The Wine
The wines offered on board a Grand Victoria luxury cruise are diverse! They work with a local sommelier to provide guests an exemplary pairing experience with every meal. Guests delight in more than two dozen Burgundy wines, which are selected for the wine cellar after careful tastings by the sommelier working with the Grand Victoria to ensure the perfect pairing.
hotel barge Grand Victoria Rully 1st Cru ChardonnayThe tour guide drives routes winding through vineyards for a scenic drive before guests taste wines from Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru appellations. Some of Burgundy’s best vintages can be tasted in the Côte d’Or, Côte de Beaune, the Côte de Nuits, with excursions to the renowned vineyards Gevrey Chambertin, Pommard, Meursault, and Chassagne Montrachet included in their itineraries.
Gourmet Cuisine
On the Classic Burgundy Itinerary cruising on the Canal de Bourgogne the Grand Victoria offers lunch ashore at the restored Abbaye de la Bussiere in La Bussière-sur-Ouche, once a pilgrimage retreat built in 1131 offers guests a full day of French experiences. Today, the Abbaye is a Relais & Chateaux hotel and with a magnificent Michelin-starred extravagant restaurant. On market day in Dijon, guests dine at the O’Bareuzai bistro a wonderful local restaurant for guests to relax and enjoy the bustling surroundings.
hotel barge Grand Victoria dines at O’Bareuzai bistro in Dijon, FranceThe chef offers an innovative menu on the Grand Victoria luxury barge infusing the simplicity of classic French cuisine with a modern twist and fresh ingredients. This emphasis on fresh and local ingredients imparts bold flavors dishes. Guests enjoy an excellent selection of meat from New Zealand lamb to Charolais beef which is one of the oldest beef cattle in the world, making for savory meals. After all, the food has to be outstanding to compete with the wine!
Hotel Barge Grand Victoria seared scallops with truffle potato pureé and sweet ginger chilly with deep fried baby leek haystackThe gastronomic food market in Dijon is every guest’s favorite culinary treat. Joining the chef for a cooking class in the afternoon is another way to experience their gourmet cuisine firsthand in the demonstration galley kitchen.
Quaint lock keepers
Many old locks on the burgundy canal waterways are tended by lock keepers, and passing through them on the Grand Victoria becomes a fun and exciting experience for guests. When barges enter a lock, lock keepers race out to crank the lock doors closed, raising or lowering the rushing water levels enough to let the barge cruise through.
hotel barge Grand Victoria burgundy canal lockInteresting History
Barging in 16th century France had a completely different meaning from the travel experience guests experience today. The elaborate canal system in France was designed to transport coal, grains, and other goods that were difficult to move by land. History buffs will love the fact that today luxurious barges were once working ships carrying cargo along the same winding waterways.
hotel barge Grand Victoria cruising the Burgundy canalLeisurely Day Excursions
The canals and rivers in France are surrounded by towns and villages with historical charm, vineyard visits, and excursions include private tours of ancient châteaux.
hotel barge Grand Victoria guests visit châteauGuided tours of historical architectural wonders are some of the top highlights of a barge trip. The Grand Victoria guests visit the Hospice de Beaune in the town of Beaune, which was built in 1443 and is one of the finest examples of French 15th-century architecture. For those who prefer to just relax instead of embarking on busy historical excursions, it's wonderful to just sit on the deck and watch the scenery pass you by.
Hospice de Beaune in the town of Beaune - Hotel Barge Grand VictoriaThe Grand Victoria
The owners enjoy bringing their sense of adventure to guests. We want to see the world differently, and we want to share that with the world in the way we know how. The journeys present unique opportunities for the modern adventurer to explore all that Burgundy has to offer wine, golf, cuisine, history, art in luxurious comfort and style.
Hotel Barge Grand Victoria luxury en-suite stateroom An all-inclusive experience with unrivaled cabin space, furnished with the quality linens and beautiful furniture our guests deserve, provides the ultimate in comfort. While each cabin is uniquely furnished with modern staples, including AppleTVs. The main salon will be a gathering area for the guests to relax with the vintage sound of vinyl, a glass in hand courtesy of an open bar. This commitment to guests’ comfort does not end at the gangway. They personally lead guests on tours around Burgundy. The all-inclusive itineraries are flexible to meet guests’ desire and interests focusing on the adventure of all Burgundy has to offer. They aim to provide a life experience, not just a vacation. The on-hands attention to detail ensures guests return home with a story to share.
On the Grand Victoria you’ll see the world differently, and enjoy the fantastically relaxing journey. Cruise and share and write your story with about your cruise on the Grand Victoria with those you love!
