ABBREVIATIONS: B – Cooked Breakfast, CB – Continental Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Depart New Zealand today, flying on Air New Zealand via Hong Kong to London. Other flight and route options are available. Domestic connections can be booked at special add-on prices.
Arrive at the British airport hub of London Heathrow this morning. Clear customs and immigration and then connect with an onward flight to Lyon, in France. On arrival, you will be met and transferred into a central Lyon Hotel for a 4-night stay. The balance of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey.
Today is a free day for you to explore this wonderful city with so much history and unique features. Lyon is the second most important city in France. For centuries it has been a commercial, industrial and banking powerhouse of France. It has outstanding museums, a dynamic cultural life, a thriving university and a fantastic shopping precinct. The historical Old Town has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This area is a ‘must-see’ and the best way to explore it is on foot. This evening, why not try the locals’ favourite food served at typical Lyonnais restaurants called Bouchons. They serve hearty interesting dishes including blood sausage, dumplings and pigs trotters – not suitable for vegans!
Saturday 11 November Lyon (CB, L)This morning is at leisure until 11am, when the nation of France and her allies pause to commemorate the day that the Great War ended. It was at the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 that the ‘War to end all Wars’ finally came to a close. Today we remember the millions of people who suffered and lost their lives defending France from the German invaders. All New Zealander’s are welcome to join in on the commemorations held in the centre of Lyon. Representatives of the All Blacks Team will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony. The French and All Blacks team today play for the Dave Gallaher Trophy in recognition of the Original 1905 All Blacks Captain who lost his life in the Great War, only weeks before it ended.
After this moving occasion, we board a River Cruiser and enjoy a scenic cruise upon the Rivers Rhone and Saone. A lunch is served on board. The true beauty of this great city is evident from the river. Gracious old buildings and unique architecture line the banks as you cruise-by. This will be a memorable day!
Later this afternoon, prepare for the first test on French soil in 2006 as the All Blacks take on France at Stade Gerland this evening.
FRANCE V NEW ZEALAND
Later, return to your hotel for an evening of celebrations.
See the 32-Day Tour itinerary on page 6, 7, 8 for a day-by-day description for this tour.
