There is a way of ghosting through the best of France, virtually unnoticed. A way that is so unobtrusive that it puts the merest crease in the environment, and yet will still give you access to markets and city centres, and unfold quilts of vineyards and sunflowers before your very eyes. That way, in case you haven’t already guessed, is travelling by canal. France has the most developed waterway system in Europe, with nearly 50 canals linking to the rivers and making it possible to cross the entire nation from north to south and west to east. But this kind of travel is not about covering huge distances—it’s all about pace of life, and waking up on beautiful mornings on placid water brimming with fish. Boat speed is never more than slow and pastoral as you drift past Romanesque churches, farmhouses and wide open landscapes, and wherever you go, there’s always some tranquil spot where you can tie up by lichen-coated mill buildings and go for a stroll along the leafy towpath, set off by bike for market day, or indulge in a lazy game of boules. Of course, you don’t have to leave the water at all.

With your own private crew, including a chef who delights in nothing more than creating some fantastic regional dishes for your gourmet meals on board, to your attentive and knowledgeable guide, you will be well looked after from start to finish. Enjoy private daily shore excursions that are particularly geared towards family fun - from waterparks to a forest climbing ropes course, to market and quaint town visits, and horse riding in the bucolic countryside.

Enjoy time in Paris on either end of your barging trip in Burgundy - from Parisian city culture to the fun and frolics to be had at Eurodisney! Spend your last two days discovering your inner child as you explore both parks!

Available Barge Charter Departure Dates (2012):
03 Jun, 17 Jun, 29 Jul, 09 Sep

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.

You will receive a welcome package with your vouchers, and itinerary, city map(s) and train tickets (where relevant) upon your hotel arrival.

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

Discover Paris in a truly original and personalised manner aboard your very own 2CV. The 2CV, the quintessential symbol of the “French touch”, thanks to its convertible, soft top roof offers a magnificent panoramic view. You will be driven by a knowledgeable, English speaking chauffeur, and discover the most famous, beautiful and elegant monuments of Paris including: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, La Madeleine, Palais de l’Elysée, Invalides, Grand Palais, Opera Garnier, Place Vendôme, Notre-Dame de Paris, Champs de Mars, Musée d’Orsay, Ile de la Cité, Place de la Concorde, Trocadero and Petit Palais. The 2CV cars can hold up to 3 people. If there are more in your group additional cars will be arranged so you can travel in convoy. (Includes hotel pick up and drop off in central Paris). Consider a longer tour of 3 hours to see more gems in the city. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in this.

The Bel-Ami Hotel (4*) is found in the heart of Paris, on the left bank and in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres district, and is a stylish, contemporary design hotel which uses simple lines and bright, open spaces to maximum effect. Flattering lighting, natural materials and warm colours are added to provide an atmosphere of relaxed modern luxury. The hotel is within walking distance of the Seine, Latin Quarter, fashionable boutiques and piano and jazz bars. There is good public transport nearby.

Overnight at Bel-Ami (4*).

The numerous rivers of France offer some of the most scenic passages through the French countryside. Sleepy villages, centuries-old chateaux, and lush vineyards are all within view as you meander the waterways of France on an overnight river boat.

Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.

Enjoy the fast speed train TGV ride from Paris to Le Creusot. The duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 mins.

Upon arrival at Le Cruesot train station, you will be met by your personal Guide and transferred to your awaiting barge at St Leger.

A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew.

Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.

The Fleur de Lys offers gracious elegance and pure style, making a journey aboard her the ultimate in luxury barging. Gently travelling the classic Burgundy route, you pass through France’s famous Côte d’Or. Drift past vineyards home to legendary regions such as Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune where Grands Crus wines can be savoured. Fleur de Lys also cruises the River Saône and the Canal du Centre, visiting delightful towns and villages en route. With a stately lounge and large windows that frame the passing countryside, this péniche-hôtel offers a cruise to remember. Exceptional on board dining and the chance to join in local life enhance this great experience.

Overnight at Fleur de Lys Barge.

A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside. There are plenty of opportunities at the many locks to get off the barge and walk or cycle along the splendid tow path.

Later, your guide will take you to Couches for a tour and wine tasting at the magnificent Château Marguerite de Bourgogne or alternatively visit the Summer Bobsleigh Park with it various runs and a pool (You can decide on the day which activity you would prefer to do). Return to the barge moored in Rully.

Enjoy dinner onboard your cruise ship.

Wining and dining are sure to be some of the highlights of your cruise and the five-course candlelit dinners are a special treat. The table d’hôte menus onboard are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialties and fine wines. The varied menu includes the chef's original recipes as well as regional specialties and seasonal delicacies unique to Burgundy.

Overnight at Fleur de Lys Barge.

Relax on board while your barge cruises the final section of the Canal du Centre before entering the last and very deep lock into the River Saône just north of Chalon-sur-Saône. The scenery changes from the close proximity of the canal banks to the expanse of this beautiful river.

This afternoon enjoy an action afternoon at the Accro Branche – an outward bound park where you can challenge your climbing skills, as you climb high in the tree tops in the company of professionally trained guides. There are several different levels, so it will be sure to provide fun for all the family! Once back to Chalon perhaps take a walk in to town and discover its quaint antique shops, stunning Cathedral square and half timbered buildings. There is free time to enjoy the fine shops, or perhaps just to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes enjoying an ice cream.

Enjoy dinner onboard your cruise ship.

Overnight at Fleur de Lys Barge.

Today's cruise offers somewhat of a different experience through the lovely valley of the River Saône to the town of Verdun sur Doubs. We then visit the wonderful town of Beaune where we have lunch, and afterwards we visit the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. The walled town with its tiny centre, has hardly changed physically over the years, with its circular boulevard (formerly a moat) which runs around its ramparts, many of which still stand. Within, there is a dense maze of narrow, cobble stoned streets with picture-card shops and a beautiful main square where locals often stop and have a quick coffee on one of the many terraces.

A short distance from St Jean is the village of Brazey, where all the family can enjoy some wonderful horse riding. Appreciate the beautiful surroundings on a trek through the country side on horseback following the canal path or through the plains of the Saone valley.

Overnight at Fleur de Lys Barge.

This morning the barge leaves the river and enters the Burgundy Canal. Enjoy the chance to walk or cycle along the towpath if the mood takes you. Alternatively, grab a book and cosy up in a comfortable spot on deck and luxuriate in letting the world go by.

After a wonderful lunch on board, we visit Dole, a pretty town with an interesting history. There is a fantastic water park located just outside the town and here we enjoy an afternoon in the water! There are various slides and pools for all ages.

Enjoy dinner onboard your cruise ship.

Overnight at Fleur de Lys Barge.

Today your guide will take you on a walking tour of Dijon to visit the market, Ducal Palace, the Grey Poupon mustard shop, and covered food market.

This afternoon - choose from any number of fun activities for your last day on your barge; there is a roller skating park and go karts for the more adventurous. For the young ones, there is ‘Jungle Kid’ - a covered area for climbing and adventure. Or perhaps you would prefer to visit the Caves at Beze, for an underground ‘mini’ cruise on a rowing boat, through the caves.

While you are out this afternoon having fun, your chef will be busy on board producing your Farewell gala dinner on board. Enjoy a wonderful regional meal this evening as you toast a spectacular trip on one of France's most scenic barging rivers.

Overnight at Fleur de Lys Barge.

After breakfast say your goodbyes to the crew and disembark whereupon you will be transferred to Dijon station.

Enjoy the fast speed train TGV ride from Le Creusot to Paris. The duration is approximately 2 hours.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy two wonderful days exploring the magical world of Disney! Your two day pass allows you total freedom of movement* between the two Disney theme parks (Disneyland® Park and Walt Disney Studios® Park) for 2 days. The 2 days do not necessarily need to be consecutive. However the days must be used in the 1 year validity period from date of purchase. Your ticket allows you free and unlimited access to attractions shows and parades (except for the Shooting Gallery and Video Games Arcade in Disneyland® Park, and special events or evenings, such as Disney Halloween Parties). You need to retain your park ticket for readmission.

The Magic Circus at the Disneyland Resort Paris opened in June 2003. It is set in a 10 acre park with a lake in the heart of the Magic. The hotel offers 396 air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with private facilities, hairdryer, telephone with modem connection, cable TV with international channels and radio, tea and coffee making facilities, safety box. The hotel also offers a restaurant featuring international and local cuisine, a cocktail bar and lounge, a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a children's paddling pool, an outside terrace, a ballroom (capacity 250 persons), a car park with valet parking and a coach park.

Overnight at Magic Circus at Disneyland Resort (4*).

Enjoy your second day at Eurodisney and spend time at some of the areas of either park which you haven't yet had a chance to discover.

Overnight at Magic Circus at Disneyland Resort (4*).

Enjoy a transfer in a private chauffeured driven vehicle with an English speaking driver from Disneyland to the airport.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).