Caprice
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 21
Size:128 feet long
Rating: First Class, A/C

2011 Value SEASON Rates*

Whole Boat Charter: $48,420
Individuals: $2,690
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,290

2011 VALUE SEASON DATES

April 2 - 8	July 30 - Aug 5	October 22 - 28
April 9 - 15	August 6 - 12	October 29 - Nov 4
July 16 - 22	August 13 - 19
July 23 - 29	August 20 - 26

2011 Regular Season Rates*

Whole Boat Charter: $52,020
Individuals: $2,890 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,290

2011 Regular SEASON DATES

April 16 - 22	May 28 - June 3	July 9 - 15	October 1 - 7
April 23 - 29	June 4 - 10	August 27 - Sept 2	October 8 - 14
April 30 - May 6	June 11 - 17	September 3 - 9	October 15 - 21
May 7 - 13	June 18 - 24	September 10 - 16
May 14 - 20	June 25 - July 1	September 17 - 23
May 21 - 27	July 2 - 8	September 24 - 30

* Prices do not include open bar, crew gratuity, or transfers to and from the routes. We would be happy to coordinate and book train transfers.

The value-priced CAPRICE is back in barging with optional cooking classes!

CAPRICE will offer the "Three Waterways in Burgundy" route, a classic itinerary which combines the most well-known sights of the region with cruising to larger towns and adorable small villages. Walk, bicycle, taste wine, and enjoy the local scene throughout.

The two level sundeck is spacious and the CAPRICE also has an BBQ that will be used one day to prepare a fun filled BBQ style lunch. 

On board, the ambiance is informal. The crew is experienced, but congenial. And what about enjoying some cooking classes?! A maximum of six guests will be permitted into the kitchen - they will assist in the daily preparation of the meals, with an emphasis on learning from the chef. Receive a cookbook and diploma, too. The cost is $250 per person additional to the cruise price.

CAPRICE is a fabulous choice for a family charter - everyone will be accommodated and have a wonderful time. We are thrilled to welcome back CAPRICE in 2011!

Caprice

"Three Waterways in Burgundy"

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

Saturday: Dijon to Ouges
A Fast Start to Cruising in Burgundy!
We'll meet you in front of the Dijon train Station at 4;15 pm. (Transfers to and from Dijon are not included in the cruise price and must be booked separately. Our office would be happy to coordinate and ticket your journey on the high-speed TGV train between Paris and Dijon.) Then transfer to Caprice moored in Dijon Harbor - where you'll be warmly welcomed with the traditional Champagne Welcome and introduction to crew. Relax on deck as Caprice sets sail to the mooring at Ouges. You'll get to know your fellow guests at the first of many gourmet dinners on board!

Sunday: Visit Dijon, Cruise to St Jean de Losne
Touring, Bicycling, Walking, Relaxing....
After your breakfast buffet, board out motorcoach for the short trip back to Dijon.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 shop: Think mustard, antiques and souvenirs! Return for lunch on board and continued canal cruising into the heart of the Burgundy countryside. Now is the perfect time to walk along the towpath or cycle into a nearby village! This evening we will moor in St Jean de Losne, traditionally the center of barging in Burgundy. It is in St Jean de Losne that the Canal de Bourgogne with merges with the river Saone. 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. It is a unique village.

Monday: St Jean de Losne to Chalon sur Saone
Enchanting Town Center in Chalon sur Saone
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 before we return to Caprice. This afternoon we will cruise to Chalons sur Saone. CHALON SUR SAONE is the second largest city in Burgundy and has been an important trading center since Gallo-Roman times. There will be time to visit the beautiful medieval town center surrounding the Cathedral St Vincent.

Tuesday: Chalon sur Saone to Chagny
Visit a 12th-Century Chateau
Today we enter the Canal du Centre from the Saone through a lock with a fifty foot rise. 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. This afternoon we will have an excursion to the nearby village of Rully for a private guided tour of the 12c. Chateau. When we return to Caprice it will be moored in the lovely little town of Chagny.

Wednesday: Chagny to Santenay
Beaune - Wine Capital of Burgundy
Morning excursion 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. Afternoon cruise through the meanders of the Canal du Centre to moor in the midst of the famous vineyards of SANTENAY.

Thursday: Santenay to St Leger-sur-Dheune
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 on to the picturesque village of St léger-sur-Dheune for a farewell gala dinner.

Friday: Return to Dijon
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, we'll transfer you back to the Dijon Rail Station to meet a late morning TGV train back to Paris, estimated train departure time is 11:00am. (Alternatively, you may take a train to any other destination, pick up a rental car or check into a local hotel - the choice is yours!) We hope to see you back on Caprice!

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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!
We'll meet you in front of the Dijon train Station at 4:15 pm. (Transfers to and from Dijon are not included in the cruise price and must be booked separately. Our office would be happy to coordinate and ticket your journey on the high-speed TGV train between Paris and Dijon.) 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: Ouchesto 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: Dijon
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast our bus will take you and your luggage to the Dijon train station, 3 minutes away. You will be in plenty of time for any train leaving after 10 a.m. It is a quick taxi ride for those who must leave earlier.

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

"It was everything we hoped for. The crew was very courteous and attentive. The meals were excellent, through and through. The options to walk, bike or just cruise allowed everyone to enjoy within their own limitations. We enjoyed being a part of a small passenger group because it allowed everyone to share meals with all other passengers several times. By the end of the week, we were a friendly group. Exploring the many French villages on our route by bicycle and on foot was our most enjoyable highlight."
-Jon and Patricia Varvel, 2008

"Magali our guide was exceptional! We hated to leave - very special people and very special time!"
-Pat and Judy Easterbrook, 2008

"It was a very special European Experience which we will never forget. The food was gourmet and exceptional and the chef held two cooking demonstrations which were inspirational. The crew truly spoiled us the whole week - anything we wanted or needed was provided even before we knew we needed it. I would definitely recommend everyone try a barge vacation. In fact, we are already talking about our next barge adventure and I can hardly wait!"
-Cindy and Erin McCauley, 2008

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
-Salon/dining room with picture windows
-Large kitchen from where cooking classes are provided
-Sundeck with canopy
-Laptop computer-extra charge
-French cell phones for rent