Bordeaux Wine Fest

Held every other year, the Fete le Vin is a celebration of wine taking place in the heart of the region that could be called “The Wine Capital of the World”.  The 2 km long “Wine Road” in the center of the city stretches along the quays of the Garonne River and features 8 pavilions, each dedicated to a specific region or style of wine.   Numerous food trucks, bodegas and other stations will be serving dishes made on the spot, all with fresh local ingredients, which will allow you to choose whatever you like to accompany your wine tastings. 
Wine isn't the sole gastronomic focus of this trip, on the return trip you will also visit a Cognac distillery, one of the Chateaux of the Loire valley and one of the fabled Champagne houses of Epernay.  

The Fete le Vin only occurs in even numbered years.  Don’t miss your chance to indulge yourself in this gastronomic getaway.  Reserve your space with Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation today!

Estimated Itinerary

Thursday: Check in

Settle back into your seat, lean back and relax while your comfortable coach whisks you away on an oenophiles dream adventure to Bordeaux. Don’t forget the essentials for your overnight ride! Blankets, pillows, power banks, snacks and drinks will all help make your overnight journey through France more enjoyable.

Friday: Bordeaux

All of France is a wine region but Bordeaux is the Capital of French Wine. Here, on France’s Atlantic Coast, thousands of chateaux and wineries produce over 700 million bottles of red, white and rose wine every year, in a wide variety of 54 different styles. After breakfast, but before you check in to your hotel, you will be able to learn the history of wine making at the Cite du Vin museum and then discover the world famous Bordeaux Wine Fest with its many tasting stands and gastro-flair.

Saturday: Free Day or Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Excursion*

What will be your wine tasting experience today? Whether you remain in Bordeaux and continue your visit to the festival or join us on an optional visit to the medieval village of Saint-Emilion* you are sure to have a greater appreciation for wine by the end of the day. The Saint-Emilion region has a history of wine making which dates to the Roman times and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Your visit to Saint-Emilion includes wine tasting sessions* of the local vintages at two different Chateaux.  

Sunday: Cognac, Amboise and Tours

All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandies are Cognac. Today you will learn the difference in the city which gave the spirit its name. The vibrant old city of Cognac has a Belle Epoque feel and is home to 6 distilleries. After your distillery visit, you will continue to the Loire valley and the quaint town of Amboise where you will have the chance to dine with a view of Chateau Aboise* and the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. Your evening will be spent in nearby Tours, the “Garden of France”

Monday: Chambord, Fontainebleau, Epernay and return to Kaiserslautern

Your return journey to Kaiserslautern will be broken up by stops at many of the must see destinations of any wine tour. You will start your day with a visit to Chateau de Chambord, the largest walled forest park in Europe which makes wines, honey, jam and more gastronomic specialties.  Lunch will be in Fontainebleau, home to every French monarch from the 12th through the 19th century. En-Route to Kaiserslautern, you will have the last of your indulgence tours at Epernay, in the cellars of one of the famous Champagne Houses of the region before arriving in Kaiserslautern in the late evening hours.

* Optional excursion at additional fee paid directly to tour manager

"Early Bird" price valid on or prior to Friday, April 19

• Double Occupancy: $729 per person
• Single Occupancy: $969

Price on or after Monday, April 22

• Double Occupancy: $829 p.p.
• Single Occupancy: $1069
   
• Up to 2 children under 12 with 2 paid adults in triple room or unconnected double rooms: $669 per child
• Infants under 3 sharing existing bedding with adult: $229
   
• Children under 12 will be accommodated in either a triple room for two adults and one child or in unconnected double rooms for families with multiple children.
• Infant price does not apply in triple rooms.

 Trip Includes:

• Round trip tour bus transportation 
• 3 nights lodging at a 3 star or higher rated hotel 
  • 2 nights lodging at Golden Tulip Bordeaux Euratlantique**** or equivalent
  • 1 night in Hotel ibis Styles Tours Centre*** or equivalent
• Daily breakfast
• Guided tour of Bordeaux
• Entrance to Cite du Vin
• Entrance to either Chateau de Chambord or Chateau de Fontainebleau
• Cognac Distillery visit
• Epernay Champagne House visit 

Optional Exursions (Paid cash directly to tour manager):

• Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Excursion - €70 per person
• Dinner in Amboise - €45 per person

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit Card or Euro
• Power Banks (ODR cannot guarantee charging capability on 3rd party contracted busses)
• Military ID and Passport

Departure: 6 p.m. 

Return: Monday Night