Cruise the French countryside through Burgundy aboard a 13-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This cruise will take you past vineyards, pastures, farms and towns dating back to the Middle Ages. While enjoying the pristine scenery, you will savor famous local specialties and delicacies such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines and pâté de foie gras. What a delight!
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Sunday: Paris to Auxerre. Guests are met at a specified hotel in Paris at 1:30 p.m. and transferred to the barge in Auxerre. Following a champagne welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the river Yonne before returning for dinner on board.
Day 2, Monday: Auxerre to the Caves de Bailly. Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-covered hillsides to our rural mooring below the Caves de Bailly. The afternoon excursion is to St. Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces you to the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines produced in Monsieur Bersan's 12th century cellars. Dinner on board the barge.
Day 3, Tuesday: The Caves de Bailly to Accolay. An excursion to the town of Auxerre allows us to discover the medieval town center. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, Auxerre prides itself on its fine churches, half-timbered buildings and great shopping. During the afternoon, we cruise through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle to Accolay. Dinner ashore at a local inn.
Day 4, Wednesday: Accolay to Mailly la Ville. This morning, we cruise south through the Yonne valley past dramatic steep cliffs to the market town of Mailly. In the afternoon we enjoy an excursion to the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy's most famous treasures, with the Romanesque Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner on board the barge.
Day 5, Thursday: Mailly la Ville to Lucy sur Yonne. In the morning we cruise past the Saussois cliffs, where an international climbing center creates a spectacular setting. Mooring at Lucy sur Yonne. In the afternoon we visit the Château of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionhearted and which was later renovated by Maréchal Vauban. Dinner on board the barge.
Day 6, Friday: Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy. A visit to Ferme de Joux in the morning provides us with an interesting insight into the production of foie gras. A cruise through the beautiful countryside then takes us to Clamecy. Take a short walk into Clamecy for a tour of the cathedral and the Logging and Barging Museum. There is also time to wander through the narrow streets lined with ancient buildings and an opportunity for shopping before returning to the barge. Captain's farewell dinner on board.
Day 7, Saturday: Clamecy to Paris. Disembark after breakfast, and arrive at the hotel in Paris by 1 p.m. - end of cruise.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.
Highlights:
- Medieval town of Auxerre
- Wine tasting at local winery
- Vézelay basilica, a World Heritage site
- Château of Bazoches
Included:
- Accommodations with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
- Round trip transfers from specified meeting points.
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Superior vintage wines
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge Features
- Cabins: 2 doubles/4 twins/1 single (13 passengers)
- 5 crew members
- Size: 128 ft. long
- Spa/Jacuzzi, sauna, chart room
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned coaches for excursions
Departures every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)
This barge can be chartered or tandemed with a sister ship for groups. Various itineraries, themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season: US$3990 per person double occupancy. Add $600 for high season, add $260 for suite with bathtub. Single cabin: $4350 low season; $4990 high season.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
