top of page

Sail Through Burgundy and Provence with Doug Margerum

July 30 -

August 6, 2026

AmaCello

FRANCE

Savor the wines, cuisine, and culture of France alongside renowned winemaker Doug Margerum aboard a luxury AmaWaterways river cruise. More than a river cruise, this is an opportunity to experience Burgundy and Provence alongside one of California's most respected winemakers while sharing the journey with fellow wine lovers.

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS


  • Hosted by Doug Margerum

  • Burgundy & Provence

  • Luxury AmaWaterways River Cruise

  • Exclusive Wine Experiences

  • Limited Availability

Why This Journey is Special

The world's great wine regions are best experienced alongside the people who know them intimately.


Join renowned winemaker Doug Margerum for an unforgettable journey through Burgundy and Provence, where exceptional wines, remarkable cuisine, and centuries of history converge along France's rivers.


Throughout the voyage, guests will enjoy exclusive opportunities to interact with Doug, gain insight into the world of wine, and share experiences with fellow travelers who appreciate exceptional food, wine, and culture.


Combined with the comfort and intimacy of an AmaWaterways river cruise, this journey is designed to immerse, inspire, and connect.

shutterstock_2679433239.jpg
shutterstock_2679433239.jpg

Meet Your Hosts

Doug Margerum

Founder of Margerum Wine Company and one of Santa Barbara's most respected vintners, Doug has spent decades building a reputation for exceptional winemaking and hospitality.


His passion for wine, food, travel, and storytelling makes him an engaging host and a favorite among guests who enjoy learning directly from industry experts.


Highlights:

  • Founder, Margerum Wine Company

  • Pioneer of Santa Barbara wine country

  • James Beard Award nominee

  • Restaurateur & wine educator


"Wine has a remarkable way of connecting people to places. I look forward to sharing Burgundy and Provence with you."

Journey Highlights

Includes:

  • Hosted wine tastings

  • Exclusive wine discussions with Doug

  • Luxury AmaWaterways river cruise

  • Specialty hosted events

  • Historic villages & UNESCO sites

  • Exceptional French cuisine

  • Included shore excursions

  • Travel with fellow wine enthusiasts

shutterstock_2679433239.jpg
shutterstock_2679433239.jpg

Your Ship

The AmaWaterways Experience

Exploring Burgundy and Provence by river offers a uniquely relaxed and immersive way to experience France.


Aboard the elegant AmaCello, you'll travel through some of the country's most celebrated wine regions and historic towns while enjoying the comfort of a floating boutique hotel. Rather than packing and unpacking between destinations, you'll settle into your stateroom once and wake each day to a new view, a new village, and a new experience waiting to be discovered.


With just 144 guests, AmaCello offers an intimate atmosphere, personalized service, and beautifully appointed accommodations designed for comfort and relaxation.

Guests Enjoy:

Locally Inspired Cuisine

Meals onboard reflect the regions you're exploring, featuring fresh local ingredients, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and carefully selected wines that complement the journey. From regional specialties to elegant multi-course dinners, dining becomes an integral part of the experience.


Included Excursions

A variety of guided excursions are included throughout the voyage, allowing guests to explore charming villages, historic landmarks, vineyards, and cultural treasures with knowledgeable local guides.


Wellness & Active Exploration

For those who enjoy staying active while traveling, AmaWaterways offers guided walks, biking opportunities, wellness programs, and fitness facilities onboard—allowing guests to experience each destination at their own pace.


Intimate Luxury

Unlike larger ocean vessels, river ships dock in the heart of many destinations, offering convenient access to local culture and allowing travelers to experience the region more deeply. With fewer guests and attentive service, the experience feels personal, welcoming, and unhurried.


Unpack Once, Discover More

One of the greatest luxuries of river cruising is simplicity. As the scenery unfolds outside your window, your accommodations travel with you—creating a seamless journey through Burgundy and Provence without the hassle of changing hotels or managing logistics.


The result is a travel experience that feels effortless, enriching, and perfectly suited to the art of slow exploration.


Includes:


Day-by-Day Itinerary

shutterstock_2679433239.jpg
Day 1: - Lyon - EMBARKATION Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Flavors of Burgundy cruise. (B,D)
Day 2: Lyon - Beaujolais wine tasting “France’s Culinary Capital” city tour OR Les Halles Market tasting tour OR Lyon bike tour
Day 3: - Mâcon “The South Burgundy City” Mâcon tour OR Cluny excursion ​ Scenic cruising OR Mâconnais wine tasting OR Mâcon-Tournus bike tour ​ 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. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Tournus. Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Mâcon to Tournus. (B,L,D)
Day 4: - Tournus Tournus city tour & Abbey of Saint Philibert visit OR Château Cormatin OR Medieval Brancion Chalon-sur-Saône ​ Scenic cruising OR Chalonnaise wine tasting OR Tournus-Chalon bike tour ​ 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. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône, or learn about centuries old traditions while sampling the region’s famous Chalonnaise wines. Alternatively, pedal from Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône on an exhilarating guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 5: - Chalon-sur-Saône Historic city tour OR Chalon-sur-Saône bike tour Seurre Scenic cruising OR Côtes de Nuits wine tasting 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 Seurre. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 6: - Seurre Beaune excursion OR Art du Tonneau Cooperage Experience OR Seurre walking tour ​ Scenic cruising OR Seurre-Dijon bike tour ​ 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 or opt for a more active outing with a bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7: - Dijon Dijon city tour OR Château d’Arcelot visit OR “Banks of the Saone” Bike tour ​ 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, 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 Rhone-Rhine Canal. Or choose to 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8: - Dijon - DISEMBARKATION Bid farewell to Dijon and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
shutterstock_2679433239.jpg

Accommodations and Pricing

Suite Categories

Inclusions

Deposit

Cancellation

VIEW PRICING & RESERVE
bottom of page