French connections: Join us on incredible journey through France

Traveller invites readers on an exciting and insightful Traveller-designed journey with a former Australian ambassador to France, a French culture and language expert and a veteran reporter.

We’ve proudly showcased a multitude of distinguished expert hosts for our Traveller Tours over the past few years but the trio we’ve assembled for our latest journey – a luxury river and rail cruise with Viking across the breadth of France - is really something special.

Not only will Tony Wright, one of the most experienced and admired reporters at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, be joining readers for part of the tour but also Stephen Brady, a former Australian ambassador to France, and his partner Peter Stephens, an authority on French culture and language.

One of Australia’s most respected and accomplished diplomats, Stephen served as our nation’s ambassador to France between 2014 and 2017 accompanied by Peter, who holds a degree in French literature and language among a range of other impressive credentials. I can’t conceive of a more qualified and engaging pairing to guide readers through France, a country at once both delightful and complex.

Although I can’t vouch for Tony’s command of French, his deep knowledge of its World War I battlefields will be invaluable on the tour. An immensely experienced political reporter, Tony will also take some time to relate some of his favourite tales from his Parliament House Canberra days.

Our “French connections” Traveller Tour is exciting enough in its own right but with the addition of our three outstanding guest hosts and with an array of exclusive experiences, this unique and insightful trip is set to be an unforgettable one.

Anthony Dennis
TRAVELLER EDITOR

Guggenheim Museum — The Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.

THE ITINERARY

DAY 1 SEPTEMBER 22
PARIS (LE PECQ)

Arrive in Paris and transfer to your ship. You can explore Paris at your leisure or join a “welcome walk” to get oriented. This evening, meet the former Australian Ambassador to France, Stephen Brady, and French culture and language specialist Peter Stephen. MEALS D SHIP VIKING RINDA

DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 23
PARIS (LE PECQ)

After breakfast, in the company of Stephen and Peter, enjoy a tour of the palace and gardens of the Palace of Versailles. In the afternoon, visit the Chateau de Malmaison, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France. B L D

DAY 3 SEPTEMBER 24
VERNON

This morning, enjoy a walking tour through provincial Vernon. After lunch, travel to the town of Giverny and visit the beautiful gardens and charming stone farmhouse where artist Claude Monet resided until his death in 1926. The setting inspired many of Monet’s masterpieces. B L D

DAY 4 SEPTEMBER 25
ROUEN

As you cruise along the Seine, join Stephen for a talk and Q&A during which he will discuss France under Macron, the political landscape and France’s world view. In the afternoon, go on a walking tour of the medieval city of Rouen. Then, enjoy some free time and perhaps you can visit one of its museums of art or antiquities. B L D

DAY 5 SEPTEMBER 26
ROUEN-SOMME BATTLEFIELDS

Omni Homestead Resort — Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

Today, Tony Wright, special writer for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, will travel with you to the Somme Battlefields. Tony will give a talk and Q&A on the importance of the region to Australian troops and their involvement on the Western Front during World War I. Visit the Australian National Memorial, including the Sir John Monash Centre in Villers-Brettoneux. B L D

DAY 6 SEPTEMBER 27
LES ANDELYS

As you cruise to the town of Les Andelys, join Stephen for a talk and Q&A as he reminisces on his time as the Australian Ambassador to France. After lunch, enjoy a guided walk to Les Andelys’ fatally-flawed masterpiece of Middle Ages architecture, the Chateau Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart. B L D

DAY 7 SEPTEMBER 28
MANTES-LA-JOLIE

Enjoy a city tour that includes sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Musee D’Orsay, Louvre and Opera House, and the Champs-Elysees. This afternoon, visit Paris’ first digital museum of fine art, Atelier des Lumières, on a Traveller-Tour-included experience, where you’ll be treated to an amazing multi-sensory experience. B L D

DAY 8 SEPTEMBER 29
PARIS (LE PECQ)

After breakfast, disembark and enjoy a train journey from Paris through the countryside to Lyon, where you will board your second ship (Viking Heimdal). Enjoy a welcome dinner. B D

DAY 9 SEPTEMBER 30
LYON

Enjoy a half-day city tour which includes a visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and a walk through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon , the old town. Tonight, enjoy an exclusive dining experience onshore at Lyonnaise Bouchon restaurant, in the company of Stephen and Peter. B L D

DAY 10 OCTOBER 1
LYON

Take a scenic drive through the hills of Beaujolais and see the legendary Moulin-a-Vent, the windmill that gives its name to one of the most prestigious wines of the region. Learn about the art of winemaking and enjoy a tasting in one of the region’s famous cellars. The afternoon is at your leisure. B L D

DAY 11 OCTOBER 2
VIENNE

See the city of Vienne and learn about its ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus and Livia, the Roman amphitheatre and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice. In the afternoon, relax onboard as you sail to Tournon. B L D

DAY 12 OCTOBER 3
TOURNON

Today, board the Train de l’Ardeche for a journey through the gorges of the Ardeche plateau. Enjoy lunch back onboard as you cruise to the town of Viviers. This afternoon, join Peter for an insightful talk and Q&A about French food and wine. B L D

DAY 13 OCTOBER 4
ARLES

On a tour of Arles, see its diverse architecture and the city’s striking quality of light in this part of the world, which has inspired many artists. The afternoon is at your leisure. B L D

DAY 14 OCTOBER 5
AVIGNON

Today, on a unique Traveller Tours experience, visit Le Grand Prebois vineyard and enjoy a tour and tasting of the winery’s most famed wines. In the afternoon, see the sights of Avignon, including Pont d’Avignon and Place de l’Horloge, and go on a guided tour through the maze of Gothic architecture at the Palace of the Popes. B L D

DAY 15 OCTOBER 6
AVIGNON

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. B

TOUR DETAILS AND INCLUSIONS

DEPARTURE DATE September 22, 2020
DURATION 15 days
DIRECTION Paris to Avignon
PRICES From $10,895 pp twin share for Standard Stateroom; French Balcony from $12,995 pp; Veranda Stateroom from $14,395pp
BOOKINGS Phone 138 747
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm
Email: traveller.tours@vikingcruises.com

Return economy class flights to France from major cities in Australia
Private river-view stateroom
Traveller Tours exclusive: Insights and expertise from special guest hosts; vist to Atelier des Lumirres in Paris; onshore dinner at Lyonnaise Bouchon restaurant; wine tour and tasting at Le Grand Prebois vineyard; visit to Somme Battlefields with expert guest host
All onboard meals including beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Culture Curriculum: Lectures and performances of art, music, cooking, dance and history
Free Wi-Fi
Onboard tipping and gratuities

Booking conditions available at vikingcruises.com.au

BOOKINGS
Ph: 138 747
Monday to Friday 9am-6pm
Email: traveller.tours@vikingcruises.com
vikingcruises.com.au

YOU’LL LOVE THIS TOUR IF...

• You want to immerse yourself in French culture and hear insights about the French political landscape with a former Australian ambassador to France

• You want to walk the battlefields and learn about the history of World War I with one of Australia’s leading reporters

• You want to explore French art and experience French cuisine with a French culture expert

MEET THE EXPERTS

THE FORMER AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE
STEPHEN BRADY AO CVO

Stephen was Australia’s Ambassador to France from 2014- 17 and was made a Commander of the Legion d’Honneur by the French government for his contribution to the Australia-France relationship. From Paris, he was also ambassador to Morocco, Algeria and Monaco. In his distinguished career, he has served as Official Secretary to two Governors-General, and as a senior adviser to the Prime Minister. He was also an ambassador to The Netherlands (2004-08) and to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia (1999-2003).

THE FRENCH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE EXPERT
PETER STEPHENS

Peter has had a lifelong interest in French language and culture. An accomplished French speaker, Peter holds a degree in the French language and literature and an advanced language diploma from the French Government. He is a translator of French texts and 19th century travel writing. Peter is a former Prime Ministerial arts adviser and worked for the Minister for Foreign Affairs in between accompanying his partner Stephen Brady on postings.

THE BATTLEFIELDS EXPERT AND VETERAN REPORTER
TONY WRIGHT

Tony is an associate editor and special writer for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. His 50-year reporting career has taken him to countries throughout Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Tony has a special interest in the history of World War I. He has walked across the old battlefields of the Western Front in Belgium and northern France many times. His first such walk was with the last of Australia’s Great War veterans in 1993.

Circumstances beyond Traveller’s control may affect the guest lineup. Operational or logistical changes or issues related to the itinerary before, during or after the tour are the responsibility of Viking Cruises. To view booking conditions visit vikingcruises.com.au

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