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Barge Cruises in France ~
Burgundy
- Vandenesse
Cruise
through rustic Burgundy
Indulge in gourmet cuisine and great wines. (not
available in 2012)
This
barge cruise on board an 8-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights) takes
you from Dijon, the busy capital of Burgundy, along the Canal de Bourgogne and
the scenic Ouche River valley to Vandenesse en Auxois, deep into the Burgundian
countryside. Enjoy the gourmet cuisine, excellent wines and spectacular scenery
on this relaxing journey through rolling Burgundy. 
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)
Day
1 - Friday: Dijon. Meet
in Dijon at 5 pm and transfer by air-conditioned minibus to the barge. Welcome
aboard with a "kir royal" cocktail (champagne mixed with crème
de cassis), the perfect start to a unique and memorable stay in Burgundy. Early
evening stroll around and return to the barge in time for your first gourmet dinner
on board the barge. Day
2 - Saturday: Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche.
After breakfast, visit Dijon with the ancient palace of the dukes of Burgundy,
Notre Dame cathedral, Rue de la Chouette and more. Leave Dijon and head for the
first of a total of 45 locks on this journey. Continue along Lake Kir, via Plombieres
to Velars sur Ouche. You are welcome to leave the barge at any of the picturesque
locks and to continue on foot or bicycle along the towpath. Moor for the night
at Fleurey sur Ouche. Dinner on board the barge. Day
3 - Sunday: Fleurey sur Ouche to Gissey sur Ouche. Today,
your choice of three excursions: la Route des Grand Crus, Clos de Vougeot castle
and vineyard or Nuit Saint Georges. After lunch, cruise into the heart of Burgundy
- the idyllic Ouche Valley. From the sundeck you can enjoy this unhurried world,
past the enchanting village of Pont de Pany, the Château la Chassagne and
Ste. Marie sur Ouche. Moor in Gissey tonight. Dinner on board the barge. Day
4 - Monday: Beaune. Today,
enjoy an excursion to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Visit some of the
finest vineyards of France and taste some of the greatest crus, with the expert
advice of wine connoisseurs. Lunch is offered in a traditional restaurant, with
the vines in the background and gourmet dishes to delight your palate. In the
afternoon, tour the famous Hospices de Beaune built in 1443 and stroll along cobbled
streets past medieval half-timbered houses. The return to the barge takes you
through the "Hautes Côtes" vineyards and past the source of the
River Ouche. Dinner on board the barge. Day
5 - Tuesday: Gissey sur Ouche to Pont d'Ouche.
More of the magnificent Ouche Valley this morning, Cruise through the villages
of La Buissière sur Ouche, Saint Victor and Gissey. After lunch, continue
past Veuvey on the way to today's mooring in Pont d'Ouche. In late afternoon,
wine tasting at the Château la Chassagne. Dinner on board the barge. Day
6 - Wednesday: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse en Auxois.
Morning visit of the pretty and quaint village of Chateauneuf en Auxois with beautiful
views over the Morvan region. Afternoon cruise to Vandenesse. Sit back and soak
up the beauty of the surroundings one more time. This evening you are the guest
at the captain's table for the farewell dinner. Day
7 - Thursday: Vandenesse en Auxois to Dijon. Breakfast
and transfer back to Dijon by about 11am.
On
alternate weeks, this cruise runs in the reverse direction.
This itinerary
is subject to change without notice. Cruise
Highlights - Tour
of Dijon
- Wine
tastings and a tour at Beaune
- Clos
de Vougeot and la Route des Grands Crus
- Hilltop
village of Chateuneuf en Auxois
- Rolling
Burgundian scenery
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
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Superior
vintage wines
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
Features -
4 cabins,
with twin beds that can be converted to queen-size beds
- Boat
length: 128 ft
- Crew
of 5 members
- Sundeck
- Wheelchair
accessible
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coaches for excursions
- Guest's
PC with Internet access
Cruise
Departures Every
Friday subject to availability (except winter) This
barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes (golf, wine, cooking, etc.)
and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. DEPARTURES
AND PRICES BOOK
YOUR CRUISE [top]
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