Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart U.S./Fly overnight to Lyon

Depart from the U.S. for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Lyon/Begin your Pre-Trip Extension

Upon arrival at Lyon Airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area – VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Please note: Make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags. This helps the representative identify you.

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative will welcome you to France and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van (approximately 40 minutes depending upon traffic) to your Lyon hotel. Important: If you are delayed in meeting your VBT representative at the Lyon Airport, please call 04 72 77 70 00 from within France. Outside of France, call +33 4 72 77 70 00.

VBT provides you with a City Information Packet in your Final Travel Booklet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Lyon. VBT has included a one day travel pass for each day you are in Lyon. The whole city is yours from dawn to dusk to come and go as you please on the city's network of buses, trams, and subway. Your individual passes will be given out upon check-in by the hotel reception. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring Lyon. Please note that hotel check in is at 2:00pm but the hotel will try to have rooms available as soon as possible.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart U.S./Fly to Lyon

Depart from the U.S. for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Lyon

Today you may wish to start your visit by taking the funicular to the top of the Fourviere Hill, with a spectacular panoramic view over the city. You can visit the basilica and the old Fourviere Roman theatres close by.

At the bottom of the hill is the old Renaissance district of Vieux Lyon. Be sure to visit Saint Jean Cathedral while discovering the area. Make your way through the traboules (silk workers passageways) while you admire the magnificent interior courtyards, wells and spiral staircases.

Cross the footbridge across the Saone River to the Palais de Justice. Walk around the Presqu'ile where all the city's major buildings are found, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses one of the largest art collections in France, with ancient and Egyptian art, sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages and by painters such as Manet, Monet, Picasso and many others.

These streets and their stately structures bear testament to the urban development of the city over the last 2,000 years and are part of the Lyon's 1,235 acres that have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For dinner, there is an endless number of places to choose from, whether the Bouchons (small Lyon restaurants), brasseries or the more prestigious eateries.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Lyon

Upon arrival at Lyon Airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area – VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area.

Please note: Make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags. This helps the representative identify you.

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign. Your representative will welcome you to France and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van (approximately 40 minutes depending upon traffic) to your Lyon hotel. Important: If you are delayed in meeting your VBT representative at the Lyon Airport please call 04 72 77 70 00 from within France. Outside of France, call +33 4 72 77 70 00.

VBT provides you with a City Information Packet in your Final Travel Booklet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Lyon. VBT has included a one day travel pass for the day you are in Lyon. The whole city is yours from dawn to dusk to come and go as you please on the city's network of buses, trams, and subway. Your individual passes will be given out upon check-in by the hotel reception. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the city. Please note that hotel check in is at 2:00pm but the hotel will try to have rooms available as soon as possible.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Lyon/Join VBT Air Package guests

Take another day to discover Lyon. You may wish to discover La colline qui travaille, or the working hill, a term used to describe the Croix-Rousse, a quarter known for its long association with the silk industry. You can admire the walls of the Canuts (silk workers) by the Boulevard des Canuts and the Rue Denfert Rochereau. You also can visit the Soierie Vivante lace-making workshop, witness weaving techniques at Maison des Canuts, or see demonstrations of the painting techniques used on velvet fabric at Atelier de Soierie.

This afternoon, why not take the time to rent a Vélo'V bike and go for a ride along the Rhone riverbanks up to the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers.

VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR All guests meet in Lyon/Transfer to hotel via Cluny/Warm-up ride

VBT No-Air Package guests: Meet one of your Trip Leaders in the lobby of the Lyon Hotel Charlemagne at 9 a.m. They will be wearing VBT staff garments. If your arrival to Lyon is scheduled later than 9 a.m. or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi or train to the hotel in Tournus at your own expense. Taxi cost is approximately 200 euros/$310 USD (travel time is approximately 1 hour to the first hotel; train cost is approximately 20 euros/$30 USD, travel time approximately 1 hour, 10 minutes). If you have taken the train, depart the train station and take a right; you will see the hotel on the opposite side of the road about 300 yards away. If you experience any travel delays or changes to your schedule, please contact the first hotel to advise the staff and they will inform your VBT Trip Leaders.

VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: Meet your VBT Trip Leader in the hotel lobby at 9 a.m. We will transfer by bus via Cluny to the first hotel in Tournus.

Cluny, the former abbey and home of the Pope around the year 910, was larger than St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome – before it was dynamited and the richly carved stones sold by an unscrupulous lot that included a local priest! We stroll along the ancient stone streets of Cluny with our local guide. We've timed our visit to fall on a market day so you'll have the opportunity to buy some local specialties for lunch on your own.

Arrive at your Tournus hotel, meet your second Trip Leader, and have free time to settle in before your Trip Leaders offer a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride to the nature reserve of La Truchere.

After the ride and some time to freshen up, meet for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Tournus loops

We cycle flat lands along the tranquil banks of the Saone, through quiet villages and lovely farms, fields and ponds. We stop for a picnic in the small town of Sennecey Le Grand. Here you may wish to visit the SAS Museum, dedicated to people who risked their lives by going behind enemy lines.

We continue after lunch along more scenic paths. You'll have afternoon options for a moderate ride, a long ride, or you can opt for the shuttle.

Tonight you are free to enjoy dinner on your own in one of the local restaurants, or you may choose to stay and eat in the hotel's renowned bistro.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cycle through the Cote de Beaune/Wine Tasting

This morning, we get a taste of local life in France as we hop on the train and briefly roll though the vineyards of the Cote Chalonaise and cross into the world-famous wine region of Cote de Beaune. We get off the train at Chalon Sur Saone and after a short public bus ride; we cycle directly on the “Voie Verte” bike path along the Canal du Centre to Santenay. Afterward continue on small roads through the world famous vineyards of the Cotes de Beaune, passing renowned villages such as Puligny Montrachet, Meursault and Pommard considered by many wine professionals as the “mecca” of Chardonnay production.

This afternoon you will have time for lunch on your own and can return to Beaune at a time that suits you. After time to relax we depart the hotel and walk to the wine cellars of Alex Gambal. Alex decided to leave the USA and the world of real estate and, after attending the viticultural school in Beaune, he created Maison Alex Gambal in 1997. He now produces 60,000 bottles of wine per year which can be found on tables in 20 countries. Our visit will include a tour of the Maison, an explanation of his wine production, and a tasting.

After our visit we gather at a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Home hosted lunch

After an elaborate breakfast (which includes wine and cheese for those who are so inclined) we leave serious wine country and head into the countryside on narrow, quiet roads to the small hamlet of Cussigney. We are invited to the summer home of a local family in a historic locale. Here, enjoy a game of pétanque before lunch followed by a homemade dessert and coffee or tea with our generous hosts.

We find our way back to Beaune through forests, villages and depending on the time of year, maybe sunflower or canola fields. We settle back into our hotel, relax for a while, then walk into town to enjoy dinner in one of the fine restaurants on your own.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Hospices de Beaune/Routes des Grands Crus/Dijon

This morning, we take a 5-minute walk over to the Hospice de Beaune (also known as the Hotel Dieu), the epicenter of Beaune. This perfectly preserved historic treasure led the way for early philanthropic endeavors in Europe and still today is entirely financed by private donations. It has never been closed a single day in more than 500 years! This authentic masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art and architecture is Burgundy's single most-visited site, you will understand why after setting foot inside the stunning courtyard. We visit the Hospice, and then set out on our bike path toward the capital of Burgundy, the beautiful city of Dijon.

Our cycle route today takes us through some of the most famous vineyards in the world.
We wind our way to Nuits St George, the region where famed Cote de Nuits red wines are produced. Here we stop to explore choose from different lunch options before we cycle through the vineyards along narrow lanes used as access routes by the vineyard workers. In this area monks toiled for centuries making wine for religious services. Historians now point out they likely kept the very best wine for themselves. It is thought that the very first red wines in the world were made here – and that monks macerated the grape skins so the typical rose wine would more closely resemble the blood of Christ.

The entire stretch of vineyards from Beaune to Dijon is currently under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the Route des Grands Crus, you may wish to stop and explore old and charming villages such as Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin before continuing all the way to the outskirts of Dijon. As we enter into this city, the capital of Burgundy, we'll marvel at the astonishingly well-preserved city center. Dijon, often called “Sleeping Beauty,” is third in France for its number of protected historical buildings, with more than 100 acres of the city center protected. This capital of the former ducal kingdom has attracted musicians, artists and writers for centuries.

After checking into our hotel, we set out for an introduction to Dijon on foot with our Trip Leaders. We then venture out on our own to wander the medieval cobbled streets until we find just the right place to enjoy an “apero” and dinner on our own.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Dijon/Burgundian canal/Valley de L'Ouche

This morning, we can sleep in, have breakfast in our rooms, and just generally take it easy. We begin our day cycling directly from the hotel before joining the Route des Jardins (Garden Route) and the pleasant byway along the Canal de Bourgogne to Pont de Pany.

Our short option loops back to Dijon; longer options head into the Valley de L'Ouche, along the winding River L'Ouche and the canal. The bucolic scenery here has made this route a favorite of every barge company in France because it is lush, green, peaceful and completely unspoiled – true France.

After cycling, there are museums galore to peruse, from fine arts, archeology, natural history sacred art and even a museum of the daily life in Burgundy. Each one is free and housed in a historic building.

Tonight, we finish our week of cycling with a fun evening at Ateliers des Chefs cooking school. The school is ours for the evening so you can participate in the cooking of dinner with a local chef. The group will dine on the results.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Transfer to Dijon railway station/VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: Breakfast is included and your tour ends here. It is a short 5-minute walk to the Dijon train station if you wish to take a train.

VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, and before leaving the hotel around 10.30 a.m., you may wish to visit the local market in Dijon. At departure time, walk to the Dijon train station (your luggage will be taken in the van) and continue on by high speed train to Paris. Upon arrival, you will be met by a VBT representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

VBT provides you with a City Information Packet in your Final Travel Booklet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Paris. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring Paris.

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S.

After breakfast*, transfer to the Paris Charles De Gaulle airport for your return flight. Please ensure you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Paris

Today, see for yourself why this city has inspired poets, lovers, emperors and artists for centuries. Visit Montmartre and its charming cafés and artists' colony, along with the Moulin Rouge, made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec in his vivid and colorful artwork. Or venture to the top of Notre Dame for a gargoyle's view of the city. Make a stop at the Eiffel Tower or one of the magnificent museums, such as the Musee Picasso or the Musee d'Orsay. Take a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens on your way to the Louvre. You can walk to many of the major sights from your centrally located hotel.

You may book an optional 2-hour guided walking tour of Paris, starting at your hotel, at your own expense – you must reserve this optional tour with your VBT representative upon arrival. The price is 25 euro per person (must be paid in euro cash), and requires a minimum of 4 participants.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Paris

Take another day to discover Paris.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for U.S.

After breakfast*, transfer to the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport for your flight home. Please ensure you are waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Burgundy: The Wine Route 2012

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Lyon 2012 - 2 nights for only $195

Begin your adventure with a visit to Lyon, the third-largest city in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its charms are manifold, not least its gastronomy – there are more restaurants per square mile here than anywhere else on earth. It also has a beautifully preserved old quarter and an elegant town center of grand boulevards and public squares. There are several museums to visit, along with one of the few national operas outside Paris. Visit the Cathedrale of St. Jean where the King Henri of France married Catherine de Medicis, a remarkable marriage that joined two of the most powerful families of the early Renaissance. Stroll to the banks of the Saone where markets still thrive and where centuries ago Gallic slaves were traded for amphoras of Italian wine!

You can walk to many of the major sights from your centrally located, 3-star hotel.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $95.

Post-Trip Extension

Paris 2012 (Burgundy) - 2 nights for only $295

End your adventure with a visit to Paris and see for yourself why the City of Light has inspired poets, lovers, emperors and artists for centuries. Visit Montmartre and its charming cafés and artists’ colony. Here, too, is the Moulin Rouge, made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec in his vivid and colorful artwork. Or venture to the top of Notre Dame for a gargoyle’s view of the city. You have plenty of time to make a stop at the Eiffel Tower or one of the magnificent museums, such as the Musee Picasso or the Musee d’Orsay. Take a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens on your way to the Louvre. You can walk to many of the major sights from your centrally located, 4-star hotel.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $295.

Accommodations

Hotel Charlemagne

The Hotel Charlemagne is located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône rivers, on an island just south of the main historical area but still within walking distance of all the major sites. In this region Lyon’s new energies are concentrated around a marina and major conference centre.

Hotel Le Rempart

Hotel Le Rempart is a 4-star, family-run establishment. Parts of the property date from the 15th century.

Hotel Le Cep

It won’t take long to see that Beaune’s Hotel Le Cep, tucked into the heart of the medieval city, was made for royalty. This was Louis XIV’s favored accommodation when he visited Burgundy, and it’s sure to be yours. This unique lodging was established as a private home in the 16th century. Its grounds include buildings built as early as the 14th, and its “newest” structures date from the 18th. The 1547 courtyard is overlooked by Italianate galleries and two lovely towers. You’ll savor the local flavor in the hotel’s renowned restaurant, whose wine list boasts 50 regional wines.

Hotel Sofitel Dijon La Cloche

In the heart of the capital of Burgundy, this hotel is conveniently located near the Old Town and a number of attractions, including museums and the Ducal Palace. This historic hotel was built in 1884 and is listed as a heritage building. Delightful gourmet French and international cuisine are available at its two restaurants. Its amenities include a fitness center, and a golf course is available for use close to the hotel.

Millennium Hotel Paris Opera

The Millennium Opera Paris combines the elegance and splendor of the 1920s with modern, comfortable amenities. In addition to a restaurant, the Millennium Hotel Paris Opera offers a lounge bar where guests can enjoy snacks and drinks by the fireplace and cocktails in the evenings, all with the background of music from the grand piano. Room service is available around the clock. Multilingual staff on the 24-hour front desk can provide concierge services, including theater and opera reservations and transportation arrangements, as well as recommendations on places to visit. Wireless Internet access covers all public areas of the hotel. The hotel features 163 air-conditioned guestrooms with traditional decor in light colors, and includes period-style wood furniture with green leather-topped writing desks. All rooms offer satellite television, pay movies, safe, trouser press, mini-bar and coffee/tea-making facilities. En-suite bathrooms include hair dryers. The full-sized desks also feature high-speed Internet connections.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance. Ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists as well.