Champagne
The Grape Escapes Valentine’s Tour (February 11- 13) is based in Reims, in the heart of the prestigious Champagne-making region. The cost is £388 per person, which includes a return Dover to Calais ferry crossing for a car and two people, two nights’ accommodation in a 3* hotel in central Reims, a gourmet dinner and a full day tour of some of the region’s Champagne Houses.
The weekend is romantic from beginning to end with a bottle of Champagne on arrival in the hotel room. This is followed by a cosy, candlelit four-course gourmet dinner at a top local restaurant in Reims’ main square.
On Saturday, a luxury chauffeured mini-coach and a knowledgeable local guide will accompany you to two small, family-run Champagne Houses, where you will see firsthand the Champagne-making process from press to bottle. There will also be an exclusive visit to one of the large, prestigious Champagne Houses, such as Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, with a tour of their extensive cellars filled with hundreds of bottles of maturing Champagne. Of course, all of these visits involve numerous tastings.
The opportunity to learn the ancient art of Sabrage together (removing the top of a Champagne bottle with a sword) is also available for an additional £20 per person.
After these exciting tours, there will be plenty of time to explore the historical and charming town of Reims together and sample more Champagne in the city’s numerous bars.