With Optional 3 -day Paris Extension!

Travel With A Noted Wine Expert!

2010 Tour Dates To Be Announced

Join Your Man in Europe, and a favorite wine expert, for a unique experience combining French wine appreciation with the joie de vivre of France’s most stunning wine growing regions. Take part in nine glorious days and nights of exploring the tranquil havens or Burgundy, Champagne, and Alsace. Enjoy stylish accommodations in beautifully-restored chateaux surrounded by scenic vineyards, and wonderfully located, delightfully charming hotels. Savor delicious regional gastronomic specialties to go along with the fabulous local wines. Each day offers a chance to explore the enchanting sights of northeastern France, taste fine wines, and learn first-hand about how these world-renowned wines are lovingly produced. You will have time to simply experience the serenity of each region. Space for this travel adventure is very limited – reserve your place today! Here is the day-by-day itinerary for this unforgettable trip:

Friday, Day 1

Individual air flights into Paris, France (transcontinental flights are not included in the trip cost). Tour participants make their own flight arrangements. All guests on this exciting tour must plan to arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport no later than 11 AM, Saturday morning.

Saturday, Day 2

After morning arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport, board the TGV high-speed train from de Gaulle directly to Strasbourg. From there we’ll have private transportation to Kaysersburg, where we will check into our charming hotel in the midst of one of the most incredibly charming villages in Europe. There will even be a bit of free time to relax and unwind before our welcoming dinner with, or course, more than a few toasts!

The food and wines of Alsace are quite different from the regions we will visit later. The food features German influences, and since Roman times the wines of Alsace have been among the most renowned white wines in the world.

Sunday, Day 3

After a nice breakfast at our hotel we’ll begin our exploration of the area’s celebrated wineries and caves. Alsatian wine is truly a delight; and we’ll have tours showing how it’s made followed by wine tastings. After a fantastic day of touring and tasting we’ll make our way back to Kaysersburg for a dinner on your own at your choice of inviting cafés or restaurants.

Monday, Day 4

After a wonderful breakfast, we’ll check out of our cozy hotel and make our way to Strasbourg, where we will have a free morning to explore the town and see the treasure trove of sights at your own pace. Everyone will be provided with a great Strasbourg Pass, which will give you admissions to every important attraction in town, including a visit to the rooftop of the splendid Strasbourg Cathedral, and a river cruise. Bring plenty of film or photo cards – you’re going to need them! The old section of town, known as “Grand Island”, originally established by the Romans in 12 BC, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every turn in the road offers another “Kodak moment”! Enjoy lunch on your own at any of the fabulous little restaurants you’ll discover during your explorations.

In the later afternoon we’ll begin our journey to Burgundy, again by high-speed train – this time to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy. From there we travel by private mini-bus to Beaune, the center of the Burgundy wine trade.

Our hotel in Beaune is a grand chateau just on the edge of the town – a magnificent former private home set in the midst of a gorgeous garden. After settling in we will go into the town center for a tour of this most remarkable and historic place. The ancient Gauls established the first village here in around 52 BC. Later the Romans chose the spot to build a fortress from which Caesar’s legions could guard over the construction of important new trade roads which would cross nearby. The town flourished and was built and rebuilt several times as a result of numerous wars, plagues, misfortunes, and fires – one of which raged for three days in 1401.

Today Beaune is a splendid example of a unique style of architecture brought to the area by Flemish architects and featuring beautiful colored and glazed tiles. We’ll visit the ancient Rampart Walls, Basilica dating to 1110, and the Hotel-Dieu de Beaune, one of the most magnificent examples of medieval architecture still in existence. The Hotel-Dieu was not a hotel at all, but was also called the “Hospices de Beaune, and served as a huge medieval hospital where patients were nursed back to health with wine produced in its own vineyards. The first patient entered the Hotel-Dieu in 1451; the last left in 1971, 520 years later!

There’ll be time to enjoy relaxing on the grounds, or taking a relaxing dip in the hotel’s swimming pool. In the later evening we’ll enjoy a lovely dinner together in the hotel’s restaurant before retiring for the night.

Tuesday, Day 5

Morning brings another delicious breakfast, after which we will begin our unforgettable journey up Burgundy’s famed Wine Road by private transport. Ray will again be our guide and resident wine expert as we enjoy a day of visiting memorable Chateaux along the way, and of course, tasting the famed wines of the region. We’ll see first-hand how these great wines are produced, and what makes Burgundy unique. Winding our way through the magnificent vineyard-covered hills we’ll experience the intoxicating beauty of this picture-perfect landscape.

Our first stop will be the famed Nuit St Georges for our first sampling of magnificent Burgundy wines. As we make our way along the wine road we will pause for lunch on your own in one of the inviting villages on the wine route before continuing our leisurely exploration on the way back to Beaune. There everyone will have free time to enjoy dinner on your own.

Wednesday, Day 6

After a nice breakfast we’ll depart Beaune by private transport to make our leisurely way toward Champagne, visiting more chateaux and tasting more Burgundy wines as we go. Our first stop in the Champagne Region is Epernay. There we’ll enjoy a lovely dinner on the town square before continuing on a short way to our hotel in a charming village nearby. Our “home away from home” in Champagne will be an elegant estate home lovingly transformed into an elegant hotel. We’ll have time to settle into our atmospheric hotel in the midst of one of the most delightful regions of France. After a long day of travel it’s off to bed in our comfy rooms.

Thursday, Day 7

After breakfast we’ll begin with a short journey to Reims (or Rheims), the capital of Champagne. We’ll have free time to discover the fascinating heritage of one of the most important cities in Europe, including the breathtaking Cathedral of Our Lady of Reims. There has been a cathedral on this site since the first was consecrated in 401 AD. The present building was begun in 1211. Art lovers will be excited to visit the famed set of windows created by Marc Chagall. Take a stroll down the streets to take in the world of Champagne and its gastronomy. There are no less than 250 kilometers of cellars and Gallo- Roman chalk mines under the city – waiting to be explored. Visit the prestigious champagne houses, estates and cellars that stand alongside the Champagne Trail.

We will pay a visit to the Musee Hotel Le Vergeur, a fabulous, picturesque 13th century townhouse – now a museum that reveals the extraordinary kaleidoscope of the history of Reims. There is something for everyone here! Explore the city’s wonderful attractions, or simply sit in a café and sip the world’s best champagne. Lunch will be an adventure on your own in Reims today.

In the afternoon we’ll venture into the breathtaking countryside for our first sampling of the region’s most famous product, its namesake, Champagne! Appropriately we’ll be visiting one of the highlights of the Champagne region, Hautvillers, where Dom Perignon invented the “Champagne Method”.

In the early evening we’ll return to our wonderful hotel for a little relaxation. Stroll around the peaceful village, enjoy a swim in the hotel’s indoor pool, or even take a well-deserved nap. The hotel’s restaurant will be open for your dining pleasure on your own.

Friday, Day 8

After breakfast we travel by private mini-bus to begin our exploration of Vignobles de Champagne. Back in nearby Epernay we’ll see the famous Avenue de Champagne, lined with elegant Champagne houses. We’ll follow the meanders of the Marne River to discover the secrets of Champagne by visiting cool cellars and tasting “the wine of kings”. The day will be filled with a memorable in-depth orientation of this magnificent wine region.

In the evening we return to our lovely hotel for dinner together with table talk about our day’s champagne adventure. The evening will be free for relaxing and perhaps just a bit more champagne, or a stroll in the nearby village before bedtime.

Saturday, Day 9

After breakfast we’ll depart by private transport to Paris. Our hotel will be a real treat: a small family-owned hotel located in the midst of a quiet haven right in the middle of this, The City of Light! Our charming boutique hotel is located on the incomparable Ile Saint-Louis. This small island in the Seine is like a little French village in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities. The afternoon offers some free time to savor this beautiful city before a wonderful farewell dinner together. In the late evening we’ll enjoy a surprise event you’ll never forget.

Sunday, Day 10

After breakfast everyone will have easy connections to Charles de Gaulle Airport for the flights home. All great adventures must come to an end; and this one is no exception. But what a wonderful travel experience we will have shared!

This deluxe tour is custom-planned for a small group of no more than 20 travelers (with a minimum of 12), plus guides. Even if you are a seasoned traveler, you have never experienced France like this. Whether it’s your first trip or your twentieth, the magic will captivate you. You will be part of a glorious adventure - complete with music, fine wines, gourmet picnics, and surprises that will delight you at every turn.

Complete Prices

$3295 Per Person

All prices are based on Double Occupancy. Single supplement is an additional $585.

A $500 deposit holds your place on the tour. Reservations and deposits for this fantastic trip should be made as early as possible.

The tasting and consumption of wine throughout the tour makes this trip less appropriate for younger guests. We will consider guests between the ages of 13 to 18, but it might be better if all tour participants be were or older. Younger guests will be welcomed as appropriate.

Tour Includes: All 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners; all ground transportation including airport transfers and First Class rail travel, 8 nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in very specially–selected preferred hotels and B&Bs, admissions to all attractions described in the tour itinerary, full time knowledgeable guide services, and standard gratuities. There will be no additional charges for tours and events offered by Your Man in Europe.

Not Included: Airfare to and returning from Paris, optional travel insurance, gratuities for extra services such as baggage porters, or for superior service (normal gratuities are included in the trip cost); souvenirs; and privately arranged activities.

Also Not Included: Meals will include one beverage of choice. Since this is a tour specializing in wine appreciation, personal tastes and budgets may vary significantly. Beyond the beverage allowance guests are invited to enjoy the wine or wines of choice to go along with meals at the responsible guest’s expense. At least one dinner during the tour and the farewell dinner in Paris will include a memorable selection of wines especially chosen for the occasions. A la cart or premium menu selections beyond a pre-established menu price point, and between meal snacks are also not included.

Also: All overnight accommodations, as well as railroad and bus travel will be NO-SMOKING.

*SPECIAL NOTE: Prices Your Man in Europe reserves the right to charge a tour supplement fee equal to any increases in the currency exchange rate exceeding a 3% or greater loss in the US Dollar valuation. If there is a significant imbalance in exchange rates Your Man in Europe will have no choice but to pass the cost increase on to our guests. We regret this situation, and hope that the exchange rate will remain stable.

A complete tour packet and Travel Agreement (contract) will be furnished for all guests. All the terms and conditions are fully detailed in the packet.

Your Tour Guides:

Larry Ivy, Certified French Destination Specialist Extraordinaire, is the Tour Coordinator and owner of Your Man in Europe, and a long-time veteran of European travel and unique private tour-leading. Larry wants just one thing: for you to have “the time of your life”!

The Mystery Wine Expert: is a professional who really knows his wine! His years of working in the wine trade have given him the rare ability to pass along his expertise and interact with consumers at every level from those just learning about wine to true connoisseurs. His considerable knowledge and easy-going personality combine to create a totally non-intimidating. He has the magic touch to help anyone learn how to really enjoy and appreciate wine.

This is not a “Big Bus Tour”. While it’s true that we will use small buses for traveling from town to town, the tour is simply not set up in the inflexible “mass marketed bus tour” way. Ours is a small enough group that we will be able to decide many of our preferences as we go along on our journey. There will be no wake-up calls at 5 AM to herd onto the buses. Our travelers will have friendly, extremely knowledgeable guides for the entire trip – not just a bus driver and contracted tour guide. And frequently we make the trip more interesting by taking fabulous First Class high-speed trains to cover longer distances. There is simply no contest between long stuffy confining bus journeys and the openness, freedom and comfort of First Class rail travel.

Whatever the mode of transportation we do our best to set the mood, to weave a spell, and to make yours a total experience. Hotels and most restaurants on the entire tour have been selected for their very specific location or high level of “atmosphere”. The small group size allows us to personalize the experience in a way large groups simply cannot do.

This is a complete tour; and the prices are not increased during the trip through endless unexpected charges for “extra” tours and arrangements you must handle on your own. Most meals are included, and those that are not included are detailed in the itinerary. Because the enjoyment of wine is such an important element of this tour, wines will be part of most provided lunches and every dinner included on the tour. Beyond a serving of the selected wine or wines, additional bottles may be ordered at the discretion – and expense - of guests wishing to do so.

Extension Tour in Paris and Ile-de-France

We are offering a three-day Paris extension for those who would like to enjoy more time in France – and a very interesting experience in “The City of Lights”. The tour begins first thing Monday morning.

Day 1 – Monday

We will assemble our group for breakfast at our Paris hotel. After checking in we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch together followed by a fun walking tour including the Ile St. Louis, Isle de la Cite, and Notre Dame Catherdral. We’ll have a late dinner together following a fabulous surprise evening entertainment.

Day 2 – Monday

After breakfast we’ll set out from central Paris to make our way to a delightful, but often overlooked area of Paris just north of the Seine. First we’ll tour Napoleon & Josephine’s fabled home Malmaison. See the wonderfully tasteful home that houses famous artifacts from the lives of one of history’s most legendary couples. Learn first hand about the woman who was “the inspiration behind the throne.” Afterward we’ll travel back in time to enjoy a gourmet luncheon at a very famous Seine riverbank restaurant, a favorite of Impressionist artists.

Then we’ll move on to the town of Auvers-sur- Ouise, a must-see destination for art lovers – the last home of Vincent Van Gogh. Remarkably unchanged for more than 100 years, it is filled with images immortalized by Van Gogh’s final works. Walk paths traveled by Van Gogh and stop by the very spots he stood while painting some of his most familiar masterpieces

In the evening everyone will have dinner on your own and free time to savor the delights of Paris by night.

Day 3 – Tuesday

After breakfast, armed with a Paris Museum Pass, we’ll begin a full day of Paris sight-seeing, with visits to some of the most famous landmarks of Paris. We’ll go on a “treasure hunt” to see the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumph and Champs Elysees, and Place de la Concorde. Lunch will be on your own today.

We’ll have our “farewell to Paris” dinner together at a truly memorable Parisian restaurant followed by a night-time Seine River Cruise. After that you will truly understand what “The City of Lights” means…

For those who have visited the sights of Paris previously, the Museum Pass is yours to enjoy on your own. Spend the day at The Louvre, the d’Orsay, or at any of the dozens of other museums and attractions this great city has to offer, and which you might not have visited on earlier trips. In the evening we may all rendezvous for dinner and the river cruise, or you may prefer a more private evening.

Day 4 – Wednesday

Transfers to the airport will be provided. Because everyone will be in central Paris on the morning of departure guests are advised to arrange flights which depart France in the late morning or afternoon. Travel time to Charles de Gaulle is about one hour.

The complete extension cost is $995 per person (based on double occupancy), including: carefully-selected atmospheric accommodations, most meals (except for 1 lunch and 1 dinner on your own), tours, planned transportation in Paris, full-time private guide services, tips and gratuities, and airport transfers. The Single Supplement cost is $265.

The Paris extension tour cost is based on 8 guests traveling together (double occupancy for hotel accommodations).

Extension Tour Includes: All 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners; all ground transportation including airport transfers and First Class rail travel, 3 nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in a very specially–selected hotel, all admissions to attractions described in the tour itinerary, full time knowledgeable guide services, and standard gratuities. There will be no additional charges for tours and events offered by Your Man in Europe.

For additional terms please see terms for the main tour above.