Escorted Tour: Follow Australia 2 Pool Game Tour – France and Monaco

Rugby Union » Rugby » Rugby World Cup France 2023 » Escorted Tours » Escorted Tour

Date 15 Sep, 2023 25 Sep, 2023
SOLD OUT

Follow Australia 2 Pool Game Tour – Australia v Fiji & Wales v Australia

Escorted Coach Tour Details:

Tour Dates: Friday 15 September to Monday 25 September 2023
Tour Duration: 10 nights/11 days
Tour Start City: Nice
Tour Conclusion City: Lyon
Countries: France, Monaco


Matches Included: 

  • Pool C – Australia v Fiji
    • Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Etienne
    • Sunday, 17th September, 2023
  • Pool A – France v Namibia
    • Stade Velodrome, Marseille
    • Thursday, 21st September, 2023
  • Pool C – Wales v Australia
    • OL Stadium, Lyon
    • Sunday, 24th September, 2023

Tour Inclusions:

  • Return economy class airfares from Australia to France including compulsory pre-paid airfare taxes^
  • Ten (10) nights accommodation in 4 star accommodation View Package Prices
  • Breakfast Daily
  • One (1) lunch including:
    • Lunch in local restaurant in Eze
  • Two (2) dinners including:
    • Welcome Dinner in Nice
    • Dinner in Monte Carlo
  • Sportsnet Exclusive Wales v Australia Match Preview Dinner
    • 23 Sep Lyon, Wales v Australia
  • Category 4 tickets to all matches listed (upgrades available) View Ticket Upgrades
    • Pool C – Australia v Fiji
    • Pool A – France v Namibia
    • Pool C – Wales v Australia
  • Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers^^
  • Coach transfers throughout
  • Nice Half Day City Tour
  • Visit Pont du Gard
  • City tour of Avignon
  • Visit Aix-En Provence
  • Visit Monte Carlo
  • Visit Fragonard Perfume Factory
  • City tour of Marseille
  • Walking tour of Carcassonne
  • Private cruise on the Rhone and Saone Rivers
  • Official Rugby World Cup 2023 Australia cap
  • Official Rugby World Cup 2023 Merchandise Item
  • Official Pre-Tournament Magazine
  • Official Event Ear Piece Radio
  • France Pocket Guide
  • Sportsnet Tour Host throughout
  • Professional multilingual Tour Director throughout
  • Pre-paid gratuities
  • Booking and Ticket Handling Fee

Tour Exclusions:

  • Lunch, dinner and drinks where not stated
  • Activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Vaccinations and travel medications
  • Passport and visa costs
  • Travel Insurance

Tour Highlights:

  • 17 Sep Saint-Etienne, Stade Geoffroy Guichard – Australia v Fiji 
  • 24 Sep Lyon, Parc OL – Wales v Australia 
  • Watch Australia’s biggest Pool Game in Lyon 
  • Sportsnet Exclusive Wales vs Australia Match Preview Dinner 
  • Visit the world famous Monte Carlo casino
  • Cruise the Rhone and Saone Rivers 

Hotels: (or similar):

  • Nice: Best available Globus quality hotel
  • Lyon: Best available Globus quality hotel
  • Aix-En Provence: Best available Globus quality hotel
  • Monaco: Best available Globus quality hotel
  • Marseille: Best available Globus quality hotel
  • Carcassonne: Best available Globus quality hotel

Important: 

  • All escorted tour information is correct at 07 April 2021
  • ^ Compulsory pre-paid airfare taxes are subject to change until full payment has been received and airline tickets have been issued by this office. International airline tickets can only be issued a maximum eleven months prior to departure. Australia to France return taxes are correct as at 07 April 2021, estimated at $400 per person.
  • ^^ Return arrival and departure airport coach transfers are included in all Escorted Tour programs to and from the city where the first and last night’s accommodation is located however flights must be booked through Sportsnet. There will be one arrival and departure transfer time available for each tour therefore should your flight not meet these times, you will be required to make your own way to and from the hotel. Should you choose to change your arrival or departure dates or book your own flights to and from France, airport transfers will not be provided as a part of your package.
  • Please note all escorted tour itineraries and inclusions are subject to change for reasons that may be beyond our control. Should a change to the itinerary and inclusions be required, we will endeavour to provide a replacement of similar standard and price.
  • Minimum and maximum traveller numbers apply to escorted tours. A tour may be cancelled if the number of travellers is less than the minimum number of travellers required. Sportsnet Holidays reserves the right to cancel an escorted tour due to unforeseen circumstances or not meeting minimum traveller numbers. A full refund or transfer to another guaranteed escorted tour and/or package will be available.
  • For full Sportsnet Holidays terms and conditions, please visit our website www.sportsnetholidays.com/booking-terms-and-conditions
  • Special terms and conditions applicable to the sale of “Official Travel” tickets valid for all the matches of Rugby World Cup 2023; https://sportsnetholidays.com/rugby-world-cup-booking-terms-and-conditions

RWC Special Offers:

Pay with Mastercard®

Pay for your RWC 2023 Package with Mastercard and receive a limited edition RWC 2023 replica ball.


Group Booking Discount

Bookings of 10 or more people are eligible to receive a group booking discount.

SOLD OUT
      Prices listed are PER PERSON and in Australian Dollars.
Hotel Twin Triple Single Quad
On Request Sold Out
* Extra Night price is for per person and per night. The rates quoted are outside peak event periods and should be used as a guide only. Additional surcharges may apply.
 
WIN 14/09 RWCT32TW

Rugby World Cup France 2023 – Frequently Asked Questions


EVENT FAQs:

Q. Is Sportsnet Holidays an Official Travel Agent for Rugby World Cup France 2023?

A. Yes, Sportsnet Holidays (Sportsnet) has been appointed as an “Official Travel Agent” (OTA) for Rugby World Cup France 2023 by Groupe Couleur (Couleur). Couleur has been appointed by Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) to manage and implement the Official Travel and Official Hospitality Programmes for Rugby World Cup France 2023.

Q. Who can Sportsnet Holidays market and sell packages to?

A. Sportsnet has been appointed to market, sell and distribute Official Travel packages for the entire tournament that cater for the varying requirements of the Rugby supporter.

Sportsnet is entitled to market, sell and distribute Official Travel packages to customers located in its Defined Territory (being Australia) as well as anywhere in the Rest of the World excluding other Defined Territories. (See EVENT, What is a Defined Territory?)

A customer must have a billing address which is their permanent and primary residential address in the Territory.

Q. What is a Defined Territory?

A. There are 14 Defined Territories including Australia, Argentina, China (including Hong Kong), Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom (England, Wales & Scotland). Rest of the World means worldwide excluding the 14 Defined Territories.

Q. What is the date of the event?

A. The six-week festival of Rugby featuring top players from all parts of the globe will kick-off on Friday 08 September 2023 at the iconic Stade de France, Paris where host nation France will meet New Zealand. The Final will be held at Stade de France, Paris on Saturday 28 October 2023.

Q. Where is the event being held?

A. The tournament’s 48 matches will be played across nine venues spread over France, providing visitors the perfect opportunity to combine great Rugby action on the field with an amazing culture and travel experience off it.

Q. What are the match kick-off times?
A. The nine Rugby World Cup France 2023 match venues and the daily match schedule were announced in February 2021. The development of this schedule has balanced the considerations of the teams and players, ticketing, match day travel considerations and global broadcast schedules to maximise the global audience for Rugby’s pinnacle event. The full Rugby World Cup France 2023 match schedule with kick-off times can be found at: www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/matches


PACKAGES:

Q. When do Official Travel packages as part of the Official Travel Programme go on sale?

A. The Official Travel Programme sales can commence in March 2021. Clients who have paid Sportsnet a $50 fully refundable deposit will have first access to tickets and packages followed soon after by the general public.

Q. What types of packages do you offer?

A. We have packages to cater for all needs including the Rugby supporter and corporate incentive and reward market:

  • Fully Escorted Tours
  • River Cruise
  • Match Breaks (tickets & accommodation)

Q. Will you offer accommodation and tickets for matches not part of your Escorted Tours or Match Breaks?
A. No, Sportsnet does not offer tickets for matches of Rugby World Cup 2023 that are not part of our Escorted Tours or Match Breaks.

Q. Am I allowed to remove any of the inclusions from your packages?

A. This depends on which package you purchase. No element of an Escorted Tour can be removed except the international flights, airport transfers and/or all tickets should one of your party not wish to attend any of the matches included in the tour. Match Break packages require a minimum accommodation and tickets however all other package inclusions can be removed which may provide a small saving.

Q. Do your Escorted Tours require minimum numbers to proceed?

A. Yes, all Escorted Tours offered by Sportsnet for Rugby World Cup 2023 require a minimum 30 passengers to proceed. A tour may be cancelled if the number of travellers is less than the minimum number of travellers required. A full refund or transfer to another guaranteed escorted tour and/or package will be available.

Q. Where will the Match Preview Function and Finals Gala Dinner be held?

A. Venues have not yet been decided at this stage and will be advised closer to the event. You can expect them all to be central and an experience you’ll never forget.

Q. Are there any restrictions to how many tickets I am allowed to purchase per match?

A. The number of tickets per match can only be equal to or less than the number of passengers who have booked flights and/or accommodation with Sportsnet in any one booking.


TICKETS:

Q. Can we purchase tickets only from you?

A. Under contract with Groupe Couleur, we cannot sell Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets on their own. (See PACKAGES, What types of packages will you be offering?)

Q. What standard of tickets do you offer?

A. As part of the Official Travel Programme, Sportsnet has confirmed allotments and access to Category 1, 2, 3 and 4 tickets for all matches throughout the entire tournament.

Q. Do you have access to Category 1 tickets?

A. See TICKETS, “What standard of tickets do you offer?”.

Q. Will the allocation of tickets for OTA’s be better than those available in the public ballot?

A. The allocation of tickets for OTA’s does sit above the allocation of tickets available through the public ballot, whatever the category. There is a stringent process in place which ensures this is the case. Once the Organising Committee have outlined their match ticket requirements for Media, VIPs and Sponsors, OTA’s will be given the next best seats available for both the Official Hospitality and Official Travel Programme, across each of the four categories and better than those available through the general public ballot.

Q. When will we know our exact seat numbers?

A. Although we have confirmed Category 1, 2, 3 and 4 tickets throughout the entire tournament, we will not know our exact seat numbers until closer to the event.

Q. How do you allocate tickets?

A. The best seats allocated to Sportsnet will be allocated to our customers in order of booking date so the earlier you put down a deposit the better!

Q. Can I request where I sit in the Category I book?

A. Yes, however please note exact seating areas and numbers are allocated to all OTA’s by Couleur and are outside our control. We will do our best to accommodate your requests based on the allocations provided and your booking date.

Q. Can I buy a package including accommodation without tickets?

A. Yes.

Q. Are there concession and children’s tickets available?

A. Concession and children’s tickets are not available to OTA’s for this event. There is also no ‘babies in arms’ policy for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in that any person, no matter their age, will require to purchase a ticket to enter a stadium on match day.

Q. Is there disabled access to the event?
A. Yes, however all requests for disabled seating will be subject to availability.

Q. Can I book different Categories of tickets within the same Escorted Tour?

A. Yes. The Ticket Upgrade Options provided under each Escorted Tour are based on upgrading every match ticket as part of that tour from Category 4 to Category 3, Category 2 or Category 1. Should you wish to only upgrade certain matches this is absolutely fine. You will need to speak to a Sportsnet consultant who can work out the price for you.


HOSPITALITY:

Q. Can we purchase Official Hospitality from you?
A. TBA

Q. Are there concession and children’s tickets available for Official Hospitality?
A. Concession and children’s tickets are not available for Official Hospitality.

Q. Are there any age restrictions for Official Hospitality?
TBA

Q. Do the Groupe Couleur payment terms for Official Hospitality differ from the Sportsnet Official Travel Programme?
A. TBA


ACCOMMODATION:

Q. Can I request a hotel which is not listed on the Sportsnet Holidays website?

A. Only hotels advertised on our website can be purchased unless you have group which requires 5 or more rooms at which point we will try and source your preferred option.

Q. Can I upgrade my room type?
A. Only if the upgrade is listed within our packages or you have a group which requires 5 or more rooms.

Q. Is there a minimum night stay for the package?

A. The minimum night stay will depend on what type of package you purchase. Escorted Tour nights cannot be reduced however on occasion, dependent on the hotel, we may be able to reduce the amount of nights as part of a Match Break. Please speak to your expert consultant for further details. Extra nights can be added to all packages including the start and conclusion of an Escorted Tour.

Q. Do you offer triple share options as part of your packages?

A. Unfortunately throughout France, most hotels do not offer or have very limited abilities to allow three or more people in a room. The majority of rooms on offer across all packages are either single (1 person, 1 bed), double (2x people, 1 bed) or twin (2 people, 2 beds). Triple rooms are able to be requested for Escorted Tour packages but are limited and not guaranteed.

Q. Am I allowed to change the check in and check out dates of your Match Breaks?

A. In most cases, we are committed to the dates of the packages however in some instances we may be able to offer flexibility dependent on the hotel allotment and hotel minimum stay requirement.

Q. I am travelling on my own and cannot afford the single price. Can I share with someone else to take advantage of the twin share price?
A. Yes, as part of our Escorted Tour range only, we are happy to pair you up with someone of the same gender if available. We will put you directly in touch with each other and from there you can make the decision whether you are suitable to share throughout the tour. For single travellers purchasing the twin share option, please note there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Sportsnet Holidays will make every effort to find a suitable share partner however this is not guaranteed. Should a suitable partner not be found, the single price will apply.


TRANSFERS:

Q. Are transfers included from the airport to my hotel? If so, what type?

A. Return arrival and departure airport coach transfers are included in all Escorted Tours and River Cruise programs to and from the city where the first and last nights accommodation is located however please note these will depart at specific times and flights must be booked with Sportsnet.

Should you choose to change your flight arrival or departure dates or arrive or depart at a time that does not marry up with the scheduled escorted tour airport transfers, transfers will not be provided as part of your Escorted Tour package however can be purchased separately. Should you book your own flights to and from France, airport transfers will not be provided as part of your Escorted Tour package and cannot be purchased separately.

Q. Are transfers included to and from the Match Preview Function and The Finals Gala Dinner? If so, what type?
A. Yes, return coach transfers are included to and from any function as part of an Escorted Tour. Should you add one of our functions to a Match Break or purchase the “The Final” Match Break which includes the Finals Gala Dinner, you will be required to make your own way to and from the event.

Q. Are transfers included from my hotel to match days? If so, what type?

A. Yes, return coach transfers to match days are included as part of all Escorted Tours or River Cruise packages. Transfers are not included for any Match Breaks or Flight and Ticket packages. You will be required to make your own way to and from the stadiums.

Q. What happens if I miss my transfer?

A. You will be required to make your own way to and from your destination on that particular day at your own cost.


FLIGHTS:

Q. Are flights and compulsory pre-paid airfare taxes included as part of your packages?
A. No, economy class flights ex Australia are not included in the advertised price, although if you wish to book flights please speak to a Sportsnet Holidays consultant for more information.  

Any airfare prices & compulsory pre-paid airfare taxes quoted are an estimate only and are subject to change and availability as international airline tickets can only be booked and issued within 11 months of departure.

In the event airfares are not available at the price quoted at time of booking (approx. October, November or December 2022 dependent on your day of departure and return date to Australia) you will be offered the choice to pay the difference or consider an alternate airline. Exact airline, flight dates and times will be advised at this time. Please advise any preferences in advance.

If flights are booked through Sportsnet Holidays, full airfare terms and conditions including baggage allowances will be available once flights have been selected 11 months prior to departure.

Q. Will I have the ability to book flights into and out of different French cities?
A. Yes, dependent on the city and airline. Paris, Lyon and Nice are the most popular.

Q. Can I purchase business class or first class airfares?

A. Absolutely, business and first class airfare prices to and from France will be available approximately 11 months prior to departure in October, November, or December 2022 dependent on your day of departure and return date to Australia.


MERCHANDISE:

Q. Am I allowed to choose an alternative team to the Wallabies for the Official Rugby World Cup 2023 Cap included as part of my package?
A. Yes, you can choose a cap from the following countries: New Zealand, England, Ireland or South Africa. If you do not support any of the listed teams, you can elect to have a RWC2023 Tournament cap included in your package.

Q. What is the Official Event Ear Piece Radio?
A. The Ear Piece Radio provides the spectator the opportunity to listen to the “Referees” or “Local Broadcast” throughout the match.

Q. Can I remove any of the merchandise from my package and will it save me money?

A. You can remove any of the merchandise options from your package excluding the Escorted Tours or River Cruise. Please note that as we are buying at wholesale prices, the saving will be minimal.


BOOKINGS:

Q. What details do you require to make a booking?
A. All clients are required to complete a Booking Form and pay a 25% deposit to secure your place.

We are required by Couleur to gather the following information for every person who has purchased a ticket to Rugby World Cup 2023.

  1. Your name as per your passport
  2. Your passport nationality and number
  3. Your residential address

Q. What are the payment terms for the Official Travel Programme?

A. Payment terms are on a staged payment basis however please note, should you purchase Official Hospitality a different staged payment plan applies.

Prior to 1 November 2022

  • 25% due within 7 days of booking
  • 25% due 1 November 2022
  • Final payment due 1 March 2023

From 1 November 2022 but prior to 1 March 2023

  • 50% due within 7 days of booking
  • Final payment due 1 March 2023

From 2 March 2023

  • Full payment due at time of booking

Q. Can you accept one payment on behalf of a group?

A. Yes, we can take one payment on behalf of a group if you are a member of Rugby Club, school group, corporate incentive group, etc.


SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS:

Q. Do you have any Special Offers & Discounts I can take advantage of?
A. Absolutely we do! Special Offers & Discounts are detailed below.

Book a group of 10 or more and receive a 5% discount*

  • Book a group of 10 or more and receive a 5% discount.
  • Ticket-inclusive travel packages must be purchased between 21/4/21 and 29/9/21 or while stock last.
  • Groups of 10 or more can be formed after initial patrons have booked ticket-inclusive travel packages and the group booking discount will be taken off the final payments.
  • Payment is not required in full.
  • Excludes flights and compulsory pre-paid airfare taxes.
  • Promotion may end without notice.

Official RWC 2023 Limited Edition Rugby World Cup 2023 Ball Giveaway

  • Strictly while stocks last – there are only 100 limited edition balls available.
  • Each booking must be paid in full using Mastercard as the payment method.
  • Strictly one ball per person per booking.
  • Offer valid for new bookings made that have been paid in full before June 30, 2021.
  • Limited Edition RWC 2023 Ball will be delivered prior to August 31st, 2021.
  • Promotion may end without notice.
  • Official RWC 2023 Limited Edition Rugby World Cup 2023 Ball Giveaway is run by Sportsnet® Holidays with the support of Mastercard, an Official World Wide Partner of Rugby World Cup France 2023.

Offers may be used in conjunction with one another.

*Special Offers and Discounts to do not apply to Flight and Ticket package.


PRIZES IN A PROMOTION:

Q. Can we use your packages as a Prize in a Promotion?

A. Under no circumstance and without exception can a Sportsnet Rugby World Cup 2023 package be used as a Prize in a Promotion.


TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Q. Do I require travel insurance and is it compulsory?

A. Travel insurance is compulsory on all Escorted Tours & River Cruises. Sportsnet Holidays highly recommends travel insurance to be purchased at time of booking to cover against loss of deposit and full payment through cancellation, overseas medical, hospital and emergency expenses, dental, loss of luggage and personal items, accidental death, your legal liability, etc. Should you choose not to purchase travel insurance through Sportsnet, proof of policy in writing will be required prior to departure for all Escorted Tour and River Cruise clients. Once you have purchased your travel insurance, you are covered from that day to date of departure against cancellation (see policy for exact details) at no extra cost. Plus once the travel insurance is issued, you are safe from any travel insurance price increases between now and Rugby World Cup France 2023. Please speak to one of our expert consultants to help you choose the best travel insurance option for you.


PASSPORT & VISAS:

Q. Do I require a valid passport and visa?
A. For the latest passport and visa requirements please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au


TRAVEL AGENTS:

Q. Can travel agents and third parties purchase your packages?
A. No, as part of our contract, all OTA’s worldwide cannot sell travel packages including tickets via any travel agent/third party and must deal directly with the consumer. The only exception is when a travel agent is appointed as an Official Sub-Agent of an OTA.

Q. Does Sportsnet pay travel agent commission for a referral?

A. If a travel agent provides Sportsnet with a lead before (not after) a client has contacted Sportsnet direct, their booking will be recognised as a referral and a 5% commission will apply on land only once the booking is paid in full. Please note if a referral does qualify for a Special Offer & Discount, referral commission will still apply. Travel agents will have to invoice Sportsnet for the commission at which point our accounts department will directly deposit the commission into your nominated account.


DOCUMENTATION:

Q. When will documentation including tickets be available?

A. At this stage, we have not been advised by Couleur and RWCL when tickets will be available for distribution. We expect this will occur much closer to the event in 2023.

Q. Is shipping my documents when available for dispatch included?

A. For residents of Australia, shipping is included as part of your package price. If you live internationally outside of Australia (excluding other Defined Territories) shipping is not included and will be at an extra cost dependent on where you reside and the size/weight of the parcel.

Q. Can my documents be made available upon arrival at my hotel in France?
A. No. (See DOCUMENTATION, Is shipping my documents when available for dispatch included?)

Q. Does Sportsnet or the Groupe Couleur dispatch documentation for Official Hospitality?

A. TBA


DESTINATION:

Q. Can I extend my trip beyond the event dates?

A. It absolutely is possible to extend your trip beyond the event date. Please speak to one of our expert consultants to help you plan your trip!

Q. What language is predominantly spoken?
A. French

Q. What is the weather generally like at the time of the event?

A. The event is held in Autumn, and weather can be unpredictable but is generally mild, with a temperature that ranges however rain quite common. We suggest to pack clothes that cater for varying temperatures, layered clothing is the best way to go.

Q. Do I need to take specific medical precautions?

A. We highly recommended you contact your local doctor prior to travel. Please also check the following website for any specific medical precautions: www.tmvc.com.au

Q. What currency do I use?

A. The currency used across France is the Euro (EUR). To find out the latest currency conversion rates please visit – www.xe.com/currencyconverter

RWC 2023 Promotions & Special Offers

Before you book your Rugby World Cup experience be sure to read about our promotions and special offers, as you might be eligible to receive discounts, prizes and even cash!


RWC 2023 Mastercard Promotion Pay with Mastercard

Pay with Mastercard®

Pay for your RWC 2023 package with Mastercard and receive a limited edition RWC replica ball.


RWC 2023 Mastercard Promotion Group Booking Discount

Group Booking Discount

Bookings of 10 or more people are eligible to receive a group booking discount.

DAY 1: FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2023 – ARRIVE IN NICE, FRANCE 

Tonight, join your Tour Director for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D) 

DAY 2: SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER – NICE 

This morning a local guide will escort you through the city. Visit the Promende des Anglais, originally built in the second half of the 18th century and the most famous boulevard in Nice, and a walk through the charming Old Town. The evening is free to explore all that Nice has to offer. (B)

DAY 3: SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – NICE – PONT DU GARD – LYON AREA 

Travel to Pont du Gard and marvel at the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France, a monumental feat of engineering completed in 19 BC. In the afternoon continue to Stade Geoffroy Guichard, St Etienne, for the Pool C match Australia vs Fiji. Game start time 5:45pm. After the game be transferred to your accommodation in nearby Lyon. (B) 

DAY 4: MONDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – LYON AREA – AVIGNON – AIX-EN-PROVENCE 

Transfer to Avignon, a walled town on the Rhone River, became the residence of the popes in the 14th century. During your walking tour, take pictures of the magnificent Palace of the Popes and the famous bridge, and browse through the colourful shops that sell traditional products made in Provence, like cloth, honey, herbs, and nougat candy. You have free time for lunch. Next is the pleasant town of Aix- en-Provence. It is one of France’s most elegant cities; it was the birthplace of painter Cezanne and has always attracted artists from around the world. Join your Tour Director for a pleasant walk to the Market Square and wander through the maze of small streets and along shaded Cours Mirabeau. (B) 

DAY 5: TUESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – AIX-EN-PROVENCE – MONTE CARLO, MONACO 

Turn to the glittering Mediterranean Sea and arrive in the tiny Principality of Monaco, built on a rocky peninsula and famed for its nightlife. Later, join a local guide to see the palace and royal church of Monaco town, have dinner, and try your luck at the Monte Carlo Casino. (B,D) 

DAY 6: WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – MONTE CARLO; EXCURSION TO EZE, FRANCE 

This morning enjoy a scenic drive with spectacular views which brings you to Eze, where a unique highlight awaits. Visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory and create your own fragrance. Afterwards enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L) 

DAY 7: THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – MONTE CARLO – MARSEILLE 

After breakfast at the hotel depart for the busy seaport of Marseilles. Upon arrival meet our local guide for a city tour which visits the neo-byzantine Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, spectacularly located on a limestone outcrop near the Old Port on the foundations of an ancient fort. This evening, transfer via coach to Stade Velodrome, Marseille for the match, France vs Africa 1. Game start time 9:00 pm. After the match, the coach will transfer you back to the hotel. (B) 

DAY 8: FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER – MARSEILLIE – CARCASSONNE 

Visit the beautifully preserved, medieval town of Carcassonne. Enjoy a leisurely walk by the ancient battlements and city walls with your Tour director, then enjoy free time to roam in the afternoon. (B) 

DAY 9: SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER – CARCASSONNE – LYON AREA 

Today head back to Lyon to enjoy an evening dinner organised by Sportsnet to celebrate the Rugby World Cup. Return transfers are included. (B) 

DAY 10: SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER – LYON AREA 

Sit back and relax during a private cruise on the Rhone and Saone Rivers with a local guide, who will explain the sights. Time to walk through old Lyon to discover the Traboules, secret, hidden passageways winding their way through buildings and along staircases, with a history going back to the 4th century. This evening, transfer via coach to OL Stadium, Lyon for the match, Wales vs Australia. Game start time 9:00 pm. After the match, the coach will transfer you back to the hotel. (B) 

DAY 11: MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – LYON AREA 

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)