DAY 1, Monday - Depart for France
Depart for Lyon, France
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Lyon
Arrive in Lyon, founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. The city is considered to be the gastronomic capital of France. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with the Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Lyon
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Wednesday - Morning City Tour of Lyon
Begin the day with a morning city tour of Lyon. Explore the Old Town and visit Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV. View the historic Grand Hôtel-Dieu located on the west bank of the Rhone River. Ascend Fouvière Hill to view the Roman amphitheater, Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière, and gardens that overlook the city. Afternoon is at leisure to explore Lyon, a city rich in history, culture, and gastronomy. Tonight perhaps, have dinner at a bouchon, a traditional tavern serving Lyonnaise cuisine
Overnight: Lyon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Thursday - Travel to Beaune, Cruise Embarkation in Besançon
Depart Lyon this morning, and travel to Beaune, celebrated capital of Burgundy wines, nestled in the heart of France's finest vineyards. This walled city still displays its original battlements, ramparts, moats and a historic Old Town. A walking tour takes you to the lively central square. Continue with a visit to the renowned Hótel-Dieu Museum, an original example of 15th century French architecture. Admire its colorful tiled roof, and painting of "The Last Judgment" by Flemish master Van der Weyden. Then, continue on to Besançon, where you board the privately chartered barge. Tonight, enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful cruise through Burgundy and the Doubs Valley
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Friday - Arc-et-Senans
Your day of exploration begins with a drive to Arc-et-Senans for a tour of the Royal Saltworks (Saline Royale). The royal factory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the late 1700s by Claude Nicolas Ledoux at the wishes of King Louis XV. This building complex constructed in the shape of a semi-circle, was where the salt workers lived and worked. Following the visit, return to the barge and set sail
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Saturday - Discover Dole
This morning, continue cruising and admire the lovely scenery. In the afternoon, discover the town of Dole, the birthplace of Louis Pasteur. Embark on a unique tour, following the "trail of the Chat Perché." This trail refers to the famous Tales of the Perched Cat, written by Marcel Aymé who spend his childhood in Dole. It also refers to Dole's location, which is perched on a beautiful hillside
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Sunday - Explore Saint-Jean-De-Losne
The barge continues sailing this morning. In the afternoon, explore Saint-Jean-de-Losne, the waterway capital of Burgundy, located at the confluence of the Saône River, and the Burgundy Canal. This small town boasts a rich and prestigious past. View the Monument Commemorating the Siege of 1616, the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Hotel-Dieu, and the Town Hall. Visit the Batellerie Museum which recounts the history of navigation, followed by tasting of local products
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Monday - Sail to Petit-Ouges
Spend the morning cruising towards Petit-Ouges. Take the time to sit back and admire the vineyards and scenery, as you slowly sail by. In the afternoon, arrive in Petit-Ouges with free time to visit this tiny village on your own. Perhaps, you can embark on a hike along the two and a half mile long "Path of the Three Wash Houses"
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Tuesday - Dijon, Grands Crus Wine Route
Arrive in Dijon, a city famous for its traditional mustard and gastronomy. Spend free time to explore on your own. Perhaps, head to the Dijon Cathedral and the Ducal Palace, a remarkably well-preserved Gothic structure that served as the royal residence for the estates of Burgundy. Later, embark on an afternoon excursion along the Route des Grands Crus, the region's most famous wine route. The route passes through the finest and most prestigious part of the Burgundy vineyards. Stop along the way at a wine estate for tasting of Burgundy wines. Tonight during dinner, share wonderful memories of your Burgundy cruise
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Wednesday - Disembarkation, Auxerre en route to Paris
Following disembarkation this morning, bid adieu to Burgundy, and travel through the scenic French countryside to Paris. Along the way, stop in Auxerre, located on the banks of the Yonne River, dating back to Gallo-Roman times. Stroll through the city's charming streets lined with half-timbered houses. View Abbaye Saint-Germain renowned for its Romanesque architecture, Saint-Etienne Cathedral with its striking Gothic façade, and the 15th century Clock Tower. In the afternoon, continue the drive to Paris. Upon arrival in the French capital, check into your hotel. Tonight is free to discover the vibrant nightlife of the city
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Thursday - Paris City Tour
Get acquainted with Paris today as you drive along the impressive Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris. Continue to "Rive Gauche," the celebrated Left Bank where artists, philosophers, and writers in a bygone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse. The afternoon is free to further explore this fascinating city on your own. Perhaps, join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the palace. View the lavish apartments of King Louis XIV and the extravagant Hall of Mirrors. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Friday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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