'WHO KNOWS'

Sunday—At approximately 4pm Jason will meet you in the arrivals hall of Dijon train station or at another designated place in or around Dijon. Transfer to the ‘Who Knows’ at Gissey sur Ouche on the Burgundy Canal for a Champagne Welcome. Time to settle into your cabins before dinner on the barge.

Monday—After breakfast we set sail to head upstream towards Pont d'Ouche. This day is all about cruising with plenty of opportunity to cycle and walk along the tow-path, exploring small villages along the route or just sitting on the deck and watching the world glide by. The Ouche valley in noted for its steep-sided, tree lined, dense deciduous forest, wild boar, deer and birds of prey. We moor up for lunch in the shade of the trees and in the afternoon continue the sedate pace up to Pont d'Ouche which is our mooring for the night. Tonight's suggested dinner is at the Ferme Auberge de Rolle; a beautiful farmhouse that specializes in cooking on the open wood fire. Return to the ‘Who Knows’ for a night cap.

Tuesday—After breakfast Jason will take you into the wine district. First there is a historical visit to the Clos du Vougeot with its impressive 15th century wine presses. Today it is home to the ‘Knights of the Round Table of Wine Tasting’. After this we will head to Nuits Saint Georges for a wine tasting. We return to the barge for a sumptuous lunch. The barge will set sail in the afternoon and you will climb up to the beautiful town of Vandanesse en Auxois which lies in the shadow of Chateauneuf en Auxois—classified as one of the prettiest villages in france. Tonight’s suggested dinner is in the Grille du Chateau whose rib of beef and selection of thirteen mustards usually delights everyone!

Wednesday—After breakfast we depart for the historic town of Beaune; the wine capital of Burgundy. We will visit the world famous ‘Hotel Dieu’ (also known as Les Hospices de Beaune), built in 1442 by the first Chancellor of Burgundy, Nicolas Rolin. The Hospice is now a museum but is still home to the famous wine auction that is held every year on the third Sunday of November. Jason will make a suggestion for lunch; Beaune has many charming terraced cafes and restaurants to choose from.
In the afternoon Jason will take you to visit Patriarche Pere et Fils - the largest cellars in Burgundy, with more than 4 million bottles of wine. We will have a private tasting in their cave reserved for select customers. (It is possible to have wine shipped back to you doorstep!) Return to the barge for dinner.

Thursday—This morning we will visit Chateauneuf en Auxois and tour this medieval marvel. Jason then takes you back to the barge to freshen up before he and Dawn take you out to lunch at the abbey of La Bussière sur Ouche. This 11th century abbey has been rescued and restored into a fine hotel and excellent Michelin stared restaurant. On our return we set sail and head up the last eight locks to the summit pound. Jason prepares the barge in the last lock for our traverse of the Pouilly tunnel. Once on the other side we moor up in the town of Pouilly en Auxois.

Friday—We set sail in the morning and start to descend the flight of locks towards our destination. We stop at the bottom of this flight for lunch in small simple French Bistro. In the afternoon we continue on to Pont Royale. Jason will attempt to show off his cooking skill by preparing a barbeque for your final dinner aboard the barge!

Saturday
Breakfast between 8am and 9am. Depart for Dijon train station at 9.30am and bid farewell to the barge Who Knows for your onward journey.

PLEASE NOTE—THE ITINERARY RUNS IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION ON ALTERNATE WEEKS, AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Champagne holds a world of mystery. With the mere word "Champagne" images of luxury and wealth spring to mind, let us cruise you through this magical part of France and indulge you in the drink of Kings and Queens and enjoy it at it's best, celebrating with friends!

Sunday
Pick up from Reims train station, minibus transfer to the Who Knows at Sillery just south of Reims. Welcome champagne reception and safety speech. Time to settle in before dinner on board the barge.

Monday
After breakfast we set sail and gently cruise down the canal towards the tiny village of Sept Saulx, with a view of the grand cru vineyards of the Montagne de Reims holding much promise to come during the week, we pass many areas and villages made famous for the hard fought battles during World War I.
After lunch on board we drive to the Monument de la Ferme de Naverin, Where we visit the battle site of the famous legions of the champagnoise. Return to the barge in the afternoon with time to freshen up. Dinner tonight is in the village of Sept Saul at the restaurant Chevel Blanc, where traditional regional dishes are met with friendly service and a wonderful wine list.

Tuesday
This morning we cruise through the tunnel of Mont de Billy and then decend the 8 locks of the Echelle de Mont de Billy joining the canal du Marne a la Soane and mooring up in the town of Tour sur Marne.
After Lunch we drive to the champagne house of Ployez Jaquemart home to some of the less well know champagnes that grace the tables of some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the world.
Return to the barge and tonights dinner is in the fabulous restaurant overlooking the canal in Tour, the Touraine Champagnoise.

Wednesday
We leave the barge this morning to head into the historic city of Reims, with it's torrid history and wonderful architecture we explore the centre with its fabulous cathedral.
Time to enjoy a relaxed lunch in Reims. We meet up in the early afternoon and take a short minibus ride across town to visit one of the most famous champagne houses of Reims.
We return to the barge where you have time to relax before Dawn serves a wonderful 5 course dinner accompanied by the finest wines France has to offer.

Thursday
After breakfast we set sail for Cumieres on the Marne river, we pass by hill covered vineyards owned by many famous champagne houses like Bilcart-Salmon, Mumm and Moët & Chandon.
After lunch we head to the historic town of Hautvillier the home of Dom Perrignon the founding father of Champagne. This evening Dawn prepares another sumptuous meal to delight your taste buds.

Friday
Today is all about the joy of barge cruising. We set sail and cruise down the Marne River, gently meandering through the Marne valley covered in vineyards, history and wonderful French countryside.
Mooring up to enjoy a leisurely lunch before we carry on cruising through the afternoon to the village of Jaulgonne.
Gala dinner on board the barge where Dawn wows you with more delights from her kitchen.

Saturday
After breakfast Jason will drive you back to Reims train station for your onward journey, leaving you with memories of a wonderful week aboard the Who Knows. "France as it should be seen"

PLEASE NOTE—THE ITINERARY RUNS IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION ON ALTERNATE WEEKS, AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.