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9 Day Biking in Burgundy
Highlights: Dijon, Beaune, Puligny Montrachet, Morey St Denis, Paris
Trip start: Paris
Trip end: Paris
Price Range from $3,132pp *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Discover the beauty and ever changing landscapes of Burgundy as you peddle your way through the countryside! After exploring the city of Dijon with its Burgundian tiled roofs and pedestrianised streets, make your way to the picturesque town of Beaune which will be your base for the next part of your trip. After meeting up with your representative who will give you the lay of the land and explain how the routes work for your self guided biking routes as well as getting you acquainted with your bike, you will be ready to experience the best that this wonderful pocket of France has to offer; quaint villages, majestic castles, vineyards as far as the eye can see with options to taste the many wines grown in the area, and gourmet food - all at your own pace. Biking through the countryside can be one of the best ways to see a place - stop as often as you like en route, go as fast or as slow as you like, linger over lunch on a shaded terrace and enjoy another glass of local wine, or get in your bike ride in the morning and relax and wander around town in the afternoon - the choice is yours!

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Dijon
  • Train - Paris - Dijon [2 hrs] - 1st class
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Local taxi
  • Dijon: Self-Guided - Walking tour of Dijon
  • Dinner (not included)
Sofitel La Cloche (4*) (B)
Day 2
Beaune
  • Transfer - Private - Dijon - Beaune [Beaune] - Car/Driver(3)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Beaune: Orientation, Bike fitting & Time at leisure in Beaune - Double Room
  • Dinner in Gourmet restaurant
Hotel de la Paix (3*) (B)
Day 3
Puligny Montrachet
  • Beaune - Puligny Montrachet [Bike; Ride through picturesque countryside (37 km)] -
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner with Wine tasting
Hotel de la Chouette (3*) (B)
Day 4
Puligny Montrachet
  • Puligny Montrachet: Loop Bike ride along Canal du Centre (48 km)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel de la Chouette (3*) (B)
Day 5
Morey St Denis
  • Puligny Montrachet - Morey St Denis [Bike ride - Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits (40 km)] -
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Castel de Tres Girard (3*) (B)
Day 6
Morey St Denis
  • Morey St Denis: Bike ride - Alongside famous vineyards & Optional visit to Clos Vougeot castle (36 km)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Castel de Tres Girard (3*) (B)
Day 7
Beaune
  • Morey St Denis - Beaune [Bike ride - via Hautes Cotes de Nuits (36 km)] -
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel de la Paix (3*) (B)
Day 8
Paris
  • Local taxi
  • Train - Beaune - Paris [2.5 hrs] - 1st class
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Paris: Transfer - Private - Train station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Optional Activities
Quartier Latin (3*)  (B)
Day 9
Paris
  • Transfer - Private - Airport (CDG or Orly) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Kensington Cares - 3
Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Dijon

Dijon is the capital of the Côte-d'Or department, and the historical capital of the province of Burgundy. It boasts a large number of churches and cathedrals, including St. Bénigne, Notre-Dame, St. Étienne, and St. Michel. Among the more interesting of Dijon's sights is the Ducal Palace, the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne or "Palace of the Dukes and the States of Burgundy", which is one of only a few remaining examples of the Capetian period in the region.

Enjoy the fast speed train TGV ride from Paris to Dijon. The duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 mins.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Spend a few hours discovering the beauty and sites of Dijon on a self guided walking tour. The rue de la Liberté forms the spine of the town, running east from the wide, attractive place Darcy and the eighteenth-century triumphal arch of Porte Guillaume, once a city gate, past the palace of the dukes of Burgundy on the semicircular place de la Libération. From this elegant, classical square, Rue Rameau continues directly east to Place du Théâtre, from where Rue Vaillant leads on to the church of St Michel. Be sure to check out the lavish town houses in the streets behind the palace: rue Verrerie, rue Vannerie, rue des Forges, rue Chaudronnière (look out for no. 28, Maison des Cariatides). Particularly fine are the Renaissance Hôtel de Vogüé, 12 rue de la Chouette, and at no. 34, the Hôtel Chambellan (1490), housing one of Dijon's tourist offices. Take a look in the cobbled alleys by the Tour St-Nicholas, off rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau. Also in this quarter in the angle between rue de la Chouette and rue de la Préfecture, is the church of Notre-Dame, built in the early thirteenth century in the Burgundian Gothic style. Outside on rue de la Chouette, make your way to rue de la Musette passing just south of the market square and the covered Halles. The whole area is full of sumptuous displays of food and attractive cafés and restaurants. The market operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, and all day on Saturday and is well worth a visit.

The Sofitel La Cloche Hotel (4*) is ideally located in the centre of the city, near all the shopping streets and a couple of minutes walk from the old part of town. It is a modern hotel within a classic building. The pleasantly decorated, medium-sized lobby, opens up onto a cozy bar. This is an excellent property offering a high standard of comfort and services and with a very good location. Hotel facilities include; porterage (7am - 8.30pm), 2 elevators, parking (must be reserved prior to arrival), baby sitting services, laundry and disability facilities.

Overnight at Sofitel La Cloche (4*).


Dijon
Dijon
Porte Guillaume
Porte Guillaume
Sofitel la Cloche Hotel
Sofitel la Cloche Hotel
Day 2 Beaune

The area around Beaune, the Côte de Beaune, is known for its Burgundy wines, with Beaune as something of a hub of the wine business, since it is the largest city inside the wine region. It is situated on the route des Grands Crus tourist route among the vineyards. The road runs north from Beaune to Gevrey Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges and south to Nolay, Saisy and Autun.

Transfer from Dijon (hotel or train station) to Beaune in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

Upon your arrival in Beaune, you will be met at your hotel and set you up with your trip package and fit you on your bikes. Depending on your arrival time, you will likely have time to wander the medieval streets of Beaune, its ramparts, the Collegial church of Notre Dame with its 15th century tapestries, and have a drink in one of the many cafes on the main square!

Dinner tonight is included in a gourmet restaurant.

Situated in the very heart of historic Burgundy, just a stone's throw from the center of epicurean Beaune. Hotel de la Paix (3*) has thirteen newly renovated rooms, decorated in various styles. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a mini-bar, direct telephone, satellite television and hair dryers. The Hotel is minutes from Beaune's tourist sites, notably the famous Hospice de Beaune, its magnificent cathedral Notre Dame and the many intimate cobbled streets. You'll enjoy the buffet breakfast, and the fact that everything in Beaune is within steps of the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel de la Paix (3*).


Beaune
Beaune
Hotel de la Paix
Hotel de la Paix
Day 3 Puligny Montrachet

The small village of Puligny Montrachet is located a stone's throw from Beaune and boasts many Grand Cru vineyards.

After breakfast head on your first ride - a beautiful ride out into the plains of Canola and sunflower fields, through small villages with ancient stone farmhouses. You curve back towards the famous vineyards, the most famous Chardonnay vineyards of the world, surrounding Puligny Montrachet.

Dinner tonight is a great introduction to the region's wines, with a wine tasting course throughout your meal.

La Chouette Hotel (3*) is located in the tranquil village of Puligny-Montrachet, whose world-renowned vineyards border the property. This property is a delightful 6 bed-roomed hotel, designed and run by its owner, Suzanne. Its charming interior and picturesque setting make it feel like a home away from home. Each day you will have the chance to enjoy a creative homemade breakfast. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace pr by the fireplace, with a book from Suzanne`s library or just listening to relaxing music.

Overnight at Hotel de la Chouette (3*).


Hotel de la Chouette
Hotel de la Chouette
Day 4 Puligny Montrachet

Your ride today (48 km) takes you along the tranquil and pretty Canal du Centre, and then into the Cote Chalonnaise, and return. This wine region lies just to the south of the Côte de Beaune. Away from the ambitious pricing of the Côte d'Or, some producers, in villages like Rully, are turning out respectable Chardonnay and tasty Pinot Noir for a fraction of the prices these wines might fetch further north. The relaxing terrain and small villages make for great riding.

Overnight at Hotel de la Chouette (3*).


Bike Route
Bike Route
Day 5 Morey St Denis

The village of Morey St Denis is located between Nuits Saint Georges and Beaune and produces mostly red wine (96% of production).  There are five Grand Cru vineyards within the commune.

Today you ride (40 km) back up through a long list of Who's Who in the wine world: Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, and stop near the hill of the Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru for a wine tasting, before continuing northward into the Domaine of the great Pinot Noirs of Burgundy in the Cote de Nuit. Your ride runs parallel to the hill of the great vineyards, but is relatively flat all day long. The small vineyard roads, and sea of vines around you, crisscrossed by tiny villages makes for heavenly riding.

The Castel de Tres Girard (3*) Restaurant - Hotel lies in the heart of the vineyards. The ancient stone walls and exposed wooden beams bestow an authentic touch on the modern comforts of the hotel. All of the rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated with quilted headboards and down comforters. All rooms have internet connections, flat screen TV's and air conditioning. Superb cuisine is on offer in the on-site restaurant and during the daytime, you can cool off in the outdoor pool in the garden.

Overnight at Castel de Tres Girard (3*).


Wine Tasting at Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
Wine Tasting at Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
Castel de Tres Girard
Castel de Tres Girard
Day 6 Morey St Denis

Today you will be riding along some of the most famous wines in the world: Gevrey Chambertin, Chambolle Musigny; you will pass by the 15th century Chateau de Clos Vougeot, and have time for a visit if you would like to visit the cellars and see the four monumental antique wine presses, and ride by the vineyard of Romanee Conti, the most expensive wine in Burgundy, before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at Castel de Tres Girard (3*).


Romanee Conti
Romanee Conti
Day 7 Beaune

Today's ride takes you back down to the town of Beaune, but this time via the Hautes Cotes de Nuits, and its villages, views, and cassis (black current) fields. The liqueur that is produced from these berries is used in the local aperitif, the Kir, which you will have earned by the end of the day!

Situated in the very heart of historic Burgundy, just a stone's throw from the center of epicurean Beaune. Hotel de la Paix (3*) has thirteen newly renovated rooms, decorated in various styles. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a mini-bar, direct telephone, satellite television and hair dryers. The Hotel is minutes from Beaune's tourist sites, notably the famous Hospice de Beaune, its magnificent cathedral Notre Dame and the many intimate cobbled streets. You'll enjoy the buffet breakfast, and the fact that everything in Beaune is within steps of the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel de la Paix (3*).


Day 8 Paris

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Take the train to Paris with one change in Dijon. Journey takes approx. 2.5hrs

Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.

There are so many things to do and see in Paris it is hard to know where to start! Within the city you can choose from any number of private guided tours - of neighbourhoods or places of interest such as the Louvre or with a focus on architecture. Consider a few hours with a personal shopper, or a guided tour in a vintage car through one of the neighbourhoods. If you are interested in doing something further afield consider a day trip to Chatres, Giverny (known because of Monet's paintings), Versailles, Normandy or Burgundy. A fun way to spend an afternoon is by hot air balloon - this is possible to do in the Parisian countryside. Please ask your Sale Advisor if you are interested in any of these optional tours and activities.

The Quartier Latin Paris (3*) is located in the heart of the Latin quartier, just a few steps from the Mouffetard and Monge open-air market, also has direct access to the Opera, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. The Saint Germain neighbourhood, the Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens and Notre Dame cathedral are all nearby. The hotel is in a typical Parisian style building, and the interior is very airy with large windows and wooden furnishings and flooring. The tastefully decorated lobby offers a peaceful atmosphere, while the comfortable salon is the perfect place to relax and avail of the complimentary WIFI and tea and coffee.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .


Paris
Paris
Louvre
Louvre
Quartier Latin Paris Hotel
Quartier Latin Paris Hotel
Day 9 Paris

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).


Kensington Cares
Kensington Cares

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (50% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.