Explore
the idyllic landscapes and picturesque villages of Provence by foot,
bicycle and kayak. Then ride the bullet train to Paris where your
family can view the treasures of the Louvre Museum and treasure the
view from the Eiffel Tower.
Arrive at Marseille Airport Bienvenue! Upon exiting customs, you will be met by
an Adventures by Disney representative who
will escort you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the
driver assists with your luggage and escorts you to the
Grand Mercure Roi René hotel in Aix-en-Provence.
The Grand Hotel Mercure Roi
Rene
After an Adventure Guide checks you in, unwind from the
flight in this comfortable hotel named after Good King René,
the royal poet and painter from Naples, who retired to
Provence and became a protector of the arts that flourish so
beautifully here.
Lunch On Your Own
If you arrive early in the day, explore on your own the many
lunch options in this historic district. Ask your Adventure
Guides for recommendations.
Late Afternoon Poolside
Reception and Welcome Meet the other families that will enjoy the
adventure with you and say “Enchanté!” (“Nice to meet you!”)
at the poolside reception in the hotel’s interior courtyard.
Dinner at Le Passage
Taste the magic of Provençal cuisine as you dine at this
contemporary brasserie in the heart of Aix-en-Provence.
Admire the gallery exhibition that adorns the walls and
enjoy the laughs and illusions of favorite French
entertainer, Patrick Vallory, famous for his comedic
sleight-of-hand.
Walking Tour of
Aix-en-Provence Stroll with a local expert through the cobblestone
streets of this beautiful Roman town that was once both home
to and inspiration of the celebrated painter Paul Cézanne
and classic author Émile Zola. Discover Aix’s numerous
fountains, some as ancient as the Roman empire and burbling
with warm waters from the city’s famous therapeutic hot
springs. Wander under stone archways and down quaint narrow
streets lined with some of France’s trendiest clothing
stores. In this picturesque city, modern meets medieval in
astonishing ways!
Visit to Cézanne’s
Painting Locale
Ride the motor coach to the scenic summit of des Lauves, a
hillside just outside of Aix, where Cézanne painted 11 oil
paintings and 17 watercolor paintings, all exhibited by the
greatest museums in the world. As your local expert shares
the history of this influential artist, view the Sainte
Victoire mountain, which dominates the landscape and
inspired some of Cézanne’s most memorable works.
Picnic Lunch at
Château de Beaupré
Enjoy a picnic at this opulent country manor surrounded by
verdant vineyards and the lush colors of Cézanne’s cherished
countryside.
Wine Tasting and
Nougat Noshing After lunch, adults tour the winery and participate
in a privately- hosted wine-tasting in the19th-century
cellar, while Junior Adventurers indulge their sweet tooth
with Provençal nougat, buttery caramels and ambrosial honey.
Pétanque!
As your taste buds rejoice, learn from a local expert the
French version of lawn bowling called pétanque. Relax like a
true Provençal as you play this fun and deceptively
challenging game under the Mediterranean sun.
Dinner On Your Own
in Aix
An international destination, Aix-en-Provence offers
delectable cuisine from every corner of the world: from
tasty Lebanese dishes and melt-in-your-mouth sushi to the
finest in traditional French dining — all within walking
distance of your hotel! Be sure to ask your Adventure
Guides for recommendations to make this dinner on your own a
memorable one. Afterwards, stroll through the romantic
cobblestone streets and squares by moonlight.
Day 3: (Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Kayak Gard River to
Pont du Gard Discover Provence’s scenic wonders on this kayaking
adventure*! As you glide along the gentle Gard River, listen
to the cicadas chirp and the leaves rustle in the breezes.
Pass canyons surrounded by cypress trees and oaks, and enjoy
the view as your kayak floats under the ancient Roman Pont
du Gard aqueduct. *Please note that for kayaking, guests
must be at least 6 years old and able to swim. Children 6 to
12 years old must share a 2-person or 3-person kayak with an
adult 16 years or older.
Picnic Lunch at Pont
du Gard
This architectural marvel provides an impressive backdrop as
you picnic with your newfound friends along the river bank.
Feast on the local Mediterranean fare as you relax and
regain your land legs for the next excursion.
Pont du Gard Channel
Walk and Museum Tour
Take in the stunning view of the countryside as a local
expert guides you along the massive stone water channel.
Afterwards, learn the amazing history of the Roman aqueduct
via giant multimedia screens and magnificently detailed
models. Explore three different galleries as modern
scientists, Victorian engineers, and Medieval architects
present the ongoing debates of how this incredible monument
should be restored.
Dinner at Bistro
Romain
The Roman theme continues into the night as you walk from
your hotel to the delightful Bistro Romain for an Italian
dinner with Provençal flair. Savor the food as well as the
eye-catching artwork displayed in this “museum restaurant.”
Disney Movie Night
While adults take a break from the day’s activities at the
hotel, Junior Adventurers enjoy a private Disney movie
presentation with popcorn and soft drinks.
Bicycle and Walking
Excursion on La Route des Crêtes Pedal under the bristling bows of firs and cedars
on this scenic road that winds along the crest of the
picturesque Petit Luberon mountains. For those who prefer to
keep both feet on the ground, stroll along a charming wooded
path that parallels the bicycle route. Afterwards, continue
by motor coach to the fantastic medieval village and castle
of Gordes.
Lunch On Your Own in
Gordes
This quaint historic town clings to the mountain’s flanks —
no wonder it has been named one of “The Most Beautiful
Villages in France”! Stroll through its narrow streets to
discover a variety of inviting restaurants and shaded
terrasses under leafy trees where you can relish the
unforgettable flavors of Provençal cuisine.
Tour the Ochre
Cliffs of Roussillon
Once a source of ochre for paint pigments, these startling
rock formations surround the charming village of Roussillon.
On the privately-guided tour, view the ridges of terracotta
and gold that ripple down the hillsides, and then admire on
your own the meandering streets and jaunty rooftops of this
colorful hamlet.
Pastry Making at
Lôtre Restaurant in Aix
Kids grab their own dough and filling as the chef treats
them to an exclusive pastry-making class at the elegant
Lôtre Restaurant. A great way for Junior Adventurers to
experience the art of French cuisine!
Dinner at the Lôtre
Restaurant
Savor fresh, seasonal vegetables plucked from the garden by
the chef himself, then simmered with the heady flavor of
olive oil in these regional specialties. Meanwhile Junior
Adventurers dig into a separate, kids-only dinner topped off
with the pastry they made for dessert!
Travel to Paris Experience high-tech French transportation as the
sleek TGV bullet train speeds you to your next destination:
Paris!
Lunch on the TGV
Taste the sumptuous bread of France’s famous Boulangerie
Paul, which provides your boxed lunch during the speedy rail
trip North.
Arrive at Hilton Arc
de Triomphe
Steps away from the Champs Elyseés, this
conveniently-located hotel features enchanting Art Deco
décor with modern amenities. Make yourself at home in the
cradle of the arts!
City Tour of Central
Paris
Adventure Guides take you for a leisurely stroll and
orientation tour of the stately neighborhoods, shopping and
dining districts that surround the hotel.
Dinner On Your Own
in Paris
Now is the chance to venture out and experience the grand
French ritual of le dîner! Your Adventure Guides will help
you find the perfect restaurant for an extraordinary family
meal on your own as only the French can create.
Day 6: (Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Privately-Guided
City Tour
After breakfast, take a private motor coach tour down one of
the world’s most famous streets, the Champs Elysées. On the
way to the Louvre Museum, you’ll view some of Paris’ most
popular landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe, Place de
la Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens. C’est magnifique!
Louvre Museum
It would take more than a lifetime to see everything in this
museum! So, follow an expert art historian who will
illuminate the world's greatest masterpieces — including the
enigmatic Mona Lisa. Meanwhile, kids will love discovering
famous art works as they play the Louvre art detective game,
an interactive scavenger hunt through the museum.
Seine River Water
Taxi
Take in the beauty of the city from a unique point of view
as you ride the Seine Water Taxi to the Eiffel Tower for
lunch.
Lunch at Altitude 95
on the Eiffel Tower
Ride the elevator to the first level of the Eiffel Tower
where you will dine at the stylish Altitude 95 restaurant.
Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime meal with a view!
View from the Top of
the Eiffel Tower
Ride the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Snap a
photo or two of this breathtaking view of Paris.
Afternoon On Your
Own in Paris
In your free time this afternoon, ask your Adventure Guides
to help your family plan an ideal afternoon on your own in
the city. You may choose to shop in trendy boutiques,
meander though museums, or admire the jaw-dropping monuments
that make Paris one of the world’s greatest destinations.
Wind your way through Les Catacombs, relive the Middle Ages
at Musée du Cluny, visit the extraordinary cemetery of
Père-LaChaise, and more!
Farewell Dinner at
Ladurée Champs Elysées
Dine in the height of Belle Époque elegance at the Ladurée
restaurant on the Champs Elysées, steps away from the Arc de
Triomphe. When you leave, don’t forget your gift from La
Durée: a delectable souvenir box of their world-famous,
mouth-watering macaroons!
Is a
passport required for this itinerary?
U.S. citizens will need a valid passport to enter France and return to
the United States. The passport must be valid six months beyond the
intended stay and have 1-2 blank pages remaining. Allow sufficient
time to have the application processed if applying for a new passport
or renewing an expired passport – refer to
www.state.gov for
further details. In addition, guests 17 years of age or younger may be
required to show additional documentation when traveling with a single
parent. Non-U. S. citizens should check with their local government
for information on documentation requirements. <Return to top
Are
vaccinations needed to travel to this country?
Vaccinations to travel to the areas of France that are a part of the
Adventures by Disney itinerary are not required if
going to France from the U.S.. (For extended stays or a stay to other
parts of France, Guests are advised to consult
www.cdc.gov.)
Non-US Citizens should check local requirements on vaccinations for
travel to France. <Return to top
What airport
do Guests fly in and out of?
Guests are picked up at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) on arrival
day. Flights should arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. At the end of the
adventure, Guests will transfer to Charles De Gaulle International
Airport (CDG) for flights departing no earlier than 8:00 a.m. <Return to top
Can the
vacation extend beyond the Adventures by Disney itinerary?
Yes, Guests may stay in Provence before or in Paris after the
itinerary. Pre/post-night stays may be available at negotiated rates
if booked through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. in
conjunction with a land package and cannot be combined with any other
offer. Please contact us for further information. <Return to top
How will the
group travel between destinations?
During the adventure, transportation within each region is provided by
a motor coach. From Aix to Paris, Guests take the TGV, a high-speed
train. Within Paris, a motor coach will take Guests to the scheduled
destinations except for the Seine Water Taxi when going to the Eiffel
Tower for lunch on Day 6. <Return to top
What
is the climate like?
Although weather might vary, the destinations on this trip generally
have the following climate conditions:
Aix-en-Provence:
Summers are typically hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching
the 90s.
May - September average temperatures: Highs from low 70s to low 80s,
lows from the low 50s to mid 60s.
While more frequent in the winter, the mistral (the powerful winds
from the Alps that strafe Provence) can sometimes strike in summer.
The mistral generally stays for increments of 3 days (for example,
3, 6, 9 days, etc.).
Provence is known for sudden, unexpected rain showers, typically of
short duration, and can occur any time of year.
Paris
The summers are humid and temperate.
May - September average temperatures: Highs from low to upper 70s,
lows from the low to upper 50s.
The months of May through September in Paris average 12 days per
month of rain.
How strenuous
are the activities?
While this adventure is not considered physically strenuous, most days
will include one or more hours of walking. Some of the walks will be
on uneven, broken surfaces such as rocky trails and cobblestone
streets. There are some moderately strenuous activities, such as
kayaking on Day 3 for which Adventurers must be able to swim. A gentle
bicycle excursion of approximately 90 minutes duration is included on
Day 4; there is an alternative casual walking excursion for those who
don’t wish to bike. <Return to top
What is the
basis for the suggested minimum age for this trip?
While Disney welcomes children ages 4 and up at the time of travel, it
is recommended that children be at least 6 years old at the time of
travel on the Flavors of France trip. This is based on several
factors, such as flight time and jet lag, time zone differences in the
destination, extended hours of daily activity programming, number of
internal transports between experiences, potential for extreme
temperatures in the summer months, and amount of physical activity
(e.g., biking, kayaking) involved. Because each child is different,
please contact us to discuss whether this is the right trip for each
child being considered. <Return to top
What types
of meals are served during this itinerary?
Typically, breakfast is served each morning in a buffet style from the
hotel and offers a variety of options. Dinners and lunches usually
include fish, meat, and pasta or rice entrées, vegetables along with
salad, cheese, desserts and fruit. Some included meals on this trip
are served buffet style while others offer a limited-choice menu.
Given the nature of group travel, á la carte menu choices are not
available. Children-friendly choices are available at all meals. Menu
items are subject to change due to the availability and seasonality of
foods. In order to offer each Guest a bit of time to enjoy meals
amongst themselves, there are some meals that are not included in the
itinerary. These meals have been planned in towns or cities where
there are plenty of options available. For questions or concerns
about dining at any time during the vacation, the Adventure Guides
will be happy to assist. <Return to top
Can special
dietary needs be accommodated? Adventures by Disney can accommodate some special
dietary needs at no additional charge. Unfortunately, some special
dietary needs requested may not be able to be accommodated. Please
contact us in advance to advise of special needs prior to departure. <Return to top
Is alcohol
included?
Alcoholic beverages are typically not included with scheduled meals,
however, they may be purchased at the Guests own expense. <Return to top
Is this
itinerary appropriate for travelers with special needs?
Please note that this vacation includes activities that present
certain challenges to Guests with special needs. It is strongly
recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a
companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing
assistance. Neither Adventures by Disney nor its
suppliers may physically lift or assist Guests onto transportation
vehicles. Please contact us to discuss specific needs. <Return to top
What is the
language and currency of France?
The national language of France is French. Although about a third of
the French people speak some English, particularly in the service
sector, not everyone is comfortable speaking it with native English
speakers. The unit of currency in France is the Euro (EUR). U.S.
dollars are not accepted at hotels, shops or restaurants, but ATM
machines are available in most places along the adventure to obtain
cash in Euros. Most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards
or single-use debit cards. Adventure Guides can assist with any
language barriers and currency issues. <Return to top
Adventures by Disney has
taken care of certain tips and gratuities for all included meals and
activities such as tips for porters, housekeepers, drivers, activity
providers, local experts, and dining room staff for included meals.
On Your Own Dining Gratuities:
When eating at a restaurant, a gratuity is usually included in the
bill. However, Guests who feel they have received exceptional
service, may leave an additional gratuity. Many choose to simply
“round up.”
Adventure Guide Gratuities:
Gratuities for Adventures Guides are not included. For Guests who
feel that their Adventure Guides have provided excellent service,
the following discretionary gratuity is suggested : Per Guest/Per
Adventure guide/Per Day - $5-$8 USD. Adventure Guides accept local
currency, U.S. dollars, and travelers’ checks.
What if
Adventures by Disney cancels the adventure prior to departure? Adventures by Disney reserves the right to cancel or
reschedule an adventure at any time for any reason, such as if there
are too few Guests or if the quality of the trip or the safety of the
Guests would, in Disney’s opinion, be compromised, such as from
unforeseen circumstances (acts of God) or other circumstances beyond
Adventures by Disney's control.
If air is purchased through Adventures by
Disney Travel Services, Inc., Disney will attempt to re-book for
another departure of the same adventure during the same season,
subject to availability, and Disney will bear any resulting airline
re-booking charges. If unable to re-book on another departure, a
full refund of all payments that had been made to Disney for the
canceled adventure will be issued, including land package, airfare
and Vacation Protection Plan (unless you have filed a claim), which
refund shall constitute a full settlement.
If air is not purchased through Adventures by
Disney Travel Services, Inc., and Disney cancels an adventure prior
to its scheduled start date, Disney will attempt to re-book for
another departure of the same adventure during the same season,
subject to availability; however, the Guest will bear any resulting
airline re-booking charges. If unable to re-book on another
departure, Disney’s sole obligation is to refund payment received
for the land portion and Vacation Protection Plan (unless you have
filed a claim), which refund shall constitute a full settlement.
Disney assumes no responsibility for any losses incurred by you on
account of non-refundable air tickets or otherwise.
1Value, Standard
and Peak dates are identified on prior page. 2Valid for bookings made more
than 120 days prior to departure. The number of packages available at
these rates is limited. Not valid with any other offer. 3Based on double, triple or quad
occupancy. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability,
eligible parties of 4 may be booked as a quad or two doubles. 4Child rate applies to Guests
under 12 when accompanied by an adult in the same room. Guests under
18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
All prices are listed in USD.
Airfare to and from destination is not
included. Please call for assistance in purchasing
flights.
Notes on Accommodations:
(subject to availability)
Parties of three in Aix-en-Provence are
accommodated in one room with one king bed and a rollaway.
Parties of three in Paris are accommodated in
one room having either two double beds or one king bed and a
rollaway.
Parties of four booked as a quad:
In Aix-en-Provence, quads are accommodated
in two connecting rooms, each having either two twin beds or one
king bed.
In Paris, quads are accommodated in one
Family Room with one king bed and two twin beds or two connecting
rooms, each having two double beds or one king bed.
Parties of four booked as two doubles are
accommodated in two rooms, each having one king bed, two double beds
or two twin beds.
Connecting rooms may be requested.
Pre- and post-dates are available. Please
contact us for more details.
Explore
the idyllic landscapes and picturesque villages of Provence by foot,
bicycle and kayak. Then ride the bullet train to Paris where your
family can view the treasures of the Louvre Museum and treasure the
view from the Eiffel Tower.
Concierge
Services
