CRUISE THROUGH FRANCE
FROM PARIS TO NORMANDY
WITH BURT WOLF

START IN PARIS, CRUISE THE SEINE RIVER,
TOUR NORMANDY, END IN PARIS
AND HELP SUPPORT PUBLIC BROADCASTING
DEPARTURE 19TH JULY 2010 – RETURN 27TH JULY 2010

TEL: 1.888.365.3443

Tour/Cruise priced from $3,299 to $3,948 (plus airfare).

Burt Wolf, the host of the public television series Travels & Traditions, invites you to join him on this Avalon Waterways’ Tour and River Cruise from Paris to Normandy, and back to Paris. Burt will be your onboard host throughout the trip. This is a unique opportunity to travel with Burt, see the sights, and experience the places where his television shows were filmed.

OVERVIEW OF THE CRUISE

Prior to the cruise departure, Burt will mail each guest a packet of his research and background material about the tour locations and a DVD of one of his programs that relates to the cruise. These materials are his personal evaluation of the area – the history, art, architecture, what to eat, what to buy and what to see. It will give you detailed background information on the places we are going to visit. It will also give you some ideas for things you might like to do in your free time. Unlike ocean cruising, your river cruise often docks right in the city center. You can tour close to the ship or venture further into town. The ship’s entire interior is non-smoking and all announcements are in English.

The tour begins with two days of sightseeing in Paris. Then along the Seine River to Normandy, with stops at the World War II landing beaches, Vincent van Gogh’s hometown of Auvers-sur-Oise, Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and Joan of Arc’s historic Rouen. There are tastings of the local apple cider, Calvados brandy and Camembert cheeses. Then return to Paris. Avalon Creativity’s English-speaking Captain, Cruise Director and crew are experienced professionals dedicated to your comfort.

SPECIAL BURT WOLF EVENTS AND RESEARCH MATERIALS

In addition to being your host throughout the cruise, Burt will conduct the following special events:

1. A Tasting of the Special Foods and Drinks of the Region.
2. A Talk on Understanding European Architecture.
3. A Talk and Tasting of Absinthe.
4. A Talk on how Burt’s Public Television Programs are Produced.
5. An Introduction to the History of Chocolate.
6. An Introduction to the History of Wine in America.

CRUISE ITINERARY

DAY 1 – MONDAY, 19TH JULY 2010 * DEPART U.S. FOR PARIS, FRANCE

Overnight flight from the United States to Paris.

DAY 2 – TUESDAY, 20TH JULY 2010 * ARRIVE PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

Flights into Paris must arrive before 3:00 pm. If you have booked your air travel with Avalon, or made special arrangements, an Avalon representative will be at the Paris airport to assist you with your transfer to the ship. At about 6pm, everyone will meet for a drink with Burt and the cruise director for a briefing on the itinerary. Dinner will be onboard our ship. Burt will give you his guide to the city with details on where to eat and shop.

DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY, 21ST JULY 2010 * PARIS, FRANCE

After breakfast, there’s a coach tour of Paris passing all of the major landmarks. There is also the option to have lunch with Burt at one of his favorite restaurants. The afternoon is free for additional touring or shopping.

DAY 4 – THURSDAY, 22ND JULY 2010 * PARIS – CONFLANS, FRANCE

After breakfast, the ship begins sailing down the Seine. During the afternoon, we dock at Conflans, where there is a guided tour to Auvers-sur-Oise, the little town where Vincent van Gogh lived and died, or a guided visit to Saint-Germain-en-Laye with its 14th century château overlooking the Seine Valley. The town center, dating back to the 11th century, has a lively market with boutiques and cafés in a pedestrian area.

DAY 5 – FRIDAY, 23RD JULY 2010 * VERNON, FRANCE

This morning, there is a guided visit of Claude Monet’s house and his famous gardens at Giverny, or you can choose a visit to the castle of Bizy. You’ll also have time to stroll through this city before the ship departs for Rouen. The castle was built in 1741, owned by King Louis XV, it’s famous for its wood paneling, tapestries, stables and collection of horse-drawn carriages. There will also be time to stroll the city before the ship departs for Rouen.

DAY 6 – SATURDAY, 24TH JULY 2010 * ROUEN, FRANCE

Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived and was martyred here in 1431. There is a guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and the Gros Horloge, an intricate astronomical clock dating back to the 16th century. Rouen’s gothic cathedral was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet paintings. The afternoon is free to explore on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to the coastal town of Honfleur or to the port city of Le Havre with its contemporary architecture.

DAY 7 – SUNDAY, 25TH JULY 2010 * ROUEN, FRANCE

Today you may choose between the two included full-day excursions. A drive to the historic World War II Normandy landing beaches, with stops at Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument and the American Cemetery. The “Taste of Normandy” excursion will give you a more in-depth look at this picturesque agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong alcoholic apple brandy.

DAY 8 – MONDAY, 26TH JULY 2010 * LES ANDELYS, FRANCE

The most dramatic sight along the Seine is the imposing Château Gaillard Les Andelys. Built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the château is truly a masterpiece of Middle Age military architecture.

DAY 9 – TUESDAY, 27TH JULY 2010 * PARIS, FRANCE (DISEMBARKATION)

Home bound flights will arrive back in the U.S. on the same day (Tuesday 27 July).

A NOTE FROM BURT ABOUT OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & THE CRUISE ITINERARY

The basic trip contains all the elements that I consider essential. I realized that there are a number of excursions that might prove interesting to some (but not all) of our passengers. I was reluctant to add the cost of these excursions to the general trip, but felt they should be offered to fellow passengers who might find the subjects inviting. The additional cost for each optional excursion is $25 per person. You can sign-up for these optional excursions while you are onboard and pay at the end of the cruise. I will be onboard to answer any additional questions.

Please note: Avalon Waterways makes their best effort to keep to the itinerary as noted, however, factors may arise during the tour that compel Avalon to adjust the schedule.

EXCELLENT FOOD

One of the most popular aspects of a Burt Wolf River Cruise is the excellence of the food. Each full day onboard, there is a full breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a cocktail reception, welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner --- one sitting with open seating arrangements (non-assigned). At dinner each evening, there is a selection of a red wine and a white wine from Europe’s most famous wine regions. They are served throughout the meal without charge as well as soft drinks and beer.

Breakfast: 7:00am – 8:30am: A buffet table includes a wide variety of breads, cereals, fruit and fruit salad, cold cuts, smoked salmon, cheeses, pastries, yogurts and juices. Scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, and other hot items can vary from day to day. The chef will prepare fresh omelets and other egg dishes to order.

Lunch: Usually served at 12:30pm depending on the cruise schedule. Buffet-style with appetizers, soups, sandwiches, cold cuts, breads, salad bar, two main courses (one of which may be a carving station), dessert table, cheese board and fresh fruit.

Afternoon Tea: Coffee, tea and cake will be served either in the lounge or on the Sun or Sky Deck.

Dinner: Usually served at 7:30pm depending on cruise schedule. Dinner is traditionally four courses including a vegetarian selection. Choice of entrees with every dinner including complimentary red and white wines from the region. Soft drinks and beer are also included free of charge at each dinner.

MOST MODERN SHIPS ON THE RIVER

Burt evaluated dozen of ships before selecting the Avalon fleet. The Avalon Creativity is one of the newest designs in river cruising.

YOUR HOST * BURT WOLF

Since 1982, Burt has written and produced over 4,000 segments for Cable News Network (CNN), 800 segments for ABC (the American Broadcasting Company), 125 half-hour programs for the travel division of The Discovery Channel, 25 half hours for the Family Channel, and 250 half hours for Public Broadcasting. He has been nominated for two Cable Ace Awards and a national Emmy in connection with culture and history.

Burt is presently in production with his ongoing series entitled Travels & Traditions. Shot entirely on location, this series travels throughout the world looking at the history, architecture, culture, customs, foods and festivals of many of the world’s most interesting locations.

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Air Transportation between the U.S./Paris and Paris/U.S. can be made privately or through Avalon Waterways who offer competitive air-inclusive prices, including Business Class. Avalon offers free airport transfers (7/20/10 Paris airport to Paris meeting point; 7/27/10 ship to Paris airport) when you book your transatlantic flights with Avalon. Those wishing to extend their stay (arriving earlier and staying later) may make those arrangements on their own or may book with Avalon.

EXPENSES NOT INCLUDED

Expenses not included in the Land/Cruise cost include: roundtrip airfare, optional excursions, travel insurance, port tax (approx. $98.00), miscellaneous expenses onboard (laundry, internet, telephone, minibar, liquor/food not on the regular menu, porters at airports, excess baggage fees, gratuities to your Cruise Director, guides and ship’s crew), passport, airport transfers in Europe (approximately $70.00 per person), and all other items of a personal nature. If you book your air with Avalon the airport transfer fee is waived).

STATEROOMS – 172 SQ. FT.

1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Washbasin 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing Desk 7 Sliding glass doors

COSTS

The Land/Cruise cost, per person (based on double occupancy):

ALL STATEROOMS ARE OUTSIDE-FACING
THERE IS A PASSENGER ELEVATOR ON THIS SHIP

DECK PLANS

Built 2009; Length: 361 ft.; Crew members: 39; Staterooms: 68; Jr. Suites: 2

1 Sky Deck with Deck Chairs 2 Navigating Bridge 3 On-board Camera 4 Sky Lounge 5 Whirlpool 6 Reception 7 Foyer 8 Internet Corner 9 Lounge 10 Bar 11 Club Lounge 12 Hairdresser 13 Elevator 14 Restaurant 15 Galley 16 Fitness Center

Royal Deck	Sapphire Deck Forward	Indigo Deck
Royal Deck	Sapphire Deck Aft