SANCTUARY SKI CLUB

What are you going to do after ski season? How about a - - -

BIKE TOUR IN PROVENCE, FRANCE
SEPTEMBER 15-26, 2007

Sorry, we're SOLD OUT (as of 01/14/2007), get on our waiting list - NOW!!!


This is a really great way to tour another country. When touring by bicycle you interact with people and the land in a way that is not possible when traveling by car, bus, or train. You'll see gorgeous scenery, vineyards, charming towns, works of ancient Rome still standing, wildlife, the Mediterranean Sea, and enjoy wonderful food and wine. Cycling in the core region of Provence is generally easy with only occasional slopes or lightly rolling, small hills and the rest is mainly flat.

It's now less than a year away, so don't wait too long to sign up. Space is limited eighteen. Sign up by February 28 to go on this incredible trip.


This is and 11 day, 10 night trip including:

All lodging including our first and last nights are in Paris. 8 nights, 7 day bike tour (4th day is a rest day by the sea) of beautiful Provence. All breakfasts for 10 days and 7 dinners on the bike tour. Bike rental equipped with 21 speeds and with saddlebags. Heavy luggage transport from hotel to hotel while riding. Round trip TGV high speed rail between Paris and Provence.

“Provence, the ancient roman Provincia (province), impresses with beautiful vistas, charming villages, and wondrous works of ancient Rome, still standing after almost 2,000 years. The Roman arenas, theaters, and monuments are found in the heartland of Provence, the mainly flat, rich farmland near the Rhone River. Cycling in the core region of Provence is generally easy—with only occasional small slopes or lightly rolling, small hills.” – Web article by Q. May.

This is a self guided tour so we will set our own pace and stop for sightseeing wherever we wish to. After traveling from Paris, where the trip starts, to Avignon via high speed TGV rail, we’ll ride three days through very scenic towns and countryside to the Camargue, the Rhone river delta, where there is abundant wildlife (white horses, black bulls, and even flamingos!) and the Mediterranean beach for a rest day. Then we go back to Avignon by a different route and back to Paris. September weather reported to be ideal in Provence and our average miles per day is a very doable 31, probably a bit over three hours of actual riding.

Visit our tour operator’s special Sanctuary web page for complete information about this fantastic trip by clicking on this link: www.BikeToursDirect.com.

To book this trip:
You will book directly with our tour operator, Bike Tours Direct, instead of with the ski club starting August 16th. Use the link given above and click the "Book Tour" button. Do read and understand the "Terms / Conditions" on the web site.

Price $1560 (estimated, depends on exchange rate) + air fare. $200 deposit required when you book.

Note that air is not included and here's the reason: Our thinking is that if individuals get their own air from whatever web travel site they choose they'll probably do as well or better than an air fare that could be pre-packaged. And then some of you may want to use rewards points or delay your return to stay longer to see other parts of Europe as well. September 2007 air fares are now available from several web sites.

Regarding air fare:
Check all the web sites to find the best fare. In addition to Orbitz www.Orbitz.com, Travelocity www.Travelocity.com, and Expedia www.Expedia.com, see sites such as www.farecompare.com, www.kayak.com, www.1800flyeurope.com, www.airfare.com, and www.travelzoo.com (use their "supersearch" option). If anyone sees a really good deal we all can share the news by e-mail. Pay attention to their terms and conditions as well. BTD partners with Nonstop Travel and may also have good fares - contacts are Yvonne@nonstoptravel.net or 1-800-949-6362. You need to be in Paris on Sep 16 for the start of this trip so most of us will leave here on Sep 15 but you can go earlier or stay longer after trip ends on Sep 26 if you wish.

Dave Meisner, dmeisner@ameritech.net