New for Napoleon in 2012 is the Wine Discovery cruise, departing on 1st and 8th July. Napoleon will take guests on an insightful journey to the magnificent vineyards situated between Tain L’Hermitage and Chalon-sur-Saône in the Rhône Vallée.

Those with a love of great wine will be introduced in depth to the variations of this region, the home to Côtes du Rhône, Beaujolais and Pouilly Fuisse, to name a few.

Whilst onboard and admiring the incredible views en route, guests will be joined by local wine experts who will work with the chef and pair fine wines to the gourmet delicacies. On the final evening, there will be an exclusive visit to the Drouhun-Laroze estate in Gevery Chambertin where a traditional Burgundy feast will be prepared and served in the family cellar, following a private tour and introduction to the wines.


Sunday - Chalon Sur Saône to Tournus
Depart Paris by our luxury transfer service from your hotel direct to the barge moored in the scenic town of Chalon Sur Saône. On arrival you are welcomed on board by Napoleon's crew with a champagne reception.  The boat will now cruise south on this beautiful river to the pretty town of Tournus, our over night mooring for your first evening on board.

Monday  - Cruise to Macon: Visit Beaune and the Route du Grand Crus
This morning visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy for a tour of the famous Hôtel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune followed by a special wine tasting at Drouhin.  The town with its tiny centre, has hardly changed through the years; a circular boulevard runs round its former ramparts, many of which still stand.  Within, there is a dense maze of narrow old streets. We return to the barge along the magnificent 'Route du Grand Crus', you will pass through  Pommard, Meursault and Montrachet, before rejoining the main road to Tournus.  A late lunch is served on board while cruising to Macon.

Tuesday -  Cruise to Montmerle: Visit Pouilly Fuisse vineyards and wine tasting
This morning we explore the area bordering the Maconnais wine region. We continue our journey through these ever changing wine regions to the charming village of Pouilly Fuisse.  Under the back drop of the Rock du Solutre, this area is almost exclusively producing Chardonnay grapes, the vineyards make up part of this breath taking landscape where limestone and heavy clay combine to create a unique 'terroir'.  We take the opportunity to taste the wonderful wine of this region with a local producer.  We return to the barge for lunch and enjoy the cruise this afternoon to Montmerle. Tonight, we invite a local wine expert to join us for dinner, he will introduce some of his favourite wines of the region and explain the importance of his choices over a special meal created around his selection of wine.  

Wednesday -  Cruise to Lyon: Beaujolais region area & wine tasting
Montmerle is situated in the heart of the famous Beaujolais wine region. This morning we take a very scenic drive into this wonderful wine region, rolling hills are in abundance dotted with vineyards as far as the eye can see.  We make our way towards Oingt, a cobblestone village which is listed as one of the prettiest in France where we have a wine tasting at a small traditional family winery.  Returning to the barge for lunch we set off towards the magnificent city of Lyon where we will be moored for the night.  After dinner perhaps walk over to 'Vieux Lyon', the old part of town, just a few minutes from the boat.

Thursday -  Cruise to Condrieu: Visit Lyon
Today we visit Lyon - France's second city, dominating the centre is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière.  Lyon's shopping facilities are renowned for their quality, including many chic boutiques. There will be free time to enjoy the many shops of this city, or to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes and simply watch the world go by. We have a gourmet lunch in this famous city, a tasting menu with wines to match each course, our guide will host this meal and introduce each wine.  This afternoon we leave the city of Lyon behind as we cross from the River Saône to the River Rhône, a new pace develops as the Rhône is a very busy waterway with much commercial traffic. Tonight we are moored in Condrieu - famous for its Viognier grape. The viognier grape was almost wiped out by the Phylloxera virus but now flourishes here on the slopes of the Upper Rhone valley.

Friday - Cruise to Tain L'Hermitage:  Visit Mr Ferraton's winery
Cruising through the Vallée du Rhône is a delightful experience; the magnificent vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône seem to descend right into the river. During a delicious lunch on board we cruise through some of the most prestigious and renowned appellations in France - Côtes Rôtie one of the oldest vineyards in France where the delightful Syrah grape grows so well. Our final mooring takes us to Tain L'Hermitage, surrounded by the sloping hills filled with grapes slowly maturing. This afternoon we visit Mr Ferraton's winery just steps from the boat for your last wine tasting of the week, this time it is the turn of the Hermitage vintages.  Meanwhile, the chef is preparing a wonderful dinner to celebrate your week on board.

Saturday - Disembark
After breakfast disembark the barge for the transfer to Valence TGV train station and your return to Paris, where you are met by the Afloat in France representative who will assist you with your luggage.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and subject to change. The Tain L'Hermitage to Chalon Sur Saône is the same itinerary detailed above but in reverse.