Day 1: Thursday 16th July
Around 7am, meet our coach outside the Hilton Doubletree Hotel, Victoria and set off towards Dover and the Ferry Terminal. After making a brief stop at Folkestone Services to collect some passengers we’ll check in, and after Passport Control we’ll board our ferry. The crossing takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. Once in France we join the motorway and drive across the gently undulating plains of northern France to the Champagne region, stopping for refreshments en-route.
Arriving in Reims late afternoon we’ll check-in to our centrally-located hotel. This evening is free to relax, explore the city and dine at one of the many fine restaurants. For those who wish to join a group we will organise a get-together at a local wine bar.
Day 2: Friday 17th July
After breakfast this morning we’ll visit two family champagne producers, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Situated in the best villages, they are hand-picked for the quality and value which they offer. At each one we will taste various champagnes from their range and you will be able to buy supplies at attractive prices.
For lunch we’ll head to Epernay, the 2nd largest town in Champagne, where there will be free time for try one of the many fine restaurants.
Late afternoon, we return to our hotel in Reims. This evening is free to try one of the many restaurants and bars in the town.
Day 3: Saturday 18th July
After breakfast this morning we head back towards the vineyards to visit another family producer. And then…. around lunchtime, our coach will drop us in the village of Rilly-la-Montage for the ‘Les Secrets du Petit Bonhomme’ Open Doors’ Wine Fair. The Wine Fair will last until 7pm and we will spend a few hours here. Our coach will be available to take you back to Reims either mid-afternoon or this evening at the end of the Wine Fair.
This evening is free again to enjoy Reims and its many restaurants and bars.
Day 4: Sunday 19th July
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and go to one of the Grand Marque Houses in Reims for a tour of their extensive cellars and a tasting of a couple of their champagnes. It will be a contrast to the family producers! After free time for lunch in Reims, early afternoon we drive back to Calais and the Ferry terminal. After our crossing we expect to arrive at Folkestone Services at around 8pm and at London Victoria at around 9.30pm.
TOUR ENDS
LES SECRETS DU PETIT BONHOMME
The village of Rilly-la-Montagne will come alive during the weekend of 18-19 July when 23 producers in this important Champagne village will throw open their doors and welcome you to taste their champagnes. The entrance ticket (included in the price of the tour) includes vouchers to taste 8 champagnes and you can buy more vouchers. There will be food stalls, music and other activities. We will spend the whole afternoon here on Saturday afternoon.
