SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 6-passenger WHO KNOWS is owner-operated by a seasoned, relaxed crew who are enthusiastic about combining the fun and enjoyment of canal barging with laid-back cruising in Southern Burgundy along the picturesque Canal de Bourgogne between Dijon and Vandenesse. Who Knows offers an all-inclusive cruise week including all but three dinners for which the owners recommend good local restaurants for dining at guests own expense (transportation provided).
History:
The Who Knows' name is a literal translation of the Dutch "Wie Zalt Weten". Built in 1930 in Holland, she was used for ferrying grain, stone, wood and other dry cargo all over Europe.
The barge was laid up in the centre of Paris for 17 years, where she was owned and lived on by the famous American actor/writer Sterling Hayden.
The Who Knows later returned to Holland where she was bought by Paul Taneyhill and then totally refitted in a reputable Dutch shipping town. Decorated in traditional dark wood panelling and brass finishings. She is one of the finest examples of classic yachts on the French waterways.
In August 2004, the Who Knows was purchased by Jason Ashcroft and Dawn Coles, experienced hoteliers, restaurateurs and seasoned barge crew. The Who Knows and crew are waiting for you to experience France as it should be seen!
The Who Knows invites you to experience the unique and relaxing joy of cruising the historic canals of France.
With three cabins, one double and two twins, each with private bath, you will find cozy and comfortable accommodation, with all the modern facilities onboard.
There is a lounge with comfortable seating, music, a well stocked library and two outside terraces for enjoying the French countryside.
The Who Knows is the perfect way to see unspoiled France.
Culinary delights of Burgundy and the Who Knows
Burgundy is world renowned for gourmet French cuisine and grand wines. A vacation aboard the Who Knows, will allow you to experience the very best offered by Burgundy and France.
Everyday fresh bread, croissants and other pastries are delivered to the boat or collected from local boulangeries along the route which will accompany a hot plate with eggs and charcuterie prepared by Dawn. With Burgundy's abundance of fresh produce, each day provides a selection of culinary delights.
A highlight of each day will be the lavish dinners you will indulge in both on board and ashore, allowing you to taste France first hand. Whether in one of the carefully chosen restaurants along the route or on board the barge, each feast starts with fresh canapé to accompany your cocktails and whet your appetite.
Both on board and ashore you will discover a broad choice of cheese. France has more than a 1000 and many represent the country's rich heritage, culture and traditions.
With food... must come wine. Drawing from France's extensive and varied selection of wines, your cruise will offer you the perfect opportunity to sample, compare and enjoy the excellent wines that represent many of France's wine producing districts.
Any requests for vegetarian and special dietary needs can be made at the time of reservation...
Dawn and Jason did a wonderful job. They made us feel very welcome and did their best to look after our every wish. We hope they enjoyed the cruise as much as we did and we wish them both much luck!
-- J.C., BC, Canada
The meals and wines were wonderful. The half-board option was perfect. It gave us a chance to have relaxing times on board and also the opportunity to explore the small towns, sample the local cuisine and experience the culture. We could not have been more pleased with the excursions. Jason is very knowledgeable of the area and the history; he is a great guide. We also felt he really listened to what we wanted to do/see and he put together a plan that was perfect. The barge route was beautiful, especially once it curved away from the roadway. The hamlets, the chateaus, the farms with cattle and the views of the countryside all were breathtaking. Jason and Dawn are wonderful hosts. They are knowledgeable about their business and accommodating and attentive to their guests. It was a wonderful, relaxing trip!!
-- J.L., MO, USA
Loved the excursions and the meals were great ... the whole cruise was very nice. Jason and Dawn were very friendly and warm. Meals were wonderful ... Dawn is a very good cook. She served great wines with every meal and gave us info on the wines we were drinking.
-- J.M., WA, USA
The WHO KNOWS has character and the B&B tour is much preferred for its flexibility, etc. Dawn and Jason did a wonderful job for a group of nonstandard folks. Both Dawn and Jason made us feel very welcome and did their best to look after our every wish. We hope they enjoyed the cruise as much as we did and we wish them both much luck.
-- J.C., BC, Canada
Sunday
At approximately 4pm meet Jason in the arrivals hall at Dijon train station or at another designated place in or around Dijon. Transfer to the Who Knows at Pont De Pany on the Burgundy canal for a champagne welcome. Time to settle into your cabin before dinner on board the barge.
Monday
Breakfast between 8am and 9am. This morning we set sail for Gissey sur Ouche cruising through the dramatic Ouche Valley and mooring up in one of the prettiest villages along the canals. Lunch on board. We head over the hills in the afternoon to visit the Cistercian Abbey of Clos du Vougeot with its impressive 15th century wine presses, home today to the "knight of the round table of wine tasting". After this we will head back to Gevrey Chambertin, known locally as the king of Burgundy wines and with nine Grand Cru estates; it is easy to see why. We will do a wine tasting before heading back to the barge. Tonight's dinner is in La Ferme Auberge du Rolle, a beautiful farm house that specializes in cooking on the open wood fire. Return to the Who Knows for a night cap.
Tuesday
After breakfast we set sail to head up stream towards Pont d'Ouche. This day is all about cruising with plenty of opportunity to cycle and walk along the tow-path, exploring small villages along the route or just sitting on deck and watching the world glide by. The Ouche Valley is noted for its steep-sided, tree-lined, dense, deciduous forest, with wild boar, deer, and birds of prey. We moor up for lunch in the shade of the trees. In the afternoon we continue the sedate pace up to Pont d'Ouche our mooring for the night. Dinner on deck.
Wednesday
After breakfast we depart for the historic town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Visiting the world famous "Hotel Dieu," also known as Les Hospices de Beaune built in 1442 by the first Chancellor of Burgundy, Nicolas Rolin. The Hospice is now a museum and is still home to the famous wine auction that is held every year on the third Sunday of November. Jason will make a suggestion for lunch. Beaune has many charming terraced cafes and restaurants to choose from. In the afternoon Jason will take you to visit Patriarche Pere et Fils, the largest cellars in Burgundy, with more than 4 million bottles of wine. We will have a private tasting in their cave reserved for select customers. It is possible to have wine shipped back to you doorstep. Return to the barge for dinner.
Thursday
Breakfast followed by a morning cruise through a flight of locks to our next destination of Vandenesse en Auxois. The barge moors in the shadow of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval village on a hill overlooking the canal. Relish this setting whilst we cruise up the valley before Jason takes you to lunch in a local cafe to eat amongst the working men. Chateauneuf is the afternoon visit which offers spectacular views of the region. This 15th century chateau was home to Phillip Pot, one of the Dukes of Burgundy. Perhaps the more energetic may wish to walk back to the barge? Dinner tonight is in the restaurant Les Auxois, just 2 minutes walk from our mooring.
Friday
Today we climb the last short flight of locks to Escommes, the summit of the Canal du Bourgogne. Jason prepares the barge in the last lock for the trip through the Pouilly tunnel, built by prisoners from the Napoleonic wars. The Who Knows is special in that she is one of the few vessels of her size that can pass through the tunnel, a truly wonderful experience and a perfect way to end the cruise. Lunch on board before going through the tunnel. Captain Jason and Dawn invite you to join them for dinner tonight in a carefully chosen restaurant in the area to finish off your week with a truly memorable gastronomic finale.
Saturday
Breakfast between 8am and 9am. Depart for the Dijon train station at 9:30am and bid farewell to the barge Who Knows for your onward journey.
Note: Depending on starting point, the itinerary may run in the opposite direction. This is only a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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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.
| WHO KNOWS 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR Apr 13 thru Nov 1 |
| Charter for 2 |
$8,500 |
| Charter for 3 |
$12,000 |
| Charter for 4 |
$14,000 |
| Charter for 5 |
$17,000 |
| Charter for 6 |
$21,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge with use of 3 cabins with private baths
- Pickup and drop off in Dijon (at the TGV station or passengers' hotel)
- Breakfast, buffet lunch and 3 dinners (2 meals at selected restaurants on shore included)
- Open bar on board
- Daily escorted side-excursions
- Use of 6 bicycles (helmets not included)
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Dijon and return
- 3 meals ashore and any drinks off the barge are at passenger's expense
- Use of washing machine and tumble dryer
- Use of the barge's moped
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
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