© 2008 Intimate France
14 April 2008
Hallowed ground for wine lovers - Book it!
12 days - May 17-29, 2009
Tour begins and ends in Lyon
$3,895* per person, double occupancy - Singles, add $450
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Detailed Itinerary * Day 1 (Sunday, May 17) Our tour begins at 9:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Hôtel Kyriad, Lyon airport. After a one-hour drive, we arrive in the charming village of Solutré-Pouilly, which spreads at the base of the impressive, soaring peak called Solutré. The regional prehistory museum here explains how ancient humans hunted and lived. Later, after passing through the wine-growing village of Chardonnay, we check into our country inn, the Montagne de Brancion, our home for the next two nights. After visiting the charming village of Brancion, we have DINNER at our hotel. OVERNIGHT – BRANCION * Day 2 (Monday, May 18) We begin our day with an orientation to Burgundy and to our tour. Then, after a stop at lofty Mont St. Romain to enjoy its sweeping views, it's on to Cluny, site of the Middle Ages' most influential abbey. Later, after a stopover at Taizé, a modern religious community, we tour the imposing renaissance Château de Cormatin. At the end of the day, enjoy free time or take an optional trip to see the lovely riverside town of Tournus. Back at our inn, we have DINNER. OVERNIGHT – BRANCION * Day 3 (Tuesday, May 19) Today we move north, into the heart of Burgundy. It's a 90-minute drive to Beaune, the most beautiful town in the region. Arriving in the late morning, we check into the Hôtel Athénor, in the heart of old Beaune, then gather for LUNCH and a stroll through the old streets. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy some of the sights that Beaune has to offer, including a visit to the famed Hospice of Beaune and the Marché aux Vins, where wine tasting is in order. OVERNIGHT – BEAUNE * Day 4 (Wednesday, May 20) Today we explore one of this region's two premier wine areas – the Côte de Nuits, north of Beaune. It's your chance to taste some of the world's greatest red wines and to view the lush vineyards and lovely villages. After a tour of the imposing Château du Clos de Vougeot and free time in the wine town of Nuits St. Georges, we explore the pretty back country north of Beaune and visit the venerable wine producer at les Pressoirs des Ducs de Bourgogne. OVERNIGHT – BEAUNE * Day 5 (Thursday, May 21) We continue our education into the region's famed wines today with an excursion into hallowed ground – the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, source of some of the most prized whites in France. After touring the imposing Château de la Rochepôt, we enjoy a memorable LUNCH with wine at La Table de Olivier Leflaive. Returning to Beaune in the afternoon, we may want to visit the city's wine museum, or walk the intact city walls. OVERNIGHT – BEAUNE * Day 6 (Friday, May 22) Dijon is more than a place to buy mustard. It's the ancient stronghold of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy and a stately city with a proud past. We visit the Old Town and the fabulous Palace of the Dukes, including its Fine Arts Museum. There's plenty of time for individual exploration of Dijon – including some shopping – and to enjoy lunch before we head back to Beaune at the end of the day. OVERNIGHT – BEAUNE * Day 7 (Saturday, May 23) The Saturday morning market at Beaune is one of the best in Burgundy. We enjoy the colorful stalls and street activity, and shop for a PICNIC LUNCH. Then it's off through the beautiful countryside to ancient Vézelay, site of one of Europe's most beautiful churches, the Basilica of Vézelay, where St. Bernard preached the Second Crusade in 1146. Later we pass through the town of Saulieu and stop for a drink at the impressive hotel, le Relais de Bernard Loiseau. OVERNIGHT – BEAUNE * Day 8 (Sunday, May 24) We say goodbye to Beaune and head east. Via the old Abbey of Citeaux, mother abbey of the Christian order known as Cistercians, we come to stately, riverside Dôle. Following lunch, we come to the mountain village of Arbois, and the comfortable hotel of Jean-Paul Jeunet. OVERNIGHT – ARBOIS * Day 9 (Monday, May 25) Arbois makes a fine excursion center. Nearby is the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Sénans, where engineers made an ill-fated attempt to remove salt from the area's abundant spring waters in the 18th century. Then it's on to the resort town of Salins-les-Bains, with its fine riverside setting. Via some of France's most pleasing scenery – steep-walled valleys called réculées – we return to Arbois and prepare for DINNER at our hotel (two Michelin stars) – perhaps the best meal of our trip. OVERNIGHT – ARBOIS * Day 10 (Tuesday, May 26) We head south again, toward Lyon. Our first stop is the gorgeous village of Pérouges, which sits proudly on the list of France's most beautiful villages. After lunch we arrive in Lyon and check into our city-center hotel. After a break, enjoy a walking tour of the old city. OVERNIGHT – LYON * Day 11 (Wednesday, May 27) Lyon is France's bustling, exhilarating second city, and we get to know it today. Our first visit is to the Museum of Fabric and Decorative Arts, chronicling the city's pre-eminent position as the historical center of fabric in France. In the afternoon, we take in the paintings and sculpture of the Museum of Fine Arts, considered one of the best in France. DINNER is at a bouchon – a typical Lyon restaurant. OVERNIGHT – LYON * Day 12 (Thursday, May 28) We delve into old Lyon today as we make a walking visit of the city's historical heart. The twisting medieval streets west of the Saone River are connected with curious traboules – covered passageways that allowed workers to carry bolts of silk cloth (Lyon's most lucrative product in days gone by) without getting them wet. Then, climbing the hill to the Fourvières district, we visit the pilgrimage church of Notre Dame de Fourvières. Later we tour the Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization and come to understand the importance of the city (originally called Lugdunum) to the Romans. After an exceptional LUNCH, there is time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing in Lyon. OVERNIGHT – LYON * Getaway day (Friday, May 29) It's time to say au revoir to Burgundy with a flight to the U.S.- or on to new and even more exotic destinations! Notes MEALS – All tours include breakfast and eight other meals (lunches and dinners), as indicated on the itinerary.
OUR HOTELS Montagne de Brancion, Brancion Hôtel Athanor, Beaune. Jean-Paul Jeunet, Arbois. Hôtel la Résidence, Lyon
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS – Subject to change according to availability.
* TOUR PRICING – Price quoted is based on the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate as of 3/27/08 and could change if there are significant exchange rate fluctuations. Call us for details - (800) 676-1247.
ITINERARY – Details of this preliminary itinerary could change. A final itinerary will be issued at time of trip departure.
SIGHTSEEING – All sightseeing listed in itinerary is included as part of the tour.
FLEXIBILITY – Because of our small group size, we are able to offer unusual flexibility in itinerary and visits. Tell us what you want! |
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