Standard Classic Itinerary
Plombieres-les-Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois
(Canal de Bourgogne)
SUNDAY, Day 1: Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival at Plombieres-les-Dijon — Meals: Dinner onboard
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Grand Cru at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured in our immaculate vehicle to the Grand Cru, moored in the tiny village of Plombieres-les-Dijon. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
MONDAY, Day 2: Destination Dijon
Travel: Plombieres-les-Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche — Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner onboard
A morning cruise through pastoral countryside is the perfect time to sip a cup of coffee on deck. This afternoon, exploring the urbane town of Dijon offers a pleasurable excursion ashore. Preserved palaces and beautiful churches recalling the reign of the Dukes of Burgundy vie for attention with specialty boutiques, small cafes, and serene gardens. Shop, sip, and stroll your way through this small city brimming with authentic Burgundian life. Return to Grand Cru for cocktail hour as Chef prepares tonight’s dinner.
TUESDAY, Day 3: Meet Modern French Aristocracy
Travel: Fleurey sur Ouche to Gissey sur Ouche — Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner onboard
Your day begins with a visit to the Chateau d’Arcelot, the first neoclassical castle of Burgundy. After being personally welcomed by the castle's owner, Madame la Comtesse de Loisy, take a tour of the beautiful grounds and then savor a taste of the homemade gourmet specialties. Return to the Grand Cru for lunch and an afternoon cruise. Relax on deck in the hot tub or explore the waterside towpath with a gentle stroll or leisurely bicycle ride before an evening of drinks and dinner onboard.
WEDNESDAY, Day 4: Private Tour of Hospice de Beaune
Travel: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche — Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner onboard
Begin the day with a leisurely morning cruise. Visit your Captain in his wheelhouse or join Chef in the open kitchen for an informal culinary demonstration. In the afternoon, a drive in your private vehicle through the Cote d’Or vineyards culminates in the charming town of Beaune, the region's wine capital. Your Tour Guide will accompany you through the Hospice de Beaune, a prestigiously preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century. Return to the barge where Chef is putting the final touches on tonight's dinner party.
THURSDAY, Day 5: Exclusive Family-Owned Vineyard
Travel: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d’Ouche — Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner onboard
Cheers to Southern Burgundy! A morning visit to a boutique winery begins your gourmet day. Amble amidst the lovely vineyards of Domaine Pierre Amiot, a family-owned producer focusing on the Pinor Noir grape varietal. After the secrets of growing this iconic French fruit are revealed, swirl, sip, and savor these exceptional elixirs at a hosted winetasting. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise before your dinner ashore at the Abbaye de la Bussiere, an ancient Cistercian abbey now converted to a luxury hotel with a Michelin star rated restaurant.
FRIDAY, Day 6: Quaint Medieval Village Overrlooking the Canal
Travel: Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois — Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner onboard
Revel in the ambiance of the tranquil countryside during the final cruise this morning. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a castle overlooking the Canal. A walking tour through the Chateau reveals the architectural details and timeworn relics which speak to the deprivations and decadence so prevalent in France’s history. Then it’s back to Grand Cru to socialize with a final sunset cocktail before Chef presents a candlelit multi-course final farewell Dinner, culminating your private luxury barge cruise in style.
SATURDAY, Day 7: A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Vandenesse-en-Auxois — Meals: Breakfast onboard
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. Cruise will run in reverse direction on opposite weeks.
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