6 Night Cruise sailing from Fleurey Sur Ouche to Escommes aboard L'Impressionniste.

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 she is today. Her 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 she has been named. She offers a sun-deck, spa pool, 12 bikes, and an always open inclusive bar.

A choice of single cabin, junior suite or suite is available and we can offer both double or twin bed configuration. All cabins are air conditioned and have en-suite facilities. She is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Mater Chef, Tour Guide and two Housekeepers who will assure you have everything you need on your all inclusive vacation.

*** NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. Please check at time of enquiry/booking ***

Sunday, Day 1 Fleurey sur Ouche

A Champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides you with a chance to meet the crew. Dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2 Fleurey sur Ouche to Gissey sur Ouche

This morning experience your first day's cruise along this enchanting canal, which also promises a walk or cycle along an ever-present towpath, as we ascend gradually to the canal summit, past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses. Leaving Dijon, we pass Lake Kir and cruise by the limestone escarpments which feed the nearby vineyards. After lunch we 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 we enjoy a private wine tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 Gissey sur Ouche to La Bussiere

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the produce market, mustard shops and the flamboyant 14th century Ducal Palace which hosts the art museum of Dijon (or enjoy some excellent shopping time). Return to the boat for lunch and leisurely afternoon cruise to Gissey sur Ouche. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 La Bussiere to Pont D'Ouche

After a morning cruise to Pont D'Ouche, 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, we enjoy the gastronomic delights of Master Chef Emmanuel Hebrard in the Bistro or Garden Restaurant whilst enjoying a selection of local burgundies. Mid afternoon, we 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. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Pont d'Ouche to La Repe

After breakfast we cruise to La Repe, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon we drive cross the premier cru vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country with a history going back over 2000 years. We absorb the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice and visit an excellent Burgundy winery and sample some of the local wines. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Vandenesse to Escommes

Our last day's leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. Mid afternoon we continue to the mediaeval 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. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard

Saturday, Day 7 Escommes

After breakfast disembark the barge.