April 2027 ❋
A Historical Adventure in an Actual Castle in France
Departure
24th of April - 1st of May, 2027
€ 4500 per person
for 7 nights
17 spots left
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Alice and Patricia will welcome you at Vezelay train station and we’ll transfer to the Chateaux.
After arriving at the château, the owner will welcome us and take us on a tour of our beautiful home for the next 7 days. We’ll learn a little about the history of the château, its grounds and the stories behind its grand walls - throughout its history, the château has been home to generations of families and staff, each leaving their own mark on the house.
You’ll have some time to find your room, unpack and explore our new home. This evening we’ll come together for welcome drinks and canapés before our Welcome Dinner prepared specially for us by the private chef who’ll be hosting a traditional Burgundy dinner especially for us.
There’s no big schedule tonight. Settle in, get to know everyone and start getting used to the fact that, yes, we really do have a French château to ourselves for the week.
Overnight: Chateaux du Belvedere de Vezelay (D)
Day 4 – Discover Vézelay
Day 2 – Slow Château Sunday
Our first full day starts slowly with no alarms. Wake up leisurely before enjoying a long Princess Brunch at the château; a delicious brunch curated by our private chef.
The rest of the morning is yours. You can play tennis on the château’s own courts, find a book and disappear into the library, play board games, explore the grounds, try your hand at pétanque or simply do absolutely nothing for a while.
In the afternoon, we’ll come together for our first lesson of the week - ballet! The class will be completely beginner-friendly, so there’s no need to have danced before.
In the evening, weather permitting, we’ll have dinner outside at the château as the sun goes down. Afterwards, anyone who feels like it can stay up for a cosy movie night in the main room of the Chateaux.
Overnight: Chateaux du Belvedere de Vezelay (Brunch, D)
Days 3 – Aim, Cook & Create
This morning we’ll enjoy a continental breakfast of fresh bread and pastries from the local bakery, fresh fruits, jam, cereals and most importantly – coffee! If the weather is good, you’ll be welcome to join Alice for some gentle morning yoga before this morning’s activity.
Today really begins with a private archery session in the château grounds. Our instructors will teach us the basics before we put our new skills to the test.
Then we’ll head into the kitchen!
A local chef and sommelier will join us for a Burgundian cooking experience. We’ll prepare a 3-course meal together, learn a little about the region’s food and wine, and of course sit down afterwards to eat everything we’ve made.
Later this afternoon, we’ll slow things down again with a painting workshop.
After a 3-course lunch and a full day of Princess-ing, nobody needs another formal dinner. We’ll put together an easy, snacky dinner at the château, raid the fridge, and have a relaxed evening together.
Overnight: Chateaux du Belvedere de Vezelay (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Wine & Wilderness
Today we’ll leave our château for the day and explore Vézelay.
Together with a local historian, we’ll discover this beautiful hilltop town through the stories of the people who travelled through it over the centuries; with a focus on the women whose stories are so often missing from traditional history.
We’ll explore the world of female pilgrims, walking some of the pilgrimage ourselves. We’ll learn about what it meant for women to travel in the Middle Ages, the freedoms and dangers they encountered along the way, and the remarkable women connected to Vézelay, pilgrimage and medieval Europe. From Mary Magdalene and the legends that made Vézelay an important pilgrimage destination, to women such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hildegard of Bingen and the fictional Wife of Bath: women who represented the travellers, patrons, thinkers, healers and adventurers.
We’ll stop for a picnic with a view before visiting the magnificent Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we’ll have a go at drawing its beautiful structure while we learn a little about its architecture and historical significance.
We’ll return to the Chateaux for dinner in the evening after a full day of exploration.
Overnight: Chateaux du Belvedere de Vezelay (B, L, D)
Days 6 – Ride & Fence
After a late breakfast (and perhaps some morning yoga with Alice if the weather is on our side) we’ll take a very short walk from the château to our neighbouring vineyard.
From 11am, we’ll explore the vineyard and cellar, taste 5 local wines and then sit down for a long Burgundian lunch. No rushing today.
After lunch, we’ll wander back to the château, where some special visitors will be waiting for us.
This afternoon’s activity is a private birds-of-prey experience in the château grounds. We’ll meet different birds, learn about their personalities and behaviour, watch them in free flight and have the chance for some supervised interactions.
In the evening, we’ll have dinner together at the château; outside on the lawn, as the sun goes down, if the Burgundy weather allows us.
Overnight: Chateaux du Belvedere de Vezelay (B, L, D)
Day 7 – The All-Important Princess Ball
Today we’ll split into two smaller groups for two very different experiences.
While one half of us heads out horse riding through the Burgundy countryside, the other half will stay behind for a historical fencing lesson. Then we’ll swap!
You don’t need previous experience for either. Our riding experience will be suitable for beginners and while fencing we’ll learn the foundations of historical combat and canne de combat before potentially getting the chance to try some swords. Our professional fencing teacher and his wonderful assistant will share their skills with us as well as sharing their stories - Yann worked for many years in the film industry and has trained with the best of the best.
Between activities we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch that can be worked around our activities without having to rush anywhere.
After everyone has ridden, fenced and hopefully learnt some new skills, we’ll get ready and head out for dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Chateaux du Belvedere de Vezelay (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Au Revoir
It’s our last full day at the château and we want to make the most of it.
If the weather is good, you can join Alice for some morning yoga before breakfast. Afterwards, the morning is yours to play tennis or pétanque, read in the library, wander around the grounds, play boardgames or just enjoy your last full morning in your antique home.
After a light buffet lunch, it’s time to start preparing for our final evening. First, we’ll have a historical court-dance lesson with a local expert, where we’ll learn some of the dances that will come in handy later that night.
Then the transformation begins. We’ll change into our 18th-century-inspired costumes, get ready together and have our own Royal Portraits taken by our photographer around the château and grounds.
And then, it’s time for the Princess Ball!
Expect historical dancing led by our dance teacher, live music and performance, a special 3-course dinner and one final celebration together. This evening is dedicated to dressing up and dancing in a French château in the middle of the wine country in a village not many people have heard of, and celebrating a week of making our childhood dreams a reality!
Overnight: Chateaux du Belvedere de Vezelay (B, L, D)
We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together in the chateaux before departing and going our separate ways - with plenty of memories to reminisce about and plenty of photos to flick through on the plane!
(B)
Meet your tour hosts: Patricia and Alice
Dear Traveller! I’m Patricia, founder of Beyond Trails & Tales. Travelling was always my biggest passion, which not so slowly turned into my profession. From a young age I always liked to guide my friends and family through different destinations. When leading a trip I always thrive to ensure everyone is feeling safe and most of all, are enjoying themselves. I’m always up for a talk, exchanging funny stories - and I usually don’t hold back with my crazy side. You’ll definitely see me jumping from the top of the boat:) I’m also always up for a fun sidequest - I’m more than happy to watch the sunrise with you, and organize any last-minute idea you might have - like a lunch with a local family in Tonga which happened to be one of the requests I got the last time. (We had heaps of fun even though we didn’t understand a word).
Dear Traveller! I'm Alice, after years working in hospitality, I found my way into the travel industry where I discovered that I love planning adventures almost as much as experiencing them myself! From spending several months exploring Southern Africa to waterskiing (badly) in North America and swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, I've been lucky enough to experience some incredible places, but it's often the unexpected moments and people you meet along the way that stay with you the longest.
I'm happiest when outdoors (though a morning in bed with a coffee every now and again doesn't go amiss), whether that's hiking up a mountain, practicing yoga or trying something completely new.
For me, travelling is about so much more than ticking destinations off a list. It's about stepping outside of your comfort zone, making genuine connections, sharing experiences and coming home with stories you'll still be telling years later. I take pride in my work and I'm truly passionate about making our trips a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Is this trip for me?
Age group:
18 - fortysomethings
All for adventerous, young souls open for explorations that never slow down
Physical rating:
Average
Group size:
22 guests in total and two tour host.
Chateaux du Belvedere de Vezelay
Nestled in the village of Tharoiseau, in the heart of the Yonne department, this 4.5-hectare estate combines historic architecture, lavish comfort, and unspoiled nature. The UNESCO-listed Basilica of Vézelay is just a stone’s throw away.
The château offers 1,400 m² of living space spread over four levels. It has 15 bedrooms, all equipped with a shower room or bathroom. The living areas are spacious and generous: a large living room, a music room, a billiards room, a library, and a professional kitchen. The atmosphere is warm, authentic, and timeless.
What is included?
✓ 7 nights’ accommodation at our private château in Burgundy
✓ Daily breakfast, including our special Princess Brunch, All dinners, including our welcome dinner, Burgundy-inspired meals, one restaurant dinner and our special Princess Ball dinner
✓ Welcome drinks and canapés, Wine and soft drinks with dinners (equivalent of ½ bottle of wine per person per meal)
✓ All scheduled activities mentioned in the itinerary
✓ Live Baroque musicians and professional dancers during the Princess Ball*
✓ 18th-century-inspired costume hire for the Princess Ball and historical hair styling/wig option for the Princess Ball
✓ Professional photography and individual Royal Portraits
✓ Use of the château’s facilities, including tennis, pétanque, swimming pool, library, billiards, table tennis and extensive grounds
✓ All scheduled local transport required as part of the itinerary
✓ Group transfers between the designated local arrival/departure point and the château
✓ Two dedicated hosts, Patricia & Alice, and full trip support from Beyond before the departure
What is NOT included?
✗ International flights or transport to/from France and train travel to/from the designated meeting point for the trip
✗ Transfers outside the designated group arrival/departure arrangements
✗ Travel insurance (mandatory for this trip)
✗ Visa, passport or other entry-related costs, where applicable
✗ Personal expenses, shopping and souvenirs
✗ Shoes and personal accessories for the Princess Ball unless specifically supplied with the costume
✗ Gratuities and tips
Reserve your spot with just one click!
Or, send us a message first, we are happy to answer any questions:)
WhatsApp: +36 30 49 999 76
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are direct flights from Sydney, Auckland or Fiji. We are more than happy to assist you with flight tickets or sorting out accommodation - please get in touch with our team.
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No! All whale swim encounters happen with only some fins and a snorkel! Due to local regulations, scuba diving isn’t even allowed with the whales in Tonga. However, knowing how to swim is required. The crew, and your tour host will happily guide you in the water in case you aren’t feeling the most confident in open water.
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Yes - there are nearly no records of humpbacks ever hurting humans or demaging boats - only in cases where humans had the intention to harm these animals. Humpback are incredibly intelligent and gentle at the same time.
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Absolutely no problems! No Beyond trip is a schooll trip - nothing is cumpolsory, you ALWAYS have the option to opt out. Your tour host will be happy to assist you with finding alternative programs should you want that.
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Yes, you can, but only if a parent or guardian comes with you.
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You can reach us anytime via email or WhatsApp. We aim to answer within one business day.
info@beyondtrailsandtales.com+36 30 49 999 76
Hi! I’m Patricia, and THIS is why I created Beyond Trails & Tales…
