Contact
Great Explorations

(800) 242-1825
(604) 730-1247

• Contact Information
• Registration Form
• Request a Catalogue
• Sign up for our Newsletter

• Itinerary
• Hotels
• PDF Version of this itinerary

Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
June 14-20
July 6-12
September 1-7

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

2009
June 13-19
July 5-11
August 31-Sept 6

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Dijon/Beaune

Accommodations:

Hotel le Grand Crus, Gevrey-Chambertin

Hotel des Remparts, Beaune

Le Montrachet, Pilugny-Montrachet

Activity Level:

Moderate
20-40+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

1 day gently rolling, 3 days are moderately rolling, 1 day hilly

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2250
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $400

Bike Rental:
US $140

Burgundy, Biking

Touring in Wine Country

Burgundy was once the richest of the ancient duchies in France and continues to exhibit wealth brought about by the popularity of its wine. Cycling small vineyard lanes and quiet country roads, where the only traffic you'll encounter might be a tractor bringing in the harvest, is the best way to see the countryside here. Picturesque villages are filled with wine cellars inviting degustations and tiny restaurants with winemakers' lunches where you'll enjoy food that is superbly prepared. We have been cycling in Burgundy for over 15 years now, and know the region intimately. From the many Flemish-style chateaux to the extraordinary Hospice de Beaune, the treasures of Burgundy are numerous.

Itinerary

Getting there :
Dijon: Most participants will arrive from Paris by train the evening before our departure. We have recommendations for excellent hotels in the historical district of Dijon.

DAYS 1+2:
Gevrey-Chambertin - Our trip starts after a short transfer to one of the premier towns in the center of Grand Crus wine. We'll ride to a tiny village for lunch, and then visit the Chateau of Gevrey-Chambertin, with a private tasting of their Grand Crus wine. On our second day here, we'll ride through the flat farmlands to the Abbaye de Citeaux, where monks still make their famous cheese. We'll finish the day with a visit to the Clos de Veugot, and ride past vineyards including Romanee Conti and other prestigious estates.

DAYS 3+4:
Beaune - We'll make our way south, enjoying lunch at one of our favorite auberges in the region, before entering Beaune, our home for the next two days. We stay at a charming 3-star hotel within the ramparts of the old city, and dine out at acclaimed restaurants, where the wine lists are as extensive as the menus. On our second day here, we'll take a historical tour of Beaune including a visit to the extraordinary Hospice de Beaune. For cycling you can choose between several rides (flat or hilly, short or long- your choice).

DAYS 5+6:
Puligny-Montrachet - Continuing south, we'll ride a route which will have us stopping in the famous wine village of Pommard, and then to St. Romain where we'll visit tonneliers (barrel makers) to learn this ancient craft. In Puligny-Montrachet, we'll stay at a 3-star hotel in the center close to shops and restaurants. On our final day of riding we'll climb to Chateau la Rochepot, perched in a verdant valley surrounded by vineyards. Afterwards we'll be hosted by a wine-maker for a wonderful lunch in Puligny-Montrachet, and then coast back to our hotel and final evening celebrations.

DAY 7: Depart at your leisure from Beaune train station.