Barge Cruise: Burgundy - Vougeot

Wine tasting and sightseeing in the heart of Burgundy

Cruise the Canal de Bourgogne aboard a 13-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This barge began life as a cargo vessel in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the delightful French cruise boat it is today, with light and airy interior decor reminiscent of the late 19th century. On this leisurely cruise, you'll visit chateaus and wineries, enjoy a gourmet lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and still have time to relax!

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Note: This cruise also available with a wine itinerary for charters.

Day 1 - Sunday: Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. You'll be picked up at the Dijon TGV (high-speed train) station or at a specified hotel in Dijon late afternoon and transferred to the barge, which is moored in nearby Fleurey-sur-Ouche. The crew will welcome you with a champagne reception before dinner on the barge.

Day 2 - Monday: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche. This morning you'll start your cruise along the Canal de Bourgogne. If you like, you can walk or cycle along the towpath as the barge ascends gradually to the canal summit, past villages and old-style lock houses. After lunch you'll visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, who each year award a prized special label to the finest Côte d‘Or wine vintages. On the way back to the barge, visit one of the great cellars of Burgundy where you'll enjoy a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussière. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon, including the market, mustard shops and the 14th-century Ducal Palace, with perhaps some time for shopping. Return to the river boat for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise through the Ouche River Valley. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 4 - Wednesday: La Bussière to Pont d'Ouche. Early morning cruise and exclusive tour of the magnificent 12th-century Abbaye de la Bussière. The ornamental gardens and lake, wine press, crypt and cellars are interwoven with ancient colonnades, stone staircases and huge stained glass windows. After an aperitif in the the former chapel, you'll enjoy lunch in the vaulted Michelin-starred restaurant. The sommelier’s choice of local Burgundies will cap off the experience. This afternoon, tour the 13th-century Chateau de Commarin, where the de Vogue family ownership goes back 26 generations. You will get a glimpse of the glamorous lives of the French aristocracy as you visit the chateau with its moat, stables and landscaped gardens. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 5 - Thursday: Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse. After breakfast, cruise past grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages and cross the only canal bridge of the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon you'll cross the Premier Cru vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country. You'll tour the fascinating 15th-century Hospice and visit Maison Champy, Beaune’s oldest winery. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 6 - Friday: Vandeness to Escommes. A leisurely cruise takes you to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level. This afternoon, visit the medieval village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, which was once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy. Enjoy its craft shops and castle plus a great view of the canal and surrounding countryside. Captain’s farewell dinner on the barge.

Day 7 - Saturday: Dijon. After breakfast, transfer from the barge to the Dijon train station or a specified hotel.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

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Highlights

• Clos de Vougeot visit and wine tasting
• Dijon market and Ducal Palace
• Abbaye de la Bussière, with lunch in Michelin-starred restaurant
• Chateau de Commarin
• Beaune, visit the Hospice and 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 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

• Cabins: 2 twin, 1 double, 3 twin or double, 1 single (13 passengers)
• 5 crew members
• Size: 128 ft. long
  
• Spa/Jacuzzi, chart room
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned coaches for excursions

Cruise Departures

Every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)

This river boat can be chartered for groups. Various themes, such as wine, can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Dates and Prices

Book Your Cruise!

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