Paris & Burgundy by River Barge
10 Days
from
$ 6,170 pp*
Highlights:
France
(Paris)
,
Europe & Baltic
(Burgundy Canal Cruise)
Trip Start/End:
Paris
/
Paris
Visit Paris and cruise along the picturesque countryside, medieval chateaux, and expansive vineyards of France’s Burgundy region, as your captain navigates the waters of the Burgundy Canal. Voyage aboard an elegant barge, a gracefully converted hotel version of the vessels that have made their way through these same waterways for hundreds of years. Enjoy delightful local specialties prepared by your onboard Chef, and revel in culture and the flavour of the renowned Burgundy wines. Each six-night cruise includes all meals, selected domaine and chateau wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.
2013: Cruise departure every Sunday from Mar 31 - Oct 27.
Available by individual cabins, or private charter. Cruise may operate in reverse order.
Trip Itinerary
Paris
Hotel Londres & New York
Day 1: Paris
Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.
Accommodation: Hotel Londres & New York (3*) Hotel Londres & New York (3*) situated at Saint Lazare in Paris, ideally located, in the heart of Paris, near Opera and Madeleine, a short walk from the main department stores and the famous Louvre Museum. All guest rooms at The Londres et New York hotel are soundproofed and feature satellite TV, a work desk and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are serviced by an elevator and some have a balcony. A varied buffet breakfast is served every morning in the Londres et New York breakfast room, or in guests’ rooms upon request. There is also a lounge bar where guests are invited to relax with a drink. The Hotel Londres et New York is perfect for business or holidays.
Notre Dame
Day 2: Paris
Your English speaking professional guide will meet you at your hotel for a tour of the local's Paris. As well as showing you the highlights of Paris (the city is very accessible on foot) your guide will tell you the history of the city and show you the city from a local's point of view.
NB: If you have a specific area of Paris you would be interested to explore let us know and we can request a specialist guide, along with adding a Metro Pass where necessary.
Accommodation: Hotel Londres & New York (3*) 
Burgundy Canal Cruise
L’Impressionniste Barge
Day 3: Paris - Fleurey-sur-Ouche - Burgundy Canal Cruise
You are met at your hotel and transferred to the elegant L'Impressionniste moored in Fleurey-sur-Ouche for your cruise through Burgundy.
A Champagne reception welcomes you on board today, and provides you with a chance to meet the crew.
Accommodation: L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin) The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque, began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser it is today. The light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which it has been named. L’Impressionniste offers a sun-deck, spa pool, 12 bikes, and an always open inclusive bar. L'Impressionniste is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Master Chef, Tour Guide and two Housekeepers who will assure you have everything you need on your all inclusive vacation.
Clos de Vougeot Chateau
Day 4: Gissey-sur-Ouche - Burgundy Canal Cruise
This morning, experience your first day's cruise along this enchanting canal, which also promises a walk or cycle along an ever-present towpath, cruising past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses. After lunch, you visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a special prized label to the finest Cote d'Or vintages. On the way back to the barge, visit one of the great cellars of Burgundy, where you'll enjoy a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines.
Accommodation: L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin) 
Notre Dame of Dijon
Day 5: La Bussière-sur-Ouche - Burgundy Canal Cruise
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the vivid produce markets, mustard shops, and the impressive Notre Dame de Dijon, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. Return to the boat for a leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussiere.
Accommodation: L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin) 
Local Burgundy Wines
Day 6: Pont d'Ouche - Burgundy Canal Cruise
After a morning cruise to Pont D'Ouche, go on an exclusive tour of the magnificent 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere. The ornamental gardens and lake, wine press, crypt and cellars are interwoven with ancient colonnades, stone staircases and huge stained glass windows. After a Kir Royale aperitif, you'll enjoy the gastronomic delights of Master Chef Emmanuel Hebrard in the Bistro or Garden Restaurant while enjoying a selection of local burgundies. Mid afternoon, you visit the medieval village, craft shops and castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy, and offering a fine overview of the feeder lakes, canal, and surrounding countryside.
Accommodation: L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin) 
Wine Tasting
Day 7: Vandenesse-en-Auxois - Burgundy Canal Cruise
After breakfast you'll cruise to Vandenesse en Auxois, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon you drive cross the premier cru vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country with a history going back over 2000 years. Take in the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice and visit an excellent Burgundy winery and sample some of the local wines. Dinner on board.
Accommodation: L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin) 
Burgundy Countryside
Day 8: Escommes - Burgundy Canal Cruise
Your final day's leisurely cruise takes you to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. This afternoon, you'll visit the moat-encircled 13th century Chateau de Commarin. Going back 26 generations, the de Vogue family ownership portrays an insight into the glamourous lives of the French aristocracy, as well as showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped gardens. Tonight, there will be a Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Accommodation: L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin) Day 9: Escommes - Paris
After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to your hotel back in Paris.
Accommodation: Hotel Londres & New York (3*) Day 10: Paris
Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Hotel Londres & New York
Hotel Londres & New York (3*) - Paris
Hotel Londres & New York (3*) situated at Saint Lazare in Paris, ideally located, in the heart of Paris, near Opera and Madeleine, a short walk from the main department stores and the famous Louvre Museum. All guest rooms at The Londres et New York hotel are soundproofed and feature satellite TV, a work desk and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are serviced by an elevator and some have a balcony. A varied buffet breakfast is served every morning in the Londres et New York breakfast room, or in guests’ rooms upon request. There is also a lounge bar where guests are invited to relax with a drink. The Hotel Londres et New York is perfect for business or holidays.
- L’Impressionniste Barge
L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin) - Burgundy Canal Cruise
The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque, began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser it is today. The light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which it has been named. L’Impressionniste offers a sun-deck, spa pool, 12 bikes, and an always open inclusive bar. L'Impressionniste is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Master Chef, Tour Guide and two Housekeepers who will assure you have everything you need on your all inclusive vacation.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, and Fees as mentioned in the itinerary, Meals if specified - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price). The balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 121 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $500 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 101-120 days will be subject to loss of 40% of program price. 100 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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