Burgundy and Rhone
La Madelene Rhone Wine Holidays have partnered with Lynne and David Hammond's Burgundy Discovery to bring you the best of both regions over just 4 days/6 nights.
Burgundy and Rhone Valley two-centre wine-tasting tour
This tour combines two-days in Burgundy and two-days in the southern Rhone plus one day travelling between the two areas. You will be able to taste, compare and contrast some of the great wines of Burgundy and the southern Rhone. Guests can begin either in Burgundy or the Rhone. Travel between Beaune in Burgundy and the southern Rhone is very easy. By direct autoroute the journey time is about 4 hours while fast and frequent TGV trains run between Burgundy and Avignon.
In Burgundy, your two-day wine tasting tour combines the one day Classic and one day Grand Premier tour and (full details of these days can be found at www.burgundydiscovery.com). Your first day in Burgundy will begin with Lynne and David welcoming you at your accommodation in or near Beaune. They chauffeur you throughout and drive into the vineyards which some say is like a wine list coming alive. Stopping in the vineyards to help you understand Burgundy better, they explain the basics of Burgundy - its wine growing areas, grape varieties and the appellation system. We take you through your personal information pack that contains maps, facts and figures, pen pictures of the winegrowers we shall meet and tasting sheets for the wines we will taste.
Over the two days you will visit six independent, family Domaines and taste red and white Regional, Village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru wine across a range of vintages. You will taste some of Burgundy's top appellations such as Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Nuits St George, Vosne Romanée, Chambolle Musigny as well as hidden secrets such as Monthelie, Santenay, St Romain and the wines of the Hautes-Côtes.
Each day we visit a different restaurant for lunch and enjoy a three-course Burgundy-style menu with wines.
In the Rhone you will be hosted by us :Philip and Jude Reddaway and stay three nights at La Madelene in one of our luxury guest bedrooms. Your two-day wine tasting tour adapts our "Selected Domaine tour". On your first evening at La Madelene you will be treated to a champagne reception followed by a 4 course Provencal meal served with fine wines of the region (perhaps a Chateauneuf du Pape Roger Sabon Cuvee Special 1999 or a 2001 Domaine les Goubert Cuvee Florence Gigondas). The first day of the tour starts in our wine tasting atelier with a briefing on the wines of the Rhone valley to get you up to speed with essential information – the aoc structure, the grape varieties and the wine making traditions of the region. Mid-morning we set out for the first of our domaine visits - your transportation will be in our Mercedes Vito – loaded of course with refreshments.
Across the two days of the tour you will visit six wine domaines taking in the Crus and Côtes du Rhone Villages appellations: Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise and either Seguret, Cairanne or Rasteau. Our domaines are carefully selected to reflect not only the best expressions of the wines of each Cru or Villages level wine, but also to enable you to meet and talk with proprietors who will show you around the vineyards, the winery and talk passionately about their terroir and their wine making philosophy, as you taste.
The tour includes accommodation with breakfast, lunch with wines at two different typical Provencal bistros on both days, two table d’hote evening meals at La Madelene served with my selection of fine wines, and one evening meal with wine at one of our favourite local restaurants.
This four-day wine-tasting tour is 1,220 Euro per person and includes:
| In Burgundy |
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| Two days guided wine tasting in Burgundy comprising one day Classic and one day Grand Premier tour Guide services of Lynne and David Hammond in Burgundy 3-course lunch with wine on both days Wine Tastings Information pack Local taxes and TVA |
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| In Rhone Valley |
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Two days guided wine tasting in Rhone Valley Costs exclude: Accommodation and dinner in Burgundy |
Spain
La Madelene Rhone Wine Holidays has partnered with Spain’s leading provider of wine, gastronomy and cultural tours The Wine Colours based in Barcelona.Here is a selection of their excellent tours for 2009. If any of these great tours interest you, please contact us here at La Madelene and we will put you in touch with the team there…
Luxury wine tour to La Rioja Alavesa: 4 days / 3 nights
Barcelona/Madrid – Logroño - La Rioja Alavesa – Barcelona/Madrid
La Rioja is a delicate concoction of odours and tastes, richly blended by different traditions...
La Rioja Alavesa is a privileged region in the Basque Country internationally recognized fo r the high quality of its wines. The described itinerary is an unforgettable wine tour through small villages full of history and rich in cultural heritage, all within a singular landscape.
Discover the art of wine-making from small medieval wineries to models of internationally famous avant-garde architecture.
DAY 1 BARCELONA/MADRID - LOGROÑO
Collection at Barcelona/Madrid airport. Transport to hotel in Logroño, La Rioja's Capital (4 hours from Barcelona and 3 hours from Madrid approx).
Logroño is a city rich in history and traditions which have been preserved since the middle Ages. The Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela made this one of the most important towns on the route, leaving an interesting monumental legacy closely linked to the traditional passing of the pilgrims.
Our bilingual guide will pick up you at the hotel around 6:00pm for a guided stroll though the history of this city, that has been able to find the tricky balance between the traditional and the modern, between respect for the past and new demands. You can not miss the Santa Maria del Palacio church which was founded in the 11th century, but reconstructed in the 12th and extended in the 16th. The church has three naves finishing in abbatial chapels.
After the stroll, our guide will take you to the famous "Laurel street" to taste the Logroño's tapas matched with the Rioja wines. Return to hotel and accommodation.
DAY 2 LOGROÑO – EL CIEGO (LA RIOJA)
Breakfast at hotel. Transport to the Hotel Marques de Riscal - The Luxury Collection, designed by the renowned architect Frank O. Gehry. This hotel is a true example of modernity and innovation set against the backdrop of an old, traditional winery. Visit to the Marques de Riscal cellars which are the best museum in which to see the living history of the wines of Herederos del Marqués de Riscal.
The building of the first cellar began in 1858, the year the company was founded. Within these installations, now used for the maturing of wines in barrels, is the Cathedral, a cellar in which the greatest treasure of the Marqués de Riscal is kept; a unique collection of all the vintages produced by the winery since its beginnings over 149 years ago.
Lunch in El Ciego. Rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the sensations and revitalising properties of the wine grape in the Marques de Riscal spa operated by the pioneers in this kind of treatment: Caudalie. Take the advantage of unique treatments that combine the benefits of mineral rich hot spring water and the extracts of the grape and wine, rich in polyphenols. This spa is the first in Spain, joining those in Italy, France, United States and Taiwan. Dinner consist on a taster menu in the hotel. This experience is led by the prestigious chef, Francis Paniego, of the well known Echaurren restaurant and the first chef of the Rioja to be awarded a Michelin star.
DAY 3 EL CIEGO - BRIONES
Breakfast at hotel. Transport to Briones to visit the Dinastía Vivanco museum of wine culture. Briones is a medieval town with an abundance of cultural and architectural attractions. The 4000 square meters museum belonging to the Dinastía Vivanco Foundation is one of the most complete wine-related collection of art, traditional know-how, winemaking techniques, history ... Giving to the visitor a universal vision of the relevance that wine has had in all civilisations throughout history. A specialised library, a tasting room, two restaurants, a conference hall and a wine shop complete the facilities. Transport to Labastida for lunch. Visit to the Nuestra Señora de Remelluri wine cellar which is an historic property which once belonged to the Monastery of Toloño. Remelluri was a pioneer in the concept of a single state vineyard in Rioja. Return to hotel Marques de Riscal.
DAY 4 EL CIEGO - BARCELONA/MADRID
Breakfast at hotel. Return to Barcelona/Madrid according to your flight schedule
THE TRIP INCLUDES
This tours is subject to availability any time of the year runs every thrusday to Sunday Except December and January.
- Collection at your convenience. Private transportation during the whole journey
- Bilingual speaking guide
- Guided stroll in Logroño and tapas dinner
- 1 night accommodation in a bed and breakfast basis in Logroño
- 2 nights in hotel Marques de Riscal – The Luxury collection
- Free entrance in the Caudalie spa (treatments not included) in Hotel Marques de Riscal
- 2 lunches
- Gourmet dinner including wines in the Marques de Riscal - The Luxury Collection
- Winery visit described including guided tour and tasting
IT DOES NOT INCLUDED
- Any airfare
- Tips, personal expenses such as minibar or telephone
- Any concept , not included in the previous itinerary
Price: 1650 Eur. per person (minimum group size 6 people).
Supplement for single occupancy: 150 Eur. Smaller group under quotation.
Note: Pretour and postour extensions are available under request. Quotation will depend on season and availability.
Spanish golden cities wine tour: 8 days/7 nights
Spain main cities for wine and art lovers
Scheduled Departure dates:
17 may 2009
06 sep 2009
Maximum number of people: 16 people
Barcelona-Madrid-Corboba-Seville-Jerez
Spain is an outstanding country to visit for wine and art lovers. For design and architecture, Spain is experiencing a Renaissance and an atmosphere. We have created this gourmet tour with an extra special focus on painting, sculpture and architecture. A luxury tour for wine lovers who also love art and design. You will visit main cities in Spain as Barcelona, Madrid, Cordoba and Seville.The Tour stars in Barcelona, the Monday after your arrival (May 18 and September 7) and ends in the Seville airport on Sunday (May, 24 and September 13th). In the Barcelona city you will enjoy a special private wine tasting of the high-end wines of Priorat, and private guided art tours in Barcelona best contemporary art museums such as the Picasso museum and Gaudí ´s heritage. A quick travel with high speed train between Barcelona and Madrid (02.40 hrs) will accommodate you in a chic boutique hotel located in the art triangle (Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia museums) facing the lovely Retiro Park and Gardens. You will explore Madrid with your own private art guide who will show you around the Picasso and Salvador Dali collections of the Reina Sofia, and the Velazquez and El Greco galleries of the Prado. Ribera and Rioja tasting in Madrid prestigious: Marqués de la Concordia Wine Club.
Day 1 Barcelona
Collection at Barcelona airport according to your flight schedule. Discover the bustling and glamorous streets of Barcelona´s Eixample quarter tonight. Your luxurious hotel right on the elegant Passeig de Gracia. Today is yours to relax and enjoy on your own in Barcelona. Catalonia is on a par with Basque Country regarding high-end and exciting cuisine and you have an array of wonderful Michelin starred eateries, as well as enchanting local seafood restaurants. With our suggestion enjoy a wonderful dinner either in the harbour or in the trendy city centre.Day 2 – Barcelona
Breakfast at your Luxury Hotel . An art tour of Barcelona is planned for today. With your own private driver and separate art guide you will discover the highlights of Barcelona including the Picasso Museum, the Miró Museum, and Gaudi´s Parc Güell home of works of Picasso, Joan Miró and Gaudí Before returning to your hotel, your driver and guide will take you to the whimsical Parc Güell, a park landscaped by Art Nouveau master Antoni Gaudi from the year 1900-1914. The park is enormous and offers various treats such as views over Barcelona, as well as some beau mosaics. In the late afternoon, you will be dropped back at your hotel - Free lunch. This evening you will a matching tapas dinner menu with highly recognized Priorat wines in fancy wine shop in Barcelona City centre.Day 3 – Barcelona-Madrid
Travel from Barcelona to Madrid by high speed train ( 0240 min) Collection at Madrid station and check into your fashionable hotel located just steps from Madrid´s major art museums and beautiful Retiro Park. In the afternoon, your own private guide will take you on an art tour of Madrid. You´ll visit the Prado Museum, Spain´s most famous museum, and take in various galleries focusing on the Spanish masters like El Greco, Goya, Zurbarán and Velazquez. Carry on to the Reina Sofia to see a collection of modern Spanish masters like Picasso (including Guernica), Salvador Dalì, Antoni Tàpies, Juan Gris, Eduardo Chillida, and avant-garde sculptor Pablo Gargallo. Free Lunch. After your art tour, enjoy the evening on your own in Madrid with our suggestions. Day 4 – Madrid
Breakfast at your luxurious hotel. The day is yours to explore Madrid on your own. There are a variety of wonderful museums to visit such as the Impressionist Sorolla museum (one of Madrid´s best kept secrets), the pretty Decorative Arts museum (with furniture, crystal and tapestries dating back to the 15th century) and of course the Thyssen Museum (private art collection spanning everything from 11th century Italian painting all the way to Pop Art). Madrid is also home to some excellent contemporary galleries such as the new Caixa Forum.This evening, we have some fabulous food and wine in store for you. You will enjoy a private Spanish wine master class with your own sommelier. You will start with an aperitif of cava before taking your wine flight of Spain´s wine regions such as Toro, Bierzo, Rias Baixas and the Penedès. After your tasting, a selection of tantalizing Basque Pintxos will be served.
Day 5 – Madrid-Córboba-Seville
Travel from Madrid to Cordoba by high speed train ( 0140 min) Visit Of Cordoba including the most interesting spots as The Mezquita, the biggest mosque in Spain, still in use, The orange grove behind the Mezquita, and the jewish quarter narrow white-washed streets, especially beautiful during the patio season (May) . After lunch, pamper yourself in an Arabic bath. Very relaxed journey with speed train to Seville (40 min). Free dinner with our suggestions and accommodation in your Hotel.
Day 6- Seville
Breakfast at your fancy Hotel . Excursion to monumental Seville including visit to The "Reales Alcazares" a Moorish palace with exceptional tilework, patios and gardens. We will enjoy a Tapas style lunch with wines/beers at the Oldest bar in Seville.. Rest of afternoon and evening free in Seville.Day 7- Seville-Jerez de la frontera –Seville
Jerez is famous throughout the world for its dessert wines named after the town, which 17th century British wine importers mistakenly pronounced "sherry". It is called "de la Frontera" because it once stood on the "wild west" frontier between the Moorish and the Christian kingdoms. Jerez is also famous, for its equestrian tradition and for its famed Flamenco singers and dancers. On this wine tour, we will visit historic wineries in the famed towns of "The Sherry Triangle"; we'll see the "Dancing Horses" at The Royal Equestrian Riding School. Lunch included. Return to Seville and free dinner. Day 8- Seville –City of origin
At your preferred time today, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your outbound flight. This concludes an extraordinary art, wine and design tour of Spain!
PRICING AND CONDITIONS:
Price: 2965 Eur per person in double room
Supplement for single use room: 525
Supplement for Business Class in High speed train tickets: 150 Eur
The Trip includes
• Luxury transportation when required, all transfers from airports to hotel and from train station to Hotel.
• Four star luxury Accommodation in the best locations in the city centre in a bed and breakfast basis. Walking distance to main attractions of the city
• All meals with wine as specified in the itinerary
• Wineries visits described including guided tour
• Local expert guide from The Wine Colours for specified visits
• High speed train tickets Barcelona – Madrid- Cordoba –Seville in tourist class
• Entrance fees to Prado and Reina Sofia in Madrid
• Entrance fees to Museo Picasso and Joan Miro Foundation in Barcelona
• Taxes
• Travel Insurance
It does NOT included
• Any flight
• Tips, personal expenses such as minibar or telephone
• Any service , meal or drink not specified in the itinerary
• Cancellation insurance
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations within 30 days to 15 days before departure will have a penalty of 50% of the total amount
No refunds for cancellations within 15 days of departure date
Note: The Company reserves the right to cancel the tour 30 days before departure if there is not the minimum number of people required within 30 days
Architecture and wine Spanish tour: from Modernism to the Avant-Garde 10days/09 nights
“From Barcelona to Bilbao through the vineyards”
Scheduled Departure dates:
17 June 2009 and 18 July 2009
Maximum number of people: 16 people
Barcelona-Priorat, la Rioja, and Bilbao
Spain is an outstanding country to visit for wine and art lovers. For design and architecture, Spain is experiencing a Renaissance and an atmosphere. We have created this wine and gourmet tour with an extra special focus on wine architecture. You will visit Barcelona and Bilbao and the most recognized Spanish wine regions as Priorat and La Rioja.
Day 1 Barcelona
Collection at Barcelona airport according to your flight schedule. Discover the bustling and glamorous streets of Barcelona´s Eixample quarter tonight. Your luxurious hotel right on the elegant Passeig de Gracia. An art tour of Barcelona is planned for today. With your own private driver and separate art guide you will discover the highlights of Barcelona including the Picasso Museum, the Miró Museum, and Gaudi´s Parc Guell home of works of Picasso, Joan Miró and Gaudí Before returning to your hotel, your driver and guide will take you to the whimsical Parc Guell, a park landscaped by Modernista master Antoni Gaudi from the year 1900-1914. The park is enormous and offers various treats such as views over Barcelona, as well as some beau mosaics. In the late afternoon, you will be dropped back at your hotel - Free lunch.Rest of afternoon free.Free dinner with our suggestions and accommodation.Day 2 – Barcelona
Breakfast in hotel. Today we have prepared a very special session: . We will take you to visit the famous Boqueria Market, purchase the ingredients for your class, and then teach you hands-on the basics of Catalan cuisine. You may also request a specific Paella or Tapas class. This class will be followed by lunch of the dishes made by the group. Free evening and dinner at your disposal.Day 3 – Barcelona
Breakfast in hotel. Transport to the Barceloneta district for a 15 minute helicopter ride over the city, coastline and surrounding areas. Rest of morning and lunchtime free. Tapas route with The Wine Colours Guide in the evening around the Gótico district of Barcelona where we will sample the most characteristic delicacies and different wines. Return to hotel and accommodation.Day 4 – Barcelona-Torroja del Priorat
Breakfast in hotel and transport to Tarragona district of Priorat. (approx. 2 hours). Visit en route to one of the most emblematic Cister monasteries: The Monastery of Poblet. Wine and food matching lunch in a traditional 'masía' (Catalan farmstead) or a 'calçotada' (chargrilled shallots with dipping sauces) in the November to March season. Afternoon visit to the Celler Modernista de la Espulga de Francoli wine cellar, dating from 1912 and belonging to the Conca de Barberá denomination, designed by the architect Pere Domènech i Roura.Transport to 4 star hotel in the Torroja del Priorat town. Rest of the afternoon and dinner at the hotel.Day 5 – Torroja del Priorat - Gratallops
Catalan Breakfast. Transport to an international renowned D.O. Priorat wine cellar in the town of Gratallops, Costers del Siurana where we will enjoy a private tasting led by oenologues from the house. Degustation Lunch in a intriguing restaurant in Gratallops with wine. Transfer to Torroja. Free afternoon. Dinner in Torroja and accommodation.Day 6- Torroja del Priorat – La Rioja ( El Ciego)
Catalan breakfast at the hotel. Travel to El Ciego in the 'Rioja Alavesa' region, a journey of about 4 hours. Accommodation at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, the Luxury Collection which is located in the heart of the Rioja wine region nestled in the heart of the City of Wine. It designed by the renowned architect Frank 0. Gehry, creating his second masterpiece in Spain after driving Bilbao's urban revival with the Guggenheim Museum.
This Hotel is member of Starwood's luxury collection. Light Lunch at Hotel and rest of afternoon free to enjoy Wine therapy, massage and other relaxing treatment sessions at Caudalie Spa of the hotel. Free Dinner with our suggestions and accommodation.
Day7 El Ciego.La Guardia- El Ciego
Breakfast in hotel. Transport to the Bodegas de la Dinastía Vivanco in the beautiful town of Briones. This avant-garde style wine cellar also possesses a wine museum. At mid-day we will travel to the marvellous historic town of La Guardia, which is of medieval origin and a national monument. Free lunch in La Guardia. In the evening Transport to a nice Restaurant in Ezcaray and return to hotel for dinner and accommodation.
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Day 8- La Rioja El Ciego- Bilbao
Breakfast in hotel. Transport to luxury hotel in Bilbao (approx. 1 hour 15 mins). Guided visit to the city in the morning and lunch of the typical 'pintxos' (Basque-style tapas) in old quarter washed down with a good wine. Afternoon free. Transport to gastronomic restaurant for dinner in Bilbao. Transport to hotel and accommodation. Day 9 Bilbao
Breakfast in hotel. Transport to Guggenheim Museum for a guided visit. Lunchtime and afternoon free. Transport to a wine merchant's for private tasting and dinner. Transport to hotel and accommodation. Day 10 Bilbao – Barcelona/ Madrid
At your preferred time today, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your outbound flight. This concludes an extraordinary art, wine and design tour of Spain!
Pricing and Conditions:
Price: 3795 Eur per person in double room
Supplement for single use room: 590 Eur
The Trip includes
• Luxury transportation when required, all transfers from airports to hotel and from train station to Hotel.
• Four star luxury accommodation in the best locations in the city center in a bed and breakfast basis. Walking distance to main attractions of the city
• All meals with wine as specified in the itinerary
• Wineries visits described including guided tour
• Local expert guide from The Wine Colours for specified visits
• Taxes
• Travel Insurance
It does NOT included
• Any flight
• Tips, personal expenses such as minibar or telephone
• Any service , meal or drink not specified in the itinerary
• Cancellation insurance
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations within 30 days to 15 days before departure will have a penalty of 50% of the total amount.
No refunds for cancellations within 15 days of departure date
Note: The Wine Colours reserves the right to cancel the tour 30 days before departure if there is not the minimum number of people required.