Wine Cruise

Aboard the 50 passenger deluxe Chardonnay

SAMPLE

Join Philippe Faure-Brac, voted "Best Sommelier in the World 1992" and Veronique Gautier, an expert on wine and gastronomy as you enjoy the "nectar of the Gods" and the beauty of the Burgundy countryside on board the M.S, Chardonnay as it navigates the waters of the river Saone between the legendary cities of Lyon and Dijon.  A truly unique program in the company of leading wine  and food experts, who bring a contagious enthusiasm for their profession, to this luxury barge experience.

Chardonnay
Lyonnais, Beaujolais & Burgundy Cruise

The graceful Chardonnay is one of Europe's most spacious river cruisers, carrying 50 passengers in conditions of supreme comfort:  main deck with a forward panoramic salon, lounge with piano bar, and reception hall with boutique and dining room.

The 23 suites all have private lounge areas adjoining the bedrooms, comfortable armchairs, outward facing windows/portholes, and bathrooms with separate toilets.  The upper deck has a large sundeck with a fitness and recreation area, and 2 jacuzzis.

The Chardonnay travels between the legendary cities of Lyon and Dijon through the beautiful Saone valley.  The rover Saone is flanked by the world-renowned vineyards of the Beaujolais, the Maconnais and the Chalonnais and liberally dotted with opulent castles and magnificent historical towns such as Tournus.

Saturday, DAY 1   Lyon
Meeting point in the afternoon.  Welcome on board with cocktails on board the Chardonnay.  After dinner, night tour of the city.

The extraordinarily beautiful city of Lyon has been part of the UNESCO World heritage and is known as the "City of Light".  A marvelous opportunity to explore the Renaissance district, the Gallo-Roman sites - and the culinary delights of the gastronomic capital of the world.

Sunday, DAY 2  Lyon  - the Beaujolais
Route des Chateaux du Beaujolais:  Saint-Amour, Julienas, Moulin a Vent, Chenas, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Regnie, Brouilly and Cote de Brouilly..

On Mont-Brouilly, a chance to sample a few crus while enjoying a typical Lyonnais morning snack or "machon".  After lunch on board, visit to the famous Hameau en Beaujolais, providing an overview of winegrowing in the Beaujolais-Maconnais area and wine tasting.

Monday, DAY 3  The Maconnais
Departure for the Solutre region in search of the wines of Saint-Veran and Pouilly-Fuisse.  This is followed by a visit to the Chateau de Pierreclos with wine tasting.  Lunch in the medieval kitchens of the Chateau.  Free time in Macon.

In the evening, dinner-lecture in the company of Veronique Gauthier:  "The Marriage of Wine and Food" and "History of Burgundy Wine".  Wine presentation:  each course will be accompanied by a different wine.

Tuesday, DAY 4 Cote Chalonnaise 
Route des Vines de la Cote Chalonnaise:  Montagny, Givry, Mercurey, Rully.  Welcome at the Chateau de Rully whose wine estate is managed by the renowned Maison Antonin Rodet.  Wine tasting and lunch in the Chateau..

Wednesday, DAY 5 Cote de Beaune
Guided visit of Chalon-sur-Saone:  old districts, half timbered houses, Cathedrale Saint Vincent.  Coach transfer to Beaune via the vineyards of the Cote Chalonnasie.

Visit and tasting at the Domaine d' Ardhuy - Clos des Langres.  This 18C family manor house opens wide the doors of its 17C cellars where you will taste the estate wines (Ladoix, Corton, Monopole Clos de Langres).  Lunch is served in the press room listed as an Historical Monument.

After lunch, visit to the most famous of all Burgundian buildings and masterpiece of 15C Gothic architecture - the Hospices de Beaune.

Thursday, DAY 6 Cote de Nuits
Departure for the Nuits-Saint-Georges region.  You are welcomed to the Domaine de Loisy by the Comtesse de Loisy (oenologist0 who will introduce you to the inimitable atmosphere of a genuine family domaine.  Wine tasting in the cellars and lunch at the Domaine.

Visit to the fabled Chateau du Close de Vouget, built by the Cistercian monks in the 12th century and today the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin.

Dinner:  "Tasting of the Great Wines of Burgundy" in the company of Philippe Faure-Brac, elected "Meilleur Sommelier du monde 1992".

Friday, DAY 7 Lyon
Coach transfer to Dijon.

Cruise prices from $2,550, per person (excluding single occupancy and upper deck supplements) and $2250 per single. Rates include the six-night cruise, with the services of expert guides throughout, all meals including dinner on the first day to breakfast on the final day, lunch in restaurants with wine, tastings and entrance fees.
Based on 15 passengers. 

For groups interested in chartering their own wine cruise, rates begin at $120,500.