SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 18-passenger Esprit cruises in Burgundy near the heart of the famed Côte d'Or wine growing region on the Canal de Bourgogne and the Canal du Centre.
Departing weekly on Sunday afternoons from April through mid-October, the Esprit's itinerary includes:
Esprit offers her guests full comfort on two decks. On the main deck, the tastefully appointed lounge and separate dining room are paneled in mellow English oak, with large windows to capture every scenic view. The cabin deck contains two charming double-bedded staterooms and seven staterooms with twin beds, with private bathrooms, dressing tables, and abundant storage. an elegant salon, separate dining room and a spacious sundeck with canopy, lounge chairs and tables for viewing the passing countryside. There are nine staterooms --two with double beds and seven with twin beds, each with a private bathroom. The large sundeck is partially canopied for those who prefer shelter from the sun.
Fabulous! Anne and each member of her team rate the highest marks for their professionalism, style and kindness. Exceeded expectations. We particularly enjoyed the great selection of music, deck chairs and tables, and bicycles. High points: 1) The wonderful and friendly manner of the crew 2) The incredible food and meals 3) The wine.
-- N.D., GA.
FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, DELIGHTFUL. As I said to Anna, the cruise director, I ran out of superlatives when writing about the trip in my journal. The meals were certainly the high points. The crew's explanation of the food and wine and the three cheeses will always be remembered. They talked about their items with knowledge and humour. All of the excursions were interesting. I was especially happy with how congenial the group was. We were lucky. There was one evening when we were in the lounge. a few were playing bridge, Barb was working on a suduko, I was doing a crossword puzzle, someone was reading and Greg was chatting with Adam the bar tender, the music on the sound system was delightful and it was like visiting friends in a country house. Very comfortable.
-- P.P., Canada
The service was excellent - without exception the crew was extremely friendly and attentive without being obtrusive. The meals and wine were better than a 3 star Michelin rated restaurant! The chef knows his stuff. I thought I was going on a barge trip through France and it turned out to be an experience in five star French cuisine and wine with scenery flowing by! -- M.M., CA, USA
Very special! Everything about it was wonderful. The food was a definite highlight. Our chef was a very talented young man and we delighted in every delicious morsel we ate. The wine and cheese was fabulous also. In addition, the staff was excellent. Anna, whom we spent considerable time with on tours, was a delight: highly knowledgeable, engaging and witty. We couldn't have enjoyed it more. It was a perfect combination of relaxation and excursions. Loved the bicycles!
-- M.L., CA, USA
Sunday
The Esprit's guide will meet you at the hotel and escort the transfer from Paris via the high-speed train, the TGV, to Le Creusot. Esprit's coach will take you from the station to the barge's mooring in St. Leger-sur-Dheune. Champagne Reception and Welcome Dinner on board.
Monday
Morning cruise on the Canal du Centre. Afternoon tour of the 12th century Castle of Rochepot. Return to Esprit moored in Chagny. Dinner ashore at the two-star Michelin restaurant, Lameloise.
Tuesday
After a morning cruise, drive to the wine village of Rully for a private cellar tour and wine tasting. Return to Esprit moored in Chalon-sur-Saone.
Wednesday
Morning cruise on the winding Saone River. Afternoon drive to Beaune, the medieval wine capital of Burgundy. Visit the 15th century Hospice and the historic quarter. Overnight mooring in river town of Seurre.
Thursday
Mornign visit to the 12th century abbey, the Clos de Vougeot. Cruise on the Burgundy Canal to Aiserey, followed by a tour of the family-owned, 18th century Chateau de Longecourt.
Friday
Cruise to the final mooring in the port of Dijon. Afternoon walking tour, including time to browse in the fine specialty shops. Return to Esprit for the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday
After breakfast, depart Esprit for the escorted transfer to Paris via the TGV, arriving at the hotel in the early afternoon.
Note: Alternate cruise weeks will be in the reverse direction. Actual itineraries can vary, depending on the preferences of guests and the captain's discretion. Water levels, waterway traffic, and maintenance of canals and locks all have a direct effect on canal and river cruising. For this reason, all routes are subject to change. Rev 3/08 mdk
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*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
| ESPRIT 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | EARLY/LATE Mar 30 thru May 3 Oct 19 thru Nov 1 |
VALUE May 4 thru May 17 Jul 13 thru Aug 23 |
HIGH May 18 thru Jul 12 Aug 24 thru Sep 6 |
PRIME Sep 7 thru Oct 18 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,295 |
$4,795 |
$5,295 |
$5,295 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,195 |
$1,195 |
$1,195 |
$1,195 |
| Charter for up to 18 |
$73,710 |
$80,910 |
$88,110 |
$95,310 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a stateroom with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals starting with dinner on Sunday and ending with breakfast on Saturday
- Wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All side tours and excursions (golf, hot air balloon flights, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
- Dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent Euros
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