
From St Julien-sur-Dheune to Chalon-sur-Saône
River Saône Central Canal
Download itinerary brochure ↓
Saint Julien-sur-Dheune
Sunday
Visitors are greeted in Burgundy's capital, Dijon, and driven in a private, chauffeur-driven minibus to Saint Julien-sur-Dheune. Before checking into your suite, introduce yourself to the crew and enjoy a Champagne welcome. Before dinner is served, you can take a leisurely stroll along the towpath or just unwind on board.
Saint Julien-sur-Dheune to Saint Léger-sur-Dheune
Monday
As the barge navigates the Canal du Centre this morning, you will have the opportunity to witness the skill of the Pilot and his shipmate as they navigate through charming villages, rolling hills, and 11 locks to reach our destination, Saint Léger-sur-Dheune.
Following lunch, we'll tour the Château de Germolles, which dates back to the 14th century and is thought to be the best-preserved home of the Dukes of Burgundy. After admiring the medieval wall paintings and the Ducal chapel, take a stroll through the lovely gardens.
Dinner aboard.
Saint Léger-sur-Dheune to Remigny
Tuesday
Even though Burgundy is frequently connected to the Middle Ages, we will be visiting the beautiful town of Autun today, which the Romans first named Augustodonum. There are still many original elements present, such as the 17,000-seat amphitheater, Roman gates and arches, and temple ruins. It's well worth the climb to see the cathedral that overlooks the town!
We have lunch back on the barge after which we can unwind. Meanwhile, Finesse keeps sailing, passing through typical Burgundian villages, such as Santenay, a wine village, on her way to Remigny, where we will moor for the evening.
It's a perfect rural spot for Dinner on board.
Remigny to Rully
Wednesday
We start the day with a drive through the Côte de Beaune vineyards after breakfast. When we first get to Beaune, we go to Maison Campney, the oldest winery in Burgundy. Enjoy a tasting and a private tour of the wine cellar to discover how the best Premier and Grand Cru wines are made. Savor a private lunch prepared from one of the wine vats in an exquisite setting! There will be time to tour the renowned Hospice de Beaune in the afternoon, which is known for its gorgeous glazed tile roof, hospital ward, nearby chapel, pharmacy, and kitchen displays. Before we head back to the barge for our afternoon cruise past the market town of Chagny, feel free to browse the many boutiques. Our evening mooring is in the wine village of Rully.
Dinner on board.
Rully to Fragnes
Thursday
As we cruise toward the village of Fragnes this morning, there will be plenty of time to unwind once more. You could ride your bike beside it.
Following lunch, enjoy a private wine tasting at the charming Domaine Chanzy, one of the most impressive estates in Burgundy, featuring 80 hectares of vines spread across three slopes.
We'll get back to Finesse in time for our customary aperitif before dinner aboard.
Fragnes to Chalon-sur-Saône
Friday
We visit the walled vineyard of Clos de Vougeot this morning. It is home to the prestigious Chevaliers du Tastevin headquarters, which is named after the fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup. Each year, the finest Côte d'Or vintages are given a special prized label. We'll take pleasure in a tour of the renowned cellars here. We continue our journey through the Côte de Nuits on the Route des Grands Cru, and then head back to Finesse for lunch.
After leaving the winding Canal, we make our final descent through the last lock, which drops an amazing 35 feet, and then we join the majestic River Saône, ending at the graceful waterfront moorings at Chalon-sur-Saone. This location, withits magnificent cathedral and impressive bridges spanning the river, is ideal for our Captain's Farewell Dinner, when there will be time to reflect on the week spent on board.
Chalon-sur-Saône
Saturday
After a hearty breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the choice of their location in Dijon. "Au revoir!"
From St Julien-sur-Dheune to Chalon-sur-Saône rates
2024 USD, for American and Canadian residents | Regular | Value | |||
Whole boat charter for 8 | 73, 500 USD | 63, 500 USD | |||
Whole boat charter for 7 | 70, 700 USD | 61, 100 USD | |||
Whole boat charter for 6 | 67, 900 USD | 58, 700 USD | |||
Suite per person | 9, 950 USD | 8, 550 USD | |||
Single supplement | 3, 800 USD | 3, 300 USD | |||
2024 STERLING rates for UNITED KINGDOM residents | Regular | Value | |||
Whole boat charter for 8 | £54, 500 | £46, 500 | |||
Whole boat charter for 7 | £52, 500 | £44, 700 | |||
Whole boat charter for 6 | £50, 500 | £42, 900 | |||
Suite per person | £7, 390 | £6, 350 | |||
Single supplement | £2, 800 | £2, 300 | |||
2024 EURO rates ALL OTHER COUNTRIES | Regular | Value | |||
Whole boat charter for 8 | 63, 500 € | 54, 500 € | |||
Whole boat charter for 7 | 61, 100 € | 52, 500 € | |||
Whole boat charter for 6 | 58, 700 € | 50, 500 € | |||
Suite per person | 8, 690 € | 7, 490 € | |||
Single supplement | 3, 300 € | 2, 800 € |
Themed cruises
Cycling charters: 4500 USD / £3500 / 4000€
Biking cruises include daily cycling with a professional cycling guide and an upgrade of bicycles.
Golf cruises include four pre-booked and paid tee times and transfers to and from the golf clubs. Hire of clubs, caddy and buggy not included
A comprehensive wine itinerary with additional winery visits, private tasting and the services of a professional wine guide. It also includes an upgrade of the wine list to include additional premier and Grand Cru wines.
Value | April 7 to April 21 July 21 to August 18 October 6 to October 27 |
Regular | April 28 to July 14 August 25 to September 29 |