Group Travel

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Seven Day Burgundy Canal Cruise

CRUISE ABOARD THE ‘ESCARGOT’ DIJON CRUISE IN BURGUNDY

Burgundy Canal Travel Value Includes

• 6 nights in an outside cabin
• All meals, including wine at the table, aboard ship
• Sightseeing program as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary, including:
  
  • Dijon – renowned capital of Burgundy - Ducal Palace 
    
  • Château de Commarin – interesting architectural styles
    
  • Châteauneuf – hilltop medieval village
    
  • Beaune – Burgundy’s wine capital - fabled 15th century Hospice
    
  • Clos Vougeot – 8 centuries of wine making 
    
  • Côtes de Nuits – private wine tasting session

In addition to the shore excursions, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore your surroundings – it is easy to step directly from deck to shore as the boat navigates locks. Your barge carries bicycles for use on the towpaths and shoreside byways that parallel the path of the barge.

ITINERARY

The ‘Escargot’ follows the charming Ouche valley, with quaint villages in pastoral settings, traveling at the slow pace of the ‘Escargot’ – the French word for snail! The Burgundy Canal is ideal for cycling and walking along towpaths.

Best known for its fine wines and hearty cuisine, this part of Burgundy is also noted for its unique architecture and eventful history. The cruise offers the opportunity to explore Dijon and its Ducal Palace, the famed Hospice in Beaune, the medieval castle of Châteauneuf overlooking the canal, and the 15th century Château of Commarin.

SATURDAY
Transfer from the Hôtel Régina in Paris at 3:00 p.m. by coach to the rail station to connect with the train for Dijon. Coach transfer to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, near the highest point of the Burgundy Canal, where the ‘Escargot’ is moored. Welcome on board with cocktails.

SUNDAY
Excursion to the elegant 15th century Château de Commarin. Still privately owned, the chateau is notable for its beautiful furnishings and a unique collection of Renaissance heraldic tapestries. Visit the medieval village of Châteauneuf en Auxois before cruising to the village of Pont d’Ouche. Pleasant walking and cycling along the towpaths.

MONDAY
Cruise through the heart of the Ouche Valley to the pretty village of La Bussière, with more opportunities for walking and cycling along the towpaths. On an excursion to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, take a guided visit to the fabulous 15th century Hospice with its splendid varnished tile roof – probably the finest example of Burgundian/Flemish architecture in existence.

TUESDAY
Excursion to Dijon, capital of Burgundy. After a guided tour of the historic center, including the Ducal Palace, there is a chance to stroll through the picturesque covered market, the largest in Burgundy. Cruise to the little village of Gissey.

WEDNESDAY
Cruise to Fleurey sur Ouche. Journey to the village of Concoeur-Corboin on the upper slopes of the Côtes de Nuits near Nuits St. Georges. Here you’ll visit a well-known farmer producing fruit for the blackcurrant and other liqueurs for which the area is renowned.

THURSDAY
Short cruise to Velars sur Ouche. Excursion to Clos Vougeot where wine was being produced as long ago as the 12th century. This is followed by a wine tasting in a private cellar. Visit a display of old wine presses, with a description of the wine-making process. Sail the last cruise segment from Plombières to Dijon. Farewell gala dinner on board.

FRIDAY
Transfer to Dijon to catch the train for Paris’ Gare de Lyon, arriving around 12 noon. All routes are subject to change without notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs or other unforeseen circumstances that may result in conditions unsafe for navigation.

THE ESCARGOT’
Relax on the sundeck of the ‘Escargot’ and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide along the Burgundy Canal. The barge features both a covered and uncovered sundeck and a lovely restaurant and bar. You will enjoy gourmet meals accompanied by the excellent wines of this region.

Your barge has 12 en suite, air-conditioned cabins, for a maximum of 24 passengers. Your crew of 7 makes it their mission to ensure you have a leisurely and stress-free cruise.

Leave your suit and tie and your evening wear at home and relax in casual comfort – the crew provides the formal service, you are free to be comfortable and informal.

Escargot Specifications

• Length / Width: 128’ x 17’
  
• Crew: 7 members
  
• Passengers: 24
  
• Cabins: 9 twins (with corner bunks) and 3 doubles.
• Air conditioning/Central heating throughout. Bicycles on board. Coach for excursions.

NOTE: The route is run in reverse on alternative weeks and excursion days and mooring places may change.

DEPARTS WEEKLY
From the Hôtel Régina, Paris: Saturday 3:00 p.m.

For more information on this exciting experience, please contact:

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