Pricing
simple & straightforward
Journeys can last from 3-10 days. These travel ‘deep dives’ will include winery/vineyard visits, great meals, food producers, farmers, and maybe even guest visitors. Then, they are always coupled with some time to hike it all off. We’ll train from station to station (large and small), walk out the front door, and into France, all on our own two feet.
Unlike other tour companies, instead of marking up all the different expenses we’ll incur, I pass them through to you at cost. Straight up. No hassle.
For my part, I receive 1000€ per day for all the research, planning, and execution needed to organize your tour. (And remember, I’m traveling with you the whole time!)
That’s it.
Estimated costs:
short Jaunts
If two travelers want me all to themselves for 3 (or 4) days, the cost will start at about 2900€ per person. But as your group gets bigger, the per person price gets smaller. Got a group of seven that wants a custom tour? That will probably run about 1500€ per person.
Included in a 3-day tour would be 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 hotel nights, and all your train transportation to and from your starting city.
And of course, my planning and guided services from beginning to end.
week journeys
These are offered as both custom tours for groups of 2-7 people, or as pre-planned journeys on set dates with other like-minded travelers, in groups of 7 or more.
For private custom tours the cost will start at about 7500€ per person for just two people, but again, as your group gets larger, the per person cost decreases. A group of 7 should run about 3900€ per person for the week.
In addition to my planning and guide services, included in these tours are 7 lunches, 6 dinners, 6 hotel nights, and all your train transportation to and from your starting city.
Tours of France
Offered as both custom tours for groups of at least 7 people, or as a pre-planned journey on set dates with other like-minded travelers (possibly as large as groups of 10-12).
Prices will start at 6000€ per person and will include the whole kit and kaboodle over ten days. 10 lunches, 9 dinners, 9 hotel nights, and every single kilometer of train travel, starting and ending in Paris.
And again, all the planning is included, and I’ll be with you for every kilometer, every bite, and every sip.
FAQ
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The first thing to do is send me your travel dates and details so we can talk about the when and where, the who, and the how much. Simply fill out this form.
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The starting price for the tours include everything from the moment I meet you at our agreed starting point, and bid you adieu at the end of the trip. That includes train tickets, lodging, meals, and my full attention on making every day a great day.
And what’s best is that I pass it all on to you at cost!
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Because I don’t conduct the train, cook the food, make the bed, or heat the water for your shower, I don’t think I should mark up those costs.
What I do have though, is a pretty good handle on what my time is worth, and how much of it I’ll need to spend planning, organizing, and finally, accompanying you on your tour.
I think €1,000 per day is a nice and easy round number to contemplate for everyone. And remember, my per diem is the charge for the whole group, not per person!
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~ For short jaunts of 3 (or 4) days: at least 90 days in advance
~ For up to 7-day getaways: at least 120 days in advance
~ For Custom Tours or 10-day tours: at least 6 months in advance
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Yes, except for the last two weeks of December. Also, there are certain French holidays that can complicate travel—a lot of them on Mondays in May.
Also, August. It’s for real—everyone goes on vacation in August. And it can be hot. Let’s skip August.
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Sometimes. For short jaunts of 3 (or 4) days I’m yours for between 2-7 people. To create a tour of 7 days or longer I need at least a minimum of 6 participants.
I also offer my own tours of 7 or 10 days a few times per year that you can latch onto if you don’t mind starting as strangers, and finishing as friends.
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In case this part isn’t clear yet—by train, using France’s very good system of 3000 train stations.
An on foot.
NO cars. NO taxis. NO ubers. NO limousines.
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No. Sorry. All participants must be 18 or older.
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Well, yeah. Within reason. Let’s not plan a tour to the coast if you can’t or don’t want to eat seafood, or a cheese-a-thon in Normandy if you’re lactose intolerant.
Agreed?
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I suppose that is the most important question, isn’t it?
I have 30 years experience working in all aspects of the wine sector—import, distribution, retail, winery, marketing, and more. I don’t have a single certification to prove it except for paystubs going back to 1993.
As I find myself lately reflecting more and more about my career, it dawned on me that I might have something else to try. But importantly, I want to go for it in a smart, sensitive, and unusual way that would make me pleased to say, “I’m happy to be my own customer.”
Importantly, I want to meet people that are wishing to try out a lesser-considered way of traveling. And I want to offer a way to do it ecologically, sustainably, uniquely, and from time to time, a bit spontaneously.
There’s also my complete and utter need to never visit well-known wineriers or eat in restaurants that are mainstream. I’ll go 2 hours out of my way to find either, hopefully in the same day!
Plus, after all those years traveling back and forth between the US and France, I am now a permanent resident here since 2017. I’ve learned my way around a little bit!
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Glad you asked.
Those who can’t pack for 10 days in a good quality backpack;
Those who prefer cars/limousines/taxis/ubers/private planes;
Those not interested or able to walk an average of 5 kilometers a day with a backpack;
Folks with a lot of dietary restrictions, or who are vegan. Sorry, we’re going deep into the countryside here;
People who are chronologically challenged, and are unable to meet or leave somewhere on time;
Incurious people, or those who don’t dig spontaneity.