Gala Dinner
* Smoked Salmon and St. Jacques Terrine
* Sorbet de Poire with Poire Liqueur
* Steak with Red Wine Sauce, Rosti and Dauphin Potatoes, Vegetable Bouquet
* Melted Chocolate Dessert with Creme Anglais
* Chocolates, Coffee and Liqueurs
Wines
Chablis Premier Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2001
Beaune Premier Cru Les Greves 1998

Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy

• Auxerre, a lovely cobblestoned river town with buildings from many eras
• Winetasting, first in the 11th-century cellars in St. Bris, followed by a second tasting in the famed wine town of Chablis
• Grottes d'Arcy, caves used as shelter in the Stone Age
• Basilica de Marie Magdelene at the top of the walled town of Vezelay
• Chateau de Bazoches, a rare example of a fully furnished, working chateau owned by the family of the famed military architect, Vauban

Itinerary April 5 - May 30, 2008
Chocolate and Wine Cruise
on the Burgundy Canal

"Le Chocolat Cruise" for Wine lovers and Chocoholics. The theme for spring is wines and chocolate. And . . . gorgeous cruising, adorable villages and a romantic chateau!

Saturday
After pick up in Paris at 2 pm, we drive to the Elisabeth moored in the delightfull chateau village of Tanlay. Settle in after a champagne reception and maybe take a stroll around the village. We start our chocolate week with tonight's dessert.

Sunday
This morning we will cruise to Ancy le Franc where we will visit the chateau, beautifully restored and a real delight to visit. Back on board, a wine tasting of the local Tonneroise wines is in order.

Monday
Today's cruise is to Ravierres, and here we will depart for a pleasant drive through the villages to Chablis for our wine tasting and a visit to the chocolaterie to hear the history of and taste the chocolate Pillars of Chablis. Back to the barge via medieval Noyer, one of the top five prettiest villages of France.

Tuesday
Today starts with a leisurely cruise to Montbard. From here we will go to Epoisses for a cheese visit and wine tasting. For those that are interested, we can arrange a cooking demonstration today. Back to Elisabeth for dinner and our second chocolate dessert.

Wednesday
This morning, we will start to notice the climb up the valley to Veneray les Laumes. The cruising just gets prettier as we go. Our visit this afternoon is to The Abbay de Fontenay, a Unesco world heritage site. This wonderful abbey is the last complete Cistercian monastery left in France. Tranquility and beauty describe it perfectly. Back at Elisabeth, our chef will give a demonstration on the making of tiny chocolate petit fours.

Thursday
Our last cruise takes us to Pouillenay, a climb up with fabulous views over the countryside. We finish our week with a lunch in the village of Flavigny (WHERE THE CHOCOLATE was made) and a walking tour of the village. From here we will drive the short distance to Alesia to see the site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gaules. The Roman ruins and amphitheatre date back to 345bc. Returning to Elisabeth in time for a rest before Captain's dinner and our last chocolate feast.

Friday
This morning, we drive you back to Paris after breakfast. We hope you have enjoyed your cruise aboard the Elisabeth.
On alternative weeks, this cruise is offered in reverse. Pick up (Saturday) and drop off (Friday) for all passengers will be Paris.

On alternate weeks, this cruise is offered in reverse.

Itinerary June 7 - Oct 31, 2008
Auxerre to Clamecy
The Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy

Saturday
You'll be met mid-afternoon in Paris and chauffeured to Elisabeth at anchor in Auxerre; the Medieval town rising dramatically behind the Quai. After the traditional champagne welcome, there will be time to unpack and take a stroll before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Sunday
Begin the day with a "tasting" of local Cremes, wine to which fruit-based alcohol mixes have been added. Then tour Auxerre, a lovely cobblestoned town with buildings from many eras, including the Gothic Cathedral St. Etienne. Back on board, you'll enjoy a lunch buffet on deck during your lazy afternoon cruise to Vincelles. Bicycle or walk the towpath - or just stay on board and watch the amazing scenery float by!

Monday
An early morning start means a long and languid cruise to the charming port of Vermenton. Then it's on to winetasting, first in the 11th-century cellars of the Berson family in St. Bris, followed by a second tasting in the famed wine town of Chablis. Back on board, you'll taste wines of the area at dinner.

Tuesday
Sheena leads a fascinating visit to the Grottes d'Arcy, caves used as shelter in the Stone Age and containing numerous paintings from the Neolithic and Mesolithic periods. (Sheena is he only outside guide allowed in the case.) Then back to Elisabeth for a cruise to Mailly le Chateau and a walk in the village before dinner.

Wednesday
Cruise this morning to the pretty village of Lucy sur Yonne, followed by a magical tour of the Basilica de Marie Magdelene at the top of the walled town of Vezelay. Walk the winding cobblestoned streets, lined with old houses and boutiques. Then it's back to Elisabeth in time to take a walk or bicycle ride before another gourmet dinner.

Thursday
Following the morning cruise to Clamecy, you'll depart for Chateau de Bazoches, a rare example of a fully furnished, working chateau owned by the family of the famed military architect, Vauban. Then it's back to the barge to prepare for the festive Captain's dinner which ends your cruise in high style.

Friday
After breakfast, you'll depart Elisabeth about 9 am returning to Paris about noon.

On alternate weeks, this cruise is offered in reverse. This itinerary is a suggested itinerary which can be adapted to special requests and needs.