Step into picture-book France, journeying from the half-timbered houses of Auxerre to the canals of Colmar. Guided by an expert tour leader, you’ll discover medieval towns, explore regal châteaux, walk sweeping vineyards and meet winemakers, ready to fill your glass with their premier produce. From first sip to final farewell, this full-bodied adventure is Burgundy and Alsace at their historic, beautiful best, made even richer by our local tour leader’s insider knowledge.
Activity Areas
Culture
New Cultural Holidays
Region & Country & City
Europe: France, Burgundy
Included in the Price
All accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels) - All breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners, two wine tastings and truffle experience - Immersive itinerary with all transport (private minibus and train) and listed activities - Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure - Arrival transfer available from the train station, group departure transfer available to the train station
Not Included In The Price
Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. Also, check out Discover Provence, which you can combine with this adventure.
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure begins in Auxerre
Begin your adventure in Auxerre, a historic Burgundian city on the Yonne River, where half-timbered houses stand alongside Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the Saint-Germain Abbey.
Around 6pm, say bonjour to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big French welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want more time in Auxerre or Paris? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Day 2 Tour the old city of Auxerre • Wine tasting and picnic in a Chablis vineyard • To Vézelay
Embark on a guided tour of Auxerre this morning with a local guide, in which we take time to admire the half-timbered houses of the old city. We also see the 15th-century clock tower and Saint-Germain Abbey, a monastic complex founded by Queen Clotilde in the fifth century.
We then transfer (20 minutes) to Chablis to visit Maison Brocard, a biodynamic vineyard still run by the Brocard family. Here, we enjoy a wine tasting and picnic lunch.
Afterwards, transfer (40 minutes) to the medieval town of Vézelay with time to explore. The abbey here is said to hold the remains of Saint Mary Magdalene, making it a major pilgrimage site and a traditional departure point for those hiking the Camino de Santiago.
Day 3 Tour the historic centre of Dijon • Wine tasting and tour at Château du Clos de Vougeot
Depart this morning for our transfer (1hr 30min) to Dijon. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed historic centre, seeing the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy, Notre-Dame Church, medieval streets, and historic townhouses.
After free time to lunch (your tour leader can provide recommendations), we drive (30 minutes) to Château du Clos de Vougeot, a castle founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks and now known as one of the premier vineyards in Burgundy. Take a tour with a local expert and enjoy a tasting of three wines.
Day 4 Tour the iconic Hospices de Beaune • Learn the secrets of truffle hunting
We drive (45 minutes) to the Hospices de Beaune this morning. Built as a hospital during the Middle Ages, this magnificent collection of gothic buildings is one of the most important historic monuments in France, while also being renowned for producing exceptional wines, which are sold at auction on the third Sunday in November. Join a local guide to witness the beauty of the buildings and learn all about their history and wine production.
After free time for lunch, transfer (20 minutes) to Maison aux Milles Truffes. Here, owner Thierry and his colleague Nicolas invite us to discover the fascinating world of truffles. After introducing us to their work and sharing truffle secrets, they take us into the grounds to demonstrate how truffle hunting is carried out with Taïga, their trained dog.
Day 5 Explore the canals and cobbled streets of Colmar
Bid adieu to Dijon this morning, as we take the train (1hr 45min) to Colmar, in the Alsace region. Mid-morning, we have a guided tour of this picturesque town of cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses, and Renaissance buildings.
It’s also a canal town, earning it the nickname Little Venice, and we take a private boat trip on the waters.
The afternoon is free for you to further explore. Options include exploring Colmar Covered Market by the Lauch River, visiting Unterlinden Museum, part of which is housed in a 13th-century convent, or exploring the Bartholdi Museum, where artist Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the Statue of Liberty, was born.
Day 6 Tour the highlights of the Alsace Wine Route
Embark on a drive down the Route des Vins d’Alsace today, passing historic vineyards and medieval villages.
Leaving at 9am, our first stop is Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, the largest castle in Alsace, which is gloriously perched high on a rocky plateau. After our tour, we drive to Kientzheim, a wine-growing village founded in the eighth century, where we meet winegrowers to learn about their work and take a 1hr 30min hike through the vineyards.
After lunch at Kientzheim, our return route takes us to the beautiful medieval villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. At the latter, we visit Maison Trimbach, a celebrated wine producer since 1626, which is now run by the 13th generation of the owning family.
This evening, we have a celebratory farewell dinner, an excellent chance to raise a toast to our adventure together.
Day 7 Adventure ends in Colmar
You’ve sampled world-leading wines with expert producers, toured grand châteaux, and explored some of the most beautiful towns in Europe, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
