The Waterways of Burgundy
7 Days from $4,015per
person
person
The Award Winning Leader in Escorted Worldwide Rail Tours
You are viewing the 2019 itinerary
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Indulge in the scenery and produce of the famous Burgundy wine region of France along its picturesque waterways. We travel along the Grands Crus Wine Circuit for an authentic flavour of wine-rich France.
Meet your group and Tour Manager in St Pancras at our dedicated Departure Office ahead of our Eurostar journey to Paris. From here we continue to Dijon by rail where we board our hotel barge, the Jeanine, for a six night cruise along the Burgundy, Saône and Canal du Centre. After a complimentary drink, we enjoy our first dinner on board.
Dijon was first established as a settlement under the Romans, but was only ever of minor importance and had no established trading reputation. But in 1032, Robert the Old became the first Duke of Burgundy, and proclaimed Dijon as his capital. In this privileged position, the city enjoyed vast wealth and power and developed a rich cultural heritage. Dijon was then situated on the 'spice route', and became known for its popular gingerbread and eponymous mustard. As the gateway to a number of vineyards, Dijon was also famous for the many wines produced in the Burgundy region. We delve into the history of this delightful city on a guided tour that includes sights such as the Palace of the Dukes and Notre Dame church. Afterwards we set sail for Longecourt-en-Plaine, our mooring point for the night.
We cast off this morning and the Jeanine picks up the Grands Crus Wine Circuit on an excursion to the six villages in the area that produce the finest Burgundy wines. The 'road of the great wines' runs from Dijon in the north to Santenay in the south, and the route is punctuated by a collection of vineyards and attractive towns that have become prosperous with the growth of the wine trade in this region. Many of the vineyards in this region are quite small, averaging around 10 hectares, producing a small quantity of very high quality wine. Some of the best vintages require between 10 and 20 years to mature, further restricting the volume of wine produced. Following our time along this captivating wine route we return to the ship and continue cruising to Auxonne.
Continue sailing through verdant landscapes as our barge makes its way along the Petite Saône Canal to the town of Gray today. Perhaps relax on board and socialise with your fellow sailing companions as you soak up the scenic views. Alternatively you might like to take one of the available bikes for a gentle ride along the canal's banks.
We disembark this morning for a guided tour of Gray, a riverside town with a history that dates back to the 7th century. The centre is a jumble of period houses from across the decades; here 18th century architecture sits happily, and quirkily, alongside 12th century fortifications and Baroque style chapels from the 1600s. The rest of the day is spent making the leisurely journey to Savoyeux, arriving early this evening.
Our day begins with a guided excursion to Champlitte's medieval castle. Occupying an important defensive position on the boundary line between both the Duchy and County of Burgundy, the castle has been a strategic stronghold as well as family home in its later years. The impressive external structure is complemented by the rustic décor, almost provincial in style. Tonight a special gala dinner is served, helping us celebrate such a memorable cruise.
Disembark after breakfast today, meeting your Tour Manager for the return journey to Paris where we join Eurostar service back to London St Pancras International.
Dijon
Your time here is spent exploring this historic destination on a guided tour. Explore the Parliament District and experience the quaint medieval streets that snake across the city.
Grands Crus Wine Circuit
The 'road of the great wines' provides an excursion into the heart of France's famous Burgundy wine country. Wend your way past verdant vineyards and quaint, historic towns on a journey through the heart of one of the most revered wine routes in the world.
Gray
Enjoy a guided tour of this attractive town, well off the tourist track, and uncover the history of this Gallo- Roman settlement that surely lives up to its translated name of illustrious.
Medieval castle at Champlitte
A listed historical monument since 1909, this castle is also home to the compelling Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions .
For this tour, we recommend arriving to, and departing from, London Gatwick or London Heathrow airport (LGW or LHR). London Gatwick is approximately 30 miles from your start and end point, and London Heathrow is approximately 19 miles from your start and end point.
It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel, or incur any other loss because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. You agree to reimburse us in relation to any fines or other losses which we incur as a result of your failure to comply with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities.
Please note: Our sailings on 30th May and 13th June operate a different itinerary. Sailing from Dijon, excursions are included to Longecourt-en-Plaine, the Grand Crus Wine Circuit, St Jean de Losne, Chalon sur Saone, a hike to the Cirque du Bout du Monde, Santenay, and St Leger sur Dheune. Please call for more details.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.
An escorted experience and travel during your tour
Comfortable accommodation in your destination
Delicious meals included
Exciting excursions and free time to explore
Not Included
of travellers would recommend this tour
Tour Rating
based on 2 verified reviews
great tour but we had to divert due to lack of water in a canal.Manager and crew made the best of a very difficult situation
well run peacefull and the best GRJ tour we have had withGRJ
The boat and tours were good. The return journey a disaster. The itinary was very very different to advertised with no explanation.
Better than i had expected on a small barge. Food and wine and service excellent
Journey not quite as expected.I had downloaded tour CDR17 .The stops on the tour we actually did were not the same and I felt possibly not as interesting.
It was good but the weather good have been better.
Well organised - everything happened as and when it should. The MS Jeanine was excellent: top class eating (too much!), good company, plenty of info from the very helpful crew: accommodation was a bit basic but ok for a week, and as good as could be expected on a small boat..
Well organised, friendly and relaxed.
We enjoyed the break, but it was not perfect. The bathroom arrangements were challenging, and some of the excursions dull and over-long.
TGV return in standard class not acceptable
A fully inclusive hotel barge cruise along Burgundy, Saône and Canal Du Centre
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