Sun 31st May 2009 Diano Marina Home to Beaune

Here we go again, up at 03:30 to begin the journey to the Italian Riviera.
I have pick-ups in Petersfield, Liphook and Guildford. It doesn't take me very long to pick everybody up and we are away from Guildford 15 minutes early. Not surprising really as I only have 12 passengers!
Eight weeks ago when the balances were due for this holiday I had 16 people and didn't know whether to stick or twist. I twisted! My thinking was that I had priced the holiday on a lower number (20) and could just about go with 16 and hope we had some late bookings as is quite often the case.
Wrong! It went the other way and we lost 4 after I had accepted some of the balances. I couldn't cancel then and didn't want to disappoint those who had booked so decided to press on with the tour.
So here I am with my dozen chums and a big bus on the road to Italy!
We have a short comfort stop on our way to Folkestone and arrive in plenty of time to have a break before our shuttle at 09:20. It is very quiet in the terminal and we are the only coach here. I think the tunnel is still struggling in the aftermath of the fire with many people booking on the ferry instead.
It is a long drive today to Beaune in France's Burgandy region. We leave Calais at 11:00 and aftert a couple of stops arrive in Beaune at 18:45!
Our hotel, the Tulip Athenor, is situated in the heart of this gorgeous town and close to many restaurants, cafes and bars. For this reason we are staying on a bed and breakfast basis allowing the group to sample the flavours of Beaune.
It is busy in the restaurants as I walk around looking for a nice place to enjoy my dinner. I choose a restaurant in the main square and enjoy a pint of beer for £6.80 and an average meal for a further £34.00! I was going to have a half bottle of wine but changed my mind when I saw it would cost me £33.00!
Am very tired so it is straight to bed after my dinner.