Burgundy: Travel by Small Ship

Upon arrival, we’ll visit Lyon’s striking Confluence Museum, where the scenic Rhone and Saone rivers meet. This museum is known for its futuristic design and thought-provoking exhibits blending science, anthropology, and natural history. Tonight we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you’ll savor your first tastes of regional French cuisine.

Discover Lyon on foot with a walking tour through Vieux Lyon, the city’s enchanting Renaissance neighborhood. Wander cobblestone lanes and secret covered passageways while admiring softly colored façades rich with history. Visit the whimsical Marionette Museum, celebrating Lyon’s puppet tradition. Ascend Fourvière Hill by funicular for sweeping panoramic views, then visit the impressive Basilica of Notre‑Dame de Fourvière and the ancient Roman Amphitheatre of Lugdunum. In the afternoon, choose to continue exploring with your guide through Parc de la Tête d’Or, France’s largest urban park, or enjoy time on your own for the remainder of the day.

We begin today with a stop at the impressive Roman Gier Aqueducts before continuing to Beaune, where we’ll take a guided tour and enjoy a mustard tasting at La Moutarderie Fallot, a family-owned mustard mill founded in 1804. Upon arrival at Saint-Leger-sur-Dheune, we’ll board our intimate canal ship. With only 11 cabins, this exclusive small‑ship experience includes all meals and beverages, personalized service, a panoramic lounge, sun deck, and onboard jacuzzi. Small ship cruising is unrushed, immersive, and highly personal.

Travel by coach toward Nolay, where we’ll hike to the dramatic Cirque du Bout du Monde natural amphitheater, surrounded by towering cliffs and a plunging waterfall. Journey to a prestigious château near Santenay, where the owner provides an intimate look into Burgundian winemaking traditions, followed by a curated wine tasting. Enjoy an evening on board the ship as we cruise toward Chagny.

Choose to relax onboard or borrow one of the barge’s bicycles to ride along the scenic riverside Green Way cycling path. In the afternoon, join a guided walking tour of Chalon‑sur‑Saône, birthplace of Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, one of the pioneers of photography. Discover the historic town center, followed by a tasting of local Burgundy wines before returning to the comfort of the barge for an evening of fine cuisine with your fellow travelers.

With a local guide, we’ll explore the peaceful riverside town of Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Visit the Batellerie Museum, highlighting the fascinating history of canal navigation and river trade. We’ll sample regional Burgundy specialties, offering a delicious glimpse of local traditions. Return to the ship for another relaxed evening.

Today is devoted entirely to unhurried cruising, allowing you to fully embrace the art of slow travel. Watch vineyards, village churches, and towpaths drift by, or head ashore for a bike ride whenever the mood strikes.

Cruise toward Dijon this morning before setting off on an excursion along the legendary Burgundy Grands Crus Wine Route. Travel through storybook villages and some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards, stopping for a wine tasting. Return onboard for a gala farewell dinner, a final celebration of Burgundy’s flavors, friendships, and memories.

After breakfast, disembark in Dijon for a brief walking tour with a local guide. Board the high-speed TGV train to Paris. We’ll visit the Musée Marmottan Monet, boasting the world’s leading collection of works by Claude Monet. Spend a leisurely evening on your own exploring the City of Lights.

We begin our day in the charming, bohemian hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre, once home to artists including Picasso and Dali. Admire the iconic Moulin Rouge, then climb to the heights of Sacré-Cœur for sweeping views of Paris. Immerse yourself in French culture during a hands-on cooking class, where classic flavors come to life. Savor an exclusive dining experience at Madame Brasserie, located on the second floor of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

After breakfast, transfer to the Paris airport for your return journey home, carrying with you unforgettable memories of France’s cuisine, wines, landscapes, and the uniquely serene experience of small ship cruising.