'AMARYLLIS'

Dijon to St Leger sur Dheune (or reverse), on the Burgundy Canal, Canal du Centre and River Saône

Cruise route map (Click to enlarge)

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday - Dijon.
You are met at Dijon train station by the barge guide who escorts you on your transfer to Dijon’s Port du Canal, where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, experience your first dinner on board.

Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Château du Clos de Vougeot.
While the barge cruises the Canal de Bourgogne from Dijon to the River Saône your guide takes you to visit Gevray Chambertin or the Musée des Beaux Arts. Later today you visit the Château du Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. You have the opportunity to see a family run winery and to sample wines that may never reach your corner of the world.

Tuesday – Visit Dijon. Cruise to St. Jean de Losne.
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, past the elegant houses. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise. The barge leaves the Canal de Bourgogne and enters the River Saône for tonight’s mooring in St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Take some time this evening or early tomorrow to stroll around the port and see the many working and pleasure barges.

Wednesday – Visit Beaune. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône or Fragnes.
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône downstream to Seurre. Guests may stay on board and enjoy the passing scenery. Today includes a visit to Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy and a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Reboard the boat for a leisurely cruise to tonight’s mooring in Chalon-sur-Saône or Fragnes. Your guide takes you on a walking tour of the pedestrian area in Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns and one of the major cities of the Saône Valley.

Thursday - Cruise to Rully. Visit Château de Rully.
The barge cruises upstream for a short distance and leaves the River Saône by clearing the lock to enter the Canal du Centre. Now you are back into the canal environment where you may disembark the barge at each lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge. After lunch, visit the Château de Rully followed by a cellar tour and wine tasting in Bouzeron or a crémant tasting in Rully. Tonight it is back to a countryside mooring in Rully.

Friday - Visit Couches and the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise St. Léger.
A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside. The barge cruises to St. Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre while your guide takes you to Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, dating back to the 11th century, for a tour and wine tasting. Back on board the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner.

Saturday - Dijon-Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon train station for your onward travel.

St Leger sur Dheune—Lyon (or reverse) on the Canal du Centre and the River Saône

Cruise route map (Click to enlarge)

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday – Dijon
At Dijon station you are met by the barge guide who escorts you on your transfer to St. Léger where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Monday - Cruise to Rully. Visit Couches.
Following a typical French breakfast, the barge cruises to Rully, a quaint village along the ‘Canal du Centre’. Today, your guide takes you to Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, dating back to the 11th century for a tour and wine tasting. In the afternoon, guests may elect to stay on board and enjoy the passing scenery, bicycle and keep up with the barge, or walk along the towpath and meet the barge further down the canal.

Tuesday - Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône. Visit Beaune.
Your last lock on the Canal du Centre is the deep lock which takes you from the canal into the River Saône just north of Chalon-sur-Saône where the barge moors for the night. The scenery changes from the close proximity of the canal banks to the expanse of this beautiful river. After lunch your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, and a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune.

Wednesday - Visit Tournus and Château de Cormatin. Cruise to Mâcon.
This morning the barge cruises to Tournus where you disembark to visit the Romanesque church of St. Philibert on the banks of the Saône. Over lunch the boat continues to cruise towards Mâcon. Later in the afternoon your guide takes you to visit the Château de Cormatin notable for its painted, sculpted and gold-leafed interiors from the reign of Louis XIII. If there’s time, you’ll also visit the Benedictine Abbey Church in Cluny, the largest church in the whole of western Christendom. Our mooring this evening is Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering both the Mâconnais and the Beaujolais vineyards.

Thursday - Cruise to Montmerle. Visit Beaujolais Region.
In the morning, you’ll take a drive to the Roche du Solutré, a picturesque site with a superb view of Mâcon, the River Saône and the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards. Back on board you may wish to relax on deck and watch the passing scenery. After lunch you’ll visit the Beaujolais region, a region known for its vineyards and gastronomy. Your guide has wine tasting on the agenda and perhaps a visit to the Car Museum.

Friday - Cruise to Lyon. Visit Lyon.
Today’s visit is Lyon, one the three Roman capitals of Gaul and the second city of France. Lyon is a cultural, historic, gastronomic, and commercial center, little known outside of France. Dominating the city is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. The standard of Lyon's shopping facilities is renowned for its quality and includes many chic boutiques and a market hall devoted entirely to antiques. Back on board, the chef is preparing a gala dinner the last evening of your cruise.

Saturday - Lyon-Paris.
After breakfast disembark and transfer to the Lyon station for your onward travel.

Escommes to Dijon (or reverse) on the Burgundy Canal

Cruise route map (Click to enlarge)

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday – Dijon
At Dijon station you are met by the barge guide who escorts you on your transfer to Escommes where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A cocktail cruise introduces you to the delights of cruising. Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Monday - Cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Visit Abbey de Fontenay.
After breakfast, enjoy your first day cruising on the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal). Smallunspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide the traveler with exceptional views from the deck. After lunch your guide takes you to visit Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Both the village and the chateau have a long and interesting history. This is followed by a tour of the stunning surrounding countryside, and the opportunity to see the entrance to the 2 mile long canal tunnel and the largest of the reservoirs which feed the Burgundy Canal.

Tuesday – Cruise to La Bussière. Visit Clos de Vougeot.
Relax on-board this morning as the barge cruises towards the charming village of La Bussière. After lunch, your guide takes you to visit Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. On your way back to the barge, enjoy a wine tasting in Vougeot.

Wednesday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit l’Abbaye de La Bussière
Mid-morning, your guide takes you on a tour of l’Abbaye de la Bussière built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. Today, you have the option to take lunch off the barge if you wish. This afternoon, visit the Château de Commarin, an interesting castle whose celebrated tapestries with the coat of arms of the Vienne family, take the place of a family tree.

Thursday – Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Beaune.
This morning the boat cruises through the Côte d’Or planted with vines that produce some of the world’s most famous wines. After another delicious lunch your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, for a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Tonight’s mooring is at another canal-side village, Fleurey-sur-Ouche.

Friday - Visit Dijon. Cruise to Dijon.
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, to visit the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and the afternoon’s cruise. The barge moors for the night in Dijon’s Port du Canal, a short distance from the town centre. Meanwhile the chef is preparing a gala dinner for your last evening on board.

Saturday – Dijon to Paris.
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Dijon train station for your onward travel.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Lyon to Dijon (or reverse) on the River Saône and The Burgundy Canal

Cruise route map (Click to enlarge)

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday - Lyon
Board the barge moored in Lyon where a champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. An evening cruise on the River Saône introduces to the pleasures of river cruising followed by dinner.

Monday - Cruise to Montmerle. Visit Lyon
Today, your guide conducts you on a walking tour of Lyon: a cultural, historic, gastronomic, and commercial center, little known outside of France. Discover the charms of the old town with its cobbled streets before heading over the Saône to Presqu'ile. You will have some free time to visit the exclusive boutiques around Place Bellecour or a visit to the Fine Arts Museum. Back to the barge for lunch and a cruise up river to Montmerle, the site of tonight's mooring, set in the heart of the Beaujolais wine country. Relax on the deck and watch the passing scenery of the Rhône Valley.

Tuesday - Cruise to Mâcon. Visit Roche du Solutré and Wine Tasting in Fuissé
After breakfast, visit the beautiful Beaujolais region, known for its vineyards and gastronomy. The barge will cruise during lunch to the lovely town of Mâcon. For those who are feeling energetic, take an easy walk up the Roche du Solutré; a picturesque rock with outstanding views of Mâcon, the Beaujolais region and the villages comprising the Pouilly Fuissé appellation. It is also well worth a stroll around Mâcon itself after dinner.

Wednesday - Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône. Visit Beaune.
Today we cruise to the riverside town of Chalon-sur-Saône. After lunch the guide takes you on a tour of Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, including a tour of the famous 15th century Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. The town itself has hardly changed in appearance throughout the years; it's tiny centre is a dense maze of narrow old streets with a circular boulevard running round it's former ramparts, many of which still stand. Our mooring tonight is Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns and one of the major cities of the Saône Valley.

Thursday - Cruise to St. Jean de Losne. Visit Clos de Vougeot.
Spend the morning on board cruising towards Seurre. In the afternoon, you will see the charming villages of the Côte d'Or where some of the finest wine producers in France are located. Take a tour of Clos de Vougeot, a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the head quarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote d' Or Vintages. Tonight we moor on the Canal de Bourgogne.

Friday - Cruise to Dijon. Visit Dijon
This morning take a walking tour of Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. There is free time for some shopping, or perhaps to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. Enjoy your final afternoon cruising to the Port of Dijon. Back on board the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner.

Saturday - Disembark.
After breakfast, disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.

St Leger-sur-Dheune to Tain L’Hermitage (or reverse) on the Canal du Centre, the River Saône and the River Rhône

Cruise route map (Click to enlarge)

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday - Paris to Dijon and St Leger
Board the barge at St. Léger for your cruise along the Canal du Centre, Saône and Rhône rivers. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Monday - Visit Château de Rully Cruise to Châlon Sur Saône.
This morning relax on board as the barge cruises on the beautiful Canal du Centre. An excellent tow path allows you to cycle or walk alongside the barge. This afternoon visit the 12th century Château du Rully, where the Countess herself guides you around her property. Once through the last and very deep lock which takes you from the canal into the River Saône, we cruise south to Châlon sur Saône. The scenery changes from the close proximity of the canal banks to the expanse of this beautiful river. This evening you enjoy a walking tour of Châlon with its quaint antique shops, stunning Cathedral Square and half timbered buildings.

Tuesday - Cruise to Macon. Visit Cluny
This morning’s visit is to the Abbey of Cluny, which was for centuries the largest church in the world. The monastery here was once the greatest power in Europe and controlled the lives of tens of thousands of people. It was founded as a Benedictine monastery on 11th September 940 by the Duke Guillaume of Aquitaine. Rejoin the barge at Tournus for lunch. Enjoy a scenic afternoon’s cruise along the Saône. The mooring this evening is Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering both the Mâconnais and the Beaujolais vineyards. Mâcon is the principal town of the Saône and the birthplace of the well-loved 19th-century poet and politician, Alphonse Lamartine.

Wednesday - Visit the Maconnais. Cruise to Lyon
In the morning, visit Solutré, a typical village of the Mâconnais region. The Roche de Solutré is a picturesque site with a superb view of Mâcon, the River Saône and the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards. In this village the vines grow right up to the village walls and the roads actually seem to get narrower, encroached by vines planted as tightly as possible in every available space. Spend the afternoon cruising on the river towards Lyon, a stunning way to arrive in this wonderful city, where we moor for the night.

Thursday - Visit Lyon. Cruise to Condrieu
Lyon has a wonderful cultural, historic, and gastronomic centre, comparatively little known outside France. Dominating the city is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. The standard of Lyon’s shopping facilities is renowned for its quality and includes many chic boutiques. We enjoy a typical Lyonnaise lunch here in Vieux Lyon in a local restaurant. This afternoon return to the boat and continue cruising on the mighty River Rhône. Tonight’s mooring is in the town of Condrieu.

Friday - Cruise to Tain. Visit Tain l’Hermitage
Cruising the Vallée du Rhône is a delightful experience; the magnificent vineyards of the Côtes Rôties and the Côtes du Rhône seem to descend right into the river. The final destination is Tain l’Hermitage, in the heart of the wine region. Visit a local wine producer, just steps from the boat to sample wines from his cellar. Enjoy a tasting at the famous Valrhona chocolate maker in the afternoon. Meanwhile the chef is busy on board preparing your Farewell gala dinner on board.

Saturday – Disembark. Transfer to Paris.
After breakfast disembark for your onward travel arrangements.

Tain L’Hermitage to Tournuson the River Saône and River Rhône

Cruise route map (Click to enlarge)

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday - Tain l'Hermitage
Board the Amaryllis for your cruise along the Rivers Rhône and Saône. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later visit Mr Ferraton's winery for your first wine tasting. Return to the boat for dinner and a delightful evening cruise upstream to the riverside village of St-Vallier.

Monday - Cruise to Condrieu. Visit Vienne
Cruising the Vallée du Rhône is a delightful experience; the magnificent vineyards of the Côtes Rôtie and the Côtes du Rhône seem to descend right into the river. After lunch, visit the Roman city of Vienne with its many Roman remains including an amphitheatre and aqueduct and the outstanding temple of Augusta and Livia.

Tuesday - Cruise to Lyon. Visit Lyon
Enjoy the morning cruise to Lyon, a cultural, historic and gastronomic centre little known outside France. Dominating the city 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, or perhaps sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. We are moor in Lyon for the night where after dinner, you may wish to walk up into 'Vieux Lyon' the old part of town, just a few minutes from the barge.

Wednesday - Cruise to Macon. Visit Château de Fléchères
Leave the city of Lyon behind you as we cross from the River Rhône onto the River Saône. A new pace develops as the Saône is smaller and quieter than the Rhône. After lunch we moor in Montmerle, in the heart of the famous Beaujolais wine region. We then take a short drive to the beautiful Château de Fléchères built in 1630 and set in 80 acres of parkland.

Thursday - Cruise to Mâcon. Visit Cluny and Roche du Solutré
This morning's cruise is to Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering the Mâconnais wine region. After lunch, visit the Abbey of Cluny, for centuries the largest church in the world. Before rejoining the boat, stop at the Roche du Solutré, a rocky outcrop giving spectacular views over the Mâcon, and visit a small local winery to sample some of the famous Pouilly Fuissé. Tonight's mooring is in Mâcon, principal town of the Saône and the birthplace of the well loved 19th century poet and politician, Alphonse Lamartine.

Friday - Cruise to Tournus. Visit Beaune
Your final cruise is to Tournus, a small riverside town and one of the oldest monastic centers in Burgundy. After lunch we visit the capital of the Burgundy wine region, Beaune, and the famous Hotel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. The town itself has hardly changed in appearance throughout the years; it's tiny centre is a dense maze of narrow old streets with a circular boulevard running round it's former ramparts, many of which still stand. Back on board the barge Chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner.

Saturday - Tournus.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements

Saint Jean de Losne to Lyon on the River Saône

Cruise route map (Click to enlarge)

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday - St Jean
Board the barge moored at St. Jean for your cruise through Burgundy and down the River Saône. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. A cocktail cruise introduces you to the delights of cruising. Later enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Monday - Visit Clos de Vougeot. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône
Visit the 'Clos de Vougeot', a medieval chateau and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d'Or vintages. Enjoy the opportunity to see a family run winery and to sample wines that may never reach your corner of the world. The barge continues cruising and moors in Châlon for the evening. This afternoon take a walking tour of Chalon-sur-Saône with its magnificent cathedral square and half timbered buildings.

Tuesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to Tournus
Today your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, for a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune followed by a private wine tasting at Domaine Joseph Drouhin, where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store some of their wines. The town itself, with its tiny centre, has hardly changed physically through the years. A circular boulevard runs round its former ramparts, many of which still stand, and within there is a dense maze of narrow old streets. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon's cruise. Once moored at Tournus for the night, take a leisurely walk to the Romanesque church of St. Philibert on the banks of the Saône.

Wednesday - Cruise to Mâcon. Visit Cluny
This morning's visit is to the Abbey of Cluny, for centuries the largest church in the world. Rejoin the barge at Tournus for lunch. Enjoy a scenic afternoon's cruise along the Saône. The mooring this evening is Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering both the Mâconnais and the Beaujolais vineyards.

Thursday - Visit Solutré. Cruise Montmerle. Visit the Château de Fléchères

In the morning, visit Solutré, a typical village of the Mâconnais region. The Roche de Solutré is a picturesque site with a superb view of Mâcon, the River Saône and the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards. In this village the vines grow right up to the village walls and the roads seem to get narrower, encroached by vines planted as tightly as possible in every available space. After lunch, visit the Château de Fléchères built in 1630 and set in 80 acres of parkland.

Friday - Cruise to Lyon. Visit Lyon
Today's visit is to Lyon, a cultural, historic and gastronomic centre little known outside of France. Dominating the city is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. The standard of Lyon's shopping is renowned for its quality and includes many chic boutiques. There is some free time to enjoy the wonderful shopping or perhaps to simply sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and watch the world go by. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing for you farewell gala dinner on board.

Saturday - Lyon.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.