GRAND VICTORIA, a 6-passenger ultra-deluxe barge, cruises in Southern Burgundy, France
GRAND VICTORIA Cruise Stops
GRAND VICTORIA is the original creation of owners Edward Anderson and Cindy Unvericht who transformed this unique vessel into a luxury charter yacht ideal for floating the canals and rivers of France.
The vision of providing "a moveable feast" with gracious living reminiscent of Hemingway's time in Paris mixed with time to enjoy Burgundy in depth is born from Edward's experience as an international safari and tour guide. Their unique style and personal attention to detail set them apart in the services they offer. Leisurely cruising, time for shopping and exploring together with two lunches in local restaurants and a variety of dining experiences on board offer their guests a diverse and flexible itinerary that can be customized around passengers' interests.
This barge cruise is an ideal private charter for family and friends who want to spend time together relaxing on board or walking and biking the towpaths and villages in Burgundy. Add to that fun and diverse excursions capped by delicious meals and famous wines, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable barge vacation.
Cruise Highlights
- Pickup and return to Paris by your private driver
- Walking tour of Dole, home of Louis Pasteur
- Visit and wine tasting at the famous Clos de Vougeot
- Enjoy the extensive covered food market in Dijon and explore the many boutiques in this historic town. Lunch at a local bistro.
- Enjoy the 12-century family owned Chateau de Rully overlooking its own vineyards - a wine tasting bien sur!
- Tour the medieval Hospice de Beaune and roam the cobblestone streets of this famous Cote d'Or wine capital.
- A special lunch at the 3-star Michelin restaurant, Lameloise, in Chagny.
- Enjoy a tour and wine tasting at Chateau de Pommard, the largest privately owned clos in the Cote d'Or.
- All-inclusive with open bar, wines with lunch and dinner, gourmet cuisine, guided excursions and many extras
- Time to relax or walk and bike the towpaths and villages along the canal
Cruise Features
Owner/Captain Edward Anderson
Number of Passengers: 6
Category: Ultra Deluxe
Cabin Bookings: Yes, with 2 cabin minimum
Charter Bookings: Yes
Cruising Region: Saone River and Canal du Centre, Southern Burgundy
Length of Cruise: 6 nights - Sunday to Saturday
Cruising Season: April - October
Theme Cruises: Upon request
Meeting Location: One location in Paris. Transportation by van included.
Floorplan
Cruise Rates 2023 - charter only
|
Sunday to Saturday (6 nights) |
|
|
2023 Value Season Departures |
|
| 2023 Value Season Charter Rates | |
| 4 passengers | $43,900 |
| 5 passengers | $44,500 |
|
6 passengers |
$45,900 |
|
2023 Regular Season Departures |
|
| 2023 Regular Season Charter Rates | |
| 4 passengers |
$47,900 |
| 5 passengers |
$48,500 |
| 6 passengers |
$49,900 |
Included in Cruise Price
- Chauffeured transfers between Paris or Geneva and the barge
- Six nights' accommodation in private stateroom with ensuite bath
- All meals, wine and drinks on board
- Open bar
- Daily escorted excursions by air-conditioned van
- All barge amenities including bicycles, hot tub on deck, music system, library, etc.
Not Included in Cruise Price
- Air or other transportation to the meeting location
- Trip cancellation or medical insurance (available when booking)
- Personal expenses
- A discretionary gratuity for the crew (suggested 5-10% of the cruise price)
GRAND VICTORIA Features
| Passengers: 6 Category: Ultra Deluxe Crew: 6 (small hypoallergenic dog on board) Barge Size: 128 ft long Cabins: 3 Cabin Size: 162 sq ft including ensuite bathroom Accommodations: 3 suites with king or extra large twin beds Heat & Air: Central heat and air conditioning Amenities
Theme CruisesOn request |
|
Cruising on GRAND VICTORIA
Auxonne to Chagny (or reverse)
Sunday - Arrival at Auxonne
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Grand Victoria at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the charming town of Auxonne. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard. After dinner, feel free to take a dip in the hot tub with a nightcap.
Monday - Auxonne to St. Jean de Losne
After a relaxed walking tour of Dole, a morning cruise is the perfect time to discover the towpath's flora and fauna with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. This afternoon, explore Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks made wine in the 12th century. The ancient Clos now serves as the headquarters of the revered wine society Chevaliers du Tastevin, who annually award special labels to the finest Cote d’Or vintages. Enjoy an informal and private tasting at a local winery before returning to Grand Victoria for sundowners and dinner onboard.
Tuesday - St. Jean de Losne to Seurre
The town of Dijon offers a pleasurable assault of the senses. "Les Halles”, the covered food market, presents colorful produce; jars of mustard are displayed in boutiques; and public spaces beckon with greenery and scenery. Shop, sip, and stroll through this charming town brimming with authentic French life. Take time to explore Dijon’s specialty shops and charming boutiques, and enjoy luncheon at a local bistro before returning to Grand Victoria for an afternoon cruise on the scenic River Saone. Cocktails and canapes precede tonight's dinner.
Wednesday - Seurre to Chalon-sur-Saone
This morning's cruise provides the perfect opportunity to relax on deck with a cup of coffee and admire the beautiful Burgundian scenery slip by. Once moored, your Tour Guide escorts you the the family-owned Chateau de Rully, a 12th century castle overlooking its own vast vineyards. Experience the storied history of this private home, including a sampling of chateau-grown vintages in the property's grand kitchen. Return to Grand Victoria for another epicurean dinner, and enjoy a nighttime stroll into the delightful port of Chalon-sur-Saone.
Thursday - Chalon-sur-Saone to Fragnes
This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you to the charming town of Beaune, the region's wine capital, for a guided visit to the Hospice de Beaune, a preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century, and still in use through the 1970s. Afterward, return to the barge for Grand Victoria's signature craft cocktails -- and an impromptu dance party! Explore the barge’s diverse selection of vintage vinyl and turn up the volume of all your favorite 45s. Meanwhile, Chef gets into the groove as he adds the final touches to tonight's gourmet dinner.
Friday - Franges to Chagny with 3-star Michelin lunch in Chagny
This morning's cruise is a wonderful time to relax on deck, or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. Then it is on to a special lunch ashore at Lameloise, a Michelin 3-star rated restaurant, recently voted as one of the world’s best. This afternoon, the epicurean delights continue with a tour and tasting at Chateau de Pommard, the largest privately-owned Clos in the Cote d’Or. Return to the Grand Victoria where the crew toasts the week at tonight's festive Farewell Feast, followed by a pub crawl back in Beaune!
Saturday - Transfer from Chagny
After a Champagne Breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change at any time.
Barge Cruise Reviews for Grand Victoria
"The cabins were over the top. Better than I have at home. The barge and accommodations exceeded our expectations, and the excursions were perfect for a first time visitor. The crew was extra special, friendly and very sensitive to our needs. One thing that I think is very important, this was a luxury cruise. The boat was not a barge but a yacht that was turned into a hotel. The owners did a fantastic job outfitting the boat. The quality of the food was understated and was equal to any 5 star restaurant." Sally O.
"The owners, the crew and the staff were very welcoming and met our every need. As I have mentioned, the food and wine were absolutely phenomenal. Having never been on a barge cruise we didn't know what to think but the experience was 5 star service, 5 star accommodations 5+ star food and delightful people to be around. We also really enjoyed learning about the Burgundy wines and tasting them. The trip had a nice mix of cruising and/or walking and excursions. I really can't stress enough that the people on board, the class of service, food and the beautiful boat really made the trip!" Megan M.
"The barge was clean, modern, and very comfortable. The crew could not have been more efficient or helpful. They were courteous and just plain fun. Hostess Cat was our favorite. She anticipated our every need with a smile." Diane W.
"A wonderful experience with GREAT accommodations. The excursions and cruise route were very interesting and diversified. The crew was excellent and the chef fantastic." Kenneth M.