Lyon is a city that’s not just about its famous gastronomy and vibrant neighborhoods — it also serves as a fantastic base for exploring some of France’s most scenic and delicious regions. What makes these full-day tours stand out? They offer a deep dive into wine, history, and local culture, often with personalized touches or off-the-beaten-path experiences. Among these, a full day private tour of Beaujolais by vintage Land Rover (see here) scores high for its intimate, scenic adventure through vineyards, castles, and local farms — perfect if you love food and wine with storytelling.
If you prefer a shorter, more budget-friendly taste of France’s best vineyards, the Northern Rhône Valley from Lyon (here) offers a relaxed day of wine tastings and vineyard visits, great for those interested in full-bodied reds and aromatic whites. For travelers wanting a luxury experience, the Full Day Guided Wine Tour (here) combines tastings with expert guides and exclusive visits, ideal for wine connoisseurs. Lastly, for those who want to pair wine tasting with exploring medieval towns, the Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town (here) offers a charming mix of historic streets and local wines.
Below, we explore each tour in detail, helping you decide which one fits your interests and travel style best.
1. Full Day Private Tour of Beaujolais by vintage Land Rover
At number 1, the Full Day Private Tour of Beaujolais by vintage Land Rover takes you into the heart of this renowned wine region with a personal touch. This tour is perfect for lovers of food, wine, and history, offering visits to medieval castles, local producers, and charming villages such as Fleurie and Saint-Amour. The experience is highly customizable, with stops to sample honey, cheese, cold cuts, truffles, and most importantly, the top wines of Beaujolais’ 10 crus.
The highlight here is the combination of scenic drives in vintage Land Rovers and visits that include private wineries and anecdotes about the region’s storied past. Lunch can be a relaxed picnic among the vines or in a local restaurant, depending on weather and preferences. Guests rave about guides like Alexandre and Aldric, who bring stories and local knowledge alive, making this a truly personal journey. The tour’s 5-star rating and reviews praising its warmth, flexibility, and delicious wine make it stand out.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking an exclusive, intimate experience with excellent wine, food, and storytelling — all in about 8 hours.
2. Northern Rhône Valley From Lyon Full day
Number 2 on our list is the Northern Rhône Valley From Lyon tour, which offers a classic exploration of Côtes du Rhône’s full-bodied reds and aromatic whites. It covers the prestigious Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage appellations, with visits to two wineries where you’ll taste up to 12 different wines. This tour is a favorite for those interested in terroir and wanting to meet winemakers directly.
The itinerary includes a visit to Tain-l’Hermitage to taste Hermitage wines, a stop at Ampuis to see the steep vineyard slopes, and a chance to try the fragrant white wines of Condrieu. Though the tour is approximately 6-7 hours, some guests mention that it extends to almost 8 hours when factoring in lunch. Reviews highlight the quality of tastings and the friendly guide, even in less-than-perfect weather.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, guided tasting of the most renowned wines of the Rhône in a manageable day.
3. Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch
At number 3, this luxury guided wine tour offers a full day (roughly 10 to 12 hours) exploring the Crus des Côtes du Rhône in style. Driven in a premium vehicle, you’ll visit authentic family-run wineries, learn stories that trace the vines back to antiquity, and enjoy tastings of some of the most prestigious wines in the region.
What separates this experience is its depth — with tastings commented on by professional winegrowers — and the luxury element, making it ideal for those who appreciate comfort and detailed insights. Guests mention how the guide, Arnaud, shares his extensive wine knowledge and makes the day memorable. The tour is suitable for serious wine fans wanting an immersive, educational experience.
Bottom Line: The best choice for travelers wanting a premium, educational day of wine tasting with a personal touch.
4. Private Full Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais
Next, the Private Full Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais combines scenic vineyard drives with visits to local producers, tailored to your interests. Starting in the Mâconnais region, this tour includes stops at white wine producers, historic villages like Solutré, and charming towns like Leynes. The tour emphasizes local wines, cheeses, and regional foods, making it a culinary adventure.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexible, personalized approach. The itinerary is a sample, but your guide will adapt based on weather and your preferences. Guests praise the warmth of guides like Alex and the chance to taste grape juice as well as wine. The inclusion of a visit to a small family winery and the opportunity to explore both hillside vineyards and authentic villages give it an authentic feel.
Bottom Line: Excellent for food and wine lovers seeking a tailored, intimate experience in Beaujolais with a strong focus on local flavors.
5. Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour – Private Tour – Full Day From Lyon
Number 5 offers a private, full-day exploration of the Rhone Valley, combining panoramic views with tastings at three wineries. Starting with a scenic stop at Hermitage, the tour includes visits to family wineries around Ampuis and others producing nearly 20 wines. Lunch is typically on your own, with recommendations to enjoy regional cuisine at a local restaurant.
The advantage of this tour is its intimate, guided approach, with a connoisseur sharing stories about the terroirs and Crus of the Rhône. Reviews mention the quality of tastings and the flexibility of the itinerary, offering a deep dive into France’s iconic wine region.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a private, in-depth wine experience with the convenience of transportation and expert narration.
6. Southern Burgundy Wine Tour – Full Day Shared tour from Lyon
Number 6, the Southern Burgundy Wine Tour, transports you through Macon and Beaujolais with visits to Pouilly-Fuissé, Brouilly, and other top appellations. This shared tour offers a relaxed, authentic experience with up to 12 wines tasted, including whites and reds. It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore beyond Lyon’s borders without booking a private guide.
The tour includes visits to small villages, a winemaker’s estate, and scenic drives along the wine route. Reviewers appreciate the small group atmosphere and the knowledgeable guides who explain the region’s wine-making traditions. The slightly longer duration (about 8 hours) is perfect for truly soaking in the regional atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A balanced choice for those seeking an immersive yet social wine tasting day in Southern Burgundy.
7. Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town – Private Tour
Number 7 marries wine tasting with sightseeing in Perouges, one of France’s most picturesque medieval villages. Starting with Oingt, famed for its Golden Stones, the tour includes visits to castles, panoramic views, and a private tasting at a small family winery.
Later, you’ll wander through cobblestone streets of Pérouges and explore its historic houses from the XIII to XVI centuries. This tour is perfect if you want a combination of culture and wine, with enough time to appreciate the old-world charm of these towns. Guests enjoy the relaxed pace and personal attention from guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and architecture buffs who also want a taste of local Beaujolais wines.
8. Lyon: Private Burgundy Wine Full Day Tour by Defender
At number 8, this private Burgundy tour in a vintage Defender lands you in hidden gems of the Mâconnais. It emphasizes visiting private cellars and meeting a former winemaker turned druid, Philippe. The focus is on off-the-radar spots and regional cheeses, making it perfect for travelers seeking exclusivity.
Guests praise the personalized approach and the deep insights into Burgundy’s winemaking secrets. If you’re looking for a luxury, behind-the-scenes experience that’s a cut above the typical tour, this could be your choice. The tour includes regional tastings and a local lunch.
Bottom Line: Best for wine lovers wanting an exclusive, customized experience with a focus on Burgundy’s lesser-known treasures.
$644 per person
9. Beaujolais wine and Perouges village full day shared tour
Number 9 combines wine tasting with a visit to Perouges, similar to the private version but in a shared setting. It starts with scenic stops along the Beaujolais wine route, including Château de La Chaize, and ends with a walk through Pérouges’ cobblestone streets.
The tour offers a relaxed pace and the chance to taste regional wines and galettes. It’s suitable for travelers who want a social atmosphere and a balance of historic exploration and wine. Guests remark on the well-organized itinerary and the enjoyable local tastings.
Bottom Line: Great for those who prefer a shared experience with a focus on scenic wine country and medieval charm.
10. Private all day trip from Geneva to Lyon, Annecy & back
Number 10 is perfect for travelers based in Geneva wanting a full-day scenic trip. It includes stops in Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and the breathtaking Lake Annecy. The trip combines city sightseeing with a scenic drive, ideal if you want a taste of both France’s major cities and beautiful lakeside landscapes.
The trip is private, with an English-speaking driver, making it flexible and comfortable. Reviewers mention how it’s a stress-free way to see two countries in one day, with plenty of photo opportunities and free time in Annecy.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a comprehensive day trip from Geneva, blending city and nature.
$966 per person
11. Private all day trip from Geneva to Lyon & back, in English
Finally, the private day trip from Geneva to Lyon combines city highlights with regional cuisine. Starting with Lyon’s Old Town and Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the tour then guides you through Presqu’île district before returning to Geneva.
This tour is perfect if you want a personalized, flexible itinerary that includes city highlights, some shopping, and regional food tastings. Reviewers appreciate the professional drivers and the ability to customize the day, making it suitable for those with limited time but wanting a full experience.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want a personalized, scenic day exploring Lyon and the surrounding landscapes from Geneva.
$489 per person
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Lyon
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For example, if you’re a wine enthusiast, tours like the Full Day Private Tour of Beaujolais or the North Rhône Valley are ideal. If you prefer historic towns and architecture, the Perouges and Beaujolais private tour offers a charming mix. Budget travelers might lean toward shared options like the Southern Burgundy Wine Tour.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and guide. Think about whether you want a luxury experience, a family-friendly outing, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Always check the itinerary to ensure it aligns with your interests, whether that’s tasting prestigious crus or exploring medieval villages.
Lyon and its surrounding regions offer a wide spectrum of full-day tours, whether you want to indulge in world-class wines, explore medieval towns, or combine both. For a romantic, intimate experience, the vintage Land Rover in Beaujolais tops the list. For a broader, guided exploration, the Rhône Valley tours provide deep dives into iconic wine regions. And for a mix of culture, scenery, and local flavors, consider booking one of the private or shared options. Whatever your preference, early planning guarantees a memorable day in France.