Italy and France Discovery

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival into Rome Airport, you will be greeted by your private driver and transferred to your accommodation in the city to check in. Relax, refresh, and enjoy the amenities of the hotel or set out and explore your new surroundings.

Rome

Rome, the Eternal City. Capital of the western empire from 201 BC to 476 AD it has been one of the most influential civilizations in western culture. It's the famed city of the Roman Empire and home to the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita, the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain. Rome has an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it one of Europe's and the worlds most visited and beautiful capitals.

Additional Options for Day 1

Hotel d'Inghilterra - Deluxe Room

Situated in a 17th-century guesthouse and founded in 1845, Hotel D'Inghilterra has a long, storied history. Monarchs, movie moguls, and some of the greatest writers of all time stayed here—Lord Byron, John Keats, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, and Elizabeth Taylor among them. The hotel's name pays tribute to the Brits, who colonized the Spanish Steps district during the Grand Tour era.

Hotel d'Inghilterra - Junior Suite

Situated in a 17th-century guesthouse and founded in 1845, Hotel D'Inghilterra has a long, storied history. Monarchs, movie moguls, and some of the greatest writers of all time stayed here—Lord Byron, John Keats, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, and Elizabeth Taylor among them. The hotel's name pays tribute to the Brits, who colonized the Spanish Steps district during the Grand Tour era.

Rome Antica

Make your way to a central meeting point in the city where your guided group tour will greet you. After introductions, together set out for a charming day in the heart of the empire exploring the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum (*according to ticketing availability).

Your tour begins from the gates of the Colosseum, the most iconic site of Ancient Rome. Here, at the world's largest standing amphitheater, you’ll learn about the gladiatorial shows and public spectacles that took place almost two thousand years ago. Feel free to ask your guide in-depth questions about the construction of this wonder and the role it played in society, politics, religion and history.

Next, you’ll make your way down the exciting main street of Ancient Rome, Via Sacra, and marvel at the major sites in the city center, including the Curia (senate house), and the temples, triumphal arches, and basilicas around the historical Forum Square.

Afterwards, you explore Palatine Hill, one of the sites where the city first began, and delve into the legend of its founding in 753 B.C. by emperor Romulus. By the end of this four-hour tour, you’ll have a deeper knowledge of the rise and decline of one of history's most pivotal empires–and the many historical figures who once walked the streets of Rome.

Rome Cooking Class: Pasta & Tiramisu

Later, take a a short walk through the beautiful historic centre to your Italian cooking class located in the heart of Trevi, one of the oldest parts of Rome. You will learn how to make 2 different fresh kinds of pasta from scratch, using 2 different doughs (a long or short pasta, a stuffed pasta), topped with a fantastic authentic Italian sauce made with a professional chef. Following the pasta, we will prepare a traditional Italian tiramisù made in an authentic way. Discover the fundamental technical steps to make a perfect dish with a unique texture and flavour, with all the local tricks and tips. Afterwards, enjoy your authentic hearty, Italian meal!

Rome and Vatican Exploration

Today is yours to discover the city at your own pace.

We recommend visiting the Vatican in morning. Explore the Vatican’s masterpieces and understand its layered tapestry of art and history.

Begin your visit with the Vatican Palace (now housing the Vatican Museums), one of the world's great repositories of ancient and Renaissance art. You'll then traverse the halls of the museums as you weave your way towards the Sistine Chapel, where you will see Michelangelo’s work and the fantastic symbolism of the ceiling and altar.

Continue on towards St. Peter's Basilica, a vast church and the symbolic center of Catholicism, situating the church and its artworks in a social and historical context.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the city, we can provide suggestions of worthwhile sites for this time or just sit back at a café and enjoy la bella vita Italiana!

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you the Rome train station to catch your connecting coach to Florence.

Rail Journey - Rome to Florence
3x Economy Class Tickets

Welcome to Florence! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Florence

Lying on the River Arno and capital of Tuscany, the charming city of Florence offers a rare opportunity to step back in time. Its 15th- and 16th-century monuments, buildings, and famous Duomo along with its many artworks, including Michelangelo's Statue of David, highlight why Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. Under the Medici family, who ruled during this era, the worlds of art, architecture, science, and humanism flourished, and the remnants of this explosively creative time are still visible today. Florence has also retained its Artisanal traditions including leatherworkers and silversmiths and is a culinary hotspot, especially for its famed Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Additional Options for Day 4

Hotel Balestri - Junior Suite

The Balestri is a 4-star boutique hotel with a great atmosphere overlooking the River Arno. In the Santa Croce area, it is but a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery. The communal areas of the hotel have an elegant and nostalgic mood with Art Deco-style furniture, large windows, vaulted ceilings, large mirrors and marble flooring. Drinks and light snacks are served in the bar area with comfortable seating. Thanks to the recent restyling, the rooms over five floors are spacious and elegantly furnished, having received great attention to detail and every kind of comfort. Many offer privileged views of Florence, with the most exclusive having romantic private terraces overlooking the river.

Hotel De La Ville Florence - Junior Suite

Located at the beginning of the famous and elegant Via Tornabuoni, the Hotel De la Ville is the result of the union of two buildings in the historic centre of Florence, one of which was built around 1460 with important graffiti on the facade, still visible today, created by Andrea di Cosimo Feltrini in 1579. Today, the Hotel De la Ville retains its charm and its history. The Hall, furnished with precious materials and warm colours, leaves room for the private and welcoming dining area. The wide corridors on the upper floors lead to comfortable rooms and suites, perfectly soundproofed, overlooking Piazza Antinori and Via Tornabuoni or the quiet, little streets surrounding the hotel.

Hotel l'Orologio Florence - Junior Suite

Hotel L'Orologio Florence is a 4 star hotel in a unique and unforgettable location. The rooms are furnished in Florentine style with elegant furnishings and luxurious decor to make your stay in Florence comfortable and unforgettable. With breathtaking views of the Basilica, the breakfast room is found on the fourth floor in an authentic Renaissance loggia. In the lounge bar on the ground floor, you can stop for a drink or a light meal at all hours of the day.

Introduction to Florence with Michelangelo's David

Enjoy an introductory walking tour of Florence's main attractions with a guided group tour. We will use Michelangelo as a somewhat familiar point of reference to explore the rich art and history of the renaissance capital. As you stroll through the city's historic center on your way to the Accademia Gallery, you will learn about the many historical figures who once walked these same streets.

Today you will experience Michelangelo Buonarroti's impact on the Florentine Renaissance in a new light. Your introduction to the city begins with Piazza della Repubblica, which has a long history as Florence's commercial center during the Roman Era. Continue on through the center of the city to the Piazza della Signoria, which was the political epi-center of Renaissance Florence. Next, marvel at the most important landmark in Florence, and Brunelleschi's masterpiece, the iconic Duomo.

Arriving at the Accademia Gallery, circle the impressive exterior and discuss with your guide the importance of this fourth largest cathedral in the world. As you make your way inside with pre-arranged tickets, you’ll learn about the life of Michelangelo in Florence and how his techniques forever changed the way that artists and sculptors would approach their craft. Discuss Michelangelo’s early years and career under the patronage of the powerful Medici family, and admire the statue of David, the artist's masterpiece and consummate symbol of the Florentine Renaissance

Florence Cooking Class: Pizza & Gelato

Later on, join your professional English-speaking Florentine chef in a group class, who will introduce you to the process of making pizza and gelato with fresh, local ingredients from Florence.

The pizza-making class starts with the most important element: making the dough. After learning how to select ingredients, and mixing and kneading your dough, your chef will tell you the difference between different styles of pizza throughout Italy and discuss the original pizza Napolitana from Naples, the city where Italian pizza was invented. You will have a lesson in rolling out the pizza dough and creating a vast variety of pizzas with different delicious toppings, using only the freshest and best ingredients.

Now for the gelato making! Gelato is the original italian ice cream, with a long and fascinating history from iced fruit to modern day commercial gelato. Your chef will show you the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients as your base and then you will create the gelato together, adding milk, cream, eggs and sugar in varying degrees or perhaps creating a fruit sorbet that is lactose-free. You will discover the importance of avoiding chemicals during the process and also include unexpected ingredients like balsamic vinegar or farm fresh yogurt.

Enjoy a delicious meal after the course of appetizers, pizzas, gelato as well as wine and prosecco.

After checking out of your accommodation this morning, meet your private driver who will transfer you the train station to catch your connecting coach to Venice.

Rail Journey - Florence to Venice
3x Economy Class Tickets

Welcome to Venice! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Venice

Venice is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was six hundred years ago, which adds to the fascinating character. Founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, Venice became a major maritime power in the 10th century. The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world's greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and others.

Additional Options for Day 6

Palazzo Abadessa - Suite

Palazzo Abadessa is a charming and historic boutique hotel located in the heart of Venice, Italy.  Housed in a magnificent 16th-century palace that has been home to several prominent Venetian families over the centuries, the hotel features stunning Renaissance architecture, elegant decor, and luxurious amenities. The hotel has 15 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each decorated with antique furnishings and original artwork, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and sophistication. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities while still retaining their historic charm and character. Public areas include a grand entrance hall with vaulted ceilings, a spacious drawing room with a fireplace, and a delightful courtyard garden where guests can relax and enjoy a drink or a meal. One of the most notable features of Palazzo Abadessa is its rich history, which is reflected in the hotel's elegant decor and architectural features. The hotel is just a short walk from some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Guests can also explore the charming backstreets and canals of the surrounding neighborhood, which is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Palazzo Stern - Suite

Palazzo Stern is in a central location: just a few steps from the Accademia and Saint Mark, but far from the bustle of the tourists, in the real heart of Venice. In front of the Grand Canal, close to the public transportation service, with a private landing for taxi and boats. Very close to the Hotel there is Campo San Barnaba and Campo Santa Margherita, a part of the city were you can still “taste” the real Venetian life. Often you can find a small local market. The structure is built with maximum accuracy to every little detail, enriched with antiquities, sculpture and valuable furniture. The rooms are mostly facing the Grand Canal, some other are on the “ Rio del Malpaga” and on the garden.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you the train station to catch your connecting coach to Milan.

Rail Journey - Venice to Milan
3x Economy Class Tickets

Welcome to Milan! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Milan

Milan, the sophisticated jewel of Lombardy, stands as a beacon of innovation and style. This vibrant metropolis distinguishes itself from traditional Italian cities, yet captivates with its unique charm. Renowned globally as a fashion capital, Milan showcases an unparalleled array of designer boutiques and chic independent shops. Beyond the allure of haute couture, the city boasts architectural masterpieces, including the opulent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the magnificent Duomo, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals. Milan seamlessly blends a sense of modern flair with rich historical heritage, offering a wealth of cultural treasures in every corner of its dynamic urban landscape.

Additional Options for Day 8

Chateau Monfort - Junior Suite

Château Monfort brings a fairy-tale setting to the heart of Milan. A short distance from the Duomo (Cathedral) and the Teatro alla Scala, from San Babila and Palazzo Reale, a flash of enlightenment came about in the form of an Urban Château, fusing modern and timeless features. Each of the rooms at Château Monfort presents a dream atmosphere, a fairy-tale dimension that plays on the memories of travellers of all ages. The interiors of the rooms are personalised with custom objects and furnishings, straight from the inspiration of skilled artisans. With a strong emotional impact, each environment etches out splendid paintings under the open sky, illuminated by abundant natural daylight.

Hotel Manzoni - Suite

Hotel Manzoni Milan is a luxurious 4-star hotel located in the heart of Milan, Italy. The hotel is named after the famous Italian writer and philosopher, Alessandro Manzoni, and is housed in an elegant 19th-century building that has been fully renovated to provide modern amenities and comforts to its guests. The rooms are spacious, well-lit, and designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. A range of services and facilities are offered to its guests, including a fully equipped fitness center, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, prepared with the freshest and highest quality ingredients, and features a menu that changes seasonally to reflect the best ingredients available at any given time of the year. The dining room is elegantly decorated, with white linen tablecloths, crystal glassware, and soft lighting, creating a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere, as well as a wide selection of drinks and cocktails. The hotel is just a few steps away from the famous shopping district of Via Montenapoleone and within walking distance of the Duomo, La Scala opera house, and the Brera art district.

Rosa Grand - Family Room

The Rosa Grand Hotel captures all the elegance and refined allure of Milan, offering its guests a level of style and sophistication that truly reflects the Italian capital of fashion.  The Rosa Grand overlooks the historic Piazza Fontana, behind the city’s imposing Duomo cathedral. Enviably located, the exclusive fashion district, the art collections of the Palazzo Reale and the Museo del Novecento, as well as the world-famous La Scala opera house and the famous Galleria, home to historic cafés and chic boutiques of prestigious brands. The rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, each with distinctive style, exuding refinement down to the very last detail.  Magnificent decor accented in gold and pink reflects quintessential Italian craftsmanship. The two restaurants offer a gastronomic dining experience to satisfy every desire as does the fully-equipped Wellness Centre.

Milan Leisure

Today set out to explore Milan at your own pace. The city is full of amazing places to see and we can recommend the following sights:

-The Milan Cathedral, a truly monumental building and is famed for its sublime architecture which took over 600 years to complete.

-The Piazza del Duomo in the city center, with a cathedral that was constructed in 1386 but not officially completed until 1965! With an Italian Gothic style, the front façade of the cathedral is truly magnificent and is crowned with countless towers, statues, and features some beautiful stained glass windows bursting with colour. This immense structure is truly the heart of Milan and no trip to this city is complete without steeping foot inside its huge doors.

- The Santa Maria della Grazie Church, famous for one of the greatest artistic masterpieces in the world – The Last Supper by Leonardo di Vinci.

- The Naviglio Grande canal, part of which is situated within the city centre, is a fantastic place to walk and is lined with old buildings plus a variety of shops and restaurants. Enjoy walking down a section of the waterway and admire this different part of Milan.

- Milan is known for its shopping. The Grand Galleria is an extremely opulent and extravagant indoor high end shopping area. Created in 1877, it stands as one of the oldest shopping malls in the world and was designed by Guiseppe Mengoni.

-The Brera district, is also a nice place to wander. A distinct Bohemian atmosphere prevails here and the district is full of art academies, galleries and well-to-do restaurants and bars. The vibe here is fantastic and you can enjoy a fine meal, go out for a drink, try a little high-end retail therapy, or simply walk the many cobbleds streets and admire the architecture.

- Castello Sforzesco is a 15th century castle centrally located in Milan and is set in extensive grounds and gardens

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight to Paris.

Suggested flights:

VY8429| 09:40 Malpensa (MXP) | 11:10 Orly (ORY)

OR

AF1213| 09:45 Milan (LIN) | 11:20 Paris (CDG)

Welcome to Paris! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Additional Options for Day 10

Boutique Hôtel Mareuil Paris - Connecting Family Room

Boutique Hotel La Mareuil is a charming and elegant hotel located in the heart of Paris, France. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building and features a contemporary and stylish design that blends modern amenities with classic Parisian charm. The rooms and suites are each individually decorated with a unique and eclectic mix of furnishings, fabrics, and colors, featuring comfortable beds and modern amenities, and luxurious bathrooms with rain showers and designer toiletries. One of the highlights of Boutique Hotel La Mareuil is its location in the lively and fashionable neighborhood of the Marais. Some of Paris's most famous landmarks are just a short walk away, including the Picasso Museum, Place des Vosges, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. There is also a cozy lounge area where guests can relax and enjoy a drink, as well as a peaceful courtyard garden where guests can unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Relais Christine - Duplex Junior Suite

A favourite address, jealously guarded by artists and all lovers of Paris who seek the friendly atmosphere of a family home with the refinement and attentive service of the very best luxury hotel. The Relais Christine pays tribute to the site’s unique history by tweaking the traditional codes of luxury. This challenge was brilliantly met by decorator Laura Gonzalez who managed to safeguard its timeless soul while giving the old stones a new spin. Each of the splendidly unique rooms and suites project a resolutely chic and intimate Left bank atmosphere: antiques, cosy velvet, warm woodwork and noble materials. Under 13th century vaults, Spa Guerlain brings together excellence, exclusivity, know-how and history to offer guests exceptional sensory experiences.

Saint James Paris - Junior Suite

The St. James Paris is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Paris, France. The hotel is housed in a magnificent 19th-century mansion and features a stunning blend of classical and contemporary design. The spacious and elegantly decorated rooms and suites are each individually designed with a unique and refined style, featuring luxurious amenities such as plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities.  One of the hotel highlights is its location in the quiet and elegant 16th arrondissement, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a cozy bar, and a beautiful garden terrace, perfect for enjoying a cocktail or a delicious meal. The hotel's spa and fitness center features a sauna, steam room, and a range of beauty treatments and massages, providing guests with the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Paris Leisure

Enjoy a relaxing time in Paris with family.

Paris Leisure

Enjoy a relaxing time in Paris with family.

Lyon Old Town Foodie Tour

Prepare yourself for a truly unique experience in the gastronomic capital of France. Accompanied by a passionate local guide you will discover the historical district of Old Lyon from a culinary perspective, full of unusual anecdotes and exceptional culinary tastings. Explore must see places, meet local artisans and taste products that identify with the reputation of Lyon’s heritage.

Visit the local craftsmen who will share their passion with you. They will present their products for you to try and let you know the best way to enjoy each delicacy. From regional cheeses and cold cuts with local wine, to artisanal chocolate and home-made Praline pie you will discover true French cuisine culminating at an authentic Bouchon Lyonnais a to try some of Lyon’s more unique specialties.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the train station to catch your connecting train.

Rail Journey - Lyon to Beaune
2x Comfort Class Tickets

Welcome to Beaune! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel, or head out to explore Beaune.

Beaune

Beaune is a charming town, surrounded by medieval walls and filled with cobblestone streets. Settled since prehistoric times, it prospered under the Romans as a centre for cattle and viticulture and is still the wine capital of Burgundy. Set in the middle of the Route des Grands Vins, Beaune is the ideal spot to stay while exploring the great vineyards of Burgundy. The history of the town is apparent at every turn from medieval walls to the Hospices de Beaune.

Additional Options for Day 13

Hôtel Le Cep - Grand Cru Suites

The Hôtel Le Cep provides a warm welcome, with services worthy of its exceptional heritage. A private home in the sixteenth century, an antique collector richly furnished the hotel in 1966, for guests who appreciated fine things. Ideally located in the heart of the medieval town of Beaune, the Wine Capital of Burgundy, just a couple of steps from the famous Hotel Dieu des Hospices and Notre-Dame Basilica, Le Cep is a veritable institution. On-site, guests have the privilege of access to the Marie de Bourgogne Spa - double winner of the world luxury spa. A refined and elegant facility, keeping in harmony with the pure Burgundian spirit of the Cep, the Spa offers over 350 square meters dedicated to 14 different sensorial experiences.

Cote de Beaune Discovery

You will join your small group today to dive into the realm of Burgundians. Today, head southward on a pleasant drive towards the vineyards of the Cote de Beaune, stopping in the vineyards for a panoramic view of the Grand Cru producing area and a full presentation of the Burgundy area.

The program for today includes some of the highest quality tastings in the region. Your palate will encounter prestige wines, exemplifying the varietal characters along with each producer’s individual legacy.

Some of the producers we will consider for todays tastings include:
• Pierre-Mayeul - negociant for wines of great character, structure and depth by Ludivine Grivault, head wine maker at the Hospices de Beaune
• Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine - a family winery in Pernand-Vergelesses
• Chateau de Pommard - Famous Chateau with highly regarded wines
• Chateau de Chassagne - Of the Picard family producing bio-dynamic wines
• Domaine Chapuis - A family vineyard in Aloxe-Corton
• Chateau Coton C - A highly prized Chateau in Aloxe-Corton

Experience the French way of life with a traditional lunch at a local restaurant (to be paid directly) or alternatively we can arrange a wine tasting lunch at an Domaine such as Comte Senard or Maison Olivier Leflaive (Supplement charge applies)

Discuss with your guide throughout the day the notion of terroir and gain an even better understanding of what makes these wines particularly special.

In the late afternoon your guide will bring you back to your hotel.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the train station to catch your connecting train.

Rail Journey - Beaune to Bordeaux via Paris
2x Comfort Class Tickets

Welcome to Bordeaux! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Additional Options for Day 15

La Cite du Vin

Make your way to La Cité du Vin for a self-exploration of the permanent exhibition, including a wine tasting on the 8th floor. La Cité du Vin is a unique cultural center dedicated to the universal, living heritage of wine. It offers a spectacular journey around the world, throughout the ages, across countless cultures and civilizations. We can assist with arranging tickets for your visit to the museum if required.

Max Bordeaux Tasting

Make your way to Max Bordeaux, a wine gallery and cellar just a stone’s throw from Grand-Théâtre of Bordeaux. As you are welcomed through a chic-looking hallway you enter an immense, modern, art deco room where you can taste Grand Cru Classé wines “by the glass”. A Norwegian wine merchant Henning Thoresen wanted to make the world-famous Bordeaux wines such as Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion, Cheval Blanc, Mouton Rothschild and Yquem accessible to all and opened Max Bordeaux in 2009. Here wine tasting is paired with an educational approach: you get all the information about the chateau, the winemaking techniques and the tasting notes.
Note: At the beginning of the tasting you’ll be given a card which you can credit with your budget and sample wines by the glass.

Hotel des Quinconces - Classic Room

Located in the Golden Triangle in the heart of Bordeaux, this modern boutique hotel offers 9 unique, elegant rooms.  This former 19th century home once served as the consulate building for both the U.K. and the U.S. and is full of history and mysteries.  There are many works of art throughout the property for the guests to enjoy, as well as a lounge bathed in light by the outdoor garden, which provides an ideal relaxing atmosphere.  The hotel stands in a quite spot right by Quinconces square and the Public Garden of Bordeaux and is a short walking distance from the shops and restaurants.

Right Bank Discovery - Saint Emilion

After breakfast this morning, you will be joined by your expert wine guide for a day in the vineyards of Saint Emilion and Pomerol.

We begin the day with a visit at Château La Gaffelière, Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion. Wine is produced from an exceptional terroir, the "golden triangle", nestled between the hills of Pavia and Ausone. However, a great terroir is nothing without the will of passionate hands. The Malet Roquefort family has been procuring and maintaining the destiny of the estate for more than three centuries, with one goal in mind: enhancing the vineyard while producing a great wine of aging.

There will be time to stop and enjoy lunch today at a local restaurant such as L'Envers du Décor in the village of Saint Emilion (to be paid directly).

Afterwards, we make our way to another producer in the area such as Château de Ferrand, for a visit and tasting with a sommelier. The history of Château de Ferrand dates back to the 17th century and was forged in the grand tradition of the Bordeaux wine-growing estates, those that helped the region gain its illustrious reputation. One of the oldest and most consistent estates in Saint-Emilion, in 300 years Château de Ferrand has belonged to just two families; that of Elie de Bétoulaud, who passed the estate down to his descendant the Marquis de Mons and his heirs, and that of Baron Bich, founder of the famous Bic company. Nowadays the estate is managed by Pauline Bich Chandon-Moët, with help from her husband Philippe Chandon-Moët. Here, visit the magnificent estate, explore the superb architecture and the historic Grottes de Ferrand caves, famous since the reign of Louis XIV.

You will be returned to your accommodations at the end of your charming day.

The Great Cabernets of the Medoc

After breakfast this morning, meet your private wine guide at your accommodations and depart for an exquisite day of tastings in the Médoc.

Begin theday at a renowned estate such as, Marquis d'Alesme, a picturesque winery located in the Margaux appellation with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It showcases a stunning château building with distinct architectural features and was classified as a Third Growth (Troisième Cru) in the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux Classification, a testament to its quality and reputation. The wines reflect the classic characteristics of the Margaux appellation through their finesse, balance, and refined structure. They often display a beautiful aromatic profile, with notes of ripe dark fruits, cassis, violets, spices, and subtle oak influences. Enjoy a visit and a tasting of three wines.

This afternoon, stop to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant such as Marquis de Terme (to be paid directly).

End the day with a spectacular visit to Beychevelle, a renowned winery in Saint Julien. The winery's history dates back to the 16th century, and it has earned a prestigious reputation for its commitment to quality and tradition. The name "Beychevelle" is derived from the French words "baisse voile," meaning "lower the sails." Legend has it that passing ships were required to lower their sails in front of the château as a sign of respect to the Marquis de Brassier, who owned the property at the time. The wines are often described as powerful yet refined, with a balanced expression of fruit, tannins, and acidity. Enjoy a blind tasting of four wines.

You will be returned to your accommodations at the end of your charming day in the vineyards.

Arcachon Bay with Pinasse and Oyster Tasting

This morning, you will be met by your private guide at your accommodations after breakfast and set out towards today’s destination: The Bay of Arcachon.

The Bay of Arcachon is an interior sea with a small opening to the Atlantic, backed by a pine tree forest. A mild climate, beaches and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Embark on a private tour around Bassin d'Arcachon aboard a classic pinasse boat, including a special tasting at an oyster farm.

The Bay opens up to the Atlantic Ocean and houses a small inland sea of about 155 km² at high tide where people farm oysters or go fishing, boating and swimming for fun. Stop in one of the typical oyster villages with its narrow streets and its oyster huts: perhaps taste oysters paired with a glass of local white wine!

Following our boat ride, there will be time for shopping and self discovery in Arcachon. We will also arrange for a lunch reservation at a trendy restaurant in town.

Before returning to Bordeaux, take a stroll through the winter town of Arcachon with its astonishing 19th century villas or climb the Pyla Dune, the highest sand dune in Europe, for a magnificent view of the bay and the ocean.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.