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Day 1 - Arrival - Dijon to Beaune
Welcome to Dijon. Our group will gather here in Dijon, the historical capital of Burgundy and travel to the first wine-growing region, the Cotes des Nuits, arriving late afternoon in the delightful city of Beaune.
After checking in to the charming Hotel de La Paix, it's time for our first tasting at Alex Gambel, a renowned winemaker who makes his wines in the artisanal manner-in small lots by hand. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers at L'Ecusson, one of the finest restaurants in the region. Jean-Pierre Senelet gives a warm Burgundy welcome to our group with his signature style, a masterful balance between the rustic flavors of Burgundy terroir and classic French cuisine.
 Day 2 - Cote de Beaune
This morning we are off visit the historic Chateau de Rocheport. A visit to this splendid fortress-castle offers a fascinating trip through the history of the Middle Ages.
For lunch today we visit the winery and restaurant of Domaine Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet. "La Table" is a small restaurant set on the 2nd story of an old village-house. Amid its cozy family atmosphere you will sample spectacular wines paired with a typical Burgundy lunch suitable for the tasting.
After lunch we will drive back to Beaune, and this afternoon we will enjoy a private tour of the famous Hospice de Beaune, which dates back to the 1500s. Every year a wine auction from the Hospice vineyards and cellars raises funds for the new hospital. Our tour includes a tasting in these ancient cellars. Tonight you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.
 Day 3 - Autun
Today we set off for the small village of Autun, founded during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus. One of the most impressive remains is that of the ancient theatre, one of the largest in the western part of the empire with a 17,000 seat capacity. After our tour feel free to wander the village and enjoy lunch on your own.
En route back to Beaune we will tour the Château de Sully, the largest estate in Burgundy, and home of the MacMahons, an Irish family since the 18th century. So how did an Irishman come to be the owner of a vast estate in the middle of Burgundy? You'll have to join us to find out!
Day 4 - Cote de Nuits & Nuits St. George
After a leisurely breakfast this morning we will travel through the countryside to the village of Nuits St. George. Some of France's most famous red wines come from this region of the La Côte de Nuits, made up of the narrow band of hills north of Beaune.
We'll visit Ferme Fruirouge, a well-known shop producing world famous mustards, jams and preserves. You'll have plenty of time to stroll the picturesque streets, or enjoy a late morning latte. Later we'll stop at Chateau du Clos de Vougeot and its mammoth 13th century winepresses. Enjoy lunch on your own today in Nuits St. George before an afternoon of tasting in the Cote de Nuits region.
Day 5 - Cluny
No trip to Burgundy is complete without a visit to the site of the historic monastery at Cluny, once seat of religious power in Europe. At it's height, over 1,000 monks were in residence. This area is known as the Cote Chaolnnaise and is home to both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production. We will have a tasting today with lunch at one of the region's premiere vineyards.
 Day 6 - Beaune
Saturday is market day in Beaune. There is time to stroll the two main plazas of the city center where vendor after vendor sells every-thing from fresh bread, fruits and vegetables to housewares and clothing. These merchants have been a part of European life since the Middle Ages. We'll enjoy a guided walk of the village.
Tonight we gather for a farewell dinner at Maison Champy. Founded in 1720, the Maison Champy was the first ever Wine House established in Burgundy. Some of the cellars owned by the company date from the 15th century.
Day 7 - Beaune - Dijon
This morning we leave early for the train station in Dijon and onward journeys back to Paris, and home.
Bon Voyage !!
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