Cycling The Vineyards Of Burgundy

8 days - from $1311

Enjoy fine food and wine of the beautiful Bourgogne whilst exploring a heritage stretching from the Gauls to the Romanesque
Burgundy styles itself 'The Land of Great Art and Good Living'. The landscape is an attractive patchwork of lush pastures and broad-leaved woodlands, interspersed with extensive vineyards. This is one of France's foremost wine regions and we will be passing some of the most valuable vines in the world. For those who enjoy some classic wines the names of the towns and villages will have a distinct resonance: Pommard, Beaune, Nuits Saint Georges. The architecture, too, is distinctive, with many fine old half-timbered buildings whose steeply-pitched roofs are patterned in multi-coloured tiles. The lattice of quiet lanes and tracks follows rivers and meandering canals and climbs into the hills to explore the enchanting countryside, ancient abbeys, historic towns and magnificent chateaux. This itinerary enables an appreciation of the food, wine and the countryside but also provides some healthy exercise to justify a little indulgence at the end of each day. As well as guiding you between the charming mediaeval villages we will recommend a number of possibilities for you to taste the fine wines of Burgundy en route.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Dijon. 2 Leave mediaeval Dijon and pedal via Nuits St Georges, the capital of the Cotes de Nuits vineyards, to Beaune. The fascinating old town is a great place to explore and eat with plenty of shops and restaurants. 3 Today is free to relax and enjoy Beaune's many attractions or take an optional cycle ride. The town is delightful and it is possible to visit the Hospice de Beaune museum, one of the finest examples of French 15th century architecture. 4 Pass the villages of Pommard and Meursault and the 13th century chateau at La Rochepot, and cycle on to the lovely old town of Nolay. 5 Leave the vineyards behind and cycle through the forested uplands to the hilltop village of Chateauneuf en Auxois, with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. 6 A day to relax, take an optional cycle ride or explore the tiny streets and chateau in the mediaeval village. 7 Most of the route follows the Burgundy Canal past Velars-sur-Ouche and then on to Dijon to complete the circuit. 8 End Dijon.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 40 kms (25 miles) No. of days cycling: 6 (2 optional) Vehicle support: none whilst cycling, luggage is transferred between hotels for you Terrain and route: the suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads past villages and vineyards across undulating terrain. Occasionally a busier road is encountered, as is a longer climb, but the route is not particularly arduous.
Group size: Self guided. Route notes and maps provided.
Accommodation: 7 nights in 2 and 3-star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Food: All breakfasts and 2 dinners included.
Compulsory Single Supplement: from $420.00
Trip Reference: LSQ
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Start any Saturday or Wednesday from 10 March to 27 October 2012Starting 11 April - 29 September GBP799All other dates GBP749Price is land only and does not include travel from LondonSupplement for single traveller GBP399 (includes single room supplement)Return rail travel to Dijon, prices from GBP150Local bike hire: 21 speed Lapierre touring bikes GBP85, paid on booking.
Trip Reference: LSQ