Amaryllis
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8	English Speaking Crew of: 6
Size: 126 feet long	Bicycles: 8
Last Visited: 2011	Air Conditioned: Yes
Rating: Ultra Deluxe

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 6: $51,700
Whole-Boat Charter for 7: $57,650
Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $63,600

2013 available dates

July 14 - 20

August 11 - 17

August 18 - 24

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2014 Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 6: $51,700
Whole-Boat Charter for 7: $57,650
Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $63,600

2014 dates

March 30 - April 5	May 25 - 31	July 20 - 26	September 14 - 20
April 6 - 12	June 1 - 7	July 27 - Aug 2	September 21 - 27
April 13 - 19	June 8 - 14	August 3 - 9	September 28 - October 4
April 20 - 26	June 15 - 21	August 10 - 16	October 5 - 11
April 27 - May 3	June 22 - 28	August 17 - 23	October 12 - 18
May 4 - 10	June 29 - July 5	August 24 - 30	October 19 - 25
May 11 - 17	July 6 - 12	August 31 - September 6	October 26 - November 1
May 18 - 24	July 13 - 19	September 7 - 13

Caroline Sack Klein (Director of Sales & Marketing), aka Barge Lady Junior was thrilled to join top industry colleagues for a three night cruise aboard Amaryllis in April of 2011. The last time we boarded this divine vessel was on its maiden voyage in 2002! Since then, Amaryllis has been acquired by Orient-Express who has maintained the barge and its operation to the highest “grand luxe” standards.

Caroline says: “Our trip started in Paris with a night at the San Regis, an elegant jewel-box of a hotel that began life as a mansion built in 1857. This is a very fine choice in Paris for Orient-Express guests. The next day, we were chauffeured to Amaryllis, moored in St. Leger. Joining us was Valerie Ottofaro, an old friend and our account executive in the U.S. and Rory and Caroline Macrae, industry veterans who manage the five Orient-Express barges in France.

I boarded to discover a vessel of supreme elegance. From antique furniture in the salon, to lamps and chandeliers created by Italian craftsmen to Villeroy and Bosch china on the dining room table: The public areas are a treasure trove of classic European design.

In the huge cabins, pictured at right, however, the accent is on voluptuous comfort. King size beds are piled high with elegant pillows and comforters. Each room has a different color scheme: crimson, bayberry-aqua, pale gold and royal blue. Closets are huge with wonderful lighting and full-length mirrors. The spacious and elegantly tiled baths have every amenity, including double sinks and heated towel bars. Also heated is the pool on deck - a fabulous and unexpected amenity!

Since Amaryllis looks like a five star hotel, it is only fitting that it is operated like one! The crew of five magically ensured that the vessel was spotless and that each guest was constantly being pampered. The more details I noticed, the more that seemed to appear - constant refilling of the shampoo and soap bottles, linens that were changed every time I left my cabin, new coasters with every cocktail hour, different candies everyday in the candy bowl, the list goes on and on. The best part is that it just "happened" by seemingly invisible fairy godmothers. Such synergy and magic occur to make it special for 8 lucky guests!

A visit to Beaune, a cobble-stoned town of great charm, was the highlight of our sightseeing. There we toured the Medieval hospital called the Hotel Dieu and tasted wine in the cellars of Maison Drouhin, one of the top winemakers based in Beaune.

The cuisine was delicious (go to the Menu tab to see the meals I enjoyed), and the crew gave us both a warm welcome and outstanding service. Our guests rightfully love the Amaryllis – and now so do I!”

Amaryllis

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

DIJON to ESCOMMES

On The Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Dijon

Private Chauffeured Transfer - Of Course!

Our Transfer Agent will meet you at 2:30 pm at the one Paris pickup hotel of your group’s choice and chauffeur you to Amaryllis moored in Dijon’s Port du Canal. Estimated travel time is three hours. A champagne reception provides a warm welcome and introduction to crew. Afterwards, there is plenty of time to unpack and stroll in the Port before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.


Monday: Dijon to Fleury-sur-Ouche

Bicycling, Walking and Winetasting

Leaving Dijon, the canal follows the River Ouche where small unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. Spend the morning walking, or perhaps cycling along the tow path. This afternoon's excursion is a degustation in Vougeot and a visit to "Clos de Vougeot", a medieval chateau and the headquarters of the Chevallier de Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote D'Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in the small village of Fleury-sur-Ouche.


Tuesday: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche

Markets and Mustard in Dijon!

After a wonderful French style breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, pictured below left, including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Enjoy some free time for shopping at the many wonderful shops in town, or perhaps just sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes and simply watch the world go by.

Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon's cruise to the charming village of Gissey. This is a truly stunning part of the canal, sit back and watch the ever changing scenery go by.




Wednesday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche

An Eccentric Chateau with Fighter Jets in the Vineyards

Mid-morning, disembark the boat for a visit to l'Abbaye de la Bussiere, which was built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cisterian monks from Citeaux. Enjoy a tour of the grounds and have lunch in the one Michelin star restaurant. After lunch, we’ll take you to Chateau Savigny-les-Beaune, where the French owners displays his incredible collections: 80 fighter jets lined up with the vineyards as backdrop, see picture below, as well as antique motorcycles, race cars, and thousands of model airplanes. Something very personal and different in the French countryside!

Thursday: La Bussiere to Pont d'Ouche

Medieval Hospice and Winetasting in the Cobblestoned Town of Beaune

Relax with a morning cruise through the rolling hills of the Ouche Valley to Pont d'Ouche. Now is the perfect time to take the bikes out and explore in the villages and byways of this gorgeous countryside. Or, take a long walk on the towpath – You can walk much faster than Amaryllis floats, and it is easy to meet the barge at the next lock! After lunch visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy and the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. There is free time for shopping or strolling through the cobbled streets of this lovely town. Sample some of the local wines before returning to the barge.

Friday: Pont d'Ouche to Escommes

Medieval Village Perched High Over the Canal

Our final cruise of the week takes us to the countryside mooring of Escommes, then after lunch visit Chateaunuef-en-Auxois, pictured below. This medieval village with its commanding views over the plains is a wonderful place for a visit. Both the village and the chateau have a long and interesting history. This is followed by a tour of the surrounding countryside. Meanwhile the chef is preparing your farewell gala dinner on board.

Saturday: Departure from Escommes

A Sad Farewell

You will depart at 9:00am and chauffeured as a group to either one location in central Paris or one location at Charles de Gaulle Airport. We estimate arrival in Paris at noon. We estimate arrival to CDG as between noon and 1:00 pm. Please make all travel plans for the day of departure on the basis of this timing. Breakfast is your last on-board meal. We hope you have created memories to last a lifetime on the elegant Amaryllis!

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ST LÉGER SUR DHEUNE TO DIJON

On The Canal du Centre and River Saone

Sunday: Paris to St. Leger

Private Chauffeured Transfer - Of Course!

Board the barge at St Leger sur Dheune for your cruise through Burgundy. 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.

Monday: St Leger to Rully

Winetasting in an Ancient Chateau

A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside, with plenty of opportunities at the many locks to get off the barge and walk or cycle along the splendid tow path. Later, your guide takes you to Couches for a tour and wine tasting at the magnificent Château de Marguerite de Bourgogne. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon's cruise to Rully.

Tuesday: Rully to Chalon-sur-Saône

Riverside Town: Stroll, Shop or have a Cafe in the Square

Relax on board while the 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 a walking tour of Chalon, pictured below, with 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 and watch the world go by.

Wednesday: Chalon-sur-Saône to St Jean de Losne

Medieval Hospice and Winetasting in Enchanting Beaune

A somewhat different cruising experience today, through the lovely valley of the River Saône to the town of Verdun sur Doubs. Lunch is taken in the heart of Beaune at the restaurant Loiseau des Vignes. We then visit this wonderful town to see the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospices de Beaune, followed by a wine tasting. The town itself has hardly changed in appearance throughout the years; it's tiny centre is a dense maze of narrow old streets with a circular boulevard running round it's former ramparts, many of which still stand. Tonight's mooring is at St Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Take some time to stroll around the ports and see the many working barges and house boats that are moored here.

Thursday: St Jean de Losne to Longecourt

A Chateau owned by the same Family for Centuries

This morning the barge leaves the river and enters the Burgundy Canal. This is the perfect morning to explore by bicycle or walk the towpath ahead of the barge. After a wonderful lunch on board we visit the stunning Château de Longecourt, pictured above, owned by the same family since 1630. Inside the stables you can still see 'graffiti' made by the American pilots who stayed there during World War II. If the Count is in residence you may enjoy a personal tour of his property. Rejoin the barge in the countryside near Longecourt, the overnight mooring.

Friday: Longecourt to Dijon

Markets and Mustard in Dijon - Buy "cadeaux" to take home

Today your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon to visit the market, Ducal Palace, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and enjoy some shopping at the covered food market, pictured below. Tonight, the barge moors in the port of Dijon. As the chef prepares for your Farewell gala dinner on board, perhaps try a 'Kir' aperitif; a cocktail which mixes the locally produced Cassis black current liqueur with the area's Aligoté white wine.

Saturday: Dijon to Paris

A Sad Farewell

You will depart at 9:00 am and chauffeured as a group to either one location in central Paris or one location at Charles de Gaulle Airport. We estimate arrival in Paris at noon. We estimate arrival to CDG as between noon and 1:00 pm. Please make all travel plans for the day of departure on the basis of this timing. Breakfast is your last on-board meal. We hope you have created memories to last a lifetime on the elegant Amaryllis!

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~ Amaryllis Grand Cru Week ~

July 14 - 20, 2013

ST LÉGER SUR DHEUNE TO DIJON

Sunday, July 15 : St. Leger

Champagne Welcome!

On arrival at St Leger sur Dheune you are met by the Afloat in France guide and transferred to the Amaryllis for your Grand Cru cruise. 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, hosted by your resident expert, accompanied by the first selection of Grand Crus.

Monday, July 16: St Leger to Rully

Visit Chateau de Germolles

A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savour the beauty of the French countryside. Mid-morning join your resident expert on the sun deck for a wine class on Burgundy and its 'terroir'. After lunch on board, your guide takes you for a drive across the countryside to visit the fascinating and privately owned Château de Germolles. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, July 17: Rully to Chalon-sur-Saône

Beautiful Beaune and Private Winetasting

A morning cruise along the canal du centre brings us towards Chalon sur Saone. Drive to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, for a delightful lunch at the lovely Levernois estate followed by a visit to the famous Hôtel Dieu, a magnificent 15th century charity hospital and part of the celebrated Hospices de Beaune. This afternoon explore Domaine Joseph Drouhin's cellar where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store wines, followed by a special tasting. Dinner on board with your afternoon's vineyard host and her selection of Grand Crus.

Wednesday, July 18: Chalon-sur-Saône to St Jean de Losne

Family Owned Vineyards

Relax on board while the barge cruises the River Saône and admire the ever changing scenery along the banks of this beautiful river. Later, after lunch on board, visit the family owned vineyards at the Domaine Ponsot for a tasting from the barrels followed by a walk in the vineyard. Dinner on board with the winemaker and his choice of Grand Crus.

Thursday, July 19: St Jean de Losne to Longecourt

Visit Chateau de Longcourt

This morning we spend cruising on the Canal du Bourgogne towards the countryside mooring at Longecourt. After lunch on board, explore Clos de Vougeot, set in the heart of the vines and head quarters of the famous Chevaliers de Tastevin. A tour of this remarkable building is followed by tastings at the Grand cave. This evening we take a visit to Drouhin-Laroze estate in Gevrey Chambertin where dinner is served in the family cellar with the winemaker's choice of Grand Crus.

Friday July, 20: Longecourt to Dijon

Visit Dijon

Today your guide takes you on a walking tour of historic Dijon to visit the market, Ducal Palace, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Enjoy some free time for shopping or to explore at leisure. After lunch on board, enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise to the port of Dijon, our final destination. Dinner on board with your resident wine expert and his choice of Grand Crus, finishing with a tasting of the most famous Grand Cru of Burgundy - La Romanée Conti.

Saturday, July 21: Dijon

A Sad Farewell

After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward journey.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Burgundy on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

 

Amaryllis

Guest Book

"Dear Ellen,
We wish to thank you for helping to make our barge cruise on the Amaryllis absolutely fantastic. Your professional guidance and attentive care given to every detail certainly steered us in the right direction for our first barge cruise. You were most helpful in answering our every question, often anticipating them before we even asked. This created high expectations on our part and we are happy to say the cruise on the Amaryllis exceeded them. We felt very comfortable dealing with you. You inquired about our likes and dislikes and when we arrived on board, it was evident that this had been looked after.

When the crew met us at the Dijon train station with their smiles and warm personalities, it was most welcoming. We knew right away this crew was great. But I would say they were more than great, they were amazing. We were so well attended to in every way – the crew was never in our way, but continually pampering us and making us feel right at home.

Our hostesses, Diane and Sarah, set aside an afternoon and offered to teach our 11 year old granddaughter, Sarah, how to fold napkins in the most interesting shapes, from the style of the Sydney Opera House to tuxedo shirts, which our Sarah enjoyed immensely. These ladies kept our rooms immaculate, set beautiful tables for our meals, pleasantly served us, and always met us with a smile and time for a little chat if we so wished.

Our deck hand, Richard, was equally as pleasant. We enjoyed the swimming pool often, and it was Richard who always had it ready for us, with the pool toys on hand. He kept the deck spotless, along with doing his many other chores.

We knew we were in good hands with our Captain, Drew, at the wheel. His excellent cruising skills couldn't help but be noticed as he took us through many narrow locks and canals. His personality matched the other crew members, and we thoroughly enjoyed his joining us for dinner on the last eve of the cruise. We all shared great conversation and laughter.

On to our fabulous chef, Cory. Our meals were definitely five star quality with presentation to match. Everything served was absolutely delicious.....breakfast, lunch and the 5 course dinners. It was a gourmet experience we won't forget, thanks to Cory's expert culinary skills. He was most accommodating to our granddaughter, serving her favourite type of ham with lunch and a special pizza appetizer. Each day when the menu was posted, the kitchen staff asked if there was anything she would not eat or if Cory should prepare something else for her, but our granddaughter let it be known she wanted his lamb, veal, escargot, etc. No changes please!! Desserts were mouth watering and chocolate mousse topped with fresh berries became our granddaughter's favourite. Cory gave us the recipe with a full explanation of how he prepares it.

Jacquie, our tour guide, took us on great sight seeing expeditions in the huge comfortable van, which she maneuvered so easily. Her knowledge of the villages, chateaux, vineyards, and other points of interest was outstanding. She also doubled as our sommeliere, selecting and presenting us with an excellent choice of wines to complement our meals. We enjoyed hearing her description of each wine served. And it was Jacquie who came on board early one morning with a bottle of maple syrup for our granddaughter to serve on the pancakes that Cory prepared for her breakfast. How nice.

The Amaryllis barge is absolutely beautiful. It is elegant and tastefully decorated but has a comfortable "homey" feeling. We girls were delighted with our "full size" bath, toiletries, lovely linens, and fresh flowers throughout the barge. We certainly would do this barge trip again---on the Amaryllis---and would want the same great crew!

And we would certainly book with Ellen, The Barge Lady, again! Once again, a big thank you from the Chase Family. "
- Garry and Linda Chase, 2010


"We had a wonderful trip. The cabins were as good or better than staying in a Relais et Chateau hotel. The wines served on board and the wine tastings were memorable."
-Satisfied 2010 Guests

Amaryllis Floor Plan

126 Feet long
Stateroom 1, Upper Deck 185 sq feet
Bathroom with walk-in shower
Choice of one King or two Twin beds
Stateroom 2, Lower Deck 235 sq feet
Bathroom with bathtub/shower
Choice of one King or two Twin beds
Stateroom 3, Lower Deck 280 sq feet
Bathroom with walk-in shower
Choice of one King or two Twin beds
Stateroom 4, Lower Deck 280 sq feet
Bathroom with bathtub/shower
Choice of one King or two Twin beds
Also in the Cabins
-Individually-controlled air conditioning
-Full size closets
-Elegant French-style décor
-Tiled bathroom and hairdryer
In the Public Areas
-Bose IPOD Docking Station
-Television and DVD
-Computer with internet access
-Heated pool on sundeck
-WiFi
8 Bicycles
Go Sport Crossroad model men’s and women’s bikes, ideal for road and towpath use. Fitted with 21 speeds, front suspension, and water bottle holder. Helmets provided.