Sunday: Paris to Auxonne - A Champagne Welcome

Our private driver meets you in Paris or Geneva to drive you to the Grand Victoria, moored in Auxonne to enjoy your French river cruise. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our cheerful crew and experience our Grand Victoria welcome. While we get you checked in and the crew take your luggage to your stateroom, you'll have the chance to sit and relax with our signature champagne welcome before your first of many incredible dinners on board.

Monday: Auxonne to St Jean Losne - Wine Tasting in the Cote d'Or

We start our week with breakfast aboard, followed by your first burgundy river cruise down one of the prettiest stretches of the Saone. After a delightful al-fresco lunch onboard (weather permitting), we depart for the historic Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, once home of the Cistercian monks and their burgundy vineyards. This is a great excursion for Burgundy wine lovers and history buffs alike! Afterward enjoy an informal private wine tasting at a renowned Cote d'Or cellar, before returning to the Grand Victoria. Enjoy cocktails and laughter onboard, while the chef prepares a mouth-watering gourmet dinner.

Tuesday: St. Jean de Losne to Seurre - Market Day with Lunch in Dijon

We depart the Grand Victoria in the morning for a walking tour of Dijon's historic marketplace, designed by Gustav Eiffel himself. Mingle amongst the local shoppers and experience this traditional French market day. A short informal historic tour of the Ducal Palace, Notre Dame, and a 15th century medieval shopping street will bring us to the Place du Bareuzai, where we'll enjoy lunch with the locals at an authentic French bistro. After lunch, guests are welcome to explore Dijon's many shopping options before enjoying a mustard tasting at the historic Maille Maison founded in 1747. We'll return to the Grand Victoria for an afternoon of cruising down the scenic Saone River to the medieval village of Seurre.

Wednesday: Seurre to Chalon-sur-Soane - Chateau Rully

Guests can kick back and relax on our spacious deck as we spend this morning of your wine barge cruise in France floating down the majestic Saone River. Enjoy a magnificent lunch aboard before we venture off to tour the majestic Chateau de Rully. A medieval fortress built in the 12th century, located on the side of a hill, the castle overlooks its expansive vineyards. Visiting the castle will take you on a journey through French history. From there, it's back to our mooring in Chalon-sur-Saone for cocktails and dinner. Feel free to take a stroll through the streets of the city, which once served as a port for Roman Emperor Constantius II and, more recently, as the birthplace of photography. Chalon is also a great city to explore by night, with a vibrant bar scene to check out!

Thursday: Chalon-su-Saone to Fragnes - Hotel Dieu, with Lunch in Beaune

Embark on an early morning tour of the historic city of Beaune. Here we visit the famous Hotel Dieu. A hospital from the Middle Ages, the Hospices de Beaune is one of France's most prestigious historic monuments. Its flamboyant Gothic architecture and its polychrome roofs make this museum one of Burgundy's gems. The Hospices de Beaune is also famous for its prestigious wines, making this an exciting visit for wine lovers. We'll enjoy lunch at a local Michelin Star restaurant before returning to the Grand Victoria for cocktails. Enjoy the views as we take a short afternoon cruise up the canal to the village of Fragnes. The adventurers in the group can ride one of our onboard bicycles, explore the tow paths along the Canal du Central. Happy hour starts a little earlier tonight with a selection of vinyl albums to take you back in time, while the chef prepares another culinary masterpiece.

Friday: Fragnes to Chagny

After breakfast on this day of your Burgundy canal barge cruise, we'll depart on a morning cruise of the burgundy canal. After lunch, we will visit the famous Chateau de Pommard, a historic Chateau near Beaune dating back centuries. At Pommard, we'll discover the true taste of Burgundy's appellations, viticulture, and winemaking from the heart of the largest privately-owned clos in the Cote d'Or. After our tasting, we will return to the Grand Victoria, where guests have the opportunity to kick back with a cocktail or explore Chagny before our final dinner together.

Saturday: Transfer to Paris or Geneva - Champagne Breakfast, Departure

It's our final morning together. Enjoy a delicious breakfast as you get ready to depart the Grand Victoria. Your private chauffeur arrives at 9:00 am to take you back to Paris or Geneva.

Please note that the cruise itinerary alternates direction each week.

 

 

Grand Victoria 2023 Pricing and Dates

 

2023 Pricing