Sunday, Day One: Pontailler
We board our luxury barge in Pontailler for our cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes us on board and gives us a chance to meet the crew. This evening, we experience our first sumptuous dinner on board.
Monday, Day Two: Visit Clos de Vougeot. Cruise to St Jean de Losne
This morning we cruise to Auxonne. Enjoy lunch on board whilst the barge winds along the Rhone Rhine Canal to meet the Saone River, there are plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle. Leave the barge after lunch to drive down the famous route des Grands crus, passing through the celebrated villages of the Cote d’Or. A stop in Vougeot allows us to visit the celebrated Clos de Vougeot vineyard and Chateau where the Cistercian monks first started making wine in the 12th century. The medieval chateau still contains the ancient presses and is now the headquarters of the renowned Burgundian wine society, the Confrerie de Chevaliers de Tastevin. A private wine tasting at a reputed local producer follows the visit. Dinner this evening is on your barge.
Tuesday, Day Three: Visit Dijon. Cruise to Verdun sur le Doubs
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of historic Dijon including a visit to the market, the famous Maille mustard shop and the Ducal Palace, seat of the great medieval dukes of Burgundy. There will be some free time for shopping and to enjoy lunch at one of the pavement cafés. Return to the boat after lunch for an afternoon cruise along the majestic Soane River to Verdun sur le Doubs. Dinner this evening is on your barge.
Wednesday, Day Four: Cruise to Fragnes. Visit Chateau de Rully
Our barge cruises the last little stretch on the Saone River, entering the Canal du Centre through the impressive Crissey lock before mooring for the night in Fragnes. After lunch, your guide will take you to the pretty village of Rully to the 12th Century medieval fortress which has remained in the same family by marriage since its origin. The owner will guide you through his home sharing the intriguing history of his ancestors. This evening you will dine out at a charming local restaurant.
Thursday, Day Five: Cruise to Chagny. Visit Beaune
Relax this morning as the barge continues the beautiful cruise along the canal, you may disembark the barge at a lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge. After lunch on board we take a short ride to visit the historic city of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Here we enjoy a private tour of the magnificent 15th century Hotel Dieu, a splendidly decorated charity hospital which represents both the history of Burgundy and the story of its wine! There will be time to enjoy the charming town and its shops before returning to the barge and a delicious dinner on board.
Friday, Day Six: Cruise to St. Léger. Visit Château de Chamirey, Mercurey
A leisurely cruise takes us to St Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre which is our final destination. After lunch visit Chateau de Chamirey, a family run wine estate in Mercurey. Enjoy a tour of the vineyards themselves before gathering for a visit of the property, the wine cellar and a tasting of the fine range of wines. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing your Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday, Day Seven: St. Léger Sur Dheune
After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
CRUISE INQUIRY FORM
