Crème Brûlée
Sweet Provence
October 2 – 12, 2008

BLESSED BY THE GODS

Crème brûlée (French for “burnt cream”) is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a layer of hard caramel, created by burning sugar under an intense heat source. France, England and Spain all lay claim to this delicious dessert’s creation, but it was first mentioned in a French cookbook by Massialot, dating back to 1691. Whatever its origin, Crème Brûlée has become just one of the many delights in French cuisine, and nowhere in France, perhaps, is the food quite as distinctive as it is in Provence.
     Provence is so named because it was one of the first provinces settled by Romans outside of Italy. Greeks and Phoenicians settled here on the Mediterranean coastal strip from around 600 BC onwards. Christianity arrived very early and the region was already extensively converted by the 3rd century AD, with numerous monasteries and churches being constructed. In the aftermath of the fall of the Roman Empire, Provence fared badly, suffering numerous invasions by Visigoths in the 5th century, Franks in the 6th century, and Arabs in the 8th century. When it wasn’t being raided from beyond, it was coveted from within the French realm, changing hands between various lords, dukes, and princes.
     Such a varied history since ancient times has left its mark on Provence. Ancient settlers left behind Roman buildings still in use today. Residents built fortified villages to withstand attacks by Saracen pirates and land-roaming slavers who plagued the region. In the 19th century, rich Europeans sought winter warmth in the south of France, and high society was in residence all year round by the 1920s. Their elegant villas remain, strewn all over the region.
     Nature defines its borders, with the Rhone River to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Alps to the east and north. Within is a varied landscape of steep mountains, deep gorges, shining alpine lakes, rolling vineyards, salt flats, lavender fields and olive groves. The warm sunlight nurtures intense flavors and colors. Peppers, garlic and olives transform fresh Mediterranean fish into that vibrant epitome of Provencal cuisine, bouillabaisse. Vegetables, spices and olive oil inform the texture and taste of ratatouille.
     As simple as they are exciting, the culinary traditions of Provence entice lovers of sunny, colorful cuisine and seduce the most demanding palates. Ultimately, the secret of the cuisine here is not in any elaborate preparations or fancy presentations but in the freshness of its ingredients. In most cases, food has been barely been harvested before it lands on your dinner.
     From its herb-scented hills and pristine lakes to its endless rolling hills of vineyards and olive groves, no other region of France fires the imagination as strongly as Provence. The vivid landscape and luminous light inspired artists and writers from Van Gogh to Picasso and from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Pagnol. The people of the “Provencal” claim that their land has been “blessed by the gods.” Once you have experienced (and tasted) Provence, you will know why.

ITINERARY

Thursday, October 2, 2008
U.S. to France

Today is a travel day. Arrange your flights to depart your home city today, arriving in France, tomorrow morning. The tour begins in Avignon, and you have several ways of getting there.

• Fly Direct to Avignon. Use a multi-airline search engine (like www.kayak.com) and search for flights from your home city to AVN airport code. Do a multi-city search, as you will be returning from Lyon (LYS is the airport code). There are no direct flights from the US to Avignon, so you will have to change planes in a major gateway city in Europe.
• Fly into Paris (CDG airport code) and take a high-speed train right from the airport to Avignon (about 3 hours). The Avignon train station code is KZN. When we searched Chicago to Avignon on United.com using the ORD to AVN codes, it automatically booked the train for the segment from CDG to KZN.
• Fly into Marseilles (MRS airport code). Taxi to the train station and book a ticket on the high speed train to Avignon (about 1 hour).

On all our international tours we recommend that you consider arriving in the starting city one day early to rest and recover from jet lag. Let us know if you would like us to book an extra night for you at our group hotel.

Friday, October 3, 2008
Arrival in Avignon

Because everyone is arriving at different times on different flights or trains, Toto Tours has not included a transfer to the hotel upon arrival. It is very easy to get there by public transportation. Whether you arrive by plane or high-speed train, go to the tourist information desk and ask how to transfer to the central train station in Avignon (we will give you the exact address before departure). It will cost a fraction of what a taxi will cost. Once you reach the central station, our hotel is a very quick taxi ride away.
     Check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to explore on your own or relax. This evening we gather in the hotel for a welcome reception and introductions. Later Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant to toast the beginning of our French escapade.     (Dinner included)

Saturday, October 4, 2008
Touring Avignon

After breakfast this morning, enjoy an audio-guided visit of the “Palais des Pape,” one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. The Pope’s Palace, first built in the 1300s, is the size of four normal French cathedrals. This amazing and expansive structure is the highlight of Avignon. Returning to our hotel after the city tour, the remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the town. Our hotel is located in the heart of the old town. Nearby are many restaurants from which to choose for lunch and dinner, plus endless sightseeing options.     (Breakfast)

Sunday, October 5, 2008
Isle sur la Sorgue / Roussillon

After breakfast, we board our motorcoach and drive to Isle sur la Sorgue (30 min), a charming village built on the islands of five branches of the Sorgue river. The river flows through, past, in and around the town, in its many natural beds and several canals. The town is well-known for its two Sunday markets—the Provencal market and the famous antique market.
     After lunch (on your own), we continue on to Roussillon (30 min from Avignon). This ochre-red village is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, with its red rocks, red stone buildings and red tile roofs. We will visit the natural park of jagged cliffs of ochre, known as the Giants’ Causeway (Sentier des Ocres). In late afternoon, we return to Avignon and the evening is free.     (Breakfast)

Monday, October 6, 2008
Châteauneuf-du-Pape / Aix-les-Bains

We depart Avignon after breakfast, bound for Aix-les-Bains. About 20 minutes along the road from Avignon we stop in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a village looking over the plain of Comtat and 3,000 hectares of vineyards. The village is almost completely dedicated to its world famous wine of the same name, which is also part of the similarly famous Côtes-du-Rhône.
     Eons ago, the Rhone River extended up into the Alps. When it receded, it deposited large, smooth calcium stones in its wake, which now play an integral part in the production of wine here, retaining heat trapped during the day to keep the grape-producing ground a constant temperature after sunset. Châteauneuf-du-Pape was designated the first Appellation in France in 1923. From it followed the “Appellation Controlée” system applied to other French wine regions.
     We visit the museum of winemaking and then, of course, do some wine tasting. Our lunch at one winery includes three glasses of three different Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. After lunch we continue to the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, a beautiful drive of about three hours. After checking in at our hotel, the evening is free for independent exploration and dining.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Annecy

Enjoy free time this morning to explore the town of Aix-les-Bains where our hotel is located. This is a spa town, and a wonderful one is located close to the hotel. You might choose to book a massage or facial treatment this morning.
     Just before lunchtime, we drive to the beautiful lakes and mountain setting of Annecy (25 min drive). The canal crossing Annecy brings Venice to mind as you wander along its banks. We take some free time for lunch (on your own) at one of the plentiful restaurants along the canal, then stroll the medieval narrow streets to admire the renaissance houses along the canal as well as the famous old prison, one of the most photographed monuments in France!
     There are also plenty of trails by the lake, the cleanest lake in Europe, surrounded by majestic mountains. We have the option of renting a motorboat to cruise on the lake. Returning to the hotel in the afternoon, enjoy some free time before dinner.
     Tonight we visit the Aix-les-Bains Casino, the most beautiful in all of France. It was built in the 1850s and received a splendid rennovation in 2007. Enjoy dinner tonight in the original table game room.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Chamonix & Mont Blanc

Enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Mont Blanc and its glacier today. With its 15,775 ft summit, it is the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe.
     Our adventure begins with a one-hour drive to Chamonix. A 25-minute train ride from Chamonix take us through deep forests and splendid vistas overlooking the valley, arriving at the unique Mer de Glace (“Sea of Ice”) glacier. You can choose to walk down a trail (20-minutes) or take the gondola (2-minutes) to explore the inside of the glacier. We enter a tunnel carved in the ice and view an exhibit of amazing ice sculptures.
     Following our hike we take the train back down to Chamonix (25-minutes) for lunch (on your own) and free time in the early afternoon to explore, go souvenir shopping, or simply admire the surrounding mountains from the terrace of a café. At the end of the afternoon, we return to our hotel in Aix-les-Bains (1 hour drive), and the remainder of the day is at leisure.     (Breakfast)

Thursday, October 9, 2008
Chanaz / Lac du Bourget / Lyon

We check out of our hotel after breakfast this morning and drive to Chanaz (30 min), the flowery village of the Savoie district. Here we visit an original 19th century mill specializing in the making of almond oil the same way it has been done for centuries. The mill is the only one left in France, and is listed as an historical monument. We enjoy tasting the delicious and organic walnut, hazelnut and almond oils as well as the homemade jams.
     We stop for lunch by the emerald Lac du Bourget and enjoy views of the majestic cliffs of the Alps. In the afternoon, we continue on to Lyon (1 hour, 15-minutes). This capital of French gastronomy is full of restaurants within walking distance from our hotel. After check-in, the evening is free. We will provide restaurant recommendations.     (Breakfast)

Friday, October 10, 2008
Historic Lyon

This morning is free to sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or do some independent sightseeing. This afternoon we take a guided tour of historic Lyon. We start with the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere, with its splendid 19th century architecture and breathtaking view of the city. Explore the Roman ampitheatre built around 43AD. From there, we walk down the hill (20 min) to the Medieval and Renaissance quarter of Lyon, second biggest renaissance quarter in the world after Venice. The quarter is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. At the conclusion of the city tour, the remainder of the day is free.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, October 11, 2008
Free Day / Farewell Dinner

Today is reserved for you to do exactly what you please—explorations on your own or last-minute souvenir shopping. Lyon is the second-largest city in France after Paris, so there are plenty of museums, shops, and walks of interest to occupy your time.
     We gather together this evening for cocktails and a Farewell Dinner to celebrate once more the gastronomic delights of Provence.     (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Sunday, October 12, 2008
Departure

The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. When planning your departure, be sure to check on train schedules from the Lyon Train Station (XYD) back to CDG airport in Paris. The airport code for Lyon is LYS. We will help to organize your transfer (not included) to either the train station or the airport. Let us know if you wish to extend your stay at our hotel in Lyon.     (Breakfast)

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)

Avignon:  Hotel de l’Horloge

Aix les Bains:  Hotel Astoria

Lyon:  Hotel Carlton Lyon

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For U.S. Citizens a valid passport is the only document required to enter France for stays of up to 60 days.

Immunizations—No immunizations are currently required for travel to France, but it is wise to have your inoculations up-to-date. Is your tetanus booster current?

Exit Requirements—There is currently no separate departure tax required of visitors leaving France other than that included with the cost of your airline ticket.

Suggested Reading

• The Avignon Quintet by Lawrence Durrell
• A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
• The Olive Farm by Carol Drinkwater

Suggested Viewing

• Avignon: A Good Year (2006) with Russell Crowe
• Roussillon: Jean de Florette (1986) with Gerard Depardieu
• Aix les Bains/Annecy: Claire’s Knee (1970) by Eric Rohmer
• Chamonix: The Man Who Would Be King (1975), European scenes
• Lyon: Entre Nous (1983), with Isabelle Huppert

WHAT TO BRING

In October, the weather has started turning cooler with autumn. Average high temperatures range between 55 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in Avignon, with the weather slightly cooler in Aix les Bains and Lyon. You won’t need any dressy clothes, as the tour is informal and dinner attire will be casual. Pack light and try to bring only two reasonably sized pieces of luggage. Mix and match outfits! Pack any medications you require in a carry-on bag and leave expensive jewelry at home!

Suggested Packing List:

____ Passport.

____ Nice, casual wear for dinners (chinos, khakis, slacks plus nice shirts).

____ T-shirts and long-sleeved layers for daytime activities, depending on the weather.

____ Shorts (2-3 pair), jeans for active cool days (2 pair).

____ Long underwear, top and bottom, for Mt. Blanc day (just in case it is cold).

____ Light gloves, scarf and winter hat (to be on the safe side).

____ Socks, underwear for 9 days.

____ Sweater and light jacket for cool evenings and the mountain. Think layers!

____ Umbrella or other rain protection.

____ Comfortable walking shoes.

____ Daypack or fanny pack.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.

____ Personal toiletries.

____ Camera with extra batteries, extra film or digital memory.

____ A good book for the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

The French monetary unit is now the standardized Euro (EUR). Notes are issued in the following denominations: €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, and €5. There are €2 and €1 coins, plus fractions (there are 100 cents in one Euro). On October 25, 2007, the interbank exchange rate was 1 EUR per US $1.43. ATMs are widely available in Avignon and Lyon. Major credit cards also work in most ATMs for cash withdrawals, and they are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, shops and tourist attractions. French Law prohibits stores and restaurants from accepting foreign currency, so you will need to obtain local currency upon arrival.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by July 14, 2008). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the signed reservation form and your deposit check or credit card authorization.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500 maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

LIABILITIES & DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in France! We will provide the necessary forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone call to Toto Tours.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of ten participants.
     Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

• fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
• good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
• undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
• willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
• eager to try new things & test limits;
• punctual;
• not whiners!

If you thought culture was best obtained by eating yoghurt, wait until you experience the dose of culture that comes with every serving of Toto’s Crème Brûlée! If you have any questions, please call us toll free at:  800-565-1241.

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price:  $3,595 double occupancy

Private Room:  $600 extra. We have booked only twin and double rooms for this tour, so paying single supplement will guaranteed you a Twin Room for Sole Use (TSU).
(Paying the single supplement is not required of men traveling on their own. Toto Tours will make every effort to match you with a roommate if you prefer to share a room.)

Deposit:  $500  (Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)

Remaining Balance:  $3,095 double / $3,695 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)

Remaining Balance Due:  July 14, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included:  Nine nights hotel accommodations; transportation by air-conditioned motorcoach; all meals, activities and transportation as specified in the itinerary; fully guided and escorted tour.

Not Included:  Round-trip transportation (by air or rail) to Avignon at the beginning of the tour, returning home from Lyon; meals and activities not specifically included in the itinerary; insurance; alcohol; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; internet; airport transfers at beginning and end of tour; any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers & guides are not included.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.