Vineyard Vistas: A Wine Odyssey Through France and Italy

Rome Antica

Make your way to a central meeting point in the city where your private local historian guide will greet you. After introductions, together set out for a charming day in the heart of the empire exploring the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum (*according to ticketing availability).

Your tour begins from the gates of the Colosseum, the most iconic site of Ancient Rome. Here, at the world's largest standing amphitheater, you’ll learn about the gladiatorial shows and public spectacles that took place almost two thousand years ago. Feel free to ask your guide in-depth questions about the construction of this wonder and the role it played in society, politics, religion and history.

Next, you’ll make our way down the exciting main street of Ancient Rome, Via Sacra, and marvel at the major sites in the city center, including the Curia (senate house), and the temples, triumphal arches, and basilicas around the historical Forum Square.

Afterwards, you explore Palatine Hill, one of the sites where the city first began, and delve into the legend of its founding in 753 B.C. by emperor Romulus. By the end of this four-hour tour, you’ll have a deeper knowledge of the rise and decline of one of history's most pivotal empires–and the many historical figures who once walked the streets of Rome.

Rest of Day at Leisure

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Relax and unwind at your accommodation or set out for your own discovery of the area.

Check out of your accommodation and meet your private driver who will transfer you to the Rome train station for your departing coach.

Rail Journey - Rome to Florence
Comfort Class Tickets

Welcome to Florence! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Introduction to Florence with Michelangelo's David

Later today, enjoy an introductory walking tour of Florence's main attractions with a private guide. We will use Michelangelo as a somewhat familiar point of reference to explore the rich art and history of the renaissance capital. As you stroll through the city's historic center on your way to the Accademia Gallery, you will learn about the many historical figures who once walked these same streets.

Today you will experience Michelangelo Buonarroti's impact on the Florentine Renaissance in a new light. Your introduction to the city begins with Piazza della Repubblica, which has a long history as Florence's commercial center during the Roman Era. Continue on through the center of the city to the Piazza della Signoria, which was the political epi-center of Renaissance Florence. Next, marvel at the most important landmark in Florence, and Brunelleschi's masterpiece, the iconic Duomo.

Arriving at the Accademia Gallery, circle the impressive exterior and discuss with your guide the importance of this fourth largest cathedral in the world. As you make your way inside with pre-arranged tickets, you’ll learn about the life of Michelangelo in Florence and how his techniques forever changed the way that artists and sculptors would approach their craft. Discuss Michelangelo’s early years and career under the patronage of the powerful Medici family, and admire the statue of David, the artist's masterpiece and consummate symbol of the Florentine Renaissance

Additional Options for Day 3

Hotel Balestri - Superior Room

The Balestri is a 4-star boutique hotel with a great atmosphere overlooking the River Arno. In the Santa Croce area, it is but a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery. The communal areas of the hotel have an elegant and nostalgic mood with Art Deco-style furniture, large windows, vaulted ceilings, large mirrors and marble flooring. Drinks and light snacks are served in the bar area with comfortable seating. Thanks to the recent restyling, the rooms over five floors are spacious and elegantly furnished, having received great attention to detail and every kind of comfort. Many offer privileged views of Florence, with the most exclusive having romantic private terraces overlooking the river.

Hotel Lungarno - Lungarno Double

50 years since its first inauguration, Hotel Lungarno has been completely renewed and reopened its doors after six months of renovation. Without sacrificing its charm, the blue, white and leather found in its lobby reflect the style of an elegant boat swaying on the Arno with the Ponte Vecchio as its backdrop. Our living room suspended over the river provides space for private rendezvous only steps away from the Borgo San Jacopo 1 Star Michelin restaurant, where you can experience masterful, world class gastronomy right in the heart of Florence.  And like any elegant boat, its fascination perseveres throughout the corridors, full of stories to tell. The recently improved hotel art collection includes more than 450 art works.

Chianti Classico Prestige: The Essence of Tuscan Winemaking

This morning, after breakfast, join your guide at your accommodation. Today, unveil the splendor of the Chianti Classico region, a landscape painted with the vineyards of nobility and the essence of Tuscan winemaking prestige. This is where tradition and excellence converge, creating an unparalleled experience.

Your Cellar journey in Chianti Classico will commences at either:

Castello Di Brolio, a testament to the Ricasoli family's centuries-old winemaking tradition. Here, you will discover the legendary "Brolio Chianti Classico," a wine that marries the richness of history with the purity of Sangiovese.
OR
Castello di Monsanto, where the Bianchi family’s passion for the Chianti Classico has flourished under the Tuscan sun. Their "Il Poggio Chianti Classico Riserva" is a beacon of their commitment to excellence, each bottle a story of the land's generous spirit.

Linger over lunch in the picturesque villages of Castellina, Radda, or Greve (to be paid directly). These hamlets are the region's soul, offering culinary delights that echo the heritage of the vineyards. Time permitting you can explore the town following lunch.

The afternoon will be spent at one of the following esteemed wineries:

Cappanelle, where James B. Sherwood's legacy in luxury hospitality is infused into every bottle. Experience their "Solare," a wine that embodies the innovative and international approach they have brought to the Chianti Classico designation.
OR
Antinori in Chianti Classico, a name synonymous with winemaking royalty. The Antinori family, with Albiera Antinori at the forefront, are pioneers of the Super Tuscan that has reshaped the winemaking world.

As your journey through Chianti Classico region comes to a close, you'll be returned to your accommodation for an evening at leisure.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you the train station to catch your connecting train

Rail Journey - Florence to Milan
Comfort Class Tickets

Welcome to Milan! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation at Lake Como to check in.

Lake Como

Lake Como offers not only spectacular scenery but is also rich in history and tradition. From Milan to the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como is the heart of Italian romance and history. The lake is surrounded by mountains and hills and dotted with beautiful villas and resort villages. There are stunning hiking paths, boat trips and water activities for the adventure seeking.

Full Day Boat Tour - Lake Como

Today we have arranged a boat tour of Lake Como. After breakfast this morning, walk to the pier where the boat will be waiting for you.

Sit back and relax while admiring the spectacular mountains and the stunning villas, once the homes of aristocrats, now the playgrounds for the jet set.

On the tour you will have the opportunity to visit Villa Carlotta, one of the most famous places on Lake Como. The sight of it will leave you breathless, due to its beautifully terraced gardens and picturesque structure. Villa Carlotta safeguards and promotes a unique historical, artistic and botanical heritage on Lake Como, making it available for all to experience. Built at the end of the seventeenth century by the marquises Clerici of Milan, the villa tells the story of over three centuries of great collections, and each year also opens the gates of a fascinating botanical garden that draw thousands of visitors from all over the world. The museum hosts masterpieces by Canova, Hayez and Thorvaldsen await visitors in a setting of great elegance, which also makes the most of the private apartments and furniture of Princess Charlotte of Sachsen-Meiningen.

Afterwards enjoy a relaxing, lakeside lunch with fantastic views before continuing along the luxurious central coast to admire the villas and little villages.

Toward the end of the tour, enjoy a walk through the gorgeous and quaint town of Varenna, where you can explore the colorful cobblestone streets and the 14th century Church of San Giorgio to observe the many lovely paintings inside.

Be sure to take advantage of the perfect photo opportunities on the lake as you ride back to your accommodations.

Valtellina Wine Discovery

Valtellina Superiore is a red wine (theoretically the finest) produced in Lombardy's alpine Valtellina district from the Nebbiolo grape. It is one of two Valtellina wine styles – the other being the Amarone-style Sforzato di Valtellina – considered worthy of full DOCG status, the highest level of Italian classification. The classic Valtellina Superiore wine is deep crimson in color, and has a rich bouquet of dried cherries, pencil shavings, tar and roses – the tell-tale sign of a wine made from Nebbiolo (the grape is known locally as Chiavennasca). As might be expected for a mountain-grown wine made from Nebbiolo, it is light-bodied and laced with grippy tannins.

Today, join your guide as you set out to discover this region on an exquisite day of tastings.

We begin the day at Nino Negri, or similar, or a tasting session and visit of the estate. Established in 1897, Nino Negri is the premier estate producing wine in the Valtellina DOCG in Italy’s Lombardy region. The estate specialty is Sfursat (“strained” or “forced”); a wine made from grapes harvested by trained pickers and dried for 100 days in the cool, dry, alpine air. This winemaking style combines the opulence of Amarone with the elegant complexity of Barolo. The success of Nino Negri is due largely to the efforts of winemaker Casimiro Maule who has worked at the estate since 1971, his entire professional life. In 2007, Casimiro was named “Winemaker of the Year” by Gambero Rosso, the magazine authority in Italian wine.

Afterwards, we will stop to enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant of the area for regional specialties.

Later this afternoon, you will be welcomed through the doors of an estate such as Pietro Nera. The Nera family has been a prestigious and important producer in the Valtellina region of Italy, back to founding Pietro Nera in 1940 by Guido Nera. It has grown and expanded its reach in the Valtellina Superiore Docg vineyards, including Sassella, Inferno, and Grumello; throughout that time, it has remained within the family. In 1982, the brothers Stefano and Simone Nera founded Azienda Agricola Caven, a second winery that creates wines using the best grapes, and with small barrel aging adding a further degree of complexity. The vineyards of Valtellina are planted on steep slopes on hillsides overlooking the Alps. Due to the extreme slopes, the vines can only be tended by humans, and without machine interaction.

As your charming day comes to an end, your guide will return you to your accommodations.

Check out of your hotel this morning and meet your driver guide who will transfer you to Piedmont. En route, enjoy a day of touring.

Beautiful Barbaresco

Meet your guide this morning and together set out to discover the Barbaresco region.

The Barbaresco wine region is located northeast of the city of Alba. Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and the DOCG status is awarded to vineyards on the best south-facing slopes. However in contrast to Barolo, the climate in Barbaresco has less of a diurnal shift and the soils are mostly limestone-based resulting in grapes that ripen earlier and wines that are less tannic and more approachable at an earlier age.

There are many family run estates that produce rich and spicy, yet elegant Barbaresco. Today, you will be welcomed at one of our preferred estates for a tasting and lunch on site. Some of our favorites that we will consider for todays visits include:
• Albino Rocca - A small producer who produces wines characteristic of the area. Now run by the founder’s three daughters the estate is small but ambitious: In addition to five Barbarescos, they make the Langhe standards—dolcetto, barbera, moscato—as well as a lovely cortese, quite rare in these parts.
• Moccagatta - A family-run property with excellent wines. Owned by the Minuto family since the mid-1800s, the Moccagatta wines are also named after the hill on where they are located.
Bruno Rocca, Paitin, all family-run properties with excellent wines.
• Ca’del Baio - a fourth generation family winery, you will be able to sample from a range of highly valued varieties such as Moscato, Chardonnay and Riesling, and of course, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. The most prestigious vines used to make Barbaresco are between 25 and 40 years old.
• Sottimano - Located in the village of Neive, this 18 hectare estate follows the philosophy of using natural yeasts, long macerations, and a one year long permanence of ‘sur lie’ for the malolactic fermentation- tactics they have used for decades. Although they are famous for their Barbarescos, their wines have been featured multiple times in a variety of internationally recognized publications.

Stop for lunch today at Rabaya, a rustic-chic venue for classic Piedmontese cuisines and local wines with vineyard view from the panoramic terrace. Or alternatively, Trattoria Antica Torre, a family owned restaurant with delicious traditional favorites in the picturesque village of Barbaresco.

At the end of the afternoon, you will be delivered to your accommodations for check in.

Barolo Discovery - the Wine of Kings

This morning, you will be met by your private, local guide at your accommodation. Set out together to discover the Barolo wine region, arguably the most famous DOCG in Italy.

Located southwest of Alba and with UNESCO World Heritage status, Barolo DOCG has an exceptional terroir. The Barolo area consists of 11 communes, with only vineyards on the southern facing hills given DOCG status. Known affectionally as the “the king of wines and the wine of kings”, Barolo is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grape. The magnesium-rich soil is made of either limestone or sandstone and the climate is continental, with an extended summer and autumn enabling the fickle Nebbiolo to achieve perfect ripeness. It is one of the first varieties to bud and the last to ripen, with harvest taking place in mid-to-late October. Barolo wines are structured, rich and full-bodied, with a strong presence of acidity and tannins. They are known for their complex aromas which can include notes of rose, tar, dried herbs, and leather.

Throughout the day you will have be welcomed to a number of estates for a visit and the opportunity to taste a range of Barolo wines. Some the producers we will consider are:
• Prunotto - Located in Monforte D’Alba, you will be blown away by the peaceful panoramic views of the rolling hills and valleys of the property. The winery represents the perfect balance between tradition and innovation using state-of-the-art technology to express and interpret the many nuances of this historic territory.
• Paolo Scavino - A local producer in Castiglione Falletto. Enjoy a tour of their beautiful property followed by a tasting of several Barolo DOCG wines from their amazing different Cru vineyards and vintages.
• Aurelio Settimo - Located in the La Morra commune, just above the village of Barolo, Aurelio Settimo has 7 ha of vineyards in the famous hamlet of Frazione Annunziata and produces very fine Barolo cru from Rocche Dell’Annunziata.
• Elio Grasso - Located in Monforte D’Alba, this estate has 18 hectares of vineyards surrounded by 24 hectares of forests and meadows . The family business decided to return to their wine making roots in the 1980s, and now produces Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Chardonnay. The wines are aged for several months before being released from the cellar, and although have serious aging potential, are able to be enjoyed young.
• Azienda Agricola Sukula - A boutique, family-run winery located in beautiful Serralunga d’Alba. With less than 5 hectares of land, every grape and every bottle receives hands-on attention.

Their two flagship wines, the Meriame Barolo and Barbera d’Alba, are hidden treasures.

There will be time for lunch today at a restaurant such as Cascina Schiavenza, known for their typical, tradition rich dishes of the Langhe. Alternatively you may prefer Cantina Communal Con Cucina, a more casual setting which brings you local prestigious wines alongside Langhe cuisine prepared in the traditional way.

Further Barolo Exploration

Set out with your private guide today for a deeper exploration of the Barolo appellation. You will continue to discover the aromatic complexity, tannic power and exceptional ageing potential of the Nebbiolo grape.

Some of the producers we will consider for todays visit and tastings include:
• Massolino - Famous for their Barolo Classico, which is made from grapes grown in different vineyards on the property. This allows the representation of the different characteristics in each terroir to be expressed. Along with the unique wine expressions, a purer and more forthright identity is further achieved through the utilization of traditional aging in Slovenian oak barrels for up to 30 months.
• Azelia - A small family-run historic winery in Castiglione Falletto, the heart of Barolo. These devoted farmers and wine producers have for five generations produced only the three local native varieties of Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo- creating truly extraordinary wines from their renowned old vines.
• Cavalotto - Located in Castiglione Falletto and fourth generation wine farmers who produce a diverse variety of top-quality wines. They produce and bottle under their own label exclusively from their own grapes, which has enabled them to create a unique identity and exception wines under their Bricco Boschis brand.
• Marchesi di Barolo - It was here that Barolo was first created by Giulia Colbert Falletti, a French noblewoman who was the Marchese di Barolo during the Napoleonic period. See the original 150-year-old barrels in their antique cellar, as well as 19th century bottles of Barolo in their library
• Damilano - A large historic producer and an interesting visit because they are representative of the trend to abandon barrique and go back to bigger oak barrels.

Enjoy lunch today at Cantina Communal Con Cucina (to be paid directly), a local favorite with traditional cuisine and the freshest, high-quality ingredients.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the train station to catch your connecting train.

Rail Journey - Turin to Valence via Chambéry
Comfort Class Tickets

Welcome to Valence! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Dinner Reservation at Maison Pic

A dinner reservation will be made for you this evening at the 3* Michelin Star Restaurant Maison Pic

Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage

Set out with your local guide this morning and take the road to the world renowned Hermitage wine area, North of Valence. Grown on the bank of the Rhône river on a very specific terroir, ideally located on a bend along the river and blessed with an ideal year round climate, you will discover wines which are enduringly amongst France’s most prestigious. The history of Hermitage can be clearly traced back to the 17th Century, when it was an official wine in the French courts of King Louis XIII and his successor Louis XIV.

Start the day in Crozes-Hermitage, the largest wine appellation (AOC) in the Northern Rhône, covering approximately 1,500 hectares. It is known for producing high-quality red and white wines. The wines produced in this region are known for their elegance and finesse, with a balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity. The Crozes-Hermitage vineyards are situated on the slopes facing south or southeast with a climate mix of Mediterranean and continental influences. The combination of terroir and climate results in wines that are generally less powerful and complex than those from Hermitage, yet still of high quality and age-worthy.

Some of the producers we will consider for this mornings tastings include Domaine des Remizières, Domaine Belle, Domaine Laurent Habrard or Domaine Combier.

A lunch reservation will be made for you today at a local restaurant in Tain l'Hermitage (to be paid directly).

After lunch, your guide will bring you to the legendary vines of Hermitage to discover the unique hillside position that this appellation holds overlooking the town of Tain-l'Hermitage. A natural continental micro-climate produces hot summers and cold winters. These conditions, combined with the steep, terraced slopes that rise up to 400 meters above the Rhône, make it a challenging but rewarding place to grow grapes, resulting in wines with a unique character and sense of place. The age worthy wines of Hermitage are known for their power, structure, and complexity, making them some of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.

Afterwards, you will push open the door of a local producer where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best wines of the region including the Hermitage AOC and Crozes-Hermitage AOC. Some of the producers we will consider include Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Domaine Chapoutier - a renowned negociant and winery located in Tain Hermitage, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave or Domainee Les Bessards.

As your incredible day in Hermitage comes to an end your guide will return you to your accommodation.

Crozes-Hermitage

Crozes-Hermitage covers a relatively large area on the eastern bank of the Rhône River, to the north and south of Tain L'Hermitage town. Much larger than the prestigious Hermitage appellation which it surrounds, Crozes-Hermitage is also much more prolific. The vast majority (around 90 percent) of Crozes-Hermitage wines are red, and made predominantly from Syrah. The remaining 10 percent are white Crozes-Hermitage Blanc wines made from Roussanne and Marsanne.

The famous hill of Hermitage gives way to the less steep slopes of the appellation Crozes-Hermitage, with some very good sites. The newer Crozes-Hermitage vineyards to the south are on flatter lands, more easily mechanised and arguably producing less fine wine.

Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie and Saint Joseph

This morning, check out of your hotel and meet your guide at your reception. En route to Lyon, set out for the northernmost appellations of the Rhône valley - Côte Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint Joseph.

You'll begin in the village of Ampuis, home to the elegant Côte Rôtie AOC, known as some of the world's most prestigious Syrah-based wines. Côte Rôtie is also known for its small-scale, family-owned wineries and traditional winemaking techniques. The name "Côte Rôtie" translates to "roasted slope" in French, which refers to the steep terraced vineyards that are situated on south-facing slopes overlooking the Rhône River. You’ll climb steeply up through the terraced vineyard hillside of the Cote Blonde and the Cote Brune, before being welcomed for a tour and tasting at a winery such as Domaine Jamet, Domaine Bernard Levet, Domain Jasmin or another similarly wonderful winery.

Enjoy lunch in a local gourmet restaurant suggested by your guide and offering regional flavors (to be paid directly).

We continue this afternoon towards Condrieu, a village which lends its name to the famous white Rhône wine. Learn about its grape, the Viognier, which is known for its floral aromas and rich, full-bodied flavors. The grape is notoriously difficult to grow and harvest, and almost disappeared completely just a few years ago. Visit the scenic vineyards as your guide explains the local appellation and viticulture discovering characteristics of the Condrieu grape varieties, ageing potential of the wines and the varying influences of the terroir and cellar methods. For our visit and tastings in Condrieu, we'll visit properties similar to Domaine E. Guigal, Château Grillet, Domaine Georges Vernay, and Domaine Pierre Dumazet.

You will end your day with a visit to an estate of the appellation Saint-Joseph, a little further south, where you will discover a wine a little more rustic which is characterized by it’s spicy aromas.

As your day of tastings comes to an end, your guide will take you to your new hotel in Lyon.

Lyon

Lyon’s setting at the confluence of the Saône and the Rhône is a spectacular riverine landscape overlooked from the heights to the west by the imposing Notre-Dame de Fourvière church and from the north by the hilltop neighborhood of La Croix Rousse. Meanwhile, La Confluence Project at the southern tip of the Presqu'île (the land between the Saône and the Rhône) has reclaimed from the rivers nearly a square mile of center-city real estate that has become a neighborhood of parks, shops, restaurants, and cultural sites.

Home to 15 Michelin-starred restaurants, Lyon is acknowledged as the gastronomic capital of France. Alternatively, you may wish to dine in one of the 20-odd official bouchons which offer an antidote to luxury fine dining. In these unpretentious eateries, you may find yourself being seated at a long table – typically covered in a red-checkered tablecloth – next to fellow diners. Bouchons tend to be bright, loud, and busy, their walls often packed with pictures and clippings that attest to their long history.

Additional Options for Day 13

Hotel de l'Abbaye Lyon - La Signature

Located in the heart of Lyon's peninsula, in the Ainay district, the Hôtel de l'Abbaye is an authentic, intimate and charming place. From the hotel you can reach the famous Place Bellecour, the largest square in Europe, in a few minutes on foot. This place, full of history, has been carefully renovated while taking care to preserve its old soul. The hotel has twenty-one comfortable and spacious rooms, 3 atmospheres on 3 levels: 70s, rawstyle and cocooning. Different categories of rooms are available to suit your needs. In the restaurant l'Artichaut, you will be able to taste a market cuisine concocted with care by our Chef according to the seasons.

Villa Florentine Lyon - Junior Suite

Breathtaking panoramic view of the city, architectural showcase inspired by the Italian Renaissance, customised services, ideal location in the centre of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: for over 20 years, La Villa Florentine has been offering its vision of a luxury hotel, highlighting all the codes of French art de vivre to make your stay an unforgettable experience. La Villa Florentine welcomes you to one of its 29 rooms and suites with its own unique charm. All throughout your stay, take advantage of our wellness area, with a heated panoramic swimming pool and whirlpool, sauna, steam room and cardio-training room.

Lyon Walking Tour

With your guide, enjoy an introduction to this French city's abundant history and culture, shown through its taste for art and cuisine.

Discover the central Place Bellecour, one of the largest open squares in Europe and the city's kilometer 0 to the most famous neighborhood of Lyon: Vieux-Lyon, the old city center, also known as the Saint-Jean area. Strolling down its charming narrow cobble-stoned streets, through its traboules (local covered passageways), we will discover the area's history and its many hidden architectural treasures. The district's centerpiece is the Gothic-style Saint-Jean Cathedral, a symbol of the religious power of the city. We will also visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, see the the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and Odeon and end up in the district of Saint Georges, another old neighborhood with cobbled streets and colorful buildings along the Saône River.

Lyon Old Town Foodie Tour

Later today, prepare yourself for a truly unique experience in the gastronomic capital of France. Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you will discover the historical district of Old Lyon from a culinary perspective full of unusual anecdotes and exceptional culinary tastings. Explore must see places, meet local artisans and taste products that identify with the reputation of Lyon’s heritage.

Visit the local craftsmen who will share their passion with you. They will present their products for you to try and let you know the best way to enjoy each delicacy. From regional cheeses and cold cuts with local wine, to artisanal chocolate and home-made Praline pie you will discover true French cuisine culminating at an authentic Bouchon Lyonnais a to try some of Lyon’s more unique specialties.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver and set out together towards Burgundy.

Vibrant Beaujolais

Set out together to discover some of the best wines in the ten Village Crus of Beaujolais with passionate winemakers who produce light bodied wines of exceptional quality.

Begin the day with a tasting at an estate such as Château de Pizay. Since the Middle Ages the fine wines of the Château de Pizay have been appreciated by Beaujolais-lovers across the world. The oldest records date to 1030, when the name Pizay was mentioned for the first time in the charters of the Abbey of Cluny. The terrain is granite, covered with a light sandy soil, ideal for the Gamay grape. The Morgon includes parcels on the slopes of the famous Cote de Py from which they produce several special cuvees.

Continue on to a second estate this morning, such as Domaine de la Madone. The domain of the Madonna is located on the famous hillside of the Madonna in Fleurie. This hillside is often considered by connoisseurs as the best of the local climates. It enjoys exceptional sunshine and its soil is composed of pink granite conducive to grape variety Gamay. Enjoy a tasting of their wine, which give it a supple and very fruity tasting, with tannins that are fine but very present.

Stop for a traditional lunch today at La Terrase de Chiroubles which overlooks the entire Beaujolais valley, the Lyonnais mountains and on a clear day views of Mont Blanc and the Alps.

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit a third producer for a tour and tasting. Some of the estates we will consider are:
• Domaine Christophe Savoye - a family run winery in Chiroubles
• Domaine Bertrand - located at the foot of the Brouilly hill, the Bertrand family has been able to exploit the magnificent potential of the Beaujolais region to constantly offer high quality wines.
• Chateau de la Chaize - Classified as a Historic Monument since 1972, The Chateau and its cellars are operated by the family Roussy de Sales and located in Brouilly.

Your guide will bring you to your accommodations for check in as your charming day concludes.

Additional Options for Day 15

L'Hotel de Beaune - Suite Carnot

L’Hôtel de Beaune is an exceptional luxuriously restored XIXth century house with its own courtyard. Set in the heart of Beaune with 10 exclusive rooms, it offers the highest standard of comfort and service. L'Hôtel is renowned for its privacy and the personalized service it gives to guests. With its own individual charm and character, L'Hôtel is decorated and furnished with discreet good taste. The on-site restaurant, Le Bistro de L’Hôtel, is the perfect place to celebrate the French culture and its art of living. Thanks to le ‘Menu Dégustation’ guests will discover specialities such as “L’œuf Cocotte façon d’Alba à la Truffe Mélanosporum”, le “Bar de Ligne Entier Grillé” and “le Poulet de Bresse”. The menu is updated everyday with the freshest products. The Bistro’s Wine list has been rewarded for the past 8 years by the magazine Wine Spectator.

Cote de Nuits - “The Champs-Elysées of Burgundy”

Set out with your local private guide this morning to discover the Northern half of the escarpment of the Côte d'Or, named after its principal town of Nuits-St-Georges. As you travel along the along the Grands Crus Wine Road you will be welcomed to a range of Domaines for private tours and exemplary tastings. Learn about the exceptional chemistry between the terroirs, the grapes and the know-how of the growers to produce elegant Pinot Noirs.

Some of the producers we will consider for todays tastings include:
• Maison Marchand-Tawse - a biodynamic negociant in Nuits Saint Georges
• Domaine Bernard Rion - a family run winery in Vosne Romanee offering tastings of truffle and a Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru
• Domaine Faiveley - a prestigious winery family run for seven generations in Nuits Saint Georges
• Domaine Dubois - a family run winery in Nuits Saint Georges
• Domaine Michel & Frederic Magnien in Morey-Saint-Denis - Biodynamic wines aging in TerraCotta

There will be time to stop in one of the villages today to enjoy lunch at one of our favorite restaurants such as La Toute Petite Auburge serving traditional Burgundian dishes with a glass of local wine (to be paid directly). Alternatively, we can arrange a wine tasting lunch at Domaine Trapet, an organic winery in Gevrey-Chambertin (Supplement charge applies).

In the late afternoon, your guide will return you to the doorstep of your hotel.

Culinary Experience in Beaune

Today you will learn how to cook Burgundian receipts like a local Chef with a local chef. Your day is full of exploring, cooking, and tasting designed to introduce you to the delightful gastronomic culture of the region. Begin with a morning Beaune market tour, followed by a hands-on cooking class in an Atelier kitchen. End with a seven-course lunch, including a local cheese course, and local wine pairings.

Meet with your host chef and a small group of like-minded travellers and begin a tour of the Beaune market, a very lively affair, with all the farmer’s stands, as well as clothing, baskets, tablecloths and a flea market. Soak in the sights, sounds and smells, as the Chef explains her shopping tips and foibles for the freshest produce.

Laden with ingredients, walk with the chef to where your cooking class takes place over the remainder of the morning. As the class begins, don crisp white aprons. The menu is seasonal and market-inspired and highlights the small artisan food producers of the region. Prepare lunch together and learn classic techniques you can use at home. Once the cooking is done, aprons come off, and wine is poured as the first course of a leisurely lunch is served. Learn the secrets of shopping and cooking as the French do, cooking with the seasons and enjoy a convivial meal with a few like-minded people.

After finishing lunch, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Burgundy to Champagne

After breakfast this morning, gather your belongings and check out of your accommodation. Your guide will be waiting to bring you towards Champagne.

Along the way, stop in the Chablis region which gives its name to one of the most famous white wines in France. Chablis is located at the north end of the Burgundy region and the wines produced her are made of 100% Chardonnay grape. Grown on a limestone soil rich with fossils, Chablis wine is dry, brisk and fruity with a refreshing acidity. We will visit a producer such as Domaine Long-depaquit, or similar for a tour and tasting.

Enjoy lunch after your visit at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Continuing on, discover Troyes, a medieval town in Aube region of northeastern France. Wide boulevards form a cork shaped city centre, where you may wander cobblestone streets and admire examples of Gothic architecture, including the Église Sainte-Madeleine and the Troyes Cathedral. Many of the buildings in the town have been protected for their historic significance, meaning plenty of restoration has preserved old houses, museums and monuments. Take an hour to explore the town on your own.

In the late afternoon you will arrive at your accommodation to check in.

Additional Options for Day 18

Chateau de Sacy - Deluxe Premium Room

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Château de Sacy, with its gastronomy and great hospitality. Travel though the House, through the history of Women and Champagne ! Nuit de Miel, Madame de Pompadour, Valse Pétillante and Marie Antoinette… each of the rooms is unique and invites you to relax. Local gastronomy, sophisticated and elegant, and combined with the best Champagnes. The restaurant, right in the heart of the vineyards, is a gourmet stop where local products get better every day. Your comfort and well-being are their top-priority! The team can  provide you with tailor-made services and facilities to meet all your needs throughout your exceptional stay. 

Chateau de Sacy - Suite

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Château de Sacy, with its gastronomy and great hospitality. Travel though the House, through the history of Women and Champagne ! Nuit de Miel, Madame de Pompadour, Valse Pétillante and Marie Antoinette… each of the rooms is unique and invites you to relax. Local gastronomy, sophisticated and elegant, and combined with the best Champagnes. The restaurant, right in the heart of the vineyards, is a gourmet stop where local products get better every day. Your comfort and well-being are their top-priority! The team can  provide you with tailor-made services and facilities to meet all your needs throughout your exceptional stay. 

L'Assiette Champenoise - Junior Suite

Located in the hear t of the city, the house proposes various spaces allowing you to relax and give you the feeling of being at home. All the comfort is offered in an esthetic setting which harmonizes the contemporary lines of the furniture and the authentic overall appearance of the hotel. The suites have recently been refurbished in a very contemporary style, in keeping with the restaurant, bar, and reception. The individual bedrooms retain their more classic appeal.  Dine at the well-regarded 3* Michelin restaurant "Assiette", as hosted by Chef Michel Guérard, who is one of the longest-standing 3* chefs in France.  To relax during your stay in Champagne, you can enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool of the hotel, or enjoy a quiet moment in the gardens in the heart of the city. 

Boutique Champagne Discovery

This morning you will be met by your guide, a specialist of the Champagne region, and depart for a full day of exquisite tastings.

Before diving into the bubbly, enjoy a commented tour through the Champagne Scenic Road and discover the Premier Cru and Grand Cru villages that are part of the Montagne de Reims area. Admire the hillsides of the Champagne vineyards –recently listed on UNESCO World Heritage - and discover the most important treasure of the region: the grapes.

Next, your guide will bring you to the domain of a top-range boutique Champagne producer such as La Maison Penet, located in the Grand Cru village of Verzy. The estate produces qualitative cuvées, from the grapes of their prestigious vineyards of Verzy and Verzenay. Visiting their vineyards and their cellars, you will understand the specificities of this unique producer before enjoying a tasting of their range.

Alternatively you may visit Ployez Jacquemart, a charming boutique Champagne House is settled in Ludes – a Premier Cru village of the Montagne de Reims area. As the cellar master, Mrs Laurence Ployez pays particular attention to the elaboration of her top range Extra Brut Champagnes. Enjoy a tasting as well as having a tour of the property to discover their old press and their impressive cellars.

Next, discover Hautvillers, the charming village of the monk Dom Pérignon. This UNESCO-listed village is one of the most famous site in Champagne. There, you will trace the origin of Champagne and discover the church where the famous monk Dom Pierre Pérignon is buried. You will understand why this place is called the ‘birthplace’ of Champagne wines.

Enjoy lunch today at your leisure, the guide will be happy to recommend the best lunchspots.

After lunch, take a stroll down the Avenue de Champagne, located in the heart of Epernay which is internationally known as the "Capital of Champagne". Epernay’s stunning main street appears like an exhibition of opulent mansions housing the most illustrious Maisons de Champagne: Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouet, Mercier, etc. Not to mention the 100km of tunnels under the pavement!

This afternoon you will be welcomed to tour of the cellars and uncover the secrets behind the signature taste of Champagne’s most successful producer: Moet & Chandon. You will then enjoy a commented tasting of?two iconic Moet & Chandon Champagnes, in the refined setting of the House.

Please note that final domain may change according to availability. You will be returned to your hotel at the end of the day.

Check out this morning and say a fond farewell to France. You will be met by your private driver and transferred to Paris Airport to catch your departing flight.