Cruise along the Burgundy canal through Dijon
Depart from Paris in our luxury, private transfer service direct to the barge moored in the port at Pont d'Ouche, where you board the Apres Tout for your canal cruise through Burgundy on the Canal du Bourgogne.
A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew.
A delicious four-course dinner will be served with wonderful wines to match, followed by after-dinner drinks -weather permitting; all served on the magnificent teak deck.
This morning you will start to discover the delights of this beautiful canal cruise route giving ample opportunities to disembark the barge at the many locks and walk or cycle the sections between each "ecluse".
Lunch is taken ashore at the stunning Abbaye de la Bussiere set in magical grounds.
Afterwards, we drive up to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval hill-top village steeped in history.
This is a charming place with stunning views at every corner, and you can really appreciate from this height, all of the amazing surrounding countryside.
We return to the Apres Tout for cocktails and dinner in the picturesque village of Gissey where the barge is now moored.
The barge continues to cruise through the peaceful Ouche Valley, where time seems to have stood still over the centuries.
A relaxing morning will be spent cruising on the Canal, as the barge slowly travels towards Fleurey.
After a delicious buffet lunch, we visit the delightful town of Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy.
Enjoy a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune with its interesting history and magnificent tiled roof.
After some free time for shopping or strolling in the pedestrian streets, we have an appointment for a private wine tasting at the famous cellars of Joseph Drouhin.
Tonight we are moored in Fleurey.
The Apres Tout continues cruising on the Canal towards the city of Dijon.
Late morning you transfer to the charming village of Gevrey Chambertin, in the heart of the vineyards.
Here you are welcomed by Madamme Drouhin Laroze, the owner of this prestigious "Grand Crus" property.
We have a splendid lunch on the terrace, overlooking the vines while enjoying her choice of wines, which is an unforgettable experience.
This afternoon we visit Dijon, a beautiful town with a long and exciting history.
There is free time to shop in the many chic boutiques or to simply sit in a pavement cafe and watch the world go by.
Later, we will visit the mustard shop for a tasting of this famous product and then take a walk through the historic area of the town which will captivate you with its historical past, including the Ducal Palace.
Once back to the barge, perhaps try a Kir Royale made with local Cassis, a liqueur invented here in Dijon made from blackcurrants and mixed with the Burgundy Champagne equivalent named Cremant.
Cruising south away from Dijon, we now continue our journey along the Canal de Bourgogne through the flat plains towards the River Saone.
After breakfast, your guide takes you to the area of the Cote dOr (The Gold Coast in french) planted with vines that produce some of the world's most famous wines.
Here we visit the Clos de Vougeot, a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards.
This is truly a magnificent Chateau and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose unique label is awarded annually to the most excellent Cote d'Or vintages.
We have arranged some fantastic World War II jeeps to take you through the vines to explore some of the small tracks that wind through this famous land for some exhilarating fun!
We return to the barge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon cruise to Longecourt.
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board, as we cruise on the Canal towards St Jean de Losne, the largest inland port in France.
After lunch, we continue with the gourmet theme and visit a local truffle producer at his Chateau, near Nuits St George.
Here, we learn all about this most valued mushroom and of course, purchase some of these delights as tonight; they will feature in the gala dinner!
We return to the barge now moored on the beautiful River Saone where we slip away from the mooring for a gentle cocktail cruise on this lovely river.
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Paris with our private, luxury transfer service. Thank you.