Yesterday morning I was thrust into purgatory, losing all of my Comcast services–phone, cable, and internet access. Cable and phone service was not restored until that night and I only regained internet access this morning. I felt much like Robinson Crusoe, marooned on that remote island with Friday!
I do have good news, though. I now have all the information for the Eleanor of Aquitaine tour to France, including dates, the itinerary, and costs, etc, which I am now posting here. It sounds as if it will be a magical trip, and I’d love the opportunity to meet some of my readers! So I dearly hope this fits in with your calendars and budgets.
In the Footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine
An educational tour led by acclaimed author
Sharon Kay Penman
June 4-13, 2011
Join acclaimed author Sharon Kay Penman on a journey to France this June to
retrace the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine!
Eleanor—Duchess of Aquitaine and Gascony, Countess of Poitou, Queen of the
French and Queen of England, mother to future kings and queens—was one of
the most extraordinary women of her time, and continues to hold a fascination for
us today!
Ms. Penman, author of seven historical novels including the Henry II Trilogy:
When Christ and His Saints Slept
, Time and Chance and Devil’s Brood
and
four medieval mysteries surrounding Queen Eleanor, leads this exceptional tour.
Travel back into the French Middle Ages and imagine the life of one of its most
captivating royal figures.
Visit Paris where Eleanor married the French King Louis VII. Then travel into
Normandy and Anjou, domains of her second husband, King Henry II of
England. Explore the Aquitaine, richest medieval duchy in the south of France,
where troubadours originated the daring idea of Courtly Love, and where Eleanor
was born and raised in the court of her ducal ancestors. Finally, find Eleanor and
Henry in the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, their last resting place, where Ms.
Penman will read from her forthcoming book,
Lionheart
.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1, Saturday June 4
Depart the U.S. on independent overnight flights to Paris.
Day 2, Sunday June 5
Arrive in Paris this morning and check into the Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche, well
situated for exploring medieval Paris and the world of Eleanor and Henry. Enjoy
some free time to settle into your hotel. Meet fellow travelers at a welcome
reception and dinner. (R, D)
Day 3, Monday June 6
Begin exploring the Middle Ages in France with a full day in Paris. Included are
visits to the Louvre, The Cluny Museum and Notre Dame. At the Louvre see the
gift Eleanor gave to Louis VII on their marriage – the only artifact of Eleanor’s
known to exist. Enjoy free time to explore the world famous collections. At the
Cluny Museum, a Gothic mansion housing The National Museum of the Middle
Ages, discover a magnificent collection of tapestries, paintings, illuminated
manuscripts, stain glass and everyday objects from the medieval period;
conclude the day at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, one of the finest examples of
French Gothic Architecture. (B)
Day 4, Tuesday June 7
Leave Paris for Normandy this morning by private coach. Visit the Castle of
Falaise, ancient seat of the Dukes of Normandy and fortress residence of Henry
and Eleanor. Continue to Mont-St-Michel, a tiny tidal island just off the coast.
Home to the ancient Norman Benedictine Monastery, this UNESCO World
Heritage site was a major pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages. Check into
La Mère Poulard Hotel located on the island, just footsteps from the abbey. Visit
the abbey and church in the late afternoon, free of crowds, a rare opportunity. (B,
D)
Day 5, Wednesday June 8
Drive south to Le Mans, where the Empress Matilda and Count Geoffrey of Anjou
were married and their son, Henry II was baptized. Explore the well-preserved
Cité Plantagenet
which is completely separate from the hustle of the modern day
town; walk through the cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and
ornate stone façades, including the Maison du Pilier rouge, recognizable by its
red-painted wooden structure. Admire the Cathedral of Saint-Julien, built
between the 11
th and 15th
centuries, one of the largest cathedrals in France. See
also the Bishop’s House, the Town Hall, Notre-Dame-du-Pré and Maison-Dieu de
Coeffort. Leave Le Mans for Fontevraud, the royal abbey where Eleanor spent
her final years and is buried with Henry and much of her family. Check into the
delightful Hotel Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, situated on the abbey grounds.
(B)
Day 6, Thursday June 9
Journey to Poitiers today, the heart of Eleanor’s domains. Follow in the footsteps
of the Duchess with a local professor. Begin at the Palace of Justice, the seat of
the Dukes of Aquitaine. Admire several churches that relate to major events in
Eleanor’s life, including the 12
th
century Cathedral Saint-Pierre, where Eleanor
and Henry were married; St Hilaire where Richard was invested as Duke of
Aquitaine and the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande which was part
of the palace enclosure during Eleanor’s reign. On the way back to Fontevraud
pause at a local winery: no trip to the Loire Valley would be complete without
stopping to enjoy the finest vintages this region has to offer. (B)
Day 7, Friday June 10
Begin the day with a reading by Sharon Kay Penman from her yet to be
published book,
Lionheart
, a very special treat for her fans. You’ll have free
time to explore Saumur on market day. Of particular note is the Château of
Saumur, a fortified stronghold above the town. Later journey to Chinon, to visit
the Château de Chinon, one of Henry’s favorite residences and the setting for
The Lion In Winter
. Henry, who later died here, was responsible for construction
of almost all of the massive structure. End the day with a special dinner in
Fontevraud and a private evening tour of the Abbey, and say a goodnight to
Eleanor and Henry. (B, D)
Day 8, Saturday June 11
Travel to Angers, once the capital of the historic province of Anjou, and the heart
of Henry’s Angevin empire. Explore the massive and ancient castle, the Château
d’Angers; and the Cathedral of St. Maurice a fine balance of Romanesque and
gothic architecture. The interior walls are decorated with a beautiful collection of
medieval tapestries woven between 1376 and 1381, the largest, The Angers
Apocalypse is on display in the castle. Check into the Hotel Mercure and enjoy
an evening on your own in Angers. (B)
Day 9, Sunday June 12
Bid Adieu to Eleanor and Henry before traveling back to Paris, stopping on the
way at Chartres Cathedral, considered one of the finest examples of the French
High Gothic style. Arrive in time for lunch before touring the cathedral on a
guided visit. Continue to Paris, returning to the Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche.
Gather for a festive farewell dinner in Paris. (B, D)
Day 10 Monday June 13
Transfer to Charles de Gaulle airport for individual return flights
to the United States. (B)
Tour Costs
Price per person in a double:
$3,595
For a single room, add:
$795
To reserve your place please call: (800) 556-7896
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
These costs include:
Full program of activities and events in France via motor coach, as
described in the itinerary
Group transfers to and from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport
Eight nights accommodation in France as described in the itinerary, based
on double occupancy.
Continental breakfast daily, five dinners and a wine tasting
All gratuities, taxes and porterage
Pre departure materials, including a reading list
Medevac insurance
Headphones for touring
Engaging readings and talks by Sharon Kay Penman
The services of an ATA tour manager throughout to handle logistics
The assistance of ATA’s professional Travel Services Department which
includes at Travel Communications Specialist and a Travel Counselor for
pre-departure customer service and individual requests.
What is not included:
Transatlantic airfare
Expenses incurred by Academic Travel Abroad in making individual travel
arrangements before or after the program
Passport photos and fees
Refreshments other than those offered as part of the group meals
Items of a personal nature such as laundry/valet, personal telephone calls,
alcoholic beverages, a-la-carte, room service, etc
Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
Single Rooms
A limited number of single rooms are available at extra cost on a first-come, firstserved
basis, but availability cannot be guaranteed. Academic Travel Abroad will
assist persons requesting a roommate. However, neither a single room nor a
share can be guaranteed. Participants will be notified if we are unsuccessful in
finding a suitable roommate. In this case, the single supplement will be charged.
Payment Schedule
$500 deposit upon application. Balance due upon receipt of invoice, 90 days
before departure. Acceptable forms of payment are personal check, Visa,
MasterCard, or American Express. If final payment is not received by 60 days
prior to departure, your space is subject to cancellation.
Cancellation and Refunds
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Academic Travel Abroad, Inc.
(ATA). After confirmation on the tour, a nonrefundable processing fee of $300 per
person will be charged upon written cancellation. Written cancellation between
90-61 days of departure: full refund, minus your deposit (including nonrefundable
processing fee). Written cancellation between 60 and 31 days prior to departure:
50% refund of the tour price. Written cancellation within 30 days prior to
departure: no refund.
Cancellation on day of departure or after tour departs:
no refund. No refund for unused portions of tour, including, but not limited
to, missed meals, hotel nights and sightseeing. Cancellation of program by
ATA: full refund. Cancellation of the program after departure by ATA: full
refund of all land fees, less the cost of service up to the time of the group’s
return. NOTE: ATA does not accept liability for any airline cancellation
penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline ticket to the
tour departure city and return. We strongly urge applicants to consider
purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
A Note About the Itinerary
While every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned, the itinerary
as described is subject to modification and change by ATA. The program cost is
based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values in effect January 2011
and assumes that a minimum of 20 participants will join the program. While we
will do everything possible to maintain the listed price, it is subject to change. If it
is necessary to levy a surcharge, notification will be given before time of invoicing
(approximately 90 days prior to departure). In the event of cancellation due to a
surcharge, all monies are fully refundable except for processing fee.
Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is
available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness
or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must
cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be
the only source of reimbursement. We will send you a brochure from our travel
insurance provider, or you may obtain coverage through a company of your
choice.
Health Recommendations
To enjoy your travels to the fullest you should be in good physical and mental
health. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diets, or treatment
must be reported in writing when the reservation is made. We reserve the right
to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour member should such a
person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or attitude jeopardize the
operation of the tour or the enjoyment of other participants.
RESPONSIBILITY
Read Carefully: Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer
Academic Travel Abroad (ATA), a professional tour operator, acts only as an
agent for the respective suppliers by making arrangements for transportation,
accommodations, and other services. ATA shall not be held liable for personal
injury, death, property damage or accident, delay or irregularity arising out of any
act or omission of these suppliers. ATA reserves the right, without penalty, to
make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions
warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of
tour participants. ATA also reserves the right, without penalty, to withdraw the
tour announced, to decline to accept any person as a participant in a tour, or to
require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is
determined by tour staff to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general
welfare of the tour group or the individual participant, subject only to the
requirement that the recoverable portion of the total amount paid that
corresponds to the cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if
any. Participants are encouraged to purchase airline tickets no sooner than 60
days before the tour begins to avoid airline cancellation penalties if a tour is
canceled or otherwise modified subsequent to the participant’s purchase of those
tickets. ATA accepts no liability for the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets
to the tour departure city and return. Baggage and personal effects are at all
times the sole responsibility of the participant. Dates, schedules, program details,
and costs, although provided in good faith based on information available at the
time of publication of this brochure are subject to change and revision.
AS A CONDITION OF ACCEPTANCE OF ANY APPLICATION, EACH
APPLICANT MUST AGREE TO THE STATEMENT SET FORTH BELOW:
The undersigned has read carefully the Responsibility Statement and Liability
Disclaimer set forth above, the schedule of activities for this tour, as well as the
terms and conditions of application and participation as set forth in the tour
literature, and recognizes and accepts any risk associated with the tour and the
conditions, including the refund policy, set forth in the tour brochure(s). The
undersigned further acknowledges that there are many risks and uncertainties
inherent in any travel tour, including but not limited to the hazards of various
modes of transportation, forces of nature, acts or omissions of foreign
governments, terrorism, war or insurrection, theft, illness, and damage to person
or property due to the negligent acts or omissions of tour staff or others. In
consideration of, and as part payment for, the right to participate in the tour, the
undersigned, on behalf of himself, his dependents, heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns, agrees to release (Client organization), its Regents,
officers, employees, representatives or agents, the United States, and ATA and
its officers, employees and agents, from liability for personal injury, death,
property damage or loss suffered by any person in connection with this tour,
even if caused by the negligence (but not the reckless, willful, or fraudulent
conduct) of tour staff or other related persons or entities. In addition, by
registering for this tour, the applicant certifies that he or she is mentally and
physically capable of full participation in this tour.
BY REGISTERING FOR THIS TOUR THE PARTICIPANT AGREES TO THE
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS HEREIN.
In the Footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine
An educational tour led by acclaimed author
Sharon Kay Penman
RESERVATION FORM
First Traveler Name Email Address
Second Traveler Name Email Address
Street Address City/State/Zip Code Country
Home Telephone Work Telephone
Method of Deposit
[ ] Check. Please make deposit check payable to Academic Travel Abroad.
[ ] Credit Card. Please charge my [ ] Visa [ ] MasterCard [ ] American Express
Card Number: __________________________________________Expiration Date: _ _/_ _
Name as it appears on credit card (please print) Signature
Accommodations
[ ] Single Occupancy
[ ] Double Occupancy
[ ] I plan to share a double room; my roommate’s name is ___________________.
[ ] I hope to share a double room and ask you to select my roommate.
Signature Signature Date
Please mail this completed form with deposit to:
Academic Travel Abroad, Inc.
1920 N Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
You many also call (800) 556-7896 or send via fax to (202) 342-0317 to reserve your space.
Sharon again. I have been so impressed in my dealings with Academic Travel, and I think they have put together a truly memorable trip for Eleanor’s many admirers.
January 4, 2011