Burgundy, the most popular hotel barging area in Europe, is renowned for its vineyards, Gothic churches, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque villages. This is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times. Excursions are arranged to places with story-book names, whether it be the quaint town of Clamecy, the famous palace in Dijon, the castle in Châteauneuf or to Vezelay, with its hilltop basilica St Mary Magdalene.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
DAY 1
Montbard to Venarey les Laumes Guests are met at the Montbard TGV station at 18.04 or Hotel De L'Ecu at 18.30 and transferred to the barge, in a private air-conditioned minibus, moored in Venarey les Laumes. A full crew Welcome Aboard with Champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you are invited to join us for a first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine
DAY 2
Venarey les Laumes to Montbard Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges. This afternoon we escort you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbayé de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of early Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. Dinner aboard.
DAY 3
Montbard to Ravieres Morning cruise to Ravieres passing the Forges de Buffon where later in the day we see various examples of early Industrial Revolution engineering on the banks of the tiny yet powerful Armancon River, whose power was harnessed to run the forge. We also visit the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was located. On the way, from the summit of Mt Auxois, we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans that took place in 52 BC. Dinner aboard.
Day 4
Ravieres to Ancy le Franc Morning visit to medieval Noyers sur Serein to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colours and delights of the local market, or wander the town ramparts in one of the most beautiful villages of France. Lunch ashore in Noyers in a local auberge. Lazy afternoon cruise past grazing white Charolais cattle. Dinner aboard
Day 5
Ancy le Franc to Tanlay Gentle morning cruise gently down from Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel descends through the locks past the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. After lunch we walk across to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9 hole golf course. Dinner Aboard.
Day 6
Tanlay to Tonnerre This morning we visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at the Domaine Servan renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alexis Lichine in the 1950’s. Return to the barge for lunch and a leisurely afternoon 1cruise to Tonnerre. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard
Day 7
Tonnerre to Montbard After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Montbard railway station, in time for the 11.28am train to Paris Gare de Lyon, or a Montbard hotel
PRICES FROM
From $4350 per person in double occupancy
SPECIALS
Deposit as soon as possible and recieve $2,000 off your package price for our October 3, 2010 departure!
FACTS
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
2010 Departures: Sept 12, Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7
2011 Departures: Mar 27, Apr 3, Apr 10, Apr 17, Apr 24, May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 14, Aug 21, Aug 28, Sept 4, Sept 11, Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 16, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6
Itinerary Note: On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Specials: Deposit as soon as possible and recieve $2,000 off your package price for our October 3, 2010 departure!
Highlights: Visit the Abbaye de Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site;Wine tasting of Chablis wines at Saint Bris de Vineaux in the Bersan cellars;Visit the village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, location of the film 'Chocolat';Visit to Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy; Visit to the 18th century Forges de Buffon;Gastronomic dinner ashore;
Travel documents: Please visit our “Visa Info” page to inquire if you need a travel visa for this tour.
Inclusions: All ground transportation at the destination; 12 Night Cruise accomodations, meals and tours per itinerary; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International and domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; any meals not included in the itinerary; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
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