Exceptional Wine Tasting Cruise in Burgundy: Beaujolais Nouveau (port-to-port cruise)

LYON - VILLEFRANCHE - MÂCON - CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE - LYON

Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll then enjoy dinner on board.

We'll spend the morning cruising the Saône River.

After we arrive in Villefranche, we'll set out on an excursion to Beaujeu, the medieval capital of the Beaujolais. Wine lovers will be able to discover the 12 appellations of Beaujolais while listening to great music and admiring the fantastic scenery and quaint architecture of the tiny city. Put your senses to work and take part in the wine tasting competition*! Later on, we'll enjoy a lovely soirée in the center of town including cabaret entertainment and fantastic food concocted by one of the best chefs in the region. At midnight, we'll set off on a torch-lit stroll to welcome Beaujolais Nouveau Day and watch a fireworks show. Following our festive evening, we'll return to the ship. We'll remain in port overnight.

Our ship will arrive in Mâcon early in the morning. After breakfast, we'll leave on an excursion to the partial ruins of the Cluny Abbey. This former Benedictine monastery was built in the Romanesque style and was the world's largest church until the St. Peter's Basilica construction began in Rome. Founded by William I, Duke of Aquitaine, in 910 AD, the monastery was sacked and mostly destroyed during the French Revolution. Later, it was sold and used as a quarry. Today, just one of the original eight towers remains.
In the afternoon, we'll leave on a guided tour of the Beaujolais Wine Route, passing by the prestigious Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards and the Roche de Solutré until we reach the Hameau DuBoeuf. This unique theme park incorporates the culture, history, science and passion involved in French winemaking. We'll remain in port overnight.

Early in the morning, arrival of the boat in Chalon-Sur-Saône.

In the morning, excursion included: Beaune. Known worldwide by wine lovers, Beaune is famous for its 580 hectares of red wines made from Pinot noir. Surrounded by ramparts, this city of arts is home to the famous Hospices, this admirable Hôtel-Dieu whose glazed tile roof is known throughout the world. Visit to the Hospices and wine tasting.

Afternoon sailing on the Saône. Gala evening.

We'll begin to cruise for Lyon early in the morning. Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.