Amaryllis: Pontailler to St Leger

You’re welcomed aboard Amaryllis in pretty Pontailler by your dedicated crew and guide. Toast the start of your Burgundy adventure with chilled champagne and settle into your beautiful cabin. Later, enjoy your first gourmet dining experience on board, where exquisite French specialities meet convivial conversations and balmy, bucolic views.

After a breakfast of fresh pastries and artisan delights, relish a carefree morning gliding through the captivating scenery. A dip in the on-deck pool is the perfect way to prepare for the adventures ahead. Enjoy lunch on board as the barge winds its way along the River Saône. Alight afterwards for a drive down the celebrated Route des Grands Crus, passing through the famed villages of the Côte d’Or. Stop to visit the historic Clos de Vougeot, built in the 12th century by the monks of nearby Cîteaux. A symbol of almost 1,000 years of Burgundy history, the imposing château is now the headquarters of the Burgundian wine society, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Explore the ancient winery with its four huge presses and the cellar built to accommodate 2,000 casks. Afterwards, enjoy a private wine tasting at a reputed local producer, before returning to the barge for a divine dinner.

After breakfast, disembark with your guide to visit Dijon, the former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. The compact centre, rich in medieval and Renaissance buildings, makes it ideal for a walking tour. Visit the monumental Ducal Palace, once home to Burgundy’s powerful dukes, browse the traditional covered market and enter the famous Maille mustard shop. There will be some free time for shopping and to enjoy lunch at one of the many pavement cafés. Return to the boat for a late-afternoon cruise along the majestic River Saône. Cocktails herald the start of a vibrant evening as we arrive in Seurre and dinner is served on board.

Continue cruising on the River Saône until you enter the Canal du Centre via the impressive lock at Crissey. After lunch on board and mooring up in Fragnes, your guide takes you to the 14th-century Château de Germolles. The best-preserved residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, it offers an evocative snapshot of ducal court life in the Middle Ages. The passionate owner will guide you around his home and unravel the fascinating history, secrets and anecdotes hidden within its walls. Discover exceptional murals, sculptures and a private chapel, as well as romantic, 19th-century gardens. This evening, anticipate an unforgettable dining experience at the prestigious winery Maison Champy in the heart of Beaune.

Take advantage of the unhurried pace to alight at a lock and cycle or walk alongside the barge. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon tour of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. A treasured highlight here is the Hôtel-Dieu, a magnificent former charitable hospital renowned for its glorious coloured-tiled roof and artistic gems. After your visit, stroll through Beaune’s cobbled streets and discover its enticing shops before heading to the Joseph Drouhin cellar, where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store their precious wines. Wrap up the afternoon with an exceptional wine tasting before returning to the barge for dinner under the stars.

This morning, as you glide gently towards the attractive village of St-Léger-sur-Dheune – your final destination – look out for the Santenay vineyards, the most southern of the Côte de Beaune. After lunch on board, your guide will take you to explore the vinous wonders of the Côte de Beaune. Tour the cellars of a prestigious winery and taste some of its finest vintages. Back on board, your chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner. Sit out on the balmy deck and share your Burgundy highlights over an array of seasonal delicacies.

After breakfast the crew bid you a fond farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements.