Day 1 - Arrival
Begin your trip in Paris. You may depart directly from Charles
De Gaulle airport, or you may decide to first spend a few days in
the wondrous City of Light. From Paris, climb aboard the comfortable
and fast TGV, which will whisk you to your first stop, Dijon. Overnight
in Dijon.
Day 2 - Dijon and the Cote
de Nuits
In the morning, depart from Dijon for a small, guided group
tour of Burgundy’s villages and wineries. The tour includes
two cellar visits and wine tastings. Wind your way through the vineyards
of the Cote de Nuits, famous for its exquisite red wines. In the afternoon
and evening, explore Dijon and enjoy dinner on your own at one of
its many excellent restaurants. Overnight in Dijon.
Day 3 - Colmar
This morning after breakfast, pick up your rental car in
Dijon and drive through the countryside of Franche-Comte to Colmar,
in the heart of Alsace. After checking in at your hotel, why not take
a leisurely drive through some of the villages on the Route des Vins?
Use the evening to relax, enjoy dinner, and wander Colmar’s
picturesque streets. Overnight in Colmar.
Day 4 - Alsatian Villages
and Wines
On the morning of your fourth day, embark on an adventurous
full-day guided tour of Alsace and some of the many beautiful villages
along its Route des Vins. You will visit Ribeauville, a charming 13th
century town with many Renaissance fountains. Stop in Kayersberg,
the birthplace of renowned humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Return
to Colmar for lunch. After lunch, continue on your tour to the famous
castle of Haut Koenigsbourg. You will wend your way along the wine
route to Riquewihr, considered one of the most beautiful villages
in France. Finish your day with a cellar tour and wine tasting at
Doppf & Irion. Overnight in Colmar.
Day 5 - Strasbourg
No visit to Alsace would be complete
without exploring Strasbourg, the region’s capitol and seat
of the European Parliament. After breakfast at your hotel, take the
40 minute train ride to Strasbourg and enjoy its many activities.
In the evening, return to Colmar to prepare for your next day’s
journey to Champagne. Overnight in Colmar.
Day 6 - Reims
After breakfast, drive to Reims to immerse yourself in the
world of Champagne-Ardenne. Visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims,
the Musee des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum), or any of the multitude
of cultural and religious buildings in this city. Dine at one of its
fine brasseries. Overnight in Reims.
Day 7 - Champagne
This day will be dedicated to the exploration of champagne,
the magical bubbly which can only come from this region of the world.
Visit some of the famous caves (cellars) located right in Reims, or
travel to nearby Epernay to visit Moet et Chandon or Mercier. Be sure
to stop in the little village of Hautvillers, where Dom Perignon is
said to have invented champagne. Your day includes a tour and tasting
at the renowned Celliers Ruinart. Overnight in Reims.
Day 8 - Return Journey
After breakfast, drive your rental car to Charles de Gaulle
airport (only 1 and ½ hours journey) to meet your return flight.
