Trip Overview

"Route des Grands Crus" and Côte d'Or

Our five night tour of the Burgundy region has been carefully orchestrated to incorporate the finer elements of France: fine wines (Pinot Noir), luxurious four star hotels, delightful cuisine, world class vineyards, a gentle rolling terrain, and a Burgundian "joie de vivre" that goes unsurpassed in all of France.

Burgundy is an ideal setting for a one week cycling tour, as we explore the best of the Cote d'Or and then head south touching the Cote Challonaise. While the terrain is rolling, the landscapes are breathtaking. This tour is designed with the "touring cyclist" in mind, as one can easily cycle any segment with a moderate amount of experience. Distances are limited to 25 - 40 miles per day, and all rides are fully supported. Our "cycle at your own pace" itinerary enables you to enjoy the wine, food, history and culture of Burgundy.

Highlights of this tour include a visit to Clos de Vougeot, the 15th century Hotel Dieu, medieval Chateau de la Rochepot and a private cellar wine tasting. If you're an oenophile you won't be disappointed. Wine tasting is a highlight of this tour and the history of wine in this region is a rich one. We hope you'll join us!!

What's Included

• Use of a Classic Adventures bicycle (Trek hybrid or road bike)
• A non-regimented, “cycle at your own pace itinerary” with an average of 35-45 miles per day with the option of additional or fewer miles. (Coast to Coast averages 75 mi. per day)
• Lodging in select country inns & hotels/motels.
• Daily breakfast & most dinners
• Full van support.
• Detailed maps, route descriptions, and cultural information on a daily basis.
• Most commercial transportation within the country of most tours. (See daily itineraries for specific transfer information).
• Friendly and experienced multi-lingual guides.
• Expert bicycle mechanics.
• Guided tours of selected historical destinations visited.
• Pre-departure information packet includes: tour specific info., reading list, packing list, training suggestions, riding tips, etc.
• All bicycles come equipped with trunk bag; rear rack; water bottles; lock; pump; spare tube; odometer/computer.

Daily Itinerary

"Route des Grands Crus" and Côte d'Or

Day 1. Rendezvous in Dijon, known for spicy mustard, then head to Gevrey-Chambertin for two nights. This town is truly an oenophile's delight, inspiring endless discussions of the best wines and their production. Of course, the best test is in the taste and you will have plenty of opportunities to sample. Bicycle fitting, short warm-up ride, and perhaps a visit a cave for wine tasting. Lodge at Hotel Les Grands Crus. (13 kms)

Day 2. Cycle world famous wine region of the Cote de Nuits following a portion of the Route of the "Grands Crus." Visit Clos de Vougeot, a veritable ocean of grapes covering 125 acres, and treat yourself to a Meursault, Pommard, Aloxe-Corton, or maybe one from Gevrey-Chambertin. Here the legendary Emperor Charlemagne once owned vineyards. Enjoy a visit to Abbaye de Citeaux, a magnificent church that dates back to 1140. This once powerful community boasts a rich and colorful history of conquest and influence throughout the centuries. Today, 35 monks honor the tradition of manual labor and offer their products to the public, including their famous cheese and candies. (33 or 48 kms)

Day 3. On our way to historic Beaune we'll visit small cobblestone villages. Visit the Hotel-Dieu, a 15th century hospital, noted for its colorful and ornately tiled roof. The wine capital of the Burgundy, Beaune is a wonderful village nestled inside thick 14th century walls that hearken back to an earlier age. You will have ample opportunity to sample the extraordinary wines of this region during our stay in this delightful village. Lodge in Beaune at the four star Hotel Le Cep for three consecutive nights. (30 or 50 kms)

Day 4. Optional loop ride, highlighted by picturesque villages and sunbathed landscapes. Meadows of flowers and shimmering wheat fields will delight the senses. Peruse the historic town of Beaune. Sample some of the finest pastry shops in all of France. Tasting the local wine is sure to please. (54 kms)

Day 5. Loop ride from Beaune, heading further south into the Cote Challonaise. Today we'll be accompanied by the white Charolais cow! Visit Chateau de la Rochepot, an excellent example of Burgundian and medieval architecture. (50 kms)

Day 6. After breakfast a short transfer to the Beaune train station. Opt to extend your visit to this lovely region, or return to Paris via the high speed train.

Dates & Prices 2012

"Route des Grands Crus" and Côte d'Or

6 days / 5 nights

(includes 3 dinners, all breakfasts, 2 wine-tastings)

June 10 - 15	$2,789.00
September 23 - 28	$2,789.00

Tour Map

"Route des Grands Crus" and Côte d'Or