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BURGUNDY: The Treasures of Burgundy

Beaune, Hôtel-Dieu
Vineyard at la Roche de Solutré
Wine tasting in Meursault
Auxerre, the Clock Tower
Vezelay, Moses and Paul Milling
Dinner with local friends

The Treasures of Burgundy

8 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS

Pick a date, make it yours

In Burgundy fine wine is only the beginning of the treasures. It was for centuries a vast duchy, larger and more powerful than France. Its dukes sponsored artists and architects, medieval religious communities built impressive churches, generations of monks patiently cultivated vines and improved techniques of fermentation and aging to create great vintages.
Burgundians are proud of their ancient heritage, but they also delight in the treasures of Burgundy today. Just as history buffs and art lovers appreciate the region's cultural treasures, outdoor enthusiasts seek out its rich forests and waterways, its hiking trails and towpaths. And everyone enjoys tasting the specialties of local chefs, who have always been noted for their fine regional dishes.

BURGUNDY

  • HIGHLIGHTS:
    • Dijon, known for art, elegance . . . and mustard!
    • Beaune, heart of the Burgundy region, storehouse of historic treasures.
    • Vézelay, magnificent hilltop Romanesque basilica.
    • Villages and vineyards renowned for their fine wines, among them Chablis, Pommard and Meursault.
    • Wine cellars in picturesque villages - wine tasting with local vintners.
    • Fontenay and other medieval monasteries where early monks pioneered wine production.
    • Meet local wine makers and taste their wines.
    • Some of the finest regional cuisine in France.
    • Sample mouth-watering cuisine.

 

Day 1: (Lodging near Beaune)

  • Arrival day,
    • Your guides will meet you at the train station in Dijon.
    • Drive through the vineyards of Burgundy's Côte-d'Or to your lodgings in a comfortable, family-run Lodging near Beaune.
    • Check in, rest, or take a short country stroll in the village.
    • Meet the group to share an apéritif and discuss plans for your stay in Burgundy.

 

Day 2: (Lodging near Beaune)

Beaune, wine tasting

  • Morning
    • Guided tour of Beaune's fascinating and strikingly colorful Hôtel-Dieu. From the 15th century until recently it served as a charitable hospital; now it is an impressive repository of art and mementos of customs and medical practices in medieval Burgundy.
  • Afternoon
    • Free time to explore Beaune and/or walk in the vineyards.
    • Wine tasting
  • Evening
    • Dinner in Beaune.

 

Day 3: (Lodging near Beaune)

Guided walking tour of Dijon

  • Morning
    • Guided walking tour of Dijon, ancient capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, including Dijon's Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the old town. Optional visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, considered second only to the Louvre for the excellence of its collections.
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon
    • Free time to browse independently. Not to be missed: Moutarde Maille, the factory shop of the company that makes Grey Poupon and other mustards.
    • En route back to our Lodging near Beaune, visit the historic Clos de Vougeot, built by Cistercian monks in 12th century. It is surrounded by magnificent vineyards and houses prestigious cellars and collections of wine presses from the Middle Ages.
  • Late afternoon
    • Visit to a small blackcurrant liquor production.

 

Day 4: (Lodging near Beaune)

Travel to southern Burgundy

  • Morning
    • Travel to southern Burgundy. Visit the medieval town of Tournus, where a local guide will explain the history and special details of the 10th-century Saint-Philibert Abbey.
  • Lunch
    • Lunch followed by a walk in the old feudal market town of Brancion, perched on a spur overlooking deep ravines, and the tiny village of Chapaize.
  • Afternoon
    • Guided tour of the château of Cormatin, a jewel dating from the beginning of the 17th century. Stroll in its gardens and walk through its romantic maze.
  • Evening
    • Dinner

 

Day 5: (Lodging near Beaune)

Châteauneuf, Pommard, Volnay and Meursault

  • Morning
    • Start the day with a visit to the vineyards near Pommard, Volnay and Meursault and taste some of Burgundy's most prestigious wines.
    • Later, visit the beautiful château and village of La Rochepot.
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon
    • 2 options: Free time or visit to the medieval village and château of Châteauneuf.
  • Evening
    • Dinner

 

Day 6: (Lodging near Beaune)

Abbey of Fontenay, Flavigny or Semur

  • Morning
    • Guided tour of the tranquil Abbey of Fontenay, oldest surviving Cistercian foundation in France. Its beautiful Romanesque church reflects the spirit of order and simplicity.
  • Lunch
    • Lunch in Flavigny or Semur-en-Auxois.
  • Afternoon
    • 2 options: Free time in Flavigny or Semur, return to our Lodging near Beaune.

 

Day 7: (Lodging near Beaune)

Auxerre, Vézelay

  • Morning
    • Drive to Auxerre for a late-morning guided tour of the old town, famous for its picturesque houses, its cathedral dominating the skyline above the Yonne River, its waterfront and fascinating little shops.
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the hilltop basilica of Sainte-Madeleine in Vézelay, a Romanesque masterpiece designated by UNESCO as an international treasure.

 

Day 8:

Au revoir to Burgundy.

  • Morning
    • Tour ends after breakfast. Your guides will drive you to Dijon, where you can take the train back to Paris and your fight home, or to your next destination.

 

What our travelers say about Burgundy

  • "I would recommend this tour: Good value and an opportunity for rich experiences. Highlights were the visits to vineyards and the two wine tastings. Also the cathedral at Auxerre."
    • J.M., Florida
  • "I was so impressed with all of the information you included (in the packet). I have been so busy with work that I am even more thankful that everything for the trip has been taken care of."
    • K.K, California
  • "I enjoyed everything. Each day had some memorable highlight. There was plenty of variety. Enjoyed dinner with "natives."
    • S.S, Washington
  • Judie and Alain were both wonderful guides! Appreciated the diverse gifts each brought to our adventure. Judie's empathy, charm and sense of humor lubricated all our activities... Alain's driving precision and expertise allowed us access to places where large tour buses dare not go! Thanks so much for a memorable week. ....
    • E. N. Saudi Arabia