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Burgundy and Lyon with Mark Bright
May 2 – 8, 2025 | Exclusive Burgundy Access
A Vintage Escape
Journey through the wine & cuisine culture of Burgundy
May 2 - 8, 2025 | 7 Days, 6 Nights
“Your passion for travel and forging new relationships is infectious. I need more!!”
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
$11,700
Per person, based on double occupancy
Legendary wine director & sommelier, Mark Bright
Strolling the medieval footpaths, past vine-carpeted hills and limestone villages, you’re on your way to a small family-run estate that produces some of the finest wines in the world. It’s closed to the public — but not to you. The past few days have been an insider-only exploration of the timeless gastronomic traditions of Burgundy and Lyon, from cave to table. Tonight at a meal in one of France’s top restaurants, you’ll sample course upon course of timeless cuisine. Tomorrow, you’ll sip the most exciting vintages the region has to offer alongside iconic winemakers.
Trip Highlights
- Learn about wine with Mark
- Discover a food lover's paradise in Lyon
- Sample wine in Beaujolais
- Taste coveted pinot noirs and chardonnays
- Meet Mark's favorite winemakers
- E-bike through storybook vineyards
- Immerse yourself in Beaune
- Enjoy Michelin-starred meals
3 Reasons to Travel with Mark Bright
Mark Bright is the founding Wine Director at San Francisco’s Michelin-starred restaurants Saison and Angler, and winemaker at Saison and Partage Wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where he creates wines informed by years of deep study in Burgundy’s winemaking styles and techniques. As a sommelier, his award-winning lists are veritable libraries of rare wines from the region, recognized with Wine Spectator Grand Awards for 10 years running. Next spring, he’ll walk us through his home-away-from home in France, pouring stories of insight, friendship and history into every glass we share.
Forever Young
Mark’s wine journey began at age 15 when he took a solo trip to Paris and — mostly by chance — found himself in Burgundy, chatting with Beaune wine matriarch (and global wine icon) Véronique Drouhin, who illuminated how great wines embody land, culture and people. This watershed moment linked Mark inextricably to the region, which he returns to again and again as his expands into ever more aspects of wine.
His Social Network
Mark’s restaurants represent some of the largest Burgundy collections in America; he also runs a brokerage and retail business in the Burgundian wine space, through which he sources top bottles for private collectors. Let's just say he's cultivated a handful of profound relationship with some of the best winemakers in the region.
Sheer Terroir
In the cellar and vineyard, Mark curates and creates wines inspired by a uniquely Burgundian sensibility, that views each wine as a microcosm of the place, time and hands that grew it. He sees parallels in the micro-climates and diverse soil types of Santa Cruz and Burgundy, which can vary widely from plot to plot, and seeks to create wines that offer a clear vision of their unique place in the world.
Day by Day
*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.
Day 1
May 2, FriBienvenue to Lyon! We’ll meet at our hotel and kick off the adventure with a welcome cocktail. As we get to know each other, our tastemaker will share his connection to the destination and we’ll chart a course for the week ahead.
Dinner tonight is a refined affair close to home at the heralded hotel restaurant.
Tastemaker Moment: Mark will introduce himself and share his profound affection for Burgundy
Day 2
May 3, SatAfter a traditional Lyonnaise breakfast, we’ll head to the market, mingling with locals as we peruse fresh cheeses, foraged mushrooms, and even the odd table of antiques. It’s the perfect way to start an incredible week together.
Our next stop is the world’s most storied gourmet market: Les Halles Paul Bocuse. Named after Lyon’s revered chef, this hall is a foodie’s haven. After tasting our way through its fifty-odd stalls, we’ll enjoy a leisurely tour of the historic city.
Dinner tonight is at a charming bouchon in the Presqu’île district.
Tastemaker Moment: Mark will select our wine pairing for tonight's dinner.
Day 3
May 4, SunToday, we make our way from Lyon to Beaune, but not with a few stops along the way. Beaujolais is called the “little French Tuscany,” today is all about learning why. We’ll experience a private wine tasting and visit a storied family estate in the heart where winemaking is not a job but a tradition passed down for generations.
Next is Château des Bachelards, where we’ll enjoy lunch expertly paired with the estate’s wines. Upon our arrival in Beaune, we’ll hit the ground running with a tour of the medieval village, paying particular attention to the limestone Remparts that once protected its inhabitants. The rest of the evening is yours to explore Beaune’s culinary scene as you wish.
Day 4
May 5, MonToday, we’ll discover Burgundy’s countryside charm: cruising on e-bikes, climbing up gentle hills, and cycling between rows of grapevines and by hamlets of red-roofed stone cottages. We’ll stop to taste wines at a family estate, before finishing with a luxurious selection of Château de la Crée wines and small bites to match.
After taking some downtime for ourselves, an elegant affair at Maison Joseph Drouhin, a beacon of Burgundian winemaking tradition, awaits us for dinner.
Tastemaker Moment: Today, Mark will help us understand how terroir plays a pivotal role in Burgundy wines
Day 5
May 6, TueBurgundy is renowned for the sheer number of individual vineyards in the region. Each grower imparts their own personality to their wine; the result has been some of the world’s best Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, Clos de Tart, Clos des Lambrays, Échezeaux, Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, Musigny– and the list goes on. Today, we’ll see it all with our own eyes as we visit Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne Romanée, and Nuits-St-Georges, three of the region’s most celebrated villages.
We’ll immerse ourselves in the process of hand-stitched wines among the plots of the world’s most expensive vintages before enjoying a Michelin-starred lunch at La Rôtisserie du Chambertin. Our bellies full and hearts happy, we’ll ramble down the road and continue to meet local tastemakers as we stroll some of the most compelling terroir in all of France.
The evening is yours to embellish.
Day 6
May 7, WedWe start the morning exploring Beaune’s vibrant market, famed for its bright produce, barrels of cured olives, and sausages direct from the charcuterie farms. We’ll make the acquaintance of a master barrel maker. Together, we’ll build an authentic 228L barrel and leave as budding experts in this age-old trade.
In the afternoon, we visit Beaune’s 15th-century wine cellars of a Gothic hospital-turned museum, the Hospice de Beaune. The first plantings were in 1457; almost six centuries later, it remains one of Burgundy’s most esteemed names. We’ll enjoy rare access to the private cellars and an exclusive tasting with head winemaker Ludivine Griveaux.
We’ll reconvene in the evening to enjoy an elegant private wine tasting at Les Celliers de la Cabiote and then wander over to our farewell dinner—sublime French cuisine paired with wines so exquisite we may never want to leave.
Tastemaker Moment: Mark will raise a toast to an unforgettable week of wine tasting
Day 7
May 8, ThuAlas, all good things must come to an end. We’ll bid adieu to each other and make our way to the airport.
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The food and wine were fantastic!
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Our trip was superbly well-organized, with great local guides and incredible access.
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I want everyone to have this experience.
Where We Sleep
The easy elegance and heritage of Lyon and Burgundy are on full display at both of these iconic hotels.
*On rare occasions, our hotels will change. Our standards for luxury and authenticity will not.
InterContinental Hotel Dieu
LyonOnce an 18th-century hospital, the InterContinental Hotel Dieu in Lyon is now a beacon of luxury and elegance. Nestled in the heart of the city, the suites in this architectural gem blend historical charm with modern comfort and offer breathtaking views of the Rhône River. Indulge in Lyon's vibrant culinary scene at the hotel's own Michelin-starred restaurant, Epona, where gastronomic innovation meets historic grandeur.
Hotel Le Cep
BeauneIdeally situated in the heart of medieval Beaune (“Capital of the wines of Burgundy”) – and just minutes away from the famous Hospices de Beaune and the Notre-Dame Basilica – the Hotel Le Cep is a genuine institution in this town. This 5-star hotel is affiliated to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which include some of the world’s best hotels, and also a member of the Château Hôtels Collection, Le Cep owes its charm to the uniting of two private mansions and their historical 16th-century courtyards.
Book Burgundy and Lyon with Mark Bright
Make It Private
We understand that certain dates can work better than others, or sometimes a more private experience is more appealing. We’d be happy to modify this departure so it fits the needs of you and your group.
Start HereQuestions?
We have answers! Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure trip specialist.
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What does the price include?
Six nights at a unique 5-star accommodation; private travel for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer; private tours with locals guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities and exclusive private tours and activities; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals; gratuities for local staff.
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What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip start; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverage not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.
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Where does this trip start and end?
Our adventure begins at the InterContinental Hotel Dieu in Lyon and ends at Hostellerie Cèdre in Beaune. We recommend booking flights to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) and from Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) or Geneva Airport (GVA). On the final day of our trip, we will organize a group transfer from our hotel to the airport. The specific time of this transfer will be determined after we’ve gathered all guests’ flight times to ensure the best schedule for the group. Please note that it is your responsibility to arrange transportation to Lyon at the start of our trip.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are not required to have a visa for stays in France under 90 days. Just bring a valid US passport. For citizens of other countries, please check with the French Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is an $1,900 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Who is going on this trip?
Our adventures typically have between 10 and 18 guests, plus our Modern Adventure team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
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Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
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What is the cancellation policy?
For group departures booked on or after January 1, 2025, you may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee.
For group departures booked before January 1, 2025, you may cancel more than 90 days before departure and receive a full refund minus a $500 per person service fee. If you cancel on or after 90 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 45 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.