French Toast
Barging in Burgundy, France
September 14 - 23, 2006

INTRODUCTION

Ah, gay Pareé! One visits this city and gets happily lost in the endless variety of activities and sights, thinking it is indeed the essence of French life. This beautiful land and its people, however, cannot truly be appreciated until one ventures into the pastoral countryside. There is no better way to experience the tranquil essence of France than during our six-day cruise on the Burgundy Canal.
     The extensive French canal system was once the primary means for transporting goods across the country. In the 1960’s, trains made the canals obselete and they faced demolition. Fortunately for us, the French discovered an alternate use for the waterways. For scenery, historical interest, and gastronomic pleasures, the Canal de Bourgogne is now firmly established as one of the country’s leading pleasure cruise routes. Our transportation through this idyllic land will be the 10-cabin, 20-passenger hotel barge, La Litote.
     Each day brings a new adventure. The barge’s private motorcoach takes us to visit the region’s most famous and interesting highlights—celebrated châteaux, magnificent cathedrals, quaint towns and famous vineyards where we can sample fine wines. Jog, walk or bicycle along the canal towpaths, or explore the artisan shops along the cobblestone streets of a centuries-old village. On a lazy afternoon, just relax with a good book to the strains of classical music on the barge’s umbrella-shaded sundeck. Hot air ballooning over the French countryside is an exceptional pleasure you might wish to enjoy.
      Mornings begin with the enticing aroma of hot brewing coffee and freshly baked croissants. Luncheon might be a sumptuous buffet aboard the barge or a picnic on the grounds of fabulous estate. As the sun sets, enjoy an aperitif on deck before the evening’s four-course dinner prepared by our expert chef. The fine wines, delicious food, historic châteaux and mise-en-scenes are the true image of France. Whet your appetite for a taste of the very best of France.

ITINERARY

Thursday, September 14, 2006
U.S. to Paris

Today is a travel day. Arrange your flights to depart your home city today, arriving in Paris tomorrow morning. Note: Paris is not the focus of this tour and we spend only one night at the beginning and another at the end of the tour in “the City of Lights.” If you want to do any sightseeing we suggest you extend your stay in Paris. We will be happy to assist with reservations at our group hotel.

Friday, September 15, 2006
Arrival in Paris

Upon landing in Paris, transfer on your own to our hotel, the Hotel Novotel Les Halles. (Directions on how to get there via public transportation will be provided prior to departure.) The day is free for independent sightseeing and souvenir shopping. This evening, the group gathers in the hotel lobby for a cocktail and introductions, then we walk to a nearby restaurant for our Welcome Dinner.     (Dinner included)

Saturday, September 16, 2006
Train to Dijon

Enjoy a free morning in Paris. We check-out of the hotel and transfer to the Gare de Lyon train station at 1:00 pm to board the TGV high-speed train to Dijon. The journey takes 1 hour, 40 minutes. Arriving in Dijon we transfer to our hotel barge, the Litote, moored in the port of Dijon. After a champagne welcome aboard and the introductions of your crew, cruise on the Burgundy canal to the village of Plombieres, where we spend the night.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, September 17, 2006
Dijon / Fleurey sur Ouche

Disembark after breakfast to drive through the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits for a guided visit of the château of Clos de Vougeot, medieval monastic winery and present-day headquarters of the Confrèrie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.
     Return to Litote for lunch and cruise through the afternoon to Fleurey sur Ouche. Good opportunities to walk along the towpath or to cycle into nearby villages between the fairly frequent locks this afternoon before we moor for the night.     (All Meals)

Monday, September 18, 2006
Valley d’Ouche / Beaune

Cast off during breakfast and cruise through the morning, passing through the scenic rural countryside to the village of Pont de Pany. Here we enter one of the most attractive stretches of waterways in France—the Valley D’Ouche. The canal follows this river as it meanders through the valley with steep, wooded forest and rich pastures.
     We moor in the afternoon in the village of Gissey sur Ouche. After lunch take the coach for an excursion to Beaune, the centre of the Burgundy wine trade. Enjoy a guided tour of the Hôtel Dieu, world famous charity hospital which was founded in the fifteenth century and is a masterpiece of late-medieval architecture. Take free time to visit the town with its wine museum, magnificent romanesque church and wine cellars, before returning to Litote for the evening.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Dijon Market Day

Today is market day in Dijon, so after an early breakfast we drive there for a guided tour of the principal sights of the city centre followed by time free to explore the open market and shops, not forgetting the Grey Poupon store in the main street. Return to Litote for lunch and a delightful afternoon cruise to La Bussiere. The beautiful abbey here is a wonderful place to stroll before dinner.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Pont d’Ouche / Private Wine Tasting

This morning, continue to crusie and climb by locks through this pastoral valley to the village of Pont d’Ouche. After lunch, take an excursion over the hills to Mersault, famous for its white wine. We visit a private cellar and taste several of their prestigious wines.     (All Meals)

Thursday, September 21, 2006
Commarin / Chateauneuf

Begin cruising after breakfast and, as we approach the summit level, increasingly frequent locks give more opportunities to walk and cycle along the towpath. We arrive in Vandenesse, taking lunch aboard the Litote. A short drive brings us to the chateau of Commarin, dating from the 12th Century. It is still a private home with many fine furnishings and works of art.
     Continue to the medieval village and castle of Chateauneuf, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy. From this vantage point, there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and feeder reservoirs for the canal. Return to Litote and this evening enjoy a gala final dinner with the crew and staff.     (All Meals)

Friday, September 22, 2006
Paris / Farewell Dinner

After an early breakfast, transfer by coach to Dijon for return to Paris by train. Arriving around 1:20pm at the Gare de Lyon station, we are met and transferred to the Hotel Novotel Les Halles via motorcoach. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. This evening, Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner—providing one final sweet taste of our delectable French Toast.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Saturday, September 23, 2006
Departure

The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. Transfer on your own to the airport for flights home, or choose to extend your stay in Paris.     (Breakfast)