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Charming Town

Flavors of Burgundy with Margerum

JulY 30 - AugUST 6, 2026

STARTING at $4,299pp

Sail Through Burgundy with Doug Margerum

Join renowned winemaker Doug Margerum for a remarkable 7-night cruise through the legendary Burgundy region, sailing aboard the luxurious AmaCello from Lyon to Dijon. This exclusive experience combines world-class wine, regional cuisine, and scenic cruising through one of France’s most celebrated landscapes.

Enjoy wine tastings hosted by Doug during your cruise, while exploring the charming riverside towns of Seurre, Tournus, Mâcon, and more. Sailing the picturesque Saône River, you will pass rolling vineyards and timeless châteaux. Daily excursions are included, from cellar tours to cultural landmarks

Doug Margerum, founder of Margerum Wine Company and a leading figure in Santa Barbara’s winemaking scene, will guide you through the journey with:

  • Insightful tastings of his acclaimed Rhône-style wines

  • Curated wine-paired dinners and onboard conversations

  • A personal perspective on winemaking, food pairing, and terroir

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Traveling with Doug brings an intimate, enriching layer to this journey—perfect for wine lovers seeking depth and connection.

Your Host: Doug Margerum

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Doug started his food and wine explorations while traveling with his parents at age 14 in France. His passion for food and wine was enhanced as he worked in restaurants as a cook and server throughout his high school and college years. 

 

Coinciding with his graduation from UCSB in 1981, his family purchased Wine Cask in Santa Barbara, which quickly expanded to include a simple bistro adjacent to the existing wine store. In 1994 Wine Cask became one of 74 restaurants in the world to earn the Wine Spectator Grand Award.

Doug sold Wine Cask in 2007 after deciding to devote all of his energies to wine making. MARGERUM WINE COMPANY was established in 2001. Doug’s philosophy is to return to wine making in its previous form of production – handcrafted and personal.

Margerum Wine Company produces limited quantities of wines made from grapes grown at the Margerum Estate Vineyard, and at top vineyards from around Santa Barbara County. Doug carefully selects the vineyards with meticulous attention to detail in all factors influencing the ultimate quality of the wines, including pruning, soil, climate, and farming methods. The wines are made at their state-of-the-art winery located on Industrial Way in Buellton.

Doug is also the winemaker/consultant for Happy Canyon Vineyards, La Encantada Vineyards and Paradise Springs of Santa Barbara. 

Medieval Castle

THIS ISN'T JUST A TRIP!

Embark on a memorable 7-night cruise through Burgundy aboard the luxurious AmaCello, from Lyon to Dijon. Enjoy world-class wines and cuisine, guided tastings by Margerum, and explore riverside towns like Seurre. Sail the picturesque Saône River, discovering rolling vineyards and châteaux, with daily excursions to cellar tours and cultural sites.

AmaCello

7 NIGHTS

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)​​

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ALL INCLUDED
LUXURY

AmaCello offers an intimate, uncrowded way to experience Europe’s rivers, carrying fewer guests for a more personal atmosphere. Many staterooms feature French balconies — floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to fresh air and views — and the ship’s dining program is recognized by La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs for its culinary excellence. Guests also enjoy thoughtful touches such as a Sun Deck whirlpool, cozy lounges, and wellness amenities including a fitness room, sauna, and massage services.

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YOUR CRUISE 
INCLUDES:

7 Nights on AmaWaterways' AmaCello longship

All onboard dining with regionally inspired cuisine

Special tastings and dinner with Margerum wine pairings

Special Welcome, Captain's and Gala Dinners

La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience

Choice of Immersive tours with multiple activity levels

Whirlpool, walking track, fitness room and salon services

Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with meals

Unlimited sparkling wine and juice at breakfast

Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary beverages

The Chef's Table specialty restaurant

Daily tapas, snacks and refreshments in Main Lounge

Wellness activities and fitness classes

Whirlpool, walking track, fitness room & salon services

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AmaCELLO ACCOMMODATIONS

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Category S

Suite   255  sq. ft - Violin Deck    French Balcony

Stateroom features deluxe bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showers, and in-room temperature control. Amenities include a flat-screen TV with complimentary Entertainment on Demand, free internet and Wi-Fi, large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, phone, desk and daily replenished bottled water.

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$7,498 per person Double Occupancy - Sold Out

$14,996 per person Single Occupancy - Sold Out​​

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Category A

Cat A  170 sq. ft  - Violin Deck    French Balcony


​​Stateroom features deluxe bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showers, and in-room temperature control. Amenities include a flat-screen TV with complimentary Entertainment on Demand, free internet and Wi-Fi, large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, phone, desk and daily replenished bottled water.

$6,598 per person Double Occupancy

$13,196 per person Single Occupancy

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Category B

Cat B    170 sq. ft - Violin & Cello Deck    French Balcony

Stateroom features deluxe bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showers, and in-room temperature control. Amenities include a flat-screen TV with complimentary Entertainment on Demand, free internet and Wi-Fi, large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, phone, desk and daily replenished bottled water.

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$6,598 per person Double Occupancy

$13,196 per person Single Occupancy​​

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Category C

Cat C   170 sq. ft  - Cello & Violin Deck    French Balcony

 

Enjoy Egyptian linen bedding and down pillows. The bathroom has multi-jet shower heads, with a wardrobe, mirror, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with on-demand entertainment. Includes complimentary Wi-Fi, daily bottled water and desk.

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$6,298 per person Double Occupancy

$11,796 per person Single Occupancy

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Category D

Cat D 170 sq. ft - Piano Deck    Fixed Windows

 

Enjoy Egyptian linen bedding and down pillows. The bathroom has multi-jet shower heads, with a wardrobe, mirror, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with on-demand entertainment. Includes complimentary Wi-Fi, daily bottled water and desk.

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$5,098 per person Double Occupancy

$10,196 per person Single Occupancy​​

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Category E

Cat E 170 sq. ft - Piano Deck    Fixed Windows

 

Enjoy Egyptian linen bedding and down pillows. The bathroom has multi-jet shower heads, with a wardrobe, mirror, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with on-demand entertainment. Includes complimentary Wi-Fi, daily bottled water and desk.

$4,799 per person Double Occupancy

$9,598 per person Single Occupancy

Image by Baudouin Wisselmann

ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Airfare to Lyon (LYS) and from Dijon (DIJ).

  • Transport to and from the ship

  • Travel Insurance

  • Items of personal nature

  • Spa treatments

  • Meals at pre-hotel stay

TRAVEL INSURANCE:    

  • Your trip is a BIG investment. If you cannot afford to lose the money you have invested to travel, Passport Rendezvous strongly recommends you consider travel insurance. Do your due diligence by researching & finding the best plan for YOU.​

  • Suggested Travel Insurance companies are below. Ensure you inquire about a “Cancel For Any Reason” plan.​​

 

TravelGuard 

DEPOSIT & REFUNDS:

​PAYMENT SCHEDULE:


Deposit Schedule Payment schedule as follows:

 

A $400 Deposit per person is due to fully secure spot.
​​

Final balance is due on April 1, 2026.

 

AMA Waterways Cancellation Policy: 

Full policy can be viewed here: https://www.amawaterways.com/terms-conditions

In the unfortunate event a participant must cancel travel, notice must be made to AmaWaterways during standard business hours or via email to Res@amawaterways.com, which must include writing stating clearly and correctly each guest’s name, ship name, start and end date of travel services and a brief statement of the reason for cancellation. Other forms of notice are not sufficient. Cancellation penalties are determined based on the date AmaWaterways receives the cancellation notice. Any discrepancies between the funds paid and the applicable cancellation penalties will be the sole responsibility of the guest or their booking agent. Cancellations received within 24 hours of vacation start date will be deemed as trip interruption, cannot be cancelled and are 100% non-refundable. The effective date of the cancellation is the date AmaWaterways receives cancellation notice. A change in sailing date, name changes, the substitution of a participant or a reduction in the number of guests in a stateroom are treated as a cancellation in that all applicable cancellation charges apply. A reduction in occupancy is subject to a single supplement charge. A change to a lower stateroom category within 90 days of departure will incur applicable cancellation charges. Cancellation charges for bookings within charter and part-charter agreements are as per the charter contract. All other cancellation charges are per person, based on the cancellation date, as seen in the chart below. You acknowledge that your cancellation will cause us and the Carrier difficulty in selling a replacement cruise or cruise and land reservation and thus the cancellation fees described below apply regardless of whether your cruise or cruise and land reservation is resold. You agree that any losses sustained by us and/or the Carrier in the event of cancellation would be very difficult or impossible to quantify, and the cancellation fees are fair and reasonable as liquidated damages.

 

CANCELLATION FEES DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE:

121 days or more prior to departure -$200

 

120-90 days prior to departure -$400

 

89-60 days prior to departure -35% of cruise and land price

 

59-31 days prior to departure -50% of cruise and land price

 

30 days to 25 hours prior to departure- 100% of all charges

 

24 hours or less -100% of all charges


Cruise Protection Plan and Travel Waiver Plus premiums are non-refundable once purchased. Please note the above penalties are provided on a per person basis.  Except as otherwise provided in your Passenger Ticket Contract, after travel begins, there is no refund for unused services, or unused portions of cruise, land packages or airfare.

 
For questions or help in booking your cruise, please contact:

Amy Olmsted, amy@ultimate-travels.com or 714-345-9293

OR

Sara Schneider, saralschneider@gmail.com or 650-224-1190

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