'Elisabeth'

THE BURGUNDY CANAL ITINERARY—Available 04 April to 19 June, then 29 Aug—30 Oct 2009 (between Tanlay and Pouillenay or reverse)

The theme for this cruise route in 09 is wines and chocolate. From our visits to our tastings and demonstrations, we hope to surprise you!

Saturday—Pick up in Paris at 2pm. Drive to the Elisabeth moored in the delightfull chateau village of Tanlay. Settle in after a champagne reception and maybe take a stroll around the village. We start our chocolat week with tonights dessert.

Sunday—This morning we will cruise to Ancy le Franc where we will visit the chateau, beautifully restored and a real delight to visit. Back on board a wine tasting of the local tonneroise wines is in order.

Monday—Todays cruise is to Ravierres and here we will depart for a pleasant drive through the villages to Chablis for our wine tasting and a visit to the chocolaterie to hear the history of and taste the chocolate Pillars of Chablis. Back to the barge via medieval Noyer, one of the top five prettiest villages of France.

Tuesday—Today starts with a leisurely cruise to Montbard. From here we will go to Eppoisse for a cheese visit and a wine tasting.For those that are interested we can arrange a cooking demonstration today. Back to Elisabeth for dinner and our second chocolate dessert.

Wednesday—This morning we will start to notice the climb up the valley to Veneray les Laumes. The cruising just gets prettier as we go. Our visit this afternoon is to The Abbay de Fontenay, a Unesco world heritage site. This wonderfull abbey is the last complete cistercian monastery left in France. Tranquility and beauty describe it perfectly. Back at Elisabeth our chef will give a demonstration on the making of tiny chocolate petit fours.

Thursday—Our last cruise takes us to Pouillenay, a climb up and fabulous views over the countryside. We finish our week with a lunch in the village of Flavigny (where the film 'Chocolat' was made) and a walking tour of the village. From here we will drive the short distance to Alesia to see the site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gaules. The roman ruins and amphitheatre date back to 345bc. Returning to Elisabeth in time for a rest before Captains dinner and our last chocolate fest.

Friday—This morning we drive you back to Paris after breakfast. We hope you have enjoyed your cruise aboard the Elisabeth.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ON ALTERNATE WEEKS CRUISES WILL BE IN REVERSE DIRECTION.

THE NIVERNAIS CANAL ITINERARY - Available 20 June to 28 Aug 2009 (between Auxerre and Clamecy or reverse)

Saturday, Day 1 - Auxerre
2pm pick up in Paris, transfer to the Elisabeth, moored in the center of the town. A champagne reception and time to have a stroll before dinner. Welcome aboard!

Sunday, Day 2 - Auxerre to Vincelles
Morning tour of medieval Auxerre, the Abbaye Saint-Germain, the Tour de l'Horloge and the city's cobblestone streets. Lunch while we start on a leisurely afternoon cruise to the village of Vincelles where we moor overnight. Time for a stroll through the village or a walk along the towpath.

Monday, Day 3 - Vincelles to Vermenton
Morning cruise to the small town of Vermenton on the River Cure. Afternoon visit to the picturesque wine villages of St Bris, Chablis and perhaps Irancy for a 'degustation' of their wines (villages that your cabins are named after).

Tuesday, Day 4 - Vermenton to Mailly le Chateau
This morning a visit to the Grottes d'Arcy, second oldest caves in the world. Today's cruise is back to the River Yonne and on to Mailly le Chateau.

Wednesday, Day 5 - Mailly le Chateau to Lucy sur Yonne
Morning cruise to Chatel Censoir. (Weather permitting, we prepare a picnic lunch). Tour to Vézelay, a UNESCO heritage site, then back to Elisabeth to continue our voyage to Lucy sur Yonne.

Thursday, Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy
A beautiful, long morning's cruise to Clamecy. Final excursion of the week to twelfth century Chateau Bazoche. Back to the boat for the Captain's dinner.

Friday, Day 7 - Clamecy
After breakfast return to Paris by minivan.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ON ALTERNATE WEEKS CRUISES WILL BE IN REVERSE DIRECTION.