Steve Austin
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2012Car Tours
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Goodwood Revival
Le Mans Classic
LE MANS CLASSIC
July 2 – 9, 2012
plus Normandy Beaches, Mont St. Michelle
& the Loire Valley
Once again the thunder comes alive. Le Mans returns to
the ultimate racing machines. The classic great Marques once again rumble
and snort into a week-end of classic racing. Join us for a fabulous week
in Northern France with a perfect mix of touring and historic motor
sports. If that’s not enough we even offer an optional weekend at the
Goodwood Festival of Speed!
The Classic Le Mans is a bi-annual event that has grown into a magnificent car
enthusiasts ‘must see’. 2012 has special significance as the event is honoring
American participation over the years. Many drivers and marques are planning an
appearance – Carroll Shelby, Bob Bondurant and Dan Gurney will waive the flag
for Cobra and four time winners Ford. As too the ‘C’ invasion of Cadillac,
Cunningham and Corvette. Naturally the European marques will be there in force
to protect their honor.
Our tour starts in Paris and heads to the Normandy coast. An in-depth tour of
the D-Day beaches and visits to St. Mere-Eglise and Bayeaux plus the World
Heritage site of Le Mont-St. Michel are slated. Our hotel is situated above
Omaha Beach and is surrounded by a beautiful links golf course – we can arrange
start times for those interested.
Mid-week we head for the Loire Valley and base ourselves in the historic town of
Tours, close to the Le Mans circuit. Prior to the full week-end at Le Mans we
tour some of the highlights and great Chateaux of the Loire, experience a
brilliant Sons et Lumiere and indulge in some of the fine restaurants of the
area.
Included in our Le Mans weekend is membership to the VIP private Hospitality
Suite. Access is also included to the paddock area to visit the participants and
marques. We are also privileged to join Brian Redman and his team personnel,
Brian will be running a 1972 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33. As we get closer we will
announce a number of drivers we plan to meet.
ITINERARY
JULY 2 Day 1 Noon pick up at Charles de Gaule Paris airport. Private coach
transfer to the Normandy Coast and the Omaha Beach Hotel. Remainder of afternoon
at leisure. Aperitif and Canape reception before dinner at the hotel.
JULY 3 Day 2 We are met by our extremely knowledgeable Normandy guide for an
unforgettable day. Our visits will include St. Mere Eglise, Pegasus Bridge, the
Beach Heads and the Omaha Beach Cemetery. This evening we dine in the small town
of St. Lo.
JULY 4 Day 3 Again we are joined by our Normandy guide. Today we visit the town
of Bayeaux and the museum that houses the one thousand year old Bayeaux
Tapestry. This afternoon we journey the short distance to the National Heritage
Site of Mont St. Michel. This evening is at your leisure.
JULY 5 Day 4 This morning we depart Normandy and head south for the Loire
region. The next four nights we are located in the centre of the historic old
town of Tours. This afternoon we visit 'Chinon', the great Castle of the Loire.
We continue on to the Couly-Dutheil Wine Estate, one of the most prestigious
vintners of the region. Following our visit, we enjoy dinner overlooking
the castle and the vineyards.
JULY 6 Day 5 Today we visit what is considered to be the greatest Chateaux of
the Loire – Chenonceau, sitting like a magnificent boat straddling the river.
The castle is captivating. We take time to view the glittering rooms full of
immensely valuable paintings, tapestries and furniture. The gardens are equal to
its building, breathtaking. Later this afternoon we drive to the centre of Le
Mans for the evening's festivities. A special dinner this evening at the
historic 'Auberge des Hunaudieres' Restaurant on the Mulsanne Straight. We are joined by
Brian Redman and his wife, Marion.
JULY 7 Day 6 Le Mans Classic - Upon arrival at the track we locate ourselves in
the VIP Hospitality Centre. Once established with correct documentation we head
for the paddocks to view the cars and meet some of the drivers. Brian Redman
will be driving an Alfa Romeo T33 and we have the chance to visit him and his
crew as they prepare for the afternoon start of the event. Each class has its
own ‘classic Le Mans’ start with drivers sprinting across to their cars. Our
Hospitality Suite has constant food and beverages plus excellent viewing. There
is plenty to keep you busy - Jitneys are available to take you to other parts of
the circuit, you might also like to visit the ‘Village’ where the vendors, beer
tents and cafes are situated. Late in the evening we return to Tours.
JULY 8 Day 7 This morning we return to the circuit and once again enjoy the
benefits of the VIP Hospitality Suite. Race hand out literature is available to
bring you up to date with all the classifications. Visits to the paddock will
offer opportunities of visiting many of the guest drivers between their driving
stints. We anticipate many American drivers to be on hand although not all
driving. In true tradition the racing ends at 4:00pm. Following the ceremonies
we journey back to Tours for dinner at our hotel where we are joined by guest
drivers.
JULY 9 Day 8 A morning departure for Charles de Gaule Airport in Paris. Please
see the paragraph for arrival and departure information.
Arrival & Departure:
Both arrival and departure airports are Charles de Gaule, Paris. Your pick up
schedule is Noon on July 2. Departing Charles de Gaule, we anticipate
arriving at the airport around 11:30am. For safety, schedule your departing
flight after 1:00pm. We can make Hotel arrangements for you in Paris should you
wish to arrive early or depart later than the tour dates.
Tour Date: July 2 – 9 8 days
Tour Price: $3,850 pp/twin occupancy $1,050 single supplement
Air not included
GOODWOOD ADDITION
‘FESTIVAL of SPEED’
June 29 – July 1 - 3 days
Join us in England for the incomparable
Goodwood Festival of Speed
Add-on Price: $1,485 pp/twin occ $650 single.supp
Arrival & Departure Airport: Heathrow, London
Air London to Paris included
There is no event quite like the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It is a gathering
of Racing Cars, Racing People and Racing Fans. Nowhere will you see historic
racecars alongside state of the art Formula 1machinery. It is a festival for the
senses. In the historic setting of Lord March’s Estate the cars rocket up the
hill to the applause of the crowds lining the route. More than a speed event it
is a celebration to the automobile. The Paddock Garages house these wonderful
machines and nowhere else can you walk around inspecting them, chatting to the
drivers and becoming part of the event.
June 29 Day 1 Noon pick up at London’s Heathrow International Airport. We
transfer by private coach to the south coast and the Marriott Hotel for the next
three nights. Reception and cocktails before dinner, we are joined by a guest
speaker.
June 30 Day 2 A full day at Goodwood. Included is entry to Bonhams Auction. We
are joined by Alain de Cadenet for a walkabout of the Paddock with an
opportunity to meet some of the drivers. Entry is also included to the Rally
Race section in the woods alongside the regular track. Dinner this evening at a
local Inn.
July 1 Day 3 The final runs today decide
the overall winners and while it is not considered a ‘racing’ event there is
still a definite edge to the competition. Once again we are joined by Alain de Cadenet. This evening dinner is at our hotel and we are joined by Brian Redman
who always has some interesting stories to tell.
July 2 – We return to London’s Heathrow and take a short flight to Paris to join
up with the Classic Le Mans group.