Explore the Burgundy & Rhône-Rhine Canal by Barge

21 July 2022 & April, June & August 2023

7 days from £2,285pp

From Dijon to Besançon, this majestic cruise on the Rhône-Rhine canal will take you through authentic and traditional cities with different stories and hidden gems. You will be able to visit the Saline Royale of Arc-et-Senans, , recounting the history of navigation on inland waterways.

All Inclusive Cruise
Six excursions included
Bicycles available to use on board

Description
Itinerary
What's Included
Travel Options
Dates & Prices

Cruise from Dijon on this majestic cruise along the Rhône-Rhine canal to Besançon, seeing many authentic and traditional cities as we go all with hidden gems and history. Join our included excursion along the Grands Crus wine route, passing through the finest and most prestigious of the Burgundy vineyards, visit the charming city of Saint-Jean-de-Losne, first river port of France home to the Musée de la Batellerie. This cruise offers wine tasting, history and relaxation whilst we cruise along this pretty canal.

Day 1: Dijon
Board the ship early evening and settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner. We will be in port overnight.
Day 2: Dijon – Petit-Ouges
Join us on an included excursion along the Grands Crus wine route, passing through the finest and most prestigious of the Burgundy vineyards, including Gevrey-Chambertin and the Clos de Vougeot. We'll return onboard and cruise to Petit-Ouges, discovering the magnificent lush, green landscapes of the Saône Valley and explore the charming country village of Petit-Ouges.
Day 3: Petit-Ouges – Saint-Jean-De-Losne
Today will be spent cruising towards Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Take the time to sit back and admire the vineyards and scenery that we'll pass by as we cruise. We arrive in Saint-Jean-de-Losne late in the afternoon.
Day 4: Saint-Jean-De-Losne – Dole
After breakfast, we have an included a guided tour of Saint-Jean-de-Losne, the capital of canal barging in France, lying at the heart of the French waterways and canal system in southern Burgundy. The visit of the town ends at the Hotel de Ville, a former town hall built in the early 17th century, where you'll get the chance to taste some local specialties. This afternoon will be spent cruising towards Dole.
Day 5: Dole – Ranchot
Today discover Dole on our included guided tour, perched on a limestone hillside alongside the canal, Dole was the capital of the County of Burgundy before it became part of the French kingdom in 1678. Along your tour, you will discover the many historic monuments which have granted Dole the City of Arts and History Label. We'll return onboard and cruise towards Ranchot. There is also an opportunity to use the bicycles (available on board) to ride on the bike path that follows our route on the canal.
Day 6: Ranchot – Besancon
The morning will be spent cruising to Besancon, this afternoon, we'll set out by coach to Arc-et-Senans for a tour of the Saline Royale. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this royal factory, built between 1775 and 1779 in the shape of a semi-circle, was where salt workers traditionally lived and worked. This evening on board is our gala evening.
Day 7: Besancon
After breakfast we bid farewell to our Captain and crew.

All meals on board
Captains welcome cocktail & gala dinner
All drinks (excluding premium brands)
Port charges
Gratuities on board

EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:

The Grands Crus Wine Route
Wine tasting* in Saint-Jean-de-Losne
The charming country village of Petit-Ouges
Saint-Jean-de-Losne and its monuments telling the story of its prestigious past
Dole, hilltop city and birthplace of Louis Pasteur
La Saline Royale (Royal Salt works), listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site

Join at ship - Barge Cruises

Picture of - Join at ship - Barge Cruises

For complete flexibility, we offer this cruise as join at ship. We will provide you with times and locations as well as some useful information for you to make your own arrangements to join your cruise.

Alternatively we can do all the arranging for you. We can arrange flights, transfers and overnight hotel accommodation. Please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Dates: 2022

21 July 2022

Other dates are available along with a reverse itinerary option – please call for details

Prices from:

Double Cabin - £2285

Single Cabin - £3165

Dates: 2023

13 April 2023

22 June 2023

3 & 17 August 2023

Prices from:

Double Cabin - £2027*

15% early booking discount. Book by 31 August 2022

*prices based on the 17 August departure

All prices listed are per person

To speak to a Holiday Advisor or to book call 01858 438456

Overview

CroisiEurope Canal Barges are named in honour of the women of the Schmitter family, they are distinguished by their refined comfort, all designed with an intimate and charming setting. Sail along some of France’s most beautiful waterways on a highest category barge.

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