Off the Beaten Path, LLC 2004 Gourmet & Wine Walking and Active Cultural Tours Offer Authentic, Local" French Experiences and Frances Most Prestigious Chefs and Wineries

Off the Beaten Path, LLC, an American tour company based in France, specializing in luxury gourmet & wine, cultural walking tours and gourmet & wine, active cultural tours of France, announced today its exciting 2004 tour schedule. The company will be offering the ultimate in historical French hotels and chateaux and gourmet restaurants, with tours also featuring a selection of local experiences, such as, the companys famous theme walks, cultural excursions, gourmet discovery, wine appreciation workshops with top wine experts, cellar tours & wine tasting, cooking lessons, shopping at open markets & artisan craft fairs, recreational bicycling and cheese and foie gras tasting, in the most culturally rich regions in France. The schedule includes scheduled departures to the Loire Valley, Paris, Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Dordogne and the Rhône Valley: Lyon & Beaujolais.

(PRWEB) January 11, 2004 --Off the Beaten Path, LLC, an American tour company based in France, specializing in luxury gourmet & wine, cultural walking tours and gourmet & wine, active cultural tours of France, announced today its exciting 2004 tour schedule. The company will be offering the ultimate in historical French hotels and chateaux and gourmet restaurants, with tours also featuring a selection of local experiences, such as, the companys famous theme walks, cultural excursions, gourmet discovery, wine appreciation workshops with top wine experts, cellar tours & wine tasting, cooking lessons, shopping at open markets & artisan craft fairs, recreational bicycling and cheese and foie gras tasting, in the most culturally rich regions in France. The schedule includes scheduled departures to the Loire Valley, Paris, Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Dordogne and the Rhône Valley: Lyon & Beaujolais.

Among the highlights of the 2004 season: Bordeaux Gourmet & Wine Cultural Walk Harvest Program", the ultimate splurge for the Bordeaux connoisseur & outdoor enthusiast, including VIP tastings at First Growth chateaux (Margaux & Haut-Brion) and the most legendary estates of Pomerol, Sauternes and Saint Emilion, plus a day of cooking with one of Bordeaux stars of gourmet cuisine, a wine workshop The Art & Pleasures of Wine Tasting in Bordeaux", four cultural theme walks through the most prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux and shopping at the local open markets. The Ultimate Loire Valley Gourmet & Cultural Experience, a week of active cultural excursions at the Kings of France castles (Villandry, Langais, Chenonceau, Loches) and medieval & renaissance villages (Amboise, Chinon, Blois), a hands-on cooking class with two of Frances top Chefs, a husband and wife team, a wine workshop The Art & Pleasures of Wine Tasting in the Touraine", winery visits and wine & cheese tasting and historical accommodations at a 2nd Empire Chateau. The Best Adventures in Provence, a week-long exploration of Provence through interactive, culturally enriching excursions, such as, visiting the Roman ruins in Arles, shopping at the open markets in St. Remy de Provence and Gordes, participating in a traditional Provencal cooking class with the regions premiere chef, an Arles native, discovering the inspiration of famous painters, such as Van Gogh and Cezanne in St Remy and Aix-en-Provence, wine and cheese tastings and trying our hand at making Provencal pottery.

The tours are fully escorted, small group programs led by Off the Beaten Path, LLC company guides who are Americans who live France and are evaluated and selected for their scholarship, experience and companionship: only choosing those who meet the companys high standards, as well as those who would make good traveling companions. Off the Beaten Path, LLC guides hold degrees in various France related, educational disciplines, are accomplished professionals within their specialty, and many are published authors. The companys extensive French connections open the doors to Frances best for their guests, providing them an exclusive insiders experience not available to tourists.

The average group size of 8-14 guests keeps the tours intimate and ensures personal attention. All tours include deluxe, historical hotels with private en suite bath, gourmet meals, premium wines, cooking class, wine workshop, private artisan tours, all wine tasting, sightseeing, and services of bilingual experts throughout. Prices range from US$2,098 to US$3,698 per person, double occupancy, for these land-only packages.

About OFF THE BEATEN PATH, LLC
Off the Beaten Path, LLC specializes in fully guided, small group, luxury, gourmet, wine & cultural walking tours" and gourmet, wine & active cultural tours" to Provence, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Dordogne, Alsace, Lyon & Beaujolais, Paris and the Greater Southwest, France. The company also offers private, custom-designed tours for groups of four or more guests wishing to choose their own dates and itinerary, accompanied by an expert. Corporate team building and specialty event programs are also available, as well as special private tours for clubs and professionals. For more information, email reservations@traveloffthebeatenpath.com , or call toll free 1-877-628-1011 or 1.877.846.2831. Full information is also available on the Off The Beaten Path, LLC web site at http://www.traveloffthebeatenpath.com
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