STANDARD CLASSIC ITINERARY:
Between Pontailler-sur-Saone and St Léger-Sur-Dhune
SUNDAY, Day 1: Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival at Pontailler-sur-Saone --- 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 to the barge, moored in the delightful town of Pontailler-sur-Saone. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner aboard. Perhaps enjoy a glass of Grand Cru wine after dinner while lounging under the stars.
MONDAY, Day 2: Privileged Glimpse of a Family-Owned Chateau
Travel: Pontailler to St. Jean de Losne --- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
This morning, your Tour Guide presents an insider's visit to Chateau d'Arcelot, the first neoclassical castle of Burgundy, where you will be welcomed by the castle's owner, Madame la Comtesse de Loisy. After a tasting of locally produced gourmet specialties, return to Grand Cru for an afternoon cruise, admiring the rustic scenery gliding by. Relax on deck with a glass of wine and a good book or explore the towpath on foot or by bicycle. Tonight, enjoy socializing over cocktails and canapes before Chef serves a grand dinner.
TUESDAY, Day 3: The Best of Burgundy in Beaune
St. Jean de Losne to Seurre --- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
The journey continues with another cruise through pastoral countryside. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide escorts you to the charming town of Beaune, the region's wine capital, for a guided visit to the Hospice de Beaune, a preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century, and still in use through the 1970s. Afterwards, browse the shops and galleries lining the pedestrian area, or enjoy a coffee in the town square. Return to the Grand Cru and explore the towpath's flora and fauna by bicycle or on foot before Chef presents tonight's dinner.
WEDNESDAY, Day 4: Chocolate Tasting Evokes Your Senses
Travel: Seurre to Fragnes --- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
Relax in the hot tub or explore the towpath as a lazy morning cruise reveals the bucolic countryside. This afternoon, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to the historic riverside town of Chalon-sur-Saone, where the bustling Place Saint-Vincent is lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Awaken your senses during a visit to an artisanal chocolate shop and watch chocolatiers master their craft. Sample and savor the creative and premium chocolates before returning to the barge where canapes and cocktails await, followed by another gourmet dinner.
THURSDAY, Day 5: Gourmet Luncheon and Restored Chateau
Travel: Fragnes to Chagny --- Meals: Breakfast& dinner onboard, lunch ashore
Begin with a morning cruise towards Chagny, the home of Michelin 3* rated Maison Lameloise. A highlight of the Grand Cru's culinary experiences, enjoy luncheon ashore in this luxurious venue, recently voted one of the world’s best restaurants. Then discover the hilltop chateau-fortress of Chateau de la Rochepot, a 12th-century feudal castle of neo-Gothic-Burgundian style. Turrets galore and a rooftop covered with colorful local tiles beckon for exploration. Back onboard, enjoy another evening of drinks and dinner.
FRIDAY, Day 6: Vines and Wines
Travel: Chagny to St. Leger-sur-Dheune --- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner aboard
A leisurely cruise begins the day's adventures. Join Chef in the open kitchen for an informal cooking demonstration or explore the towpath with a bicycle ride or brisk stroll. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to the cellars the prestigious Chateau de Chassagne Montrachet for a private winetasting. Known for high quality and complex vintages, these exceptional elixirs reveal the intricate tastes of Burgundy's terrior. Then it’s back to Grand Cru where Chef presents tonight's Farewell Feast, ending your cruise in style.
SATURDAY, Day 7: A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from St. Leger-sur-Dheune --- 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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