Sunday,
Wine cruise Day 1 - Paris to Auxerre
Guests
are met in Paris at 1:30 PM and transferred to the elegant La Belle
Époque. Following a Champagne Welcome and outline of the weeks wine
cruise you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a
stroll along the banks of the river Yonne before returning for dinner
aboard.
Monday,
Wine cruise Day 2 - Auxerre to Vincelles
Our
morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillside to Vincelles where
we moor in rural bliss. After lunch, accompanied by our wine guide, we
drive to St Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages
beneath the town. Following a tour of the Bersan family’s 12th century
cellars we taste the unique selection of wines made in this little
known Burgundian village. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday,
Wine cruise Day 3 - Vincelles to Mailly le Ville
Morning
cruise past gently rolling hills. Vineyards interspersed with cherry
orchards. Charolais cattle glance up as we pass them grazing in the
lush fields alongside the river. Cruise through lunch. At St Pallaye
our wine guide takes us over the nearby hills to the legendry vineyards
surrounding the world famous town of Chablis. A tour of the grand Cru
vineyards is followed by an exclusive visit to a state of the art
winery. The afternoon is completed with an extensive wine tasting
including rare Premier and Grand cru wines. Return to barge awaiting us
at Mailly le Ville. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday,
Wine cruise Day 4 - Mailly le Ville to Chatel Censoir
In
the morning we cruise past the prehistoric coral reefs, which now form
the spectacular cliffs at Mailly le Chateau and Le Saussois, a
favourite rendez-vous for rock climbers. In the early afternoon we
arrive at our mooring in the pretty village of Chatel Censoir. From
here we enjoy an excursion to Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous
treasures with the Roman Basilica of St Mary Magdalene , craft shops
and fine views of the surrounding countryside while sipping a glass of
wine from the ancient monastic vineyard. Dinner aboard.
Thursday,
Wine cruise Day 5 - Chatel Censoir to Lucy sur Yonne
An
early start after breakfast for the drive to Beaune arriving late
morning for a tasting in the Grand Cru vineyards at Puligny Montrachet.
Lunch in a top class restaurant in the center of Beaune followed by a
visit to the famous Hotel Dieu. Afternoon drive north through the Cote
de Nuits vineyards passing Romanée Conti and Clos Vougeot. Arrive back
on board for short evening cruise to Lucy and light dinner
Friday,
Wine cruise Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy
We
take an excursion to the 18th century Ferme de Miserey where
traditional farming methods are explained and a foie gras tasting.
Returning to the barge our wine guide presents a wine tasting aperitif
exploring other regions of Burgundy. Following lunch a gentle cruise
through the pastoral Morvan countryside to the sleepy market town of
Clamecy. Captains Farewell Dinner On Board
Saturday,
Wine cruise Day 7 - Clamecy to Paris
Disembark after breakfast, and then return
to Paris by about 1pm On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse
direction.
NOTE:
This itinerary is subject to change
