'M.S.NIAGARA'

Day 1 : Friday Check in at Dijon

At the meeting point of Château la Chassagne near Dijon, an air-conditioned bus will drive you to the barge at 5 pm. You are welcomed in grand style with a glass of the famous Kir Royal champagne. Your unforgettable cruise in Burgundy is about to begin.
For your first evening on board you will be invited to our traditional welcome-dinner where you will learn all details about your cruise. Afterwards you can enjoy drinks on the sundeck and beside the pool. Of course all drinks on board are inclusive around the clock.

Day 2 : Saturday Cruise from Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche

While having breakfast, "MS Niagara" leaves the port of Dijon and begins to pass through the locks on the canal; there will be a total of 45 during the cruise. Ever midday a splendid lunch menu or brunch is prepared and served by the crew, who will also be looking after you throughout the cruise.
The barge passes by Lake Kir, then Plombières les Dijon and Velars sur Ouche. If you're not a connoisseur of grand Burgundy wines and specialties, as the barge continues to advance, you will soon become one. The barge has a snail like pace and the tempo is set by the canal locks, in the late afternoon the barge moors in the village of Fleurey sur Ouche.
From there, late in the afternoon, your travel guide will take you on an excursion to discover the city of Dijon, ancient throne to the Dukes of Burgundy and birth town of Gustave Eiffel. The city is also know as the town of a "hundred bells", is famous for Cassis and the tradition of making Mustard. Back at the mooring you will enjoy a typical French dinner and the conversation with the other passengers.

Day 3 : Sunday Cruise from Fleurey to Gissey sur Ouche

The voyage takes you into the heart of Burgundy and the magnificent Ouche valley. From the sun deck you can savour the real Burgundy while passing through traditional villages such as Pont-de-Pany, where Chateau la Chassagne is situated, then on to Saint Marie sur Ouche. The scenery and life along side the canal will seduce you.
Tonight the barge is moored in a hidden romantic spot, beside the river Ouche and a Gallo Romain bridge, one of the most photographed and painted views in the village of Gissey sur Ouche. This is also the starting point of your daily sight seeing tour to get to know this wonderful region and its habitants.
Today the passengers will be taken to a wine degustation in the wine cellar of Château la Chassagne.
In the evening the traditional farewell party is an ideal opportunity to say good bye to the passengers who only booked a Mini-Cruise from Friday to Monday.

Day 4 : Monday Private excursion to Beaune for the 6 night cruise passengers
Check out / check in 4-days / 3-nights Mini cruise passengers

Today, you will make an excursion into the vine yards of Burgundy and the wine capital town of Beaune. Wine tasting with experts to guide you and answer all your questions, visits to some of the most important names in Burgundy such as Corton, Volnay and Mersault. For Lunch you will be invited in a highly reputed village restaurant surrounded by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines.
In the afternoon there is plenty of time to visit the famous Hospice de Beaune, visit the charming boutiques lining the cobbled streets of the historic market town. Return to the barge is via the "Hautes Côtes" along the country roads and past the source of the river Ouche. With a drink at the bar you will get to know the new passengers who have booked the 4-days/3-nights Mini cruise and got on board in the meantime. For dinner you will be surprised with something very special... enjoy!

Day 5 : Tuesday Cruise from Gissey sur Ouche to Pont d'Ouche

"MS Niagara" leaves Gissey sur Ouche in the morning and heads on to Saint Victor sur Ouche and La Bussière. After a delicious brunch the cruise goes on along Veuvey to reach today's destination Pont d'Ouche. When your hotel barge is moored, you will be invited to visit Chateauneuf en Auxois which you will pass tomorrow with the boat.
Walk into this medieval village with its cafes, antique and curiosity shops along the picturesque streets and it's bistro bars which invite to settle in a drink in the hand. There is also a fantastic view over the Auxois plains, with lakes and the distant Morvan hills. As always in the evening fine french dining aboard or in a typical local restaurant.

Day 6 : Wednesday Cruise from Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse en Auxois

Your captain will work even harder today, passing all the locks between Pont d'Ouche and the final destination of Vandenesse. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy the countryside, relax on the sun-deck, walk or cycle ahead.
In the surroundings of Crugey you will have a Burgundy Menu for lunch break. After the barge has arrived in the port or Vandenesse, it is up to you to decide the destination of today's excursion: the water château of Commarin, the tunnel entrance in Pouilly-en-Auxois or a nearby cheese dairy. However, sometimes we organize the petanque championship between the passengers and the crew.
Beginning with cocktails on board, you can learn the art of "Sabrage", where you slash open a Champagne bottle with a sword, like the Dukes of Burgundy did hundreds of years ago. Then everybody will be in the right mood for the great farewell dinner and a selection of several Dijon mustards as gift.

Day 7 : Thursday Check-Out

After a grand breakfast, disembarkation is generally at 10:30 am. Depending on your personal plans we can drive you to the meeting point hotel Château la Chassagne, to the railway station or local airport.

MS Niagara’s ’sister ship’ La Reine Pédauque offers the same cruise route.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ON ALTERNATE WEEKS CRUISES WILL BE RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION