Weekend Trip to Champagne and Xmas Market

Ok folks here is the long awaited Champagne trip, which is going to be a really fun weekend. I have organised several of these trips in the last 4 years and have excellent contacts with many small producers - the visits to them are always the highlight of the weekend. The last trip in May was fully booked with a further 10 people on the waiting list so if you would like to come on this one don't delay! This trip is not only for Meetup members (which is why it will get booked up very quickly), so feel free to pass on the details to any friends, colleagues or family who might be interested.

If you have ever wanted to visit this fascinating area, discover the secret of the bubble, and find out what makes champagne the celebratory drink par excellence, then this is the weekend for you. You will see the miles of cellars dug out of chalk where millions of bottle age gracefully, learn how champagne is made, and discover what makes it so special. The town of Reims where we will be based has many other attractions including a stunning cathedral, as well as lots of lively bars and nightlife. AND there will be an excellent Xmas market going on in the town, situated literally right outside our hotel on the main pedestrian thoroughfare.

We will leave from Bressenden Place, Victoria, London early on Friday morning in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. There will be an option to be collected from Stop 24 service station at Junction 11 on the M20, one junction before the Eurotunnel terminal, where you can park for approx. £5 per day. We will arrive in Reims late afternoon and go straight to visit the prestigious Champagne house of Taittinger for a tour and tasting in their extensive cellars. There will be the option to join a group dinner that evening in a Michelin listed local restaurant. Or if you prefer you can choose one of the many other lively bars and restaurants.

During the next two days we will head towards Epernay and the Montagne de Reims to visit three family producers, two on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. These producers are all situated in the best villages and 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 (the coach has plenty of luggage space!). On Saturday lunchtime there will be free time to wander round the town of Epernay.

We will head back to the UK after lunch on Sunday, arriving back at London Victoria around 9 pm.

The tour includes:-

• travel throughout by full size 50 seat executive coach, crossing by Eurotunnel

• two nights bed and buffet breakfast on a twin share basis (some single rooms and Upgraded 'Privilege' rooms are available at a supplement) in the Hotel de la Paix in Reims. The hotel is very centrally located, and is a good quality 3 star with ensuite facilities, air conditioned rooms, and a small swimming pool. (See www.bestwestern-lapaix-reims.fr)

• visits and tastings at 4 different champagne producers, which will be a mixture of big names and smaller family concerns

• the services of Christos Ioannou as wine expert and tour guide

The cost is £275 per person sharing a double or twin room, with a £50 supplement for single rooms of which there are a limited number. There are also a few upgraded twin/double ‘Privilege’ rooms available for an additional cost of £40 per person (not available for single rooms). If you are prepared to share a twin room with a person of the same sex but do not have anyone to share with, I will try and match you up, but if there is no-one suitable you will have to pay the single supplement. A deposit of £75 is payable when booking, and the balance is due two months before departure.

Places will be limited to 35 people and numbers must be finalised by the beginning of October, but the tour is likely to see out well before then so please let Christos know as soon as possible if you would like to join the tour. To request a booking form call or e-mail Christos on 020-8993-2006 or 07765-596850 and cai82@hotmail.com with your contact details/address.