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AI-generated illustration
Burgundy Highlights Tour
7-day Burgundy wine and heritage tour
7 days
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Moderate difficulty
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Est. €735
Day 1: Arrival in Dijon & Ducal History
Begin your Burgundy journey in the capital city. Explore the historic center, visit the Palace of the Dukes, and enjoy the local gastronomy.
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10:00
Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
Tour the historic palace, home to the Burgundy Regional Museum and the famous La Rochere porcelain collection.
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12:30
Lunch in Place d'Armes
Enjoy traditional Burgundian cuisine at a bistro near the main square.
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14:30
Jardin de l'Arquebuse
Stroll through the botanical gardens and visit the attached natural history museum.
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16:30
Shopping on Rue Jean Jean
Browse local boutiques for mustard, wine, and crafts.
Meals:
Lunch at Place d'Armes, Dijon , Dinner at Old Town Dijon
Where to stay: Stay in a hotel in central Dijon near Place Darcy or Place de la Libération.
Getting around: Walking is sufficient for the city center. Taxi/Uber for arrival from airport.
Day 2: The Côte de Nuits: Wine & Villages
Drive north through the prestigious Côte de Nuits, visiting Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée to see the Grand Cru vineyards.
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09:30
Drive to Gevrey-Chambertin
Scenic drive north from Dijon along the Route des Grands Crus.
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10:30
Wine Tasting in Gevrey-Chambertin
Visit a local caveau for a guided tasting of Pinot Noir Grand Cru.
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13:00
Lunch in Morey-Saint-Denis
Light lunch at a tavern in the charming village of Morey-Saint-Denis.
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14:30
Vosne-Romanée & DRC Exterior
Walk through Vosne-Romanée and view the exterior of the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti vineyard.
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16:30
Château de Chambertin
Visit the historic château and its museum dedicated to the wines of Gevrey-Chambertin.
Meals:
Lunch at Morey-Saint-Denis , Dinner at Nuits-Saint-Georges
Where to stay: Stay in Nuits-Saint-Georges or Beaune for easier access to the next day's activities.
Getting around: Car rental is essential for this day to navigate the wine route efficiently.
Day 3: Beaune: The Heart of Burgundy
Explore the wine capital of Burgundy, focusing on the Hospices de Beaune and the city's medieval ramparts.
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09:30
Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu)
Visit the famous 15th-century hospital with its iconic colorful tiled roof.
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11:30
Musée du Vin de Bourgogne
Explore the wine museum located in the former ducal palace next to the Hospices.
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12:30
Lunch in Beaune Old Town
Dine in one of the many restaurants surrounding the Place des Ducs.
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14:30
Walk the Ramparts
Walk along the medieval fortifications for panoramic views of the town and vineyards.
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17:00
Caveaux Tasting
Visit a local wine bar (Caveau) for an informal tasting of Côte de Beaune whites and reds.
Meals:
Lunch at Beaune Center , Dinner at Beaune Center
Where to stay: Stay in Beaune, preferably in a boutique hotel or guesthouse near the center.
Getting around: Walking is best in Beaune. Car parked at hotel.
Day 4: Cluny & The Abbatiale
Travel south to Cluny to explore the ruins of the largest monastery in medieval Christendom and its impressive church.
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09:00
Drive to Cluny
Short drive south from Beaune to the town of Cluny.
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10:00
Abbaye de Cluny
Tour the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul and the museum housing Romanesque art.
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12:30
Lunch in Cluny
Simple lunch at a local bistro.
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14:00
Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul
Visit the remaining nave of the massive abbey church, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
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16:00
Village Stroll
Explore the quiet streets and artisan shops of Cluny.
Meals:
Lunch at Cluny , Dinner at Mâcon or back to Beaune
Where to stay: Continue staying in Beaune or move to Mâcon for the next leg.
Getting around: Car rental recommended for flexibility between Beaune and Cluny.
Day 5: Chablis: The White Wine Region
Head north to the Yonne department to explore the distinct Chablis wine region, known for its crisp Chardonnays.
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08:30
Drive to Chablis
Longer drive north to the Chablis region.
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11:00
Chablis Vineyard Tour
Visit a grower for a tasting of Petit Chablis, Chablis, and Grand Cru wines.
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13:00
Lunch in Chablis
Lunch with a view of the Serein river.
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14:30
Church of Saint-Martin
Visit the 12th-century church with its distinctive bell tower.
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16:30
River Walk
Relaxing walk along the Serein river.
Meals:
Lunch at Chablis , Dinner at Chablis
Where to stay: Stay in Chablis or nearby Préhy.
Getting around: Car rental is mandatory for this day due to distance.
Day 6: Vézelay & The Basilica
Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vézelay to see the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine.
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09:00
Drive to Vézelay
Drive east towards the Morvan foothills.
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10:30
Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine
Climb the hill to visit the Romanesque basilica, a key stop on the Camino de Santiago.
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12:30
Lunch in Vézelay
Lunch at a restaurant with terrace views.
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14:00
Medieval Village Walk
Explore Rue de la Ravatelle and the remnants of the medieval fortifications.
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16:00
Artisan Workshops
Visit local pottery or textile workshops.
Meals:
Lunch at Vézelay , Dinner at Vézelay or Auxerre
Where to stay: Stay in Vézelay for a magical evening atmosphere.
Getting around: Car rental required. Note: Vézelay is hilly; parking is available at the bottom.
Day 7: Nevers & Departure
Head west to Nevers to see the famous porcelain and the Loire riverfront before departing.
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09:00
Drive to Nevers
Drive west towards the Loire Valley border.
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10:30
Nevers Porcelain Museum
Explore the history of Nevers faience and porcelain.
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12:30
Lunch in Nevers
Lunch near the Quai de la Loire.
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14:00
Basilique Saint-Étienne
Visit the Gothic basilica and the treasury.
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16:00
Quai de la Loire
Walk along the Loire river promenade.
Meals:
Lunch at Nevers , Dinner at Nevers
Where to stay: Departure day. Stay near Nevers if flying out of nearby airports or train station.
Getting around: Car rental return or train from Nevers station.
Practical Information
The optimal time to visit Burgundy is during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to October. Spring offers mild weather and blooming vineyards, while autumn provides the dramatic harvest season, though it is the peak period for wine tourism. Summer can be hot and crowded, particularly in Beaune and Dijon, while winter sees many smaller wineries closed. For transportation, most travelers fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly. From there, the TGV high-speed train offers a direct, efficient link to Dijon or Beaune, avoiding the stress of driving in the city. Once in Burgundy, renting a car is highly recommended to navigate the Route des Grands Crus effectively, as public transport between villages is limited. However, if you prefer a relaxed pace, hiring a private driver for wine tastings is a practical alternative to ensure safety and convenience.
Accommodation strategies vary by itinerary style. For a comprehensive tour, staying in Beaune serves as an excellent central hub, offering easy access to both the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Alternatively, for a "slow travel" approach, consider rotating bases between Dijon and specific wine villages like Gevrey-Chambertin or Meursault to minimize daily transit time. Budget considerations should account for the premium nature of Burgundy’s luxury offerings. Costs typically include high-end hotel stays, guided tastings, and private transfers. Note that entrance fees to major sites like the Hospices de Beaune and vineyard visits are often separate from accommodation packages. Many tours exclude meals unless specified, so budget for long lunches and dinner reservations, which are essential for experiencing local cuisine.
When packing, prioritize comfortable walking shoes for exploring medieval ramparts and uneven vineyard terrain. Bring layers, as weather can shift rapidly, and include a light jacket for cooler autumn evenings. For wine enthusiasts, a portable corkscrew and a notebook for tasting notes are useful, though many estates provide these. Important tips include booking wine tastings and popular restaurants well in advance, especially during the harvest season. Respect local customs by asking permission before photographing private vineyards. Finally, embrace the "slow" philosophy of the region; prioritize quality experiences over quantity, allowing time for markets, abbeys, and leisurely meals to fully appreciate the Climats of Burgundy.
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