Embark on a seven-day private trip of discovery through an area rich in traditions and history dating back generations as you cruise along the Burgundy Canal past wineries and lovely scenery. Relax on the deck of La Belle Epoque, if you prefer, as you take in the sights of Burgundy's charming villages while strolling or riding the towpath. Explore the historic Noyers-Sur-Serein, where you may sample the French market's native foods, colors, and joys. The hilltop village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain or the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois can be explored by foot or by car, respectively. Before returning to Paris, take a tour to Chablis and sample some of Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard's high-quality wines.
Highlights
Visit the beautiful Abbaye de Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with your private group of up to 12 guests
Wander the streets of Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy
Tour the village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, the location of the film ‘Chocolat’
Enjoy a private wine tasting of Chablis wines in the cellars of a renowned Domaine
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Guests are picked up in Paris and transferred to La Belle Epoque by a private chauffeured minibus. The crew welcomes guests with champagne and canapés. After you settle into your cabin, have your first dinner on board with Burgundy’s delicious cuisine.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles, and Les Granges. After an early lunch, visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin to be treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry. The close-up encounter with these majestic birds against the backdrop of the castle grounds is an amazing experience. Afterward, meet Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century, who then gives a fascinating insight into the Château’s history, followed by a private tour of the building. Dinner on board.
As you pass through the 18th-century Forges de Buffon, you can enjoy yourself while walking or riding bikes along the towpath nearby. After lunch, be escorted to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abbaye de Fontenay, constructed by St. Bernard in 1118. This was one of the first French monuments that distinguished Abbey's exceptional interest and its natural environment. Speaking to an unmistakable case of early Cistercian design. Fontenay permits an outstanding look at Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens, ponds, fascinating cloisters, dormitories, and scriptorium for all intents and purposes in place. Dinner served on board.
A truly special day lies ahead. Following breakfast aboard, head to Les Riceys, the only wine-growing area of the Champagne region to have 3 Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées. Here visit the Maison Alexandre Bonnet for a private champagne tasting, a family-owned Champagne house renowned for a stunning yearly harvest of Pinot Noir that leads to some utterly exquisite vintages. After you’ve tasted an array of champagnes, take a short drive to Château de Ricey-Bas; with its 12th-century vaulted cellars and thousand-year history, it’s the ideal location to appreciate the rolling vineyards and enjoy a glimpse of family life in a rural château. Be greeted for a Champagne aperitif and a gourmet lunch with the Baroness herself, which you take in either the private salon or the atmospheric vaulted 13th-century kitchen. Spend the remainder of the afternoon strolling the beautiful gardens or exploring the regal château interiors. Upon your return to the barge, begin your cruise to Ancy-le-Franc, plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath or sit on the deck with another glass of bubbly! Dinner on board.
Visit Château d’Ancy-le-Franc, a picturesque place for lovers of history, art, and beautiful stonework. Château d’Ancy-le-Franc is a masterpiece from the 16th century that contains the biggest collection of Renaissance murals, situated in stunning gardens and parklands. La Belle Epoque continues cruising along the Burgundy canal and goes down through the picture-perfect locks to moor at Lezinnes. Dinner served on board.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely cruise to your final mooring at Tanlay, with the opportunity to cycle or walk into the picturesque village of Saint Vinnemer. Following lunch, visit the town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times, and enjoy a private wine tasting at the prestigious Domaine Laroche. There, also see the 1000-year-old Obediencerie, originally part of the monastery of St Martin, the founders of Chablis, where the domaine’s wines have been aged for centuries. Later return to the barge for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$72,500
or $6,042 per person based on 12 max passengers
Select a Date
Staterooms
125 - 130 sq. ft. featuring twin or double beds, private bathroom with shower, wardrobe and a small table.
Select a Date
Junior Suites
150 - 165 sq. ft. featuring win or double beds, private bathroom with shower, wardrobe and a small table.
Notes
- All children under the age of 18 years accepted onboard qualify for a discount of $300 per child per week.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
