Arsenal v Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium
On home-turf at the magnificent Emirates Stadium, Arsenal took on Liverpool for the second time in four days. Five carte blanche holders and their guests were greeted on arrival at their Executive Box with a traditional hot breakfast before enjoying the match out on the seated balcony. Champagne, beer and refreshments were enjoyed throughout a tense 1-1 draw, with three of Arsenal’s ex-players also joining the group in the box to provide valuable insight on the match!
"I attended the Arsenal v Liverpool premier league match in April of this year with a colleague courtesy of Carte Blanche. We were Manchester City and Liverpool fans respectively so were not cheering that strongly for Arsenal! The 1:1 draw was a result Liverpool were clearly happier about than Arsenal too. We had fantastic seats and hospitality in one of the executive boxes. I particularly enjoyed the full English breakfast and meeting some of the Arsenal greats from yesteryear. Many thanks for the opportunity."
Derek Moir
"As a lifelong Arsenal fan it was a great experience to be treated to such levels of hospitality at the Emirates Stadium. But when our guest hosts arrived including Charlie George, a boyhood hero, the day went from great to special!".
Tobias Haines
Formula One Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Eurostar Frequent Traveller secured prestigious VIP access to the Belgium Grand Prix for four carte blanche holders and their guests in September. Guests were taken into the circuit by executive transfer before feasting on a full breakfast, open bar, and later a gourmet lunch with fine wines. With access to the pit lane and grandstand seats, guests were at the very heart of the action in the most exclusive surroundings.
"As a Frequent Traveller back and forward Brussels-London free time is rare. So when I can spend some quality time with my little son over the weekend that's a fantastic gift. Not to mention I was delighted to be invited to the Belgian Grand Prix 2008 by the Eurostar team. It always was a boys' dream to be a F1 champion. Now father and son were treated like real VIPs in and around the F1 race track in Francorchamps. What a day, what a comfortable way to enjoy one of the most spectacular sports events in the world. The smell of race cars, nice food and drinks, we were ready to watch Felipe Massa win in a spectacular race. In brief, it was a very pleasant Sunday indeed in the company of some nice Eurostar staff. Thanks so much for the invitation. We enjoyed the trip so much."
Lieven Van Overbeke
"I had never won any competition before, so I was delighted to find out that I had won an amazing prize, which happened to be on the same day as my birthday! We received a real VIP treatment and it was really nice to be spoiled with breakfast, 3 courses lunch, Mumm Champaign all day and prime view of the race, including a walk to the paddocks."
Elena Crasta
Champagne Tour
At the end of September, nine carte blanche holders were treated to an exclusive two-day visit to the beautiful Champagne region. Guests visited three Champagne houses to see how Champagne was produced – from a visit to the vineyards, the distilleries and the cellars to the final bottling production line. The highlight of the trip was a private visit to the Abbey of Hautvillers and a tasting with Dom Perignon’s current cellar master, Richard Geoffroy. This was followed by a magnificent lunch at Dom Perignon’s Epernay Headquarters, a building originally built to entertain Napoleon.
"While I am a seasoned tourer of 'pipes and barrels' through my packaging design work for many alcoholic brands at Lewis Moberly , the extraordinary private tasting at Dom Perignon completely blew me away - a real emotional high point of a sublime and privileged two day tour of Champagne as a lucky winner of a Eurostar Carte Blanche competition. Astonishing wines - 2000, a rose, 1995, 1975 and 1971 - and the chef de cave, Richard Geoffroy, is an example of a man at the top of his profession - confidence without arrogance and with a wicked sense of adventure when it comes to making champagne. I also loved his attendants who poured the champagne wearing black suits and white gloves - very 'luxe', very LVMH! What a wonderful way to start the recession with a big pop!"
Hilary Boys
"The Eurostar tour of Champagne was simply amazing. For two days we were treated like royalty, enjoying some of the best wine and food from the region and learning about the intricacies of Champagne in the company of some interesting and knowledgeable people."
Scott Laporte
"The trip unravelled the mysteries and science behind champagne. And the opportunity to try extraordinary vintages beyond the reach of mortals was the chance of a lifetime - it will never taste the same again."
Peter Emrys-Roberts
"I would like to thank Eurostar again for organizing such a splendid event. Not only we could visit incredible "maison de champagne", but Eurostar opened the doors of exclusive places in the Champagne region to test some amazing vintages... The all event was magificently managed by talented people form Eurostar. Once again Bravo!"
David Prieur
Roland Garros French Open
A highlight of the sporting calendar, nine carte blanche holders and their guests were treated to fine hospitality and centre-court seats at the Roland Garros French Open in June, enjoying full VIP treatment throughout the day alongside all the exciting action on court.
"As travelling with Eurostar within the Carte Blanche programme immediately makes me think of travelling in comfort, style, I did expect this Roland Garros French Open invitation would be in the line of these values, but the event exceeded all expectations!The programme of the day was carefully selected by Eurostar to make the event become a really unforgettable first class experience. I would definitely sign in again if a similar invitation would turn up!"
Thomas Van der Spiegel
"My wife and I would like to thank Eurostar for organizing and hosting such a wonderful day for us last June at the prestigious Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, during the first week of the 2008 French Open. Not only were we able to watch some exciting matches involving superstar players such as Nadal and Djokovic, among others, but we were also treated to a delicious lunch at the restaurant within the beautiful surroundings of the Country Club. Furthermore, it was a great opportunity to meet other members of the Eurostar Frequent Traveller programme in such an exciting venue."
Mike Househam
Traces du Sacré at Centre Pompidou
To celebrate one of the major cultural events of the year, Eurostar Frequent Traveller hosted a private view of the Traces du Sacré exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. This broad selection of paintings, sculptures, installations and videos brought together some 350 major works – many of them never seen in France – by almost 200 artists of international renown. Thirty carte blanche holders and their guests were welcomed with Champagne and canapés before moving on to a one hour guided tour of the exhibition.
"After enjoying some delightful canapes and a glass or two of wine overlooking the grand entrance of the Centre Pompidou, we were escorted by a private guide around the Traces du Sacre exhibition. The knowledge of our guide was exceptional and his insight into the vast work represented (including Picasso, Munch and Damien Hurst!) was fascinating. A real cultural treat and a great way to spend an weekday evening!"
Anon
Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall
Battling the wind and the cold in early February, five carte blanche holders and their guests were treated to the warmth and grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall for a jaw-dropping performance of Varekai by Cirque du Soleil. Guests were treated to Champagne and canapés in the privacy of a Grand Tier box before enjoying the beautiful choreography, strength, skill and bravery of the infamous French-Canadian performers.
Mark & Jan Dixon
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