Guide Kickoff 2023

As we cycled through the medieval streets of Beaune during B&amp;R's annual Guide Kickoff, Bernard, one of our seasoned guides, imparted words that would echo throughout the week: "To be a great guide is to wake up every day and strive to be the best version of yourself."Think of it as a week-long training extravaganza from our office in the heart of Burgundy, where our guides from all around the world come together to prepare for the start of our season. Bernard’s statement stuck with me, as it perfectly captured the ethos of each and every one of our guides.

From savvy veterans to bright-eyed newbies, our guides are truly the most interesting people in the world, bringing with them a unique skill set and outlook on life that made me eager to experience a B&amp;R trip with every single one of them. They speak multiple languages, they know all the best restaurants in town, and they’re keen to share their outlook and intense knowledge of life and culture.&nbsp;Take Maria, an Argentinian living in Croatia, who decided to take a break from her stint as an acrobat to guide for B&amp;R. Or Aurelie, who hails from Alsace and was kind enough to spend most of her night translating every single ingredient on the menu for me during a dinner in town (I promised her next year I would brush up on my French!).Beyond honing their skills in the bike atelier, our new guides had the chance to connect with B&amp;R's local friends who cater our Burgundy Wine Country Biking trip, discover the charming L'Hôtel de Beaune, the first hotel on trip, and explore the routes that await our travellers this season. Connecting with partners and digging deep into a region are key elements of a successful B&amp;R trip.

Throughout the week, the energy was electric and the generosity of our guides was unparalleled. From how they looked out for one another on our afternoon rides to the infectious enthusiasm they brought to every conversation, it felt like being at a party where everyone was the host. No glass of Pinot was ever left behind at dinner, no detail overlooked.&nbsp;During one hilly bike ride to the Meursault vineyards, I found myself trailing behind. It was then that I knew our travellers were in good hands this season, as our guide Urban voluntarily pushed me up the hill while riding his own bike with ease. Urban, who guides our Norway Biking trips, later confirmed that he had done the same for our travellers while tackling the imposing Trollstigen Pass.&nbsp;This was one of many experiences during my time with our guides that highlighted their unwavering dedication – even off the clock. Our guides really are the best people in the world, and I left the Kickoff feeling like I had not only met the incredible people who guide our trips, but also a new family of inspiring and passionate leaders.

From mastering their mechanical skills in the atelier to savouring the flavours of Burgundy, our guides have been through an intensive week of training to ensure that every B&amp;R trip is nothing less than exceptional. Enjoy the highlights from Kickoff as they prepare for an extraordinary season ahead.

For those whose evenings are woefully incomplete without a well-selected vintage, Burgundy is hallowed ground. This region has been whetting its palate since the Roman era and is mouthwatering proof that practice makes perfect. So naturally, it’s B&amp;R’s first love—and second home. Stay in our pied-a-terre in historic Beaune and try our signature pairings: like cycling through verdant Cote de Nuits and dining at the Michelin-starred Le Montrachet. Did we mention garden picnics at Butterfield’s own winery?

Discover Burgundy

Burgundy | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

$4,795 based on four travellers. $4,595 based on six travellers. $8,995 based on one traveller.

We spent one day in Burgundy decades ago and decided to never leave. You'll spend six—so consider yourself warned. You'll coast from one heavenly (and world-famous) vineyard to the next, clinking glasses with our expert friends along the way. Explore historic Beaune, where our hometown-advantage grants you access to exclusive events and illustrious hosts.

We spent one day in Burgundy decades ago and decided to never leave. You'll spend six—so consider yourself warned. We’ll coast from one heavenly (and world-famous) vineyard to the next, clinking glasses with our expert friends along the way. Explore historic Beaune, where our hometown advantage grants us access to exclusive events and illustrious hosts, then unwind at the end of the day at the finest hotels.

In Vino Veritas

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details. 

Preview the itinerary 

Featured stays

Let us lead you to the top of the gorgeous Hautes Côtes, uncork the splendid vintages from French wine’s ancestral home and bed down in the region’s most exclusive hotels on a private, Bespoke journey. 

Can’t find your dates? 

Go Bespoke

Experience Designers

We spent one day in Burgundy decades ago, and decided to never leave. You'll spend five—so consider yourself warned. We coast from one heavenly (and world-famous) vineyard to the next, clinking glasses with our expert friends along the way. Explore historic Beaune, where our hometown-advantage grants us access to exclusive events and illustrious hosts.

In our second home in beautiful Burgundy, sumptuous cuisine, miles of vine-side paths, and exclusive access to local treasures await—as do our expert friends.

Burgundy Wine Country Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

This is vintage B&amp;R territory—a place renowned for its culinary traditions and rich history. Our European office and atelier have been in Beaune since 1985, so getting the insider scoop usually consists of chatting with our long-time neighbours... in their 13th c. castle. All of our events in Burgundy are 100% local, and we offer the sort of experiences you can only achieve through nurturing relationships with the community and the people who call the region home. Let us lead you to the top of the gorgeous Hautes Côtes, uncork the splendid vintages from French wine’s ancestral home and bed down in the region’s most exclusive hotels on a private, bespoke journey.&nbsp;

In Burgundy, pleasure has long been perfected.

"Burgundy is a place that hardly changes—a place of age-old tradition. The ideal spot to slow down to see the world. It isn't somewhere you travel to just once, ticking it off your list of destinations where you’ve been there, done that. Once you get here, riding through the most prestigious vineyards in the world, sailing down the Côte d’Or on a bike, you too, will feel the magic of Burgundy."

Winning hotels are a hallmark of B&R. Sometimes grand, sometimes charming and intimate, and always perfect for your trip. That’s the B&R style.

Expertly curated with our favourite experiences in each destination, these departures bring together a maximum of 16 like-minded travellers on pre-set dates.

Want a set itinerary instead?

Explore our Scheduled trips

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Burgundy Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

$4,695 based on four travellers. $4,395 based on six travellers. $9,495 based on one traveller.

Burgundy cast its spell upon us decades ago, now it beats as the very heart and soul of B&amp;R. Welcome to our second home, where it doesn't get any better than exploring vineyards and sipping Grand Cru in the region where they were grown. Dive into classic Burgundian cuisine as our expert friends provide backstage access to the world’s most famous wine regions. The magnificent Domaine de Rymska awaits when it’s time to rest your legs, a sumptuous haven nestled amidst the rolling Burgundian countryside.

Savour Grand Cru wines in front of their vineyard, enjoy a tasting at a world-famous winery in Pommard, master the art of Gougères and beef bourguignon with a local chef.

Discover the unique qualities of Burgundian wines with expert Jean-Pierre Renard, dine with a seasoned French winemaker at his winery, explore the Hospices de Beaune alongside a local expert.

Discover centuries of French history at Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, Hospices de Beaune, and Chateau de Couches. Enjoy wine tastings and cultural tours, immerse yourself in Burgundy's countryside, explore historic Beaune.

Rest your legs at L'Hôtel de Beaune, an intimate 15-room boutique hotel in the city's heart. Experience Domaine de Rymska, a Relais & Chateaux property offering an outdoor heated pool, a working farm, and sweeping countryside vistas.

From Terroir to Table

Discover the allure of Burgundy's wine country on foot. Vineyard exploration, delectable cuisine, and backstage access to renowned wine regions await.

This is how to see Burgundy.

Can't find your dates?

Burgundy cast its spell upon us decades ago, now it beats as the very heart and soul of B&R. Welcome to our second home, where it doesn't get any better than exploring vineyards and sipping Grands Crus in the region where they were grown. Dive into classic Burgundian cuisine as our expert friends provide backstage access to the world’s most famous wine regions. The magnificent Domaine de Rymska awaits when it’s time to rest your legs, a sumptuous haven nestled amidst the rolling Burgundian countryside.

Burgundy Walking | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

On this self-guided adventure, you’ll pedal through Burgundy and its famed wine regions on two wheels. Cycle along our favourite routes, experiencing a side of Burgundy we've unlocked after decades of planning—savour the taste of Grand Cru in the Côte de Nuits, meet our local friend for a historical walking tour in Beaune, and explore the "hidden" Burgundy in the Côte Chalonnaise, all at your pace.

Burgundy

Guide Kickoff 2023

Find your next adventure.

Get insider access, travel inspiration and a first look at new adventures, straight to your inbox.