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Quintessential Burgundy
10 days, Dijon to Paris
Itinerary Notes
While it is our intention to follow the itinerary as advertised, some modifications to the itinerary may be needed if water levels become very low. This is rare, but please note that some excursions and activities may change if it is necessary to modify the vessel route.
Itinerary
Day 1Dijon
Arrive at any time.
Please note that most flights arrive in Paris, approx 340kms away. There are frequent trains that run between Paris and Dijon – make sure to arrive in Dijon in time for the 6pm welcome meeting this evening.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Dijon
Enjoy an orientation walk in the morning to explore Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the local market, and the old town. In the afternoon, enjoy free time before transferring to the river barge and embarking the Danièle.
Dijon Orientation Walk
Explore the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Dijon was once second only to Paris as a centre of power in France. Visit the Ducal Palace, the local market, and the old town.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 3Dijon/Longecourt-en-Plaine
Depart Dijon for a full day cycling tour through the Côte de Nuits region along the Route des Grands Crus, lined with lovely vineyards and some of the most picturesque villages in the region. Enjoy a wine tasting in the quaint village of Vougeot before meeting our barge in Longecourt-en-Plaine.
Today's cycling route is moderately challenging, with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability - see the "About Transportation" section of the Tour Details page for more information).
Côte de Nuits Cycling Excursion with Wine Tasting - From Dijon
Leave the river behind and cycle through the Côte de Nuits region along the Route des Grands Crus - famous for the Grand Cru Burgundy wine that is produced here. Along the way, pass through the small, picturesque villages such as Chenôve, Marsannay-la-Côte, Couchey, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Chambolle-Musigny. Stop for lunch, and a wine tasting and cellar tour in the quaint village of Vougeot. After lunch, opt to visit the famous Château du Clos de Vougeot, where one of the world's most expensive wines is produced. Continue cycling the last stretch of this beautiful route before meeting the barge in Longecourt-en-Plaine, and sit down to a well-deserved dinner on deck.
Danièle Riverboat
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Château du Clos de Vougeot
7.50-10.00EUR per personSet in the heart of Burgundy’s Grand Cru Vineyards, this Cistercian winery was built in the 12th and 16th Centuries and is known today for producing some of the most expensive wine in the world - Vougeot. Explore the grounds on your own, or opt for a guided tour.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Longecourt-en-Plaine/Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Start the day with a walk around the beautiful lush gardens of Château de Longecourt, a typical Burgundy castle. Continue the morning walking along the canal and visiting its many locks. Enjoy the Burgundy canal as we walk a 5km (3 mi) stretch of the canal between Longecourt and La Biètre lock. Climb aboard the barge and continue sailing to St-Jean-de-Losne. Free time in the afternoon to visit St-Jean-de-Losne.
You can rejoin the barge at any of the three locks along the way. Opt to use one of the bikes to ride ahead of the walkers.
Saint-Jean-de-Losne Visit
One of the capitals for the river barging world, Saint-Jean-de-Losne is located at a crossroads of waterways. The local cafés are still often occupied by regulars of the canal barges and riverboats, so grab a table and get to know the locals. Relax in the sunshine with a glass of wine, opt to take part in a guided tour of the town, or visit a museum.
Danièle Riverboat
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Tour of Saint-Jean-de-Losne
10EUR per personTake a guided tour of this quaint town. Enjoy visits to historic sites such as the Monument Commemorating the Siege of 1636, Hôtel-Dieu, and the Batellerie Museum (also known as the Sailors' House), one of the oldest houses in town, dating back to the 15th century which recounts the history of navigation.
La Musée de la Bataillerie
3EUR per personTake a stroll around this quaint museum dedicated to the history of barging.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Saint-Jean-de-Losne/Chalon-sur-Saône
Cruise along the Saône River before arriving to Chalon-sur-Saône. Take in a presentation by a local wine expert and enjoy a horizontal tasting on board. Spend a relaxing afternoon walking through the footpaths around Chalon-sur-Saône. Choose to do some shopping in town or relax on board with a glass of local wine.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Burgundy Wine Talk and Horizontal Tasting
Enjoy a presentation by a local wine expert on the vineyards and wines of Burgundy. Learn about the various vineyards and AOC. Enjoy a horizontal tasting (different wines from the same year) focusing on the two main vineyards of the region: Côte de Nuits reds and Côte d'Or whites.
Danièle Riverboat
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Chalon-sur-Saône/Chagny
Cycle along the Côte de Beaune, stopping at villages and vineyards along the way. Explore the vineyards of Chateau de Chassigny-Montrachet while stopping to sample some wines. This mostly flat ride is an ideal way to experience quintessential Burgundy.
Today's cycling route is moderately challenging, with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability - see the "About Transportation" section of the Tour Details page for more information).
Danièle Riverboat
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Côte de Beaune Cycling: Chalon-sur-Saôn to Chagny
Cycle to the Chateau de Chassigny-Montrachet for a guided wine tour of the cellars then a wine tasting. Afterwards, visit the town of Puligny-Montrachet for lunch. Continue to the beautiful town of Meursault before meeting the barge in Chagny.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Chagny/Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune
Arrive to Santenay. Enjoy a tour of the stunning Château de Santenay and indulge in a wine tasting from local wineries. Continue cruising to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune. Enjoy lunch on board while watching the countryside go by. Upon arrival, explore the quaint village or visit the medieval castle of Château de Couches.
Danièle Riverboat
Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Chateau de Santenay Wine Tasting
Enjoy a leisurely walk from the barge to Chateau de Santenay vineyard. One of the largest wine-producing estates in Burgundy, take time to explore the beautiful grounds before tasting some of the property's wines.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Château de Couches Excursion
25EUR per personThe Château de Couches is a stunning historical monument, home to a rich history and a thriving wine business. Opt for a wine tasting, or explore the grounds on a tour to discover the story of the château. The estimated price includes transportation to this site.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune/Paris
Transfer to Beaune, the historic wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a tour with a docent, exploring the Hospices of Beaune, a charitable hospital that has been funded by the annual wine auction for over 155 years. Delve into history and discuss the relationship of the hospice with the powerful wine merchants of Burgundy. Enjoy some free time to explore before catching the train to Paris.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit Hospices of Beaune
Enjoy a tour with a docent, exploring the Hospices of Beaune, a former charitable hospital that has been funded by the annual wine auction for over 155 years. Delve into History and discuss the relationship of the hospice with the powerful wine merchants of Burgundy.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Paris
Explore the historic covered Marché d'Aligre with a local chef and food expert. Rarely visited by tourists, this market is where locals come to shop for food. Meet vendors, enjoy tastings, and learn about the history of the market and the specialties offered here. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Local Market Visit with a Chef
Explore the historic covered Marché d'Aligre with a local chef and food expert. Rarely visited by tourists, this market is where locals come to shop for food. Meet vendors, enjoy tastings, and learn about the history of the market and the specialties offered here.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Walk Along the Seine River
FreeStroll like a Parisian along the Seine. There are almost 40 bridges that cross over the river within Paris alone, if something on the right bank catches your eye, just cross over to explore. Stop to relax on the banks or bring a picnic.
Sacre Coeur Visit
FreeVisit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.
Eiffel Tower Visit
16EUR per personVisit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.
Luxembourg Garden Visit
FreeStroll through the Luxembourg Garden, or Jardin du Luxembourg, built in the early 1600s outside the Luxembourg Palace. The garden is known for expansive lawns, flowers and tree-lined promenade, topped off with a Medici Fountain.
Napoleon's Tomb - Les Invalides Army Museum
12EUR per personThe Musée de l'Armée houses one of the world's largest collections of military art, armour and weaponry from the 17th to 19th century. Wander through the museum's vast collection of French cannons, artillery and relics, before making your way to the Napoleon I's tomb in the Dôme des Invalides.
The Louvre Visit
12-16EUR per personExamine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.
Musée d'Orsay Visit
11EUR per personTour through The Musée d'Orsay, a must-see museum in Paris. Housed in a former train station, the beautiful building is the perfect setting to display some of the world's most revered Impressionist art. Wander from room to room in awe at the works on display by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin. Marvel at Degas' ballerinas and Van Gogh's swirling colours.
Musée Rodin Visit
12EUR per personSpend some time at The August Rodin Museum, one of Paris' most enjoyable museums. With famous sculptures on display like the Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell, The Hand of God, The Kiss and The Thinker, you can wander through this former mansion, marvelling at the architecture as well as Rodin's best work.
Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show
175-185EUR per personStep into the Moulin Rouge and experience a night in Paris you'll never forget. Opened in 1889, this world-famous cabaret continues to bring some of the world's best performers to its stage, with nightly shows that feature over 60 dancers in feather- and rhinestone-studded costumes dancing to the French "can-can". We recommend reserving tickets in advance for the dinner and show.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Paris
Depart at any time.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
The Louvre Visit
12-16EUR per personExamine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.
Eiffel Tower Visit
16EUR per personVisit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.
Palace of Versailles Visit
18EUR per personVenture just outside the city of Paris to the sprawling yet elegant Palace of Versailles, which served as King Louis XIV's royal residence leading up to the French Revolution. Visit the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the celebrated Gardens of Versailles, while immersing yourself in the history, art and architecture of 17th century France. Plan to spend a few hours touring the palace; we recommend pre-purchasing your entrance ticket online.
Sacre Coeur Visit
FreeVisit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.
Luxembourg Garden Visit
FreeStroll through the Luxembourg Garden, or Jardin du Luxembourg, built in the early 1600s outside the Luxembourg Palace. The garden is known for expansive lawns, flowers and tree-lined promenade, topped off with a Medici Fountain.
Walk Along the Seine River
FreeStroll like a Parisian along the Seine. There are almost 40 bridges that cross over the river within Paris alone, if something on the right bank catches your eye, just cross over to explore. Stop to relax on the banks or bring a picnic.
Musée Rodin Visit
12EUR per personSpend some time at The August Rodin Museum, one of Paris' most enjoyable museums. With famous sculptures on display like the Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell, The Hand of God, The Kiss and The Thinker, you can wander through this former mansion, marvelling at the architecture as well as Rodin's best work.
Musée d'Orsay Visit
11EUR per personTour through The Musée d'Orsay, a must-see museum in Paris. Housed in a former train station, the beautiful building is the perfect setting to display some of the world's most revered Impressionist art. Wander from room to room in awe at the works on display by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin. Marvel at Degas' ballerinas and Van Gogh's swirling colours.
Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show
175-185EUR per personStep into the Moulin Rouge and experience a night in Paris you'll never forget. Opened in 1889, this world-famous cabaret continues to bring some of the world's best performers to its stage, with nightly shows that feature over 60 dancers in feather- and rhinestone-studded costumes dancing to the French "can-can". We recommend reserving tickets in advance for the dinner and show.
Monet's Giverny Gardens
10.20EUR per personIn the town of Giverny, visit Claude Monet's residence and the famous gardens that made "plein air" painting a defining characteristic of the Impressionist art movement. Monet spent the last 40 years of his life in Giverny, bringing landscapes and everyday scenes to life with bright colours and balanced compositions, best depicted in paintings of water lillies and his Japanese-inspired garden through the seasons.
Napoleon's Tomb - Les Invalides Army Museum
12EUR per personThe Musée de l'Armée houses one of the world's largest collections of military art, armour and weaponry from the 17th to 19th century. Wander through the museum's vast collection of French cannons, artillery and relics, before making your way to the Napoleon I's tomb in the Dôme des Invalides.