Artists' in France September 14 - 28, 2012

OK, so you've seen France as a tourist, but have you seen it as an artist? Certainly not ever as Lautrec, Pisarro or Gaugin would have seen it.
You've climbed the Eiffel Tour, but have you set up your easel along the Canal St. Martin?
You've gone to the Louvre, but have you sketched in Monet's garden at Giverny?
You've strolled down the Champs Elysée, but have you painted in the Jardin de Luxembourg or the Bois de Boulogne?
You have fought the crowds in the Côte D'Azur, but have you walked the ancient customs path or the beaches of the Côte D'Armor in Brittany?

Avid Traveller's popular “Artists’ series” is back by popular demand. This time around, guides Kevin & Daphne Bice will help you immerse yourself in two very different but special locations in beautiful France. Our first location will be the “Ville-Lumière” itself, Paris, which for centuries has inspired creative spirits from all over the world. Included in the tour is a 5 day Metro Pass to allow for easy movements within the city. Furthermore, a 4 day Museum Pass will allow you to visit all the important works of art, as many times as you wish and without any queues. From here there will be an excursion to Giverny for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sketch in Monet's famed gardens. Next we travel to the Brittany region to the fascinating walled town of Dinan, which has been described as having “a medieval heart which beats to the lively rhythm of modern life”.

Because travellers who choose to come in this trip are looking for something other than a typical sightseeing tour and because artists have different requirements than the average tourist, we will approach the itinerary in a unique way. For most days, there will be very little formal structure. The focus point of the day – and perhaps the only point in the day when the whole group will come together - will be for drinks and a daily critique from 6 to 7 in the evening. At this point, Kevin & Daphne will introduce you to possible ventures for the next day which, apart from sketching, may include shopping, visiting art galleries or artist's studios or perhaps just stretching your legs with a good walk.

Your guides are Kevin and Daphne Bice. Kevin is an experienced artist and traveller and has worked in various locations throughout Europe for over 30 years. Daphne is a multi-linguist who also has extensive travel experience. If members of the group wish, Kevin will be available to act as your informal guide to a number of the major art collections in Paris such as the Louvre, the Musée D’Orsay, the Marmottan, Monet’s “Waterlilies” at the Orangerie, the Rodin Museum, etc. He can also take you to sketching locations like the Canal St. Martin, the Jardin de Luxembourg or the Bois de Boulogne. In Paris and Dinan, he can offer advice and suggestions about aspects of sketching outdoors from sketching the difficult perspective of medieval houses to handling colour. For those unfamiliar with the language or who merely wish assistance in navigating this lively but sometimes confusing city, Daphne can help you to explore in French.

Itinerary

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. Novack’s reserves the right to change itinerary when deemed necessary, or desirable.

Day 1 – Friday, September 14th - Depart Toronto for overnight Transatlantic scheduled airline flight to Paris.

Day 2 – Saturday, September 15th - Meet and greet with English-speaking assistant for our transfer to the centrally located, 3 star hotel in Paris, Hotel Andre-Latin or similar. This transfer will include a panoramic city tour of Paris passing by the main historical places and monuments of Paris such as the Opera Garnier, the Champs-Elysees Avenue, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and more. The afternoon is at leisure to either rest or stroll the Parisian streets. A group "welcome" dinner is planned for tonight. (D)

Day 3 – Sunday, September 16th - Day at leisure in Paris. Many of the days in Paris will be at leisure to provide ample opportunity to sketch and paint. At this point you will receive a 5 day Metro pass so that you can explore this picturesque city with ease. You will also be provided with a 4 day Museum pass, allowing you free entrance and line bypass to all the major centres of art and history in Paris. Your passes are also valid for excursions outside of Paris, including the legendary Palace of Versailles. Days at leisure in Paris will always end with a group gathering prior to dinner for a daily critique and social get-together. (B)

Days 4/5 – Monday, September 17th – Tuesday, September 18th - Days at leisure in Paris with a group gathering prior to dinner each evening. (B, B)

Day 6 – Wednesday, September 19th – Day at leisure in Paris with an early evening group gathering followed by a fabulous group dinner together. (B, D)

Day 7 – Thursday September 20th - Full Day “Impressionism” excursion to Impressionism sites, by coach with an English-speaking assistant. In the morning we will visit Chatou, Bougival and Louveciennes. A wonderful three-course lunch experience will be provided. In the afternoon we will visit Croissy-sur-Seine - La Grenouillere (the location of famous works by Monet and Renoir), before reaching our final destination: Monet’s home in Giverny. There will be an opportunity to sketch or paint in the breathtaking gardens from which he drew much of his inspiration. We return to Paris in early evening for a night of leisure. (B, L)

Day 9 – Friday, September 21st – Today we leave the big city behind and head via train towards to the beautiful Northern coast of Brittany, known as the Cote D'Armor. Upon arrival in Dinan, we will check into our centrally located 3 star hotel, Hotel le d'Avaugour or similar. The afternoon is one of leisure and exploration. Dinan is a medieval town at heart, complete with ramparts and unique architecture, providing countless points of inspiration. (B,D)

Day 10/11 – Saturday, September 22nd – Sunday, September 23rd - Days at leisure in Dinan. Here is your opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Breton culture through exploration, shopping and of course, sketching and painting. From here it is easy to arrange a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont. St. Michel. As always, there will be group gatherings prior to dinner each evening. (B, B)

Day 12 – Monday, September 24th – Today we head out towards the coast as a group in a private motorcoach to the historic and charming town of St. Malo. Sketch or walk along the ports and beaches in the morning at your own leisure. Later in the afternoon we will visit a local Cidery, before returning to our “home” for a lovely group dinner. (B,D)

Day 13 – Tuesday, September 25th - Day at leisure in Dinan with a group gathering prior to dinner. (B)

Day 14 – Wednesday, September 26th – We say “a bientot” to our friends in Dinan as we are transferred to the train station for our return to the majestic Paris. With an afternoon at leisure, this is a wonderful opportunity to finish up any art projects or buy those last minute souvenirs! (B)

Day 15 – Thursday, September 27th - Day at leisure in Paris with a special farewell dinner in the evening.(B, D)

Day 16 – Friday, September 28th – Depart for the Paris airport in a private motorcoach for our transatlantic flight home to Toronto.(B)

Accommodations

Hotel Andre Latin

is located on Paris’s left bank and is a 5-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens and the Panthéon. It offers air-conditioned rooms and a 24-hour front desk. Internet access is available.

Rooms at Hotel André Latin are equipped with satellite TV, a telephone and private bathroom. Some rooms have a balcony and all rooms are serviced by an lift.

Every morning the hotel serves a continental breakfast each morning that guests can enjoy in the breakfast room or their guest room. A number of fine restaurants are located nearby.

Hotel André Latin is 500 metres from Luxembourg RER (line B), which offers direct transport to Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports. Place Monge Metro (line 7) is 700 metres from the hotel. The Jardin des Plantes is a 10-minute walk away.

Hotel Le d' Avaugour

is in the heart of Dinan, in a historic stone townhouse set on the town ramparts. It offers charming rooms and suites fitted with all modern comforts.

The rooms and suites present well-appointed and cosy living spaces and include free Wi-Fi access and modern en suite facilities.

After a busy day of trips and excursions, the hotels garden is just the place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea. In the summertime, breakfast can also be served in the garden.

Terms & Conditions

Inclusions

• 8 nights Paris - 3 star centrally located Hotel Andre Latin or similar


• 5 nights Dinan - 3 star centrally located Hotel le D'Avaugour or similar


• Breakfast daily


• 1 lunch


• 5 dinners


• Wine with arrival and farewell dinners


• Train transfer from Paris to Dinan and Dinan to Paris


• Private motorcoach transportation on excursions from Paris & Dinan


• 5 day Paris Metro Pass


• 4 day Paris Museum Pass


• Entrance Fees as per itinerary (Monet's Garden, Cidery, etc)


• Services of Novack’s Avid Traveller tour leaders – Kevin and Daphne Bice


• Artist instructions, mentoring, critiquing throughout with Artist Kevin Bice


• Sightseeing, activities and excursions as per itinerary


• Hotel service charges and taxes

Tour Costs Do Not Include:

Transatlantic flight, Items of a personal nature, meals not mentioned in itinerary, local or long distance phone calls, room service charges, entrance fees not mentioned in itinerary, insurance*, gratuities to local drivers and guides etc.

*Mandatory medical insurance is required to travel with this group. We sell and strongly recommend RBC Travel Insurance.

**Airport departure taxes and government fees can change at any time. We reserve the right to collect additional payment should these fees change prior to departure.

Entry into France

A valid Canadian Passport is required for Canadians. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of the expected departure from France. Should you need to apply for a Canadian Passport please download the application online at www.pptc.gc.ca. Anyone travelling on a passport other than a Canadian Passport should advise Uniglobe Instant Travel to ensure proper documentation.

Cost per Person:

• Land Only: 3970 CAD pp based on twin/double


• Single Supplement: 1000 CAD limited space

Non Refundable Deposit Requirement: 700 CAD

Final Payment Due: July 12, 2012

Payable to:

UNIGLOBE Instant Travel
100-235 North Centre Road
London ON N5X 4E7

Currency Fluctuations:

UNIGLOBE Instant Travel reserves the right to adjust tour price accordingly based on considerable currency fluctuations. We have used current exchange rate(s) in tour pricing.
All rates are subject to change.

To BOOK, please contact:

Al Been at UNIGLOBE Instant Travel, 519-660-6966 Ext. 234 or by email. Complete Terms and Conditions will be provided at time of deposit.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. Novack’s reserves the right to change itinerary when deemed necessary, or desirable.

Please note that a moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy the various activities of this tour. Guests can expect walking tours as well as walking up stairs and on uneven surfaces as part of this tour.

Complete Terms and Conditions will be provided at time of deposit.