Burgundy was for centuries a vast and wealthy duchy larger and more powerful than France, owning lands included in present-day Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Its dukes brought in great artists and architects to create masterpieces of beauty; medieval religious communities built impressive churches; generations of monks patiently cultivated vines and improved techniques of fermentation and aging to produce some of France's finest wines; others worked as skillfully to earn the province's reputation for superlative cuisine. You will visit great cities and small towns, among them Dijon, known for its art and elegance (and, of course its mustard!); Beaune, the heart of the Burgundy region, with many historic treasures, plus wonderful shopping; Vézelay, with its magnificent hilltop Romanesque basilica. You will walk through some of the best-known vineyards, among them Pommard and Meursault, visit wine cellars in picturesque villages, taste different wines and talk to local vintners, see medieval monasteries such as Fontenay, where early monks were pioneers in producing the region's wines. This will truly be an unforgettable trip!

If all that sounds exciting, read on!