUX – LACOSTE - ISLE SUR LA SORGUE

A day of cycling in the famed Luberon Mountains where Peter Mayle spent his “Year in Provence”. You will discover the jewel villages of Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste and the hilltop village of Roussillon with its magnificent ochre-coloured houses. Both Gordes and Roussillon have been deemed so beautiful that they have been awarded the sought-after title of “Un des Plus Beaux Villages de France” (One of France’s Prettiest Villages). Your climb will be rewarded with spectacular views over plains. Return to Isle sur la Sorgue. Tonight dinner is your choice. (B,L) Cycling / Elevation: around 100km of cycling (several riding options to choose from) – 500m to 1000m up depending on the route chosen DAY 7: ISLE SUR LA SORGUE – NESQUE GORGE – BEDOIN

Today, wander amidst the famous Sunday morning market in Isle sur la Sorgue. Here you will find mostly local produce, meats and cheese along with vendors selling typical Provence-inspired wares, tablecloths, antiques, soaps, etc. We ride along the foot of Mont Ventoux through timeless villages and continue up a breath-taking canyon road through the stone arches of the Nesque Gorge. Take a moment to appreciate the spectacular scenery before the ride down to the plains and return to Bedoin, the Tour de France departure point for the climb to the summit of Mont Ventoux and your home for the next 3 nights. Dinner and overnight in Bedoin (B,L,D) Cycling / Elevation: around 100km of cycling (several riding options to choose from) – 200m to 700m up depending on the route chosen Accommodation at a 3*** hotel set in a Provencal house that has retained its original charm.

DAY 8: BEDOIN – BEAUMES DE VENISE – GIGONDAS – VAISON LA ROMAINE - BEDOIN

Heading westward from Bedoin, enter the wine country of Côtes du Rhône and its landscapes draped with an endless cover of vineyards. Stop at the village of Beaumes de Venise where you have a chance to taste its famous golden desert wine made out of Muscat grapes. Later, visit a local olive oil mill and taste their home made products. Then to Gigondas, home to one of the grands crus (best wine) of the southern Rhône that can equal Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe, using grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourdevre. After your gourmet picnic lunch, cycle to the medieval village of Vaison la Romaine, famous for its Roman ruins, before returning to Bedoin for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Cycling / Elevation: around 100km of cycling (several riding options to choose from) – 300m to 600m up depending on the route chosen DAY 9: BEDOIN – MONT VENTOUX - BEDOIN

Today is the big day! Will you be able to conquer the Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence. Your guide will brief you in the morning and present you the different possible routes and options to choose from, but all have the same goal: Ventoux’s summit at 1912m. This mythical mountain has influenced many Tours de France over the years being famous for its steep ascent, its heat, its barren and exposed peak and simply its legend. Lance Armstrong himself called it “the hardest climb in the Tour, bar none”. This is arguably the toughest bike climb in all of France with its 22 straight kilometres of climbing at an average of 7.5%, which, when mixed with strength-sapping heat or storm-force winds, can prove to be a challenge even for the fittest of cyclists.

Does this trip interest you? If so call Kay M Gregan at NZ Travel Brokers .


Starting at the bottom amongst the Mediterranean plants, you will end among the arctic flowers and bare limestone of the summit and have a well-deserved picnic. Return to Bedoin for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Cycling / Elevation: around 100km of cycling (several riding options to choose from) – 1600m up but easier options are possible offering elevation anywhere from 200-500m DAY 10: BEDOIN – AVIGNON – LYON – CRUISE START

Morning at leisure to rest and relax. Wander around the lovely village of Bedoin. The village is blessed with that Mediterranean climate of sun nearly every day of the year and produces a good wine (AOC) along with asparagus and various fruits. Choose from any of its many restaurants for lunch. Later this afternoon, say goodbye to the Provence region and drive to Lyon to join your cruise boat. Board in Lyon around 6pm at the Claude Bernard Quay and settle into your cabins. You will be introduced to the crew over a welcome cocktail before dinner on board and an evening of entertainment. We moor for the night in Lyon (B,D)

DAY 11: LYON – TAIN L'HERMITAGE

Set off on your cruise early this morning and have buffet breakfast en route. The entire morning is spent afloat as you head along the Rhône Valley, passing the vineyards of the Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Château Grillet and St Joseph. Lunch on board. Arrive early this afternoon in Tain l’Hermitage, where the renowned Hermitage vineyards, are located on the hill overlooking the town. This hill is topped by the Chapelle Saint Christophe which seems to stand guard at the entrance to the valley and offers panoramic views over the town and vineyards. A wine tasting in one of the fine wine cellars, will give you the opportunity to taste some of the famous wines of the region. Return on board for dinner and an evening of music and dancing. Moor for the night. (B,L,D)

DAY 12: TAIN L'HERMITAGE – VIENNE – LYON – COLLONGES

Set sail early again this morning and head for Vienne. You will have buffet breakfast as you cruise before arriving in Vienne. Take a guided walking tour of Vienne renowned for its rich diverse history and art. Set sail again later this morning and cruise to Lyon. Lunch served on board. Arrive in Lyon in the early afternoon. Depart for a guided tour of France’s second biggest city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return on board and sail to your next stop – beside the “Paul Bocuse” restaurant at Collonges au Mont d’Or. This evening set of for a culinary delight the large and impressive reception hall of Paul Bocuse, the “Abbaye de Collonges”. Here you will be served a dinner in the purest French culinary tradition, in the Grand Limonaire room of the abbey, accompanied by music from a lovingly restored organ dating from 1900. After a magical evening return to your ship. (B,L,D) DAY 13: COLLONGES – MACON – BELLEVILLE – LYON

During the night, the boat sets sail for Macon. Buffet breakfast on board. Arrive in Macon. Here you have free time to visit the heart of the city, whose old quarter is dotted with fine old town houses and mansions. Return on board at the end of the morning and continue to Belleville, where you will discover the Beaujolais vineyards: Morgon, Villé, Brouilly and many more. Stop at the famous Hameau du Vin, a state-of-the-art wine museum unique in Europe. Return on board and continue towards Lyon. Tonight you will be served a Gala dinner amidst an evening of entertainment. At the end of the evening, cruise into Lyon in time to admire the beautifully illuminated façades of the buildings that line the banks of the River Saone. Moor for the night in Lyon. (B,L,D)


DAY 14: LYON – END OF CRUISE ✈ DUBAI Buffet breakfast on board before disembarking around 9am. End of the cruise. Transfer to Lyon train station and TGV train to Paris for your return flight to New Zealand. Alternatively you can extend your stay in Lyon or Paris or choose to return from any European city serviced by Emirates Airlines. (B)

DAY 15: ✈ DUBAI✈AUCKLAND OR CHRISTCHURCH Arrive Dubai. Connect with your flight to Auckland or Christchurch. Option to extend you stay in Dubai. DAY 16: AUCKLAND OR CHRISTCHURCH Welcome home.

NZ Travel Brokers Website: www.nztravelbrokers.co.nz Phone: 07 8544 023 Email: kaynztravelbrokers.co.nz Contact Kay for more details

Price per person share /twin :

NZ$9885 (main deck during the cruise) or NZ$9985 (upper deck) Single Supplement: NZ$970 The tour cost is based on a minimum of 25 passengers travelling. The tour price will increase if the numbers travelling drop below the minimum of 25. YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS � Economy class air tickets on Emirates Christchurch or Auckland-Dubai-Nice / Paris – Dubai - Christchurch or Auckland � Departure Taxes from New Zealand and France � Meet and assist on arrival in Nice Cycling Tour:

- Welcome aperitif in Nice - Transfers and transport in private air-conditioned coach - 8 nights in 2 to 4 star charming hotels - Daily transfer of luggage between hotels - Meals as specified:

o 8 continental breakfasts o 6 lunches (Provencal picnics including salads, meat, cheese, bread and fruit

and bottle of water) o 6 dinners (3 courses)

- Highlighted road maps with several options of itinerary every day - 6 days - High quality carbon bike rental - Tipping for group activities and meals

Cruise section: - Welcome cocktail - 4 nights cruise in a double or twin air conditioned cabin with private facilities - All meals on board - Water and coffee with meals - Choice of wine, beer or fruit juice included with lunch and dinner - Sightseeing tours with entrance fees as specified - On board entertainment - Special farewell Gala evening - Dinner at the Abbey of Collonges (subject to minimum numbers) - Port taxes

� Private transfer to Lyon train station � TGV train ticket from Lyon to Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport

TOUR EXCLUSIONS � Personal Expenses � Tipping during the cruise (approx. 25 € - please have fund available to tip personnel at

the end of the cruise) � Additional water or alcoholic drinks


● Minibar ● Additional transportation required for own bikes ● Non included sightseeing excursions ● Travel insurance (compulsory) ● Late check out General tour conditions General tour conditions are as per Ancient Kingdoms Holidays 2011 brochure. An initial deposit on $750 is required along with your completed registration form (this amount is non-refundable) A further payment of NZ$1000 will be required before the 01 November 2011. Final balance is due 11 April 2012. Cancellation fees: Before 28 February 2012 $750.00 Between 01 March and 10 April 2012 20% Between 11 April and 04 May 2012 40% Between 05 May and 18 May 2012 60% 19 May and after 100% Travel Advisory Information Travel advisory information may change at any time and we suggest clients refer to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Travel Trade Advisory website at www.safetravel.govt.nz prior to departure for the latest up to date information and general advice regarding the countries you are visiting. Solo Travellers If you are travelling alone and wish to be matched up with another traveller in a share twin, We will take requests for this service and endeavour to match you up with a travelling companion. If whilst travelling having specified that you require a share twin and then elect to have a single room for any reason the additional price for a single room is payable before a room change request can be accommodated. Requests for a single room will be subject to availability at each hotel. Hotel check-in/out times are normally IN: 2pm/OUT: 12noon

The only way to guarantee an early check-in or late check-out is to pre-book the night before (early check-in) or night after (late check-out). Otherwise early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability when you are there. Double Beds When requested a double bedded room will be requested, but it cannot be guaranteed one will be available.

Non Smoking Rooms: As a policy Innovative Travel request non smoking rooms for all guests. These rooms are requested and are subject to availability. On a lighter note Please remember that religious beliefs, traditional customs and daily manners may differ from country to country, these may seem quite strange at first. These idiosyncrasies are part of what makes travelling a special experience. Please be patient if you think things are happening a different pace than you are used to and respect the differences in culture. On Tour If you need assistance relating to travel arrangements provided, please talk to your tour hosts. Please note it is easier and often faster for them to assist you initially then try to resolve an issue retrospectively. Changes may occur due to last minute changes in local conditions.

Call me now to �nd out more about this amazing

trip of a lifetime.

Documents

Spin Your Wheels Cycle Tour - Gastronomic Indulgence in the Tracks of Tour de France