Visit Paris and cruise along the picturesque countryside, medieval chateaux, and expansive vineyards of France’s Burgundy region, as your captain navigates the waters of the Burgundy Canal. Voyage aboard an elegant barge, a gracefully converted hotel version of the vessels that have made their way through these same waterways for hundreds of years. Enjoy delightful local specialties prepared by your onboard Chef, and revel in culture and the flavour of the renowned Burgundy wines. Each six-night cruise includes all meals, selected domaine and chateau wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

2012: Cruise departure every Sunday from Apr 1 - Oct 28.

Available by individual cabins, or private charter. Cruise may operate in reverse order.

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

The Quartier Latin Paris (3*) is located in the heart of the Latin quartier, just a few steps from the Mouffetard and Monge open-air market, also has direct access to the Opera, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. The Saint Germain neighbourhood, the Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens and Notre Dame cathedral are all nearby. The hotel is in a typical Parisian style building, and the interior is very airy with large windows and wooden furnishings and flooring. The tastefully decorated lobby offers a peaceful atmosphere, while the comfortable salon is the perfect place to relax and avail of the complimentary WIFI and tea and coffee.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .

Enjoy a full day excursion visiting the Palace of Versailles with a private car and English speaking driver. A superb Baroque palace known to the world as a symbol of civilization and pleasure, the Palace of Versailles dates back to 1038, and was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. Used by Louis XIV initially as a hunting lodge he had the property expanded to become the magnificent site of French classical architecture complete with extensive manicured gardens that it is today. The interior showcases magnificent examples of baroque furnishings, a rare collection of objets d'art and houses special exhibitions. If you come during the summer time (May to September on Saturdays, Sundays & bank holidays), you can enjoy also the spectacle of “Les Grandes Eaux Musicales”, a water and music festival in the grounds (not included. 8euros per person). After lunch (at leisure - not included), enjoy a visit to the Grand and Petit Trianons in the gardens of Versailles. At the end of the tour you will be dropped back to your accomodation or in a central place of your choice in the city. (includes entrance into the palace but not the gardens). Please speak to your Kensington Tour Sales Advisor if you would like to add an English speaking Guide to your excurson.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .

Set sail along the magnificently picturesque French countryside, cruising the rivers of the remarkable Burgundy region. Connected to the Yonne River in the north, and the Saone River in the south, the Burgundy Canal offers your luxurious river barge a timeless route to navigate France from north to south. Impeccable vineyards and charming medieval towns serve as an ideal backdrop to such a relaxing way of travel.

You are met at your hotel and transferred to the elegant L'Impressionniste moored in Fleurey-sur-Ouche for your cruise through Burgundy.

A Champagne reception welcomes you on board today, and provides you with a chance to meet the crew.

The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque, began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser it is today. The light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which it has been named.  L’Impressionniste offers a sun-deck, spa pool, 12 bikes, and an always open inclusive bar. L'Impressionniste is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Master Chef, Tour Guide and two Housekeepers who will assure you have everything you need on your all inclusive vacation.

Overnight at L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

This morning, experience your first day's cruise along this enchanting canal, which also promises a walk or cycle along an ever-present towpath, cruising past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses. After lunch, you visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a special prized label to the finest Cote d'Or vintages. On the way back to the barge, visit one of the great cellars of Burgundy, where you'll enjoy a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines.

Overnight at L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the vivid produce markets, mustard shops, and the impressive Notre Dame de Dijon, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. Return to the boat for a leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussiere.

Overnight at L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

After a morning cruise to Pont D'Ouche, go on an exclusive tour of the magnificent 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere. The ornamental gardens and lake, wine press, crypt and cellars are interwoven with ancient colonnades, stone staircases and huge stained glass windows. After a Kir Royale aperitif, you'll enjoy the gastronomic delights of Master Chef Emmanuel Hebrard in the Bistro or Garden Restaurant while enjoying a selection of local burgundies. Mid afternoon, you visit the medieval village, craft shops and castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy, and offering a fine overview of the feeder lakes, canal, and surrounding countryside.

Overnight at L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

After breakfast you'll cruise to La Repe, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages, crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon, you drive across the premier cru vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burdungy wine country, with 2000 years of history. Absorb the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice, and visit an excellent Burgundy winery, sampling some of the local wines.

Overnight at L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

Your final day's leisurely cruise takes you to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. This afternoon, you'll visit the moat-encircled 13th century Chateau de Commarin. Going back 26 generations, the de Vogue family ownership portrays an insight into the glamourous lives of the French aristocracy, as well as showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped gardens. Tonight, there will be a Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Overnight at L’Impressionniste Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to your hotel back in Paris.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .