6.00 am Depart Bedford on a 52 Seater Luxury Coach
Pick up point at Toddington Services ( M1) and Thurrock (M25)
Additional pick up points enroute by arrangement
Pick up point at Eurotunnel carpark
1030 am (approx depending on number of pick up points enroute) Board the Shuttle at the Channel Tunnel

During the journey on the motorway, we will taste some different wines and videos will be shown to give you an idea of either the part of France we are visiting or different wine making techniques.

2.30 p.m. A lunch stop will taken

7.00 p.m. Arrive Hotel
8.15 p.m. Gather for Dinner. A typical example in would be:
Gougeres and Aperitif
Rillettes of Salmon with Apple Sauce
Pork Mignon with a mustard sauce
Vegetables of the season
Cheese
Crème Brulee

Tour Days:
8.30 a.m. Breakfast
9.30 a.m. Depart Hotel
10.30 a.m. Arrive at Chateau/Vineyard

There would follow an explanation of each producer's own individual wine making techniques and how the soil, climate and grape varietals influences each wine. This will generally be done in the cellars.

We will then have the opportunity to perhaps walk round the vineyards. Following this will be a tasting and the opportunity to purchase. Nearly all cellars accept credit cards but we will notify you which do not.

1.00 p.m Lunch will then be taken in a local restaurant or perhaps in the cellars. A typical example would be:

Salade gourmande ( Liver Mousse, Smoked Ham, Terrine, Croutons, Bacon, Salad )
Lyonnais Pate with Mushrooms
Roasted Farmyard Duck with Gratin Potatoes
Fromage Blanc or Goats Cheese
Omelette Norwegienne
Coffee
Pichets of either Red, White or Rose Wines of the region

Lunch is always a leisurely affair taking between 2 and 3 hours. We will then return by coach back to our hotel. This gives everyone the opportunity to explore the town. The following are examples of places of interest to visit within easy walking distance of the hotels we stay in:

Beaune - Visit the famous Hospices de Beaune and walk around the Chateau and the Place Carnot

Reims - Walk around Reims Cathedral where the Dauphin was crowned by Joan of Arc or take a taxi to the church of St Remi. Maybe take advantage of the fabulous shops in the city centre.

Tours - The capital of the middle Loire with it's historic old town, fountains and architectural beauty.

Saumur - Walk up to famous Chateau with its towers like witches hats, or see the cavalry exhibition of the Cadre Noire riding school. You may even like to visit the famousTroglodyte caves carved out of the chalk hills.

Auxerre - Stroll along the beautiful quayside or listen to the organ practice in the beautiful church near by the hotel. Or explore the shopping area in the centre of town.

Joigny - This is a quieter hotel set on the banks of the River Yonne about 5 minutes walk from the centre of the town. Joigny is a town of art, history and gastronomy at the gates of Burgundy.

This is an example of a typical day on one of our tours. The formula has been successful for 10 years and we hope you will enjoy what we have to offer.