THE FLAVORS OF BURGUNDY RIVER CRUISE YOU DID NOT KNOW YOU NEEDED
- carrie

- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
H O S T E D G R O U P S A I L I N G | A M A W A T E R W A Y S
There is a corner of France that does not try to impress
you. It simply pulls up a chair, pours a glass of Pinot
Noir, and lets the rolling vineyards do the talking.
That is Burgundy, and I am hosting a small group of
travelers there on an AmaWaterways Flavors of Burgundy
sailing, and I would love for you to join us.

I'm sharing the way I would be with a friend over coffee (or glass of wine). When I first looked at this itinerary I was not immediately sure it would rival the big-name rivers. The Rhine and Danube get all the fanfare. But the Saône? This is a different kind of beautiful. It is quieter, more intimate, and the towns along the way feel genuinely discovered rather than touristy. That is exactly what drew me in.
I actually just returned from sailing the Rhône this past October, hosting a group from Arles all the way up to Lyon. That trip confirmed everything I already believed about river cruising in France: the pace is perfect, the scenery never gets old, and there is something genuinely special about watching the landscape unfold from the water. The Saône, which picks up
right where the Rhône leaves off in Lyon, carries that same magic north into the heart of Burgundy.
The sailing begins in Lyon, one of the greatest food cities in all of Europe. From there, the ship sails North along the Saône through Mâcon, Tournus, Seurre, and Chalon-sur-Saône before arriving in Dijon, the heartland of Burgundian culture and cuisine. Seven nights of unhurried travel, world-class wine, and regional food that makes you want to cancel your return flight.
What Makes This Itinerary Special
AmaWaterways designed Flavors of Burgundy specifically for travelers who want depth over check-lists. Every excursion is built around experiencing the region, not just photographing it. Guided tastings in ancient cellars surrounded by oak barrels, cycling through the vineyard-countryside, and wandering through medieval market towns that most visitors to France never find.
On board, the dining is exceptional. The chefs source locally, so you are eating the same ingredients, prepared simply and beautifully and dinner each evening includes wines from regional producers. What makes this departure even more special is that it sails as a wine-themed cruise, with a dedicated wine host on board for the full journey. This is
someone who will lead tastings, share context, and deepen the whole experience in a way that goes beyond what you would typically find on a river cruise. If wine is part of why you travel, this is going to feel like it was made for you.
What's Included in This Sailing
✦ 7 nights aboard AmaWaterways in a beautifully appointed stateroom
✦ All onboard meals with regionally inspired menus and complimentary wine at dinner
✦ Included shore excursions in every port, with options for active travelers and leisurely explorers alike
✦ Exclusive wine tastings in Burgundy's most celebrated cellars
✦ Guided tours through Lyon, Mâcon, Tournus, Seurre, and Dijon
✦ Bicycling and walking options along the vineyard routes
✦ Onboard wine host leading curated tastings and wine education throughout the sailing
✦ Port charges, taxes, and gratuities included
✦ Optional pre-cruise extension in Geneva and post-cruise extension in Paris
✦ Hosted by me, your river cruise specialist, for the full sailing
Make It a Longer Adventure
If you want to extend your trip, there are optional land extensions on both ends. You can add a few nights in Geneva before the cruise begins, which is a beautiful way to ease into European time and enjoy the Swiss lakeside before boarding. On the back end, Paris makes for an absolutely wonderful way to close out the journey. A few days in the city after a week of Burgundy countryside feels like the perfect pairing.
Why Travel with a Hosted Group
Here is what I believe about group travel: the right group makes every moment richer. You share the surprise of a hidden courtyard, laugh over an unexpected detour, and end each evening comparing notes over a toast (santé!) with people who genuinely love being where they are.
As your host, I will be with you every step of the way. I know this cruise line, I know how river cruising works, and I am there to make sure the details are handled so you can simply be present and enjoy it. My groups tend to be curious, warm, well-traveled people who are ready to experience France at its most unhurried and most delicious. If that sounds like you, I think you will feel right at home.
Is This for You?
This sailing is a great fit if you have been dreaming about France but want something more personal than a major city tour. It is perfect for wine lovers, food lovers, and anyone who finds joy in slow travel through beautiful places. Couples love it. Solo travelers find an instant community. And this is the kind of trip that was made for a girls trip or a friends getaway. Picture a few of your favorite people, world class wine, beautiful French countryside, and zero decisions to make beyond what to put in your glass. If you have never been on a river cruise before, Flavors of Burgundy is one of the loveliest introductions to the experience.

Let's Talk About Burgundy
I would love to answer your questions and tell you everything I know about this incredible sailing.
Or reach me directly at carrie@carriejeantravel.com | 612.581.6608
Carrie Jean
River Cruise Specialist | Carrie Jean Travel










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