Board our exclusively chartered hotel barge, which is moored in Dijon, at 6pm this afternoon.  You’ll be provided with the exact meeting point before departure.

For those planning to travel via Eurostar from London we recommend the 10:31 train from  London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord which arrives at 13:50 local time, then the SNCF from Gare du Lyon to Dijon at 14:52 arriving 16:31.   If you have not already met Dr Rowena Archer on the journey she will introduce herself at Dijon station.  Those arriving on the 16:31 will be met at the station and transferred the short distance to the barge.

Please note that it is necessary to transfer from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon in Paris – you’ll need to make your own arrangements to take a local taxi or the metro (with your baggage) for this transfer – this is not included in the tour cost and will not be escorted.  

After comfortably settling into your cabins,  you’ll be introduced to the barge crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner prepared by the on-board chef.

Overnight: MS Danièle Hotel Barge | Meals: D

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Dijon. Discover the former capital of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy and visit the Palace and Tombs of the Dukes, and the Estates of Burgundy in the Parliament district. We’ll also visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Dijon, which contains the tombs of the dukes of Burgundy, superb examples of the sculpture of the late Middle Ages. Meander along Dijon’s medieval streets, passing by the Notre Dame church.

After a late lunch on board, the afternoon will be spent cruising towards the small town of Longecourt-en-Plaine. Those who are feeling active can use the bicycles available on board to ride alongside the boat on the canal’s bicycle path.

Arrive in Longecourt-en-Plaine in the evening and enjoy dinner on board.

Overnight: MS Danièle Hotel Barge | Meals: B, L, D

A full day of exploring today, as we travel by coach to Beaune,  which is both the unofficial wine capital of Burgundy and also home to the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital founded in 1443. Built as the 100 years war was ending and Burgundy was reeling from the plague, the hospital treated everybody, regardless of means, right up until as late as 1960. Today the hospital building is considered the finest example of Burgundian-Flemish architecture in the world.

Enjoy the town, then travel back towards the barge along the Grands Crus wine route, which passes through the finest and most prestigious of the Burgundy vineyards. We’ll stop at a cellar in the historic and picturesque wine-producing town of Nuits St Georges for a tasting.  Known for its chewy, velvety reds with notes of cherry, strawberry, licorice and blackcurrant, the region’s wines are generally intensely coloured and primarily made from the Pinot Noir grape.

We’ll return on board the barge which will be moored at Auxonne, for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: MS Danièle Hotel Barge | Meals: B, L, D

Tranquil morning cruising towards Gray.  Guests can spend some time walking or biking along the canal’s banks should you wish to be active. After lunch, we’ll disembark at Pontailler-sur-Saône, located at the confluence of the Saône, the Champagne-Burgundy canal, the Albane, the Bèze, the Vingeanne and the Ognon rivers. A picturesque town with delightful historic architecture and cobblestone streets, its strategic location has made it a hub for barges for hundreds of years.

Here we’ll be collected by coach to visit the fortified manor house Château de Rosières in Saint-Seine-sur-Vingeanne with an imposing keep. Originally constructed in the 15^th century on the site of an earlier 12^th century building, the house has witnessed centuries of societal shifts and historical events. Its architectural evolution reflects the changing tastes and styles prevalent during different periods, creating a tangible timeline within its walls, from its 15^th century fireplaces to its 17^th century painted ceilings.

After enjoying afternoon tea at the château, transfer back to the barge which will have moved to Gray,  for dinner on board and overnight.

Overnight: MS Danièle Hotel Barge | Meals: B, L, D

This morning, disembark and join a local guide for a tour of Gray, which was a vital river port and trading centre in Franche-Comté during the middle ages.  Discover the 15th century basilica of Notre-Dame and the town hall with its enamelled roof tiles.  The town once housed a fortress of the Dukes of Burgundy, but this was replaced in the 18^th Century by the Château of the Count of Provence, brother of Louis XVI,  Today the chateau is an art museum (optional entry at extra cost, time permitting) and only the 12th century “Paravis Tower” remains of the original fortress, offering a panoramic view of the Saône Valley. A stroll along the quays is a good way to see some of the bourgeois residences, a testimony to the wealth of the local river merchants here in Grey in centuries gone by.

Return to the barge and start cruising towards Ray-sur-Saône. Guests can use one of the onboard bicycles and enjoy a ride along the greenway. (certified cycle path).  Feel free to bike alongside the boat and come and go as you please, returning on board at any time. The barge will moor in Ray-sur-Saône early in the evening.

Overnight: MS Danièle Hotel Barge | Meals: B, L, D

Join us on a visit by coach to the town of Langres this morning, a strategic hilltop town known in Roman times as Andemantunum, and today one of the 50 most beautiful towns in France.  Originally a stronghold of a Gallic tribe called the Lingones, the Romans fortified the town upon taking it over, the most obvious remaining evidence of which is the first-century Triumphal Gate. Enjoy discovering the historic town centre,  surrounded by defensive walls with a dozen towers and seven gates, largely added during the troubled 14^th and 15^th centuries.  There will be time to stroll around the ramparts to see their extent. Also visit the  12^th century cathedral of Saint-Mammès, dedicated to a 3^rd century martyr.  Whilst in the town we have arranged a tasting of the famed Langres cheese, an AOC protected aromatic soft cheese that is known for its distinctive pale orange rind which is brushed with the local eau-de-vie (grape brandy): Marc de Bourgogne.

Returning to the barge, cruise towards Port-sur-Saône with a late lunch on board. From the boat, you can admire the lush, green landscapes as well as the impressive castle of Ray-sur-Saone as we cruise by.

Tonight, enjoy a final gala dinner on board.

Overnight: MS Danièle Hotel Barge | Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy one last breakfast before disembarking at 9.00 a.m, when the tour ends.  We have arranged a coach transfer back to Dijon Ville rail station which all can avail themselves of at no extra cost, and the journey time will likely be around 1 hr 45 mins. Alternatively, you can make your own onward plans from Port Sur Saone if preferred.

For those returning to London today, we recommend the 12:03 SNCF departure to Paris. Where it will once again be necessary to change stations to make your way to the Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar back to London.

Meals: B