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Gastronomic Food & Drink Tour 6 days A six - day tour to Lille, Lyon and Tours, sampling the local delights!
Day 1 Lille The history of Lille goes back to 1066 so when you arrive you will be aware of the heritage of this great little City. From Lille Europe station it is a short 10 minute walk from 21st Century to 16th Century Lille to reach the old square where you will find the grand 4* Carlton Hotel for your first nights stay. Why not take the guided city bus tour and find out a bit about the history and life of Lille? You could visit Charles de Gaulle’s birthplace or the Cannon museum – or you could be really decadent and spend time at the gin museum followed by afternoon tea with hand made chocolates in the main square! Day 2-3 Lyon Take the high speed TGV direct to Lyon a city inhabited by the Celts and Gaul’s before the Romans invaded it. There is still a Roman amphitheatre on the hills high over modern Lyons near the Basilica that dominates the city skyline. If you take the city tour it will save the climb up the steep stairways. The early industrial development was mainly in the silk trade and it is here that Jacquard was born; he invented the looms to weave the silk and thus revolutionized the silk industry. Now the city is renowned for silk and good food, possibly the capital of French gastronomy – some would say the world! In Lyon stay for two nights at the 4* art deco Lyon Grand Hotel Perrache. Day 4 This is a relaxing train ride to Tours from Lyon Perrache station. After leaving Lyon city the train is soon slipping through the verdant countryside. Sit back and relax as the train winds through gentle		meadows dotted with stone farmhouses – in the very far distant you may be lucky enough to see the Rhone Alps. As the train pulls into Bourges another large Basilica sits atop the only hill for miles around. There are many canals around the area clearly visible from the train. Further on see if you can spot a troglodyte! Many cave dwellers live near this line, as the train gets closer to Tours. These homes are more than basic – some resemble “conventional” two-storey manor houses. You may just spot one of the many chateaux along the route for which the Loire valley is famed. Here we have reserved rooms at the beautiful 4* l’Universe hotel where may famous people have stayed. You will be assured of a warm welcome from the staff who are very knowledgeable. The hotel restaurant serves high quality food and specially selected wines. Day 4-6 Tours Now it is the area of castles and wines! Relax and enjoy a tour to a Chateau or a cycle tour to include a vineyard (or two!) – the Loire Valley is yours to explore. Day 6 Return from Tours to London or Ashford via Lille Europe. Extras In addition we can arrange an afternoon cookery class at Sofitel Bellecour, Lyon with Chef Alain Desvilles. If you want to work off all the extra calories when you arrive in Tours why not take a cycle tour along the Loire (no hills!) followed by a visit to some of the chateaux and vineyards we are happy to make reservations for you.

Departures Daily throughout the year (except 25 December), extra nights possible in Lille, Lyon and Tours or before or after your holiday special rates are available at the Euston Novotel, London. Costs Prices are per person based on 2 travelling, subject to availability and start from: 1st Class return journey and four star hotels £855 - £1005		What’s included • 1st class rail travel throughout including seat reservations, train supplements and a meal on Eurostar (from/to London or Ashford) • 4 star hotels close to railway station as shown in the description based on twin/double occupancy with buffet breakfasts Options • Cookery class (half day) at Sofitel Bellecour in Lyon bookable on request • Chateau and cycle tours at Tours bookable on request Information Holiday duration 7 days