Recommend August 2010 - (Page 14)

UNIWORLD’S RIVER ROYALE Every passenger on a walking tour is given a receiver and earpiece so that they can hear the comments of the tour guide. So, if someone wishes to stop and spend a few extra moments a block away, they can still hear the comments of the guide. This should be a must for history buffs who want the specific details instead of a passing comment while looking through a bus window. Unlike the basic bus tours—and there were one or two on this trip—one of the keys to the walking tours is the personal and close contact of the tour guide with the groups, usually small in comparison to the general bus tour group. The ability to interface with the tour guide and ask specific questions during the walking tour is a plus, usually not found in basic cruise bus tours. If a passenger does not wish to join a tour group, they can tour the town on their own. Easy-to-read maps are available for those who prefer this type of sightseeing. And, if the individual’s choice is to just relax, they can simply stay aboard the ship. However, let clients know that the tour options on a river cruise are not as numerous as on an ocean cruise liner. Adding to the intimate feel, is that during our trip, at least, the River Royale cruise director, Nadia Benhouer, was like a mother hen. She participated in every tour, both walking and bus, to make sure that everything was coordinated properly and that participants received the maximum benefit of the tour experience. The cruise basically covers the Provence and Burgundy regions of Eastern and Southern France. The boat departs from Arles up the Rhone River and then into the Saone, finishing at Chalon-sur-Saone then reverses the itinerary. This itinerary will continue into 2011. Home to some of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous paintings, including “Sunflowers,” and dating back to the sixth century B.C., Arles features very visible Roman ruins, remarkable churches including the 12th century St. Trophine and, of course, the always popular town square. There is an optional bus tour to a working olive farm and a medieval village of Les Baux-de-Prevence. Viewing the valley from the top of this fortress with its narrow winding streets is breathtaking and is one of the sites your clients should not miss. Next stop is the ancient city of Avignon, a must for history and architecture buffs. Avignon is encased in a medieval fortification wall. A can’t-miss is the Pope’s Palace Square—an imposing structure built sometime between 1335 and 1364. Viviers and Tournon are next. Walking through the ancient streets of Viviers (founded in the fifth century), clients will be charmed by the combination of ancient Roman and French architecture influences, culminating with the fountain square in the old town. On this particular voyage, the passengers of the River Royale were entertained by an organ recital in a 12th century cathedral—a very unique experience. In the twin cities of Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon, there’s an interesting walking tour where one crosses a beautiful bridge from Tain l’Hermitage to Tournon—both cities date back to the middle ages. Famous for their wines, there’s an opportunity to visit the vineyards in the area for a wine tasting. The ship then proceeds to Lyon, often called the culinary capital of France (and sometimes the world). It’s right at the apex of the Rhone and the Saone tributary. Despite the fact that Lyon is the second largest city in France, it is still quaint in many respects, with its architecture and many plazas. Of course, those seeking all the well-known and high-end shops, won’t be disappointed while touring Lyon. 14 august 2010 Arriving in Chalon-sur-Saone, a coach takes passengers to the very quaint town of Beaune. It’s Saturday and market day. There’s an exciting and festive atmosphere as one strolls through the many stalls displaying beautiful vegetables and fruits and other bounties of the region’s agriculture. Other vendors are selling jewelry and other items to the milling crowd. we say goodbye Disembarkation off the River Royale is well planned, well executed and even though passengers may have many departure options, including extended trips, the scheduling of buses, taxis and other forms of transportation by the ship’s staff is exemplary. Young claims that Uniworld pays the highest commission levels in the travel industry and they market exclusively through the travel agent. They have incentives for high-producing agencies, including overrides. Three new ships, five new Europe river cruises, and one new river cruise in Russia will be introduced in 2011, along with a number of optional pre- and post-cruise extensions. New ships include the River Antoinette, which will sail Castles Along the Rhine, the Douro Spirit, sailing in Portugal and Spain’s Douro River Valley, and the River Victoria, which will take passengers on the Imperial Waterways of Russia. Special incentives for travel agents to book groups, either escorted or not, are offered including a complimentary tour conductor berth for as few as nine full fare guests, plus group savings and other features. (Group marketing support is at a dedicated group’s department: 800425-0043.) Rates for the 9-day Burgundy & Provence itinerary with departure dates still available in 2010 start at $2,049. exploring beyond the ports Uniworld offers a number of pre- and post-options for its river boat sailings. Obviously, from a time- and client-tested standpoint, commissionable arrangements for these pre- and post-cruise options is the way to go. However, with the ever-increasing demand by veteran travelers for new venues and adventures, travel agents should consider the old fashioned “IT” arrangement where client’s personal tastes and desires are considered and a pre- or post-tour is arranged specifically for them. One way to do it in Europe, and in France particularly, is the use of trains. The French Rail System is efficient and easy to use. Signage in all the stations make it simple for clients to access specific trains in a timely manner. The French system (SNCF) offers transportation via the TGV, high-speed trains throughout France; Thalys, state-of-the-art trains linking France to cities in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands; the Lyria, between France and Switzerland; and if you wish to go to London, the high-speed channel tunnel train. Significant information is available from Rail Europe. Train schedules are easy to access on Rail Europe’s website and a host of printed materials is also available from Rail Europe’s offices in the U.S. n contact information Rail Europe: (800) 622-8600; agent.raileurope.com Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection: (800) 733-7820; uniworld.com/agency recommend.com http://agent.raileurope.com http://www.uniworld.com/agency http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend August 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Uniworld's River Royale
Discover flanders
Five-Star Taiwan
Karisma Sweetens the Pot
Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe
Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa
Central America Calling...
Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa
Israel With Goway Travel
Puerto Rico: A community Experience
Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
The Bahamas: Players' Paradise
Orlando World Center Marriott Resort
All-American St. Louis
PH Towers by Westgate, Las Vegas

Recommend August 2010