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Cruise to ChampagneĀ
Dates: July 17th-23rd (Epernay to Paris) -OR- July 24th-30th (Paris to Epernay) *
(7 Day/ 6 Night, All-Inclusive)
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*The Week of July 17-23 is Sold Out andĀ WAITLIST ONLY.Ā A few rooms remain for the Week of July 24-30.
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*There will be two back to back trips hosted by SommSchool.Ā Both weeks will be identical.
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"This was a dream come true and one that will forever be on the top of my favorite life experiences!"Ā
- Willie N, California
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Float away to Champagne on this 7 day/6 night all-inclusive, wine river cruise on our privately chartered boatĀ with your personal Sommelier and wine guide Kellie Martin unlocking the magic in your glass. From the moment we pick you up at the airport and bring you aboard our private river barge, you will relax into āla vie douceā as we drift along the Marne river.
Discover an unseen side of the City of Light as we cruise through the heart of Paris aboard our home for the week as well as the homeland of Champagne when we arrive in Reims. On the way, we will discover the world famous vineyards of Champagne all while having a beautiful glass of wine in hand. Come ātaste the starsā on this trip of a lifetime.
"Wow, where do I start? From the moment I was picked up at the airport, I wasn't disappointed for a week. The venue and our hosts were top notch. The food, omg the food!Ā Every dish was just as delicious as the next.Ā I enjoyed seeing both wineries and our little city tours with our expert guide. Then there was meeting all the new people...
Just when I thought it couldnāt get any better it did."Ā
-Sheryl H, California
"Ā Kellie makes tasting wine and learning the culture of each region fun as well as educational. Having been on two trips -- Bordeaux and Douro Valley Portugal - Kellie is the best at creating an experience like none other.
Her knowledge and wine world connections combined with attention to every detail makes these trips unforgettable.
We can't wait for the trip to France in 2025!"Ā
- Gayle R, Colorado
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Our Itinerary
Day 1: Paris*
You will be picked up from the Charles de Gaulle airport at a specified time and welcomed aboard our home for the week. After comfortably settling into your cabin, we'll introduce your crew at a welcome cocktail before a classic French dinner.
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Day 2: Paris- Lagny- Sur-Marne
We'll set out on anĀ excursion through the major sites of the capital: the Place de la ReĢpublique, the main boulevards, the Opera, the Place de la Madeleine, Place VendoĢme and the Louvre. Join us on anĀ original walk along the prettiest covered arcades in Paris, allowing you to travel back through time and history around the Palais Royal. We'll return on board and start cruising towards Lagny-sur-Marne.
Day 3: Lagny-Sur-Marne - Isles-Les-Meledeuses- Saint- Jean-Lesdeux- Jumeaux
This morning will be spent cruising to Isles-les-Meldeuses.
This afternoon, join us on aĀ tour of the charming town of Meaux, from the Cathedral to the Bishops' Palace, passing the Gallo-Roman ramparts and the magnificent Bossuet Garden, traditionally believed to be an early work of Le NoĢtre. We'll discover andĀ taste the Brie de Meaux cheese, hailed as "the King of Cheesesā. During this visit, the ship continues cruising to Saint-Jean-Les-Deux-Jumeaux where we will return on board and enjoy aĀ Champagne classĀ before dinner.
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Day 4: Saint-Jean-Les- Deux-Jumeaux-Chateau-Theirry
This morning will be spent cruising, passing Champigny and Drachy, through the heart of the Seine-et-Marne countryside and its Champagne vines. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in ChaĢteau-Thierry and set off for anĀ excursion with a falconry showĀ as well as aĀ tour and tasting at a Champagne house. We'll get the chance to discover an art that has been classified as Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Afterwards, we'll return on board.
Day 5: Chateau-Thierry - Dormans
We'll start sailing towards Dormans. This afternoon, join us onĀ an excursion along the famous Champagne route. We'll start off with aĀ guided tour of the village of Hautvillers. This picturesque village is located in the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park and is best explored on foot. We'll continue ourĀ visit to a prominent champagne house with a wine tasting. We will haveĀ another Champagne wine classĀ when we return aboard the Deborah.
Day 6: Dormans - Epernay
This morning will be spent sailing towards Epernay. This afternoon, we'll set off by coach for ourĀ excursion to Reims, known as the "City of Coronationsā. We'll take part in a guided tour of the historic center as well as a guided visit of the cathedral as well as aĀ tour and tasting at a Champagne house. We'll return on board. Tonight is ourĀ gala dinner and evening.
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Day 7: Epernay - Paris
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast aboard before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Our enchanted week together will come to an end as you are driven by coach to the Charles de Gaulle airport with the rest of our group.
*Please note:
The cruise starting July 17th will go from Epernay to Paris, while the cruise beginning July 24th will cruise from Paris to Epernay. Both itineraries are identical - just in reverse of each other.
"Kellie's trips are magical, filled with excellent wines, wine education, winery tours, food, community and more. We cannot recommend Somm School and Kellie enough. Come join us!"
- Kristan S, California
"The week was fantastic and ended too soon!"
- Suzanne G, California
Our AccommodationsĀ
Our home for the week is the MS Deborah, a superb Premium Canal barge. It accommodates 22 passengers with 10 guest cabins and all the comforts you will need during your stay.
On board, everything has been taken care of down to the smallest detail withĀ 6 crew membersĀ in addition to SommSchool to guarantee a personalized service. Located on the upper deck are theĀ restaurant which offers classic French cuisineĀ in a refined setting, theĀ lounge bar, andĀ a relaxation area and terrace with a jacuzzi. ComfortableĀ sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.
Amenties include: TV,Ā Private Bathrooms with Shower & Toilet, Safe,Ā Independent Air Conditioning, Electricity 220V, and Wi-Fi
"If you have the opportunity to join Kellie on a future trip, you will be blown away by the amount of preparation, quality of the whole experience, and the level of access to wineries and activities you would otherwise not be able to have at any price. Run, don't walk to the next SommSchool event with Kellie!"Ā
- Gordon T, Washington
"One simply would not get this level of access, care and accommodations any where else, and we had a fabulous time with the other wine enthusiasts."
- Sarah H, Colorado
"I've been asked what my favorite thing was by friends and family, and I tell them EVERYTHING.Ā It was relaxing, gorgeous and the best group of people I could have asked for to spend a week with!
I loved the beautiful villa and warm staff, the amazing food, and the well thought out daily schedule board that wasn't "too full."
I loved the delicious wines that Kellie picked for our on-premise wine tastings and her teaching style.
I loved not having to make one decision for the entire week...
I loved the wonderful people in our group and the genuine new friendships I made.
So to wrap it up, my favorite part of the retreat was EVERYTHING."
- Amy V, California
