Standard Classic Cruise Itinerary
A cruise along the Burgundy canal is truly a voyage of discovery encompassing culture, architecture, history and natural beauty. There is always something to do, including enjoying private vineyard tours, exploring ancient châteaux, browsing local markets and cycling along the towpaths. You may wish to walk into a village to a café in the square, balloon over divinely beautiful countryside, or play a round of golf on one of the several high-quality courses nearby.
Sunday, Day 1: Meet in Dijon
Your captain will meet your party in late afternoon in central Dijon. This is either at the Rail Station (there are frequent and fast TGV trains from Paris) or local hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at moored in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a classic village nestled on the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore, helping you work up an appetite for your first on-shore dinner at the local, friendly and refined restaurant "L'Auberge Gourmande."
Monday, Day 2: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche. You'll float past limestone cliffs, wooded hills and enchanting villages. The Savoir Vivre ties up in Gissey where you can stroll into this ancient and charming village. After lunch on board, (prepared by our private chef and delivered to the ship), you will be driven south to the famed Cote d'Or wine region. Your first visit today is to Château du Clos de Vougeot where wine was produced by Cistercian monks from the 12th century. Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more about winemaking and life in that long ago era. Then it's back to present-day pleasures at a wine-tasting which introduces this area's vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. In the evening, we visit Restaurant de la Porte Guillaume, located in the heart of Dijon. The rich, comforting flavors of Burgundian cuisine are at the forefront of this bistro's regionally-inspired menu.
Tuesday, Day 3: Gissey to La Bussière-sur-Ouche
After breakfast on board featuring village-baked pastries still warm from the oven, we head to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed outdoor market. There will be time to look around the well-preserved Medieval old town and shop - think mustard! Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch and an afternoon cruise through gorgeous scenery to La Bussière-sur-Ouche. Relax on board or explore by bicycle - let's meet up with our barge at the next lock! Later, explore the exquisite Abbaye de la Bussière and then enjoy dinner within this fabulous setting at their excellent "Le Bistrot des Moines".
Wednesday, Day 4: La Bussière-sur-Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
Take a moment to reflect this morning as we cruise to Pont d'Ouche. After lunch aboard, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting Beaune - wine capital of the Cote d'Or. There's much to enjoy in Beaune; most important is the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, a charity hospital built in the 15th century (and which treated patients until the early 20th century!). And there will be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to the barge in late afternoon, then relax until we drive you to the nearby delight of "Le Spuller", your restaurant for this evening.
Thursday, Day 5: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
You've tasted wine, now it's time to taste cheese. After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheese maker and her beautiful goats. Yes, you'll learn and then you'll taste! With wine of course. After all, you are in France. Return to Savoir Vivre and walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village - or just relax on board with a good book - as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Tonight you will dine at "L'Oree du Bois", an authentic crêperie (which are a French dining institution) located in the heart of Châteauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning lookout point.
Friday, Day 6: La Repe to Escommes
After breakfast, we return to the lovely Medieval village and château of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Explore on cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting château. Back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we continue our cruise into the Vallée de l'Ouche. Dinner is at "Hostellerie du Château, La Table de Guillaume". This restaurant has recently been acquired by Chef Guillaume. If this name sounds familiar, it's because he was the former chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Abbaye de la Bussière.
Saturday, Day 7: Escommes to Dijon
Depart between 8 and 9 am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon. After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave Savoir Vivre! There are mid-to-late morning TGV trains from Dijon back to Paris or perhaps you'll choose to rent a car for an onward journey. We hope to see you on Savoir Vivre again!
NOTE: This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to changes to accommodate public holidays, seasonal changes and closures. On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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