Highlights

• 3 Nights Paris City Stay with a Paris Tour and Lunch Cruise and a Visit to Claude Monet’s House and Garden
• 3 Day/3 Night Battlefield Tour of the Somme where the Diggers Battled for Freedom.
• 8 Day Boutique River Cruise from Burgundy to Provence

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The Battlefield Tour

After the disaster of Gallipoli (1915) the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was reorganized and expanded from two to five infantry divisions, all of which were progressively transferred to France (Marseilles), beginning in March 1916. 

At that time, the war on the Western Front had long been settled in a stalemate, with the opposing armies facing each other from trench systems that extended for more than 700 km across Belgium and north-east France from the English Channel to the Swiss border.

Soon after the arrival of the first Aussies in France they where send to the battlefields in the area of Armentieres and Messines Ridge. But the first big action was in Fromelles on 19th July 1916.they suffered 5,533 casualties in 24 hours. By the end of the year 42,270 Australians had been killed or wounded at the battle of the Somme and other places on the Western Front.

In 1917, Australians where involved in battles such as those at Bullecourt, Messines Ridge (the first victory in the Ypres Salient) and the four-month long campaign around Ypres, known as the battle of Passchendaele.

Finally thanks to a great Australian general: Monash, who had the idea to combine infantry, artillery, tanks and aircraft more effectively Australian where able to capture Hamel spur on 4 July 1918. The allied offensive which began on 8 August at Amiens also contributed to Australian successes at Mont St Quentin and Peronne, and to the capture of the Hindenburg Line. In early October the Australian divisions withdrew from the front for rest and refitting; they were preparing to return when Germany surrendered on 11 November.

The River Cruise

Burgundy and Provence will capture your heart and delight your senses.

Sail through the heart of Burgundy and Provence on a magical journey where sumptuous cuisine, fine wine, world-class art, awe-inspiring scenery, and legendary history provide a treat for all of the senses. Here you will discover that joie de vivre is not just a phrase, but a wonderful way of life!

You will sail past quaint hilltop cities and lively towns, as well as lush vineyards, fields of flowers, and sundrenched vistas made famous by great painters such as Van Gogh and Cézanne. Visit regions filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites—Arles, immortalized by Van Gogh’s paintings; the well-preserved medieval city of Avignon, with its spectacular Palace of the Popes; and Lyon, centre of Gallo-Roman history and the gastronomic capital of France.

And Uniworld’s special Epicurean Adventurer Program highlights the culinary diversity of these lovely areas, with a Côtes du Rhône wine tasting while in Tournon and a special wine and food pairing dinner onboard. Who will enjoy this cruise: Travellers wishing to walk through the countryside and villages that inspired the art of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin. History buffs, movie fans, gastronomes, and wine connoisseurs.

Pricing

• Inclusive Land and Cruise Price
• Cost per person sharing Twin $5993.00 (based upon a category 3* Cabin on River Cruise please see upgrade costs below)*Category 3 Cabins are Port Hole Windows
• Single Supplement $2149.00
• Upgrade to Cat 2 Cabin $499.00 per person (Category 2 Cabins have Picture Windows)
• Upgrade to Cat 1 Cabin $999.00 per person (Category 1 Cabins have a French Balcony )

Earlybird Offers

• Pay in full within seven days of booking and receive a $600.00 discount off the Category 1 price, or a $500.00 saving per person off the Category 2 or 3 price.
• Alternatively bookings deposited before June 30 will receive $250.00 per person off the chosen cabin rate.
• A non refundable deposit of $1000.00 per person is due 5 days after initial reservation, the Balance is due (if not paid in full) by no later than January 15 2012  
• Competitive Airfares available upon request

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