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Hotel Information:

	Garmisch-Partenkirchen Sep 29 - Oct 01 (2 nights)		Hotel Reindl Partenkirchner Bahnhofstrasse 15 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany Tel. #: + (49) 882 194 3870
	Lourdes Oct 01 - 04 (3 nights)		Grand Hotel Moderne 2 Avenue Bernadette Soubirous Lourdes, France Tel. #: + 33 (5) 6294 1232
	Nevers Oct 04 - 05 (1 night)		Hotel Diane 38 Rue du Midi Nevers, France Tel. #: + (33) 03 86 57 28 10
	Lisieux Oct 05 - 07 (2 nights)		Grand Hotel de L’Esperance 16 Boulevard Sainte.-Anne Lisieux, France Tel. #: + (33) 02 3162 1753
	Paris Oct 07 - 10 (3 nights)		Hotel Sofitel la Defense 34 Cours Michelet Paris, France Tel. #: +(33) 147 767 210
	San Giovanni Rotondo Oct 10 - 11 (1 night)		Hotel Savoia Regency Via San Salvatore San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy Tel #: + (39) 0882 457916
	Assisi Oct 11 - 12 (1 night)		Hotel Giotto Via Fontebella Assisi, Italy Tel #: + (39) 075 816 479
	Rome Oct 12 - 16 (4 nights)		Hotel Cicerone Via Cicerone Rome, Italy Tel #: + 39 (06) 357 6100

Flights for Las Vegas passengers:
DELTA AIR LINES 28SEP LAS VEGAS NV ATLANTA GA 815A 311P
DL 1802 TUESDAY MCCARRAN INTL HARTSFIELD JAC

DELTA AIR LINES 28SEP ATLANTA GA MUNICH 425P 750A
DL 130 TUESDAY HARTSFIELD JAC MUNICH INTERNA 29SEP

DELTA AIR LINES 16OCT ROME NEW YORK NY 955A 155P
DL 245 SATURDAY FIUMICINO JOHN F KENNEDY

DELTA AIR LINES 16OCT ROME NEW YORK NY 955A 155P
DL 245 SATURDAY FIUMICINO JOHN F KENNEDY

DELTA AIR LINES 16OCT NEW YORK NY LAS VEGAS NV 410P 659P
DL 1629 SATURDAY JOHN F KENNEDY MCCARRAN INTL

Please add intercontinental flights:
LUFTHANSA 01OCT MUNICH TOULOUSE 905A 1100A
LH 4382 FRIDAY MUNICH INTERNA BLAGNAC

AIR FRANCE 04OCT LOURDES TARBES PARIS 1105A 1230P
AF 5702 MONDAY PYRENEES ORLY

ALITALIA S.P.A. 10OCT PARIS ROME 1010A 1215P
AZ 319 SUNDAY CHARLES DE GAU FIUMICINO

ALITALIA S.P.A. 16OCT ROME PARIS 700A 910A
AZ 316 SATURDAY FIUMICINO CHARLES DE GAU

LUFTHANSA 16OCT ROME MUNICH 645A 825A
LH 3867 SATURDAY FIUMICINO MUNICH INTERNA

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

September 28, Depart Las Vegas (or fly from Manila under own arrangements)
Depart from Manila or Las Vegas on flights to Europe.


September 29, Arrive Munich
We will have a panoramic sightseeing tour of Munich includes: the Marienplatz with the famous Glockenspiel and an outside visit of Nymphenburg Palace. Then, enjoy a scenic ride through beautiful Bavarian countryside to Oberam-mergau Dinner and overnight in Oberammergau.


September 30, Oberammergau Passion Play - The Performance Day!!
The highlight is to take place today when we attend the performance of the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play. The Oberammergau Passion Play runs for about (7) seven hours. The afternoon performance starts at 2:30 PM and ends at 5:00 PM. There is a three hour break for dinner and the play resumes at 8 PM and ending at 10:30 PM. The play is performed in German, but we'll make sure you have a copy of the English translation. Dinner and overnight.


October 01, Depart Oberammergau - Lourdes
This morning we transfer to Munich airport for our flight to France. - Lourdes
Upon your arrival meet our French guide and transfer to Lourdes. Relax or explore before dinner, followed by a candlelight procession before retiring. Dinner and overnight.


October 02 & 03, Lourdes
Mass at the Grotto, enjoy a video presentation telling the story of Lourdes, and walk in the footsteps of St Berna-dette. See Boly Mill where St Bernadette was born and the "Cachot," an abandoned prison where Bernadette's impoverished family. Join your prayers with those of pilgrims from around the world as you pray for the sick, drink water from the miraculous spring or submerge yourself in the healing baths. Experience Christ's love as you walk the life-sized Stations of the Cross overlooking the holy Grotto. Kneel in the chapel built on the very rock of the Grotto, in obedience to the request of the "Immaculate Conception." Evenings are for Blessed Sacrament Procession before dinner. Your role in the universal church will have new meaning as you join the candlelight procession and group rosary. (candle light procession and group rosary April through October only).


October 04, Lourdes – Paris - Nevers
After breakfast leave on the flight to Paris or Lyon. Upon arrival, you will meet your new guide. We will travel by motor coach to the town of Nevers by way of the picturesque Loire Valley. After taking the veil in 1867, St Berna-dette lived for 12 years as a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Nevers. At least three times during her short life-time, she received the last Sacraments. She was gradually struck by other illnesses as well as asthma: among them, tuberculosis of the lung and a tubercular tumor on her right knee. St Bernadette eventually died at the age of 35. See St Bernadette's incorrupt body at the convent of St Gildard, miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. Overnight in Nevers.


October 05, Nevers - Chartres - Lisieux
After breakfast we depart for Chartres, famous for its stained-glass windows and wonderful colors dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. We will tour the Cathedral followed by free time for to explore and enjoy Chartres and it's famed maze on your own. Dinner and overnight in Lisieux.


October 06, Lisieux - Mont Saint Michel (visit on own) - Lisieux
We depart from Lisieux today for a trip on your own the Mont Saint Michel. Return to Lisieux for overnight.


October 07, Lisieux - Rouen - Paris
After breakfast we enjoy a tour of Lisieux, the home of St Therese whom Pope Pius X called "the greatest saint of modern times." Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity comes alive as you visit the Basilica of Saint Therese, one of the biggest and most magnificent religious structures built in the 20th century. During our stay in Lisiuex a mass will be celebrated. We will stop at Les Buissonets, St. Therese's family home, there on display are relics, clothing, and personal objects belonging to the "little flower." Before leaving tour the ancient Cathedral of St Peter and the Carmelite Convent. We continue on to Rouen where on the 30th May 1431, Joan of Arc was burnt at Place du Vieux Marche. We will visit the Joan of Arc museum and Rouen church. We continue on to Paris for dinner and overnight.


October 08, Paris
Wake up in Paris and depart for mass at Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. View the incorrupt body of St Catherine Labouret whose guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin displayed a vision of the miraculous medal and later the green scapular. The Virgin promised bountiful graces for all who wore these. Our sightseeing tour includes some of the most beautiful and important churches in the world such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacre Coeur, see the sights as the Eiffel Tower, L'Arc de Triomphe, and drive through the Champs Elysees. Enjoy other sights on this mostly panoramic tour. Return to the hotel for little relaxing, dinner and overnight.

October 09, Paris (Free day)
Free day in Paris today to explore, shop, and reflect. Although the bus will not be available today your tour escort will be available for any needs.


October 10, Depart Paris – Rome – San Giovanni Rotondo
We leave and head south, cross through the Roman countryside with its villas and vineyards, heading east to Padre Pios town of San Giovanni Rotondo, our base for the following two nights. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.


October 11, San Giovanni Rotondo
While in San Giovanni Rotondo we will Mass at the tomb of Padre Pio, we tour the sanctuary, see the old church and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata in 1918. You will see the confessional where Padre Pio spent innu-merable hours with a multitude of pilgrims, directing them on their journey toward God. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cargano Peninsula and a visit to the Grotto of Michael the Archangel. Six different popes, St. Francis and at least four other saints have knelt in prayer at this grotto, seeking the protection of St. Michael. A panoramic view of the ocean and the surrounding countryside awaits you at this most celebrated shrine of early Christianity, a shrine con-secrated by St. Michael himself in 490. Depart to Assisi for overnight.


October 12, Assisi
Morning visit of the tomb of St Francis. Explore the quaint hilltop birthplace of St Francis that still retains something of the atmosphere of the early 1200s, the period when St Francis began his ministry. Contained within the huge 13th-century Basilica are many of the saint's possessions and a series of frescoes depicting his life. You may kneel before the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St Francis, asking him to rebuild His church. It was in St Mary of the Angels Basilica where St Francis spent most of his life. Here we visit the Chapel, Portiuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint retired for prayer. Stroll the medieval streets of the compact little town. After stopping at an outdoor cafe with a view of an ancient Roman temple, we go to the Church of St Clare to see the saint's incorrupt body. The foundress of the Order of Poor Clares followed the teachings of St Francis by living a life of poverty and humility. In the afternoon we are off Rome. Dinner and overnight in Rome.


October 13, Rome (Papal Audience and Vatican Museum Tour)
Wake up in Eternal City, one of the greatest centers of Western Civilization and the first truly cosmopolitan city on earth! It is also spiritual capital for all the Catholics around the world. Today is truly a day we will have in our minds for many years to come. This morning we go to Vatican City to attend the weekly Papal Audience or Blessing given by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (pending papal schedule). Following the audience visit of the Vatican Museums, a group of most impressive edifices with hundreds of galleries filled with art treasures. See awe-inspiring relics and works of art donated throughout centuries as tributes of faith. We'll cover The Tapestry Gallery, The Raphael Rooms and the most overwhelming Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Masterpiece, restored mural of the Last Judgment. Later, enter the largest church in Christendom St Peter's Basilica, built on the site where St Peter was martyred. Unsurpassed in beauty, a monument to the long history of the Catholic Church, to which pilgrims come from around the world, St Peter's is the grandest of the world's churches. Marvel Pieta and Bernini's amazing bronze canopy. We will also visit the grave of Pope John Paul II located at the Vatican. Before dinner, we'll have some time at leisure, to explore your own paths, to shop, or just to sit in one of the outside cafes and watch the world go by.


October 14, Rome
This morning we depart for a sightseeing tour entitled "Christian Rome" which includes: the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, a shrine that contains a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus; the Holy Stairs, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran, The Basilica of the St John in Lateran, is the for-mer residence of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377; St Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the re-mains of St Paul under its main altar; and the Appian Way -- the oldest road from Roman times--plus the famous Domino Quo Vadis Chapel; see the ancient Baths of Caracalla, Arch of Drusus; Tomb of Celilia Metella, and the catacombs of St Callixtus where the early Christians hid themselves to escape persecution. We will also enjoy a visit to the Trevi fountain. Dinner and overnight for your last evening in Rome.


October 15, Rome (Free day)
After breakfast you will have a free day in Rome for exploration. Dinner and overnight before our flights home tomor-row.


October 16, Rome - USA
We bid farewell to our new friends and to a pilgrimage which will be in our memories and heart for a long time to come. Early departure from Rome Airport for our return flight to the USA. We fondly say, Arrivederci Italia!

IF You Purchased Travel Insurance:

For those who have purchased insurance through 206 Tours, a pam-phlet is included in your final documents. Please refer to this brochure for specific stipulations or questions. You can also visit www.206tours.com/insurance.

Your Travel Insurance is with:

Travel Guard
Toll-free # 866-375-1042
www.travelguard.com
Plan Number: 008045-P1 9/09

Highlights of Services Included During your Trip:
- 24-Hour Live travel Assistance for emergency travel needs such as rebooking flights, making hotel reservations, tracking lost luggage, and replacing lost credit cards.
Call 800.826.8597 for assistance."

- Emergency Cash Transfer, which assists in coordinating an emer-gency cash advance.

**Call Travel Guard at 866-385-4839 or (715) 295-5452 before you seek medical care while traveling.**

Where available, we can arrange direct payment to the medical professional, saving you the time and paperwork associated with reimbursement of medical expenses. Our coordinators also can help you locate the nearest and most appropriate medical provider, monitor your care, and provide updates to your family and/or employer.
Persons eligible for insurance under the policy are any travelers who pur-chase coverage through the Travel Supplier, accepts, enrolls and pays the premium for coverage providing they have not already departed on their Trip.

Benefits are payable up to the amount of coverage in the insurance policy provided through TRAVEL GUARD. Failure to call Travel Guard Assist may invalidate any payments applicable on your claim. TGA shall not be responsi-ble for the availability, quality, or results of any medical treatment or the failure of the insured person to obtain medical treatment.

About Your Flights & Foreign Travel

Please visit: www.tsa.gov for the most up to date travel restrictions

Final Documents:
Your final documents include your airline tickets, hotel confirmations, emergency contacts, general trip information, luggage tags, portfolio of travel documents, flight bag, and more. Carefully review your tickets to ensure that your name on the tickets are an exact match to that of your passport. Please note that the name field on your tickets is Only * 19 characters long, therefore names exceeding this length will be cut off (this is not a problem, as your actual reserva-tion contains your full name). Please also carefully review the itinerary provided to ensure that all departure and destination cities, as well as dates, are correct. Please contact 206 Tours immediately should any discrepancies be found.* Please note that late payment/bookings can cause delay in the shipment of your final documents.

Airline Tickets:
Most airlines now require that we provide electronic tickets (“e-tickets”) instead of paper tickets. At check-in, you should provide your flight itinerary and passport to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form. Please note that paper tickets and boarding passes must be present in order to check in and/or board the plane.

Airline Mileage Accounts:
Please contact the airline directly to open a mileage account and to obtain credit for the miles flown on this trip.

International Flights:
We recommend that you check in for your international flight three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers must personally check their luggage at the airline counter. Please advise the airline representative of your final destination upon check-in so that you will not need to claim your baggage and recheck it during flight connec-tions. Please note that our pilgrims travel from all across the US, and you will be traveling independently for all flights until your arrival at your final destination. Please be advised that 206 Tours attempts to centralize as many pilgrims as possible on the same flights, so you may arrive/depart on the same flights as many of your co-pilgrims.

Airline Connections:
206 Tours must book your airline reservations based on the rules and routings provided to us by the airlines, including connection time, cities for connections, and partner carri-ers. Airlines determine the standard for the required minimum connecting time to transfer from one gate to another for each specific airport. 206 Tours is subject to the availability of the carriers we work with, and also must ensure that all reservations correspond so that each participant is able to meet the group transfer to/from the airport. 206 Tours promises to do all in its power to provide you with the most convenient flight schedule available to us at the time of your booking, however we must still follow all appropriate airline rules and regulations.

Code-Share Flights:
Many airlines participate in special agreements with other airlines, which permit passen-gers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (i.e. Air France, Lufthansa), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (i.e. Delta). Please review your air-line itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itiner-ary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)."

Passports and Visas:
All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Israel. Please note that for most Israe-lan and Middle Eastern travel your passport MUST be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return date. For additional information
on obtaining a US passport please visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. A visa is not required for citizens of the USA for most destinations serviced by 206 Tours. Please be advised that it is the pas-sengers responsibility to reconfirm if any visas are required.

Health Precautions:
No inoculations are necessary when traveling to Israel from the US. However, please con-sult with your health care provider before traveling. For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's travelers' hotline at 1-877-394-8747. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov. For medical information, call the US Public Health ser-vice 301-443-2403.

Travel Warnings:
For Medical information, call the US Public Health service 301-443-2403
US State Department Travel Advisories: For up to date US State Department travel adviso-ries you may visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html or call 202-647-5225

Arrival Procedure:
After disembarkation from the plane you will clear immigration and proceed to claim your lug-gage. You will exit the baggage claim into the arrival lounge where you will be greeted by driv-er and/or tour escort displaying a sign with your name and/or "206 Tours”, and then you will be transferred to your hotel where you will meet your guide and the rest of your group. Please remember to look for the sign! If you missed your flight, forgot your passport or if you are re-routed you will probably miss the group transfer that is included in your package. In such circumstances you will need to pay for your separate private transfer, which you may submit a claim with insurance or to the airlines for reimbursement upon your return to the USA. You may also consider taking taxi transportation. 206 Tours will do all possible to ar-range for a private transfer to meet you upon your arrival (if we are aware of your misconnec-tion/arrival flight), however, you will be responsible to remit payment to your driver upon drop off at your destination. If you arrive in one of the previously mentioned destinations and we have not been able to arrange for a driver to meet you, please call your local emergency con-tact.

How to Overcome Jet Lag:
Rapid travel through multiple time zones can take its toll on your physical and mental well-being. "Jet Lag" is the phrase used to describe the condition when an individual's internal body clock is out of sync with the actual time in the region to which you have traveled. It is important to try to adjust your internal body clock to receive the most out of your tour. Here are some tips on how to adjust your body to local time.

On the day of the flight/arrival:
• Get out of bed earlier than usual on the day of departure
• Drink a lot of water to compensate for the dehydration on long flights
• Shortly after your evening meal on your flight, set your watch to the local time
• Try to rest and/or sleep as soon as possible on your flight
• Try to go to bed around 10:00 PM the night of arrival

Luggage and What to Pack:

Luggage:
You are permitted only one piece of checked luggage. Many airlines are now charging extra fees for a second checked bag (approx $50 depending on the airlines). International air carriers are becoming stricter about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. Please reconfirm with your air carrier two weeks prior to departure for specific information as to size and weight limitations (in case of changes). For your own comfort and that of fellow passengers, please limit the size of your hand luggage for easy storage on the motor coach. Portage for one suitcase on tour is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 62 in overall dimensions (length+width+height) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg). Airlines will charge huge fees if your checked luggage is oversized or overweight. Additionally, a charge of 3 USD per trav-eling day will be collected by the Tour Escort if a second piece of baggage is carried, or if the suitcase exceeds the established weight and/or dimensions. For health reasons, porters may refuse to carry very heavy suitcases.

Size allowances for Checked Bags:
Dimensions: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
Weight : 50 lbs.

Size allowances for Carry-on Bags:
Dimensions: 13 in x 21 in x 10 in (maximum size)
Weight : 11 lbs.

You are also permitted one personal item to carry onto the plane such as a purse, laptop, briefcase, etc.

Carry all documents and money on your person but not all in the same place to limit the inconvenience in case of loss; do not keep money, important documents, medicines or jewelry in your suitcase; please leave valuable jewelry at home. We recommend a “neck safe” worn inside your clothes while touring. On departure from your hotel, remember to double check that you have your neck safe with you, and that you have collected any items left in the hotel safe. At all times please be as vigilant as you would in any major city, especially in crowded places, such as subways, squares, or cathedrals. Never leave your hand luggage unattended or out of sight in public areas, including airports, hotel lobbies, or dining rooms.

Be sure to keep ALL medications in your carry-on bag during your trip in case your suit case should be lost. Keep a separate list of important numbers (i.e. passport, traveler’s checks, credit cards) in your luggage, together with photo copies of airline tickets and the relevant pages of your passport/visas.

Clothing:
Due to global weather changes, regional temperatures may deviate from the norms. We rec-ommend layered, easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer. We strongly recommend that women bring a shall or sarong which can be placed conveniently in their day bag, so that they may drape their shoulders, or tie around their waists in religious sites should their shoulders or knees be exposed. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes. If new, make sure you walk in them for a couple of weeks to break them in. On the plane you will want to wear loose-fitting clothes and pack a pair of slippers to wear for the flight, as well as a light-weight jacket. Make sure your shoes are lace-up, as your feet may swell a little.

General Clothing for Men: Conservative; Jeans, casual slacks,
Long sleeve shirts, socks, undergarments, and Jacket / coat.

General Clothing for Women: Conservative; Jeans, casual slacks,
long sleeve shirts, socks, casual dresses, undergarments, a jacket / coat is suggest-ed.

Other Suggested Items to Bring (check list):
__ Pack at least 1 change of clothing in your carry-on (in case of lost luggage)
__ Binoculars (**Oberammergau Play)
__ Small Book Light (**Oberammergau Play)
__ Travel Bible and Journal
__ Portable alarm clock
__ Deodorant (travel size)
__ Soap bar (travel size) and washcloth
__ Shampoo/Conditioner (travel size)
__ Toothbrush & Toothpaste (travel size)
__ Chap stick
__ Comb/Brush
__ Aspirin/Advil, etc.
__ Laxative/Imodium
__ Band-aids
__ Pepto Bismol (tablets)
__ Sominex
__ Dramamine or Bonine (if subject to motion sickness)
__ Allergy/cold medicine; tablets (put medicines in a sandwich bag)
__ Feminine Items
__ Handi-wipes: for freshening up during the day
__ Travel pack size Kleenex
__ Digital Camera, Charger, Extra Battery and carrying case
__ Flashlight with extra batteries: take batteries out while traveling
__ Extra film for camera: expensive outside of US
__ Old towel or small plastic bag to sit on outside
__ Optional grocery size plastic bags: 1-2 for dirty clothes
__ Tape recorder or journal for Mass, and talks
__ Travel size poncho (in camping section of Wal-Mart)
__ Inflatable head & neck rest, eye mask, foam earplugs (for flight)

Procedure for Bringing Liquids in your Carry-on Bags
For additional information or clarification please visit: www.faa.gov

About the 3 - 1 - 1 Rule for Liquids in your carry-on bag

3 ounce bottle or less
1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
1 bag per passenger placed in the bin separately from your carry-on bag.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
Be prepared. Each time the TSA must search a carry-on to locate liquids it slows down the line. Practicing 3 - 1 - 1 will en-sure a faster and easier checkpoint experi-ence.
**Remember, you can put liquids of any size in your checked baggage.

Important to Note about the 3-1-1 Rule...
Larger containers that are partially-full are not allowed, Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed
To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers, items greater than 3 ounces of the following liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities:

• Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers
• All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes
• Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition (a doctor’s note is required)
• Items used to augment the body for medical/cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids
• Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically- related items used by per-sons with disabilities or medical conditions

You are allowed reasonable amounts over 3 ounces of the above items in your carry-on baggage, but you will need to perform the following:
• Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your zip-top bag
• Declare you have the items to one of the Security Officers at security checkpoint
• Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening

Any liquid, gel or aerosol, such as coffee or soda, purchased in the secure area beyond the security checkpoint is allowed aboard your plane. Please note that if you have a layo-ver and are re-screened at your connecting airport, the above rules will be applied.

Currency and Money

Currency Exchange:
The EURO is the currency of France & Germany; as of August 02, 2010 the rate is:
$1.00 (USD) = €0.76 (EURO) // €1.00 (EURO) = $1.32 (USD)
Keep in mind that this is the "pure" exchange rate and any form of currency exchange has some fees associated. For up to date currency exchange rates please visit www.xe.com. Please note that the currency fluctuations have been particularly volatile in the last year, so we strongly urge you to check the up-to-date exchange rates prior to departure and prior to currency exchange.

Money:
Make sure to bring along a credit card for convenience and security. Visa or MasterCard are the best options, as American Express is not accepted in many stores. You may also choose to bring traveler's checks, however not all shops/restaurants accept them due to the devaluation of the US dollar. If you would like to carry cash, we recommend that you exchange USD at your local bank prior to departure in order to obtain the best exchange rate. It is also practical and cost effective to withdraw local currency using your ATM/Debit card during your trip. Be advised that exchanging money at airports, your hotel or local change booths will result in fees that are extremely high.

**It is recommended that you contact your local bank/credit card companies before departing to advise them you will be traveling so that they do not put a hold on your cards when an international transaction is made.

We are frequently asked, "How much money should I bring with me?" This is an impossi-ble question to answer as each person is different. The type of lunches you prefer can make a big difference (restaurant vs cafe). Are you planning on purchasing mementos for yourself or loved ones? We recommend that the minimum spending money you should bring with you/budget for, in addition to the suggested tips, is the equivalent of EUR 25.00 per person per day. Remember, you can always spend less, or bring money home!

Credit Cards & ATM Machines:
ATM machines can be found just about everywhere in Europe and are accessible 24 hrs a day; most offer English as a language option. Be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Also keep in mind that many banks impose a fee every time a card is used at a different bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more). On top of this, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank before you go. You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM.

Banking Hours:
Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00 and 2:00-5:00. Some banks close Monday. Banks close early (12:00) on the day before a bank holiday; in rare cases, they may also close for all or part of the day after.

U.S. Customs:
U.S. citizens who have been in Europe for more than two days may return to the US with up to $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. For those who wish to bring more home, a flat rate of 3% duty is levied on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. It's a good idea to retain the receipts from your purchases should they be requested by a Customs Inspector upon your return to the US. For details visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel

How to Get Your VAT (Value Added Tax) Refund:
sales tax, or VAT (value-added tax), is 15%. Value Added Tax (VAT) is a form of indirect tax applied to the value added at each stage of production (primary, manufacturing, whole-sale and retail). This tax is much like the sales tax paid in the Unit-ed States. VAT tax charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Europe. At retail stores, this tax is always already included in the price. Upon mak-ing a purchase of 175 Euro or more at a gift store that has an agreement wit the VAT authori-ties, you should fill out a form at the store and have it s tamped there. You will be eligible, upon presenting the form and the item, for a 20% refund at the airport prior to departure. Do not pack these gift items in your luggage. They should be kept in your hand luggage. By the way, tourist services, such as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels, paid with foreign currency are exempt from VAT tax.

Tipping:
Tip envelopes are enclosed for your convenience. Tips are an important part of earnings for your escorts, guides and bus drivers. Due to devaluation of US dollar, in order to budg-et we recommend that you anticipate a total of approximately € 6.00 (EURO) - € 8.00 (EURO) per person per day):

• Your tour escort who is with you throughout your tour or for the whole day should be tipped approximately € 4.50 (EURO) per person per day (or de pending on the level of the satisfaction).

• Your bus driver € 2.00 (EURO) per person per day (or depending on the
level of the satisfaction).

• If you have a sightseeing tour with a local guide, which lasts approx 2 1/2
hrs, it is standard practice to tip your local tour guides and bus drivers after
an excursion, or tour, generally € 1.00 (EURO).

Optional and may change from place to place: But, almost all restaurants include tax and a 15%service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particu-larly good, leaving another € 1 (EURO) (or 2) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included a 15% tip is appro-priate. In hotels, tip porters is included of € 2 (EURO) for each bag and chambermaids. When and if your group has a completely free day (s) and escort sees them Only * for a couple of hours or during the dinner time, then it is really at your discretion what amount you should tip them. As normally most cli-ents calculate a total amount of tip for escort for total days serviced - when, escort does less hours it normally compensates the days with longer hours, which often happens when escorts are touring.

Useful Links:

Holy Sites Visited in France:

PARIS, France

Paris is the capital of France, and situated on the river Seine in northern France. Par-is is one of the world's major global cities. Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful cathe-dral on the the Île de la Cité in Paris. The Notre Dame is the most popular monument in Paris and in all of France, beating even the Eiffel Tower with 13 million visitors each year. But the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pil-grimage, and the focal point for Catholicism in France- religious events of national significance still take place here. The west front of the cathedral is one of its most notable features, with its two 228 ft tall towers. The South Tower houses the cathe-dral's famous bell, "Emmanuel." The bell weighs over 28,000 pounds. The Galerie des Chimères connects the two west towers, and is where the cathedral's legendary gar-goyles can be found. The beautiful West Rose Win-dow dates from about 1220. The Basilique Sacré-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) is a Roman Catholic church and familiar landmark in Paris, located on the highest point of the city in Mont-martre. The church was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a group that gained popularity after 1873, when the first pilgrimage was orga-nized to Paray-le-Monial in Burgundy. It was there that revelations encouraging prayer to Christ's sacred heart had been reported in the 17th century. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mi-raculous Medal is a chapel in Paris revered by Catholics as the site of three apparitions of the Virgin Mary. St. Catherine Labouré was born on May 2, 1806. At the age of 24 she entered the Daughters of Charity Mother House. St. Catherine soon reported three apparitions of Mary that would lead to a popular new devotion throughout the Catholic Church. During one apparition, the Virgin appeared and showed Catherine the design for what would become known as the "Miraculous Medal." On one side was an image of Mary, surrounded by the prayer, "O Mary, con-ceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you." The reverse side of the med-al bore a letter "M" surmounted by a cross and over two hearts, one encircled with a crown of thorns, and the other pierced with a sword. The Virgin Mary instructed St. Catherine, "have a medal struck on this model. All those who carry this will receive Grace in abundance, especially if they wear the medal around their neck and say this prayer confidently, they will receive special protection from the Mother of God and abundant graces." Eventually, the Archbishop of Paris in 1832 authorized the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, as it was originally known. Many miracles were reported in connection with the medal and some 10 million medals were sold during the first 5 years. In February 1831, Sister Catherine left the Daughters of Charity for the Hospice of Enghien, located in a poverty-stricken area of eastern Paris. She served the poor there for the remaining 46 years of her life. When Catherine's body was exhumed in 1933, it was found miraculously preserved. Her incorrupt body now lies on display in the chapel in a glass case.

LOURDES, France

Lourdes is a small market town lying in the foothills of the Pyrenees, famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes that are reported to have occurred to Bernadette Soubirous. On Feb. 11, 1858 Bernadette joined her sister in search for firewood. As they approached the hollow rock of the Mas-sabielle, Bernadette heard a “rustling sound of wind” and saw a lovely lady dressed in white beckoning her for-ward. Immediately, Bernadette pulled out her rosary and knelt before the vision. In the 3rd apparition Our Lady spoke for the first time, asking Berna-dette to return for 15 days. Shortly after, the dirt-filled Grotto began mys-teriously springing forth water. March 1st brought the first miracle- a woman who had a paralyzed arm dipped it into the waters of the grotto and was immediately healed. The Blessed Mother pronounced, “I am the Immaculate Conception” and told them to build a chapel where people will come in procession. The Blessed Virgin appeared to Bernadette 18 times, the last taking place on July 16th of the same year, and on De-cember 8, 1933 Bernadette was canonized. Almost every part of the shrine, including the Grotto, is accessible to those in wheelchairs via ramps or special lifts. Since March 1, 1858 the Roman Catholic Church has recognized 65 miracles at Lourdes and 5,000 inexplicable healings have taken place. An estimated 200 million people have visited the shrine since 1860. Especially impressive are candlelight and sacrament proces-sions. Yearly from March to October tours from all over the world are organized to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Connected with this pilgrimage is often the consumption of/bathing in the Lourdes water, which wells out of the Grotto.

LOURDES BATHS, France

Each year, about 350,000 pilgrims go through the Baths as a means towards reconcili-ation. This process is a response to the invitation of the Blessed Virgin to Bernadette, “Go drink of the spring and wash yourself there.” The building itself is situated past the Grotto and there are 17 baths in total (11 for women and 6 for men) with each sec-tion containing a smaller bath for children. The water is a constant 12°C and pilgrims are requested to present their intentions to Our Lady before immersion. The Sign of the Cross is made by the pilgrim at the moment of immersion into the water, then invocations to Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette are made.
Entry into the Baths are free, and everything required for modesty is provided. Be-ware, in the summer there can often be up to an hour wait. 206 Tours does not provide an escort assisting pilgrims at the baths, such assistance is provided by Lourdes volunteers.

Times: From April to October: Week-days 9.00 am - 11.00 am / 2.30 pm - 4.00 pm
Sundays and Holidays 2.00 pm - 4.00


St. Bernadette Soubirous
Bernadette was born on Jan. 7, 1844 in Lourdes. In 1854 an epidemic of cholera left Bernadette with a painful asthma condition that lasted the rest of her life. Two years later poverty struck the family.

In Jan. 1858 the Blessed Virgin Mary ap-peared to Bernadette at the grotto of Massa-bielle for a total of 18 times. As word spread of Blessed Virgin's appearance, the investi-gations began. Throughout the apparitions the faithful flocked to the grotto. Finally, in 1862 the bishop acknowledged the authenticity of the apparitions. After Ber-nadette joined the Sisters of Charity in Nevers, France July 4, 1866 she never spoke of the grotto unless ordered to by her superiors. Taking the religious name, Marie-Bernard, she suffered from recurring bouts of sickness and ill health. One of her religious sisters described has as being deeply pious and possessing childlike simplicity, extraordinary evenness of temper and pro-found humility. Other sisters recalled Bernadette's youthful charm, spontane-ous disposition and playful attitude. However, Sister Marie-Bernard was be-ing led by Jesus to live a crucified life of prayer, suffering, silence and sacri-fice.

The little child of Lourdes accepted her life with perfect resignation and sub-mission. Suffering from asthma and tuberculosis, she spent the last 24 hours of her life in terrible agony. Her last day was April 16, 1879 - it was just after three o'clock, the same time Christ had died. In agony she stretched out her arms like the crucified Jesus and whispered, "I am thirsty." Sister Marie-Bernard then made for the lats time her majestic sign of the cross that she learned from the Blessed Virgin at Massabielle. With no strength left, her head bowed to the right, she gently gave her soul back to God. Hands clasping a crucifix as two tears rolled down her cheeks.

In 1925 her body was ceremoniously transferred to the chapel of St. Gildard, where it now rests in a glass reliquary. Her body has remained intact and only a thin layer of way has been added to her face and hands. On Dec. 8, 1933 the Catholic Church canonized Bernadette.

During this time examiners had exhumed her body on 3 different occasions and each time found it incorrupt. She now resides in Paris, France.