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Rugby World Cup France 2023 - Tour 17 - The Pilgrimage


Email us at rugby@weloverugby.com for final availability.


Join us on our Follow New Zealand: The Pilgrimage tour to Rugby World Cup 2023™ including 31 nights touring the best France has to offer plus 8 matches of incredible rugby action!

Join a coach load of like minded rugby fans as we visit Paris, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion, Dijon, Normandy, Villers-Bretonneux & Champagne.

We take in classic countryside, wineries, castles, churches, rugby towns, the beauty of the south-west with the incredible French Riviera.

Included Matches

Category 2 match tickets are included as standard for all games - enjoy incredible seats for:

New Zealand v Italy, 29 September, OL Stadium, Lyon

New Zealand v Uruguay, 5 October, OL Stadium, Lyon

France v Italy, 06 October, OL Stadium, Lyon

quarter-final 2, 14 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

quarter-final 4, 15 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

semi-final 1, 20 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

semi-final 2, 21 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

final, 28 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

Plus you can add an optional ticket to the bronze final at Stade de France on 27 October to your tour when booking.

Inclusions

Accommodation


  • 3 or 4-star accommodation throughout (31 nights)

  • 2 nights in Lyon (28-30 September)

  • 2 nights in Aix-en-Provence (30 September-2 October)

  • 2 nights in Nice (2-4 October)

  • 3 nights in Lyon (4-7 October)

  • 3 nights in Biarritz (7-10 October)

  • 3 nights in Bordeaux (10-13 October)

  • 3 nights in Paris (13-16 October)

  • 3 nights in Dijon (16-19 October)

  • 3 nights in Paris (19-22 October)

  • 2 nights in Caen (22-24 October)

  • 1 night in Amiens (24 October)

  • 1 night in Reims (25 October)

  • 3 nights in Paris (26-29 October)

  • Breakfast daily

Match Tickets


  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for New Zealand v Italy

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for New Zealand v Uruguay

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for France v Italy

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for quarter-final 2

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for quarter-final 4

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for semi-final 1

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for semi-final 2

  • Reserved Cat 2 ticket for final

Transfers


  • Coach, high-speed train & flight transfers throughout

  • Stadium transfers for included matches

Sightseeing


  • Aix-en-Provence city tour

  • French Riviera & Monaco tour

  • Nice city tour

  • Lyon city tour

  • Biarritz city tour

  • San Sebastian city tour

  • Bordeaux city tour

  • Saint-Emilion winery experience

  • Dijon city tour

  • Burgundy winery tour

  • Paris city tour

  • Tour of WW2 memorials of Normandy & Bayeux

  • Tour of WW1 battlefields of the Somme & Villers-Bretonneux

  • Tour of WW2 memorials of Normandy & Bayeux

  • Tour of WW1 battlefields of the Somme & Villers-Bretonneux

  • Champagne winery tour

  • Versailles Palace tour

Merchandise


  • Commemorative We Love Rugby tour merchandise set

Matches

Category 2 match tickets are included as standard for all games - enjoy incredible seats for:

New Zealand v Italy, 29 September, OL Stadium, Lyon

New Zealand v Uruguay, 5 October, OL Stadium, Lyon

France v Italy, 06 October, OL Stadium, Lyon

quarter-final 2, 14 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

quarter-final 4, 15 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

semi-final 1, 20 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

semi-final 2, 21 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

final, 28 October, Stade de France, Saint-Denis

Plus you can add an optional ticket to the bronze final at Stade de France on 27 October to your tour when booking.

Itinerary

Thursday 28 September - Welcome to Lyon


Details for meeting the group at today’s hotel will be sent four weeks before the tour. Extra nights of accommodation at our tour hotel will be available to add closer to the tour.

Tonight we’ll warm up in our local Lyon sports bar to watch Japan take on Samoa in Pool D.

Overnight: Lyon

Friday 29 September - New Zealand v Italy


Lying at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon is France’s third largest city. UNESCO has declared Lyon’s historic areas of Fourviere, Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse and the central Presqu'île peninsula World Heritage status.

The city is also home to some of France’s top culinary traditions. Local bouchon restaurants serve local specialties including sausages, duck pate and roast pork, all accompanied by wines from the surrounding areas of Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone.

Today we have time to soak up some pre-game atmosphere at the brasseries lining the streets of Lyon’s town centre before we head to Parc Olympic Lyonnaise. With Italian fans coming in from just across the border and the locals hoping for an upset we will be called upon to lend New Zealand the support they need to avoid any upsets!

New Zealand v Italy, OL Stadium, Lyon, 21:00

Overnight: Lyon

Saturday 30 September - Aix-en-Provence


This morning we travel to the picturesque city of Aix-en-Provence, a highlight of any French tour!

Today’s rugby action includes matches for Argentina, Fiji and Scotland.

Overnight: Aix-en-Provence

Sunday 1 October - Aix-en-Provence


Today we take a city tour of Aix-en-Provence. Starting at the glorious avenue of Cours Mirabeau we explore the intricate backstreets and grand city squares all featuring fountains fed from the local hot springs. Our tour ends at the daily produce market at Place Richelme.

This evening we’ll be back at our sports bar to see pool matches featuring Australia and South Africa.

Overnight: Aix-en-Provence

Monday 2 October - Cannes & Nice City Tour


This morning we depart for the French Riviera. Our first stop is Cannes where we will enjoy lunch overlooking the Mediterranean before moving on to Nice where we will be based for three nights.

The ancient Greeks founded the first permanent settlement here around 350 BC and named the town Nikaia after the goddess Nike. From the 18th century the city became popular as a winter resort for the British aristocracy and the main beach walk is known as the Promenade des Anglais.

After checking in at our hotel we’ll take a city tour. Our tour starts at the magnificent Promenade des Anglais running along the Mediterranean waterfront before heading to Nice’s old town highlights of the Town Hall, Cours Saleya market square and Saint Reparata Cathedral before we finish at the pick of Nice’s cafes and restaurants to sample some ‘cuisine Niçoise’.

Overnight: Nice

Tuesday 3 October - Monaco & French Riviera Tour


Today we travel to the Principality of Monaco for a tour taking in the Casino de Monte Carlo, Monaco Palace and Larvotto Beach. We then return to Nice to explore the local highlights including the famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Garibaldi and the Albert Gardens.

Overnight: Nice

Wednesday 4 October - Lyon Transfer


Today we return to Lyon ahead of New Zealand’s final pool match against Uruguay.

Overnight: Lyon

Thursday 5 October - Lyon City Tour & New Zealand v Uruguay


The Romans settled on Lyon’s Fourviere hill in 43BC and the city has an incredible array of highlights stretching over its 2,000 years of history. This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Lyon taking in Place Bellecour, Lyon Cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre of Fourviere and the central Rue St-Jean.

Then this evening we head out to OL Stadium for the AB’s final pool match!

New Zealand v Uruguay, OL Stadium, Lyon, 21:00

Overnight: Lyon

Friday 6 October - France v Italy


This morning we take a ride on the Lyon funicular to Fouviere’s Basilica of Notre-Dame. The Basilica dominates the Lyon cityscape and affords excellent views over the city.

Then the atmosphere in town will be buzzing as the Italians are in town looking to pull off an upset against France - only one can proceed with New Zealand out of Pool A!

France v Italy, OL Stadium, Lyon, 21:00

Overnight: Lyon

Saturday 7 October - Biarritz


Today we head to the glamorous seaside resort town of Biarritz for the first of six nights in France’s southwestern corner.

The luxurious seaside tourist town of Biarritz lies on the Bay of Biscay in the heart of French Basque country. After being known mainly as a fishing and whaling town for most of the Middle Ages, the 19th century saw the city become a luxury destination with European royalty coming to relax at the city’s main beach and famous salt baths. More recently Biarritz was the location for the introduction of surfing in Europe and attracts surfers from around the world each summer.

After check-in at our hotel, we’ll head down to the beachfront promenade to soak in the sea breeze at one of town’s best open-air cafes.

Tonight’s matches include the big Pool B clash between Ireland and Scotland.

Overnight: Biarritz

Sunday 8 October - Biarritz City Tour


Located on the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz has long been a holiday destination for France’s rich and famous. Today’s tour will start the beautiful Grande Plage beach and the Hôtel du Palais, built by Napolean III for his wife Eugénie. We then head along the grand Place Georges-Clemenceau to Place Bellevue, a semicircular square with panoramic views of the beach and the ocean. We’ll end our tour at the Miremont Teahouse for some classic French pastries. Housed in an elegant 17th century building, this historic tearoom is one of the oldest establishments in Biarritz.

This afternoon we’ll settle in at our sports bar for the final pool stage matches including Japan v Argentina in Pool D and Fiji’s final Pool C match.

Overnight: Biarritz

Monday 9 October - San Sebastian Tour


Today we take a tour across the Spanish border into the heart of Basque country and San Sebastian.

San Sebastian’s expansive shoreline extends for several kilometres along a curving coastline, bookended by the Urgull and Igeldo hills. We will visit the royal palace and its gorgeous gardens before ambling along the terraced seaside promenade that overlooks the town's inspiring architecture and then wander the atmospheric cobblestone lanes in search of authentic pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. These tantalizing small bites include specialties such as seasoned olives, marinated sardines, and salted cod omelette.

Overnight: Biarritz

Tuesday 10 October - Bordeaux


Today we head to France’s number one wine (and rugby!) region of Bordeaux.

Surrounded by hillsides of vineyards and castles, Bordeaux has long stood at the crossroads of European civilization. In the Middle Ages the city’s harbour became known as Port de la Lune thanks to its crescent shape and Bordeaux was once Europe’s second busiest port after London.

Best of all for the tourist, the city is a world capital of wine with Vinexpo - the world wine expo - held here every two years. We will visit the modern Cite du Vin wine museum on our city tour and of course there are plenty of cafes and bars serving the best of the local produce!

After check-in at our hotel we will sample of some of the region’s famous product at the bars lining Rue Parlement Saint Pierre.

Overnight: Bordeaux

Wednesday 11 October - Bordeaux City Tour


Boasting some of France’s boldest architecture and public spaces Bordeaux is a delight for both visitors and locals. From the incredible Place de la Bourse to bustling Sainte Catherine Street and the UNESCO-listed Saint Andre Cathedral, the city has spectacular photo opportunities at every turn.

Overnight: Bordeaux

Thursday 12 October - Saint-Emilion Winery Tour


Today we head to Saint-Emilion and one of the region’s top wineries as we learn about and sample the best the area has to offer.

Saint-Emilion is a medieval town whose steep, narrow streets are lined with churches and ruins dating back to the 11th century and earlier. The town and surrounding vineyards are UNESCO World Heritage listed. The wines of Saint-Emilion are blended from three main grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Overnight: Bordeaux

Friday 13 October - Paris


Today we head to Paris ready for the start of the business end of France 2023 - the quarter finals!

After check-in at our hotel we’ll head down to the restaurants of Marais district to sample some of the local cuisine ahead of the weekend’s matches.

Overnight: Paris

Saturday 14 October - Paris City Tour & quarter-final 2


This morning we take a city tour of the French capital visiting some of Paris’s many sightseeing highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arch de Triomphe and Champs Elysees. Following our sightseeing tour you will have the afternoon to explore other local features such as the Louvre Museum or a cruise along the Seine.

Tonight we head out to the incredible Stade de France for this evening’s quarter-final featuring the winner of Pool B (South Africa, Ireland or Scotland) and the runner up of New Zealand’s Pool A. Today’s earlier match in Marseille sees the winner of Pool C take on Pool D’s runner up.

Quarter-final 2 (Winner Pool B v Runner-Up Pool A), Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Sunday 15 October - Quarter-final 4


Today presents a chance to explore more of the French capital before we return tonight to Stade France for the last of the quarter-finals between the winner of Pool A and the runner up of Pool B. Today’s earlier match features the runner up of Pool C and the winner of Pool D.

Quarter-final 4 (Winner Pool A v Runner-Up Pool B), Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Monday 16 October - Dijon


We head to France’s historic Burgundy region famous for the eponymous wines, food and a famous condiment! Dijon is home to some amazing restaurants featuring a wide range of the region’s gastronomy and one of the highlights of stay here is sampling some of what the town has to offer.

Overnight: Dijon

Tuesday 17 October - Dijon City Tour


This morning we embark on a walking tour of Dijon’s UNESCO-listed old town centre. Known as the City of Dukes, Dijon’s old town is lined with incredible architecture and cobblestone streets. We will visit the Palace of Dukes, now home to the city’s town hall and fine arts museum, Saint-Bénigne cathedral, the 13th century Eglise Notre-Dame and end our tour at the markets along Rue de la Liberté to pick up some local specialties - gingerbread cakes, wines and of course the eponymous mustard!

Overnight: Dijon

Wednesday 18 October - Burgundy Winery Tour


Today we tour one of the region’s top wineries to sample the famous pinot noir and chardonnay varieties with an opportunity to select some to take home!

Overnight: Dijon

Thursday 19 October - Paris Transfer


This morning we return to Paris ahead of the semi-finals!

Overnight: Paris

Friday 20 October - Semi-final 1


Today we have time to visit some of Paris’s many sightseeing highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arch de Triomphe and Champs Elysees.

Then tonight we head to the magnificent Stade de France for the first of the tournament’s semi-finals.

Semi-final 1 (Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 2), Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Saturday 21 October - Semi-final 2


Today we explore more of what the French capital has to offer including the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Parisian cultural highlights around Le Marais. Then we return to Stade de France for tonight’s second semi-final.

Semi-final 2 (Winner QF 3 v Winner QF 4), Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Sunday 22 October - Normandy


This morning we depart Paris and begin our tour of the French battlefields and memorials of the World Wars. First we head to Normandy and the famous beaches of the D-Day landings of World War 2. We visit Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery of Colleville before arriving in Caen for the first of our two-night stay.

Overnight: Caen

Monday 23 October - Bayeux & WW2 Memorials


Today we visit more of the Normandy WW2 battlefields and memorials with our specialist tour guide. We then visit the medieval town of Bayeux before returning to our hotel in Caen.

Overnight: Caen

Tuesday 24 October - Amiens & the Somme Battlefields


Today we head north to the city of Amiens and the WW1 battlefields of the Somme. Amiens is surrounded by preserved battlefields and memorials commemorating the war and the role the Anzacs played in defending the area against German invasion.

Overnight: Amiens

Wednesday 25 October - Villers-Bretonneux


Today head to the town of Villers-Bretonneux where annual Anzac Day services are held each year. In addition to the local memorials we will visit the incredible Sir John Monash Centre opened to commemorate the Anzac Day centenary.

We then travel to the capital of France’s traditional Champagne region, Reims.

Overnight: Reims

Thursday 26 October - Champagne Winery Tour


First stop today is a winery in France’s famed Champagne region where we will hear about some of the history of the region’s most famous product before while sampling a glass and possibly purchasing a bottle or two.

We then return to Paris ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Final!

Overnight: Paris

Friday 27 October - Palace of Versailles Tour


Today we visit the world heritage listed Palace of Versailles for a tour of the incredible Royal apartments and extravagant gardens. In 1623 Louis XIII developed a hunting lodge on the grounds which was subsequently developed into a magnificent palace and gardens which soon became an enduring symbol of royal opulence.

This evening we get together at our central Paris sports bar for the bronze final, always an exciting display of attacking rugby!

A ticket to tonight's bronze final can be added to your tour during the booking process.

Overnight: Paris

Saturday 28 October - Pre-Final Function & World Cup Final


This afternoon we have our pre-final function where our expert panel will share their thoughts on the tournament and preview tonight’s final.

Then tonight is the tournament’s showpiece event at Stade de France!

RWC 2023 Final, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 21:00

Overnight: Paris

Sunday 29 October - Tour Ends


Today our tour ends. Extra nights at our tour hotel will also be available if needed.

Gallery


Packages

RWC 2023 - Pilgrimage Tour Hotels
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Rugby World Cup France 2023 - Tour 17 - The Pilgrimage
Tour Dates:
28 Sep, 2023 - 29 Oct, 2023
Tour Duration:
32 Days/31 Nights