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The Champagne Region of France
Tour Operator: RTT  
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Overview: Join RTT for an unforgettable excursion to the Champagne Region of France! The unique combination of climate, altitude, chalky hillsides and miles of underground limestone cellars are what make the production of this bubbly blended wine possible.

Wines from the Champagne region have been well known since the Middle Ages.  Since the 18th century European royalty have appreciated the Champagne wines. The still wines were used in religious sacraments and for anointing the French kings in Reims.  It was the association with the royal coronations which led to the popularity of champagne as we know it today - bringing the status of luxury and power.  There are many sparkling wines which claim to be champagne, but only wines produced in this region are given the honoured title of “champagne”.          Even today champagnes are associated with luxury, festivities and rites of passage.

Itinerary:  Travel directly to Epernay, home to the famous cellars of Moet & Chandon where the champagne of the stars, Dom Perignon is made. Upon arrival in Epernay, descend into the 250 year old cellar where over a million bottles of champagne are made and aged.   The English-speaking guide will explain the history of this prestigious house and the methods employed to make the famous Moet & Chandon champagnes. During the tour you will see how this famous wine variety is developed, changed and aged.  Explanations will be given about development of champagne bottles and corks, aging of champagnes, and the different sizes of champagne bottles.  End with a tasting of one champagne (included).  The in-house boutique provides the opportunity to purchase all their champagnes (and associated luxury articles), including the esteemed Dom Perignon. 

Our next stop will be Reims, the famous town of the Champagne region, where we take a couple of hours for a traditional French lunch (not included), shopping, or some tour opportunities.  Historically significant for French ruling lineages, the city’s suffering in WWI, and its role in ending WWII, the city of Reims offers more than shopping and food.  Here you will find the beautiful old bishops’ palace, now the Palace of Tau archeological museum; the Basilica and Abby Museum of St. Remi (first major convert to Christianity and baptiser of the first Christian king of France), the Surrender Museum commemorating the collapse of German military power in 1945; some Roman remains; and splendid collections in the Museum of Fine Arts.     Take a stroll to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame in Reims.  This massive Gothic structure is famous for being the coronation place of French kings and stands as a superb example of 13th century Gothic architecture. The choir clock is ornamented with curious mechanical figures and famous Russian artist Marc Chagall's 1974 stained glass work can be admired in the cathedral apse.

Our final stop in Reims will be at another interesting champagne house.    Although all champagne is similarly produced, each house emphasizes a different culture surrounding their wines.  The cellar tours reflect those differences and will round out your understanding of the champagne wines.  A tasting of champagne will be conducted (included) and you will have the opportunity to buy champagnes and gifts at cellar prices.  From here, we depart Reims at about 5:30 p.m.to return directly to points of origin at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Vineyards in Epernay

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notre Dam, Reims

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dom Perignon

 


 

 

 

 

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Departure Dates 2008
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
      26 31 14
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
5 2 6      
 
Departure Points & Times     Direct Travel, No Transfers! 
Kaiserslautern Kaiserslautern Centrum Park & Ride 0600 hrs
Vogelweh Autobahn 6 Kaiserslautern WEST Park & Ride (P&R) 0615 hrs
Ramstein Shell Gas Station (autohof) towards Landstuhl 0630 hrs
Sembach Sembach Village South, on B-40 Not available
Approximate return time to points of origin 2030  hrs
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Booking Details
Prices   
  €79 Adults
59 Children 3-12 years
Not recommended for Children under 3 years of age.
Click here for Reservations
 
Included in Tour Price
  Round trip travel by motor Coach
Tour of Moet & Chandon Cellar and champagne tasting
A second luxury champagne cellar and champagne tasting
Notre Dame of Reims Cathedral

Services of an experienced RTT guide
 
Not Included
  Tips and articles of a personal nature
Meals & beverages no mentioned
 
Cancellation Fees (Per Person)
  €15 from day of booking until 2 weeks prior to departure 
Later, 50% of tour price
No show - no refund!
 
Documents
  Valid US Tourist Passport. Military personnel without a tourist passport should check with their Orderly Room or the Foreign Clearance guide for info on current leisure travel regulations. Non US citizens must meet proper VISA requirements – check with your respective consulate.
 
Currency
  € (Euros) & Credit cards.  No personal checks can be cashed during the tour, so please plan  accordingly
 
Special Notes
  1)  Cellars are cool, bring appropriate dress
2)  Travel over meal times, snacks are suggested.
 
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