Gastronomic Cruise

SAMPLE

Aboard the 50 passenger deluxe Chardonnay

 

Join John Doherty, chef of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York on these special itineraries.  Chef Doherty, holds the distinction of having cooked for more U. S, presidents, royalty, world and religious leaders than any other chef in the United States.  As the top toque at New York's famed hotel for more than 20 years, he is considered one of New York's culinary leaders.

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 to Trevoux
Guided visit of Lyon:  the Renaissance district of Saint-Jean, the Basilica atop Fourviere hill and Place Bellecour.  Appointment chez Bernachon, the esteemed chocolate manufacturer founded in Lyon 50 years ago.  The house of Bernachon enjoys an enviable reputation based on family tradition and know-how.  You will have a chance to visit the chocolate factory and taste some of the exquisite Bernachon creations.

Lunch chez Paul Bocuse, the famous 3-star Michelin restaurant, where you will enjoy an unforgettable gourmet meal and visit the kitchens.  After lunch, we cruise up the River Saone to Trevoux.  Guided visit of the town, capital of the Principality of the Dombes until 1762, with an enviable cultural, natural and industrial heritage:  beautiful views towards the Beaujolais and interesting drawplate museum.

Monday, DAY 3  The Beaujolais
Route des Chateaux du Beaujolais:  Chateau de la Chaize, Chateau des Ravatys, Chateau de Corcelles.

At Beaujen, the historical capital of the Beaujolais, you will visit the Huilerie Beaujolaise.  This oil mill was re-established by Jean-Marc Montegottero in 1984.  Using exclusively traditional methods, Mr Montegottero extracts the oil from carefully selected dried fruits and his production is recognized by France's top chef.  Wine tasting:  Beaujolais crus in the charming outdoor setting of an extinct volcano, Mont Brouilly.  From the chapel at the summit (484m), superb views over the Saone plain.  Lunch on board followed by navigation to Tournus.

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 Tournus 
Guided visit of Tournus:  the beautiful early Romanesque Abbey Church of Saint-Philibert (10C), the Hotel Dieu (17C), the Church and its apothecary's store.  Lunch on board the Chardonnay.

Excursion to the medieval town of Brancion and Chapaize, Brancion (10C, 12C, 14C), once the largest feudal stronghold in Southern Burgundy, remains a supreme example of medieval military architecture.  The crowning glory of Chapaize is in radiant 11C church built in the Romanesque style and surrounded by stone houses with Macon-style galleries.

Reception at the Chateau de l'Aubespin for a tasting of traditionally-made liqueurs.  This picturesque medieval castle has retained all its authentic charm.  here, Madame Emorine and her husband invent exquisitely flavored liqueurs, some with medicinal virtues.

Dinner-lecture in the company of Claus-Peter Haverkamp:  "Romanesque Architecture in Burgundy".  This special evening brings one of the most glorious chapters of Burgundian history back to life.

Wednesday, DAY 5 Chalon-sur-Saone and 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.

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

Thursday, DAY 6 Dijon
Visit of a red fruit farm where blackcurrants and raspberries are grown and then transformed into jams, juices and syrups.  You will have an opportunity to sample alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

After lunch in a traditional "bistro" in Dijon, guided visit of the Ducal Palace, the cathedral of Saint-Benigne, and visit to the famous Mulot & Petitjean gingerbread store in Dijon.  Nestling in the shadow of the former church of Saint-jean, this venerable firm has been making delicious gingerbread for over 200 years.  It is a magic emporium of a thousand and one savors where gingerbreads and a variety of other mouthwatering delicacies like couronnes, sabots and nonnettes are set out before our eyes.

Friday, DAY 7 Lyon
Coach transfer to Dijon.

Cruise prices are $2,950, per person (excluding single occupancy and upper deck supplements) and $1650 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 at Paul Bocuse, Clos des Langres and a traditional bistro in Dijon along with all wines, tastings and any entrance fees. 

Other gastronomic cruise packages will be priced from $3,599 per person for the above. For groups interested in chartering their own gastronomic cruise, rates begin at $115,900.