Paris & the Villages and Vineyards of France

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From $4,495 per person based on double occupancy, air and VAT not included
Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

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Overview

• Your exclusive Small-Group experience will accommodate a maximum of 28 travelers.
• Luxurious hotel accommodations, renowned for every modern convenience and amenity, in three locations.
• A uniquely designed itinerary provides exceptional opportunities to experience the history, culture and wine-making traditions of the Champagne and Burgundy regions.
• Explore the sights and sounds of Reims, one of the Champagne region’s historic and vibrant towns.
• Delight in a cruise through the enchanting Champagne Valley.
• Discover the history of Dijon.
• Admire the art and architecture of Beaune.
• Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Paris, one of the world’s most cosmopolitan capitals.

Itinerary
Day 1 :  In Transit from North America

• Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Paris, France. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges and airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits. 

Day 2 :  Paris/Reims

• Arrive at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
• Transfer to L’Assiette Champenoise Hotel, situated in a beautiful, four-acre park just minutes from the Champagne vineyards and historic Reims. After checking in, your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
• Join your fellow travelers for a festive Welcome Dinner at Brasserie du Boulingrin, a Reims’ favorite since 1925.

Day 3 :  Reims

• Excursion: Reims
  This morning, discover the treasures of Reims, including the 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims (Our Lady of Reims) Cathedral, where countless generations of French kings have been crowned. The gateway to the Champagne region, Reims’ rich history dates back 2,000 years.
• Local Flavor
  Savor lunch at a local restaurant.
• Excursion: Taittinger
  Visit Taittinger, one of the oldest and most prestigious wine houses in the Champagne region. Established in 1734 to produce sparkling wine in accordance with the methods of Dom Pérignon, Champagne Taittinger vines now cover more than 700 acres of this beautiful region’s hillsides. After an estate tour, indulge in a tasting of its world-renowned vintages.
• The evening is at leisure in Reims. Take advantage of the convenient shuttle service to and from the town center of Reims.

Day 4 :  Reims

• Excursion: Montagne de Reims
  Experience the beauty of autumn in Reims' Champagne valley with a leisurely cruise along the winding Meuse River. Admire the champagne vineyards from a different perspective. The most northerly of France’s primary wine-producing regions, the Montagne de Reims predominantly showcases pinot noir grapes, which grow on north-facing slopes. After the cruise, visit Épernay, whose Avenue de Champagne is lined with world-renowned champagne houses. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Épernay and lunch in a local restaurant.
• Excursion: Hautvilliers
  This afternoon, journey to charming Hautvilliers, the Pearl of Champagne. According to legend, it was at the town’s Abbey of Saint Pierre that 17th-century Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon invented the art of sparkling wine production. Effervescence in still wine was considered to be a defect during the Middle Ages. It was also hazardous as increased pressures caused wine bottles to explode. Dom Pérignon developed production techniques to avoid this from happening including the use of thicker glass for the bottles and corks attached by wire to the necks. His work largely influenced modern Champagne production. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.
• Local Flavor
  Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Reims.

Day 5 :  Troyes/Dijon

• After breakfast, check out of L’Assiette Champenoise and depart for Dijon.
• Excursion: Troyes
  En route to Dijon, stop at Troyes, the former capital of the Champagne region. Enjoy a picturesque walking tour of this historic city located on the Seine river. Troyes has a charming old town, many 16th-century half-timbered houses, palaces, churches and museums. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
• After lunch, continue to Dijon, the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Upon arrival, check in at the Hôtel Sofitel Dijon La Cloche.

Day 6 :  Dijon/Beaune

• Excursion: Historic Dijon
  Dijon’s historic town center abounds with outstanding architecture and the prestige that has graced this town through the centuries. Among its landmarks are the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, stately stone mansions and charming half-timbered houses that date from the 15th and 16th centuries. One of the most beautiful cities in France, Dijon was the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy and benefited greatly from their largesse. Under their patronage, Dijon became a major center of Gothic and early Renaissance music, painting and sculpture.
• Excursion: Beaune
  This afternoon, travel to Beaune, the jewel of Burgundy. Ringed by ramparts and wine cellars, Beaune is known for its beauty, wine and art. Historic sights include the Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century Gothic masterpiece that served as a hospital for the poor until 1971. The original hospital building, the Hôtel-Dieu, is home to stunning paintings, impressive furniture and colorful tapestries.
• Local Flavor
  Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Dijon.

Day 7 :  Dijon

• Excursion: The Route des Grand Crus
  Embark on a scenic drive along the road that winds through the vine-covered hills and valleys of the Côte d’Or, connecting a host of world-famous wine-producing towns and villages. Visit Gevrey-Chambertin, a charming village whose vineyards produce the most noted of the Côte-de-Nuits red wines. Next, explore the Château du Clos in Vougeot. This Renaissance mansion and museum is home to the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, founded in 1703, and hosts of the annual tasting of Burgundy wines.
• After lunch in a local restaurant, visit and taste the wine of the 17th-century Château de Meursault, the largest estate of the appellation, producer of Premier Cru white wine from the chardonnay grape.

Day 8 :  Paris

• This morning, after breakfast, board the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Check in at the Hotel Baltimore Paris. This afternoon, embark on a comprehensive tour of the City of Light.
• Excursion: City of Light
  Discover the myriad of landmarks that adorn this dazzling capital. See the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and other exciting highlights.

Day 9 :  Paris

• Excursion: Louvre
  After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to the Louvre. Once a royal fortress, today the Louvre is a treasure trove of the world’s most spectacular artistic masterpieces. During today’s visit, marvel at Greek and Roman antiquities, ponder the secret of Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile and delight in expressive modern sculptures.
• Independent Exploration
  The afternoon is free for sightseeing on your own in Paris.

Day 10 :  Paris

• Excursion: Le Marais
  On today’s walking tour, explore Le Marais, one of Paris’ most fascinating districts and best-loved Right Bank neighborhoods. Admire opulent mansions, several of which host famous museums like the Musée Carnavalet, a Parisian history museum and the Musée Picasso. Stroll under the remarkable arcades of the Place des Vosges, formally the Place Royale, and take part in the colorful street life and culture that makes Le Marais so special.
• Tonight, attend a Farewell Dinner at a Parisian restaurant.

Day 11 :  In Transit to North America

• Following breakfast, Air Program participants depart for Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport for your return to North America.

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.

Accommodations
Three nights in Reims, France, at the first-class L’Assiette Champenoise: Surrounded by a peaceful park, this luxurious hotel is close to the town center. The tastefully appointed guest rooms include satellite television, minibars and direct-dial telephones, and the elegant restaurant serves local dishes.

Three nights in Dijon at the first-class Sofitel Dijon La Cloche: Situated near the Old Town, this elegant hotel combines professional service and world-class facilities to ensure your stay will be an unforgettable experience. The guest rooms feature refined, modern decor and provide satellite/cable television, minibars, hair dryers and direct-dial telephones. The restaurant serves a selection of delicious gourmet cuisine.

Three nights in Paris at the first-class Hotel Baltimore: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel is renowned for its array of amenities and hospitable service. Beautifully decorated guest rooms offer satellite television, minibars, hair dryers and direct-dial telephones. In addition to a fitness center, the hotel has a restaurant that serves contemporary French cuisine.

Meals

• Enjoy an extensive meal program, including nine breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners; tea or coffee with all meals, plus wine with dinner.
• Sample authentic regional specialties during select meals at featured local restaurants.
• Take advantage of leisure time to try the local cuisine independently.
• Attend a special Welcome Dinner.
• Gather for a Farewell Dinner.

Your Exciting Travel Program

• Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region.
• Personal VOX listening devices allow you to hear every word from your expert English-speaking guides.
• All excursions:
  -Discover the treasures of 2000-year-old Reims.
  -Explore Taittinger, the most famous wine house in the Champagne region.
  -Cruise through the Champagne Valley on a boat ride down the Meuse River.
  -Visit the elegant Champagne houses in Épernay.
  -Enjoy a tour of the abbey where Dom Pérignon created Champagne, and a tasting at a local vineyard.
  -Take a walking tour through the medieval fair town, Troyes.
  -Admire artistic and gastronomical masterpieces in Dijon.
  -Linger in Beaune, the jewel of Burgundy.
  -Survey vineyards and visit renowned wineries during a scenic drive through the Côte d’Or.
  -Be enchanted by the history, beauty and ambiance of Paris.
  -Enjoy a guided visit of the Louvre.
  -Venture off the beaten track to one of Paris’ best-loved neighborhoods, Le Marais district.

Many Included Extras

• Consultation services of a dedicated Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
• Services of a friendly, professional Travel Director and expert English-speaking local guides throughout your stay.
• Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning.
• Tipping of excursion guides and drivers.
• Complimentary travel wallet.

Air Program
For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land Program.
AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing scheduled, round-trip jet service to/from North America to Paris, France. Those participating on these flights will enjoy:

• Motor coach transfers between the arrival/departure airports abroad and the ship, including baggage handling.
• Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your Final Invoice approximately 90 days before departure.
• Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges.
• AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.