Before you start your journey,

learn more about the Rhône Valley and its amazing wines.

Discover the best of Rhône Valley wines

on this 5-day self-guided itinerary.

Day 1

Arrival in Southern Rhône – Avignon

Arrive in Avignon, the gateway to the Southern Rhône and a city rich in history with its Palais des Papes (Papal Palace). Check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to explore the city. Dine at one of the city’s excellent restaurants and enjoy local cuisine paired with a glass of Côtes du Rhône.

Recommended Hotel:

Hotel De L’Atelier

Day 2

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

After breakfast, head to the historic wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Visit a few wineries, such as Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe or Château de Beaucastel, to sample the robust reds the area is known for. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the ruins of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the vineyards. Return to Avignon for dinner.

Day 3

Gigondas and Vacqueyras

Spend your day exploring the vineyards of Gigondas and Vacqueyras. Both are known for their bold Grenache-based reds. Wineries such as Domaine de Longue Toque in Gigondas and Domaine de la Verrière in Vacqueyras are worth visiting. Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the vineyards. In the evening, return to Avignon and perhaps attend a performance at the city’s famous theater festival if your visit coincides.

Day 4

Travel to Northern Rhône – Tain-l’Hermitage

Travel north to Tain-l’Hermitage, the heart of the Northern Rhône. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the town. Stop in at Paul Jabolet wine bar and restaurant in the city center for small bites and taste their wine list one glass at a time. Or enjoy a generous charcuterie board with staff-recommended wines at Le Bateau Ivre with a view of the footbridge across the Rhône River.

Recommended Hotel:

Fac & Spera Hôtel et Spa

Day 5

Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu

Your final day is dedicated to exploring the regions of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Visit top estates like Domaine Guigal and Domaine Jamet in Côte-Rôtie and enjoy their powerful yet elegant Syrah. Then, head to Condrieu to explore their world-renowned Viognier. The panoramic view from the vineyards over the Rhône River is not to be missed.

Return to Tain-l’Hermitage for a farewell dinner, perhaps at Restaurant Le Mangevins, known for its excellent wine list featuring local Rhône wines.

Notes:

Remember that advance booking is advisable for most wineries, especially the more famous ones.

You should not drive if you will be drinking, and this is a wine-centric itinerary, after all. So, let someone else do the driving, and find a wine guide to plan your wine tastings.