Seven nights sailing the Saône River through Burgundy's vineyards, wine regions and historic sites
Wine tastings in Burgundy's renowned Côtes de Nuits and Côte Chalonnaise regions
Guided tours of medieval towns, châteaux and the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert
Scenic river sailing past elegant vineyards and historic landmarks
Trip Details
Departs
Thu 25 Mar 2027
Returns
Thu 1 Apr 2027
Embarks
Lyon
Disembarks
Port of Dijon
Ship
AmaCello
Operator
AMAWaterways
Embark on a journey that caters to discerning tastes and highlights the decadent French flavors throughout the Burgundy region. Enjoy crisp wine tastings throughout your journey in beautiful destinations such as Seurre, Tournus, Mâcon and Lyon. Absorb the breathtaking scenery of elegant vineyards and historic sites as you sail along the Saône River. Savor exquisite regional cuisine and delightful treats on board and in the wonderful ports you visit. More than just the incredible food and drink you will taste throughout this itinerary, the flavors of Burgundy expand to the rich culture and fascinating history, all of which you will enjoy on this captivating journey.
This river cruise journeys through France, calling at Port of Dijon, Port of Dijon, Seurre, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, Macon, Lyon and Lyon.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaCello.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaCello
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaCello
Deck plans
4
AmaCello · Deck plans
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Port of Dijon
Thu 25 Mar
PORT OF DIJON, FRANCE – EMBARKATION. Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Flavors of Burgundy cruise. Please be advised the ship will be docked in Saint-Jean-de-Losne and is located approximately 30 minutes’ walk from the train station. Purchasing one of our transfer options between Dijon and Saint-Jean-de-Losne is strongly recommended for guests embarking on our 7-night cruise without a pre-cruise land package.
2
Port of Dijon
Fri 26 Mar
PORT OF DIJON, – SEURRE, FRANCE. Famously known as the “Birthplace of Mustard,” Dijon was the home to the four Dukes of Burgundy from 1364 to 1477. On a guided tour, explore Dijon’s medieval center which overflows with art and cultural heritage, showcased within several spectacular museums. Alternatively, visit the stunning Château d’Arcelot, with elements dating back to the 13th century. The Château d’Arcelot blends medieval religious structures, neoclassical architecture, and even a Chinese pavilion into a fascinating architectural marvel. Or embark on a guided bike tour along the Saône River and witness captivating sites such as the lock controlling the river’s access to the Rhône-Rhine Canal.
3
Seurre
Sat 27 Mar
SEURRE – CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FRANCE. Visit the town of Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hospices de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Guests interested in wine making can learn more about cooperage, or the art of making wine barrels, in this interactive workshop that guides you through the process of crafting barrels through traditional methods. You may also join a guided tour through Seurre, unraveling its rich tapestry of heritage and charm. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic sailing by the picturesque city of Chalon-Sur-Saône. Alternatively, sample the highly esteemed vintages from the Côtes de Nuits region on a guided wine tasting, surrounded by the oaken casks and intricately tiled roofs that bring this sommelier’s fantasy to life.
4
Chalon-sur-Saône
Sun 28 Mar
CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE – TOURNUS, FRANCE. Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past, which you will discover on your historic city tour. You may also choose to explore the city on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Tournus, or learn about centuries old traditions while sampling the region’s famous Chalonnaise wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-sur-Saône to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour.
5
Tournus
Mon 29 Mar
TOURNUS – MÂCON, FRANCE. Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Mâcon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Mâcon. Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Mâcon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Mâcon.
6
Macon
Tue 30 Mar
MÂCON , FRANCE. Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world’s largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Active guests can join a guided bike tour through the city.
7
Lyon
Wed 31 Mar
LYON, FRANCE. Discover dynamic Lyon, starting with a tasting of Beaujolais wines at a traditional winery. In the afternoon, you may join a tour of Lyon that starts in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” If you’re a self-described foodie, our Les Halles Market tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind.
8
Lyon
Thu 1 Apr
LYON, FRANCE – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Lyon and prepare for your return flight home.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Dijon city tour.
Château d’Arcelot visit.
Dijon bike tour.
Beaune excursion.
Art du Tonneau Cooperage Experience.
Seurre walking tour.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaCello.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category A
Category B
Category C
Category D
Category E
Single
Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Smithsonian Journeys) stateroom
From the operator
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 25 Mar 2027 and 05 Aug 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
