Rhone from the North to the South
a Grapetrotters Adventure in June 2024
During these 5 full days, we will follow the Rhône river from Lyon to Marseille, visiting iconic producers and enjoying French cuisine. The Rhône Valley shows a plethora of grape varieties, soil, of wine styles (white, sparkling, rosé, red and fortified wines) with also a huge diversity of food traditions.
First, we will explore for 2 days the Northern Rhône region with its continental climate, and its vineyards of Syrah and Viognier flanked along the Rhône river. Then we will spend 3 days in the Southern Rhône around Avignon visiting the different Crus (e.g. Chateauneuf-du Pape) and Côtes-du-Rhône village AOCs.
If you are a fan of GSM (Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre) blends this journey is definitely for you.
Sunday, June 16 - 2024
ARRIVAL IN LYON, Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport.
Meeting point in Lyon Center and we drive straight ahead in the Rhône Valley!
Check-in to our 4 Star hotel in Condrieu in the Northern Rhône Valley.
Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Monday, June 17 - 2024
Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Saint Joseph.
There will be iconic producers on the schedule, such as Guigal with Château d'Ampuis, Vernay in Condrieu, Coursodon in Saint Joseph.
Lunch at one of the wineries.
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Check-in to our winery resort in Tain l'Hermitage.
Dinner at the winery resort.
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Tuesday, June 18 - 2024
Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Peray.
On the schedule iconic producers such as Chapoutier, Clappe, or Combier.
Lunch at Maison Chabran.
On our way to Avignon and the Southern Rhône, we will stop in Saint-Peray to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine.
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Check-in to our boutique hotel in Avignon.
Free evening in Avignon.
Wednesday, June 19 - 2024
Tavel and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
To start our day and to refresh our palate we will visit a small producer in the only AOC 100% rosé: Tavel AOC.
Then we will spend the rest of the day in the vineyard of Châteauneuf-du-Pape visiting iconic producers such as Famille Perrin, and Chateau Mont-Redon ...
Lunch at the winery.
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Overnight in our boutique hotel in Avignon.
Free evening in Avignon.
Thursday, June 20 - 2024
Gigondas, Cairanne and Rasteau.
We will continue to explore the complexity and diversity of the GSM blends according to their origins and terroirs.
We will visit 3 AOC Crus as AOC Gigondas, AOC Cairanne, and AOC Rasteau (red wines and fortified wines) protected by the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Lunch in Vaison-la-Romaine at a great bistro.
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Overnight in our boutique hotel in Avignon.
Free evening in Avignon.
Friday, June 21 - 2024
Mont-Ventoux and Luberon.
Mont-Ventoux a 6273 feet / 1912 m peak made famous by the Tour de France, Ventoux is also the largest producer of the seven "other" AOCs. We will visit a boutique winery to understand the impact of the Mont-Ventoux on the GSM blends.
Lunch in a local bistro.
We will spend then the afternoon in the sunniest region in France: Lubéron, with a wine-tasting session at Marrenon with the head winemaker.
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Overnight in our boutique hotel in Avignon.
Final dinner in Avignon.
Saturday, June 22 - 2024
Departure after breakfast for MARSEILLE
possible drop-off in Marseille center or Marseille Marignane Airport around noon.
What's included
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Accommodation in 4-star hotels or equivalent (winery resort) with breakfast every morning.
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Private bus with driver for 5 full days
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Winery visits & tastings, group activities, guided visits, and tickets
All meals as mentioned in great local restaurants or farms (wine included).
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City lodging visitor tax
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Grape Tours' tour leader (Pierre Gouttenoire - French Wine Scholar)
Not included
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Airfare & travel to and from starting/departure point.
Drinks at meals unless host-ordered
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Entry to any museums, historical sites unless noted
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Personal charges, laundry, phone calls, internet, mini fridge consumed items
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Travel Insurance
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Gratuities for maids, baggage handlers, drivers or guides
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Other trip details
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Starting point: LYON, Lyon Saint Exupery Airport.
Ending point: MARSEILLE, Marseille Marignane Airport.
LYON and MARSEILLE could be reached easily also from Paris by fast train TGV.​
Meeting
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This tour will be confirmed with a minimum of 8 people and a max of 16.
We recommend booking well in advance (see more booking info here).
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Pricing
All-inclusive cost per person (based on double room occupancy): 3800 euro
(single occupancy 4200 euro/p.p.)
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