Fanciful France

Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said, "Burgundy makes you think of silly things, Bordeaux makes you talk of them and Champagne makes you do them."

We're going to test M. Brillat-Savarin's theory with a wild swing through these major wine regions of France. More than just wine, France is filled with exquisite foods, lovely hiking opportunities, and some of the world's greatest culture.

Day 1 - Tuesday, June 5:

Depart US airport for overnight flight to Paris.

Day 2 - Wednesday, June 6:

We travel first class by TGV, super fast train, from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Bordeaux. Enjoy the beauty of the French countryside or catch a catnap on the train. We'll have a free afternoon for unpacking and relaxing. But if you're up for it and want to get a little exercise, there's an optional group walk through town before the welcome dinner at Gabriel, a cozy Bordeaux bistro.

Accommodations: Private home in Bordeaux     Meals: Breakfast on plane, DInner

Day 3 - Thursday, June 7:

We'll visit the left bank of the Gironde River to taste famous wines of the Medoc, including Lafite-Rothchild. Lunch at a local restaurant will help focus our energies for the afternoon.
Accommodations: Private home in Bordeaux     Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4- Friday, June 8:

South of Bordeaux is the Graves region. Specialties of the area include claret and the delightfully sweet wines of Sauternes. We'll have a picnic lunch and a hike in the vineyards. We return to Bordeaux for dinner at Café Fernand, a highly acclaimed restaurant with French flair.

Accommodations: Private home in Bordeaux     Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Saturday, June 9:
We're off to the right bank of the Gironde today. Producers in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol use primarily Merlot grapes in their wines. Lunch promises to be a gastronomic adventure. We'll visit the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Accommodations: Private home in Bordeaux     Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6  - Sunday, June 10

Today we travel to Reims by train. The five-hour ride will give us time to read, relax and catch our breath. Then get ready for the bubbly beauty of wine's most festive incarnation! Champagne. We'll tour, we'll taste, and we'll celebrate the genius who figured out how to create this wonderful wine. Dinner is at the two star Michelin Le Parc Restaurant.

Accommodations: Chateau Les Crayeres         Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Monday, June 11

Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning at our luxurious, comfortable hotel. We'll taste a little more

Champagne on the drive down to Burgundy, and arrive in time for a walk around town. Dinner is at a charming restaurant on the square in Meursault.

Accommodations: Chez Hall    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Tuesday, June 12

Cotes du Nuits is on tap for the day. Lunch is in a traditional restaurant in a small village. In the afternoon we'll visit a cheese maker and enjoy the results of their craft.
Accommodations: Chez Hall    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Wednesday, June 13

We start the day with a tour of the Beaune Wednesday market with our chef instructor who will teach us secrets of French cooking as we help prepare our five course lunch. The afternoon is free for exploration.

Accommodations: Chez Hall    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Thursday, June 14

Côte de Beaune wines are some of our favorites. Great white Burgundies are on deck today. We'll tour a family-owned estate and enjoy lunch and their excellent wines.

Accommodations: Chez Hall    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11- Friday, June 15
Our last full day is free for hiking, swimming, touring, or just lounging to rest up for our fabulous last meal. We'll dine at an extraordinary restaurant built into the foundations of a 15th century bridge.

Accommodations: Chez Hall    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12- Saturday, June 16

We depart early this morning for Charles de Gaulle Airport and our flights home. The drive will take us through the beautiful Burgundian countryside and the edges of Paris.

Summary: Good News Girlz founders: Karla Barber, Judy Dedmon and Tamara Mattison will lead the trip.  Local guides/translators will be used for portions of the trip.  The trip is limited to 8 participants.

Included:

Hotel Accommodations - double occupancy

Land transportation

Meals as indicated

Tours and entrance fees

Tips

Not included:

Airfare

Personal expenses

Souvenirs

Meals not listed

Travel insurance

Dates and Pricing

Dates:                     June 5-16, 2012

Starting price:         $6995 per person, double occupancy.  Single Supplement: $2795

Deposit:                   $1000 (non-refundable).  Balance due by March 30, 2012

Please Contact:       The Good News Girlz - info@goodnewsgirlz.com

Disclaimer:              We do not anticipate any significant changes to the itinerary.  Adjustments to specific tours and times may be made to insure you have the best trip possible.