There is a special flavor to Burgundy. Yes, it's in the wine, but it transcends everything. It's in the gracious demeanor of the people. It's in the friendly rolling hills and small villages that sit quietly among the vineyards. You feel the rich flavors of Burgundy as you pedal toward the multicolored Flemish-tiled roofs in Beaune. When you combine all these unique flavors, you quickly understand that the wine is only where Burgundy's story begins.
Days 1-2 The Morvan, a beautiful, wild, lesser-known part of Burgundy
with lush forests and farmland, lovely lakes and quaint villages 
Spin through château-dotted countryside to the hilltop town of Vézelay and discover its cathedral, a World Heritage site.
Day 3 Savor phenomenal cuisine paired with wonderful wines
Looking for the landscape photo? One stunning vista follows another as you ride across rolling pastures past ancient manors and abbeys.
Day 4 Private cellar tour and tasting at acclaimed Maison Alex Gambal,
with artisanal whites and reds Plunge into the centuries-old winemaking tradition at celebrated Clos de Vougeot, a restored medieval château and vineyard Radiant chardonnay and pinot noir vines escort you and your bike from the Côte de Nuits into the Côte de Beaune.
Day 5 Bike along the Route des Grands Crus to the famous town of Chassagne-Montrachet
Marvel at the famous names that line the route Spot farmers busy in the vineyards, where wine is as plentiful as the vintages are delightful Visit Château de La Rochepot standing on its rocky peak since the 13th century Learn about the region's wines while sampling with our friends in Chassagne-Montrachet.
Day 6 Beaune, the vibrant capital of the Côte d'Or
Check out the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune, a tile-studded showcase of Flemish-Burgundian architecture and impressive history, on a private guided tour.
Trip Highlights:
- The Morvan, a beautiful, wild, lesser-known part of Burgundy
- Bike along the Route des Grands Crus to the famous town of Chassagne-Montrachet
- Savor phenomenal cuisine paired with wonderful wines
- Private cellar tour and tasting at acclaimed Maison Alex Gambal
- Beaune, the vibrant capital of the Côte d'Or
Premiere Inns
Château de Vault de Lugny (2 nights): A moated 16th-century castle with a 13th-century dungeon, this hotel is brimming with charm, from its fine antiques and tapestries to the ducks and peacocks roaming its grounds. (pool, spa, tennis)
Abbaye de la Bussière (1 night): Now a luxurious country house, the abbey was originally a spiritual retreat after its founding in 1131. A Relais & Châteaux member.
Hôtel Le Cep (2 nights): Described by Hideaway Report as "an opulent hotel created from several 14th- to 18th-century mansions in the heart of the charming wine capital of Beaune." A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 16 | 800 | 22 | 1100 | ||||||
| 2 | 13* | 1300 | 36 | 2100 | 53 | 2900 | ||||
| 3 | 23* | 600 | 38* | 1400 | 50 | 2400 | ||||
| 4 | 24* | 900 | 38 | 1100 | 47 | 1900 | ||||
| 5 | 17* | 1100 | 27 | 1700 | 37 | 3200 | ||||
| 6 | 16 | 500 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/2-7 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1380 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1380 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1380 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1380 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1380 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
The trip was fantastic. Biking is the way to see Burgundy. I felt as if I entered the Middle Ages and stayed for 5 days, as you see so little evidence of the present on this trip, and instead are immersed in a world of chateaus, abbeys, churches and little medieval villages. The food, accomodations and countryside are outstanding, and are combined with some challenging cycling days.- Mercer Island, WA
The trip was fantastic in every way! Great, amazing food - really loved the Backroads picnics! And the "extra" activities - the chateau tours, wine tastings, etc. really added to the experience. I learned more about the Burgundy region - the wines, the cuisine, etc. - in 5 days than I could have in months of reading and tasting at home. I truly came away with a deep understanding and appreciation of the special and unique features of the Cote d'Or: Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits. I will remember this trip for years to come!- Shelburne, VT
This was our 10th Anniversary and we had the greatest experience. The trip beat our expectations.- Linden, NJ