MINI-COOPER
RIVIERA DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Fall 2009
The south of France is, quite simply, a driver’s paradise.
Test your skills behind the wheel of A MINI-COOPER for seven fun-filled days as you navigate some of the most scenic roads in France. Along the way you’ll discover what makes this country so very special.
Visit colorful local markets, picturesque medieval villages, cross over the border into Italy, and enjoy the most sublime cuisine on the planet.
At Bascom & Chick we handle all the details so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
In addition to an affordable, world class driving adventure, we also strive to provide guests with memorable culinary experiences. Private wine tastings with our resident wine expert, sommelier jean-Pascal, exceptional meals, a visit to a chevre farm, and an Italian olive oil tasting are all part of the B&C Riviera Driving Experience.
So get behind the wheel and join us for the adventure of a lifetime in the south of France!
What to expect:
Every B&C trip includes an on-site trip manager to assist with transfers, vehicle delivery, scheduled events, route planning, and any questions that may arise so you can concentrate on enjoying your vacation!
Each morning guests will receive a daily trip log which will include the day’s recommended itinerary, mileage chart, map, restaurant suggestions, and pertinent information. You may choose to follow the lead car throughout the day, be the lead car, or blaze a trail to your own destination (i.e. it is not mandatory to travel in a rally format).
The Bascom & Chick Riviera Driving Experience has been meticulously designed to highlight the area’s best villages, vineyards, and roads.
October 3-9, 2009
Mediterranean view w/terrace - $4,100 per person
Mediterranean view - $3,900 per person
Included
-Full use of a Mini-Cooper sports car (with GPS) for the duration of your trip (2 per vehicle)
-7 days/6 nights 3 star accommodations
-Daily breakfast
-Private champagne reception
-Three dinners (wine incl.)
-Private tasting at a local vineyard with sommelier Jean-Pascal
-Private wine tasting at the Auberge
-One picnic lunch
-Olive oil tasting in Dolceacqua, Italy
-Optional day trips with driving routes, lead car, and guide
-B&C pre-departure travel packet
-On-site trip manager
-Travel documents
-Airport transfers
-Pre-trip concierge
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Note: The following itinerary is a sample.
Driving routes and scheduled events may vary with each trip.
Day One:
Arrive in Nice where you’ll be met by your B&C trip manager and transferred to the charming Auberge de Tourrettes in the village of Tourrettes sur Loup.
Spend the day relaxing, exploring the village, or take your vehicle out for a late afternoon spin.
Early evening champagne reception followed by dinner (wine included).
Day Two:
Drive scenic mountain roads to the cliff top village of Gourdon (renowned as one of the most beautiful villages in France). Have lunch on your own in Gourdon, explore the town, and then depart via the dramatic Gorges du Loup. Later, join us at a nearby mountaintop chevre farm for a tour and tasting.
This evening enjoy a private wine tasting with our resident sommelier Jean-Pascal followed by dinner at the Auberge.
Day Three:
Day three begins with a spectacular drive through the foothills of the French Alps to the village of Moustiers St Marie. Along the way we’ll travel on roads used in car chase scenes in Robert DeNiro’s film “Ronin” and James Bond’s “Goldeneye.” We’ll also see the dramatic Gorges de Verdon, France’s smaller equivalent of the Grand Canyon. Explore the charming town of Moustiers and (we strongly recommend this) let us book a table for you at Alain Ducasse’s world famous restaurant, La Bastide de Moustiers).
Dinner this evening is on your own.
Day Four:
Today is a free day with no “lead car” driving excursion planned.
Your trip manager will be on hand in the morning to offer plenty of itinerary suggestions.
Picnic lunches will be provided to all guests.
Late afternoon tasting at a nearby family owned vineyard.
Dinner this evening is at the Auberge.
Day Five:
Cross the border into Italy and explore the dramatic hill towns of Liguria.
Join us for a private olive oil tasting in Dolceacqua with our good friend Giacamo. We recommend having lunch in the ancient stone village of Apricale.
Dinner this evening is on your own.
Day Six:
Explore the bustling flea market in the charming village of Valbonne. Used for several key scenes in the movie “French Kiss”, Valbonne is full of excellent artisan shops and restaurants. Shop, have lunch, and join us later as we travel to nearby Mougins, former home of artist Pablo Picasso.
Farewell dinner this evening at the Auberge.
Day Seven:
Transfer to Nice for the departure home.
3 Day “Foodie” Extension
Extend your trip for three exceptional nights at Alain Ducasse’s world famous “Bastide de Moustiers” in the beautiful village of Moustiers St Marie!
Our “Foodie” package includes your car (Mini Cooper rental will be extended for three days), on-site trip manager, and lead car (if requested) for the duration of your trip.
Also Included
3 nights luxurious accommodations at La Bastide de Moustiers
(suite if available, double occupancy)
Breakfast
Dinner each night in La Bastide’s world renowned restaurant
(beverages not included)
Complimentary use of bicycles during your stay
Price per person - $1,800
