Q. Are there physical limitations for this trip?

A. Active adults of all ages are welcome. You will need to be able to get on and off trains, take care of your own luggage*, and walk a lot. Some accommodation can be made for those with less stamina, such as dropping you off at the top of a hill before parking, and there are 'lifts' at the train station. The bedrooms at the Chateau are on the second floor, up a wide and gently ascending, winding staircase. If you feel you might be somewhat limited, give me a call and we'll assess your situation. I am sorry, but I cannot accommodate wheelchair-bound clients. *on/off the train Paris/Narbonne; once up to the second-floor room at Chateau and once down; and at Paris hotel if you do the extension.

Q. Is there a limitation on luggage?

A. No. However, I strongly suggest you not bring large pieces of luggage.

Q. What is a reasonable size for luggage?

A. One medium-sized bag and one small carry-on per person. As you pack, remember that nothing fancy is planned. One nice-casual outfit for evening dinners is appropriate, but t’s and jeans (or equivalent) are fine for daytime outings. There is a nice washing machine, dryer and clothesline at the Chateau. If you are a couple, each should have his/her own medium-sized piece of luggage, instead of sharing one big one.

Q. What is the dress code for this trip?

A. We will not be doing anything fancy, so casual is fine. Jeans or equivalent and casual tops or T-shirts work well. However one nicer casual outfit is good to have along just in case. Keep in mind most churches do not allow sleeveless tops or shorts.

Q. What will the weather be like?

A. It should be reasonably warm when we arrive early in September, with the potential of cooling off a bit by the end of the trip. I suggest at least a light jacket, and an umbrella or raincoat is essential. The following is provided as a guideline.

Average temps in September:

- Paris - hi 70, low 55, Precipitation: 2.1 inches (8 days)

- Narbonne - hi 77, low 60, Precipitation: 1.7 inches (11 days)

Q. Do we need airline tickets?

A. No. But remember to bring your flight e-ticket documentation to the airport with you, and keep it with you the entire trip. You will need it to do your initial check in, both coming and going. You should be able to log on to the airline web sites to print your boarding passes in advance if you like (within 24 hours of the flight). Don’t be alarmed, though, if it won’t let you; sometimes international flights must be done in person at the airport. You may also call the airline and give them your frequent flyer number to ensure you receive credit for your miles. Or be sure to have your frequent flyer number with you and do it at the airport upon arrival.

Q. Do you have any recommendations for reading prior to going on the tour?

A. This area is rich in Roman history (Narbonne was the first Roman settlement outside of Italy), as well as a fascinating period in French history relating to the Cathar movement, which sparked the Albigensian Crusade. Our visits to Carcassonne, Minerve, and Albi will bring this home. If you would like to learn more about this period, you might consider picking up one or more of the following:

- The Perfect Heresy, by Stephen O’Shea

- Massacre at Montsequr, by Zoe Oldenbourg

- Holy Blood, Holy Grail, by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln

Q. Can we prepare our own meals at the Chateau?

A. Yes. There is a fully equipped kitchen, and convenient grocery stores nearby.

Q. Do we all have our own bathroom?

A. Four of the bedrooms have a bathroom en suite. Two of the bedrooms share a large bath. I usually put a single in the smaller of these bedrooms (without charging a single supplement) and the two people willing to be in the other bedroom, sharing with this one other person, receive a $200 discount on the price of the tour. There is also a service bathroom on the ground floor with two stalls, for use when you do not wish to go up to your bedroom to use the facilities.

Q. Are the beds twins or doubles?

A. We have our choice between one large or two twins

Q. Do we need to bring our own bedding, towels, etc.?

A. No. Bedding and towels are furnished. However, wash cloths are not provided. They are rarely provided in Europe. (Tip: consider cutting up an old towel into wash cloth sized squares. Bring a supply along, use one for a few days and then throw it out. Your luggage will get lighter each time, and you won’t have to worry about carting a damp wash cloth from place to place.)

Q. Are there clothes washing facilities at the Chateau?

A. Yes. The Chateau has a very nice laundry room.

Q. Do we need to bring our own laundry and hand soap?

A. Laundry soap is provided (they like a certain type to be used in their machines). Hand/body soap is not provided. You will want to bring a bar, or several small bars. (Tip: save the last little bits of your big bars during the year, and keep them to bring along on trips.)

Q. Are there hair dryers at the Chateau?

A. No. You will need to bring your own hair dryer.

Q. Is there daily maid service at the Chateau?

A. No. However, the linens will be changed and the villa will be cleaned at the end of the first week.

Q. What about TP. I've heard the quality in Europe is not good.

A. Their TP is just like ours now.

Q. Will TP be provided?

A. Yes. Some is provided by the Chateau to get us started. I replenish as needed.

Q. Is Wi-Fi available at the Chateau?

A. Yes

Q. Is there a computer available at the Chateau?

A. No.

Q. Are electrical outlets different in France?

Q. How will we get around while in France?

A. We will take the TGV Fast Train to/from Paris DeGualle Airport and Narbonne. We will pick up the rental cars (two 7-passenger vans) at the train station and drive the 45 minutes to the Chateau, and use the vans to travel around the area from there. For the Paris pre-trip extension, we will use taxis or a shuttle service to/from the hotel.

Q. Who will do the driving?

A. Bonnie (our interpreter/guide) and I will do the driving.

Q. How far will we have to drive to the sightseeing locations?

A. The daily outing destinations will be between 30 minutes and two hours away.

Q. What if I don't want to go to a particular destination?

A. The itinerary for this tour is well established, and must be followed because lunch is furnished most days and reservations must be made for this. However, if you wish to stay back, the Chateau and village of Agel is a pleasant place to spend a day, relaxing, taking a walk, or hiking. Some plain-old R&R at the Chateau might be your past time of choice.

Q. Is there a pool at the Chateau?

A. Yes. There is also a nice pool, and it will still be open when we are there.

Q. What hours do I need to look out for? For instance, do the French take a siesta mid-day like some other countries?

A. Yes. The French go home mid-day for lunch. Many attractions and most shops close mid-day (between ~1:00 and 3-4:00pm). And restaurants close between 2:00 and 7:00pm. So you need to be mindful of this and plan your day strategically. We will arrive at a destination early morning, giving you time to check out the shops and attractions, meeting at a restaurant around 1pm (they stop seating by 1:30 or 1:45, and actually close at 2pm, but they will stay until everyone has finished their meal). After lunch, we can visit more attractions and window shop until the shops open again at around 4pm, and head back to the villa when everyone is ready.

Q. I heard that credit cards are not always accepted and that we should bring debit cards for the ATM machine.

A. I have never had (or known anyone who has had) a problem using their Visa card. I’ve noticed some merchants will not take American Express, though (Discover might be a problem, as well), but usually Visa and MasterCard are accepted everywhere. You will need some cash (euros) while there, and it is best to use your ATM cards to withdraw from the ATM machines. Remember to check that it is has a 4-digit pin number. Foreign ATMs won’t accept more than 4 digits.

Q. What is the currency used in France?

A. The Euro.

Q. Should I get euros before I leave?

A. That’s up to you. If it’s convenient, through your bank, perhaps you might want to do so. But it’s not necessary, and I wouldn’t recommend it because there are usually fees involved. There are several ATM machines in Cinque Terre, and in our first little town, 5 minutes from the villa.

Q. How can I get euros while there?

A. ATM’s are everywhere, so you should have a debit card that enables you to withdraw funds

- Know your network

- Cirrus (Master Card) and Plus (Visa) are the most common.

- Make sure your checking account has enough funds in it to cover your anticipated withdrawals, just in case. The ATM’s don’t give you a choice of checking or savings, and they don’t transfer funds.

- Check your daily withdrawal limit before you go so you will know how much you can take out in a day.

- Check for fees imposed (so you won’t have any surprises). My credit union charges a 1% International transaction fee, banks may charge more. The ATM’s charge as well.

- European ATMs accept only 4-digit pin numbers (no letters). If yours has more than that, be sure you get it changed before you go.

- This is very important. Let your bank and credit card company know you are going. Otherwise, they may put a hold on your card and/or not allow your purchases.

Q. What can I expect to spend?

A. Although France is not cheap (the Euro is worth more than the dollar, anywhere from 20% to 50%), you will not have to pay for very much.

Q. What is paid for?

A. As delineated in the itinerary, breakfast and evening snacks are furnished, as well as all but three lunches. All transportation and attractions listed in the itinerary are also covered.

Q. What will I need to pay for?

A. - You will be on your own for three lunches.

- Museums and other attractions not on the Itinerary

- Alcoholic and other beverages not listed in the Itinerary

- Special pastries and snacks other than the basic items furnished

- Souvenirs

Q. What is the tipping etiquette in France?

A. - Restaurants – 10%, if not included in the bill already

- A common practice is the ‘bread’ or ‘table’ charge. It’s like a cover charge. Before you even order, 2-4 Euro is put on your bill. This is irritating, but let’s not complain and be ‘ugly Americans’ about it. It is especially prevalent in the nicer restaurants.

- For baggage handling: A tip of 1 Euro per bag

- Taxis: Just round up the fare

Q. Is there a phone at the Chateau?

A. No.

Q. How can we get in touch with friends/relatives at home?

A. - You can use your mobile or SmartPhone. (You will need to talk to your carrier about coverage and charges while in France)

- I have a Netbook, which can be used for emails, which you are welcome to use when I am not using it

- I have a Magic Jack, which allows free calls to/from the U.S., which you are welcome to use for safe arrival and/or emergency calls

NOTE: Please be advised that if you have important business to conduct while on this tour, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for communications.