Cruise the French countryside through Burgundy aboard a 20-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Rustic and picturesque scenery awaits you on this relaxing cruise. You will also enjoy some of the best wines and the finest cuisine France has to offer. And, you will visit places that take you back to the Middle Ages. What a delight!
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Saturday: Paris to Dijon. For those who have chosen the optional "Paris Transfer," we will meet in the lobby of the Hotel Regina at 1 p.m. to travel to Dijon via first-class TGV high-speed train. Everyone else should plan to meet the group at the Dijon train station across from the Quick Restaurant at 4 p.m. We will then transfer to the barge moored in the sleepy village of Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Sip champagne as we welcome you on board and introduce you to the crew. Enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board this evening.
Day 2, Sunday: Vandenesse to Pont d'Ouche. Begin the day with a morning excursion to the 15th-century privately-owned Château de Commarin. The chateau is notable for its beautiful furnishings and a unique collection of Renaissance tapestries. Continue the short distance to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval village with majestic views of the valley and canal below. A sumptuous lunch is followed by a peaceful cruise along the Burgundy Canal to the picturesque village of Pont d’Ouche. This is an excellent day for walking along the towpath.
Day 3, Monday: Meursault, La Bussière. This morning, drive to Meursault, one of Burgundy’s many famous wine-growing regions, for a cellar visit and a chance to sample some of the most prestigious wines from the area. We return to the barge in time for a delicious gourmet lunch and begin cruising through one of the most attractive areas of the Burgundy Canal to La Bussière. We moor a short distance from the Abbey, which is well worth a visit.
Day 4, Tuesday: Dijon, Gissey-sur-Ouche. Tuesday is market day in Dijon, and after a guided visit of the city’s historic center, we set you loose to explore the delights of this typical picturesque French market. Return to the barge for a late lunch and lazy afternoon with cruising to Gissey-sur-Ouche.
Day 5, Wednesday: Beaune, Fleurey-sur-Ouche. This morning we cruise through some delightful villages with lots of opportunities to walk along the towpath. After another wonderful lunch, we take off for a visit of Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy and home to the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital founded in 1443. This monument boasts the finest Burgundian-Flemish architecture in the world. Afterwards, we return to the barge moored in the small village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche.
Day 6, Thursday: Dijon, Clos de Vougeot. This morning we cruise towards Dijon, passing alongside Lake Kir as we approach the port of Dijon. In the afternoon, a visit to Clos de Vougeot is in order. Wine was produced here as early as the 12th century by the local monks. A private wine tasting follows before we return to the barge for our farewell gala dinner.
Day 7, Friday: Transfer to Dijon or Paris. After breakfast, transfer to the Dijon train station - end of cruise. Those taking the Paris transfer service will board the first-class TGV train back to Paris. The transfer service ends at the train station in Paris.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.
Highlights:
- 15th-century Château de Commarin
- Medieval village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
- Wine tasting in Meursault
- The Abbey of La Bussière
- Picturesque covered market of Dijon
- Dijon Ducal Palace
- Beaune with its world-famous Hospice
- Clos de Vougeot wine tasting.
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
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points. (Optional transfer to and from Paris is available.)
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Bar drinks on board the barge
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge Features
- Cabins: 6 twins/4 doubles (20 passengers)
- 7 crew members
- Size: 128 ft. x 17 ft.
- Sundeck, stereo and CD
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned coaches for excursions.
Departures every Saturday subject to availability (except winter)
This barge can be chartered for groups. Various 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$1915 per person double occupancy. Add $200 for high season, $300 upper deck supplement, $500 single supplement, $250 round-trip Paris transfer.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Food & Wine
Barging
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