WINE-KNOWS TRAVEL, INC.

How do I meet up with the group?

The tour begins in the late afternoon on June 2, 2018 at the estate where Julia Child wrote her first two masterpiece cookbooks.  (It is strongly advised that all participants arrive in the area at least one day before to avoid any possibility of missed connections with the group, as well as to allow time for adjusting to jet lag.  Wine-Knows will be happy to obtain early arrival hotel space for you.)

The estate is located about 30 minutes from the Nice airport via a taxi or Uber.  Participants will be responsible for arranging their transport to the villa.  Detailed directions & villa contact info will be sent with the final documents.

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If you plan to stay in the area extra days, Wine-Knows can arrange hotel space.  If you plan on visiting other parts of Europe, Wine-Knows can also guide you on options.  If you’re flying somewhere, we can also assist with airport transfers back to the Nice airport.

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What about international airfare to and from Europe?

Group airfare has purposefully not been included to allow maximum flexibility in arrival & departure options. This means that travelers may go both early as well as stay over after the trip concludes.   Wine-Knows Travel, Inc. provides land only arrangements and does not provide airfare.

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Who are the people I can expect to be my fellow travelers on this tour?

This will be an all-female group.  Participants are from diverse professional occupations, but all are well-seasoned international travelers with a common interest in food & wine.  Like all Wine-Knows’ trips, this will be a non-smoking tour.

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What about the Villa in which we'll be staying?  Where is it located? What is the size? How about the amenities? What about the cooking facilities?

While the villa dates from the 18^th century, it has been completely renovated throughout with the latest technologies and a high level of comfort.  Several foot thick stone walls have been juxtaposed with a clever glass and concrete addition boasting raised ceilings, glorious floor to ceilings windows, and modern high-end fixtures.  Similarly, the villa is furnished marrying antique pieces with contemporary.  The villa is also WIFI enabled.
 

The property boasts an enormous exterior space with various areas for outdoor living and dining...
 

 

●  covered terrace
●  small outdoor kitchen,
●  outdoor shower/ bathroom
●  several areas where one can steal away to relax privately
●  bocci ball court
●  BBQ

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 How will the Julia cooking program work?

     ●  The group will  be divided into teams of 3 persons.
●  Each team will be responsible for arriving with one of Julia’s recipe for a first course, a main, and a dessert.
●  On the nights we cook in, each team will be responsible for cooking one of their three courses.
●  Courses will be rotated so at the end of the week each group will have cooked one starter, one entree and one dessert.
●  Each team will be responsible for paying for all ingredients used in their 3 recipes.
●  Teams will also be responsible for cleaning up after each of their 3 courses.

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The French dress more formally than most Americans & we would like to respect their customs.  That being said, the tour will mostly be casual dress.  On the other hand, we will be also be dining in a Michelin star restaurant so bring dressy clothes for this evening.  The last night at the villa we will also “dress to dine” so plan according with something special.

Good walking shoes are essential as many of the villages we’ll be visiting have cobblestone streets.  Also, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit as the villa has a pool.

Consider the following 3 rules of thumb to minimize the amount of clothing required:  (1) Bring layers.  (2)  Use the mix-and-match principal (i.e. if it doesn’t mix or match, leave it at home.)  (3)  Use accessories to change the look versus bringing additional clothing.

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What type of weather can we expect?

Daytime temperatures on the French Riviera during early June average about 70-75  degrees so pack accordingly.  Be sure to bring a sweater as evenings along the sea can be chilly.  While rain is unusual at this time of year, it never hurts to pack a small umbrella.

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How much free time is available?

We have provided free time as detailed in the itinerary.  Furthermore, it is not mandatory that you attend all of the planned experiences, although most of our clients do!  This is your trip---if you would rather sleep-in, shop, or simply chill at the villa, then do it!

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Do you accept credit cards?

Yes.  We accept payment through PayPal (PayPal.com).  Since PayPal charges us a fee, this fee must be added to the cost of the trip.

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• Itinerary

• Pricing

• Registration