I’ve spent a fair amount of time on the Saône during my barge trips through Burgundy. But last month, I discovered that cruising the Saône aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaCello is something else entirely. The company’s Flavors of Burgundy itinerary takes what I love about canal cruising—unhurried travel, Burgundy’s charming towns, and an intimate connection to place—and layers in the expanded comfort of river cruising. Add curated excursions, excellent dining, and a relaxed pace, and you’ve got something special.

I’ll be hosting AmaWaterways’ Flavors of Burgundy on April 23, 2026. This special departure was inspired by a conversation I had with Kristin Karst, co-founder of AmaWaterways, at the River Cruise Expo in Vienna. When she heard about the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which tore through Western North Carolina in September 2024, she asked a simple but powerful question: How can we help?

Out of that conversation, this cruise was born.

AmaWaterways has pledged to donate $200 from every stateroom booked on this cruise to FairviewStrong.org, a grassroots nonprofit delivering direct relief to affected families. Kristin and her team have also generously gifted a stateroom to a Fairview resident who lost their home in the storm.

This cruise isn’t just a chance to experience the best of France — it’s an opportunity to give back.

We’re opening this special sailing to anyone who wants to join us. You don’t have to be from Western North Carolina to support the recovery efforts — just someone who appreciates meaningful travel and wants to make a difference. By booking this cruise, you’re helping families in Fairview still rebuilding their lives after Hurricane Helene.

For those who are interested, there are also optional three-night packages in Geneva before the cruise and Paris after. Or if you want to try something completely different, I also have a seven-night Burgundy barge trip that connects with the cruise.

But let’s talk about what happens in between—because this is a river cruise that truly deserves your attention.

Burgundy: Beyond the Postcard

The itinerary begins in Lyon, where AmaCello overnights. That’s your cue to arrive a day or two early and soak up the food capital of France. Lyon is where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, and after departing, AmaCello peels off the more famous Rhône and slips north onto the lesser-sailed Saône.

This is a slower, gentler journey. The towns you’ll visit—Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, Seurre, Saint-Jean-de-Losne, and Mâcon—aren’t likely to be at the top of anyone’s European must-see list. And that’s exactly why I love this cruise.

When our cruise manager, the affable Simon Armstrong, spoke to our group on our last night on board, he described this itinerary as one of AmaWaterways’ most curated experiences.

Flavors of Burgundy is a new itinerary for “more discerning guests,” Simon said. A handful of the towns that AmaCello visits aren’t that well known among even seasoned travelers, but they are well worth getting to know.

The itinerary calls on destinations that are not spaced all that far apart. The combination makes for a relaxed sailing with lots to see and do. With distances so close, there are even bike tours between some of the ports of call—between Seurre and Saint-Jean-de-Losne, for example, fewer than 15 flat miles apart.

A Region Steeped in Wine & History

Burgundy is synonymous with wine. This region’s vineyards produce some of the world’s most sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But it’s not just about the wine—it’s the culture that surrounds it.

One of the standout moments for me was visiting Art du Tonneau, a cooperage outside Beaune. We actually got to help build the barrels, which was a lot of fun. You can read more about that here, but suffice to say, watching barrels being handcrafted by a master cooper named Daniel was a revelation. He was informative, funny, and deeply passionate about his work. The experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that supports Burgundy’s wine culture.

In Beaune, we’ll explore the cobbled streets of a town that’s been at the center of the wine trade for centuries. And in Tournus, the Abbey of Saint-Philibert takes us even further back, to the 10th century. It’s easy to imagine medieval monks tending vineyards just outside the thick stone walls.

Distances So Close, You Can Bike Them

One of the unique things about this itinerary is how compact the distances are between stops. From Seurre to Saint-Jean-de-Losne is fewer than 15 miles—and they’re flat. AmaWaterways offers guided bike tours along this stretch, and if the weather cooperates, it’s a perfect way to spend a morning.

Even if you’re not a cyclist, the ship offers gentle and regular walking tours in every port. You’ll learn about the Dukes of Burgundy and see their palace in Dijon, taste local cheeses in Mâcon, and sample wines nearly everywhere. The excursions are designed to give you not just sights, but flavors—hence the name Flavors of Burgundy.

Life Aboard AmaCello

AmaCello is one of AmaWaterways’ classic ships. She’s not the newest in the fleet, but that’s part of her charm. The crew feels like family, and the atmosphere is intimate and welcoming.

Dining is superb—locally inspired dishes like coq au vin, escargot, and regional cheeses appear alongside international favorites. The wine flows freely, particularly at dinner.

Simon, our cruise manager, is a big part of what made our trip memorable. At 62, he didn’t need the job—but, as I wrote here, it felt like the job needed him. He brought humor, grace, and a sense of calm to everything he did. Every ship should be lucky enough to have a Simon on board.

 

A More Relaxed Rhythm

Unlike the Rhine or Danube—where days can feel packed from morning till night—this itinerary flows at a more relaxed pace. The ship rarely moves at night. Most days, you dock mid-morning and don’t leave until late evening. That gives you time to enjoy the ship, linger over lunch, or grab a seat on the sun deck with a glass of wine and a view.

Afternoons are often unscheduled, which means you can explore towns at your own pace, or simply stay aboard and let Burgundy come to you.

Optional Extensions: Geneva & Paris

If you can spare the time, I recommend adding both pre- and post-cruise extensions. In Geneva, you’ll get a taste of Switzerland—clean streets, lake views, and world-class chocolate. It’s a polished contrast to the rustic charm of Burgundy, and a lovely way to start the journey.

In Paris, well, it’s Paris. Stroll along the Seine, visit the Musée d’Orsay, or just sit at a sidewalk café and reflect on your week in Burgundy.

AmaWaterways takes care of all the logistics, from hotel stays to transfers, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about this cruise. Maybe it’s the steady rhythm of the Saône. Maybe it’s knowing that the towns you’re sailing to aren’t overrun by tourists. Whatever the reason, Flavors of Burgundy feels like one of AmaWaterways’ hidden gems.

It’s not a cruise that shouts. It whispers. And in doing so, it invites you to slow down, look closer, and savor everything this beautiful region has to offer.

We’re setting sail again on April 23, 2026. If you’ve ever wanted to explore France in a way that feels intimate, immersive, and just a bit indulgent, I hope you’ll consider joining us. See the link below for more info. 

And one last thing: This cruise is also a fund-raiser cruise for Western North Carolina communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. 

To support recovery efforts, AmaWaterways is generously donating $200 per stateroom booked to FairviewStrong.org, a grassroots organization helping families rebuild homes and lives in the aftermath.