THE HEART OF WINE
A Barge Journey on the French Canals
April 17- 23, 2025
Schedule
Our Schedule for this fantastic Wine Journey…
Kindly note that this is an overview of our week. There may be some changes along the way depending on cruising conditions and availability. Generally, you will have a chance to expand your knowledge and appreciation of fine wines from France. In addition to tasting and pairing a variety of wines, you will learn about: the history of wine making in the region, the soils and climates that play a crucial part in the growth of the grapes, how the grapes are processed, aged, and bottled, the art of wine tasting, the various terms associated with winemaking, and more.
This is a week full of activities and offerings. If you ever wish to just simply relax and enjoy the scenery or take a little rest, you may do so at any time. Also note that this schedule may vary slightly to meet your needs as participants as the days unfold. Mornings will start with an optional Yoga session, followed by breakfast. Evenings after dinner? Let’s wait and see who has joined us and we’ll decide what works best for everyone during the evening times. More than likely the evenings will involve a combination of sessions, games, activities and free-time.
First Day
We will provide transportation from Dijon to the mooring point for the barge MS Daniele, go to: Getting There for all the details.
You are welcome to board the MS Daniele barge at 6:00 p.m. on April 17, 2025. We’ll introduce the barge crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Franco and Kay will welcome the group and share some information, and we’ll give an overview of French wines before our first delectable dinner.
Second Day
Our first Yoga session is available for the early raisers, followed by breakfast.
We’ll leave by coach for our excursion towards Nolay, where we will find our trailhead to hike to the Cirque du Bout du Monde, a Natura 2000 natural site. We’ll see the imposing chalk cliffs carved out by the Cozanne River which created a blind valley, where a waterfall over 80 feet high adds a touch of wonder. We’ll continue by coach towards Mont de Sène, an ancient Celtic religious site which overlooks the Santenay vineyards from a height of over 1,700 feet. In the afternoon, we’ll walk to the center of Santenay, a charming little wine-producing village with a priceless historical heritage and wine tasting* session at one of the 38 wine producers’ in the village. The end of the afternoon will be spent cruising towards Chagny.
Third Day
This morning will be spent cruising towards Chalon-sur-Saone. Feel free to bike along the banks of the Doubs River by taking the Green Way bike path (1). In the afternoon, join us on a walking tour of Chalon-sur-Saône, birthplace of Joseph Nicéphore Niepce, who, in 1824, was one of the inventors of photography. Enjoy a tasting* of local wines before returning on board.
Fourth Day
This morning will be spent cruising towards Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Bicycles are available on board if you would like to ride along the canal’s banks (1). In the afternoon, join us on a guided tour of Saint-Jean-de- Losne and the Batellerie Museum which will end with a tasting of local specialties from Burgundy. Afterwards, we’ll return on board.
Fifth Day
The whole day will be spent cruising towards Petit-Ouges. Bicycles are available on board at any time if you’d like to take a bike ride along the canal’s banks (1). We’ll arrive in Petit-Ouges late in the afternoon.
Sixth Day
This morning will be spent cruising towards Dijon. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion along the Burgundy Grands Crus Wine Route. The touristic Grands Crus wine route passes through villages and the finest and most prestigious of the Burgundy vineyards. We’ll stop along the way for a wine tasting* session.
Tonight is our gala evening and dinner.
Seventh Day
This is our last morning together as a group. Enjoy breakfast on board as we wrap up this amazing experience. The Sommelier, Kay and Franco will share their insights and each participant may choose to share their final thoughts as we all move forward in our lives having experienced a unique and memorable event. Disembarking will be at 9:00 a.m.
