October 5-11, 2006
In the afternoon you'll be met at the Bordeaux airport or train station, and taken to the peacefully elegant Sources de Caudalie Estate. An afternoon of pampering will leave you refreshed and ready for the week of discovery and pleasure ahead, as you experience luxury, relaxation, and rejuvenation at the world-renowned Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa. Choose a red vine bath, wine barrel bath, merlot wrap, or crushed cabernet scrub, among other delights, from the unique treatments,
Dinner (included) at the beautifully restored Table du Lavoir, and a stroll through the surrounding vineyards of the famed Smith- Haute Lafitte chateau will round out your first day.
Day 2*
Breakfast (included)
The historic wine town of Saint Emilion will be our resting place today. After driving through the vineyards, we'll settle in to our hotel-with-a-view, looking down on cobbled lanes lined with elegant homes, intriguing shops, and evocative ruins. Lunch (included) will be followed by a guided tour to introduce us to the hidden corners and wine lore of this fabled hamlet.
Find a charming bistro (we'll be happy to recommend a favorite) and enjoy dinner on your own.
Day 3*
Breakfast (included) , and we'll be on our way to the beautifully restored wine estate of Le Faure, where we'll settle in to enjoy a house party with world-class musicians and fellow music lovers.
After checking in, we' ll head east to explore the luscious green Dordogne area, stopping for lunch, and continuing with a driving tour of a trio of France's Plus Beaux Villages, awarded the title because of their situation and beauty - who knows what delights you'll discover in these charming villages? We'll make sure to point out our favorite shops for local delights, such as chocolate covered walnuts and foie gras.
Each evening we'll mingle with other guests, savoring hors d' oeuvres and aperitifs before stepping into the salon of La Musique, where artists will introduce the works prepared for the evening.
La Musique, originally designed in the 1700's as a celebration hall for the vendage (grape harvest), is a concert salon unlike any other - with its wonderful oak beams, stone arched windows, and a superb Steinway previously owned by Alfred Brendel. We'll relax on comfortable sofas as we're transported by glorious chamber music.
And then dinner - the nightly creations of Chef Georges, an artist in his own right, are presented by candlelight in the large beamed dining room of L' Orangerie, one of the three houses arranged around the Le Faure courtyard. Georges introduces each night's menu, and the resident master of wine says a few words about the night's wines.
After the main course we return to La Musique for a short, more informal concert before returning to L' Orangerie for our cheeseboard, dessert, and coffee. Guests are welcome to retire when they wish, because the days can be long!
Day 4*
A continental breakfast (included) is served in the dining room from 8:00 til 9:30. Today is Gourmet Day: Learning about the wines of Bordeaux and how to taste wines, plus a cooking class with Chef Georges Gotrand who will give a demonstration of the preparation of two exceptional dinners, from buying the produce to final presentation. We'll enjoy the delicious results for lunch (included).
Our evening will be as outlined on Day 3.
Day 5*
Breakfast (included) , then we'll discover the marvelous wines and chateaux of Margaux with visits to Châteaux Palmer & d'Issan. Lunch in Margaux ( included)
Our evening will be as outlined on Day 3.
Day 6 *
Breakfast (included) , then on our way to the charming town of Bergerac for Market Day - experience the weekly market, loaded with local specialties as it has been for hundreds of years. Find a spot to enjoy lunch before we return to Le Faure.
Our evening will be as outlined on Day 3..
Day 7
Breakfast (included) , then au revoirs to new-found friends before morning transportation to Bordeaux airport or train station
*Events subject to program to be finalized in early September, 2006
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