Bicycle among the land of full-bodied reds and supple white wines, the endless rows of vineyards, the green rolling hills, the wooded slopes, and the grazing Charolais cattle on a bountiful generous land; just some of the images evoked when one thinks of Burgundy.
Burgundian are also faithful to the traditions of earlier generations, with a warm and generous hospitality for the visitor--here, a guest eats and drinks very well indeed; thus bringing honor to the host's table. In the spirit of the local traditions of hospitality, we bring you the best of Burgundy.
Days 1-2: Le Gran Cru
Daily bike rides from one world renowned wine producer to the next. Stop and raise a glass in a dark cool wine cellar such as the 12th-c Chateau du Clos de Vougeot. Enjoy influential Abbey Cîteaux and discover tiny villages associated closer to Napoléon than wine.
Days 3-4: Delicious Liqueurs and Ancient Cultures
Emerge into a terrain separated by vast fields of sunflower,grain and colzat flowers that create a blazing golden hue, while the forest provides contrast in color and relief. Learn about the ancient Gallo-Roman culture and pause to taste the delicious fruit liqueurs made from local berries.
Days 5-7: Beaune to Cluny Abbey
Meanders through the forests and fields to Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a private tour of the city and the traditional market. Saone River Valley and the nearby hills of the Cote Chalonnaise inspire contemplation. Soon robust red wine country and soon after, viola, the land of superlative whites. Then explore Cluny and tour the Benedictine Abbey of 909A.D., once the grandest, most prestigious monastic institution in Europe
Inclusions
Not included
Burgundy has long been a crossroad of Northern Europe and thus benefited from so many cultures. Here the Celtic peoples first learned to make wine barrels from the oak, which grew in abundance in their forests. Centuries later its the full-bodied reds and supple white wines, endless vineyards, green rolling hills, wooded slopes, grazing Charolais cattle on a bountiful and generous land that are the images evoked when one thinks of Burgundy. Burgundians are also faithful to the traditions of earlier generations with a warm and generous hospitality for the visitor--a guest here eats and drinks very well indeed, thus bringing honor to the host's table. In the spirit of the local traditions of hospitality, we bring you the best of Burgundy while staying at small friendly inns and dining at some of the best tables the region has to offer.
Upon meeting you in Dijon be dressed to ride to the charming wine-making village of Gevrey-Chambertin. You'll pass along the grand Cru vineyards and discover tiny villages such as Fixin which has the peculiarity from other villages in that it prefers to be associated with Napoléon rather than with the excellent wine production. Our trail leads us through the vineyards and into Fixey, for a visit of a 10th-century Romanesque chapel, the oldest chapel in Burgundy. Visit a local wine cellar for a wine tasting, in anticipation of a difficult choice to made at dinner tonight.
Lodgings: For two nights at a wonderful 3 -star.
Ride from one world renowned wine village to the next with several opportunities to stop and raise a glass in some dark cool wine cellar such as the 12th-century Château du Clos de Vougeot. Enjoy the history of how the Cistercian monks from the nearby Abbey of Cîteaux first made wine then explore the villages of the world's most exclusive wine, and visit such domains as Clos de la Tache and Romanée-Conti. Then end the day with a special tasting of five or six wines in a vaulted candle-lighted room under the streets
Climb up to the Hautes Côtes, a rural setting left virtually unchanged for generations. Then emerge into a terrain much different from that of the vineyards we left behind. The remote villages we encounter are separated by vast fields of sunflower, grain and colzat flowers and creates a blazing golden hue to the land as the forest provide contrast in color and relief. Learn about the ancient Gallo-Roman culture and then in the village of Echevronne we pause to taste the delicious fruit liqueurs produced from local red currant berries, blackberries and raspberries.
We return to a private city tour of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, afterwards freely enjoying the traditional market day, as the two main plazas fill with vendors selling everything from fresh bread, fruits and vegetables to house wares and clothing a part of European life since the Middle Ages.
We pedal south leaving Beaune through the wine villages of Meursault and Puligny Montrachet to Remigny where we follow the canal tow-path towards Chalon-sur-Saone and through woodland to Dracy and Givry. You'll enjoy your time looking round this charming little town with ornate Renaissance gateway. Afterwards we commence our journey along the Voie Verte cycle track, the old railway, arriving in Buxy for lunch with time to explore the picturesque medieval town.
Then a short ride further on the Voie Verte to St Boil. We stop to visit the Cycle Museum leaving Cormatin or visit Cormatin Château with richly decorated interior to rival the Palace of Versailles. Then a tour of the Abbey in charming Cluny is matched by a grand farewell dinner is enjoyed.
Lodgings: 2 nights in a 3-star in village center.
Transfers to Dijon
The following is a list of train schedules for transportation to and from the tour start and end locations. Train departure times and tracks are subject to change, so verify before boarding.
*Meeting your tour by train if not staying in Dijon:
Trains from Paris to Dijon (tour start): ~1.5 hours
Paris Gare de Lyon.....10:34am; arrival Dijon.... 12:12pm
From Lyon: ~1.5 hours
#Lyon Part Dieu ....09:54 am; arrival Dijon... 11:35 am
5 star converted castle In the XVIIth century, the 51st abbot of Cîteaux, decided to have a pleasant pleasure house built for the abbots on the remains of the fortress. In just a few years, the château was transformed into a spacious residence with delicate and precious decoration.
Free WiFi with accommodations attractively located in the Beaune City Center, steps to all of the local attractions
Enjoy the timeless luxury of Domaine Pont Juillet. Rooms and suites decorated individually offering you a prestigious and unique setting. Discover its luxurious suites and rooms, park, outdoor swimming pool and its vaulted wine cellar…
*Please note: while these hotels are typically featured, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality due to availability. Please call us if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.
DAY-TO-DAY DISTANCES & HIGHLIGHTS
All the towns & lodgings we stay are highlights in themselves
KEEP IT PRIVATE ON AN EXISTING TOUR or CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
If you have at least 6 participants we can keep it private on any of our sheduled tours or on an alternative date (subject to availability). For less than 6, prices may vary and for more than 12 discounts may apply.
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Sometimes a custom trip is participating in one of our exisitng trips on a private basis with a few alterations to trip length, activity level, or adding some side trips. Other times we get to work to create a unique itinerary specific to your groups desires or budget. We then use our expertise to organize a tour especially tailored to your vision.
The first thing we do is get to know you a little. We learn your interests and preferences, find out who’s going and why. Family, friends or associates? Birthday, reunion or corporate retreat? When you speak with our tour designer he/she will work together with you to design a trip that is sure to create great anticipation and excitement for all.
