Sunday, Wine cruise Day 1 - Escommes
You are met at the Dijon TGV station at 4.00pm, or Hotel de la Cloche in Dijon at 4.15 if you have stayed there pre cruise, and transferred to the elegant L’Impressionniste moored in Escommes for your cruise through Burgundy. A Champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides you with a chance to meet the crew. Enjoy a stroll into Escommes before dinner aboard.

Monday, Wine cruise Day 2 - Escommes to La Repe
We begin our cruise this morning from the canal summit in Escommes, 1250 feet above sea level, and cruise to La Repe. Late morning your wine guide joins the barge for an introductory talk on the vineyards of Burgundy and during an onboard wine-tasting, ensures that everyone has mastered wine tasting techniques. This afternoon we visit Chateau de Commarin built in 1346. Going back 26 generations, the de Vogue family ownership portrays an insight into the glamorous lives of the French aristocracy as well as showing off the chateau, stables and landscaped gardens.  Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Wine cruise Day 3 - La Repe to Pont D'Ouche

Morning drive from the barge through wooded hillsides then out into the world famous vineyards of the Cote de Beaune with your wine guide. Making a stop at the Grand Cru vineyard of Le Montrachet we visit a wine producing family in the village of Puligny-Montrachet. Private cellar tour concludes with a tasting of some of the world's greatest white wines. After the tasting we drive into Beaune to visit the magnificent 15th Century Hospice de Beaune. Return to the barge for a late lunch and afternoon cruise.  Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Wine cruise Day 4 - Pont D'Ouche to La Bussiere
Morning tour of the medieval village of Chateauneuf en Auxois, situated on top of a hill overlooking the Auxois plains and the village of Vandenesse. The original square keep of the Chateau, built in the 12th Century, is surrounded by structures built a few centuries later as updated living quarters in a flamboyant late Gothic style.  Exclusive tour this afternoon of the magnificent 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere.  The ornamental gardens and lake, wine press, crypt and cellars are interwoven with ancient colonnades, stone staircases and huge stained glass windows. After a Kir Royale aperitif in the private music room, the former chapel, we enjoy the gastronomic delights of Master Chef Emmanuel Hebrard in the Bistro or Garden Restaurant whilst enjoying a selection of local burgundies.  Return to the barge and cruise to Gissey sur Ouche.  Light dinner on board.

Thursday, Wine cruise Day 5 - La Bussiere to Gissey sur Ouche
After breakfast we cruise to Fleurey sur Ouche.  In the afternoon your wine guide arrives to take you on a visit to Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a prized special label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages. Driving past legendary Grand Cru vineyards we pay hommage at the fireld of Romanée Conti (the most expensive red wine in the world). Next, we stop at the family-run Domaine Jafflin in the heart of Nuits-St-Georges on the Route des Grands Crus. A tour of the ageing cellar is followed by a tasting of their exceptional pinot noirs including Vosne Romanée, Nuits St George and Gevrey chambertin.  Dinner onboard

Friday, Wine cruise Day 6 - Gissey sur Ouche to Fleurey sur Ouche
Morning cruise to Dijon.  After lunch enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon and visit the flamboyant 14th century Ducal Palace, in the center, the palace is a fine example of early 17th-century classical French architecture.  If you prefer you can enjoy some excellent shopping time.  Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Wine cruise Day 7 - Fleurey sur Ouche to Dijon
After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon TGV station or a Dijon hotel by 9.45am.

Notes:

• Itinerary is subject to change.  On alternative weeks, the cruise is in reverse direction.
• Theme cruises may have an added cost (see the rates page).
• Theme cruises are typically for private charters and not for cabin cruise weeks, unless otherwise noted.
• If you are a larger group, consider a tandem cruise. Ask us for info!