BURGUNDY...BY RIVER BARGE

There may be no more beautiful way to explore the countryside villages of timeless Burgundy than from a river barge coasting the Saône River. Drift from one stunning landscape to another, stopping to roam the region’s famous vineyards, ride bikes through its vast forests, and indulge in its unforgettable flavours. Then head to Paris for two nights of exploration for all of your senses.

​This is a unique perspective of the France you've dreamed about. Embrace it...on this National Geographic Journeys experience.  Prices starting at only $2029 per person plus airfare.

BURGUNDY WINE TALK AND HORIZONTAL TASTING
Sit down with a local winemaker and learn about some of Burgundy’s renowned vineyards. Enjoy a horizontal tasting (different wines from the same year) of the region’s celebrated Côte de Nuits reds and Côte d’Or whites.

LOCAL MARKET VISIT WITH A CHEF
Step off the tourist track and visit one of the great markets where Parisians shop for food. Walk through the Marché d’Aligre with a local chef, learning about cheeses, charcuteries, and the fresh ingredients of French cuisine.

VISIT HOSPICES OF BEAUNE
The Hospices de Beaune is a former charitable hospital in Burgundy that has been funded by the region’s annual wine auction for 155 years. Tour this beautiful site with a docent and hear about the success of this long-time arrangement.

Spend 6 nights aboard the luxurious Daniele River Barge.  Only 11 cabins for a maximum of 22 passengers.

Each cabin has a window and is equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), TV, radio, telephone (for internal calls only), safe and independent air-conditioning.

The Daniele features a spacious lounge with bar, restaurant, sun deck with loungers and parasols, barbecue deck, Jacuzzi, bicycles on board available for use by passengers and wifi on board.

​ITINERARY

DAY 1     DIJON
Arrive at any time.

DAY 2     DIJON
Enjoy an orientation walk in the morning to explore Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the local market and the old town. In the afternoon, enjoy free time before transferring to the river barge and embarking the Daniele. Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 3     DIJON/LONGECOURT-EN-PLAINE
Cycle to Gevrey Chambertin, a small but well known Burgundy village. Enjoy wine tasting at the Château de Marsannay and continue to Côte du Nuit before meeting the barge in Longecourt-en-Plaine. This mostly flat route is the best way to see quintessential Burgundy.  Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 4     LONGECOURT-EN-PLAINE/SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE
Start the day with a walk around the beautiful lush gardens of Chateau De Longcourt, a typical Burgundy castle. Continue the morning walking along the canal stopping in small villages and looking at the various locks. Enjoy the Burgundy canal as we walk a 10km (6 mi) stretch of the canal between Longecourt and St-Jean-de-Losne. Free time in the evening to visit St-Jean-de-Losne. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

DAY 5     SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE/CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
While sailing along the Saône River take in a presentation by a local winemaker and enjoy a horizontal tasting. Spend a relaxing afternoon walking through the footpaths around Chalon-sur-Saône. Choose to do some shopping in town or relax on board with a glass of local wine. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

DAY 6     CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE/CHAGNY
Cycle along the Côte de Beaune, stopping at villages and vineyards along the way. Explore the vineyard of Puligny Montrachet and Meursault while stopping to sample some wines. This mostly flat ride is an ideal way to experience quintessential Burgundy. Opt for lunch in town before returning to the barge. Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 7     CHAGNY/SAINT-LÉGER-SUR-DHEUNE
Enjoy a quiet morning on board before a walk in the vineyards of Santenay with an included wine tasting. Continue cruising to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune. Upon arrival, visit the Château de Couches, a spectacular medieval castle surrounded by beautiful countryside. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

DAY 8     SAINT-LÉGER-SUR-DHEUNE/PARIS
Transfer to Beaune, the historic wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a tour with a docent, exploring the Hospices of Beaune, a charitable hospital that has been funded by the annual wine auction for over 155 years. Delve into history and discuss the relationship of the hospice with the powerful wine merchants of Burgundy. Enjoy some free time to explore before catching the train to Paris. Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9     PARIS
Explore the historic covered Marché d'Aligre with a local chef and food expert. Rarely visited by tourists, this market is where locals come to shop for food. Meet vendors, enjoy tastings, and learn about the history of the market and the specialties offered here. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 10     PARIS
Depart at any time. Meals included: Breakfast

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