Burgundy River Cruise

Burgundy River Cruise Adventure — Plus

Itinerary

Itinerary Notes

This itinerary runs in both northbound and southbound directions. Please refer to the Tour Details page for a complete list of departure dates and day by day itinerary.

While it is our intention to follow the itinerary as advertised, some modifications to the itinerary may be needed if water levels become very low. Please note that some excursions and activities may change if it is necessary to modify the vessel route.

For departures that fall over public holidays in France (such as International Workers' Day on May 1, or Bastille Day on July 14), parts of your itinerary may be modified.

Day 1 Dijon

Arrive at any time.

This itinerary runs in both northbound and southbound directions. Please refer to the "Trip Details" section to confirm what direction your specific departure is set to run.

Please note that most flights arrive in Paris, approx. 340kms away. There are frequent trains that run between Paris and Dijon, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours. Please ensure to arrive in Dijon before the 6pm welcome meeting this evening.

Meet Your CEO and Group activity

1h

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Day 2 Dijon/Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune

Enjoy a free morning to explore Dijon. Opt to visit the Ducal Palace, the local market or go for a mustard tasting. In the afternoon, travel to St Leger and embark the Daniele. Raise a glass to the beginning of your river adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
If you plan to visit Ducal Palace (Palais des Ducs) as an optional activity, please note it may be closed on national holidays.
Private Vehicle transport

Dijon – Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune, 1h-1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Optional Activities

Ducal Palace (Palais des Ducs)

Dijon

Wander through the Ducal Palace quarter, where former dukes of Burgundy lived in noble residences dating back to the 15th century. Don't miss the Museum of Fine Arts - founded during the Age of Enlightenment, one of the oldest in France - located in the palace's eastern wing.

Day 3 Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune/Chagny

Upon arriving in Chagny opt to enjoy the surrounding lush greenery on a nature walk, sit down for a coffee at one of the many quaint cafês in town, or take a taxi to a local winery. Tonight, consider dining tonight at the famous Michelin-starred restaurant in town, Pierre & Jean.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Danièle Riverboat transport

Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune – Chagny

Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Optional Activities

Tour of Chateau de Santenay

Chateau de Santenay

Known for its gorgeous glazed tile roof, Chateau de Santenay is one of the largest wine-producing estates in Burgundy. Take a tour of the beautiful grounds and sample some wine.

Local Winery Visit and Tasting

Chagny

Opt to visit a local winery, Domaine de la Folie, on the outskirts of Chagny for a taste off of the local vine. We advise speaking with your CEO to arrange this excursion in advance.

Day 4 Chagny/Chalon-sur-Saône

Known for the fine quality of white wine, the Côte de Beaune region is especially famous for their wines produced using Chardonnay grapes. Learn about the complexity of grape growth in this region, and how these conditions influence flavour.

Meals included: Breakfast
Today's cycling route is moderate with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability - see the "About Transportation" section of the Tour Details page for more information).
Danièle Riverboat transport

Chagny – Chalon-sur-Saône

Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Côte de Beaune Cycling: Chagny, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet activity

Chagny – Puligny-Montrachet

Cycle to the beautiful town of Meursault, the Grand Crus region for Chardonnay. From here continue cycling along the vineyards to Puligny-Montrachet, for a well deserved break and lunch.

Cremant de Bourgogne Wine Tour activity

Rully

Visit a winery that produces Cremant de Bourgogne, a sparkling wine beloved for its regional character.

*Please note: For travellers on the southbound itinerary, the wine tour takes place at Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet winery.

Côte de Beaune Cycling: Chassagne-Montrachet to Chalon-sur-Saône activity

Chassagne-Montrachet – Chalon-sur-Saône

Cycle through the Grand Crus region passing through small towns surrounded by vineyards towards the river port town of Chalon-sur-Saône.

Day 5 Chalon-sur-Saône/Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Enjoy an afternoon cruise along the picturesque Saône River toward Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Opt for a walking through the old part of town, or take free time to explore this town's quaint shops and cathedral square. Opt to enjoy dinner ashore.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Danièle Riverboat transport

Chalon-sur-Saône – Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Saint-Jean-de-Losne Visit activity

Saint-Jean-de-Losne

One of the capitals for the river barging world, Saint-Jean-de-Losne is located at a crossroads of waterways. The local cafés are still often occupied by regulars of the canal barges and riverboats, so grab a table and get to know the locals. Relax in the sunshine with a glass of wine, opt to take part in a guided tour of the town, or visit a museum.

Optional Activities

Tour of Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Take a guided tour of this quaint town. Enjoy visits to historic sites such as the Monument Commemorating the Siege of 1636, Hôtel-Dieu, and the Batellerie Museum (also known as the Sailors' House), one of the oldest houses in town, dating back to the 15th century which recounts the history of navigation.

La Musée de la Bataillerie

Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Take a stroll around this quaint museum dedicated to the history of barging.

Day 6 Saint-Jean-de-Losne to Petit Ouges

If you chose to walk or cycle along the barge, this is an 8km route that takes you around the beautiful lush gardens of Château de Longecourt, a typical Burgundy castle, and finishes in Petit-Ouges where the boat stops for the night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Danièle Riverboat transport

Saint-Jean-de-Losne – Ouges

Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Day 7 Petit-Ouges to Dijon

Depart Petit Ouges for a full day cycling tour through the Côte de Nuits region along the Route des Grands Crus, lined with lovely vineyards and some of the most picturesque villages in the region. Enjoy wine tasting in the quaint village of Vougeot before meeting barge in Dijon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's cycling route is moderate with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability - see the "About Transportation" section of the Tour Details page for more information).
Danièle Riverboat transport

Longecourt-en-Plaine – Dijon

Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.

Côte de Nuits Cycling: Petit Ouges to Vougeot activity

Ouges – Vougeot

Leave the river behind and cycle through the Côte de Nuits region along the Route des Grands Crus - famous for the Grand Cru Burgundy wine that is produced here. Along the way, pass through small, picturesque villages such as Chenôve, Marsannay-la-Côte, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Chambolle-Musigny before arriving in the quaint village of Vougeot.

Vougeot Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour activity

Vougeot

Enjoy a wine tasting and cellar visit in a local wine château in Vougeot.

Afterwards explore the town made famous by the Château Clos de Vougeot, and opt to visit the vineyard where some of the most expensive wines are produced.

Côte de Nuits Cycling: Vougeot to Dijon activity

Vougeot – Dijon

Continue cycling along the Côte de Nuits villages on this last stretch before meeting the barge in Dijon. A well-deserved dinner on deck awaits.

Optional Activities

Château du Clos de Vougeot

Vougeot

Set in the heart of Burgundy’s Grand Cru Vineyards, this Cistercian winery was built in the 12th and 16th Centuries and is known today for producing some of the most expensive wine in the world - Vougeot. Explore the grounds on your own, or opt for a guided tour.

Day 8 Dijon

Trains departing from Dijon can be booked after 10am and flights from Paris can be booked from 7pm.

Meals included: Breakfast
If you're flying out of Paris today, please note that it is approx. 340km away. The group will be dropped off at the Dijon train station this morning – we recommend not booking flights until the evening to allow enough time to travel to Paris.
Departure Day activity

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.