Flavors of Burgundy (Christmas)

Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Flavors of Burgundy cruise. (B/D) **Please be advised the ship will be docked in Saint-Jean-de-Losne and is located approximately 30 minutes' walk from the train station. Purchasing one of our transfer options between Dijon and Saint-Jean-de-Losne is strongly recommended for guests embarking on our 7-night cruise without a pre-cruise land package.

Famously known as the “Birthplace of Mustard,” Dijon was the home to the four Dukes of Burgundy from 1364 to 1477. On a guided tour, explore Dijon's medieval center which overflows with art and cultural heritage, showcased within several spectacular museums.

Alternatively, visit the stunning Château d'Arcelot, with elements dating back to the 13th century. The Château d'Arcelot blends medieval religious structures, neoclassical architecture, and even a Chinese pavilion into a fascinating architectural marvel. Or embark on a guided bike tour along the Saône River and witness captivating sites such as the lock controlling the river's access to the Rhône-Rhine Canal. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Dijon city tour OR Château d'Arcelot visit OR Dijon bike tour

Visit the town of Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d'Or vineyards where you'll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hospices de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Guests interested in wine making can learn more about cooperage, or the art of making wine barrels, in this interactive workshop that guides you through the process of crafting barrels through traditional methods. You may also join a guided tour through Seurre, unraveling its rich tapestry of heritage and charm.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic sailing by the picturesque city of Chalon-Sur-Saône. Alternatively, sample the highly esteemed vintages from the Côtes de Nuits region on a guided wine tasting, surrounded by the oaken casks and intricately tiled roofs that bring this sommelier's fantasy to life. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Beaune excursion OR Art du Tonneau Cooperage Experience OR Seurre walking tour
• Scenic Cruising OR Côtes de Nuits wine tasting

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past, which you will discover on your historic city tour. You may also choose to explore the city on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or learn about centuries old traditions while sampling the region's famous Chalonnaise wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-sur-Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Historic city tour OR Chalon-sur-Saône bike tour
• Scenic cruising OR Chalonnaise wine tasting OR Chalon-Tournus bike tour

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Mâcon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon. Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit OR Château Cormatin OR Medieval Brancion
• Scenic cruising OR Tournus-Mâcon bike tour OR Mâconnais wine tasting

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world's largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Active guests can join a guided bike tour through the city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “The South Burgundy City” Mâcon tour OR Cluny excursion OR Mâcon bike tour

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting with a tasting of Beaujolais wines at a traditional winery. In the afternoon, you may join a tour of Lyon that starts in Fourvière Hill, part of the city's historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city's unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.”

If you're a self-described foodie, our Les Halles Market tasting tour is for you, during which you'll have a chance to taste some of Lyon's local delights. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Beaujolais wine tasting
• “France's Culinary Capital” city tour OR Les Halles Market tasting tour OR Lyon bike tour

Bid farewell to Lyon and prepare for your return flight home. (B)