By Pat Volchok PHO TO: UNIWORLD
A VISIT to beautiful Provence granite hills; Lyon, the culi-and Burgundy is a heady ex- nary capital of France; the
perience. These side-by-side architecturally rich town of
French regions hold ancient Mâcon; and Chalon, an
walled cities; early-morning important wine center in
markets; sweeping, lavender- the very heart of Burgundy.
scented fields; bouillabaisse, French pleasures include
tapenades and rich cheeses; River-cruise guests enjoy a Côte du Rhône wine tast-Roman ruins; the glorious wine and other regional ing; dinner at l’Abbaye des
grapes of Côte du Rhône and riches, along with Old World Collonges, one of Paul
Côte d’Or; and the smell of sights, such as the St.-Bénézet Bocuse’s famed restaurants;
chocolate in the air. bridge over the Rhône River a decadent sampling at
This is the beautiful in Avignon, France. the world-famous Valrhona
France many travelers dream chocolate factory; escorted
of. Thanks to Costco Travel and Uniworld walking tours through historic villages forever
Grand River Cruises, sucha Frenchadventure captured in the paintings of van Gogh and
is available for Costco members joining me Cézanne; a private organ concert in a Roman-from October 1 through 11. esque cathedral; and numerous other surprises.
Savor ing
travel
connection
la belle France
MEMBER EXCLUSIVE!
“River cruising is a hot travel trend,” Voted one of the top 10 small-ship cruise
reports Costco Travel cruise buyer Lauren lines by the readers of Travel +Leisure in 2005,
Anderson. “It’s as if you’re traveling the secret Uniworld embodies the best of river cruising:
waterways of a country’s interior. What a treat.” quality craftsmanship, technological innova-
Our journey begins with an exclusive com- tions (River Royale has Wi-Fi and Internet
plimentary three-day sampling of the French access), English-speaking crews, country-
Riviera in Nice, famous for its belle époque club-casual policies and scenic viewing.
architecture and beachfront promenades. For those accustomed to ocean cruising,
The pièce de résistance follows—a river cruising is less frenzied and more inti-
leisurely paced, seven-day river cruise aboard mate. Ships rarely carry more than 200 guests
Uniworld’s newest ship, River Royale. She’ll (River Royale numbers 132), offer no lost days
take us on a magical voyage featuring archi- at sea, travel on much calmer waters, typi-
tecture, history and cuisine, through the cally include motor and/or walking tours and
Rhône Valley into the heart of Provence and venture where no larger cruise ship dares—
Burgundy via the numerous locks of the his- docking in the heart of picturesque, off-the-
toric Rhône and Saône rivers. beaten-track villages.
We’ll visit Arles, rich in Gallo-Roman River Royale features many extras,includ-
ruins; the walled city of Avignon, with its ing a flat-screen television in each cabin,
14th-century Palais des Papes (the equivalent European-style bedding and international and
of today’s Vatican); the narrow, cobbled streets Provençal cuisine.
of Viviers; Tournon, at the foot of impressive Don’t delay. Members will gobble this
offer up.
P.S. A three-night post-cruise package in
The Costco Connection Paris is also possible. Be still, my heart … C
To join me on this 10-day feast for the
senses, call Costco Travel toll-free at
1-877-849-2730 (ask about our Europe
Holiday Markets cruise also!).
Pat Volchok ( pvolchok@costco.com) is The
Costco Connection’s consumer columnist
and Costco Travel’s cruise host.
Join Pat Volchok as she hosts 100 Costco
members on a tour of Nice, France and then
on a cruise through the heart of Burgundy
and Provence aboard the new River Royale.
Complimentary inclusions, valued at
more than $1,000 per person:
• Economy-class airfare from NYC (zone 1) to
Nice. Ask about special add-on airfare from
other gateways
• Three-nights in Nice, daily breakfast and
one full-day tour. ACostco member exclusive
• Welcome reception in Nice
• Costco members-only wine and cheese
event in Viviers
• One-hour Internet access onboard ship
This Grand River Cruise includes seven nights
aboard ship, all ground transportation, all meals,
and walking and motor coach tours.
ITINERARY: ARLES, PROVENCE, AVIGNON,
VIVIERS, TOURNON, LYON, MÂCON,
CHÂLON AND LYON.
10-night vacation with airfare
from $2,975per person*
Valid on 10/1/06 departure.
Optional three-night post-cruise Paris package,
including breakfast and city tour, reflects 50% savings
off everyday Uniworld price.
from $498 per person*
*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy, is valid for
stateroom category 2 only, is true and accurate at time of printing and
does not include government taxes/fees and gratuities. Restrictions
may apply. Economy-class airfare from NYC is included in price.
Airfare from other gateways is available at an additional charge. All
offers and inclusions are subject to availability, may change or be
terminated without notice and are valid for new bookings only. Unless
otherwise noted, offers are not combinable with select rate codes,
coupons or other offers. Travel purchases are not included in Executive
Membership 2% Reward program. Offer is valid on date shown.
Cancellation and change fees may apply. Costco Travel disclaims
liability for any inaccuracies or typographical errors. Ship’s registry:
The Netherlands.
Costco Travel is a registered seller of travel and travel agency in the
following states: Washington ( WST 602042600); Ohio (8789302);
Florida (Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No.ST32555); and California
(CST 2054248-50). Registration as a seller of travel does not
constitute approval by the state of California. 06TR1001B 7/06
VISIT COSTCO.COM OR CALL COSTCO TRAVEL
TOLL FREE AT 1-877-849-2730. 06TR1001B 7/06
