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Dijon to Vandenesse en Auxois
Sunday- Dijon
You will be met at the **designated meeting point and transferred by minibus to the barge, moored in Dijon harbour, where you will enjoy a Kir Royal reception. Time for a walk or bicycle ride before your first dinner on board.
Monday- Dijon to Velars
After breakfast we enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the former Ducal Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Benign, the vivid produce markets, mustard shops and the impressive Notre Dame de Dijon, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. Return to the hotel barge for lunch and then a leisurely afternoon cruise on the Burgundy Canal past Lake Kir and the limestone escarpments, which feed the nearby vineyards, to our mooring in Velars. Dinner on board.
Tuesday- Velars to Ste-Marie-sur-Ouche
This morning we cruise to Ste-Marie-sur-Ouche, with plenty of opportunity to walk or bicycle along the ever-present towpath. After lunch on board, we visit Chateau Savigny-les Beaune, a magnificent property nestled between the hillsides in the Cote de Beaune. Originally built in 1340, it has now been expanded by the present owner Michel Pont, as a museum for classic Abarth cars, aeroplanes, motorcycles and historic wine production equipment. The garden holds around 80 aircrafts, not quite what you expect to find in the middle of one of the most renowned wine regions of the world Return to the barge for dinner on board.
Wednesday- Ste-Marie-sur-Ouche to St. Victor
Morning cruise to St-Victor-sur-Ouche through some very pretty locks, past rolling hills and picturesque villages. We enjoy an early lunch on board and then drive across the premier cru vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country with a history going back over 2000 years. We absorb the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice and the former Ducal Palace. Dinner on board.
Thursday- St-Victor-sur-Ouche to Pont d’Ouche
After breakfast we cruise along the canal deep into the forest to Pont d’Ouche. After lunch we enjoy a very special wine tour and tasting at the renowned Chateau of Meursault, a must for wine and history lovers. The vines of the Chateau de Meursault are ideally situated and sheltered from the winds by the hills to the west. The soil is rich in calcite and well drained, making it ideal for growing the estate's highly-regarded vintages. Dinner on board.
Friday- Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse en Auxois
This morning we enjoy a relaxing cruise past the spectacular Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, offering wonderful photo opportunities. After lunch we visit this beautiful medieval village with its castle and stunning views and then the nearby moat-encircled 13th century Chateau de Commarin. 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. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday- Vandenesse en Auxois
After breakfast, transfer to the **designated drop off point.
Note: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
The Designated meeting and drop off point is the choice of Dijon or Paris.