Burgundy, Bordeaux & Champagne
10 Days
from
$4100*
Highlights:
Burgundy
(Beaune)
,
France
(Reims)
,
Bordeaux Region
(Bordeaux)
Trip Start/End:
Paris
/
Bordeaux
Enjoy the very best to France's top wine regions. A combination of private and shared tours throughout, you'll also have some free time to explore on your own. Enjoy this sojourn based in the wine-centric towns, as the local villages and landscapes are showcased. All our tours can be modified with value, premium, or luxury hotels and services and shared or private tours.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Paris - Dijon - Beaune
| - Train - Paris - Dijon [2 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Train - Dijon - Beaune [30 mins] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- France - Welcome Package South
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Optional Activity: Dinner at the Abbaye De Maizieres - (Unescorted)
| Hotel de la Poste (4*)
Charme Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Beaune
| - Shared - Panoramic Tour of Vineyards & Wine Tasting (2hrs) - Vehicle/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Discover Dijon
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel de la Poste (4*)
Charme Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Beaune
| - Optional Activities: Beaune & Wine tasting
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel de la Poste (4*)
Charme Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Beaune - Paris - Reims
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Beaune - Paris [2.5 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Train - Paris - Reims [45 mins] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
| Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*)
Tradition (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Reims
| - Shared - Veuve Clicquot Champagne (2.5hrs) - Guide
| Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*)
Tradition (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Reims
| - Self-Guided - Bicycle Rental - Bike
| Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*)
Tradition (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Reims - Paris - Bordeaux
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Reims - Paris [45 mins] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Transfer - Private - Train Station to Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Paris - Bordeaux [3 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
- Lunch (not included)
- Transfer - Private - Train station - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Bordeaux
| - Shared - 1/2 Day Wine tasting Classified Growths Of Margaux (4.5 hrs) - Vehicle/Driver - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Continuation of day tour
- Dinner (not included)
| Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Bordeaux
| - Optional Activites: Bordeaux
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Bordeaux
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Beaune
Hotel de la Poste
Day 1: Paris - Dijon - Beaune
Enjoy the fast speed train TGV ride from Paris to Dijon. The duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 mins.
Take the short train ride to Beaune. Journey takes 20-30mins.
A welcome package with your vouchers, and itinerary, city map(s) and train tickets (where relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer today.
There are plenty of wonderful restaurants in and near Beaune to choose from. If you would like your reservation and bill looked after in advance, you could enjoy dinner at the historical Abbaye De Maizieres. Situated near the Hospices de Beaune in a historical cellar of the 12th century and just 2 minutes by foot from the Hotel Athanor, you can enjoy a delicious 3-course-dinner. (Drinks not included). Please contact your Sales Advisor if you would like to include this in your tour.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste (4*) Hotel de la Poste (4*) is located in the heart of the wine-growing country of Burgundy, loved by professional oenologists and wine amateurs alike. This prestigious establishment, a former post house in a magnificently picturesque building, is located very close to the cobbled streets, typical houses and ramparts of Beaune's historic city centre. The hotel also has the advantage of being close to the Hospices de Beaune, a superb example of 15th century gothic architecture, with its multicoloured tiled roofs, the venue for the famous annual auctions. The hotel has 36 rooms, including 3 suites, and 2 restaurants which perpetuate the Burgundy tradition of hospitality, good food and great wines. This is the ideal start point for the discovery of the legendary Burgundy vintages, candidates for listing as UNESCO world heritage appellation, and the architectural jewels of one of France's most beautiful regions.
Vive la Bourgogne!
Liberation Square - Dijon
Day 2: Beaune
Enjoy a 2 hour shared tour with an English speaking driver to guide you, as you discover the vineyards of Burgundy and some spectacular panoramas. Marvel at the beauty of the picturesque town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy - a medieval town of stunning Burgundian/Flemish architecture. The tour includes a visit and wine tasting in the cellar of to the Corton Charlemagne.
The nearby city of Dijon is a mere 25 mins by local train which runs frequently throughout the day. Consider doing a self guided walk through town; The rue de la Liberté forms the spine of the town, running east from the wide, attractive Darcy square and the 18th century triumphal arch of Porte Guillaume, past the palace of the dukes of Burgundy on the semicircular place de la Libération. From this elegant 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.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste (4*) 
Hotel Dieu Hospices - Beaune
Day 3: Beaune
Enjoy discovering the picture-perfect Burgundian town of Beaune. The capital of Burgundy's wines, the principal occupation in Beaune is wine - in one form or another. Known for it's tiled roofs and centrally located hospices, (hospital), boasting mostly intact ramparts surrounding the town, it is the perfect place to while away a few hours. There is a local market on Wednesdays and Saturdays which is worth checking out. Be sure to wander into the Bascilica of Notre Dame to view the magnificent 15th century tapestries depicting the story of Marie of Burgundy. Under the cobblestoned streets are dozens of kilometers of wine cellars. And so, it is only fitting to taste some...Patriarche Pere et Fils offers on-hour tours of its underground wine cellars, which closely resemble the Catacombs in Paris. Wine tastings are offered at the end of each tour for adults. Address: 6 rue du College Beaune, France 21200 Tel: +33 3 80 24 53 02.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste (4*) 
Reims
Best Western Hotel de la Paix
Day 4: Beaune - Paris - Reims
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer today.
Take the train to Paris with one change in Dijon. Journey takes approx. 2.5hrs
Enjoy the train ride from Paris to Reims. There are numerous departures throughout the day and some that are direct. Train travel time on a direct train is approximately 45 minutes.
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Accommodation: Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*) The Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*) is located in the heart of Reims, in an exceptional setting, a stone's throw from the Cathedral, the Conference Centre, and the shops, our establishment, which combines modernity and cultural heritage, possesses 165 comfortable rooms with a free Wifi access and air conditioner.The rooms, whose contemporary design emphasises the light and the colours, fall into 3 categories, according to their size and equipment. You enjoy an exclusively area reserved for the hotel’s clientele, for relaxation and well-being. At the bottom of the garden between the old stones and the deck chairs, a covered, heated swimming pool, a hammam and a fitness room are there to help you to relax in all serenity.
Champagne
Day 5: Reims
Enjoy a shared, 2h30mins visit of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne house followed proceeded by a tasting of 4 vintage champagne of the house produce accompanied with cheese. Transfer not included.
Accommodation: Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*) 
Reims Champagne Vineyards
Day 6: Reims
Bike along the Green Road of the "Aisne a la Marne" Channel. All equipment including the helmet and bike are included in the rental cost. Please note this excursion is self-guided.
Accommodation: Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*) 
Bordeaux
Sainte Catherine, Bordeaux
Day 7: Reims - Paris - Bordeaux
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Enjoy the train ride from Reims to Paris. There are numerous departures throughout the day and some that are direct. Train travel time on a direct train is approximately 45 minutes.
Enjoy a private transfer between train stations today.
Enjoy the train ride from Paris to Bordeaux. The train duration is approximately 3 hours (direct).
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Accommodation: Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*) The Quality Sainte Catherine Hotel (3*) has a fantastic location in the heart of Bordeaux and just off Sainte Catherine Street, which is said to be the longest pedestrian street in Europe. It is set in an attractive 18th century building with modern decor throughout. Adjacent to the Grand Theatre, many attractions and famous restaurants are nearby the hotel. The on-site bar and restaurant provide excellent meals and drinks, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay for guest who base themselves in the hotel as they explore Bordeaux and its surroundings.
Bordeaux wines
Day 8: Bordeaux
Enjoy visiting various vineyards and tasting some of the wines of this world-famous region on a 4.5 hour shared tour with a Driver-Guide. Begin with a visit and wine tasting session in a prestigious Classified growth chateau (1855 & Cru bourgeois) of the Margaux or Saint Julien appellations. Then follow the castle road to admire some of the most famous castles such as Margaux, Palmer or Beychevelle. Finally experience a wine tasting at "La Winery" set in the heart of a 26-hectare park. Discover 5 different Bordeaux wines during a personalized wine tasting. (includes wine tasting & a small bottle of water per person).
Accommodation: Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*) 
Dunes - Arcachon
Day 9: Bordeaux
Consider spending the day enjoying a private tour taking in pretty towns such as Margaux, Pauillac, St Estèphe, St Julien,Haut Médoc and Saint Emilion. Perhaps take a barge down the river. Or enjoy the day on a private tour to Arcachon where you could get to discover the largest pine forest in Europe, lush greenery spreading as far as the eyes can see, before proceeding to the Bay, a true inland sea, moving according to the tide. Have Oyster fishermen explain the long breeding process of an oyster before enjoying a sampling of local, fresh oysters washed down with a glass of white wine. Then continue to the impressive117 meter high dunes which you can climb to get an outstanding view. Please contact your Sales Advisor if any of these activities are of interest or if you have a specific request.
Accommodation: Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*) Day 10: Bordeaux
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Hotel de la Poste
Hotel de la Poste
Hotel de la Poste (4*) - Beaune
Hotel de la Poste (4*) is located in the heart of the wine-growing country of Burgundy, loved by professional oenologists and wine amateurs alike. This prestigious establishment, a former post house in a magnificently picturesque building, is located very close to the cobbled streets, typical houses and ramparts of Beaune's historic city centre. The hotel also has the advantage of being close to the Hospices de Beaune, a superb example of 15th century gothic architecture, with its multicoloured tiled roofs, the venue for the famous annual auctions. The hotel has 36 rooms, including 3 suites, and 2 restaurants which perpetuate the Burgundy tradition of hospitality, good food and great wines. This is the ideal start point for the discovery of the legendary Burgundy vintages, candidates for listing as UNESCO world heritage appellation, and the architectural jewels of one of France's most beautiful regions.
- Best Western Hotel de la Paix
Tradition
Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*) - Reims
The Best Western Hôtel de la Paix (3*) is located in the heart of Reims, in an exceptional setting, a stone's throw from the Cathedral, the Conference Centre, and the shops, our establishment, which combines modernity and cultural heritage, possesses 165 comfortable rooms with a free Wifi access and air conditioner.The rooms, whose contemporary design emphasises the light and the colours, fall into 3 categories, according to their size and equipment. You enjoy an exclusively area reserved for the hotel’s clientele, for relaxation and well-being. At the bottom of the garden between the old stones and the deck chairs, a covered, heated swimming pool, a hammam and a fitness room are there to help you to relax in all serenity.
- Quality Sainte Catherine Hotel Bordeaux
Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*) - Bordeaux
The Quality Sainte Catherine Hotel (3*) has a fantastic location in the heart of Bordeaux and just off Sainte Catherine Street, which is said to be the longest pedestrian street in Europe. It is set in an attractive 18th century building with modern decor throughout. Adjacent to the Grand Theatre, many attractions and famous restaurants are nearby the hotel. The on-site bar and restaurant provide excellent meals and drinks, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay for guest who base themselves in the hotel as they explore Bordeaux and its surroundings.
Travel Info
Travel tips of France
VISA/PASSPORT
France is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of France for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/france.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Paris.
Government: Republic since 1792.
Language: French is the official language. Many people speak at least some English.
Religion: Approximately 83% Roman Catholic; Protestant 2%; Muslim 5%
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are widely used.
Telephone: Country code +33.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.
Internet: Public access is available at Internet cafes in most cities.
What's Included:
- 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
What's not Included:
- 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 (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- 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 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- 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.
- 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.
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