Weekend Tour to Champagne with Xmas Market 28-30th November

Another of the ever popular Champagne Weekends with this one having the added attraction of a Xmas Market in Reims where we will be based. I have organised several of these trips in the last few years and have excellent contacts with many small producers - the visits to them are always the highlight of the weekend and you can buy champagne from them at amazingly reasonable prices. So what better time to stock up for Xmas!

You can see the rave reviews of a previous trip in this link: https://www.meetup.com/The-London-Wine-Dinin... (https://www.meetup.com/The-London-Wine-Dining-and-Travel-Meetup/events/16657433/)

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, and lots of lively bars and nightlife. Our hotel is perfectly situated right on the main pedestrian thoroughfare where there are lots of restaurants and bars. The Xmas Market stalls will line the main pedestrian thoroughfare which is a stone’s throw from our hotel and there will be plenty of free time to visit the Christmas Village where street entertainment, magicians, carol singers and more than 100 colourful chalets welcome visitors with their gifts, decorations and delicious festive fare. So start celebrating Christmas early with this wonderful Champagne Trip!

We will leave from London Victoria around 7.15 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. £6 per day. We will arrive in Reims late afternoon and go straight to visit one of the major Champagne houses for a tour and tasting in their extensive cellars. This evening there will be the option to join a group dinner in a local restaurant for a cost of around £35 which will include a set 3 course meal, a couple of glasses of wine, mineral water and a tea or coffee. 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 very 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 STOP 24 at around 7.30 pm and at London Victoria around 9 pm.

The tour cost includes:-

• travel throughout by full size 53 seat executive coach (but for this trip a maximum group size of 35 people so plenty of room), crossing by Eurotunnel

• two nights bed and extensive buffet breakfast on a twin share basis at Hotel de la Paix in Reims (some single rooms and Upgraded 'Privilege' rooms are available at a supplement - see below). The hotel is very centrally located, and is a good quality 4 star with ensuite facilities, air conditioned rooms, a trendy bar and a small swimming pool. (See www.bestwestern-lapaix-reims.fr)

• visits and tastings at 4 different champagne producers (1 Grand Marque and 3 independent family concerns)

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

The cost is £325 per person sharing a double or twin room, with a £55 supplement for single rooms of which there are a limited number. (If you are prepared to share a twin room with a person of the same sex but do not have anyone to share with, we will try and match you up, but if there is no-one suitable you will have to pay the single supplement). There are also a few upgraded twin/double ‘Privilege’ rooms available for an additional cost of £40 per person for the 2 nights (not available for single rooms). A deposit of £75 is payable when booking, and the balance is due two months before departure. Your money will be held in a secure Client Trust Account and so is fully protected.

This trip is costed very competitively as another well known wine tour operator is charging around £450 with a £90 single supplement on a like-for-like basis for their Champagne Weekend in November!

Places will be limited to 35 people and numbers must be finalised by the end of September, but the tour is likely to sell out well before then so please let Christos know as soon as possible if you would like to join the tour. To register your interest in this tour RSVP ‘Yes’ and send an e-mail to cai82@hotmail.com to request a booking form.

This trip is open to anyone not just members of the Meetup group, so feel free to pass on the details to any friends, family or colleagues who might be interested and don't delay your booking as these trips always fill up!