Thursday, July 23, 2009

July 23, 2009 Illinois Symphony Paris Trip Update


We have tentatively made reservations for eight members of our group to take the Ellwood von Seibold D-Day Battle Tours on October 2, 2009. I say tentatively because Mr. Von Seibold is currently attending the War and Peace show in the UK until July 28. Before he left he emailed me indicating that he had availability on that date only. This tour is highly recommended by Rick Steves.

It appears the cost for group will be 500 Euros (approximately $110.00) for the one day trip split amongst the eight members. He only accepts cash. We will gladly research round trip transportation from Paris to Carantan Normandy if you wish.

Here is a link to Ellwood's web site for more details.

Here is a link to Rick Steve's web site with suggestions about touring the D-Day Beaches.


Thursday, July 16, 2009

July 16, 2009 Illinois Symphony Trip Update

Thank you for supporting the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Today tour leader Stephanie Moore-Chipman and I met at the office to catch up on what is going on with our Paris Trip. Both of us had to do some traveling for work the last two weeks. We are both now rested and back at it. We did have some catching up to do.

We are proud to say that we are now 19 strong and have room for just seven more travelers. If you know anyone that is interested in traveling with us, please have them call the office at 217-241-0180. Several potential group members called this week and asked about some flexibility in our trip. One person inquired about the possibility of joining us after they pick up a new car in Sweden. Another asked about extending their stay for several days in order visit some relatives in France. In each case we believe we will be able to accommodate them. And that is a very good thing. Remember July 31, 2009 is our cut off for taking reservations. We also suggest that you target that date for purchasing travel insurance....the final payment date. We will send you a link for our recommended insurance company....CSA Travel Protection, that weekend.

Stephanie is working on getting some answers for cell telephone solutions for those who need to check back home when they are gone.

August 6, 2009 is our target date for finishing up the final details for our trip. On that date Stephanie and I plan on completing the group itinerary and should be able to mail it to you within a couple of days after that.

I have not had a chance to get the information together for the Normandy side trip we talked about at the Springfield meeting last month, but will have it for everyone late next week.

I have two insider guides to Paris on the way for group members August 6, 2009. One deals with good value restaurants in Paris, the second is simply a practical guide to Paris with a great point of view. Contrary to popular belief, there are many free/inexpensive things to do and good buys to be had in Paris; this guide will lead you to them!

Information about the Nuit Blanche....'the mother of ‘all-nighters’....has been published on the paris.fr web site. Here is a link to that web site. Be warned though it is written in French. As we get closer the festival I understand that English information will be available. Many attractions and the métro is open all night for free to the public, featuring concerts, film festivals, art, photography and multi-media installations and every other conceivable form of entertainment and culture. This festival is highly publicized in Paris, and free brochures detailing the huge numbers of events are available everywhere.


Talk to you soon.

Don Fuener
Vice President Planet Travel