Spring 2009 Newsletter

At last our snowdrops are up and today (23 Jan) I saw the first crocuses.

First of all I hope that Christmas was splendid for you all and that 2009 will bring you all that you may wish for and a whole lot more. At least the dollar looks strong or the pound is weak.

Alain Chabanon

Alain Chabanon in his glorious vineyard in Languedoc. Remember this name - please.

The Preliminaries

Exchange Rates
The £/$ exchange relationship has improved dramatically in favour of the dollar. The dollar/Euro rates have also improved considerably. CONCLUSION: All other factors being equal Come to Europe and soon.

Credit Crunch
So let's look on the positive side - To get the fiscal engine turning over again many products and services are being discounted. Take advantage of these two factors.

Small Party or Group Travel
I raise this one every year. Obviously savings can be made and the greater the numbers the greater the savings. Many of my visitors are already taking advantage of these ideas. I would consider Smaller Parties being up to, say, 16 in number and Groups from 16 to 40 or multiples thereof.

My Web Site/s.
These remain as www.acteurotours.co.uk and www.libertyroad.com. Though they are a bit Cob Webby they still contain, in essence the services, which my teams and I are happy and very experienced to provide. Please have a look at them if time hangs heavy on your hands or even if not.

This is quite important

Driver Guiding
As many or most of you will know I have been doing this personally myself since 1985. Time's Winged Chariot continues its inexorable progress and I will be making some changes. Mainly I myself will only actually do the driving in exceptional circumstances. When not myself actually driving I will be available as guide and escort. Otherwise you may be sure that my tried and tested teams located in the UK, Ireland, France, Spain and Italy as well as in the Low Countries and Germany are all none but the best. For small party and group tours I will be available wherever possible.

Last Seasons Tours
During 2008 I have taken tours to Normandy and it's D-Day Beaches (a perennial favourite), Great Gardens and Stately Homes in England, The Highland Experience in Scotland, Ireland not forgetting Guinness's Brewery in Dublin, to Languedoc and Provence in France, to the West and the South West in Ireland and to many of the standard UK prime locations. Nothing Sub Prime I may assure you.

Italy . Should you need any guiding or advisory assistance you need look no further than my newest associate: CAROLE HIRSCHHORN. Carole lives almost slap-bang in the centre of Bella Italia. Contact her through me or direct at carole@hirs.fsnet.co.uk her website is: www.europe-guides.com.

Hoxton Inn London
Though with the dollar riding high budget accommodation in London is not so necessary BUT for the offspring or those of an adventurous spirit do have a look at: - www.hoxtonhotels.com. While it will suit many it will not suit the Ritz set. However She Who Must Be Obeyed and I stayed there a few weeks ago (and we are not exactly Spring Chickens). We found it inexpensive, clean, comfortable and alive. Excellent staff and it rates 8 out of 10 in our book. It is set in the Spitalfields area. This is the new BritArt scene and very lively.

Huertgen Forest German/Belgian Border Region
The location of a surprisingly little known battle between the defending German forces and the advancing US forces. It was the longest single battle that US forces have ever fought lasting from 19 Sep 44 to 10 Feb 45. The battleground comprises about 50 sq. miles just inside the German border between Belgium and Aachen. A visit to this very significant area can easily be combined with touring in the Rhineland area. Given a few extra days it is more than possible to head onwards to Berlin with homeward departures from the German capital.

Languedoc Wine
Should you wish to rent a large but simple house in Languedoc with its own vineyard and olive grove (in which the swimming pool is set). Some 20 minutes from the sea and about 20 miles from Alain Chabanon's vineyard then have a look at Philip Boulton's house to rent (yes he is my second son): www.ownersdirect.co.uk/france/FR760. Philip may indeed be considering selling the property. This could be a good opportunity for a bit of reasonably priced property acquisition.

Languedoc Wine
Remember Alain at the start. Now have a look at www.domainechabanon.com.

And Finally:

World War I (The Great War 1914 to 1918)
In common with most families throughout Britain and Ireland my family lost too many of its menfolk. I am building a tour around three of my closest relatives, one my 19 year old uncle see:- www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/boulton1, who were killed and are buried in the Somme area. This is not far from the where the US forces were heavily involved close to the Champagne region. I already have a working outline and will be more than happy to flesh this out for any of my American friends who may be interested. Think the USMC and Belleau Wood and Chateau Thierry. We would also visit Reims where General Eisenhower took the unconditional surrender of the Nazi forces in 1945. And Epernay is just a short drive away. Let's Go!

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