Sail Through Burgundy with Lee and Tessa Martinelli

June 10 -

June 17, 2027

AmaCello

FRANCE

Experience the birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside one of Sonoma County's most respected wine families. Cruise Burgundy aboard the elegant AmaCello while enjoying exclusive wine experiences, hosted events, and unforgettable moments with Lee Martinelli Jr. and Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch.

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS

Hosted by Lee Martinelli Jr. & Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch
Martinelli Winery – Russian River Valley
Luxury AmaWaterways River Cruise
Exclusive Hosted Wine Experiences
Burgundy's Legendary Vineyards
Limited Availability

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Why This Journey is Special

Some of the world's finest wines begin with exceptional vineyards—and few families understand that better than the Martinellis.

Join fourth-generation vintner Lee Martinelli Jr. and fifth-generation family member Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch as you explore Burgundy, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay first earned worldwide acclaim. Throughout this unforgettable journey, you'll discover charming villages, world-renowned vineyards, and centuries of French history while sharing the experience with one of California's most respected wine families.

Guests will enjoy hosted wine tastings, engaging conversations, exclusive hosted events, and the opportunity to compare the traditions of Burgundy with the winemaking philosophies that have made Martinelli Winery a favorite among collectors and wine lovers alike.

Combined with AmaWaterways' exceptional service and intimate atmosphere, this journey offers the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and unforgettable wine experiences.

Meet Your Hosts

Lee Martinelli Jr.

Fourth-generation farmer and proprietor of Martinelli Winery, Lee Martinelli Jr. has spent his life among the vineyards of Sonoma County. By age eleven he was already driving tractors and working alongside his family in the orchards, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for farming and viticulture.

Over the past several decades, Lee has helped establish Martinelli Winery as one of California's premier producers of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, and other acclaimed varietals sourced from exceptional estate vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast.

Known for his warm personality, engaging stories, and deep respect for both the land and the people who cultivate it, Lee enjoys sharing the experiences that have shaped generations of Martinelli winemaking.

Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch

Representing the fifth generation of the Martinelli family, Tessa grew up immersed in the vineyards, traditions, and hospitality that have defined Martinelli Winery for generations.

Today she proudly helps share her family's passion for exceptional wines while continuing the legacy established by her parents and grandparents. Traveling alongside her father offers guests a unique opportunity to experience two generations of one of Sonoma County's most respected wine families.

Her enthusiasm, warmth, and genuine love of connecting with fellow wine lovers make her a wonderful host both onboard and ashore.

Highlights

• Fourth-generation Sonoma County farmer

• Proprietor, Martinelli Winery

• Outstanding Young Farmer of Sonoma County

• Pioneer in Russian River Valley viticulture

• Renowned for estate-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Zinfandel

"Great wine begins long before harvest—it begins with caring for the land."

Journey Highlights

INCLUDES

Guests can look forward to:

Hosted Martinelli wine tastings
Exclusive wine discussions with Lee & Tessa
Hosted receptions and special events
Luxury AmaWaterways river cruise aboard AmaCello
Included shore excursions throughout Burgundy
Visits to historic villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites
Exceptional French cuisine paired with regional wines
Travel alongside fellow wine enthusiasts
Plenty of opportunities to relax, connect, and share memorable experiences

Your Ship

AMACELLO

Elegant, intimate, and thoughtfully designed, AmaCello welcomes just 144 guests, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel than a cruise ship.

River cruising allows you to unpack just once while waking each morning to a new destination in the heart of Burgundy. Because river ships dock close to city centers, you'll spend less time traveling and more time exploring vineyards, medieval villages, bustling markets, and historic landmarks.

GUESTS ENJOY

Exceptional Dining

Locally inspired menus showcase the flavors of Burgundy while complimentary regional wines accompany lunch and dinner.

Included Excursions

Choose from a variety of guided sightseeing tours, wine tastings, cultural experiences, walking tours, and active excursions throughout the journey.

Wellness & Active Discovery

Walking tours, guided bike rides, fitness classes, and a sun deck walking track allow guests to stay as active—or relaxed—as they choose.

Personal Service

With fewer guests than larger ships, AmaCello offers attentive service, welcoming public spaces, and an atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1, PORT OF DIJON, FRANCE – EMBARKATION. Board your ship in preparation for your 7-night Flavors of Burgundy cruise. (B,D) 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.

Day 2, 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 take a guided bike tour along the Saône River and see captivating sites such as the lock controlling the river’s access to the Rhône-Rhine Canal. (B,L,D)

Day 3, 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. (B,L,D)

Day 4, 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5, 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 visit the moated Château de Cormatin instead, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. Alternatively, visit 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6, 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. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 7, 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, LYON, FRANCE – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Lyon and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

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