TRAVEL INVITE

A special tour “off the beaten track”.

Between September and October, listen to the bellowing stags and experience the impressive phenomenon of the deer rut.
The Sologne, situated between the River Loire and the River Cher, is renowned for its forests (birch, beech, pine, oak), heathland and natural ponds.
The cuisine in this region is hearty and traditional. During the season you can find game and mushrooms on the menu. The goat cheese is delicious.
During your trip, you will experience the authentic atmosphere of the Sologne. You will stay in the heart of the region, your hotel being located in a picturesque village close to Chambord.
Enjoy and experience the French way of life with traditional gastronomy, local farmers markets with their local produce and the wines of the River Loire. You will also visit some of the greatest Chateaux of the Loire castles like Chambord and Cheverny.

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Duration : 5 days

Type of trip : wine and gastronomy, tourism, nature and wildlife

This trip is ideal for connaisseurs as well as for beginners

From September to October

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     ITINERARY

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL
Arrival at the airport of Tours.
Check in at the hotel in the heart of the Sologne.
Welcome drink and dinner at the gastronomic restaurant of your hotel.

DAY 2 : CHAMBORD AND CHEVERNY
Visit to 2 of the greatest French Chateaux : Chambord and Cheverny
In Cheverny, wine tasting and light lunch on the theme: wine and food pairings.
At night, go deer watching in the forest to hear the bellowing of the stags in mating season.

DAY 3 : TWILIGHT TRIP ON THE RIVER LOIRE

Take a walk in the forest on the lookout for wild boar! Discover the wildlife with a local guide. Visit a goat cheese farm and taste the cheeses.

At the end of the day, another experience of the wildlife with a twilight boat trip on the River Loire.

DAY 4 : THE RIVER CHER
A day dedicated to the south of the Sologne.

Visit the vineyards of Quincy and Reuilly. Going further downstream of the river Cher, visit another winery with Sauvignon Blanc.

Stopping in several villages along the river, you will discover the peaceful enchantment of the Cher Valley.

Cocktail reception with the results of the quiz.
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

DAY 5

Breakfast and check-out of the hotel.

Transfer to the airport of Tours.

      OTHER INFORMATION

They are direct flights from London to the airport of Tours.

     TRAVEL INVITE

By the end of this trip, the wine from the Loire Valley will no longer hold any secrets for you.
At the very least you will know the different “appellations” and where to find your favourite ones.

As the Loire Valley is usually divided into 4 areas (Central vineyards, Touraine, Anjou Saumur and The Nantais), we can’t just visit one or two, we have to visit them all ! The trip will therefore start from Sancerre, with its famous vineyards and wonderful cheeses. It will finish near the sea with Muscadet and seafood.

You will have the opportunity to experience the gradual progression from a continental climate towards an oceanic climate.

You will have lots of free time during this trip to discover the area and try other activities. You will be able to visit the Chateaux of the Loire and even have the chance to go on a boat trip. A special day has been organised where you will be able to cook with a local, using fresh, high quality products.

To finish, the seaside of the Atlantic Coast will be the perfect setting for a gastronomic experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant. You will also visit a bakery specialising in French patisseries, where you will be able to pair wonderful deserts with magnificent wines from the Loire Valley and their foreign equivalents.

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Duration : 12 days

Type of trip : wine and gastronomy, cooking, tourism, equine show

Ideal for anyone, from beginners to connoisseurs

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     ITINERARY

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN SANCERRE
Arrival at the train station of Sancerre-Tracy.

Check in at the hotel.
Free time to wander around Sancerre.
Welcome reception and dinner.

DAY 2 : SANCERRE
You will go straight to the heart of the subject with a presentation at the Maison des Vins of Sancerre, about the different types of Sancerre whites and the different soils. With this first tasting, you will be able to decide on which aspects you prefer : mineral, fruity etc. But you might also fall for the rosés or the reds.
The town of Sancerre is magnificent. You will discover the area whilst visiting the vineyards and experience some beautiful views.
The day will finish with a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

DAY 3 : THE CHER VALLEY

The Cher Valley is between the continental climate of Sancerre and the milder climate of the Touraine.
A day with several stops to see typical villages along the banks of the Cher River. You will learn to enjoy the peaceful and relaxing lifestyle of the region, visiting local markets, enjoying an aperitif at the terrace of a café, even going out on a local fishing boat.
To complete your collection of Sauvignon Blancs, you will visit a winemaker who produces AOC Touraine wine, where Sauvignon Blanc is at its best.

DAY 4 : FRENCH RENAISSANCE CASTLES AND GARDENS
The focus of the day will be the Chateaux of the Loire and their gardens, with visits to Chenonceau and Villandry.

DAY 5 : VOUVRAY
After a relaxing morning, take a trip around the vineyards and visit several wineries with their troglodyte cellars.
Tastings of the dry white, sweet and sparkling wines that Vouvray is famous for.
Vouvray wines are very pleasing and you will certainly fall for them, maybe even ordering several bottles or crates for you to enjoy at home.
Festive evening in a guinguette (open air bar) on the banks of the Loire.

DAY 6 : CHINON AND BOURGUEIL

Visit Bourgueil and the magnificent surrounding villages. Tastings of Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil. As with Chinon, the wines here are mostly reds (there is also some rosé) with a Cabernet Franc grape.
Lunch in Chinon at a winery, pairing the food with the wine. You will be able to taste light Chinon or more full-bodied wines, depending on your tastes.
After having admired the beautiful medieval town, stop off in Saumur-Champigny to taste some wonderful Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines.
Taking the road along the banks of the river you will then arrive in Saumur.
Check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax and unwind.
Dinner at a troglodyte restaurant serving local specialties.

DAY 7 : SAUMUR

Saumur is a wonderfully majestic town. There is something exceptional about every aspect of this town.

You will find remarkable monuments, prestigious brands of wine and even a world-renowned bootmaker on the corner of a street.
A day dedicated to discovering Saumur, a highlight at the end of the day being the gala of the Cadre Noir, a top French equestrian centre.

DAY 8 : THE DOUCEUR ANGEVINE

The Anjou is a region with a mild climate (as it is closer to the sea) where life is good. The region lends its name to the French expression “douceur angevine” meaning “rural tranquillity”. You will find exceptional sweet wines like Bonnezeaux and Quarts-de-Chaumes, as well as refined dry white wines made with Chenin Blanc. There will be several stops throughout the day to give you the opportunity to taste these popular wines.
During this day you will experience the true douceur angevine with the peaceful scenery and authentic visits.
Your hotel has been chosen for its style and refinement. You will be able to relax at the end of the day in the beautiful flower garden and enjoy the many salons of the hotel, where you can have late night discussions with a glass of Cointreau (or perhaps you prefer hearing the elegant words of the famous French poet Ronsard).

DAY 9 : THE MUSCADET
Next, head to the coast for a change of scenery and some fresh sea air. Trip through the vineyards of the Nantais region. Follow the coastal road and stop off for oysters and a glass of Muscadet, a local tradition.
Visit the salt marshes.
Arrive at your seafront hotel at the end of the day.
Take the evening to enjoy the charm of a typical seaside town.

 
DAY 10 : THE SEASIDE
Meet in the place du marché, the market square, to buy the ingredients of your choice for a cooking workshop. You can then enjoy the dishes cooked with the market produce for lunch.
The afternoon will be free for you to enjoy some time by the sea.
In the evening, we will head to a seafront terrace for a tasting of desserts and wines, with a renowned patisserie chef. There will of course be wines from the Loire Valley during the tasting but there will also be wines from other countries, as we conclude the tastings for this trip.
The patisserie chef will be more than happy to make your favourite patisserie to order, so don’t hesitate to ask !

DAY 11 : THE SEASIDE
A day to relax by the sea with the possibility of taking a trip to the countryside to visit local artisans.
Cocktail reception with the results of the quiz.
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Evening at a music bar.

DAY 12

Breakfast and check out of the hotel.
Transfer to the train station of Nantes.

     OTHER INFORMATION

The train station of Sancerre-Tracy is 1 ½ hours from Paris by train.
The train station of Nantes is 3 ½ hours from Paris by train.

     TRAVEL INVITE

Visit to the vineyards of Chinon, Bourgueil, Saumur, Anjou and finally Muscadet.
Discover more about the vineyards.
Lots of wine tastings.
Meet the people working in the vineyards to learn more about the wines and winemaking.

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Duration : 4 days

Type of trip : "intensive"

It is a perfect combination for people studying wine, members of societies, or anyone wishing to develop their knowledge

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To fit everything in but also leave time for you to relax and enjoy the area, Chinon will be the base for this trip.
Your hotel has a lovely garden where you will be able to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
It is located in the historical centre of the town which has a friendly atmosphere. The centre is vibrant and lively in the evenings with its many bars and live music.

     ITINERARY

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL
Arrival at the airport of Tours.
Check-in at the hotel in Chinon.
Stroll around Chinon with the option of visiting the historic centre and the castle.
Welcome speech and dinner.

DAY 2 : CHINON AND BOURGUEIL
Day devoted to red wines and also to white wines of Saumur-Champigny. 
Tour of the vineyards of Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Chinon and Saumur-Champigny.
Visits to 4 wineries. Wine tastings of many different types of red wines, from full bodied to light and fruity. During your visits, you will be able to talk about the winemaking process with the wine-makers, who will accompany you as you walk through the vineyards.
In Chinon you can enjoy a boat trip on the River Vienne, a great way to admire the medieval city.
Dinner in a troglodyte restaurant.

DAY 3 : ANJOU AND MUSCADET
Day devoted to dry white wines and sweet wines.
A morning visit to a producer of Muscadet located near the town of Clisson, having taken the scenic tourist route along the River Loire to get there.
If you want to do as the locals do, you can enjoy a glass of Muscadet or Gros Plant with a few oysters.
Next, head to Anjou stopping first at Savennières to visit a renowned wine cellar.
Tour of the vineyards during the afternoon. Visit to 2 wineries to discover the whole range of Anjou wines : dry white wines, sweet white wines as well as reds and rosés. Tasting of prestigious sweet white wines such as Quarts-de-Chaumes and Bonnezeaux.
Return to Chinon at the end of the day.
Enjoy some time to relax before going for dinner at a gastronomic restaurant.

DAY 4

Breakfast and check-out of the hotel.

     OTHER INFORMATION
The train station of Tours is 1h from Paris by train.
Direct flights from London to Tours.

     TRAVEL INVITE

Hungarian winemakers are fond of what they call "cuvée" which is the name of a blended red or white wine. Sometimes it's difficult to know exactly the composition, but no matter, the result is mostly outstanding. 
Except in the South, the soil is volcanic which contributes to give acidity and minerality to the wines. Wood is commonly used even with white wines presenting some minerality.
During the last twenty years, many winegrowers have introduced with success international grape varieties. But the native varieties such as Kadarka, Kekfrankos, Furmint, Haslevelu,... are still the basis of the production and you will have the opportunity to taste them all around your trip. Furmint will be the "star" in Tokaj and Haslevelu in Somlo.

The second theme of the trip will be the spa and thermal baths. They are everywhere in Hungaria and very often located in beautiful settings. Hungarian people are quiet people and they enjoy to spend a lot of time in warm water. You will do the same and experience massages too.

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Duration : 12 days

Type of trip : wine, tourism, baths

Ideal for anyone, from beginners to connoisseurs

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      ITINERARY

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST
Arrival at the airport of Budapest. 

Head straight to the south. Check in at your hotel located in Bugac.
Welcome drink followed by a typical Hungarian dinner.

DAY 2 : BUGAC AND HORSES
Morning dedicated to a horse show illustrating the way of life in the "putza", this desert plain which originaly was extending all over the south east of the country until the romanian border.

Going to the west, first wine tasting at Hajos Baja with its typical cellars and press houses. The wines there are very pleasant, easy to drink and it will be for you the first opportunity to taste native varieties such as Zweigelt.

Going on, stop on the banks of the Danube River before reaching Szeckszard.

Relaxing evening at your hotel around the swimming pool.

DAY 3 : SZECKSZARD AND THE SOUTH
Visit of a family-run winery with a splendid terrasse overlooking the vineyard and flowered with oleanders.

Wine tasting followed by a lunch on the terrasse. The continental climate of this region gives full-bodied red wines. The Shiraz is fantastic !
Going on to the southest part of Hungary, visit of a winery located in the picturesque village of Villany. During the tasting, you will certainly notice the soft tannins of the wines, even for Cabernet Franc.

Arrival late in the afternoon at the town of Baja to attend the festival. The music and the halaszle : the famous fish soup will accompany you all along the evening and the night in a friendly atmosphere. 

DAY 4 : THERMAL BATHS AND MASSAGES
A journey all over the great plain with a stay at the resort of Turkeve.

Time in the afternoon for thermal baths and massages.

Accomodation in the wooden bungalows of the resort.

DAY 5 : THE GREAT PLAIN
Going on over the great plain, you will see a lot of storks on your way.

Arrival in Eger in the afternoon. Check-in at the hotel.

Free time before going to the wine festival at night. As the festival is pairing food and wine, you will taste the local wines in the best conditions and particularly the famous Egri Bikaver (Bull's Blood of Eger).

At night, it's going on with music with some popular bands.

DAY 6 : EGER
Visit of 2 wineries and why not another one you have noticed during the  festival.

Baths and massages at the Turkish baths in the afternoon.

Dinner in a gastronomic restaurant.

DAY 7 : TOKAJ
Straight to Tokaj in the early morning. Check in at Laszlo's guesthouse. Laszlo is a winemaker of the new generation who produces marvellous dry white wines.

Wine tasting in the vineyard with a 4x4 car. At each stop, Laszlo will propose you the wine corresponding to the place in order to identify the characteristics due to the grape and the volcanic soil.

DAY 8 : TOKAJ
A full day dedicated to the Tokaji aszu.

Visit of a well known winery located in the area of Mad.

Lunch in a gastronomic restaurant with the opportunity to pair food and wine. The duck liver, a specialty of Hungary, served with a dry Furmint or a Tokaji aszu could be your choice as a starter !

In the afternoon, circuit all around the vineyard.

DAY 9 : BODONY
On the way to Bodony, stop at Szilvasvarad to see some lipizzan horses.

Bodony is a small village in the Matra massif. An immersion in the Hungarian way of life with the friendly welcome of your hosts at the hotel, the Hungarian breakfast, the local market place with fabulous apricots, the handicraft with beautiful pottery,...

DAY 10 : HEVIZ, BADACSONY AND THE BALATON LAKE
Enjoy a bath in the lake of Heviz for a unique experience. This lake is the second largest in the world and the water temperature is about 35°C on summer and not under 25°C in winter !

Join the town of Badacsony for a cruise on the Balaton lake. From the boat, you will have a nice view on the old (an inactive !) volcanoes.

Festive evening at the Badacsony wine festival.

DAY 11 : SOMLO
Somlo hill is a reference as Hermitage hill or Sancerre hill could be (if it's not yet, it will be very soon). From this small and solitary volcano, the view is extending until the Balaton lake. The wine is predominantly white with a terroir character. The main varieties are native varieties : Juhfark, Harslevelu, Furmint.

If freshness, minerality, fruitiness, finesse and elegant oak match your tastes, sure that you will be charmed by Somlo wines.

Arrival in the morning to visit a renowned winery and enjoy a lunch.

At Somlo, the vineyard is everywhere. Quite no roads there, just lanes and paths so walking is the best way to discover the beauty of the place. That's what you will do during the afternoon. At the end of the walk, you will stop at Eva's cellar for the "cocktail reception". Eva is a wine consultant based at Somlo and she will propose you for the occasion a selection of top quality wines.

Results of the funny quiz and dinner on the terrasse of your guesthouse at the sunset.

DAY 12
Breakfast.

Transfer to the airport of Budapest.

      OTHER INFORMATION

They are direct flights from London to the airport of Budapest.