Caprice
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 21	English Speaking Crew of: 7
Size: 128 feet long	Bicycles: 10
Last Visited: 2010	Air Conditioned: Yes
Rating: First Class

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

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, transportation to and from DIJON (we will assist you with this), open bar, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested amount is 125 Euros per passenger)

2013 Value SEASON Rates

Whole Boat Charter: $60,220
Twin-Bedded Cabin #1: $2,790 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement for Cabin #1 : $1,290
(Cabin #1 is smaller than the other double cabins and is twin bed configuration only.)
Cabins #2 - #9 and #11: $3,190 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement Cabins #2 - #9 and #11: $1,590
Single Cabin #10: $3,490

2013 VALUE SEASON DATES

April 6 - 12	August 3 - 9	October 19 - 25
April 13 - 19	August 10 - 16	October 26 - Nov 1
July 27 - Aug 2	August 17 - 23

2013 Regular Season Rates

Whole Boat Charter: $62,110
Twin-Bedded Cabin #1: $2,990 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement for Cabin #1 : $1,290
(Cabin #1 is smaller than the other double cabins and is twin bed configuration only.)
Cabins #2 - #9 and #11: $3,290 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement Cabins #2 - #9 and #11: $1,590
Single Cabin #10: $3,690

2013 Regular SEASON DATES

April 20 - 26	June 1 - 7	July 13 - 19	September 21 - 27
April 27 - May 3	June 8 - 14	July 20 - 26	September 28 - Oct 4
May 4 - 10	June 15 - 21	August 24 - 30	October 5 - 11
May 11 - 17	June 22 - 28	August 31 - Sept 6	October 12 - 18
May 18 - 24	June 29 - July 5	September 7 - 13
May 25 - 31	July 6 - 12	September 14 - 20

The Barge Lady's own Office Manager, Amy Aldrich and her husband Tom Aldrich had the chance to cruise on CAPRICE in October of 2010 and loved it. Here is her report:

Amy said, "The CAPRICE is a lovely addition to our Southern Burgundy barges with its unique, informal ambiance and interesting sightseeing and excursions for all the passengers to enjoy. Being a 21 passenger barge, we had the opportunity to sit at meals with different people each day and it didn't seem to matter who we were sitting with, each person continuously raved throughout each meal whether it was lunch or dinner. The young, enthusiastic staff took special care of all and seemed to revel in the "little things" such as being creative in folding the towels in the cabins and napkins on the tables, to decorating our butter each dinner. The butter sometimes matched the food such as the "snail butter" served the night we enjoyed escargot. Other creative butters included "flower butter", "mouse chasing the cheese" and "running man. Too cute!

Excursions including Dijon and the amazing Hospice in Beaune were nicely appointed with guides. There was also time in some of the small villages on your own. Everyone on board seemed quite intrigued with each set of locks the barge went through, as well as the idyllic scenery and thoroughly enjoyed time off the barge walking or riding bikes on the towpath."

Ellen said: "We are happy to welcome CAPRICE back to our fleet. Caprice is now operated by an experienced and dedicated American owner. This barge is perfect for a group of ten couples or a family – and it represents very good value on barging's premier route. The “Three Waterways of Burgundy” itinerary hits all the high points of this gorgeous region and provides daily opportunities to walk or bicycle."

Caprice

"Three Waterways in Burgundy"

Dijon to St Leger-sur-Dheune
On the Canal de Bourgogne, Canal du Centre and River Saone

Saturday: Dijon
Welcome Aboard!
You will take a train arriving to the Dijon Train Station between 4:00 - 4:30pm. (The cost of train transfers are not included in the cruise price. We can book and purchase these tickets 60 days before departure.) You will be met by the Caprice bus and driver at the front door at 4:30 pm. In addition, Caprice crew will be circulating in the station and available to help you. Then transfer to Caprice moored at the Port in Dijon where a welcome aboard Kir Royale (with champagne) awaits you. We will then introduce you to the crew and Caprice while your luggage is quietly taken to your cabin. Before and after dinner there will be time to use the internet cafe at the Port, have a quiet drink at the Bargie Lounge across the street, stroll along the tow path or walk uptown. Dijon center is but 10 minutes away. Tonight you'll get to know your fellow guests and enjoy your first of many gourmet dinners on board!



Sunday: Visit Dijon, Cruise to Longecourt
Touring, Bicycling, Walking, Relaxing....
After your buffet breakfast we begin our cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne. Later our motor coach will whisk us off for a guided tour of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy. This is a beautiful, old city with a medieval core and your guide will show you buildings and explain the history. There will be time to visit a shop selling Dijon mustard. After we return to Caprice we will continue via the Canal de Bourgogne. There are many opportunities for guests to walk along the towpath or cycle into nearby villages. This evening we will moor in Longecourt, a quiet canalside town. Our mooring spot allows a magnificent view of the Chateau Longecourt from the forward deck. There is time to explore the village after dinner, stroll along the tow path, or sit on the deck and get to know your fellow passengers.

Monday: Longecourt to Seurre
Private Wine-tasting
This morning your guide will take you to visit to Clos de Vougeot. Wine was produced here as early as the 12th century—by none other than the local monks. A private wine tasting follows in Nuits St Georges before we return to Caprice. We continue our cruise to St Jean de Losne where the Canal de Bourgogne merges with the river Saône. There are hundreds of barges moored here in addition to major barge manufacturers. Live aboard barge owners are abundant. We will continue our cruise on the Saône to Seurre, a lovely riverside town with a 16th century church and beautiful brick houses from the 17th century.



Tuesday: Seurre to Chalon sur Saone
Visit a 12th-Century Chateau
This morning we will visit the Museum of Seurre before setting our on a beautiful river cruise to Chalon sur Saône where we arrive in mid afternoon. A guided walking tour of old town begins after we arrive. There will be time for shopping in the town's elegant shopping district. Chalon Sur Saône was built alongside the Saône about 3000 years ago, the town was a naval base during Antiquity, the place of big fairs during the Middle Ages, a trading center in modern and contemporary times. Old town is magnificent.

Wednesday: Visit Beaune, Cruise to Chagny
Beaune - Wine Capital of Burgundy



Thursday: Chagny to St Leger-sur-Dheune
Well-Preserved Medieval Fortress
Our shore excursion will be to the village of Rully for a private guided tour of the 12c Chateau Rully. Chateau Rully has been in the same family for 900 years. This Medieval fortress is built around a 12th century keep and reveals some interesting features of medieval military architecture with its parapet walk, battlements, machicoulis and loopholes. The main building dates back to the Renaissance. The vaulted kitchen in the keep has a monumental fireplace and an extensive range of copper utensils. An 18th Century building boasts Burgundy's largest stone roof. The Rully vineyards surround the Chateau. Ample time for waking or cycling today. Later we cruise on to the picturesque village of St Léger-sur-Dheune for a farewell gala dinner.


Friday: Return to Dijon for your onward transfer
A Sad Farewell
The bus departs at 9:00 am and arrives at the Dijon Train Station in time for a departing train at 11:00 am. Alternatively you can pick up a rental car near the Station.

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St Leger-sur-Dheune to Dijon
On the Canal de Bourgogne, Canal du Centre and River Saone

Saturday: Dijon to St. Leger
Welcome Aboard!
You will take a train arriving to the Dijon Train Station between 4:00 - 4:30pm. (The cost of train transfers are not included in the cruise price. We can book and purchase these tickets 60 days before departure.) You will be met by the Caprice bus and driver at the front door at 4:15 pm; in addition, Caprice crew will be circulating in the station and available to help you. We will then transfer to Caprice located in the picturesque village of St. Leger on the Canal du Centre. Sip Kir Royale, a drink invented in Burgundy, as we welcome you on board and introduce you to the crew. (Meanwhile, your luggage is quietly taken to your cabin.). Tonight you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board Caprice.

Sunday: St. Leger to Chagny
Well-Preserved Medieval Fortress
Today we navigate to the quiet village of Dennevy. Drive to Couches to visit the chateau of Marguerite of Burgundy, the beautifully preserved vestiges of a vast medieval fortress, followed by a tasting of the wines made here by Emmanuel Cayot, son of the owner. Ample time for waking or cycling today. Later we cruise through the vineyards of Santeney where the Canal Du Centre meanders peacefully. Our destination tonight is the lovely canal side village of Chagny.

Monday: Chagny to Chalon sur Saone
Visit a 12th-Century Chateau
Today’s excursion to the nearby village of Rully for a private guided tour of the 12c. Chateau. We will cruise along an attractive winding stretch where a good towpath and fairly frequent locks give ample opportunities to walk or cycle the tow path. We will exit the Canal du Centre via a lock that decends 50 feet to enter the Rivier Saone. We moor at CHALON SUR SAONE, the second largest city in Burgundy and an important trading center since gallo-roman times. There will be time to visit the beautiful medieval town center surrounding the Cathedral St Vincent. An evening stroll through Chalon is highly recommended. .

Tuesday: Chalon sur Saone to St Jean de Losne
Beaune - Wine Capital of Burgundy
Today’s excursion is to Beaune. Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy and home to the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital founded in 1443. This monument boasts the finest Burgundian-Flemish architecture in the world. Today’s cruising is on the River Soane. This is the only day without the opportunity to walk the tow paths. There are none on the river and locks are few. We end up tonight in St Jean de Losne, traditionally the center of barging in France. It is in St Jean de Losne that the river Soane merges with the Canal de Bourgogne. There is ample opportunity to walk the village before dinner and stroll the quiet streets after dinner. There are hundreds of barges moored here in addition to major barge manufacturers. Live aboard barge owners are abundant. You will find dozens of English and American live aboards in St Jean de Losne. It is fascinating to engage this interesting group in a local cafe. Bargers are a special people.

Wednesday: St Jean de Losne to Ouches
Private Winetasting at Clos de Vougeot
Our excursion today is a visit to Clos de Vougeot. Wine was produced here as early as the 12th century—by none other than the local monks. A private wine tasting follows before we return to Caprice. We are now cruising the Canal du Bourgogne with ample time for cycling and walking the tow path. This evening we will moor in the tiny village of Ouches.

Thursday: Ouches to Dijon
Explore Dijon
After your buffet breakfast aboard Caprice our motor coach will whisk you for a tour of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy. Dijon is a special place with a vivid history. We return to Caprice and then cruise the remaining distance into Dijon where there may be some time before our gala dinner for perhaps a bit more exploring of Dijon. Mooring tonight is in the Port of Dijon. Barging Thru France has become famous for it’s gala dinners. Tonight will be no exception. This is a final night with new found friends. Our experience is that many come back to cruise within a year and several come with friends they met on another cruise.

Friday: Onward transfer from Dijon
A Sad Farewell
Caprice is moored right in Dijon. The bus departs at 9:00 am and arrives at the Dijon Train Station in time for a 9:30 am train.  Alternatively you can pick up a rental car at the Station.

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.

Caprice

Guest Book

“The cruise exceeded my expectations! FABULOUS describes the crew: all were professional, helpful and soon became friends. I was sad to leave them. FABULOUS describes the cuisine: Better than most top restaurants I have been to. The best part of the sightseeing was our guide, Muriel Rzemien. She was outstanding in every way! As for the sights, I liked everything from the tours of the chateaux Longecourt and Rully, to the walking tour of Dijon, to the ancient hospitals in Beaune and Seurre.”

“Since I was a last minute replacement, I was very impressed with the help I got from your office in a short time frame. Keep up the good work. I hope to use your services again and take my husband next time!”
 -Kate Judson, cruised May, 2013
(Kate, thank you for your pictures, too.)

"We all loved the barge trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the other passengers, the sightseeing, food and wine and crew."
- Louise Lowell, cruised September, 2012

"The crew was fantastic, the other guests were wonderful, the location and logistics were great, the food was fabulous and the ambiance was just what we expected. The excursion to Chateau Rully with the Count was our favorite. Overall, it was a great adventure with compatible guests and an absolutely wonderful crew."
- Bill Roettger and Dorothy Williamson, cruised August, 2012

"The food and the dining/living/deck areas actually exceeded my expectations. Every member of the crew was absolutely fabulous! Tina, Lottie, Bianca, Frank, Marilyn, Roger and Guy were absolutely outstanding, ensuring everything was handled to perfection! Is there a cuisine rating above “excellent”??? Frank, our Chef, was amazing and I LOVED every meal. You are right about dieting before you barge...and dieting when it’s over! But worth every delicious bite! Again, they were beyond excellent! Marilyn, our driver and guide made every excursion a joy. She was so knowledgeable, skilled at driving, and had a wonderful personality and great sense of humor! Also, getting to visit small villages along the canal route was delightful. The Barge Lady services were fabulous! All information, travel tips, tickets, hotels booked were absolutely terrific and very helpful! And I truly appreciate your extra help for my “non-barge related tickets and hotel” to Avignon and back to Paris. The hotel in Avignon was perfectly located!"
- Carmie McCook, cruised July, 2012

"The barge crew were very accommodating and our Guide was knowledgeable, had great sense of humor, and was a good driver. The cuisine was excellent and the explanations prior to dining were very interesting, especially about the cheeses and wines. I liked that we had a sightseeing excursion each morning coming back for lunch, then could walk/bike in the afternoon; nice way to keep us occupied with time to visit, ride, read, watch the scenery go by. I'd sum up our experience on the barge as relaxing, interesting, a soothing way to see the French countryside, and a great way to eat local cuisine and drink local wines. The Barge Lady services were excellent with train tickets arriving in a timely fashion, answering questions about the experience, providing tips and information necessary to prepare for it. Thank you!"
- Evelyn and Byron Clayton, cruised June, 2012

"We were very pleased since we found all of our fellow passengers to be wonderful. Our expectation was that we were hoping there would be a couple that we liked but ended up it was the whole group. Luck of the draw but everyone was fun, interesting and a joy to share our six days together. All of us bonded after a short period of time and ended up singing together, biking, doing Pilates on the deck, being provided psychological counseling from our two resident physiologists, and having a great time.

The food was terrific and the service great. There was nice variety in what was prepared and the chef was engaging and fun. The preparation was excellent as well as the presentation. We ate like kings. This was certainly one of the best features of the experience.

The excursions were a highlight of the trip mainly due to the personality and efforts of our guide, Marilyn. Since neither of us are ‘tour’ type people and generally avoid group sightseeing activities, we found the locations selected to visit interesting and worthwhile, Marilyn’s guidance and explanations fascinating, and the whole experience a great value-added benefit of the cruise. The experience overall was great and would love to do it again."
- Mark and Sandra Benson, cruised May, 2012

"Caprice was my second "Barge Lady" barge cruise. The vessel had the same relaxed scenic travel I expected, the common areas of the boat were very comfortable and my fellow passengers were quite fun! The boat manager was so organized and the crew really seemed to enjoy each other. In fact, after the cruise ended, I spent an extra day in Dijon and ran into the barge guide on an excursion of her own to learn more about gingerbread and mustard so she can share with future barge guests! I was thoroughly impressed."
- Sharon Butler, cruised April, 2012 (repeat Barge Lady guest)

"Hi Ellen, We are at the airport in Paris waiting for our flight to Zagreb. Our barge trip was a "10" in all respects. The Caprice was a great barge and the crew was wonderful. We also lucked out with the 15 other passengers who were very fun folks. All in all we couldn't think of anything to improve the experience. The chef was off the chart and we will pay the price for weeks to come getting the pounds off. We have some other travel plans to discuss with you and thank you for booking this memorable trip. It is now tied with Bora Bora on our "best trip" list."
- Roger Scott and Tootje Maaskant, cruised September, 2011

"Barging is a perfect combination of elegance and sophistication along with casualness and relaxation. The number of passengers is small enough that everyone easily becomes friendly. On my recent cruise on the Caprice, the quality of food and wine was excellent. Meal highlights for me were the various delicious salads at lunch and the cheese course at dinner. How Hervé produced all those great meals in that tiny galley is beyond belief! Guy is an excellent guide with great knowledge of history and culture, and a good sense of humor. Two of the excursion highlights: 1)a private tour of Chateau Rully given by the current owner. The chateau has been in his family since the 12th century! To top off the tour, he served us wine from his vineyard. 2) a tour of the Hotel-Dieu in Beaune with its colorful tiled roof and beautifully restored and maintained interior including a magnificent painting of The Last Judgment by Flemish painter Roger van der Weyden. I loved taking in the pastoral scenes while biking on the towpaths, and gave homage to the cows for their part in the delicious cheese and butter!"
- Laura McLellan, cruised September, 2011 (repeat Barge Lady guest)

Caprice Floor Plan

128 Feet long
11 Lower deck cabins approx 100 sq ft
-All with private bath
-8 twin-bedded cabins
-2 double-bedded cabins
-1 single-occupancy cabin
In the Public Areas
-Salon/dining room with picture windows
-Large kitchen from where cooking classes are provided
-Sundeck with canopy
10 Bicycles
Mountain bikes, mixed sizes