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. You may wish to consider departing on Wednesday to enjoy a three-night stopover at Hong Kong on the way?
Arrive at the British Airport hub of London Heathrow this morning. Clear customs and immigration and then transfer by coach to London Gatwick Airport and connect with an onward service to Newquay in Cornwall. An Executive Touring Coach and experienced Driver will be at Newquay Airport to meet the Group and transfer you to your Cornwall Hotel for a 4-night stay. We have chosen two comfortable family-run hotels in spectacular coastal locations, away from the hustle and bustle of cities and towns. Your hotels offers a relaxing holiday atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and friendly attentive service.
The afternoon is free to relax and recover from your journey. This evening, join together with the members of your Tour Party
for a Welcome Function hosted by your Tour Leaders. This will be a great way to start the Tour and it will provide everyone with the opportunity of meeting together and will set the scene for the exciting four weeks ahead. Dinner at your hotel is included tonight.
A local tourist guide will join the Tour Party today and travel with you for the next three days as you discover Cornwall. He / she will give interesting and informative commentary on the sights, the history and the people of Cornwall. We have designed the first few days of this tour to allow plenty of relaxing time for you to recover from the journey over from New Zealand. There will be no early starts or long travel days and you will have free time to walk-off the jet-lag and catch-up on sleep.
The exact itinerary for the three days of discovery and sightseeing in Cornwall has not been finalised at the time this brochure went to print. However, the following places will be visited and we have booked a lunch for the Tour Party at Rick Stein’s famous Seafood Bistro in Padstow. This will be an absolute highlight for everyone who appreciates Rick Stein’s cooking programmes and books produced by the BBC. We will visit Newquay, Plymouth, Falmouth, Penzance, Lands End, St Ives, Padstow, Port Isaac, Bodmin Moor and the Eden Project. Port Isaac is where the Television show called Doc Martin is shot from. They call it Portwenn in the show.
More Touring in Cornwall today. The Eden Project’s mission is ‘to promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources leading to a sustainable future for all’. The Eden Project was established as one of the landmark Millennium projects in the UK to mark the year 2000 and is structured as an educational charitable trust.It is built within an old quarry and a lot of it is under these huge spheres or domes that have created a micro-climate suitable for tropical plants. You don’t have to be botanically minded to appreciate this impressive venue.
This morning, transfer to Newquay Airport and fly back to London Gatwick. A local transfer coach will take you into the heart of London and the Millennium Gloucester Hotel for a three-night stay.
Friday 3 November London (B) Today is free to explore London. All the famous sights are within easy reach. Use the London Transport Card provided to get about on the Underground or by Bus. To take a closer look at all the major sights, we recommend you purchase a Big Bus Company ticket. These open-top double-decker buses take a set route around London’s sights. You can get on and off as you please and the buses are timed at fifteen-minute intervals. While on the bus an interesting and informative commentary describes the sights as you pass them. Tickets are valid for one whole day and currently cost £18.
This evening you could take in a West-End Show. Williment offer’s a pre-booking service to the latest and most popular shows on at the time. A list of Shows will be sent to people who book on our Tour.
After a leisurely morning, transfer out to West London and the impressive Twickenham Stadium, venue for the All Blacks Test Match this afternoon. Today is an important occasion for the Rugby Football Union as they open the new South Stand, which completes the redevelopment work at Twickenham. Today, a capacity crowd of 82,000 people will watch the All Blacks first match of this 2006 Tour
ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND
Win, lose or draw, the atmosphere at Twickenham is great. After the match, take time to enjoy the party in the car park before rejoining your Coach for the transfer back to your hotel for a night of celebration.
Transfer to London Heathrow this morning and fly to Nice in the South of France, a region known as the French Riviera on the Cotes d’Azur. On arrival you will be met by your UK-based Executive Charter Coach and Driver as well as a French / English speaking Guide. The Guide will be with the Tour Party for the next two weeks while you tour in France. From the airport, enjoy a brief orientation and sights tour of Nice and then check-into your hotel for a three night stay. Your hotel is conveniently placed on the famous Promenade des Anglais in the centre of Nice. This afternoon is free to familiarise yourself with Nice.
Nice today is a modern and fashionable city, yet it remains relaxed and fun too. The old cities’ narrow streets are home to a lively nightlife and there is an old harbour, hilltop gardens, fascinating museums and great markets to explore. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Enjoy a guided day-trip today to the near-by Principality of Monaco and spend time in the impressive city of Monte Carlo. Visit the casino and see the Palace of the Royal Family. This city exudes wealth and prosperity, with flash cars, towering apartment blocks and pleasure craft of every type moored in the harbour. Later travel onto the last town before the Italian border – Menton, also known as the place that our Katherine Mansfield scholars reside. Later return to Nice via the windy coast road. This evening is free.
Today is another highlight day as your guide takes you to visit the largest leisure craft port in Europe at Antibes, where Super-Yachts from all over the world are based when in the Mediterranean. Then, explore the beautiful hide-away resort town of Juan les Pins and then the classic seaside town at Cannes – home to the annual Cannes Film Festival. Return to Nice in the afternoon. This evening is free.
Depart Nice this morning and travel along the beautiful coast to the famous resort town of the stars – St. Tropez. There will be time to explore the waterfront and do some window shopping before continuing on to a wine tasting at a Bandol Winery. Here you will be hosted to a lunch and a taste of the superb Wines of this region.
Later, travel onto a wonderful highlight of the tour, as you will be staying the night in a former Dominican Convent, which has been transformed into a unique hotel. In the heart of Green Provence in the Sainte-Baume Massif, the Basilica of Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume and the neighbouring Convent were founded in 1295 by Charles II of Anjou, the King of Sicily and Count of Provence to house the relics of St. Maria Magdalena, whose tomb had been discovered here in 1279. This is the finest Provencal gothic building in the South East of France.
Placed under royal protection by Louis XII at the beginning of the 16th century, the Convent was entrusted to the Dominicans, who brought it safely through the centuries in spite of many upheavals. When the Dominicans left in 1959, the Royal Convent became a cultural centre and tourist venue and as recently as 2003 it was re-opened as a unique hotel. The bedrooms are actually the monks cells.
Departing the convent hotel this morning, drive north by Aix-en-Provence and into the Luberon Nature Park. Here you will see the Provence of movies such as ‘Jean de Florette’ and ‘Manon of the Spring’ where steep hillsides are home to rustic villages. A lunch
is included on the journey and later in the day you will reach the ancient town of Avignon for an overnight stay. Your hotel is within the city walls, and the maze of ramparts, towers, belfries and palaces are right outside your door. Avignon was for a century the City of the Popes (1309 – 1403) before they returned to Rome. The Palace once hosted a rich court of artists and intellectuals and Clergy before the Great Schism saw its demise. This evening is free to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Avignon.
This morning you will be taken on a guided walking tour of Avignon, before re-boarding your coach. As you depart, you will be shown the famous Pont d’Avignon and the modern Saint Benezet Bridge, which cross the River Rhone. Continue north along the Rhone, then cross the river and explore the Gorges de l’ardeche. The Ardeche River has carved out a natural arch over one hundred feet high called the pont d’Arc. Enjoy striking views of the Gorge and the Arch.
Rejoin the Rhone and again head north, passing by one of the many Nuclear Power Stations in France. This one, at Centre Nucleaire de St-Alban-St-Maurice has two pressurised water reactors rated at a mighty 1300 Megawatts, enough to supply electricity to a city the size of Lyon (2 million inhabitants) ten times over. Later arrive at the impressive city of Lyon itself, for a three-night stay.
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.
After a leisurely start this morning, travel into the near-by Beaujolais region to enjoy the local wine and food on a private estate – weather permitting. This will be a relaxing day, where good food and good wine are combined with good company. Back in Lyon, this evening is at leisure.
Depart Lyon this morning and travel east towards the French Alps. First stop is the charming lakeside town of Annecy. Later climb further into the Huate-Savoie region and you will be taken aback by the grandeur of the impressive Mont Blanc. Nestled under its Massif is the resort town of Chamonix, where you will be staying for the next two nights. Chamonix is a popular mountaineering centre in the summer and a skiing Mecca in the winter. In between times, the town is relatively quiet. Dinner is included this evening.
Today is a free day in and around Chamonix. We have included the train fare and entrance fees to the Ice Caves carved out of the Sea of Ice Glacier. If you are not perturbed by heights, we recommend the cable-car ride to the Aiguille du Midi, one of Chamonix’s most famous landmarks. The panoramic views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking and should not be missed. This evening
we have again included a dinner.
This morning you leave Chamonix and travel down from the Alps to Geneva in Switzerland. Enjoy a brief sights tour of this historic city on the shores of Lac leman. Later climb through the Jura Mountains and back into France. The next two days and nights are spent in the department of Cote d’Or and the Burgundy region, – one of the world’s foremost winegrowing areas. The land between Beaune in the south and Dijon in the north is renowned the world over for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines they produce.
Today you will be taken on a sights and scenic drive through the Burgundy region. Dijon is known as the mustard capital of the world and you will see evidence of this along the way. But, the region is most known for the superb vintage wines that are produced. You will see the Golden Hillside – the narrow eastern slopes of the limestone, flint and clay ridge that runs south from Dijon for about 60kms towards Beaune. These slopes are covered in loaded grapevines in the autumn, although by November the harvest will be complete. The wonderful wine-making villages of the Cote d’Or include Marsannay-la-Cote, Fixin, Brochon, Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee, Nuits-St-Georges, Pernand-Vergelesses, Aloxe-Corton and Savigny-les-Beaune – names that will make wine buffs go weak at the knees.
Today you will have the chance to taste the wines and sample the local cheeses and enjoy a lunch of local fayre on the road. This evening is at leisure.
Friday 17 November Dijon / Beaune – Paris (CB)Today, you will leave Burgundy and travel towards Paris. You will pass through some very attractive countryside and stops will be made at Chablis (the white wine growing area) and the medieval hilltop village of Vezelay. Perched on a rocky spur crowned by slender buildings and the ancient abbey church of Basilique Ste-Madeleine and surrounded by a patchwork of vineyards, fields and grazing sheep, Vezelay seems to have been lifted from another age.
Late in the afternoon, arrive in the great city of Paris – sometimes referred to as the ‘City of Light’. Over the coming days, you will get to know Paris and appreciate its beauty and charm. Check-in to your hotel in the central city suburb of Montmartre for a four-night stay.
This morning enjoy a guided sights tour of all the famous sights of this magnificent city, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, the Notre Dame, the River Seine, Les Invalides and of course the Eiffel Tower. You will have time to take the lifts up the Eiffel Tower if you wish. The views are magnifique! Afterwards, board a River Cruiser and get another spectacular perspective on Paris as you cruise under the bridges of the Seine. A sumptuous luncheon with wine is included during your cruise. Balance of the afternoon is free.
This evening the All Blacks play their second test in France at the magnificent Stade de France Saint-Denis, arguably the best of all the great Stadiums where Rugby Tests are played in the world. The design of this stadium is superb. Every seat has a good view of the pitch and access is easy and comfortable. This Stadium was the venue for France’s famous triumphant Final victory over Brazil in the Football World Cup in 1998 and it will play host to the major matches and the Semis and Final of next years Rugby World Cup 2007. The best way to get to and from the Stadium is on the underground Metro. You will have a Visit Paris Transport Pass provided and your Tour Leaders will assist with the journey there and back.
FRANCE V NEW ZEALAND
After the match is over, return to your hotel to celebrate the occasion.
The next two days are free in Paris for you to relax and enjoy the great city. You will be able to pursue your own interests, whether they are shopping, museums and art galleries or sightseeing further a field. We recommend the Louvre and the Musee D-Orsay, the Notre Dame and Sacre Cour, the Centre Pompidou and the famous department stores – Galaries Lafayette and Le Printemps. The Palace of Versailles and the Chateau of Fontainbleau are on the outskirts of Paris, but is easily accessible by train.
Today is another free day in and around Paris.
This morning transfer to Paris airport and fly directly from Paris to Bristol Airport n the west of England. Your charter Coach and driver will be there to collect you and transfer you across the Severn River Bridge to Wales – a short distance away. The next two nights will be spent at a wonderful hotel on the outskirts of Swansea. Your hosts – Welsh Rugby fanatic Clive Hopkins and his wife will give you a true Welsh Welcome and you will enjoy a hosted dinner at their hotel restaurant this evening.
This morning you can attend the All Blacks Training session as they prepare for their final test of the tour on Saturday. Watch as Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen take them through their paces. Beforehand (or afterwards), depending on the time and venue for the training session, you will be shown around Swansea Town and the Gower Peninsula.
This evening, visit a local Rugby Club and enjoy an evening of socialising with Welsh Rugby Folk. The Club Members will host you to a light meal and a Male Voice Choir will entertain. This will be a memorable evening.
Enjoy a full day guided sights tour into the Valley’s of Wales today. From Swansea head up through the Vale of Neath and the Rhondda Valley. See the Brecon Beacons National Park and villages and towns that were built on the coal and steel industries of the industrial revolution. Through labour reforms and the closing of the mines, many of these towns were brought to their knees in the 1960’s and 70’s but they have survived and although unemployment is still high, many of the young people commute each day to Cardiff and Swansea for work. Lunch is included at a Country Inn.
Later in the afternoon, arrive at Cardiff and visit the magnificent Millennium Stadium at Cardiff Arms Park, before checking-into
your central Cardiff Hotel for the final three nights of the Tour.
Today is a free day in Cardiff. This will be your last chance to shop for souvenirs and gifts before you head home. Cardiff is widely regarded as one of Britain’s best value shopping centres. It is a Williment Sports Travel tradition for our All Blacks Supporters Tourists to end their Tour with a farewell dinner together this evening. Your Tour Leaders will talk with you about this during the Tour.
Today will be a huge day for Rugby in Wales with the All Blacks taking on Wales at home in front of an enthusiastic and partisan home crowd. The pre-match atmosphere in Cardiff is amazing, with the streets closed to traffic and the throngs of supporters enthusiastically preparing for the match in the many pubs, cafes and restaurants that surround the Park. In the Stadium the singing and the atmosphere is unforgettable.
WALES V NEW ZEALAND
After the match Cardiff will be ‘heaving’ into the night as the boyos enjoy the occasion to the max.
Sunday 26 November Cardiff – London (B)Depart Cardiff this morning on a transfer coach for London Heathrow Airport. For those heading home today on Air New Zealand, you will arrive at the airport in good time to allow for a smooth check-in. For other flights, and for those going into central London, a coach will transfer you from Cardiff at a convenient time.
At this point you may choose to stay-on in the UK or London.
We are offering a four-night hotel package in London for people who would like to spend more time in the Great City of London.
The package includes a three-day London Transport pass and four nights in a central London Hotel. See the page opposite for details.
For those departing for home today on Air New Zealand’s one-stop flight via Hong Kong to Auckland, you can choose to stopover at Hong Kong. See ‘Stopover’ section on page 16.
In-flight, – lose a day as you cross the date line.
Arrive at Auckland or Christchurch Airport this morning.
