Burgundy River Cruise Adventure - Southbound
8 days
from Dijon to Dijon
From
$ 2699
Duration8 days
You could take a class to become a sommelier, or you could hop aboard a barge and take your wine education on the road – or water, technically. Explore Burgundy’s countryside villages and vineyards during this eight-day tour along the Saône River. Cycle through scenery that will make 40k (25 mi) feel like a breeze, soak in the local way of life around a deliciously-laid table, and explore the historic wine capital of Beaune. Don’t take notes, just taste them.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: DijonPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: DijonAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Dijon
Start place: Dijon
Arrive at any time.
Please note that most flights arrive in Paris, approx 340kms away. There are frequent trains that run between Paris and Dijon – make sure to arrive in Dijon in time for the 6pm welcome meeting this evening.
End place: Dijon
Day 2: Dijon
Start place: Dijon
Explore the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Dijon was once second only to Paris as a centre of power in France. Visit the Ducal Palace, the local market, and the old town.
Enjoy a free day to explore Dijon. In the afternoon, transfer to the river barge and embark the Danièle.
End place: Dijon
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Dijon/Longecourt-en-Plaine
Start place: Dijon
Depart Dijon for a full day cycling tour through the Côte de Nuits region along the Route des Grands Crus, lined with lovely vineyards and some of the most picturesque villages in the region. Enjoy a wine tasting in the quaint village of Vougeot before meeting barge in Longecourt-en-Plaine.
Today's cycling route is moderately challenging, with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability - see the "About Transportation" section of the Tour Details page for more information).
End place: Longecourt-en-Plaine
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Longecourt-en-Plaine/Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Start place: Longecourt-en-Plaine
You can rejoin the barge at any of the three locks along the way. Opt to use one of the bikes to ride ahead of the walkers.
Start the day with a walk around the beautiful lush gardens of Château de Longecourt, a typical Burgundy castle. Continue the morning walking along the canal and looking at the various locks. Enjoy the Burgundy canal as we walk a 5km (3 mi) stretch of the canal between Longecourt and La Biètre lock. Climb aboard the barge and continue sailing to St-Jean-de-Losne. Free time in the afternoon to visit St-Jean-de-Losne.
End place: Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Saint-Jean-de-Losne/Chalon-sur-Saône
Start place: Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Sail along the Saône River take in picturesque scenes of local life on the shore. Spend a relaxing afternoon walking through the footpaths around Chalon-sur-Saône. Choose to do some shopping in town or relax on board with a glass of local wine.
End place: Chalon-sur-Saone
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Chalon-sur-Saône/Chagny
Start place: Chalon-sur-Saone
Known for the fine quality of white wine, the Côte de Beaune region is especially famous for their wines produced using Chardonnay grapes. Learn about the complexity of grape growth in this region, and how these conditions influence flavour.
Upon arriving in Chagny opt to enjoy the surrounding lush greenery on a nature walk, or sit down for a coffee at one of the many quaint cafês in town. Tonight, consider dining tonight at the famous Michelin-starred restaurant in town, Pierre & Jean.
Upon arriving in Chagny opt to enjoy the surrounding lush greenery on a nature walk, or sit down for a coffee at one of the many quaint cafês in town. Tonight, consider dining tonight at the famous Michelin-starred restaurant in town, Pierre & Jean.
Cycle along the Côte de Beaune, stopping at villages and vineyards along the way. Explore the vineyards of Chateau de Chassigny-Montrachet while stopping to sample some wines. This mostly flat ride is an ideal way to experience quintessential Burgundy.
Today's cycling route is moderate with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability - see the "About Transportation" section of the Tour Details page for more information).
End place: Chagny
Meals: B
Day 7: Chagny/Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune
Start place: Chagny
Arrive to Santenay in the morning and opt to take a walk around the village, or tour the grounds of the stunning Château de Santenay. Continue cruising to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune. Enjoy lunch on board while watching the countryside go by. Upon arrival, explore the quaint village or visit the medieval Château de Couches.
End place: Saint-Berain-sur-Dheune
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune/Dijon
Start place: Saint-Berain-sur-Dheune
After breakfast, catch the group transfer to the train station in Dijon. Tour ends on arrival.
Please note that most flights arrive in Paris, approx 340kms away. There are frequent trains that run between Paris and Dijon – make sure to book any onward travel from Paris after 7pm on this day.
End place: Dijon
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- 6 nts aboard the Danièle canal river barge
- Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune cycling
- Wine tours/tastings and cellar visits in Vougeot and Chassagne-Montrachet
- Visits to Saint-Jean-de-Losne and Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune
- Free time to explore historic Dijon
- Use of bicycles during shore excursions
- All transport to/from included activities and between destinations
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Transport
Private vehicles, Danièle river barge, Bicycle, Walking -
Accommodation
Aboard the Danièle canal barge (6 nts), Hotel (1 nt)