Ciao Bellas Cruise the Canals of Burgundy

by | Jun 13, 2023 | Europe, Travel, Women Travel | 0 comments

In March, our intrepid Ciao Bella travelers embarked on an adventure to the vineyard-covered hills of Burgundy, France.  We chartered a small canal boat to float along the still waters of the canals winding through this gorgeous part of France.  It’s slow travel at it’s finest.  If you’ve never experienced the canals of Burgundy, we highly recommend it! 

Our ladies met in Paris to explore the city of light before we headed to the countryside.  Everyone had their must-see lists: the Marais, Sacre Coeur, the best artisan chocolatiers, a tiki bar, and, of course, the champagne bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower.  Our ladies were of diverse backgrounds and occupations and had different interests, which made the trip so much fun.  It’s nice to travel with a group who can go do their own thing and come back and talk about it over dinner.  It makes the dinner conversations so much better!  

We took a train to Dijon replete with a picnic crafted from our artisan finds from our walking tour.  In Dijon, we met our expert private guide who explained some of the history of Dijon and of Burgundy.  We also found a tiki bar in the old part of town, much to Deb’s delight!!  

,

As we boarded our home for the week, the MS Daniele, we were greeted warmly by our crew:  our Captain, First Mate, Cruise Director, House Keeper, Waiter/Bartender, and, most importantly, our Chef.  Chef impressed us with our first meal on board–four impressive courses of using local products for typical Burgundian dishes.  We got settled into our rooms, had some champagne, and began our journey along the canals of Burgundy.  

We spent the week exploring small towns in Burgundy, tasting Grand Cru Burgundies, hiking picturesque trails, gazing at waterfalls, and strolling along the canals at our leisure while the Daniele made her way through the canal locks.  

Our Ciao Bella Crew swapped stories, shared insights with our onboard book club, and even had a dance party replete with a Ciao Bella approved playlist and blue mood lights our fab team turned on for us.  

We returned to Paris for one final meal, said our goodbyes (or see ya laters) and headed back home.  

It was a good week! Hanging with the girls always is!  

Interested in the history behind Ciao Bella?  Read thisCiao Bella–Your Travel Girl Gang.

Tracking Gorillas Down the Mountain in Uganda

Tracking Gorillas Down the Mountain in Uganda

The light filters through the mosquito nets draping over my bed at Bwindi Lodge.  As I begin to wake, my mind goes to the day's itinerary.  Nerves kick in--it's really today!!  We are going to experience Gorillas in the wild today--visit their home and wander down the...

Bella Travel’s Favorite Reads for Summer

Bella Travel’s Favorite Reads for Summer

Here at Bella, we take your adventures seriously, including the kind that whisk your imagination away. Whether it's a romance-and-rose-all-day or a tuck-me-in thriller, you'll love this curated Summer Reading list to keep you entertained until your next getaway! Also,...

Ciao Bella–Your Travel Girl Gang

Ciao Bella–Your Travel Girl Gang

Last year, Susan and I (Becky) launched Ciao Bella, a Travel Club for Women.  Over the years, she and I had ongoing conversations about women we knew who had these amazing Wander Lists, but no one with whom to share the experiences.   We spoke to single women,...

The American cemetery in Luxembourg

The American cemetery in Luxembourg

Last year I my mother and I went on an adventure down the Mosel, Rhine, and Main rivers on a ten-day Uniworld river cruise. What fun we had gazing at castles, tasting the lovely Mosel wines, and discovering the beauty of yellow grape leaves in the vineyards planted...