At the heart of the natural beauty of this fascinating cruising area are the golden slopes of the Cote d'Or. Burgundy has always been a wealthy and important region fought over by empires and kingdoms since Roman times. As the Cistercian order was founded here, there are many abbeys and churches and the vast empire of the "Ducs de Bourgogne" produced the chateaux and palaces. This route passes through the valley of the river Ouche as the Burgundy Canal winds its way to its summit through 54 locks. This is an interesting cruise with many twists and turns through the scenic countryside as we pass medieval chateaux and picturesque villages along the way.

Sunday
Arrive late afternoon in Dijon and transfer to Le Premier for a champagne welcome and your first dinner on board. Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is renowned for its stunning architecture. The home of the Dukes of Burgundy, the influences of its long and varied history make it an interesting city. The center is only a short walk from the canal.

Monday - Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche.
A full day's cruising with 13 locks to navigate. During the trip guests can visit the famous wine making village of Nuits St. George in the center of the Cote de Nuits and the neighbouring Clos de Vougeot, the site where the Cistercian monks originally started the wine making of Burgundy. We moor for the night at Fleurey-sur-Ouche, under the trees on the village quay.

Tuesday - Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey.
Continuing along the Ouche valley, today we navigate nine locks passing through a mixture of forests and canalside villages. Guests may visit one of the domains of the Cote d'Or for lunch and a degustation of some of France's best Premier and Grand Cru wines. We moor for the night in the tiny but beautiful village of Gissey, overlooking the ancient bridge over the river.

Wednesday - Gissey to Pont d'Ouche.
This is a particularly attractive section of the canal, again, with 13 locks. There is an excellent opportunity this morning to cycle and stroll along this charming portion of the canal. We arrive in Pont d'Ouche in the late afternoon where the canal crosses a small aqueduct as the river heads towards Bligney and the canal makes its way slowly upwards towards the summit.

Thursday - Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse.
After Pont d'Ouche, the canal passes through the stunning scenery of a very narrow gorge, which in previous times was clearly worked as a quarry. This morning, guests may visit the ancient town of Beaune. We meet the boat again at Crugey in time for lunch and continue towards Vandenesse. During the afternoon we catch glimpses of the fortified village of Chateauneuf perched high above, as the canal winds its way through the valley towards Vandenesse. The floodlit chateau stands guard over our mooring and is a spectacular setting for dinner on board.

Friday - Vandenesse to Escommes.
This morning Le Premier climbs the final eight-lock flight to the summit of the Burgundy Canal through forests and fields. We pass an unusual section of canal populated by mannequins fishing from boats, climbing trees, and tending garden. The 'eclusiers', the French lockkeepers, are colorful characters, creating beautiful and ornately decorated houses and gardens. Some exhibit art or a small museum or sell their fresh produce such as eggs and honey. After lunch a visit to the chateau at Commarin and watching the sunset from Chateauneuf are the ideal finale to your cruise of Burgundy. Time to enjoy cocktails and a farewell dinner on board Le Premier.

Saturday
Transfer to Dijon after breakfast.

Note:The suggested excursions are intended to give you an idea of the trips available. The timing, variety, number and duration of excursions are up to you. In general all excursions are possible from any point of the cruise. It is also possible to enjoy lunch or dinner ashore should you wish. Subject to prior or later bookings, the above cruise may be run in reverse.

WhiSpas Sample Spa Week Itinerary:
Burgundy Canal between Dijon and Escommes

Our route passes through the valley of the river Ouche as the Burgundy Canal winds its way to the summit at Escommes. This is an interesting cruise with many twists and turns through the scenic countryside as we pass medieval chateaux and picturesque villages along the way. Cruising in Burgundy has long been a favourite vacation for those who truly wish to relax. This slow pace of life combined with spa treatments, meditation and yoga is a restful break from day to day life.

Sunday - Dijon
You arrive late afternoon in Dijon and transfer to Le Premier for a champagne welcome followed by a relaxing yoga session to stretch out travel-weary limbs. This evening we will talk you through the week and discuss your treatments. Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is renowned for its stunning architecture and we shall return later on the week for the market.

Monday - Dijon to Fleurey
Begin the day with a gentle stretching class on the deck surrounded by candles. Today we follow a wine theme, beginning with a walk through the vines, followed by a relaxed wine tasting at a renown winery in the charming village of Vougeot. On your return to the boat, the afternoon is given over to vinotherapy treatments. Using specially developed products based on vine and grape extracts indulge yourself in an afternoon of relaxation.

Tuesday - Fleurey to Gissey
Starting with a yoga session to get you into the right frame of mind we dedicate today to meditation. After breakfast we head into Dijon to experience the open-air market and see the city's delightful medieval quarter. A quiet afternoon of reflection and tranquil meditation trying several techniques aimed at grounding and centering your spirit within the beautiful landscaping of this portion of the canal.

Wednesday - Gissey to Pont d’Ouche
Stretch away your worries this morning in a session designed to push you a little further. After breakfast we will walk to the commanding hill-top chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. The walk today is a little more demanding but the view at the end is breath-taking. On our return to the boat you have a choice of deep tissue, Indian head or a lymphatic drainage massage. The perfect way to round off the day and relax.

Thursday - Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse
A morning of meditationbegins with a yoga session. We return to the Abbey and put into practice what we have learnt over the previous few days. After Pont d’Ouche, the canal passes through the stunning scenery of a very narrow gorge, which in previous times was clearly worked as a quarry. This afternoon, we visit the ancient town of Beaune. On your return tired feet will be treated to a special invigorating wrap. The floodlit chateau stands guard over our mooring and is a spectacular backdrop for dinner on board.

Friday - Vandenesse to Escommes
Our stretching this morning looks at how we can incorporate simple stretches into our daily routine. Le Premier climbs the final flight of locks to the summit of the Burgundy canal through forests and fields. We take a stroll along the valley to a ruined Chateau high in the forest. The afternoon is given over to beauty therapy with a choice of facial, manicure or pedicure treatments. Your final night on board gives you an opportunity to discuss your week with your fellow travellers and therapists before a gourmet farewell banquet.

Saturday - Transfer to Dijon after breakfast
The itinerary above is intended to give you an idea of the treatments and trips available. Extra excursions can be arranged if you wish. Other treatments are available at an additional cost. Please ask us for more information.

Note: The above cruise may run in the reverse direction on alternate weeks. This is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change.