Waterways of France by Luxury Barge

9 days
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5/5 Excellent
2 reviews  
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Cancellation Policy
Private Guided
Begin your journey in Paris - a city of art and romance. Tour the iconic highlights-Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and more. Then, venture to pastoral Burgundy and discover its history and beauty aboard a luxury river barge. Spend a week cruising the idyllic canals and river ways, stopping at villages and sites along the way. Taste the fruit of the ...
From$7,695
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • See the highlights of beguiling Paris– full of romantic architecture, art and history
    • Relish a week on a luxury river barge, floating through historic & quaint French villages
    • Bicycle along the canal waterfront
    • Sample local wines, savory cheeses & delicious regional delicacies
    • Visit Gothic churches & magnificent Renaissance châteaux
    • Discover the history of the winemaking in Chablis

What's this trip about?

    Begin your journey in Paris - a city of art and romance. Tour the iconic highlights-Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and more. Then, venture to pastoral Burgundy and discover its history and beauty aboard a luxury river barge. Spend a week cruising the idyllic canals and river ways, stopping at villages and sites along the way. Taste the fruit of the vineyards, explore the Gothic churches, and admire the magnificent Renaissance châteaux. A knowledgeable guide will lead you to the best spots touring by car, on foot or perhaps by bicycle. The luxurious Orient-Express riverboat, Hirondelle, is your floating home for the week, featuring a luxury cabin and gourmet cuisine accompanied by French wine, of course.

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityParis
End CityParis

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • River Cruise
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Private transfers and privately guided sightseeing in Paris; group transfers
    • to/from Hirondelle
    • Local English speaking guide for sightseeing
    • Entrance fees per final itinerary
    • Local taxes
    • Medical & Travel Assistance Plan
    • Intra Tour Flights (additional cost)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paris, France

Accommodation: Hotel Esprit St. Germain

Welcome to France! You are met upon arrival in Paris taken to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 2: Paris

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Esprit St. Germain

Your full day of city sightseeing includes the highlights of this historic and artistic ‘City of Lights.’ View I.M. Pei’s Grand Louvre, an unsurpassed art museum, and national monument of France, t...

Day 3: Paris to Dole * and embark on the Hirondelle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: BelmondHirondelle

This morning, transfer to Dole, where you are escorted onto the elegant Hirondelle, an eight-passenger Belmond-style river barge, your home for the next six nights.

Relish a week ...

Day 4: Cruise to St Jean de Losne – Visit Clos de Vougeot

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Hirondelle

This morning’s cruise takes you to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Enjoy lunch on board whilst the barge winds along the Rhone Rhine Canal to meet the Saone River, the...

Day 5: Cruise to Verdun sur le Doubs - Visit Dijon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Hirondelle

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of historic Dijon including a visit to the market, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and the Ducal Palace, seat of the great medieval dukes of Burgundy....

Day 6: Cruise to Fragnes - Visit Beaune

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Hirondelle

A morning cruise down the broad and stately River Saone takes you onto the pretty Canal du Centre and Fragnes.

After lunch, take a short ride to visit the historic city of Beaune...

Day 7: Cruise to Chagny - Visit Château de Germolles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Hirondelle

Relax this morning as the barge begins a beautiful cruise along the Canal du Centre. Back in the canal environment you may disembark the barge at a lock, bicycle alongside or walk and k...

Day 8: Cruise to St. Léger - Visit Château de Chamirey, Mercurey

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: BelmondHirondelle

This morning a leisurely cruise takes you to St Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre which is your final destination.

After lunch visit Chateau de Chamirey, a f...

Day 9: St Leger* to Paris & Depart for Home

Meal: Breakfast

Bid adieu to your floating home and friendly crew before you are transferred to your hotel at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,695
Price per day$855
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Travcoa.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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A. Bendig

Dec 2019

Written on

The wildlife viewing was incredible!

The wildlife viewing was incredible! We were able to take superb photos and the knowledge guides were enjoyable. We were impressed with our accommodations and especi...

J

J. Faulkner

Dec 2019

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The trip exceeding all my expectations

The trip exceeding all my expectations. My travel companions, guides and local support were all great people, and soon like long time friends. The World Expeditions ...

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Tour Operator

Travcoa

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Since 1954, Travcoa has paved the way to some of the most remote regions on Earth. We were first to bring guests to places where others had not previously ventured. Along the way, we befriended village chieftains, dignitaries and government officials who opened doors long closed to Western travelers.

Travcoa is part of TUI Group, a global leader in leisure travel, and has been nominated a preferred supplier to the prestigious organizations Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network. Travcoa has been consistently recognized as a top international tour operator by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and many other leading publications. Travcoa is a member in good standing of USTOA and participates in its $1 Million travelers Assistance Program.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travcoa Travel Director
    • Meals, except where noted
    • International Airfare
    • Airport taxes
    • Passport & Visa fees
    • Gratuities

Accommodation

Hotel Esprit St. Germain, Paris

Hotel Esprit Saint Germain has been designed along the lines of a private residence. Ideally situated in the heart of Paris, this is a very Parisian hotel intimate, warm, five-star and stunningly designed with real loving care put into each of its 28 rooms and lounges. Clients are welcomed as if they were guests in a friends home with a personalized and dedicated service, enjoying complimentary drinks as they sit by the fireplace in the living room. The individually designed luxurious guest rooms and suites are a combination of stylish interior, leather, rich fabrics and warm colors with modern technology. Some rooms have original 18th century beams as well as either purple or green slate bathrooms.

Belmond Hirondelle

Explore France from the unique accommodations of a luxury barge. Decorated in soft country shades, the Belmond Hirondelle's relaxed atmosphere is perfectly in tune with the gentle scenery outside. Large picture windows and skylights flood the airy lounge with natural sunlight, making it the ideal spot to relax and watch rural France pass by. Spend leisurely hours on the sun deck and sip Champagne as day fades into night. Enjoy a gourmet supper in the dining room, and then return outside to gaze at stars sparkling in the navy sky above. Your day draws to a close in one of four spacious cabins, each with an en suite shower. This spacious barge can comfortably welcome eight people on board: it is the perfect place to reconnect with family and friends in true Orient-Express style.

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policy is applicable to journey price, single supplements, intra tour air, extensions and other tour related arrangements. Penalties are valid from date of reservation until:

 

  • 120 days or more before departure: 10% per person
  • 119 to 90 days before departure: 20%
  • 89 to 60 days before departure: 50%
  • 59 days or less and en route: 100%

 

Travcoa will only reimburse according to our cancellation policy.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

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Additional Information
Trip ID
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