Elisabeth - Dijon to Escommes
Saturday Paris to Dijon by Chauffeured Transfer
Welcome to Elisabeth!
A member of our crew will meet your party at 2:00 pm at one Paris hotel of your choice. You will be chauffeured to Elisabeth, moored in the Dijon Harbor, with an estimated arrival time of 5:00 pm. (Alternatively, you may choose to take the TGV train from Paris to Dijon at your expense.) Once on board, you’ll be welcomed by owners, Captain Peter and Guide Sheena Jenner; then treated to the traditional champagne reception and introduction of crew. Enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Sunday Dijon to Fleury-sur-Ouche
A chateau with fighter jets lined up in a vineyard!
Relax on deck as Elisabeth begins to cruise into the heart of the Burgundy Canal. This morning, you’ll depart Dijon and go into the countryside. After buffet lunch, it’s time for one of the most intriguing of this week’s excursions: The chateau of Savigny-les-Beaune, where the owner has collected some 80 fighter jets, now restored and displayed with his vineyards as the backdrop. Other collections include race cars as well as thousands of model airplanes. Enjoy a petite winetasting of vintages produced right at the chateau, too. Then it is back to Elisabeth for another dinner on board.
Monday Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Medieval palace and museums in Dijon
Enjoy breakfast pastry warm from the village over to start your day. Relax on deck this morning, or walk the towpath or explore by bicycle. The choice is always yours! This afternoon, explore the nooks and crannies of the old town in Dijon, most notably the Cathedral of Saint Benign. Then it is back to Elisabeth for dinner on board.
Tuesday Gissey -sur-Ouche to Pont d’Ouche
Where monks made wine the old fashioned way
If you have not already discovered how much fun it is to join Captain Jenner in the wheelhouse, now is the morning to do so! Elisabeth now cruises deeper into the Valley of the Ouche, dramatic scenery through farmland and a backdrop of forested hills. This afternoon, drive to Chateau Clos de Vougeot, an ancient structure which includes a medieval monastery and a display of ancient winemaking implements. There may be time for a winetasting, too.
Wednesday Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
13th century hospital in delightful Beaune
After a short morning cruise, it’s off for another high point: Lunch and sightseeing in Beaune, the wine capital of the Cote d’Or with millions of bottles of wines stored in ancient cellars under the cobblestone streets. After lunch at a fine local bistro, Sheena will tour the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, built in the 13th century. Then shop the chic stores in the pedestrian zone and have a café in the town square. Dinner back on board ends this delightful day.
Thursday Vancenesse-en-Auxois to Escommes
Tour a chateau perched high over the canal!
It’s your last cruise this morning, so take advantage of the scenery, towpath and villages for a last immersion into the Burgundy countryside. Once at your final mooring, there will be time for the excursion to the little hamlet of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, perched high over the canal. Browse the little craft and gift shops and then take a tour of the Chateau, mostly empty but very atmospheric and with a wonderful history. Then it’s back to Elisabeth where a gourmet dinner ends your cruise in style.
Friday Escommes to Paris
A sad farewell
Depart at 9:00 am after breakfast for a chauffeured transfer back to one location in Paris. Estimated arrival time into Paris is noon to 1:00 pm. Please make all onward travel plans on the basis of this timing. (Alternatively, you can elect to take the TGV train from Dijon back to Paris at your expense OR, we will take you to Dijon to pick up a rental car.) We hope to see you again on Elisabeth!