2017 TOURS · Today’s itinerary takes on both an ... the pinnacle of sweet wine producers anywhere. ... VIENNE - CONDRIEU 16 JULY

When Jean-Christophe Poizat of Maison Vauron and

Franck Lemaitre of Once Upon a Trip started bandying

ideas around, the end result was Epicurean Journeys.

At Maison Vauron we’ve always taken clients with us

when visiting wine producers, and without exception

the experience has blown people away. This was not

the clichéd France of the tourist brochures.

With Epicurean Journeys we’re taking this a step

further, we’re not just keen for people to see France

as we see it: the food, the wine, the landscapes and

the people, but to experience events out of the

ordinary - the vendange, Roland Garros, the Xmas

markets in Strasbourg, The Rhone Jazz Festival

and more.

Restricted to groups of no more than eight, and with

your own personal guide, you’ll visit and taste with

small producers, you’ll eat with the locals, but above all

you’ll see and experience the real France.

2 0 1 7 T O U R SS I X J O U R N E Y S - S I X W I N E R E G I O N S

PARIS CDG - PARIS 5 MAY 2017

We will organise a local guide to give the group a rundown on how to best get around in Paris; a Paris Crash-Course,

so to speak. Your guide will join you at your hotel (bearing pastries!) so you can start your private briefing in comfort. You’ll have a map of Paris explained to you and you’ll be given some great tips on some of the most common situations you’ll encounter, such as ordering at a café, navigating the metro and finding the best hidden, ‘locals-only’ experiences.

PARIS - BORDEAUX 6 MAY

High speed train to Bordeaux, among France’s most exciting, vibrant and dynamic cities. In the last decade and

a half, it’s shed its backward image thanks to the vision mayor Alain Juppé . He has pedestrianised boulevards, restored neoclassical architecture, created a high- tech public transport system and reclaimed Bordeaux’s former industrial wet docks at Bassin à Flots.

BORDEAUX - CERONS - BORDEAUX 7 MAY

The Bordelais love their wines, this is a city that lives and breathes wine. Today’s itinerary takes on both an

inner city visit to the Cité du Vin a new and innovative museum, plus your first exploration of the vineyards, this time towards the south and the appellation of Graves.

BORDEAUX - SAUTERNE - BORDEAUX 8 MAY

Stroll & shop through the Marché des Capucins which is the largest market in Bordeaux followed by a special visit to

400-year-old Château d’Yquem in Sauternes, the pinnacle of sweet wine producers anywhere. In the evening you’ll take a dinner-cruise aboard the Sicambre and be introduced to local produce and dishes.

BORDEAUX - ARCACHON 9 MAY

Off to the beach or to be more precise Arcachon, a town with stunning architec-ture and a bustling centre overlooking

7 kilometres of sand. Each quarter exudes its own unique style and charm: elegant 19th century villas, the beachfront and a lively port. The day ends with a traditional Boat (Pinasse) trip to the Ile Aux Oiseaux (bird island).

BAY OF ARCACHON 10 MAY

The Bay is a natural wonderland shaped by the changing winds and turning tides. An area where fishing and oyster

farming, the Gascon culture, and its proximity to Bordeaux and the Landes region have all had an influence. At Le Moulin de Cassadotte we’ll discover French Caviar followed by the Grande Dune du Pilat, at 107m the tallest sand dune in Europe. See you at the top!

ARCACHON - THE MEDOC 11 MAY

Pauillac is at the heart of the wine country, surrounded by the distinguished Haut-Médoc, Margaux and St-Julien

appellations. Extraordinary châteaux pepper these parts; Mouton Rothschild, Latour and Lafite Rothschild, many with striking architecture. We’ll dine in Pauillac and taste great wine before heading to a town called Bégadan for the night.

SAINT EMILION 12 MAY

Today we leave the Medoc and head to the historic UNESCO protected town of St Emilion. The 12th century underground

church here has to be seen to be believed. We’ll taste at Chateau la Serre in the morning, relax for lunch, then have an afternoon with a guided visit of the top historical sights.

SAINT EMILION - BORDEAUX - PARIS 13 MAY

Morning is back in Bordeaux for some shopping and alight lunch before the train, you’ll be in Paris for the middle of the

afternoon and a convenient check in. As always the City of Light has many wonderful secrets to discover, new projects like the Berges des Seines and the renovation of the Louxor Cinema, a slew of newly-opened restaurants, nightspots, and cultural exhibitions.

PARIS - PARIS AIRPORT 14 MAY

After breakfast a private shuttle will be ready to take you to your departing flight or train.

Bordeaux is the most famous fine wine region in the world , you’ll visit and taste in well known appellations such as Graves, Medoc, Sauternes, Pauillac and Saint Emilion. However there is much more to Bordeaux than just wine you’ll discover the Bassin d’Arcachon - Famous for its oysters, the Landes forest, the sand dune of Pilat (the largest in Europe) and more.

B O R D E A U X M A Y

$6,500 PER PERSON single sup. applies

PARIS CDG - PARIS 31 MAY 2017



PARIS 1 JUNE

Clay court action. The French Open is the premier clay-court tennis championship event in the world. The slow-playing

surface makes for great physically demanding matches, for a spectator it is simply a joy.

PARIS – REIMS 2 JUNE

A train journey to Reims where you’ll be met by your guide. There is plenty to see and do in Reims and today the focus is on

its Gothic history. And of course its mandatory that this should be followed by a Champagne tasting, which will be at prestigious Grand Marque Taittinger.

REIMS 3 JUNE

Art deco scene in Reims. We’ll break the day with a visit to a real old fashioned Barrel maker (of which very few sadly

remain) and a tasting at Veuve Cliquot before heading to an Art deco themed restaurant for dinner.

REIMS - EPERNAY 4 JUNE

The short journey to Epernay takes in some of the best landscapes of Champagne. We’ll briefly stop in

Hautvilliers at the tombstone of Dom Perignon and then head downtown to the cellars of Boizel on the Avenue de Champagne.

EPERNAY 5 JUNE

The morning starts with a short river cruise before a visit and tasting at Boizel. After lunch we plunge again into a cave, this

time with a twist: Patrice Legrand not only makes Champagne but also has another passion, palaeontology. He has discovered nothing less than a goldmine of exotic fossils within the vineyards an incredible line-up.

EPERNAY 6 JUNE

Exceptional tastings today. Beginning with the Orban family who have been growing grapes in Troissy, a village on the left bank

of the Marne, upstream from Dormans, since 1770. This is just the start as we head into the heartland of Champagne.

EPERNAY - TROYES 7 JUNE

A bit of travel today as we head south toTroyes. We’ll visit Champagne producers before and after lunch.

Troyes with its half-timbered houses and Gothic churches, is one of the best places in France to get a sense of what Europe looked like back when Molière was penning his finest plays and the Three Musketeers were swashbuckling.

TROYES - PARIS 8 JUNE

After breakfast and goodbyes with the guide you’ll be on a fast train to Paris. Picked up by a driver at the station,

and checked in at your hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure.

PARIS - PARIS AIRPORT 9 JUNE


Champagne is all about happiness, celebration, friendship and sophis-tication. This journey is exactly all that! And the celebration begins with the French Tennis Open at Roland Garros (Paris). From there, you will be transported to the heart of Champagne, the coronation city of all the French kings, Reims. This experience is not just about the Grandes Marques but also smaller artisan producers - a memorable trip.

C H A M P A G N E

$6,200PER PERSON single sup. applies

J U N E

PARIS CDG - PARIS 12 JULY 2017



PARIS - LYON 13 JULY

Although Lyon doesn’t often make it onto tourist itineraries, many cultural treasures await those who take the time to explore

the city. On the UNESCO World Heritage list, Lyon boasts France’s oldest ancient ruins, medieval quarters, and fine Renaissance houses, as well as being home to some of Frances best restaurants.

LYON - VIENNE 14 JULY

Today is Bastille day and we join the celebrations in Vienne, the City of Art and History. This is a great opportunity to visit

the Gallo-Roman Museum of Saint-Romain- en-Gal, and the medieval village of Malleval. Soak up the atmosphere as we finish the day with a jazz concert in the Roman Amphitheatre of Vienne.

VIENNE 15 JULY

The day will start with a visit to the market,with over 5 km of stands it is the second largest in France, a gourmet’s

paradise! Then a tasting in Ampuis, near the steep slopes of Cote-Rotie, and its famous terraced vineyards.

VIENNE - CONDRIEU 16 JULY

We start the day with a brunch/lunch then a short walk before enjoying the jazz festival in the afternoon. There will

also be a visit to the riverside village of Condrieu, the home of Viognier and the heart of wine country.

Day 6 CON

CONDRIEU 17 JULY

Today is a day for wine tasting, Condrieu covers only 105 hectares and the steep terrain produces exceptional , expensive,

hard to find wines. There will also be a visit to the eccentric Postman Cheval’s Ideal Palace, built across the lifetime of a French postman, an intriguing look at the past.

CONDRIEU - TAIN L’HERMITAGE - TOURNON 18 JULY

The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards

between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage hill. You’ll enjoy exploring Tournon, one of France’s oldest medieval towns, with its imposing 16th Century castle and Roman ruins.

TAIN L’HERMITAGE - TOURNON 19 JULY

Wine & chocolate tasting at some of the best; Domaine Courbis a 16th century family estate and Domaine du Colombier,

producers of outstanding St Joseph, Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. Then a walk to the Cite du Chocolat at Valrhona, where you can sample many of their chocolat.

TAIN L’HERMITAGE - LYON - PARIS 20 JULY

After breakfast its back to the TGV and Paris. As always the City of Light has many

wonderful secrets to discover, new projects like the Berges des Seines and the renovation of the Louxor Cinema, a slew of newly opened restaurants, nightspots, and cultural exhibitions - all waiting for you.

PARIS - PARIS AIRPORT 21 JULY


If you are a gourmand, music and wine lover, this journey is for you. Just south of Lyon the Northern Rhône region is home to the Syrah and Viognier grape varieties as well as one of the best Jazz Festivals in Europe. The festival is hosted inthe town of Vienne centred around the Roman amphitheatre; an amazing backdrop.

N O R T H E R N R H Ô N E


J U L Y

PARIS CDG - PARIS 13 JULY 2017



PARIS 14 JULY

Bastille Day, and the morning and afternoon are all to yourselves, a highlight is the July 14th parade along the Champs-

Elysées. Also not to be missed are the fireworks at the Eiffel tower. You will be taken there by a guide and afterwards the traditional Bals des Pompiers (Fireman’s Ball).

PARIS - LOIRE VALLEY 15 JULY

By train to Tours and the Loire Valley where your guide will introduce the region and its history as he takes you towards

your accommodation in Chenonceau. In the evening there is a tasting under the stars, a celebration of all the Touraine producers in the grounds of Chateau de Chenonceau.

CHENONCEAU 16 JULY

A day at the brilliant market in Amboise, as well as two of the best chateaux in the area, Chateau d’Amboise and Chateau de

Clos Lucé. Both are closely linked to the life of Leonardo de Vinci, who spent the last three years of his life there.

CHENONCEAU - TOURS 17 JULY

Today is about wine, in particular Vouvray, the largest wine producing area in the Loire Valley. Made using the grape

Chenin Blanc the wines are firm, and delicate, exhibiting a nutty, floral, honeyed character whose rich flavor is balanced by palpable acidity and bracing minerality. Lots to taste.

TOURS 18 JULY

An eclectic day we start with a visit to The Journeyman Museum, the only museum of its type in the world dedicated

to the customs of trade guild journeyman. We’ll have lunch at the Tours-sur-Loire guinguette café a summer pop-up that takes over the docks in the town centre. And then to taste some reds near Chinon.

TOURS - SAUMUR 19 JULY

Wine and horses. Heading downstream we’ll conduct another tasting before we arrive in Saumur. This region is renowned

for everything to do with horses; we’ll visit the Cadre Noir, the 400 year old National Equestrian School, and witness the horses in training.

SAUMUR - PUY DE FOU - SAUMUR 20 JULY

Tasting in the morning in the Coteaux de layon. The afternoon and evening will be spent at the theme park Puy de Fou, but

not as we know it. There are several shows each night, the most recent being le Dernier Panache, an incredible performance that literally emerges from the ground.

SAUMUR - NANTES - PARIS 21 JULY

A sedate drive to the river mouth of the Loire and the birthplace of French Author Jules Verne. The interactive museum based

on his works of fiction is a must see , don’t miss the 8metre high mechanical elephant. The high speed train takes around two hours to get you back to Paris. A pick up by private transfer will get you to the hotel.

PARIS - PARIS AIRPORT 22 JULY


From celebrating France’s national day as only the French can do in Paris itself, you’ll be whisked off to the Loire Valley and into the cradle of French history - Their kings, their mistresses, their magnificent chateaux, their parties and of course their wine! This region is one of the most photographed in France and you’ll find out why.

L O I R E V A L L E Y


J U L Y

PARIS CDG - PARIS 14 SEPTEMBER 2017



PARIS - AVIGNON - ARLES 15 SEP

The day begins with a high-speed TGV train trip to Avignon, covering 700km in just under 3 hours. Your guide will help

you explore this historic Papal town where you will dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Christian Etienne. After dinner it’s a short drive to your accommodation in Beaucaire.

ARLES - BEAUCAIRE - NIMES - BEAUCAIRE 16 SEP

A tour of the cellars followed by a degus-tation at the lovely family owned winery

Mourgues du Grès. Then north to Nimes and its iconic Roman arena. This is the weekend of the wine harvest festival and a major bull-fighting event. The general party atmosphere in Nimes is not to be missed, a fun day.

ARLES - GORDES - MENERBES - CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE 17 SEP

We visit Gordes, one of the most picturesque villages in France and briefly

pass by the stunning Sénanque Abbey. After lunch there is as wine tasting and a tour of the Corkscrew Museum (featuring the largest private collection in Europe!) at Domaine de la Citadelle in Menerbes.

ARLES - CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE - ORANGE - CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE 18 SEP

After a visit to the UNESCO listed Roman theatre in Orange we head to Domaine de

la Charbonniere in Châteauneuf du Pape and a degustation of one of Frances most celebrated wines. We finish with dinner in Carpentras at Chez Serge, the place to dine.

CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE - VAISON LA ROMAINE – SEGURET 19 SEP

We’re heading into a beautiful part of France. Vaison la Romaine on market day

is full of colour, sights and sounds and plenty of Roman ruins. After lunch we skirt the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range through beautiful villages like Seguret as we go to savour Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, a local dessert wine, at La Pigeade winery.

SEGURET – GIGONDAS - SEGURET 20 SEP

The morning is spent in the stunning village of Gigondas and a wine tasting at Domaine de la Bouissiere. Listen to the passion of

the Faravelle family, great wines here. Then its up Mt Ventoux, one of the most gruelling mountain stages of the Tour de France, as we head to Crillon le Brave.

SEGURET- VACQUEYRAS - SEGURET 21 SEP

Late morning - Degustation at Clos de Cazaux in Vacqueyras - a family run winery for over five generations with a huge local

and international reputation. You will head back past Gigondas, and the jagged, limestone outcrops of les Dentelles de Montmirail to the Belvedere of Rocher du Midi for the most remarkable views of the Rhone valley.

SEGURET- AVIGNON - PARIS 22 SEP

Your guide will drop you off you at the train station in Avignon in the morning for the train trip back to Paris. Following a transfer

from the station to your hotel you’ll have a free afternoon and evening to enjoy Paris and a dinner of your choosing.

PARIS 23 SEP

This last day is just a quick, simple, professional transfer to the airport after breakfast or whenever you need it.

Welcome to the harvest - Les Vendanges. Under the beautiful blue skies of Provence you’ll be received by some of the best producers in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, wine is definitely the star of the show here. A busy trip, French and roman culture, tradition and history form an integral part as you take in the historic sights of Avignon, Nimes, Orange, Vaison la Romaine, and finally Mt Ventoux.

P R O V E N C E


S E P T E M B E R

N O V E M B E R

PARIS CDG - PARIS 30 NOVEMBER 2017



PARIS - STRASBOURG 1 DEC

Train to Strasbourg and roam the old town’s twisting alleys lined with crooked half-timbered houses à la Grimm. Here

you’ll feast in the cosiest of winstubs (Alsatian taverns) by the canals in Petite France. The perfect introduction to Alsace, where France and Germany meet, and the old comes up against the new.

STRASBOURG - MARLENHEIM - STRASBOURG 2 DEC

Your first expedition into the wine areas of Alsace and the start of the Golden

Crown, the road that runs from north to south through the vineyards. You’ll visit Arthur Metz, the leading producer of the sparkling wine Crémant d’Alsace returning later to Strasbourg.

STRASBOURG - SAINT-HIPPOLYTE 3 DEC

We stop in one of the most beautiful villages of France (officially listed) while heading to our winery visit at Domaine

Gresser and lunch in Andlau. We’ll also visit the last Alsatian Kelsch weaver in Muttersholtz and an organic tea shop in Wittisheim, before moving on to our lodgings for the night: the fortified village of Saint Hippolyte.

SAINT-HIPPOLYTE - BEBLENHEIM - CHATEAU DE HAUT KOENINGSBERG - KAYSERSBERG - COLMAR 4 DEC

Following a tasting at organic and biodynamic producer Bott Geyl we head up to the Chateau de Haut Koenigsberg. A remarkable fortification with views, when the weather is clear, that are stupéfiant! And then it’s the festive Market in Kaysersberg set up on the ramparts around the town, it’s simply one of the best.

COLMAR - UNGERSHEIM - WETTOLSHEIM - EGUISHEIM - COLMAR 5 DEC

To begin the day we take in one of the best regional museums in France; it is

interactive with things to touch, see and do. By the afternoon you’ll be ready for more tasting, this times in Wettolsheim, at Ecocert® certified Albert Mann.

COLMAR - NIEDERMORSHWIR - RIBEAUVILLE - KIENTZHEIM - COLMAR 6 DEC

The last full day along the wine route holds lots of the best for last, in a sense. The towns of Riquewihr and Ribeauville are stunning and need a guide to fully appreciate. Then we visit Boxler in Niedermorschwihr where the vines grow on the steepest slopes in Alsace. Finishing with a fascinating visit to the wine museum.

COLMAR - STRASBOURG - PARIS 7 DEC

The last day in Alsace includes a tasting and time for lunch before an early afternoon train back to Paris. The winery visit is to one

of the truly great names of Alsace, Jean-Michel Deiss in Bergheim. Established by his family in 1744 the philosophy here is one of terroir expression, superb wines.

PARIS 8 DEC

A day at large in Paris. As always the City of Light has many wonderful secrets to discover, new projects like the Berges

des Seines and the renovation of the Louxor Cinema, a slew of newly opened restaurants, nightspots, and cultural exhibitions - all waiting for you.

PARIS 9 DEC


A L S A C E

$5,500 PER PERSON single sup. applies

Alsace is a unique region sandwiched between the Germanic and Latin worlds. It has the very best to offer, all within a magical setting; unmatched gastronomy, world famous wines, picture perfect villages and wonderful hospitality. Everything about Alsace has a completely different feel to the rest of France.

The response to our first trip this year for the harvest in September has been enthusiastic...

“Firstly I want to thank you for arranging the tour. We all had a lot of fun and learnt so much. There was more sightseeing than I had expected, which was a real plus. I think that you hit a really good balance between wine and tourist activities.”

“The Arles hotel was very wonderful. The Fine Roches chateau was dreamy, I felt like a princess. The Seguret hotel has lovely, spacious rooms. Marc has been a mine of information. The Mourgues du Gres luncheon was exquisite. The owner, Anne, spoke well and with passion. We went up into the vines here. Wine great. But Christian Etienne’s restaurant tomato menu will stay in my memory for ever.”

“We have tasted grapes on the vines, straight from the vat and then the bottle! Wonderful time... Marc is a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable.”

“Simply fantastic from start to finish.”

- Liz and Trevor

- Annie

- Sonja and David

- Tan and Rob

*Prices include • 9 nights accommodation • All breakfasts • Dinners from day 2 to day 8 • Events as mentioned in the itinerary • An English speaking tour guide/chauffeur from day 2 to day 9 • Transport in a comfortable 9 seater minivan • Return transfers in Paris from airport to accommodation and from accommodation to station • 1st class train tickets • Guided wine tastings

*Prices do not include • Airfares and Travel Insurance • Wine or alcohol purchased during meals, and wine purchased after tastings • Lunches during the tour and any meals in Paris

*Tour information and prices are correct at time of publication but may change according to availability and exchange rate.

For bookings or enquiries phone Jean-Christophe (JC) on 021 775 195 or email [email protected]

Fully detailed programmes are available on request.

Documents

2017 TOURS · Today’s itinerary takes on both an ... the pinnacle of sweet wine producers anywhere. ... VIENNE - CONDRIEU 16 JULY