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by Orient-Express
The Amaryllis - Luxury European Barge Cruise in France

Grand Cru - from St Leger to Dijon

Come with us on a 6-night tour aboard The Amaryllis barge and an unmissable opportunity for the wine connoisseur to taste the 33 Grand Crus of Burgundy, including Bonne Mares, Montrachet and Romanée Conti.

Travel in superb comfort on our luxury barge, where you will enjoy the delightful scenery and culture of Burgundy at a very relaxed pace. The wines that you will come to enjoy during the cruise are the heart and soul of the region, and have an honoured place in the wine-cellers and at the dinner tables of wine lovers all over the world.

The Amaryllis barge is one of the finest river cruisers in Europe, with all the amenities of a luxury hotel and the ambience of a country inn.

Rates 2012

Departure date
Sunday 15th July, 2012

Individual fare 
US $ 10,500 per person
(based on two sharing)

Itinerary
St Léger sur Dheune - Dijon


Itinerary 

Day One - St. Léger sur Dheune
On arrival at St Leger sur Dheune you are met by the Afloat in France guide and transferred to the Amaryllis for your Grand Cru cruise. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew.  Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board, hosted by your resident expert, accompanied by the first selection of Grand Crus.  
 
Day Two - mooring Rully
A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside.  Mid morning join  your resident expert on the sun deck for a wine class on Burgundy and its 'terroir'.  After lunch on board, your guide takes you for a drive across the countryside to visit the wonderful Château Germolles. Dinner on board.

Day Three - mooring Chalon-sur-Saône
Relax on board while the barge cruises the River Saône and admire the ever changing scenery along the banks of this beautiful river. Arrive in Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, for a delightful lunch at the Hotel Cep followed by a visit to the famous Hôtel Dieu, Hospices de Beaune.  This afternoon explore Domaine Joseph Drouhin's cellar where the King of France and the Duke of Burgendy used to store wines, followed by tastings of the winemaker's choice.  Dinner on board with your afternoon's vineyard host and her selection of Grand Crus.

Day Four - mooring St Jean de Losne
Spend the morning cruising before lunch on board.  Later visit the family owned vineyards at the Domaine Ponsot for a tasting from the barrels followed by a walk in the vineyard.  Dinner on board with the winemaker and his choice of Grand Crus.

Day Five - mooring Longecourt
This morning we spend cruising on the Canal du Bourgogne towards the countryside mooring at Longecourt.  After lunch on board, explore Clos de Vougeot, set in the heart of the vvines and head quaters of the famous Chevaliers de Tastevin.  A tour of this remarkable building is followed by tastings at the Grand cave.  This evening we take a visit to Drouhin-Laroze estate in Gevrey Chambertin where a Burgundian dinner is served in the family cellar with the winemaker's choice of Grand Crus.

Day Six - mooring Dijon
Today your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon to visit the market, Ducal Palace, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop.  Enjoy some free time for shopping or to explore at leisure.  After lunch on board, enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise to the port of Dijon, our final destination.  Dinner on board with your resident wine expert and his choice of Grand Crus, finishing with a tasting of the most famous Grand Cru of Burgundy - La Romanée Conti.

Day Seven - Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward journey.

(Itinerary above is based on 17th July departure. 24th July departure is the same itinerary but in reverse)

 

Find out more

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Routes & Itineraries

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