“Drift into another world of medieval villages, flower-filled meadows and celebrated châteaux as the Amaryllis cruises around Dijon, the Canal de Bourgogne and the River Saône.”
The vessel caters for 8 guests in 4 spacious en-suite cabins. With a group of friends, the Amaryllis hotel barge offers a wonderful house party atmosphere or for a family a carefree environment in which to enjoy each others company while your every need is taken care of by the crew.
The Amaryllis cruises through some of the most picturesque waterways in France, exploring the Burgundy countryside in exceptional Belmond style. Visit ancient châteaux and follow the wine trail through Beaune or luxuriate on deck in the heated swimming pool or on sun loungers as you navigate past premier cru vineyards.
The interior of this luxurious hotel barge exemplifies French finesse, with contemporary touches set off by Louis XVI and XV antiques and a trompe l’oeil wall mural. Settle into the comfortable lounge or linger over dishes cooked by the cordon bleu Chef and watch the magical French countryside unfold all around. Dinners can be savoured in the formal dining room or in the lounge, with doors that span the width of the barge opening for alfresco dining.
The four generous cabins have been meticulously decorated in a traditional style with a mixture of contemporary and antique furniture, complimented by occasional tables from Li Puma of Florence and embroidered Parisian bed covers. Each feature a double or twin bed and a marble en-suite bathroom, creating lavish but comfortable living areas. The specially designed window casings incorporate huge windows that panoramically frame the passing countryside.
Cabin
Bed size: Double (6’ x 6’7”) or Twin (3’ x 6’7”)
Public area
Lounge with large windows
Side-drawer cupboards
TV, DVD player, selection of DVDs and CDs
Stereo surround-sound system and Bose iPod docking station
Selection of books and board games
WiFi & Computer with internet access
Dining room
Sun deck with canopied area and a heated swimming pool
- Size: 39m x 5.05m
Cruise route: Vandenesse to Dijon
Region: Burgundy
Barges: Amaryllis, Fleur de Lys & Hirondelle
Arrival mooring: Vandenesse en Auxois
Nearest train station: Dijon Nearest Airport: Dijon Longvic
Departure mooring: Dijon
Nearest train station: Dijon Nearest Airport: Dijon Longvic
Highlights
Visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu in Central historic Beaune for a fascinating insight into the life and times of Chancellor Nicolas Rolin and spanning 500 years of Burgundian history. With its gothic facade, varnished roof tiles and flamboyant colours, it makes up part of the patrimony of the Hospices de Beaune, a charitable institute created in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins. A recent exhaustive inventory includes 2500 pieces of furniture and some 2 500 objects (tapestries, paintings, sculptures etc.), a fascinating and informative tour.
Château de Pommard: a delightful privately owned Chateau and renowned wine domain – built in the Regency style in 1726 by Vivant Micault, Secretary to King Louis XV, the new Château replaced a feudal château that had been mistreated somewhat by history. From the moment it was built, Château Vivant Micault regained its original splendour and, in its turn, played host to distinguished guests. Bonaparte himself is said to have honoured the Château with a visit! The visit includes a tour of the grounds & domain, the magnificent cellars and of course a wine tasting of the domain’s finest appellations.
Dinner in the gastronomic restaurant at Abbaye de la Bussière – a stunning location and combination of architecture, history & gastronomy. Founded in 1131 by Etienne Harding 3rd Bishop of Citeaux, the Abbey
counted 300 resident monks at the end of the 13th century . Although now a privately owned luxury hotel, the Abbey has lost none its majestic charm and attraction – an unforgettable treat.
Clos de Vougeot: perfect for history, architecture and wine lovers and originally a simple wine farm built in the 12th century by the monks from nearby Abbey of Citeaux. In the 16th century a splendid Renaissance style chateau was added to the existing buildings – a tribute to the incredible winegrowing prowess of the Cistercian Monks centuries ago. Many famous guests have been wined and dined at the several banquets held each year guests.
Dijon Market day: After an historical tour with your guide, what better way to enjoy a town and region than by visiting the local market? A chance to savor the colours, flavors and aromas of local produce and some free shopping time in the capital of Burgundy.
Day One: Vandenesse
A champagne reception welcomes you on board the barge moored at the countryside mooring of Vandenesse en Auxois for your cruise through Burgundy, and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A delicious dinner is served later that evening.
Day Two: Cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Visit Beaune
Relax with a morning cruise through the rolling hills of the Ouche Valley to Pont d’Ouche. After lunch visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy and home to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, a magnificent 15th century charity hospital. There is free time for shopping or strolling through the cobbled streets of this lovely town. Sample some of the local wines before returning to the barge.
Day Three: Cruise to La Bussiere sur Ouche. Visit Chateau de Pommard
A very pretty cruise this morning takes us to the quaint little village of La Bussiere sur Ouche. After lunch, visit Chateau de Pommard, a splendid estate set amongst the vines of the Cote de Beaune. Enjoy a private tour of the cellars and a tasting as well as taking in the fine art exhibition.
Day Four: Cruise to Gissey sur Ouche. Visit Châteauneuf en Auxois and Abbaye de la Bussiere
A beautiful cruise through the Ouche valley brings us to the village of Gissey sur Ouche where we moor up for lunch which is a short drive away at the splendid Abbey de la Bussiere, a beautifully restored Cistercian abbey now housing a Michelin starred restaurant in beautiful grounds. After lunch the owner will accompany you on a private tour of the Abbaye and its grounds. After lunch we venture to the charming hilltop village of Chateauneuf en Auxois, where we can visit the 12th century castle and take in the splendid views over the surrounding countryside. Return to the barge late afternoon and time to relax or maybe take a bike into the local village and sample a ‘Pastis’ in the bar with the locals.
Day Five: Cruise to Fleurey sur Ouche. Visit Clos de Vougeot & the Côte de Nuits
A stunning cruise through the valley this morning as the canal follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. Spend the morning walking, or perhaps cycling along the tow path. This afternoon’s excursion is a dégustation in Vougeot and a visit to Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, the famous Burgundian wine society. The chateau still contains the ancient wine presses used by Cistercian monks. The barge moors for the night in the small village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche.
Day Six: Cruise to Dijon. Visit Dijon and the market
After a wonderful French style breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of historic Dijon including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market and the Maille mustard shop. Enjoy some free time for shopping at the many wonderful shops in town, or perhaps just sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon’s cruise to Dijon. Sit back and watch the beautiful scenery glide by while your chef is preparing a delicious Gala dinner for your last evening on board.
Day Seven: Dijon
After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
Rates 2019
What is included?
6 nights accommodation
All gourmet meals, with two meal onshore in selected restaurants
All wines, bar, and refreshment drinks aboard
Transfers to and from the barge from the designated meeting point
Daily excursions with your tour guide in private vehicle
Use of on-board facilities
Not included:
Airfare to and from France
Cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)
