Highlights
- Head to Paris' Marais district for a private wine and cheese-tasting experience
- Learn the secrets of Burgundian cuisine with famed local chef
- Pedal around the "City of 100 Steeples" on a Dijon bike tour
- Tour Provençal charming villages and world-class wineries
- Cruise along the crystal clear waters of Calanques National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris, Discover Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame & Conciergerie | Paris |
| Day 2 | Treasures of Le Louvre, Marais Cheese & Wine Tasting | Paris |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Dijon, Discover the City of 100 Steeples via Bike | Dijon |
| Day 4 | Vineyard Tours & Tastings in Côte de Beaune & Côte de Nuits | Dijon |
| Day 5 | Cooking Class in Beaune, Transfer to Lyon | Lyon |
| Day 6 | Tour the Golden Stones of Beaujolais, Exclusive Bouchon Lyonnaise Dinner | Lyon |
| Day 7 | Train to Aix-en-Provence, Wine Tour & Tasting in the Countryside | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 8 | Visit the Villages & Markets of the Luberon | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 9 | Boat Trip to Calanques National Park, Chef's Dinner in Aix-en-Provence | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 10 | Visit the Morning Market, Depart Aix-en-Provence |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Discover Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame & Conciergerie
Welcome to France! Your flight lands in the capital city of Paris, otherwise known as the "City of Lights." This thriving metropolis blends far-reaching history with modern vibes, featuring ancient architecture alongside chic cafés, world-class museums, and high-end shopping.
Your private driver will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your accommodations at Hotel Le Narcisse Blanc, a luxury retreat located on the legendary left bank of the Seine. Here, you'll find elegant rooms that blend classic Parisian style and modern comforts, with private balconies and gorgeous Italian-style showers and tubs. Relax in your room for a bit, or indulge at their opulent on-site spa and pool, then head out to learn more about this historic city with a privately guided tour.
Start at the iconic Notre-Dame, where you'll learn about the birth of Gothic art as you hear about the painstaking rebuilding process. Then, visit Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century royal chapel with golden arches inside and more than 1,000 stained glass windows. You'll also see the Conciergerie, Paris' first royal palace. Turned into a prison during the French Revolution, this was the place where Marie Antoinette and thousands of others spent their final days. Afterward, have dinner at a local restaurant or explore more on your own.
Day 2: Treasures of Le Louvre, Marais Cheese & Wine Tasting
The day begins with a deep dive into the home of some of the most historic artistic works of the Western world—Musée du Louvre. Originally built as a fortress and then used as a royal residence, the Louvre was inaugurated as a museum in the late 1700s. Today, its collections are valued at more than 45 billion, with works that include the revered "Mona Lisa" and the "Venus de Milo."
Team up with a private local art historian, who will help you discover these masterpieces and others, sharing insight into the different works and their history. The 2.5-hour VIP tour bypasses the general admission lines, and you'll be able to specify which artists you'd prefer to see. Walk the halls of this former royal palace and marvel at masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Delacroix as your guide helps to demystify and decode each piece.
Later, head to Paris' Marais district for a gastronomical adventure that's sure to please any foodies in your group. You'll visit a 17th-century cheese cellar, where an expert cheesemaker will teach you the ins and outs of crafting the perfect artisanal cheese. Taste different cheeses alongside local wines and discover the wonders of the perfect pairing as the wine and cheese "speak" to each other. After the tour, stroll along the bohemian Canal Saint-Martin area before returning to your hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to Dijon, Discover the City of 100 Steeples via Bike
Your next destination is the city of Dijon, the former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy and easily one of France's most charming cities. In the morning, your driver will collect you from your hotel for the scenic 3.5-hour drive. Upon arrival, you'll check in at the fabulous Grand Hôtel la Cloche, a 5-star property considered the epitome of refinement and comfort. Nestled in the quiet luxury of well-manicured gardens, the hotel has an internationally renowned on-site restaurant, rooms decorated with museum-quality art, and options for garden-view rooms.
Get settled at your accommodations, then see more of the city via a private bike tour. Make your way to the Old Town district, where you'll meet your guides and head out along Dijon's winding, picturesque streets. Cruise by the elegant Renaissance structures and Burgundian tile roofs, and learn why Dijon is called the "City of 100 Steeples" as you pass by the many churches. See sites such as Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, the architecture of Chartreuse de Champmol et Puits de Moïse, and the Gothic spires of the Notre-Dame de Dijon cathedral. End in time to explore more on foot, enjoying dinner at a local restaurant or back at your hotel.
Day 4: Vineyard Tours & Tastings in Côte de Beaune & Côte de Nuits
The Burgundy region has received worldwide recognition for its legendary winemaking, and today, you'll have the opportunity to explore the great wines of Burgundy and those who make them. Together with your private guide, you'll travel along the Route des Grands Crus of Côte de Nuits, making stops at estates such as Vosne-Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denism, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and the unmissable Romanée Conti and Clos de Vougeot plots.
Visit a private wine cellar to taste an insider's selection of wines that come from estates not open to the public and sip local gems that are difficult to find outside of Burgundy. You'll have the option for lunch and a tasting at Château du Clos de Vougeot, otherwise known as the "Temple of Burgundy Wines," or a four-course set menu at La Table de Léonce, served on the terrace of a 15th-century vat house.
Take a walk in the vineyards, learning more about cultivation techniques and the history of wine in Burgundy, then end the day with a visit to the "Golden Triangle" of the great white wines of Burgundy: Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet. Tour a local estate and taste some of the most beautiful and delicious varietals of unoaked white wines, all while discovering the art, craft, and history of enology.
Day 5: Cooking Class in Beaune, Transfer to Lyon
Learn the art of Burgundian cuisine and how it pairs with wine at today's private cooking class. Your driver will transport you from Dijon to the city of Beaune, located approximately 45 minutes from Dijon and considered the capital of Burgundy wines. Upon arrival, meet with a local chef and help prepare a traditional Burgundian menu made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you happen to attend on a Saturday, you'll have the added bonus of shopping with your instructor at the weekend farmers market.
Explore different cooking techniques as the chef shares personal stories and insight into the cultural history of Burgundian food, then pair your creations with a delicious selection of wines, gaining a better understanding of how the flavors can complement each other.
Afterward, depart for Lyon, France's third most populous city. Banked by the Saône and Rhône Rivers, the compact city center features traboules (hidden passageways), a UNESCO-listed Old Town, and a wealth of gorgeous architecture. Enjoy the scenic, two-hour drive, checking in at Boscolo Lyon Hôtel & Spa, a luxury accommodation located near the Place Bellecour and Lyon's shopping district. Rooms here feature a blend of Italian and French design, with elegant touches of velvet and gold. Relax at the hotel this evening, taking advantage of the on-site spa or dinner at its highly-rated restaurant, Angelo.
Day 6: Tour the Golden Stones of Beaujolais, Exclusive Bouchon Lyonnaise Dinner
Today, you'll join a small group tour to explore the beauty of southern Beaujolais. Often compared to Tuscany, this region is dotted with hilltop villages, all built with golden stone that makes for a magnificent backdrop against the lush greenery of the countryside. Your driver/guide will meet you at your hotel, and you'll set out, traveling along rural roadways and stopping to walk the cobbled streets of local villages. You'll also have a chance to visit a local winemaker, learning more about the region's famed Beaujolais Nouveau varietal while enjoying a wine tasting.
This evening, have dinner at Bistrot de Lyon, a gourmet brasserie located in the Cordeliers neighborhood. Featuring a menu focused on fresh, seasonal products and traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you can sample dishes such as pâté en route (a pastry-wrapped meat pie), pike quenelles (fish dumplings), and gâteaux de foies de volaille (chicken liver cake), as well as delicious homemade profiteroles or sponge cake for dessert.
Day 7: Train to Aix-en-Provence, Wine Tour & Tasting in the Countryside
You're off to the city of Aix-en-Provence, located in southern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and famed for its Provençal charm and slow-paced lifestyle. Once the home of painter Paul Cézanne, the city is known for his paintings of the nearby Montagne Sainte-Victoire. It's also often referred to as the "City of a Thousand Fountains" due to the historic fountains found at nearly every turn.
In the morning, board the train for the 1.5-hour ride, disembarking and meeting your driver, who will transport you to your accommodations at the Hotel Le Pigonnet, a luxury boutique hotel that sits less than a mile from the city center. This 18th-century Provençal mansion sits nestled in a peaceful garden, with tastefully decorated rooms that offer options for private terraces or sundecks over the garden. Once you've checked in and dropped off your luggage, meet your guide for an excursion to a local winery.
You'll head east of Aix-en-Provence and to the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards, considered to have some of the country's best natural soil and elements for grape-growing. The drying effects of the cool mistral wind patterns, alongside shallow soils formed by limestone and argillaceous sandstone, create the perfect environment for high-quality wines. Stop at two different estates, touring the facilities and learning more about the winemaking process. Finish with a tasting of the different wine varietals, which may include syrah, cinsault, cabernet sauvignon, or subtly-flavored rosé.
Day 8: Visit the Villages & Markets of the Luberon
Spend today visiting the charming villages and markets of the Luberon region, a massif in Central Provence consisting of three mountain ranges, the Lesser, Greater, and Eastern Luberon. Your private guide will meet you after breakfast, and you'll make your way along gently rolling hills and quiet country roads, making your first stop at the village of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Known for its antique stores and weekend markets, This lovely village sits on the Sorgue River at the base of the Vaucluse plateau. You'll have time to stroll along the canals or visit the open-air market if you happen to be there on a Sunday.
Next up is the delightful hilltop village of Gordes, home to rustic houses lodged against the mountainside, winding cobblestone streets, and an impressive 10th-century château. You can grab a bite to eat at a local café or catch their weekday product market, depending on the day. Stop for some pictures at the nearby Senanque Abbey, an exquisite 12th-century Cistercian treasure, then continue to the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, where the River Sorgue shimmers in shades of turquoise and sheer limestone walls rise up on all sides.
End your busy day in Lourmarin, famous for its striking Renaissance castle. You'll have time to visit the castle, or you can stop for an apéritif at one of the many cafés and restaurants, many of which offer lovely outdoor spaces along the cobbled streets. Return to Aix-en-Provence for the evening, enjoying dinner at your hotel or taking a stroll around town.
Day 9: Boat Trip to Calanques National Park, Chef's Dinner in Aix-en-Provence
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Discover the wonders of the Mediterranean coast today as you head out on a private tour of the calanques (creeks) of Cassis, part of Calanques National Park. Your driver will meet you in the morning, and you'll drive along the incredible views of the sea to the colorful town of Cassis.
Your driver will drop you at the port, where you'll hop onboard a private boat. Get acquainted with your captain and crew, then begin your cruise along the sheer cliffs that rise from the water, navigating small creeks such as the Sormiou or En-Vau Calanques. Your guides will share the history and legends of the region, returning you to the port in the early afternoon, where you can have lunch before returning to Aix.
This evening, visit one of Aix's premiere restaurants for a lavish dinner that pairs delicious local food and wine. Your three-course meal will include regional dishes, delectable desserts, and wines from nearby vineyards, all personally prepared by a selected chef. Afterward, make the most of your last night in France with a final sunset stroll through the city.
Day 10: Visit the Morning Markets, Depart Aix-en-Provence
If you have time before today's departure, take the morning to see more of Aix on your own, visiting some of the local produce and flower markets. Sample local specialties such as macarons, goat cheese, olive oil, and honey, and don't forget to pick up a few bottles of the fantastic local wines.
Wander the narrow streets and do some last-minute shopping, then it's time to say goodbye to France. Your driver will transfer you to the airport where your departing flight awaits. Au revoir!
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