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'Belmond Lilas'
Canal du Centre, Saone River & Canal du Rhone au Rhin
Tour Description:
Sail gracefully between Dole and St-Léger-sur-Dheune aboard luxurious 'Belmond Lilas.' Hosting up to eight guests in a casual, welcoming atmosphere, the open and airy design boasts a decor that blends floral colors with natural linens, wood furnishings and handcrafted ironwork. Relax on deck, soaking up the sun beside the heated plunge pool or reclining in the shade of the canopy. Savor lunch served al fresco in the open-doored lounge and sit down to unforgettable gourmet dinners in the formal dining room. Go ashore to explore the Burgundian wine towns of Dijon and Beaune and savor a tasting at a family-run vineyard.
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - SUNDAY
Meet in Paris for a Private Driver Transfer to Dole, birthplace of Louis Pasteur, where you join 'Belmond Lilas.' Once on board, enjoy a welcome reception, followed by a sumptuous dinner prepared by your private chef.
Day 2 - MONDAY
After a breakfast of local specialties, cruise to St-Jean-de-Losne where the canal meets the Saône River. In the afternoon, disembark to drive along the famous Route des Grans Crus, passing through the charming villages of the Côte d'Or. Stop at the celebrated Clos de Vougeot vineyard and château where Cistercian monks first started making wine in the 12th century. It is now headquarters of a renowned Burgundian wine society, the Confrérie de Chevaliers du Tastevin. After your visit, savor a private wine tasting at a top local producer before returning to your barge for dinner.
Day 3 - TUESDAY
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of historic Dijon, including visits to the market, the famous Maille mustard shop and the Ducal Palace, seat of the great medieval Dukes of Burgundy. Then take advantage of time at leisure for shopping — or just relaxing at a sidewalk café to watch the world go by. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise along the majestic Saône River to Verdun-sur-le-Doubs, the overnight mooring.
Day 4 - WEDNESDAY
Leave the Saône and cruise onto the Canal du Centre via the impressive Crissey lock before mooring at Fragnes. After lunch, disembark to visit the pretty village of Rully and its 12th-century medieval fortress, whose owner guides you through his home, sharing the intriguing history of his ancestors. Conclude your visit in the 15th-century kitchen with a special wine tasting. Tonight, dine ashore at a charming local restaurant.
Day 5 - THURSDAY
Relax this morning as your barge cruises through scenic landscapes. After lunch on board, visit historic Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a private tour of the magnificent 15th-century charity hospital, Hôtel-Dieu, with its stunning tiled roof. Enjoy time at leisure to stroll the charming town and its shops before returning to your barge for another delicious dinner.
Day 6 - FRIDAY
Cruise to the final mooring at St-Léger-sur-Dheune, a quaint village along the Canal du Centre. After lunch, go ashore to visit Château de Chamirey, a family-run wine estate in Mercurey. Tour the vineyards before gathering for a visit to the wine cellar and a tasting of its fine range of wines. Return to 'Belmond Lilas' where your chef has prepared a gala farewell dinner to end the cruise week in style.
Day 7 - SATURDAY
Disembark after breakfast for a Private Driver Transfer back to Paris where your journey ends on arrival.
