Key Points
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A new seven-day SmoothRed rail tour crosses Champagne, Alsace, and Burgundy with guided tastings and visits to world-renowned wine regions.
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Travelers sample more than 35 wines while exploring landmarks like Reims Cathedral, storybook Alsace villages, and Burgundy’s legendary vineyards.
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The package includes rail travel, luxury hotel stays, private tours, selected meals, and expert guidance throughout the journey.
If riding a train across France sounds appealing, a new seven-day rail experience from boutique wine tour company SmoothRed might be for you. Winding through Champagne, Alsace, and Burgundy, the French Rail Collection itinerary is designed around world-class wine, giving travelers the opportunity to sample more than 35 wines across three distinct regions.
The trip begins in Reims, where travelers can visit the historic Reims Cathedral, the Palais du Tau, and Champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot and Mumm. Accompanied by an expert wine guide, travelers take a scenic drive the following day through the Côte des Blancs and several Grand Cru villages for tastings at the iconic Moët & Chandon. The tour also includes a visit to the tomb of Dom Pérignon and to a charming family-run estate, where you can chat with the winemaker, wander through the cellars, and sample a generous selection of Champagnes.
The itinerary continues to Strasbourg in the Alsace region, famous for its bright, aromatic wines and the 105-mile Alsace Wine Route. Sip pinot blanc, sylvaner, gewürztraminer, and riesling in settings reminiscent of a storybook, including a traditional caveau in the fortified town of Dambach-la-Ville and Riquewihr, a picturesque medieval village known for its pastel timber houses. While in Strasbourg, there’s also ample time to explore the city at your own pace.
The final stage of the journey goes south to Beaune in Burgundy, a region renowned for producing some of the world’s most prestigious wines. A small-group tour explores the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, sampling Pinot Noir from legendary vineyards like Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny. On the last morning, travelers can wander Beaune’s maze-like streets and visit attractions like the Hospices de Beaune and the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne.
The package includes rail travel, private station transfers, four and five-star accommodations, private wine tours, selected meals, and round-the-clock support. Prices begin at £3,619 per person. To learn more about the itinerary and to book a spot, visit SmoothRed’s website.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure