The 8 passenger Hirondelle, owned and operated by Afloat in France (part of the Orient-Express collection), cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône au Rhine and the River Saône. The large windows, well above the water line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of Burgundy and Franche-Comté: renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque villages.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the Captain who escorts you on your transfer to Dijon’s Port du Canal where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A delicious dinner is be served later that evening.
Day 2, Monday: Visit Château du Clos de Vougeot. As you leave Dijon the canal turns to the southwest and follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green forested hills provide you with exceptional views from the deck. This afternoon’s excursion is a dégustation in Chambolle Musigny and a visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a small village from which you may enjoy a stroll around.
Day 3, Tuesday: Cruise to Gissey. Visit Dijon. After breakfast, while the barge cruises to Gissey, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon’s cruise to the charming village of Gissey.
Day 4, Wednesday: Cruise to La Bussiere. Visit Beaune. Spend the morning relaxing on the top deck and watching the scenery glide by as the barge cruises along. After lunch your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, to visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune and enjoy a tasting of some of the magnificent local wines.
Day 5, Thursday: Cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Visit Château de Commarin. After breakfast, your guide takes you to visit the Abbey de la Bussiere built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Cluny. Back on board for lunch. In the afternoon your guide takes you to visit the Château de Commarin; an interesting castle whose celebrated tapestries with the coat of arms of the Vienne family, take the place of a family tree.
Day 6, Friday: Cruise to Escommes. Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. After a morning cruise we stop at Repe and make a visit to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. Both the village and the château have a long and interesting history. Back on board for lunch and some more cruising before a visit to the Abbaye de Fontenay one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Meanwhile the chef is preparing a feast for your farewell dinner.
Day 7, Saturday: Dijon - Paris. After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you are met by our representative to assist you with your luggage.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions
Stateroom per person $4,950
Single supplement $2,475
Charter 6 passengers whole boat $30,800
Charter 7 passengers whole boat $33,000
Charter 8 passengers whole boat $35,200
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Boating and Sailing
Cultural Journey
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