DAY 1 FRIDAY
Check
in at Dijon
At
the meeting point of Château la Chassagne near Dijon, an
air-conditioned bus will drive you to the barge at 5 pm. You are
welcomed in grand style with a glass of the famous Kir Royal champagne.
Your unforgettable cruise in Burgundy is about to begin. Once
shown to your cabin and settled on board, the Captain will invite
you to discover the city of Dijon and the well known "cuisine"
from Burgundy in a fine and reputed restaurant. Ancient throne
to the Dukes of Burgundy and birth town of Gustave Eiffel, your
Captain will show you the splendours of Dijon. The city is also
know as the town of a "hundred bells", is famous for
Cassis and the tradition of making Mustard. When you return to
your barge, you can enjoy drinks on the sundeck and beside the
pool. Naturally all drinks on board are inclusive around the
clock.
DAY 2 SATURDAY
Cruise
from Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche
While
having breakfast, "MS Niagara" leaves the port of Dijon
and begins to pass through the locks on the canal; there will
be a total of 45 during the cruise. Ever midday a splendid buffet
brunch is prepared and served by the crew, who will also be looking
after you throughout the cruise. The barge passes by Lake Kir,
then Plombières les Dijon and Velars sur Ouche. If you're
not a connoisseur of grand Burgundy wines and specialties, as
the barge continues to advance, you will soon become one. The
barge has a snail like pace and the tempo is set by the canal
locks, in the late afternoon the barge moors in the village of
Fleurey sur Ouche. An elegant new convertible VW Beetle awaits
you for your own personal adventure… time to appreciate
the warm hospitality of the Burgundians. We will give you a 101
ideas of exceptional places to visit.
DAY 3 SUNDAY
Cruise
from Fleurey to Gissey sur Ouche
The
voyage takes you into the heart of Burgundy and the magnificent
Ouche valley. From the sun deck you can savour the real Burgundy
while passing through traditional villages such as Pont-de-Pany,
where Chateau la Chassagne is situated, then on to Saint Marie
sur Ouche. The scenery and life along side the canal will seduce
you. Tonight the barge is moored in a hidden romantic spot, beside
the river Ouche and a Gallo Romain bridge, one of the most photographed
and painted views in the village of Gissey sur Ouche. Here is
your starting point for a new excursion in your Beetle. An evening
whirlpool party is an ideal opportunity to say good bye to the
passengers who only booked a Mini-Cruise from Friday to Monday.
DAY 4 MONDAY
Grande
excursion to Beaune for the 7 day cruise passengers
Check out / check in 4-days / 3-nights Mini cruise passengers
Today the Captain will take you on a private excursion to the
capital of Burgundy wines, the town of Beaune. You'll be in some
of the finest vine yards of France, such as Aloxe Corton, wine
tasting some of the greatest Crus, with expert advice from wine
Connoisseurs. Lunch is offered in an traditional restaurant, with
the vines in the background and dishes to delight your palette.
In the afternoon, there is plenty of time to visit the famous
Hospices de Beaune built in 1443 and stroll along cobbled streets
with boutiques of all kinds. The return to the barge takes you
through the "Hautes Côtes" vine yards and past
the source of the river Ouche. The chef has prepared a special
diner for you and to welcome the new passengers who have booked
the Mini Cruise on the second part of your journey.
DAY 5 TUESDAY
Cruise
from Gissey sur Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
"MS
Niagara" leaves Gissey sur Ouche in the morning and heads
on to Saint Victor sur Ouche and La Bussière. There are
many occasions to walk or cycle along the tow-path and enjoy the
hills covered with oak, beech and maple tree. After lunch the
barge passes Veuvey, then on to the night's mooring of Pont d'Ouche.
There you can visit Chateauneuf en Auxois. Walk into this medieval
village with its cafes, antique and curiosity shops along the
picturesque streets. There is also a fantastic view over the Auxois
plains, with lakes and the distant Morvan hills. Have your sunset
diner on the terrace at one of the restraurants, slowly the stars
appear and night will become an unforgettable memory.
DAY 6 : WEDNESDAY
Cruise
from Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse en Auxois
Your
captain will work even harder today, passing all the locks between
Pont d'Ouche and the final destination of Vandenesse. A wonderful
opportunity to enjoy the countryside, relax on the sun-deck, walk
or cycle ahead. After the barge has arrived in the port or Vandenesse,
there is time to explore the surroundings, but please come back
early as tonight there is the traditional Captain's Farewell table.
Beginning with cocktails on board, you can learn the art of "Sabrage",
where you can slash open a Champagne bottle with a sword, like
the Dukes of Burgundy did hundreds of years ago. Then everybody
will be in the right mood for the great diner and the remittance
of your "Lock Diploma".
DAY 7 THURSDAY
Check out
at Dijon
After a copious breakfast, passengers will generally disembark
at about 10:30 am. Depending on your personal plans we will take
you back to Chateau la Chassagne, the railway station or even
the airport at Dijon.
As
this is a one-way cruise, the itinerary is also operated in the
opposite direction a according to starting date. We reserve the
right to alter the cruise program.
*****
If
you are seeking a unique luxury cruise vacation experience, personalisation,
freedom and adaptation,
then the "MS Niagara"is the perfect choice with the
"Discovery-Dream-Cruise".
