Sparkling Weekend In Champagne
- Duration: 4 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRU9151
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
4 days
New for 2025!
A wonderful weekend break awaits you, bursting with sparkling sophistication and Gothic grandeur. Reims, the capital of France's Champagne region, is a handsome city, full of culinary flair, rich medieval history and impressive architecture. Explore Reims, perhaps enjoying a stroll along the elegant pedestrian boulevards or sipping a café au lait in one of the art deco cafes. Visit two of the world's most celebrated and finest Champagne houses and their cellars and of course, there will be the opportunity to sample one or two glasses of fizz and learn what makes Champagne so special. À votre santé!PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Sparkling Weekend in Champagne
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you will travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Continue via the autoroute to arrive in Reims late afternoon to check into your hotel with a set dinner menu served each evening.DAY 2 - 3 At leisure in Reims with two included excursions
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Reims & Cordon Rouge Experience
Get to know Reims this morning with a local English-speaking guide on a walking tour of the city. Meticulously restored after WWI and again after WWII, Reims is an exceptional city. Nothing can prepare the first-time visitor for the first glimpse of the gargantuan 13th century Gothic cathedral (entry FOC) where French kings were crowned for over 1000 years. Dominating the city centre, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is bigger than its famous namesake in Paris and is known for its monumental stained-glass windows and Gothic carved portals, including the Smiling Angel. Enjoy time at leisure in Reims to explore on your own. You could perhaps dive into Les Halles du Boulingrin, built in the 1920s for an architectural competition and now the city's temple to fruit, vegetables, olive oil and wine (markets are held on Saturdays 6am-2pm). Reims is where many of the Champagne houses have their headquarters and this afternoon you will visit Champagne Mumm for the Cordon Rouge Experience tour of its cellars. Discover how Georges Hermann Mumm, an ambitious, visionary entrepreneur, led Mumm on the path to growth and created the famous red ribbon, a worldwide symbol of quality since 1876. The guided tour of the cellars is followed by a tasting of the legendary Mumm Cordon Rouge. NB There are steps down to the cellars. Return to the hotel later today
Champagne Route, Epernay and Mercier Champagne Cellars
Follow the 'Route de Champagne' today as you head out of Reims winding among vineyards and terraced hillsides. Make a short stop in Hautvillers, nicknamed the cradle of Champagne, in the heart of the prestigious hillsides listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This quaint French village with beautiful views over Epernay and the Champagne valley was home of Dom Pérignon, the monk who became famous for his talents in the wine industry. The tomb of the spiritual father of Champagne is located in the Abbey church. Onto Epernay with its handsome Avenue de Champagne, illuminated by the magnificent façades of the famous champagne houses. There will time for lunch here before enjoying a guided tour of Champagne Mercier. During the visit, you will tour a section of the amazing 18km cellar network 30m underground on a laser-guided 'train' with audio-guide and get an insight into the traditions and methods of Champagne production. The unique décor and magnificent heritage of the atmospheric cellars never fail to impress, and the tour will finish with a tasting and a chance to sample Mercier Brut. Access to the cellars is via a lift. Return to the hotel later this afternoon
NB Please dress warmly for both cellar tours as conditions are cool.
DAY 4 - Today you head back to Calais for the return Channel crossing and the onward journey home.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
ETIAS
ETIAS (European Travel Information Authorisation System) is due to begin in April 2025 and will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals (inc. UK) travelling to Europe. ETIAS will be linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
ETIAS must be applied for at least 72 hours in advance of travel and will cost €7.00. Under 18’s and Over 70’s are free, but they still need to be registered. For more information, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Passport
For advice on passports when travelling into Europe please visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/travelling-in-europe/
EES (European Entry & Exit System)
The planned launch date of 10 November 2024 has been delayed and no start date has been given as to when EES (European Entry & Exit System) will be in place. This is the new entry and exit system for UK citizens (and many other citizens) when entering or exiting the EU. For more information, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en
Sparkling Highlights
- 3 nights in Reims with breakfast & set dinner
- Tea/coffee after dinner
- Reims guided walking tour
- Champagne Route drive to Hautvillers and Epernay
- Champagne Mumm tour & tasting
- Champagne Mercier tour by 'train' & tasting