The Best of Rhône Wine Country

Join Calcareous’ owner Dana Brown and winemaker Jason Joyce as you experience the best of Rhône wine country with a group of wine lovers, just like you.

Date

May 25 - Jun 3

Year

2024

Group Size

12 - 16

Tour Escort

Day 1 to Day 10

Join Calcareous’ owner Dana Brown and winemaker Jason Joyce as you experience the best of Rhône wine country with a group of wine lovers, just like you. On this trip, you will be guided to many iconic wineries while immersing yourself in the beauty of this French wine region. Join us to enjoy a multitude of gourmet food and wine tastings while learning about the rich history behind Rhône wines. Read below for more information, spots are limited so contact us today to book your wine tour!

Trip Highlights

Lyon – Cote Rotie – Condrieu – Tain-Hermitage – Avignon – Vinsobres – L’Isle sur la Sorgues

  • 10 exclusive wine tastings at some of the best wineries in the region.
  • 4-night stay at Hôtel de l’Abbaye or MiHotel-Lyon.
  • 5-night stay at Hotel Cloître St. Louis. 
  • Sommelier guided tour of the famous Paul Bocuse Les Halles.
  • Visit the Basilica on the hill, overlooking Lyon.
  • Tour of the cellar at Domaine Ogier.
  • Visit the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and store.
  • Guided tour of Pont du Gard, a 2,000-year-old aqueduct.
  • Swimming in the Gardon River, under Pont du Gard.
  • Explore Chateauneuf du Pape, the Pope’s summer home.
  • Visit an ancient Roman amphitheater in Orange, built between A.D 10 and 25.
  • Immerse yourself in an interactive art experience, Carrier de Lumières.
  • Explore the medieval villages of Seguret and Les Baux.
  • Be amazed at the ochre-colored cliffs of Roussilon

What is included in the price?

• Hotel with daily breakfast and VAT tax.

• All guided activities as shown, including tastings and entrance fees.

• Transportation.

• Meals with wine as shown in itinerary (primarily lunches).

• Kelly McAuliffe as guide/Somm/tour manager throughout the trip.

• Private transfers in Lyon and Avignon.

Not included:

• International air.

• Travel/trip insurance.

• Gratuities for drivers and local guides.

• Meals that are indicated as on your own.

• Items of a personal nature.

Important Notes

• This trip is not suitable for people with mobility problems.

• Hotels’ availability has to be verified at time of booking and price may vary depending on its availability.

Terms & Conditions

Click to read our terms & conditions. 

Disclaimer

Due to reasons beyond our control, the itinerary and activities may be subject to change without notice and be replaced with similar tours and activities of equal or greater value. 

Day 1 – May 25
Welcome to Lyon!

Once you have arrived in Lyon, you will be transferred from LYS airport or Part Dieu Train station to your hotel. Beginning your 4-night stay at either Hôtel de l’Abbaye or MiHotel Lyon.

Welcome dinner will be hosted at a Lyonnais Bouchon.

Day 2 – May 26
Highlights of Lyon

Sommelier Kelly McAuliffe will be your guide as you visit the famous Paul Bocuse Les Halles, followed by lunch at one of the fresh seafood stands. Then you will begin a sightseeing tour of the highlights of Lyon, including a visit to the stunning Basilica on the hill that overlooks the city of Lyon! The tour will end with a walk around Old Lyon, then returning to your hotel. Dinner on your own.

Day 3 – May 27
Cote Rotie & Condrieu Day

Spend the day enjoying Cote Rotie & Condrieu. Begin with a tasting at Domaine Ogier and explore their wine cellar, followed by a wine-paired lunch at Bistro de Serine. After lunch, you will visit Domaine Francois Villard and Guigal for tastings. Dinner will be on your own in Lyon.

Day 4 – May 28
Tain-Hermitage

Begin your day visiting Colombier for a tasting, followed by a wine-paired lunch at Mangevins. After lunch, you will take a brief walk to the wonderful Valrhona Chocolate factory and store! Then we will drive to either Alain Voge in Cornas or Combier, then experience a tasting at Chapoutier. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 5 – May 29
Pont du Gard and Avignon

9:30 am you will depart from Lyon and head for Avignon. At noon you will arrive at Le Courtille in Tavel for lunch before driving to Pont du Gard. There you will take a guided tour of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct. Weather permitting, you will experience a delightful wine/bubbles tasting and go for a refreshing swim in the river! Then you will make your way to your hotel, Hotel Cloître St. Louis in Avignon, where you will begin your 5-night stay. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 6 – May 30
Chateauneuf du Pape

At 9 am you will depart for your visit and tasting at Le Clos du Cailloux. followed by a wine-paired lunch, hosted at Cafe de France. After lunch, you will take a driving tour around Chateauneuf du Pape (the New Palace), the Pope’s summer home and learn about the diverse soils/terroir. Following your drive, you will experience a tasting at either Janasse, P. Usseglio, or Alain Jaume. Before returning to the hotel, you will make a short visit to the magnificent Roman amphitheater in Orange. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 7 – May 31
Vinsobres & Gigondas

In the morning you will depart for your visit to Vinsobres. There you will start your day with a tasting at Domaine de Coste de Chaude, followed by a wine-paired lunch at Coteaux & Fourchettes. After lunch, you will head for Cairanne where you will visit Domaine Richaud. Take a stroll around the gorgeous Medival village of Seguret before visiting BAS Domaine Bosquet in Gigondas. Dinner on your own in Avignon.

Day 8 – June 1
Pope’s Palace

Today you will get to experience the beauty of the Pope’s Palace in Avignon, a bonus special treat, your guide is also an opera singer! After you explore the palace, you will visit Les Halles in Avignon, where you will get to enjoy oysters and champagne, along with other local goodies.

After lunch, you will go to either Beaurenard in Chateauneuf du Pape for a tasting or make a visit to the ancient medieval village of Les Baux and the Carrier de Lumières, an interactive art experience. Your farewell dinner will be hosted at Carré des Papes.

Day 9 – June 2
Luberon

Today you will go to L’Isle sur la Sorgues to shop the antique market, including a wine-paired lunch either in L’lsle sur la Sorgues or you will drive to Luberon and have lunch there. After lunch, you will visit a few of the gorgeous villages throughout Luberon, such as Gordes and Roussillon. There you will walk through the Ochre-colored cliffs that give Roussillon its name. Dinner will be on your own in Avignon.

Day 10 – June 3
Au revoir!

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be provided with a private transfer to either the airport in Marseille or the train station in Avignon.

Interested in extending your trip?

Inquire Here