Luxury all-inclusive hotel barges cruising the beautiful waterways of Europe. A truly unique experience.
Established in 1974 IIncorporatingncorporating GoGo BargingBarging Welcome Aboard! Welcome to our exclusive collection of hotel barge cruises. Since 1974 we have specialised in creating luxury hotel barge holidays on some of the most beautiful waterways in Europe.
Our hotel barges gently introduce you to some of Year after year we have welcomed back many Europe’s finest scenery, fascinating history and local passengers and this repeated loyalty has helped us to culture – from the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy refine our luxury cruises into a wonderful blend of to the spectacular Scottish Highlands; from the sun- daily experiences which we are sure you will drenched waterways of the South of France to remember for many years to come. picturesque Moselle in Germany; from the storybook On behalf of my staff and crew throughout our fleet, Alsace region to the serenity of the Loire Valley. Welcome Aboard A cruise on one of our ‘floating boutique hotel’ barges is a wonderful combination. You will glide serenely along waterways that pass through magnificent countryside; be taken on fascinating local excursions; indulge in delicious meals, fine wines and comfortable accommodation – whilst all the time being pampered Derek Banks, by your attentive crew. Managing Director Contents
Introduction Pages 2-11 Fr a n c e Burgundy 12 La Belle Epoque 14 L’Art de Vivre 16 L’Impressionniste 18 La Reine Pedauque 20 Hirondelle 21 Savoir Faire 43 La Nouvelle Etoile 45
Provence, Camargue & South of France 22 Napoleon 23 Enchanté 24
Canal du Midi 26 Anjodi 28 Alouette 30 Athos 31 Enchanté 24
Gascony with a Taste of Bordeaux 32 Rosa 33
Loire Valley & Western Burgundy/Upper Loire 34 Nymphea 36 Renaissance 38 La Nouvelle Etoile 45 Hirondelle 21 Italy Venice & The Veneto 40 La Dolce Vita 41 Holland Amsterdam and the Land of Rembrandt 42 Savoir Faire 43 Germany, France & the Low Countries The Moselle, Alsace, Champagne, Holland & Belgium 44 La Nouvelle Etoile 45 Savoir Faire 43 Scotland The Caledonian Canal & The Highlands 46 Scottish Highlander 47 England The Royal River Thames 48 Magna Carta 49 Ireland The River Shannon 50 Shannon Princess II 51
Family, Tandem & Theme Cruises 52
Wines and Vineyards 54 Comfort, Luxury & Style Shops and Markets 55
Travelling to Your Hotel Barge 56 Ship’s Log Read what our clients have to say 57 Inland Cruising with European Waterways
Experience a fascinating world of hotel barging, whether in the shaded Canal du Midi in Southern France, the Venetian Lagoon, the rustic beauty of Ireland, the Royal River Thames, the stunningly rugged landscapes of Scotland, the picturesque Moselle region, or the flower capital of Holland.
North Sea The Very Soul of Europe SCOTLAND magine the sense of relaxation and enjoyment as your Highlands floating hotel carries you from one peaceful mooring to the next with more than enough opportunity to explore Atlantic Ocean EDINBURGH I little villages, shops, the delightful countryside and much, much more – without the need to pack or unpack every day.
Shannon Irish Sea IRELAND DUBLIN ENGLAND HOLLAND AMSTERDAM LONDON
Thames Valley BELGIUM GERMANY
English Channel BRUSSELS MOSELLE LUXEMBOURG REIMS PARIS Alsace Champagne Upper Loire STRASBOURG Loire Valley
s your floating hotel moves Burgundy sedately along, just step ashore at a lock and stroll or A FRANCE cycle along the towpath with the Venice reassuring knowledge that your hotel barge is waiting further down the canal. Bordeaux Stumble across the local villagers Provence ITALY playing a game of boules, or discover Midi an enchanting vineyard, its juicy grapes Camargue bursting with ripeness and ready to be picked. ROME Mediterranean
Allow yourself to relax as the week’s events unfold. Captain and Crew Most of our crews are English, Scottish, Irish or Bi-lingual so there is no need to worry about a language barrier when they are recounting the local folklore and history.
he various roles undertaken by your crew will soon become clear. Your Captain, an experienced barge master, who is T usually British, will impress you with his ability to guide his impossibly large vessel into the smallest lock and through the lowest of bridges with inches to spare. He may also double as tour guide, at ease taking your party around family-owned vineyards, fine castles or perhaps a small crystal works, but always returning you to your hotel barge in time for the next culinary event or cruising journey.
Fine Cuisine Relax and Enjoy ur predominantly British crews our Master Chef, as well take their roles very seriously, as creating the finest of keeping in the background, but dishes, is invariably O always finding time to share with you some Ysomething of a culinary aspect of local knowledge which just adds historian and a mine of information when it comes to to the intrigue and fascination during your regional recipes, cheeses and, of gentle cruise. course, wine. Housekeeper and deck-hand busy themselves at keeping the ship clean and tidy, re-positioning the barge vehicle, preparing the bicycles and generally making sure everything is just how you would like it to be.
Your attentive crew will be happy to pamper you. Cruising the Waterways of Europe since 1974
What better way is there to discover the very soul of Europe than by exploring its wonderful countryside and historical treasures and meeting its many friendly, diverse people whose lifestyles have changed little over the centuries.
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Admire the historic waterways like the 17th Century Y u
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lock flight of Rogny Les Sept Ecluses in Burgundy. Inviting Accommodation
Casual refinement, hardwoods and classic yacht design, enticing you to cruise Our Vessels...
enefit from an annual refurbishment and feature fine wood panelling, carpeting and a blend of antique and B traditional décor. All our hotel barges have central heating and most are air-conditioned. The majority of vessels also have bicycles on board so you can cycle along the tow-paths, and boules for those wishing to try their hand at this lively French game. All our barges have a library, games and CD/stereo for your enjoyment and use and, of course, an open bar stocked with a wide range of spirits and soft drinks.
Accommodation ranges from charming twin and double- bedded staterooms to suites with sitting areas – all with opening windows, closet, drawer storage and private en- suite shower or bathroom.
in comfort & style. Inviting accommodation – luxury in every single detail. Cuisine -Part of the Culture
The classic traditions of French and International Cuisine - an unforgettable highlight of your cruise. Our chefs are experienced culinary artists, whose gastronomic creations are often rated higher than top restaurants and cruise liners by our discerning clients.
efore you awaken each morning, a crew member has already been ashore to collect crisp breads, buttery B croissants and a variety of fresh pastries. Together with the aroma of coffee, the day has just begun. Lunch will be a colourful arrangement of salads, pâtés, savoury quiches and a selection of cheeses. Accompanied by an excellent choice from the hotel barge wine cellar, lunch is often enjoyed on the sun-deck, perhaps while cruising. Your chef supplements the vessel’s larder with fresh produce bought from lock-keepers’ gardens or local markets and creates mouthwatering regional and national dishes which are only challenged in flavour by the delicious range of regional wines we serve you aboard. Dinner is the culinary highlight of each day. Served by candlelight, each course is a delicious creation, subtly complemented with fine wines and still and sparkling water. This really does feel like the Grand Finale to an amazing day of Menu exploration and intrigue, cruising the old trading routes which Breakfast Awake each morning to the aroma of brewing coffee. Enjoy a stretch from the Mediterranean right across Europe. continental breakfast of freshly squeezed juices, hot buttery croissants, Requests for vegetarian and special diets may be made at the crispy breads and delicious pastries; or a hearty cooked breakfast (served in the British Isles). time of reservation. Lu n ch eo n s Are epicurean buffets, delicious green feast salads, pâtés and cold meat platters, accompanied by a hot soup or entrée, delectable desserts and a selection of regional cheeses and wines. Served deck whilst cruising amidst an ever changing scenery. Dinner by Candlelight Moored beneath the stars... every meal is part of the amazing journey which is slowly unfolding before you and is the finale alof afresco great day of discovery and intrigue. You may be served with: Chèvre Chaud enon the sunlit Portefeuille followed by Eilet d’Agneau au Basilic, Truite à la Chablisienne, Magret de Canard avec Sauce au Vinaigre de Framboise, un Plateau de fromages, and for Dessert Ile Elottante, Crème Brûlée, Profiteroles à la Crème, Glace au Chocolat Chaud... each course accompanied by a fine wine. And, of course, coffee and liqueurs in the company of fellow passengers, completes the menu.
A taste of Europe’s finest cuisine. A choice of over a thousand delicious cheeses... Can be found in France, Italy, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany and they are an excellent accompaniment to our selection of fine wines and regional cuisine.
e research carefully the history and making of every cheese offered and all cheese courses are a W delightful journey into the country’s rich heritage, culture and traditions. A thousand years of steady wine production and over a thousand cheeses have convinced Europeans that quality and choice are fundamental to everyday life.
A Taste for Fine Wines he Minervois and Corbieres of Southern France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte de Nuits, T Loire Valley, Chablis and Alsace vineyards all sprang up in the wake of the Roman invasion. These master viticulturers advanced even further north beyond the Thames Valley before eventually being beaten by the red-haired Celts and a ground covered in heather, considered unsuitable for their precious wines. Fortunately, the Scottish Celts produce the best malt whiskies in the world and have survived unscathed without home-grown wines!
Selected wines and mouthwatering specialities. Enticing Excursions You are met at the hotel or pick-up point by either the Captain or our guide and escorted to your floating boutique hotel for the week. The Journey Has Begun nce aboard, our English-speaking crew will show you to your comfortable stateroom, which has full en-suite O facilities. We usually cruise on the first evening and immediately the fascinating world of hotel barge cruising begins to unfold before you. Gone are any doubts about what to do, as the chance to enjoy everyday barging and plenty of sightseeing, mingled with the sheer indulgence in delicious cuisine and fine wines, becomes a reality. Most of the barges carry bicycles for tow-path riding and other excursions ashore, and the little villages and farms we pass by become part of the adventure. And, of course, your floating hotel is never far away. A Burgundy Chateau
Provençal Flower Market Aigues Mortes - Built in 1270
Your cruise includes daily excursions ashore to visit castles, quaint Abbaye de la Bussière Urquhart Castle Relax and Unwind nce under way, your hotel barge moves so slowly along the canals that it is usually possible to just wander O along the tow-path, getting on or off at pretty locks, which take around ten minutes to pass through. Alternatively, just absorb the ever-changing scenery from a comfortable lounger or deck-chair on the sundeck. Then, after a day of cruising and sightseeing, your hotel barge moors up for the night and there is plenty of time for a cocktail before dinner, or perhaps to enjoy a relaxing soak in the spa pool on most of our larger vessels. In Burgundy, the Loire and England, hot-air ballooning can be an exciting extra option. Ballooning generally takes place in the early hours just after dawn or before sunset, when the air is still and the light is perfect for drifting gently along and gazing down at the beautiful countryside below.
Daily Excursions hether exploring the magnificent chateaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting in the W Roman vineyards of Minervois and Corbieres, or discovering the Celtic secrets in the 6th Ballooning in Burgundy century monastic settlement of Clonmacnois above the banks of the River Shannon…you can rest assured that our meticulously planned itineraries include a host of pleasurable little side trips which show you the highlights of the area you have chosen to cruise. You will explore ancient castles, picture-book villages and stately homes. Wander through fascinating museums, take part in private wine tastings at renowned and lesser known vineyards, and shop in colourful open- air markets. There is plenty of time to browse the tiny shops of skilled craftsmen, perhaps to find the gift that typifies the region, or just stroll around soaking up the atmosphere of the moment. Chateauneuf en Auxois Wine Tasting, Nuits-St-Georges villages, vineyards & markets, or simply marvel at the scenery. Burgundy Burgundy Cruises La Belle Epoque Heart of Rural France - Vineyards & Châteaux Upper Burgundy Canal
12 L’Impressionniste La Reine Pedauque Burgundy Canal Lower Burgundy Canal Hirondelle L’Art de Vivre Burgundy Canal & Upper Loire Lower Nivernais Canal Savoir Faire & River Yonne River Yonne & Seine (Barge details see page 41)
Clos de Vougeot
Wine Tasting Excursion
Burgundy... oasts some of the world’s finest wines with almost 60,000 acres Gourmet Cuisine of sun-lit vines and arguably the prettiest canal in France. The Nivernais Canal randomly meanders along the path of the 13 picturesqueB River Yonne. This delightful exchange brings you the finest Typical Burgundian cruising in Burgundy. Medieval villages are surrounded by unspoiled Cuisine Aboard countryside where gastronomic delights are a culture in themselves. Taste the famous escargots, dine on a typical meal of Poulet aux Romarin Regional Specialities en Papillotes, or Truite à la Chablisienne accompanied by a full-bodied Terrine de Pêcheur façon Maison, Burgundian red wine or lighter Chablis white. Simply indulge in the utter Tourte Chaude d’ Escargots à la enjoyment every day delivers aboard. Ciboulette, Filet d’Agneau au Basilic, Magret de Canard, Poulet à L’Estragon
Wine Cellar The Upper Nivernais... Sancerre, Chablis, Pouilly Fumé, emains an undiscovered region well off the beaten track on Cote de Nuits, Hautes Côtes de Beaune, the edge of the Morvan hills. The sleepy hamlets, white Vosne Romanée, Nuits St-Georges, Chablis Epineuil grazing Charolais cattle and woods and forests are Rtypical of the scenery we cruise through. During the Auxerre summer months we visit the Valley of Sardy, a canal Clamecy Escommes Cheese Board section with smaller locks, where time seems to have PARIS Baye Dijon Aisy Cendré, Bouton de Culotte, stood still for over two hundred years. The hand Beaune Époisses, Ami du Chambertin, Chaource, Citeaux swung-bridges are a delight and we pass old logging sites which are now an almost forgotten Opposite: Vezelay memory for the local people. This is the DIJON original home of hotel barging, although even today a barge is a rarity welcomed by all and LYON every journey is a great event. La Belle Epoque Upper Burgundy Canal
Cruise Highlights
14 Visit the Abbaye de Fontenay Wine tasting of Chablis wines at Saint Bris de Vineaux in the Bersan cellars Visit the village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, location of the film 'Chocolat' Gastronomic dinner ashore Visit to Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy Visit to the 18th century Forges de Buffon Optional hot air ballooning
A Small Selection of the Wines Served Aboard Domaine Jafflin, Vosne-Romanée, Domaine Jafflin, Nuits-St-Georges Fers Saint Eloi Grande Cuvee Fleurie Saint Veran Cuvee Prestige Montagny Premier Cru Monteuchot Domaine Michelot, Mersault
Enjoy “The Good Old Days” La Belle Epoque
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 Tuesday, Day 3 beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace, Chateau MONTBARD TO POUILLENAY VENAREY LES LAUMES TO BUFFON d’Ancy le Franc, a classified historic monument. Dinner aboard. Guests are met at the designated TGV station at 18.04 or Morning stroll around the hilltop village of Flavigny Hotel in Montbard at 18.30 and transferred to the barge sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was filmed. On Thursday, Day 5 moored in Pouillenay. A full crew Welcome Aboard with the way, from the summit of Mt Auxois, we look at ANCY LE FRANC TO TANLAY champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your Alesia, the last battle site between the Gauls and cabin you are invited to join us for a first dinner aboard Romans. We cruise through the market town of Morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine. Montbard to the stone steps of the Forges de Buffon, with great towpath biking and walking opportunities founded in 1768 by naturalist Georges-Louis de past the tiny canalside villages of Lezinnes, Argentenay Monday, Day 2 Buffon. Dinner ashore at local auberge. and Saint Vinnemer. During the afternoon we visit the POUILLENAY TO VENAREY LES LAUMES vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman Wednesday, Day 4 times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at Saint Bris le Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise Vineaux in the Bersan cellars before returning for through deep Burgundian countryside. After lunch we BUFFON TO ANCY LE FRANC dinner aboard. drive you to the exquisite World Heritage UNESCO Morning visit to Noyers to enjoy the vegetables, site L’Abbaye de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in cheeses, colors and delights of the local market. Friday, Day 6 1118. Representing a distinctive example of early Returning to the hotel barge we enjoy a lazy cruise TANLAY TO TONNERRE Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay gently down to Ancy le Franc with plenty of allows an exceptional glimpse of early Cistercian life. opportunity to wander or cycle as the vessel descends Morning walk across to the 16th century Renaissance- Dinner aboard. through the locks. Our afternoon visit is to the style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9 hole golf course. Our cruise after lunch takes us to our final destination of Tonnerre. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 TONNERRE After breakfast, disembark the hotel barge and transfer to Montbard railway station in time for the 11.28am train to Paris Gare de Lyon. 15
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
L’Abbaye de Fontenay
Cruise Burgundy - Aboard the 12 passenger La Belle Epoque
La Belle Epoque is a state-of-the-art hotel barge and sister ship to L’Impressionniste. She has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind and offers a sundeck with spa-pool, wood panelled saloon/dining room and other luxury amenities. She is also fully air- conditioned. The spacious cabins offer a choice of twin or double beds with marble en-suite facilities. The Captain leads a crew of five comprising Master Chef, Deck Hand/Guide and two Housekeepers.
● 128 FEET LONG ● 12 PASSENGERS ● 5 CREW ● 2 SUITES ● 4 JUNIOR SUITES ● 1 SINGLE CABIN FOR TOUR 2 SANTENAY 3 VOUGEOT 6 MEURSAULT LEADERS/CHARTERS ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● SPA-POOL ● 12 TOURING BIKES ● 2 AIR-CONDITIONED 1 NUITS ST-GEORGES 7 IRANCY 4 SANCERRE 5 CHABLIS MINIBUSES L’Art de Vivre Burgundy – Lower Nivernais Canal & River Yonne
Cruise Highlights
16 Explore enchanting Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral Wine tasting of Chablis and Petit Chablis in a 12th century cellar Tour Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy Visit the picturesque village of Vezelay and its hilltop basilica Excellent walking and cycling Optional hot air ballooning
A Small Selection of the Wines Served Aboard Domaine Bersan, Irancy Cuvee Louis Bersan Domaine Moillard Grivot, Savigny les Beaune Domaine Borgnat, Coulanges la Vineuse La Chablisienne, Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu, Domaine Villiers, Vezelay “La Chevaliere”
Simply the Art of Good Living L’Art de Vivre
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights Sunday, Day 1 AUXERRE
Guests are met at Laroche Migennes train station at 16.45 or at the designated hotel in Auxerre at 17.15 and transferred to L’Art de Vivre. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the river Yonne before returning for dinner aboard.
Monday, Day 2 AUXERRE TO VINCELLES Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town’s aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Le Chateau de Bazoches Dinner aboard. return to the hotel barge and cruise past the cliffs at us to Clamecy. Take a short walk into Clamecy to visit Tuesday, Day 3 Le Saussois where an international climbing centre the town, the Collegiale de St Martin and also the VINCELLES TO MAILLY LA VILLE creates a stunning setting. There will also be the Logging and Barging Museum. The narrow streets opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before lined with ancient buildings also present an After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval returning for dinner aboard. opportunity for shopping. In the afternoon, we visit town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower the Chateau de Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors Burgundy, the town prides itself on its fine churches Thursday, Day 5 included Richard the Lionheart and which was later and particularly its magnificent cathedral. We then LE SAUSSOIS TO LUCY-SUR-YONNE remodelled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s farewell return to the hotel barge for a cruise southwards dinner aboard. through rich pasturelands past grazing Charolais In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the town of cattle to the market town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures Saturday, Day 7 17 aboard. with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, CLAMECY craft shops and fine views of the surrounding Wednesday, Day 4 countryside. In the afternoon, we cruise the Yonne After breakfast disembark the hotel barge and transfer MAILLY LA VILLE TO LE SAUSSOIS valley to arrive at Lucy-sur-Yonne. Dinner aboard. to Laroche Migennes train station at 10am, in time for the 10.24am train to Paris Bercy. This morning, we visit the charming 14th century Friday, Day 6 medieval village of Noyers, one of the most beautiful LUCY-SUR-YONNE TO CLAMECY This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On villages in France, on an excursion through delightful alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. countryside. After lunch at a wonderful auberge, we A morning cruise through beautiful countryside takes
Cruise Burgundy - Aboard the 8 passenger L’Art de Vivre
L’Art de Vivre started life as a Scottish lumber carrier and has been carefully transformed by skilled craftsmen into a floating celebration of the Burgundian “good life”. Your crew of four comprises a Captain, Master Chef, Tour Guide and Hostess, all with a love of the Nivernais Canal and secure in the knowledge that their vessel represents “L’Art de Vivre” itself. The region simply oozes charm and the cruise is a journey back in time along a magical waterway.
● 100 FEET LONG ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 4 CREW 1 MERLOT 3 CHARDONNAY ● 4 TWIN/DOUBLE STATEROOMS ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● SPA-POOL ● 8 TOURING BIKES ● 1 AIR-CONDITIONED 2 SAUVIGNON 4 PINOT NOIR MINIBUS L’Impressionniste Lower Burgundy Canal
Cruise Highlights
18 Visit Clos de Vougeot, home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin Wine tasting at the renowned Domaine Jafflin Tour of Dijon and the Ducal Palace Visit to 13th century Chateau de Commarin Tour of Abbaye de la Bussiere, followed by lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant Visit to Beaune, including Hotel Dieu Hospice and Maison Champy Visit to medieval Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
A Small Selection of the Wines Served Aboard Chateau de la Saule, Montagny 1er Cru Domaine Corsin, Pouilly Fuissé Domaine Laroche, Chablis Premier Cru Domaine Bruno Clair, Marsannay Domaine Jafflin, Gevrey Chambertin Domaine Comte Georges de Vôgué, Musigny
Cruise through Burgundy’s Vineyards L’Impressionniste
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights Sunday, Day 1 lake, wine press, crypt and cellars are interwoven with Saturday, Day 7 DIJON TO FLEUREY SUR OUCHE ancient colonnades, stone staircases and huge stained ESCOMMES TO DIJON glass windows. After a Kir Royale aperitif in the private Guests are met at a designated hotel in Dijon at 4.30pm, music room, the former chapel, we indulge in the After breakfast, guests disembark the barge and transfer or at Dijon TGV station at 4.00pm (on request), and gastronomic delights of Master Chef Olivier Elzer in the to Dijon TGV station or to Dijon Centre by 9.40am. transferred to the elegant L’Impressionniste, moored in vaulted Michelin-starred restaurant, whilst enjoying the Fleurey sur Ouche for your cruise through Burgundy. A sommelier’s choice of local burgundies. This afternoon This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On Champagne reception welcomes you on board and we visit the moat-encircled 13th century Chateau de alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. provides you with a chance to meet the crew. Dinner Commarin. Going back 26 generations, the de Vogue aboard. family ownership portrays an insight into the glamorous lives of the French aristocracy as well as Monday, Day 2 showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped FLEUREY SUR OUCHE TO GISSEY SUR OUCHE gardens. Late afternoon cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Dinner aboard. This morning, experience your first day’s cruise along this enchanting canal, which also promises a walk or cycle along an ever-present towpath past sleepy Thursday, Day 5 villages and pretty lock houses. After lunch we visit PONT D’OUCHE TO VANDENESSE Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed After breakfast, we cruise to Vandenesse, passing grazing Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a special white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque prized label to the finest Cote d’Or vintages. On the villages across the only canal bridge on the Burgundy way back to the hotel barge, visit one of the great Canal. In the afternoon we cross the premier cru cellars of Burgundy where we enjoy a private tasting of vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard. country with a history going back over 2,000 years. We absorb the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice Tuesday, Day 3 and visit Maison Champy, Beaune’s oldest winery GISSEY SUR OUCHE TO LA BUSSIERE established in 1720 with even older cellars. Dinner aboard. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the vivid flower and produce market, mustard shops and the flamboyant 14th Friday, Day 6 century Ducal Palace (or enjoy some excellent VANDENESSE TO ESCOMMES shopping time). Return to the hotel barge for lunch Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal 19 and the leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussiere. summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly Dinner aboard. tunnel. Mid-afternoon we visit the medieval village, craft shops and castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, once Wednesday, Day 4 an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy and offering a LA BUSSIERE TO PONT D’OUCHE fine overview of the feeder lakes, canal and surrounding countryside. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard. An exclusive tour of the magnificent 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere. The ornamental gardens and The Fine Wines of Clos de Vougeot
Cruise Burgundy - Aboard the 12 passenger L’Impressionniste
Sister ship to La Belle Epoque, L’Impressionniste began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today. Her light and airy interior features comfortable sofas, picture windows and a selection of prints, fabrics and wall coverings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which she has been named. A week cruising aboard L’Impressionniste on the Burgundy Canal introduces you to a wonderful blend of Burgundian countryside, history and viticulture.
● 128 FEET LONG ● 12 PASSENGERS ● 5 CREW ● 2 SUITES ● 4 JUNIOR SUITES ● 1 SINGLE CABIN FOR TOUR GUIDES/CHARTERS 1 MONET 2 SISLEY 3 DEGAS ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● SPA-POOL ● 12 TOURING BIKES ● 2 AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUSES 7 BAZILLE 4 PISSARRO 5 CEZANNE 6 RENOIR La Reine Pedauque Burgundy Canal WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights - Friday to Thursday
Friday, Day 1 tastings of fine Burgundy wines such as Corton, DIJON Volnay and Mersault accompanied by local wine experts. Lunch is taken in a highly reputable Guests are met in Dijon at 5pm and transferred by air- restaurant surrounded by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay conditioned bus to the hotel barge. You are welcomed vineyards. In the afternoon, visit the world-famous in grand style with a glass of Kir Royal – the start of Hospices de Beaune and explore the cobbled streets in an unforgettable cruise in Burgundy. Your first the historic town. We return to the hotel barge via the exceptional candlelit dinner will mark your picturesque ‘Hautes Côtes’ route. Dinner aboard. introduction to regional specialities and some fine wines. The bar and sun deck provide a warm Tuesday, Day 5 atmosphere to share a drink with fellow passengers. GISSEY SUR OUCHE TO PONT D’OUCHE Saturday, Day 2 This morning we begin our day with a cruise to Saint DIJON TO FLEUREY SUR OUCHE Victor and La Bussiere where we visit the Cistercian Abbey. After a delicious buffet lunch we continue our During breakfast, we leave Dijon and head for the first cruise past Veuvey on our way to today's destination of a total of 45 locks. We make our way past Lake Kir, of Pont d'Ouche. Late afternoon we visit the Cruise Highlights then Plombieres les Dijon and Velars sur Ouche. medieval hillside village of Châteauneuf en Auxois, Guests are welcome to leave the boat at any of the with its cafés, antique and curiosity shops. Enjoy the Tour of Dijon picturesque locks and to continue on foot or bicycle spectacular views over the Auxois plains, lakes and the along the towpath to the next lock. After lunch, we distant Morvan hills. Dinner aboard. Wine tastings and tour of Beaune continue our leisurely cruise to Fleurey sur Ouche. La Bussiere Cistercian Abbey From there, we take you on an excursion to discover Wednesday, Day 6 the city of Dijon, ancient throne to the Dukes of Hilltop Chateauneuf en Auxois castle PONT D’OUCHE TO VANDENESSE Burgundy and birthplace of Gustav Eiffel. Return to and craft shops the barge for dinner aboard. Your captain will work very hard today, mastering the Rolling Burgundian scenery many locks between Pont d'Ouche and Vandenesse. Great walking and bicycling Sunday, Day 3 For passengers it is the last chance to relax on the FLEUREY SUR OUCHE TO GISSEY SUR OUCHE sundeck and enjoy the countryside. After arriving in Optional hot air ballooning Vandenesse, there is a choice of excursions, or you can Today brings us into the heart of Burgundy and the challenge the crew to a game of Petanque. In the 20 magnificent Ouche Valley. From the sundeck, you can evening you are guests at the Captain's table for the savour the real Burgundy while passing through Farewell Dinner at which you will be presented with A Small Selection of the traditional villages such as Pont de Pany, where your lock diplomas. Château la Chassagne is situated and where you will Wines Served Aboard you will enjoy a private wine tasting in its ancient Thursday, Day 7 Beaune “les Beaux Fougets” cellars. We moor overnight in Gissey alongside the VANDENESSE TO DIJON ancient Gallo Roman bridge. Dinner aboard. Savigny les Beaune After breakfast, passengers disembark and are driven Rully Monday, Day 4 back to Dijon station, airport or a hotel for about Monthelie 11am. Mercurey “les Rochelles” GISSEY SUR OUCHE TO BEAUNE After breakfast, we set off on a day's excursion to the This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On beautiful wine capital town of Beaune. There will be alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Cruise Burgundy - Aboard the 8 passenger La Reine Pedauque La Reine Pedauque has been painstakingly rebuilt below decks into one of the most spacious vessels in our fleet. She caters for just eight discerning customers who will fully appreciate the width and length of her saloon, bar and dining areas. A cruise along the southern part of the Burgundy canal reveals a charming blend of rolling scenery, vineyards and sleepy villages. Let your dreams become reality with an experienced crew of five or to look after you. ● 128 FEET LONG ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 5/6 CREW ● 4 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITES ● WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WITH LIFTS AND WHEELCHAIR COMMODORE SUITE ROYAL SUITE 1 ROYAL SUITE 2 IMPERIAL SUITE FACILITIES IN ROYAL SUITE 2 ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● 8 TOURING BIKES ● SPECIALLY ADAPTED MINIBUS ● GUESTS’ PC WITH INTERNET ACCESS Hirondelle Burgundy Canal & Upper Loire
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 Thursday, Day 5 LE GUETIN LÉRÉ TO CHATILLON-SUR-LOIRE Guests will be met at the local TGV station this This morning the hotel barge cruises the canal towards afternoon and transferred to the Hirondelle, moored at Chatillon-sur-Loire. We will visit a faïence factory in Le Guetin on the Canal Latéral à la Loire. Enjoy a the beautiful town of Gien, followed by an excursion to welcome champagne reception to meet the crew, then the Château de La Bussière with its imposing setting indulge in your first dining experience aboard. and medicinal gardens, before returning to the barge for dinner aboard. Monday, Day 2 LE GUETIN TO LA CHARITE-SUR-LOIRE Friday, Day 6 CHATILLON-SUR-LOIRE TO ROGNY LES SEPT This morning, we take a short drive to Apremont, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to visit the ÉCLUSES private Château and gardens. Then we cruise to La Today, the barge traverses the river Loire via the longest Charité sur Loire, enjoying lunch on board. In the canal bridge in Europe connecting the Canal Latéral à afternoon we take a walking tour of Nevers, the capital la Loire to the Canal du Briare, built by the famous Cruise Highlights of the Nivernais. Dinner aboard. engineer Eiffel. We then enjoy a visit to a typical French market in the pretty town of Saint Fargeau, Chateau d’Apremont and gardens Tuesday, Day 3 with a history spanning a thousand years, while the chef prepares a Farewell Gala Dinner for your last Tour of Nevers LA CHARITE-SUR-LOIRE TO MENETREOL evening on board. Pouilly Fumé wine tastings at Chateau The morning is spent with a visit to La Charité-sur- de Tracy Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque Saturday, Day 7 art and a renowned resting place for pilgrims on the Private visit to faience workshop in ROGNY LES SEPT ÉCLUSES road to Santiago de Compostela. The afternoon is Gien spent relaxing on board as you cruise towards After breakfast, guests disembark the hotel barge and Visit to Chateau de la Bussière Menetreol. Dinner aboard. are transferred to the local TGV station. Crossing of the largest canal bridge in Europe Wednesday, Day 4 This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. Great walking and bicycling MENETREOL TO LÉRÉ 21 After a relaxing morning's cruise, we take a short drive First Class return TGV rail tickets to/from Paris are to Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop, for lunch available for a supplement at time of booking. followed by a stroll around the town. In the afternoon, A Small Selection of the enjoy a private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Chateau de Tracy, one of the most prestigious Wines Served Aboard producers of the famous Pouilly Fumé wine in the Meursault Loire. Dinner aboard. St. Romaine Pouilly Fuissé Cruise Burgundy & Upper Loire - Pouilly Fumé Chorey les Beaune Aboard the 8 passenger Hirondelle Pommard Hirondelle was constructed as a 27-metre cargo barge at Hoogerand in the Netherlands in 1928 and was originally Volnay named Vios. She was later lengthened to over 38 metres, in order to increase her tonnage and cargo capacity. This, combined with her 5 metre beam, now makes her the largest size of hotel barge able to pass through the canal locks. She was brought to France and converted to welcome passengers in 1992 - 1993, when her name was changed to Hirondelle. With her large picture windows well above the waterline and the sundeck on the top level, she is perfect for guests to enjoy the wonderful countryside en route. She has very comfortable staterooms, all with en-suite facilities, as well as a beautifully appointed saloon and dining area. Hirondelle is owned by Orient Express. ● 128 FT LONG ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 4 CREW CABIN 1 CABIN 3 ● 1 DOUBLE STATEROOM ● 3 TWIN STATEROOMS ● AIR - CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● 8 TOURING BIKES CABIN 2 CABIN 4 ● AIR - CONDITIONED MINIBUS Provence Camargue & The South of France
Avignon
Tarascon
Midi Lock
22
Flamingoes in the Camargue Provence, Camargue
Typical market and the South of France ive distinctly different waterways – the River Rhone, the Petit Rhone, the Rhone-Sète Typical Provençal F Canal, Thau Lagoon and the Midi Canal Cuisine Aboard – are on offer, passing through picturesque fishing villages, colourful markets and the Regional Specialities Alpilles foothills. Experience the colour and Bouillabaise, Gigot d’Agneau de light that inspired Impressionist painters Sisteron en Croûte d’Herbes, Daube de such as van Gogh and Cezanne, see pink Boeuf Provencal flamingoes, white horses and black bulls. Tain -L’Hermitage Enjoy wine tastings and excursions to Wine Cellar Avignon medieval and Roman sites. Our Provencal LYON Chardonnay de Languedoc, Nimes Arles Chateauneuf-du-Pape, cruises offer all this and more aboard our fine hotel barges Napoleon and Enchanté. AVIGNON Côtes de Provence, Bandol Agde Cheese Board Béziers Tomme Arlesienne, Caille de Brebis, CARCASSONNE AGDE Chèvre Pyramide, Banon, Rouleau de Provence BÉZIERS Napoléon River Rhone
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 Orange, an important Roman city dating back to 100 VALLABRÈGUES TO ARLES B.C. The historic town contains two of the finest Roman monuments in Europe - The Theatre Antique Guests will be met at the local TGV station on Sunday d'Orange and the Arc de Triomphe. Lunch back on afternoon and transferred to Napoléon at Vallabrègues board and we continue the cruise to our evening for the cruise along the River Rhône. A champagne mooring at Viviers. There's time for a stroll around reception will give you the chance to meet the crew, this charming medieval town before dinner aboard. followed by a late afternoon cruise to Arles for your first taste of River Rhône cruising. After dinner Thursday, Day 5 aboard, take a walking tour of Arles, where Van Gogh VIVIERS TO LA VOULTE spent much of 1888 and 1889 painting some of his finest works. Today's visit is to the typical Provencal village of Nyons, to see a working lavender distillery and tour an Monday, Day 2 18th century olive mill. Lunch is taken at a local ARLES TO AVIGNON restaurant in the very scenic village of Grignan. In the afternoon, we visit a truffle farm to learn all about the Today, visit a traditional 18th century “Provencal black diamond and taste this expensive and unusual Cruise Highlights Bastide” in St. Rémy for an olive oil tasting. Lunch mushroom. After rejoining the hotel barge at La Pouzin, aboard. Relax during the afternoon cruise to Avignon we continue our cruise to La Voulte. Dinner aboard. Tour of Arles, home of Van Gogh and watch the scenery of the Rhône Valley drift by. Visit to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Cruise past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont Friday, Day 6 d'Avignon) before mooring up at the quay facing the LA VOULTE TO TAIN-L’HERMITAGE Gard gate to the walled city. Visit the Pont du Gard, part of Tour of Avignon & the Palace of the the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water This morning, our chef takes you to discover a Popes from Uzès to Nîmes. Dinner aboard. traditional French market in La Voulte followed by a leisurely lunch on board. During this part of the cruise Visits to olive oil and truffle farms Tuesday, Day 3 the river valley is flanked by the vineyards of the Côte AVIGNON TO ST. ETIENNE DES SORTS du Rhône, offering a completely different perspective. Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Later in the day, after mooring in Tain or Tournon you Rhone wine tastings A walking tour introduces you to the walled city of are escorted to M. Ferraton's winery for your last Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. A guided dégustation. Farewell gala dinner aboard. Visit to Orange and its Roman tour of the Palace of the Popes is followed by some time 23 monuments at leisure. Return to the barge for lunch and another Saturday, Day 7 relaxing afternoon cruise. Then there is a visit to TAIN-L’HERMITAGE Châteauneuf du Pape for a wine tasting before continuing the cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts. Dinner aboard. After breakfast, guests disembark the hotel barge and transfer to the local railway station. A Small Selection of the Wednesday, Day 4 ST. ETIENNE DES SORTS TO VIVIERS First Class return TGV rail tickets to/from Paris are Wines Served Aboard available for a supplement at time of booking. Condrieu AOC This morning your guide takes you on a tour of Crozes Hermitage Tavel AOC Cruise Provence - Aboard the 12 passenger Napoléon Côte Rôtie Napoleon is the perfect choice for larger groups. She accommodates up to 12 passengers in luxury, with six Chateauneuf du Pape sizeable staterooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. She is a vessel that really pampers its guests, with a magnificent saloon containing piano keyboard, stereo and TV and a spacious sundeck boasting an enticing jacuzzi. There is even exercise equipment on board to work up an appetite for a sumptuous evening meal, before gazing at the stars from the upper deck. Napoleon is owned by Orient Express.
● 128 FEET LONG, 3 DECKS ● 12 PASSENGERS ● 6 CREW ● 6 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITES ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● SPA POOL ● ROOFTOP SUNDECK ● PIANO/KEYBOARD ● EXERCISE EQUIPMENT ● 12 TOURING BIKES ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS
NOTE: CABIN LAYOUTS ARE INDICATIVE Enchanté River Rhone, Petit Rhone, Rhone-Sète Canal, Midi Canal
Cruise Highlights
24 Avignon and the Palais des Papes Visit King René’s citadel at Tarascon Tour of Arles, including the Roman Arena and theatre Visit to the medieval town of Aigues Mortes Camargue National Park Cruise on Thau Lake with its mussel and oyster beds Noilly Prat distillery, cellars and tasting
A Small Selection of the Wines Served Aboard Domaine Beaurenard, Chateauneuf du Pape Chateau Siran, Bordeaux 1er Cru Bourgeois Domaine Laroche, Chablis Vieilles Vignes Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre
Contemporary Luxury in Charming Surroundings Enchanté
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights Sunday, Day 1 Wednesday, Day 4 MONTPELLIER TO AVIGNON AIGUES MORTES TO FRONTIGNAN
Guests are met at 4pm at the designated hotel in Stroll from our mooring outside the town walls to visit Montpellier, or at Montpellier TGV station, and the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse and transferred by minibus to Enchanté moored in Avignon since used as a prison. Then in the afternoon we cruise for a Champagne Welcome. Spend your first night and the Canal du Rhone à Sete through the Camargue enjoy dinner aboard. National Park with its wild horses, black bulls and pink flamingoes, to the hamlet of Les Aresquiers where we Monday, Day 2 are 200 yards from the Mediterranean. Dinner aboard. AVIGNON TO ARLES Thursday, Day 5 This morning we visit the Palais des Papes, a massive FRONTIGNAN TO MARSEILLAN monument to the era of the 'Other Rome’,when the Popes moved to France. After a stroll though the An early start to pass under the lifting Bridge at vibrant shopping district of Avignon, return to the Frontignan, then we sail out onto the Etang de Thau, a hotel barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise down large, inland, salt water lake. Mid-morning we stop the mighty Rhone River to Arles, passing the immense briefly at Bouzigues to visit the Museum of the lake with citadel of King René at Tarascon, and the foothills of its exhibition on oyster culture, which is the main the Alpilles. Dinner aboard. activity of the local fishermen. After lunch on board, we have a short minibus ride to the 12thC Abbaye de Valmagne with its vast Cistercian church and beautiful Tuesday, Day 3 cloister. Our tour ends with a chance to taste its award- ARLES TO AIGUES MORTES winning range of wines. Returning to the hotel barge, Historic Arles we have an afternoon cruise on the lake to the port of This morning we explore Arles, the Roman Arena, St. Marseillan. Dinner aboard. Trophime’s Basilica and the Museum of Provencal life. Saturday, Day 7 We visit some of Vincent Van Gogh's haunts on foot Friday, Day 6 AGDE TO MONTPELLIER through the pedestrianized heart of this old capital of MARSEILLAN TO AGDE the Camargue. Then cruise down the Petit Rhone and After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to on to the Canal de Rhone à Sete, passing several herds Before the hotel barge embarks we have an opportunity Montpellier centre or the TGV railway station by of wild Black bulls. We moor at Aigues Mortes. Dinner to tour the cellars and distillery of the world famous 10am. 25 aboard. aperitif, Noilly Prat, followed by a tasting. Then an afternoon cruise on the Canal du Midi, through the This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On renowned round lock and finishing our voyage on the alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. River Herault. We will be moored in the shadow of the Cathedral of the fishing town of Agde, built of lava blocks from the nearby volcano. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.
Enchanté also cruises the Canal du Midi – full details on request.
Cruise Provence & the Camargue – Aboard the 8 passenger Enchanté Enchanté is a state of the art, double-decker hotel barge that has been newly built in 2009 to the highest standard. She provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests in four equal twin or double-bedded suites, (approx. 200sq ft including en suite) each with superbly appointed bathrooms and individual mobile phones. The barge is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style, creating a bright, art deco atmosphere. She has a large, spacious saloon where the attention to detail is exceptional. She also has a demonstration galley allowing guests to see our skilled chef at work, CD/iPod sound system, a computer with internet connection for guests’ use, and reversible air conditioning throughout. There is a spacious sun deck, with alfresco dining area, gorgeous hot tub and sun loungers.
● 100 FEET LONG ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 4 CREW ● 4 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITES ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● SPA POOL CABIN 3 CABIN 2 ● 8 TOURING BIKES ● DEMONSTRATION GALLEY ● PC WITH INTERNET ACCESS ● MOBILE PHONES (PAY AS YOU GO) ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS CABIN 4 CABIN 1 Canal du Midi South of France and the Canal du Midi
26 Canal du Midi Cruises Alouette Beziers to Carcassonne Athos Anjodi Salleles d'Aude to Marseillan Marseillan to Le Somail Enchanté Beziers to Homps
Narbonne
Beziers
Carcassonne
27
Carcassonne The 300 year old Canal du Midi kirts the sun-drenched shore of the Mediterranean before Typical market meandering inland past ancient villages and Roman fortifications towards the famed wine region of Bordeaux. Regional Specialities S The pace of life is relaxed and lulls you into unwinding as you Noisette d’Agneau Encroûte de Sel cruise this serene, tree-lined waterway. You will discover a avec Sauce Romarin, Ragout de Calamars Provencale marvellous blend of Gallo-Roman and traditional influences reflected throughout this region of Wine Cellar historic importance. The cuisine is a delicious Minervois combination of Provencale and traditional Nimes Fitou flavours. Fresh seafood and regional Montpellier Corbières specialities with the excellent local Corbières Carcassonne Limoux and Minervois wines produce an Côtes de Provence Rosé Béziers unforgettable repertoire of meals. Our classic Agde Cheese Board Midi cruises are aboard our pretty 8 passenger Le Saint Remois, vessel, Anjodi, the elegant 4 passenger AVIGNON Fromage de Chèvre au Poivre et au Alouette, the 10 passenger Athos or the 8 Thym, passenger Enchanté Tomme de Valdeblore AGDE BÉZIERS Anjodi South of France & The Canal du Midi
Cruise Highlights Visit to Pezenas, a village associated 28 with the playwright Moliere Private wine tastings at Chateau Guéry and Chateau Perdiguier Cruise through the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas See the 12th century hilltop fort of Minerve Narbonne’s Archbishop’s Palace and colourful market View the Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards and discover Cathar history Tour Carcassonne – the most complete medieval fortified city in existence Excellent walking and bicycling
A Small Selection of the Wines Served Aboard Domaine de Gourgazard, Minervois la Livinière Chateau des Nouvelles, Fitou Chateau les Voute-Gasparets, Corbières Toques et Clochers, Limoux Chateau Mire L’Etang Rosé Domaine de Barribiou, Muscat de Minervois
Classic Yacht Interior, Charming Ambience Anjodi
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights Sunday, Day 1 Tuesday, Day 3 MARSEILLAN PORTIRAGNES TO BEZIERS
You will be met at the designated hotel in Montpellier, This morning we cruise to the bottom of the or at Montpellier TGV station, at 4pm and escorted Fonserannes 7-lock flight at Beziers where we continue by private, air-conditioned minibus to Anjodi, along the 300 year old tree-lined Canal du Midi. After moored in the lakeside fishing village of Marseillan, lunch, we enjoy an informative wine tasting in the 14th home of Noilly Prat vermouth. Enjoy a Champagne century Chateau de Perdiguier, famed for its 15th Welcome with a view of the oyster beds, followed by a century frescoes and Cabernet Sauvignon and relaxing stroll around this delightful fishing village Chardonnay wines. Dinner in Beziers at a local before dinner aboard. auberge.
Monday, Day 2 Wednesday, Day 4 MARSEILLAN TO PORTIRAGNES BEZIERS TO POILHES This morning we visit Pezenas, a delightful village, This morning we cross the aqueduct over the River best known for its associations with the French Orb and then ascend the Fonserannes flight before playwright Moliere, who is said to have written many reaching the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. plays while staying there. In the afternoon we cruise On arrival at the picturesque village of Poilhes we take from Marseillan to Portiragnes, through the nature an excursion out to Minerve, the ancient capital of Archbishop’s Palace, Narbonne reserve of Bagnas with its flamingoes. Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort Dinner aboard. surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Friday, Day 6 Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hill-top location affords spectacular views. A fascinating recreation in ARGELIERS TO LE SOMAIL miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion and Morning visit to Carcassonne. Dating back to the small museum complete the intriguing picture. Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete medieval Dinner aboard. fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of Thursday, Day 5 defences, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm POILHES TO ARGELIERS this Camelot setting. In the afternoon we take our final cruise along the historic canal to the delightful village A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman of Le Somail. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard. 29 Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishop’s Palace and Saturday, Day 7 Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of LE SOMAIL TO MONTPELLIER this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Return to After breakfast, disembark the hotel barge and transfer the hotel barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to by minibus to Montpellier centre or the TGV station by Argeliers, stopping off en route at Chateau de Guéry, a 10am. 500-year old canalside vineyard, for a pre-dinner wine tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres. Dinner aboard. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On Cruising the historic Canal du Midi alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Cruise the South of France & the Canal du Midi - Aboard the 8 passenger Anjodi
Anjodi is of classic Dutch design, specifically rebuilt to negotiate the 300-year-old Canal du Midi. She has been completely refurbished in the tasteful tradition of African hardwoods, hand- crafted panelling and shining brass, to create a comfortable and charming ambience reminiscent of a classic yacht. The well planned accommodation offers a choice of four air-conditioned twin/double staterooms, each with full en-suite facilities. The shaded sun deck is unusually spacious, with a heated sunken spa pool and comfortable sun loungers.
Anjodi has also achieved “film star” status following her many appearances during the television series Rick Stein’s French Odyssey, when she carried the world-renowned chef, Rick Stein, on a 400-mile voyage of culinary discovery through Southern France.
● 100 FEET LONG 1 ROMARIN 3 LAVANDE ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 4 CREW ● 4 TWIN/DOUBLE STATEROOMS ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● SPA POOL ● 8 TOURING BIKES 2 THYM 4 BASILIC ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS Alouette Canal du Midi
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 for an afternoon’s cruise to our overnight mooring at BEZIERS Homps. Dinner aboard. You will be met at 4pm at an agreed meeting point Thursday, Day 5 within one hour’s drive and transferred to Alouette, HOMPS TO TREBES moored in Beziers port. A Champagne reception introduces you to the crew and later in the evening, After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a enjoy your first dining experience aboard. limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle with wonderful views was once a Monday, Day 2 Cathar stronghold, besieged and captured by Simon de BEZIERS TO CAPESTANG Montfort in the 13th century. On the way back to the boat, stop at Peyriac-Minervois for a wine tasting. The first morning’s cruise is along the beautiful Canal Return to the hotel barge for lunch and an afternoon du Midi to Capestang where we will moor for the cruise to Trebes. Dinner aboard. night. In the afternoon, visit L’Oppidum d’Enserune, a pre-Roman hill-top settlement and one of the most Friday, Day 6 important archaeological sites in the region. The top of TREBES TO CARCASSONNE Cruise Highlights the hill affords a panoramic view of the pond of Montady drained in 1247 and transformed into a Finish the week with a tour of Europe’s largest medieval Tour of Carcassonne, a fortified city curious circular pattern of cultivation. Dinner aboard. fortress – La Cité de Carcassonne. Explore the intricate dating back to the Gallo-Roman era fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the Wine tasting at Chateau d’Auris Tuesday, Day 3 other, about a mile in circumference. The views from Visit to Abbaye de Fontfroide, an CAPESTANG TO LE SOMAIL the battlements towards the Pyrenees are stunning. Visit 11th century Cistercian monastery the cathedral, remarkable for its stained glass rose Take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, windows, fine statues, elegant Romanesque nave and Experience the famous covered market with its fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely Gothic transepts. Back on board the chef is preparing a in the charming city of Narbonne changed from their completion over 300 years ago. memorable feast for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Visit ancient Minerve and its Cathar After lunch, visit Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian fort monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately Saturday, Day 7 owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well- CARCASSONNE Excellent walking and bicycling kept garden and peaceful cloister. On the way back to 30 the hotel barge, stop at Château d’Auris for a wine After breakfast, passengers disembark the hotel barge tasting. Dinner aboard. and transfer to a local town, TGV station or airport within one hour’s drive. Wednesday, Day 4 A Small Selection of the LE SOMAIL TO HOMPS This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. Wines Served Aboard This morning, experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne, a lively Mediterranean city playing an First Class return TGV rail tickets to/from Paris are Domaine d’Auris, AOC Corbières important role as a wine-producing centre. The available for a supplement at time of booking. Chateau de la Peyrade, Muscat de municipal, military and religious architecture, the river Frontignan banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all Domaine Santorin, AOC Minervois contribute to its charm. Enjoy a lunch at a bistro just in front of the market and then return to the hotel barge
Cruise the Canal du Midi - Aboard the 4 passenger Alouette
Alouette is a 98ft Luxemotor hotel barge owned by Orient Express. She accommodates four passengers in two well- appointed air-conditioned cabins. Her sundeck provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery while cruising on the Canal du Midi in the South of France. Wining and dining is a highlight of the cruise and the table d’hôte menus on board the barge are of the very highest quality, featuring many regional specialities and fine wines. ● 98 FEET LONG ● CHARTERS FOR 2-4 PASSENGERS ONLY ● 4 CREW ● 2 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITES ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● INTERNET ACCESS ● 4 TOURING BIKES ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS Athos Canal du Midi
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 Guéry. The cruise route today promises spectacular SALLELES D’AUDE views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. When we arrive at the overnight mooring at the top of You will be met by the Captain at 4pm at a designated the Fonserannes locks, there is time to visit the old hotel or at Montpellier TGV station and transferred by market town of Pezenas, the first seat of the Languedoc private air-conditioned minibus to Athos. A full-crew court. The architecture here is especially attractive. Welcome Aboard follows, with Champagne and Dinner aboard. Mediterranean canapés. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared Thursday, Day 5 by our highly acclaimed onboard Chef. FONSERANNES TO PORTIRAGNES Monday, Day 2 This morning we visit Narbonne. Explore an SALLELES D’AUDE TO ARGELIERS excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the Roman Museum, This morning we will drive you to the famous medieval discover the beauty of St.Juste Cathedral, or simply double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable relax in one of the many cafés. Later, the cruise takes on-board guide will provide a full tour of this historical in the 17th century feat of engineering, the "Neuf Cruise Highlights place and ensure that you also have time to browse those Ecluses" (or staircase locks) and the 18th century canal shops! An afternoon cruise takes us to our picturesque bridge which carries Athos over the Orb River to Tour of the medieval city of overnight mooring by Argeliers bridge and there should Portiragnes. It is an ideal afternoon for walking or Carcassonne be enough time for a brisk stroll into the village before cycling. Dinner aboard. Wine tasting at Domaine de Guéry Chef serves up the next culinary delight! Visit to Pezenas, an architectural gem Friday, Day 6 Tuesday, Day 3 Passage through the 17th century PORTIRAGNES TO MARSEILLAN ARGELIERS TO CAPESTANG Fonserannes locks This morning we cruise through the “Petite Visit to Roman Narbonne This morning's suggested visit is a tasting at the Oulibo, Camargue”,a joy for bird watchers with its pink the local olive oil press. After an olive tasting, a short flamingoes, African rollers and bee eaters that frequent Crossing of the 18th century Orb drive up the Gorge de la Cesse brings you into the the surrounding estuaries. Later we enter the open canal bridge hilltop village of Minerve, scene of the Cathar siege of waters of the Etang de Thau, Europe's largest mussel Good towpath for walking and the 13th century. A long lunch and an afternoon of and oyster park and moor in the port at Marseillan, bicycling relaxation await your return to Athos which cruises to near the famous Noilly Prat vermouth distillery. 31 the charming village of Capestang, where we moor with Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard. a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk. Dinner aboard. Saturday, Day 7 MARSEILLAN TO MONTPELLIER A Small Selection of the Wednesday, Day 4 CAPESTANG TO FONSERANNES After breakfast, disembark the hotel barge and transfer Wines Served Aboard by private minibus to the TGV station or hotel in After breakfast, take a gentle stroll into the village square Montpellier. Borie du Maurel, Esprit d’Automne, to visit the market. Athos gets underway in time to stop AOC Minervois Domaine Gaujal, for a pre-lunch wine tasting at one of the few remaining This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On AOC Picpoul de Pinet traditional-method 19th century wineries, Domaine de alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. Domaine la Colombette, Pinot Noir Chateau Etang d’Hortus, AOC Corbieres, La Bergerie d’Hortus, Cruise the Canal du Midi - Aboard the 10 passenger Athos Rouge Classique, AOC Minervois Domaine de l’Orthau, Chardonnay Athos is a 103ft hotel barge, accommodating 10 passengers in five comfortable, air-conditioned cabins. Built in 1964, she started life transporting sand, grain and wine, and her association with wine continues today as she gracefully meanders through the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Her spacious accommodation and public areas create the perfect ambience for a restful holiday. ● 103 FEET LONG CABIN 5 CABIN 4 CABIN 2 ● 10 PASSENGERS ● 4 CREW ● 5 TWIN/DOUBLE STATEROOMS ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● 8/10 TOURING BIKES ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS CABIN 3 CABIN 1 Gascony With a Taste of Bordeaux
Cruising in Gascony Colourful Markets
From Bordeaux to the Midi... he Canal des Deux Mers links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, passing through the region of l’Occitanie – a T veritable palette of colours and scents created by orchards and vineyards. We visit historic fortified ‘bastides’ such as Valence d’Agen, 32 learn more about the region’s artists and rural culture and cruise by picturesque old villages and quaint farms. And of course, as this cruise is near Bordeaux wine country, there will be plenty of opportunity to sample a part of France where good food and wine is a way of life.
Traditional Landmarks
Typical Regional Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities Entrecôte de Bazas à la Bordelaise Magret de Canard aux Pommes et aux Oignons Confits PARIS Bordeaux Tourtière de Pommes Pruneaux à l’Armagnac Castets Agen Wine Cellar Buzet, Côtes de Marmandais, Sauternes Montauban Bordeaux AOC Superieur, Haut Médoc, Côtes du Frontonnais BORDEAUX Toulouse Cheese Board TOULOUSE Le Bleu de Quercy Templais Sec Tomme de Lomagne
Southern Comfort! Rosa – NEW FOR 2010 Canal Latéral à la Garonne
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 swimming or canoeing, or alternatively, we can visit TOULOUSE TO MONTAUBAN Moissac's 7th century Abbey with its wonderfully preserved cloisters and chapel. This evening we stroll Guests are met by the captain at 4.00pm at a designated ashore, to savour regional specialties at the acclaimed hotel in Toulouse and transferred by air-conditioned restaurant ‘Le Pont Napoleon’,where celebrated TV chef minibus to Rosa, moored in the Port of Montauban. Rick Stein once cooked Tarn-caught pike for the BBC Following a Champagne Welcome, there is time for a TV series portraying his cruise aboard Rosa. tour of this beautiful old town set on the banks of the River Tarn, before returning for your first dinner aboard. Thursday, Day 5 MOISSAC TO VALENCE D’AGEN Monday, Day 2 Today the Rosa rises up from the Tarn and turns West MONTAUBAN TO MONTECH on the brick-lined canal through Moissac. After This morning Rosa meanders up the flight of ten locks negotiating the swing bridge, we cruise between the on the beautiful, recently restored branch canal skirting placidly flowing waters of the Garonne and the foothills Auvillar the Forest of Agre and moors in the heart of the little of the Quercy massif, before mooring at Pommevic. town of Montech. In the afternoon we head into the After lunch we drive to Auvillar, a 15th century village Cruise Highlights Côtes du Frontonnais wine region in the minibus, for a famous for its pottery and perched high on the side of a tasting of the outstanding cuvee ‘Optimum’ at the gorge above the River Garonne. Return to Rosa and Visits to historic Montauban & renowned Chateau Bellevue la Foret. Return to the cruise to Valence d'Agen and a tour of this old "Bastide" picturesque Auvillar hotel barge and try your hand at a game of Boules on town with its Palladian canalside public wash-house and Negotiate the amazing inclined Water the quay this evening before dinner aboard. arcaded market place. Dinner aboard. Plane at Montauban Tuesday, Day 3 Friday, Day 6 Wine, armagnac and foie gras VALENCE D’AGEN TO AGEN tastings MONTECH TO CASTELSARRASIN We awake to the bustle of the weekly market in the A morning cruise through the bucolic countryside to Visit to Moissac and its ancient abbey cosy centre of Montech and after accompanying the Lamagistère. From here we can travel the ten minutes Traverse a 1000 foot aqueduct hotel barge’s chef around the stalls in the half-timbered by cycle or minibus to Donzac and its Conservatoire of streets, we negotiate the remarkable inclined Water traditional trades, where we step back in time to see the Gastronomic dinner ashore Plane. This amazing feat of engineering by-passes five extensive exhibition of rural life, before returning to locks and lowers the barge 43 feet all in one go! Later, Rosa for a leisurely cruise to the historic town of Agen. 33 we arrive in Castelsarrasin and after a short drive to the After lunch, we visit Chateau du Frandat for private Ferme des Jauberts at Angeville we can tour and taste tastings of their esteemed Armagnac and Floc du the foie gras of Eric Couderc with some fine local Gascogne and Buzet wines in delightful surroundings. Some of the Wines Armagnac. Dinner aboard. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.
Served Aboard Wednesday, Day 4 Saturday, Day 7 Baron d’Ardeuil, Cotes de Buzet CASTELSARRASIN TO MOISSAC AGEN TO TOULOUSE Chateau Doisy-Védrines, Barsac After breakfast, we cross the River Tarn via a 1000 foot After breakfast, guests disembark the hotel barge and Chateau Pey La Tour Reserve, long aqueduct to descend towards Moissac through a transfer to Toulouse for approximately 11am. Bordeaux Superieur staircase of delightful locks and moor for lunch on the Chateau Larrivaux, Haut Médoc River Tarn below the old watermill. Then we may cruise This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On Chateau Bellevue la Foret, Cuvée downstream to St. Nicolas de la Grave for an afternoon’s alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. Optimum Cruise The Bordeaux Region - Aboard the 8 passenger Rosa Rosa is an old Dutch “Clipper” barge that has been completely refitted in 2010 to a high specification. Her saloon is particularly welcoming and features attractive wood panelling, comfortable seating and a cosy bar. There are four air-conditioned staterooms, each with full en-suite facilities and offering comfortable accommodation for 8 passengers. Outside there is a spacious sundeck with comfortable furniture. Rosa also featured in the hugely successful television series, Rick Stein’s French Odyssey.
4 TOULOUSE ● 100 FEET LONG -LAUTREC 2 INGRES ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 4 CREW ● 2 TWIN STATEROOMS ● 2 DOUBLE STATEROOMS ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● 3 DE SEVÉRAC 1 CHAMPOLLION AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS LoireValley and Western Burgundy, the Upper Loire
34 Loire Valley & Western Burgundy Cruises
Renaissance Nymphea Nitray to Montrichard Montargis to Chatillon-Sur-Loire
Villandry Gardens
Typical Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities Filet Mignon de Veau à la Bière et Chateau de Chambord Moutarde, Selle d’Agneau au Romarin, Saumon et Friture
Wine Cellar Domaine Meriau, L’Alliance de Generations, Domaine Jacky Blot, 35 Vouvray, Domaine Breton, St Nicolas de Bourgueil Cheese Board The Spectacular Loire Valley... Valencay, St Maure de Touraine, nd its main tributary, the River Cher, have carried Selles sur Cher cargo and passengers for over 2,000 years, since A pre-Roman times. The Valley of the Kings is a timeless region of spectacular beauty and grace and we are delighted to offer the only hotel barge navigating the heart of the real PARIS Loire Valley. The proximity of such a wealth of gorgeous architecture makes Nymphea’s cruise a CHABLIS unique travel experience. TOURS
SANCERRE Tours Chenonceaux Azay St Aignan
Cruise Amidst Renaissance Architecture Opposite: Nymphea emerges from beneath Chenonceau Nymphea The Loire Valley
Cruise Highlights
36 Cruise under the famed Chateau de Chenonceau Visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and see the silkworm nursery Excursion to the Chateau D’Amboise Private wine tastings at Montrichard and the Domaine de Fontenay Visit to Chateau de Nitray and its rose garden Colourful street markets Excellent walking and bicycling Optional hot air ballooning
A Small Selection of the Wines Served Aboard Domaine Baudry Dutour, Rosé de Chinon Cuvée Marie-Justine Chateau de Chaintres, Saumur Champigny Domaine dl la Renaudie, Touraine Blanc Domaine de Fontenay, Cuvée Prestige Lycée Viticole d’Amboise, Cabernet Franc
Classic Yacht Decor, Delightful Elegance Nymphea
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights Sunday, Day 1 Tuesday, Day 3 Friday, Day 6 MOULIN DE NITRAY LARCAY TO VALLET MONTRICHARD TO NITRAY
You are met at a designated time at the TGV railway After a morning cruise past no less than six private Following breakfast, a short stroll takes us to the heart station at St Pierre des Corps and transferred to chateaux, we tie up opposite the hamlet of Vallet, a of Montrichard and into the midst of one of the Nymphea where a Champagne Welcome awaits you at cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped largest weekly street markets in Touraine. There is our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de around its 18th century mill. From there we leave for also much to explore at the 12th Century Chateau of Nitray. Dinner aboard. our excursion by minibus to Amboise on the banks of Foulques Nerra overlooking the medieval town the Loire, where we visit the Royal Chateau square. Before lunch we can visit the local vineyard of D’Amboise and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci’s the Meriau family, to taste the regional Touraine home. Dinner aboard. vintages. After an early lunch, Nymphea sets off downstream again, for another passage under Wednesday, Day 4 Chenonceau and arrives at the hamlet of Nitray in VALLET TO CHISSAY EN TOURAINE time to visit the Chateau and rose garden of Nitray. Enjoy a pre-Captain’s dinner aperitif from their While cruising in the morning we may pull in to the vineyards. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard. tiny landing stage next to Domaine de Fontenay. A two- minute walk brings us to the courtyard where we can Saturday, Day 7 taste their range of Touraine wines as an aperitif before NITRAY TO TOURS lunch while moored at Blere. In the afternoon we cruise under the 5-arch bridge of the impressive Château de After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux. From there we St Pierre des Corps railway station for approximately depart by minibus to visit the Chateau. Upon our 9.30am. return we cruise upstream to Chissay en Touraine. We take dinner tonight in one of the local restaurants This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. specializing in regional cooking.
Thursday, Day 5 CHISSAY EN TOURAINE TO MONTRICHARD A morning cruise takes us towards the troglodyte village of Bourré. We tie up at the lock, a short walk 37 Clos Lucé - home of Leonardo Da Vinci from one of the more unusual dwellings in the Loire 29 Monday, Day 2 Valley, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which MOULIN DE NITRAY TO LARCAY has been in turn wine cellar, quarry for the tuffeau A morning cruise through two locks takes us to the stone, and lastly, a silkworm nursery. After lunch we quaint town of Larcay where we moor under the drive east to Valencay, one of the most splendid weeping willows for lunch. Afternoon excursion to chateaux of the Loire and the home of Napoleon’s Chateau de Villandry, with its world-renowned foreign minister, Talleyrand. Returning to the hotel renaissance gardens. Dinner aboard. barge we cruise to Montrichard where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard. Troglodyte Dwelling Cruise The Loire Valley - Aboard the 6 passenger Nymphea
Nymphea’s six-passenger Dutch design with its shallow draft is ideal for navigating the incredibly beautiful, yet somewhat sandy reaches of the River Cher in the Loire Valley. Refitted throughout, her traditional ship’s interior features a warm, classic décor of richly varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a welcoming country house atmosphere. Nymphea has three comfortable cabins providing one twin/double-bedded and two twin-bedded staterooms, all with en-suite facilities. Her crew of Captain, Master Chef and Tour Guide are most knowledgeable about the regional wine and cuisine.
● 1 CHEVERNY 2 CHAMBORD 80 FEET LONG ● 6 PASSENGERS ● 3 CREW ● 2 TWIN STATEROOMS ● 1 TWIN/DOUBLE STATEROOM ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● 6 TOURING BIKES 3 CHENONCEAU ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS Renaissance Western Burgundy and the Upper Loire
Western Burgundy and The Upper Loire... rguably the finest combination of regions one could cruise through on a hotel barge! From the mighty 38 River Seine to France’s oldest Canal de Briare, along a waterwayA steeped in history, past beautiful scenery and small country villages. Enjoy the tastes and fragrances of fine Burgundy and Loire Valley wines whilst cruising in ultimate comfort aboard one of the most spacious inland waterway vessels afloat. Renaissance sports four spacious suites, a massive saloon, jacuzzi-equipped sundeck and covered outside dining Spacious Cabin Suites area. For a group of friends or family demanding the finest, this hotel barge has it all. Typical Burgundian Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities PARIS Filet Mignon de Charolais, Medallion d’Agneau Farci à la Provencale, Filet de Sole Chablisienne, AUXERRE Canard au Petits Navets
Samois-Sur-Seine Wine Cellar Montargis Sancerre, Chablis, Pouilly Fumé, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Auxerre Vosne Romanée, Domaine Laroche, Rogny Nuits-St-Georges
Cheese Board Chatillon- Sur-Loire Aisy Cendré, Bouton de Culotte, Epoisses, Ami du Chambertin
The Perfect Combination - Luxury and Beauty Renaissance
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 the Dauphin to devote himself to idle hunting in the PARIS TO MONTARGIS forests around Sully. After Joan's failure to liberate Paris in 1430, de la Trémoïlle virtually imprisoned her in the Guests are met at a designated hotel in Paris at 1.30pm castle. In the 18th century, Voltaire, exiled from Paris, and transferred by private, air-conditioned minibus to also spent time at the Château. Afternoon cruise to the spacious Renaissance, where a Champagne Welcome Ouzouer-Trezée. Dinner aboard. awaits. Time to explore the pretty village of Montargis by foot or bicycle. Dinner aboard. Thursday, Day 5 OUZOUER-TREZEE TO BRIARE Monday, Day 2 MONTARGIS TO MONTBOUY Morning cruise to Briare and Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct across the River Loire with walking and Morning cruise through the Loire countryside with bicycling for those that wish to do so. We preview towpath cycling to Montbouy. After lunch our visit is to Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000 ton, 662 metre the splendid Chateau-Landon, with a history going back Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896. The Pretty Hilltop Town of Sancerre 20,000 years to the first evidence of primitive habitation. Today we also visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery, This seldom-visited, mainly medieval town was captured hunting museums and Chateau de Gien. Dinner aboard. Cruise Highlights by Caesar in 52 BC. Dinner aboard. Friday, Day 6 Visit to medieval town of Chateau- Tuesday, Day 3 Landon BRIARE TO CHATILLON-SUR-LOIRE MONTBOUY TO ROGNY LES SEPT ECLUSES Tour of Chateau Guedelon, a unique Morning wander around the fruit and vegetable, re-creation of a 13thC castle Today’s excursion is to Chateau Guedelon. A team of seafood, cheese and French fashion stalls in the market 7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses fifty people have taken on an extraordinary feat to build in Briare. Afternoon visit to a family-run vineyard in a 13th century castle using the very same techniques and Sancerre for a wine tasting. This medieval hilltop Visit to Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire, a materials used in the Middle Ages. Work on the site village overlooks a vibrant and pulsating region which moated fortress and ‘monument began in 1997 and is scheduled to take 25 years to has known viticulture since Roman times. Evening historique’ complete. Guédelon offers a unique opportunity to cruise across the River Loire on Eiffel’s aqueduct Cruise across the Pont Canal de Briare, witness the different stages of a castle's construction with followed by the Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard. built by Gustav Eiffel over the River Loire each phase being of interest in its own right. Afternoon cruise to historic Rogny and its 350 year old floodlit 7 Saturday, Day 7 Wine tasting in Sancerre 39 lock-flight. Dinner ashore at Auberge des Templiers in CHATILLON-SUR-LOIRE TO PARIS Excellent towpath for walking and Les Bezards. bicycling After breakfast, we return you to the meeting point at Wednesday, Day 4 the hotel in Paris for approximately 12pm. ROGNY LES SEPT SECLUSES TO OUZOUER- This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On TREZÉE A Small Selection of the alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. After a leisurely breakfast we visit Chateau de Sully sur Wines Served Aboard Loire. The castle originally belonged to Georges de la Trémoïlle, who infuriated Joan of Arc by encouraging Domaine Changarnier, Monthelie Domaine Jean Teiller, Menetou-Salon Domaine Des Hautes Cornieres, Santenay Cruise the Upper Loire & Western Burgundy – Domaine Lussac, Chateau Lyonnat Lussac- Aboard the 8 passenger Renaissance St. Emilion, Domaine Fernand & Lauren Renaissance is a Spitz, Belgium built vessel, converted into a hotel barge in 1999. Renaissance accommodates up to Pillot, Clos de Pommard eight passengers in ultimate luxury. Her interior has recently been extensively refitted and includes a beautifully appointed lounge with comfortable seating and state of the art CD system. The extremely generous, upgraded accommodation features four twin/double-bedded suites. Each has a 60ft sq private bathroom. Renaissance’s other impressive features include a forward deck with a roof extension for alfresco dining, an on-deck heated spa pool and a “passenger-friendly” wheelhouse. ● 128 FEET LONG ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 5 CREW ● 4 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITES ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY-HEATED ● OPEN FIRE ● SPA POOL ● 8 TOURING BIKES ● TV/DVD IN SUITES ● 4 MOLIERE 3 DUMAS 2 HUGO 1 VOLTAIRE INTERNET ACCESS ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS Italy Venice, the Venetian Lagoon and the Brenta River to Padua
La Dolce Vita Cruising in Venice La Bella Vita (top) Mantua (bottom) STOP PRESS – NEW FOR 2010 – La Bella Vita A new, contemporary 20 passenger vessel, La Bella Vita, will cruise from Venice to the River Po delta and up to Mantua. Cruise highlights include the wildlife reserves of the delta, the colourful port of Chioggia, visits to the vineyards of Soave, the old cities of Verona and Mantua, and to the home of Grappa.
La Dolce Vita will also be offering an additional itinerary from Venice, north to 40 Grado. Highlights include a visit to Hemingway’s fishing hut in the marshes of Caorle and the ancient city of Aquileia – hidden gems of Italy for the privileged few to see. Venice, the Venetian Lagoon and the River Brenta to Padua Sunset Dinners on Deck Typical Italian Cuisine ur cruises around the Venetian Aboard Lagoon and along the Brenta O River are as special as Venice Regional Specialities herself. Our itineraries combine four Fegato alla Veneziana, Baccala Mantecato, very different landscapes: from that La Polenta, Sarde in Saor, Risotto al Mantua of the picturesque islands of the Prezzemolo, Lagoon Seafood VENICE northern lagoon to the charm of River po Wine Cellar romantic Venice; from the beaches of Lido di Venezia and Pellestrina to the Barolo, Chianti, Castel del Monte, Soave, Valpolicella, Prosecco splendid architecture of the countryside mansions Padua along the Brenta. This mixture of culture, art and Venice Cheese Board nature is unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms. Gorgonzola, Mozzarella de Bufala, Pecorino, Taleggio, Provolone Each fairytale adventure allows time to explore the history and legend of the Baroque, the Renaissance, the Middle Ages and before. The islands of the northern Venetian Lagoon - ROME Murano, Burano, Torcello - exude a charm and intrigue all of their own, surpassed only by Venice itself. Delicious seafood and local specialities, fine wines and attentive service complete the picture. La Dolce Vita
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 Palace and Saint Mark’s in Venice. In the early evening PADUA & THE PIOVEGO CANAL we cruise all around Venice to Murano, where La Dolce Vita is moored for the night. Dinner aboard. Guests are met at 5pm at the designated hotel in Dolo, just 20 minutes by road taxi from Venice.We then Thursday, Day 5 transfer you by car to Padua, where the crew of La Dolce Vita will welcome you aboard with a glass of Prosecco. MURANO - TORCELLO - BURANO We have dinner in Padua along the Piovego canal, We visit a glass-blowing workshop in Murano. Should directly facing the well-preserved, ancient city walls. you be interested in learning more about the history of glass-blowing we can also offer you a visit to the Glass Monday, Day 2 Museum. Our cruise then takes us to Torcello, the first PADUA - NOVENTA island of the lagoon to be colonised 2,000 years ago. We have lunch while cruising on the Siloncello canal and in In Padua we take a walking or bicycle tour passing by the afternoon see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Saint Anthony’s Cathedral and the Prato della Valle. We a beautiful example of the Veneto-Byzantine style. Later also visit the Botanical Garden, the oldest in the world. A we move to Burano, a picturesque fishermen’s island in walk in the city centre completes the tour of Padua with the northern lagoon with its colourful streets. We stay on Cruise Highlights a look at the Old University, the historical Caffé the calm waters of Burano for dinner and for the night. Pedrocchi, the marketplace and a visit to Giotto’s Historical tour of Venice Chapel, whenever possible. Our late afternoon cruise Friday, Day 6 Visit to St Mark’s Byzantine Cathedral brings us to Noventa along the River Brenta, where we BURANO - SAN FRANCESCO - VENICE - SAN and the Doge’s Palace moor for dinner aboard. GIORGIO Murano and the glass-blowing workshop Tuesday, Day 3 We start our cruise passing by San Francesco del Deserto NOVENTA - STRA - DOLO Island, where we can moor and visit the monastery, then Visit to Padua’s Botanical Gardens and to San Giorgio for lunch on this island facing the Doge’s a tour of the city’s historic landmarks Further descent of the River Brenta to Stra, where we visit Palace of Venice. In the afternoon you can shop or visit Visit to the 18thC Villa Pisani with Villa Pisani, an 18th century masterpiece of Venetian the Clock Tower, or the Correr Museum of Venetian Art Tiepolo frescoes and gardens architecture with frescos by Tiepolo and a marvellous and History. Perhaps walk to Rialto Bridge to see the garden. In the afternoon we cruise to Dolo, where we Grand Canal. For the evening and night we stay moored River Brenta mansions moor for the night. For those who like bicycling, it is in San Giorgio for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard. possible to follow the barge on a bicycle. Before our 41 superb fish dinner at the Villa Goetzen Hotel restaurant, Saturday, Day 7 we take you for a glass of wine at the old Water Mill in SAN GIORGIO - FUSINA Dolo, a picturesque 1500’s building on the canal. A Small Selection of the After breakfast we cruise from San Giorgio to Fusina, Wednesday, Day 4 where we arrive at 11am. You are then transferred to Wines Served Aboard DOLO - MALCONTENTA - VENICE - MURANO Villa Dolo or to Marco Polo airport. If you have an early flight or if you are staying at a hotel in Venice, we can Livio Felluga, Vertigo This morning we cruise on down the River Brenta into make custom arrangements e.g. book a water taxi. Muri-Gries, Lagrein Rosso the lagoon, passing by Villa Foscari in Malcontenta, a Allegrini, Valpolicella Classico masterpiece of the Renaissance architect Palladio. In the This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On Jermann, Ribolla “Vinnae” afternoon we take you on a guided tour of the Doge’s alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. Roveglia, Lugana Col Vetorax, Prosecco Spago Cruise the Venetian Lagoon - Aboard the 6 passenger La Dolce Vita La Dolce Vita is a charming six-passenger vessel featuring typically Venetian décor that make her perfect for cruising the romantic Venetian Lagoon. She is the only hotel barge cruising this unique route and with her crew of three - Captain, Master Chef and Housekeeper – you can be sure of excellent personal service and the best of Italian cuisine and wines. La Dolce Vita has three comfortable cabins - one twin, one twin/double and one double - each with an en- suite bathroom and she also benefits from a good-sized sundeck. Being both fully air-conditioned and centrally heated, the barge is perfect for cruising this temperate part of the Adriatic coast.
● 1 FOSCARI 3 PISANI 65 FEET LONG ● 6 PASSENGERS ● 3 CREW ● 1 TWIN/DOUBLE STATEROOM ● 1 TWIN STATEROOM ● 1 DOUBLE SUITE ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● ROOF TOP SUNDECK 2 VAL MARANA ● 6 TOURING BIKES Holland Amsterdam and the land of Rembrandt
Keukenhof Gardens Hand-painted Delft ware
Holland and the tulips ruise the western provinces of the land of water, past windmills, above the polders and along the very river which C gave its name to Amsterdam. Experience the colours of the 42 bulb fields and the magnificence of the formal gardens in this agricultural haven, at the same time marvelling at the architecture and engineering feats of its innovative people. The cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the towns of Delft, Gouda and Haarlem will charm you, just as they did the great artists.
Amsterdam
Typical Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities Braised Beef Fillet in Juniper Berry and Red Wine Jus, Saddle of Lamb with Eggplant Caviar
Wine Cellar St Emilion Grand Cru Zaanse Schans AMSTERDAM Chasagne-Montrachet les Houilleres, Pomerol Keukenhof Gardens Leiden Pouilly Fuissé Aalsmeer Flower Auction Delft Gouda
Rotterdam Cheese Board Gouda, Leyden, Maasdam
NETHERLANDS Holland, Belgium or France Aboard Savoir Faire Savoir Faire
Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights Holland Tulip Cruise - Spring Paris to Burgundy Cruise – Summer & Tour the famous Keukenhof Gardens with the Autumn largest display of flowers in the world. Cruise through Paris beneath the floodlit Eiffel Cruise through the heart of Amsterdam with its Tower and Notre Dame canals and picturesque architecture Visit Chateau de Fontainebleau where many Visit a working windmill, clog maker and cheese French monarchs have left their mark maker Tour the medieval town of Provins and watch a Explore the Aalsmeer flower auction and Gouda, birds of prey display the mecca of Dutch cheese Visit the romantic Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte Visit the Delft pottery to see the world famous (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask") porcelain being hand-made and painted Visit Sens, the oldest town in France with its Tour the picturesque town of Haarlem and visit a magnificent Gothic cathedral museum of the Dutch painter, Franz Hals. Enjoy a wine tasting of fine wines in the cellars of Domaine Laroche
Cruise Itineraries Three Country Cruise – Late Spring & Autumn (13 nights) Champagne Cruise – Late Summer Savoir Faire offers a number of delightful In Holland, see the world famous flower displays Visit the home of champagne, Reims, and its cruises throughout the year – including a at the Keukenhof Gardens historic cathedral Holland Tulip cruise, a Three Country Tour Gouda, the mecca of Dutch cheese and site Tour the Moet & Chandon cellars and sample cruise through Holland, Belgium and of the best stained glass in Holland champagne at a private tasting Northern France, a Paris to Burgundy Cruise into Belgium and Antwerp for a tour of cruise, and a Champagne cruise. Visit Chateau Thierry in the Marne valley, scene the old quarter and a visit to famous Flemish of many World War One battles painter Rubens' house Cruise highlights are shown on the right Enjoy a tasting of Brie cheeses at a master cheese and more detailed itineraries are on our Visits the beautiful Belgian cities of Ghent and maker in Coulomniers website. Please also see the price list for Bruges, the “Venice of the North” Visit the exquisite Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte and departure dates. Cruise up into the Vermandois Hills of gardens Picardy through the many locks and tunnels of Cruise through Paris past the floodlit Eiffel the Canal du Nord. Tower and Notre Dame 43 Cruise the River Somme and visit Compiegne, site of the WWI Armistice signing A Small Selection of the Full day excursion to Giverny to visit Claude Wines Served Aboard Monet’s home and the gardens which will be on display at their finest Chateau Davenay, Pinot Noir Visit Malmaison, Napoleon’s home and enjoy a Chateau Guillot, Pomerol floodlit cruise into the heart of Paris Chateauneuf du Pape Chateau Gaillard, St Emilion Grand Cru Chateau de France, Pessac Leognan Du Fouleur, Pernand Vergellesses Cruise Holland, Belgium or France (Burgundy/Upper Loire or Champagne) - Aboard the 12 passenger Savoir Faire Savoir Faire was built in 1932 before being converted in 1979. She began life as a cargo vessel working between Holland and Belgium and was also used as a landing vessel during World War Two. She was substantially refurbished only a few years ago. The saloon, dining area and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass and complemented by tasteful antiques and paintings. Her six staterooms offer luxurious en-suite accommodation for twelve passengers, who can be assured of very attentive service by six, English-speaking members of crew throughout their cruise.
● 130 FEET LONG ● 6 CREW ● 6 TWIN/DOUBLE STATEROOMS ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CABIN 1 CABIN 3 CABIN 4 CABIN 6 CENTRALLY HEATED ● PIANO ● INTERNET ACCESS ● 12 TOURING BIKES ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS
CABIN 2 CABIN 5 Germany, France & the Low Countries
The Moselle, Alsace, Northern France, Holland & Belgium LIMITED WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
Large, elegant cabin suites Five Countries, A Choice of Voyages wide choice of itineraries is available, each one timed to allow you to appreciate the very best that a region has to offer as you cruise majestically A through it. The season starts in the Spring with the Tulip Cruise in Holland, where you will see the spectacular displays of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens and cruise 44 through the heart of Amsterdam.
In May, there is a fascinating voyage of exploration from Bruges to Paris along numerous canals and rivers, then in the summer months there are cruises through some of the most scenic parts of France – Champagne, where you can indulge in some wonderful cheese and wine tasting as you meander gently along the River Marne; the Alsace historic Canal du Briare in the delightful Upper Loire with its elegant chateaux; Alsace, a unique region with a blend of French and German influences evident in the fairytale Typical Cuisine Aboard castles, cuisine, wines and architecture. Regional Specialities The season ends with some wonderful journeys along Amsterdam Medallions of veal with a girolles and truffle the Moselle, a river which forms a natural border sauce, Breast of duck with a passion fruit between Luxembourg and Germany and where, glace, Crepes Suzette with homemade vanilla as we cruise along, you will be enchanted by ice cream Brussels the magnificent, wine-growing landscape. Koblenz Wine Cellar Whichever cruise you select aboard Reims Luxembourg Riesling Grand Cru, La Nouvelle Etoile, you can be Nancy Chassagne-Montrachet, sure of some timeless Paris Chablis Premier Cru Moret Strasbourg memories. Pouilly Fuissé, St Emillion Grand Cru Briare Auxerre
Cheese Board Munster, Brie de Meaux, Fourme d’Ambert, Chaource
Choice with Elegance La Nouvelle Etoile – NEW FOR 2010
Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights Holland Tulip Cruise - Spring Tour the famous Keukenhof Gardens with the Alsace Lorraine Cruise – largest display of flowers in the world. Late Summer Autumn Cruise through the heart of Amsterdam with its Take a walking tour of the city of Nancy with its canals and picturesque architecture Baroque palaces and home of the Art Nouveau Visit a working windmill, clog maker and cheese movement maker Visit the graceful Chateau de Fleville Explore the Aalsmeer flower auction and Gouda, Marvel at the Plan Incline Arzvillers, a unique the mecca of Dutch cheese lock that carries the barge up or down the Visit the Delft pottery to see the world famous mountainside porcelain being hand-made and painted Sample some of the best Alsatian wines in the Tour the picturesque town of Haarlem and visit a region at renowned vineyards museum of the Dutch painter, Franz Hals. Visit the elegant city of Strasbourg, with its In late Spring, following the Tulip cruises, there is a magnificent 11thC cathedral Burg Eltz – a Fairytale Castle unique 11-night Bruges to Paris cruise along the waterways of Belgium and Picardy. Then, before the Cruise Itineraries Champagne & Brie itineraries commence, there are a number of cruises in the Upper Loire region. La Nouvelle Etoile offers a number of Moselle Cruise - Autumn wonderful cruises during the year - from Visit Burg Eltz, the 12th century “Queen of the Holland Tulip and Belgium/Picardy German Castles”,one of the few not destroyed by cruises in the Spring, through the Chablis, King Louis XIV Champagne & Brie Cruise - Summer Upper Loire, Champagne and Alsace cruises Cruise the River Moselle past picturesque hillside in France in the summer, to the Moselle Wonder at Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower as vineyards cruise in Germany in the Autumn. we cruise through Paris Enjoy private wine tastings in Zell and Bernkastel, Cruise highlights are shown on the right Tour the magnificent Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte home of the best of Moselle wines and more detailed itineraries are on our Enjoy a tasting of Brie cheeses at a master cheese Tour Trier, Germany’s oldest town and see the website. Please also see the price list for maker Porta Nigra, the magnificent Roman city gate departure dates. Sample champagne at a private tasting in the Finish the cruise in Luxembourg with a visit to its Moet & Chandon cellars capital city 45 Visit Chateau Thierry and the Marne valley, scene A Small Selection of the of many World War One battles Visit the home of champagne, Reims, and its Wines Served Aboard historic cathedral.
Domaine de Roche Guillon, Fleurie, Christian Lauverjat, Sancerre Perle Blanche, Jean Haeffelin, Florimont Riesling, Domaine Laroche, Chablis 1er Cru Cruise Germany, Holland, Belgium or France - Aboard the 8 passenger La Nouvelle Etoile
La Nouvelle Etoile accommodates up to eight passengers and has been designed to offer a very high level of comfort and convenience. The spacious saloon, with its dining area and attractive cocktail bar, features a warm teak interior and elegant furnishings. Each of the generous 200 sq ft suites is lavishly equipped with all the comforts of a top hotel, including satellite TV, DVD and internet access. The en-suite bathrooms have double sinks and oversized showers. One of the suites is fully adapted to accommodate passengers with physical challenges. There is also a lift between suite and saloon level, an exercise room and a spa pool on deck.
● 129 FEET LONG ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 5 CREW ● 4 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITES ● AIR-CONDITIONED ● CENTRALLY HEATED SUITE 3 LIFT SUITE 4 ● WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WITH LIFT AND WHEELCHAIR FACILITES IN SUITE 4 ● WI FI INTERNET ACCESS ● SATELLITE TV/DVD ● SPA POOL & EXERCISE ROOM ● SUITE 1 SUITE 2 LIFT 8 TOURING BIKES ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS Scotland The Caledonian Canal & The Highlands
Highlands, Castles and Great Glen Folklore Bagpipe Entertainment
The Highlands of Scotland e cruise along the Great Glen from Inverness towards Fort William, through lochs, and on the scenic and absorbing W Caledonian Canal. Ancient castles leading to the waters edge, heather-clad hillsides and arguably the finest inland cruising in the 46 world. The legends of the past, the taste of single malt and the mythical inhabitant of Loch Ness all contribute to a special magic only experienced in Scotland’s dramatic Highlands. The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander has been designed specifically for our Highland cruise. Family Celebration Aboard
Typical Scottish Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities INVERNESS Munro of Marinated Salmon; Fillet of FORT WILLIAM Scottish Beef with Horseradish Sauce; GLASGOW Venison with Thyme, Parsley and Bay Leaf, Inverness Chicken Breasts with Raspberry Vinegar Foyers Wine Cellar Fort Augustus A good selection of French wines, complemented by many fine single malt whiskies and 80 Shilling Ales
Gairlochy Cheese Board Banavie Scottish Brie, Whisky Chase, Strathdon Blue, Orkney Smoked
Spectacular Highlands Scottish Highlander
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 complete reconstruction was undertaken. On the way FORT WILLIAM TO BANAVIE back we visit a deer farm. We rejoin the hotel barge and cruise to Fort Augustus where we dine out tonight Guests are met at a designated hotel in Fort William at at a local restaurant. 4pm and transferred to Scottish Highlander, moored at Banavie. A Champagne Welcome is followed by time for Thursday, Day 5 a walk or cycle along the towpath before dinner aboard. FORT AUGUSTUS
Monday, Day 2 In the morning we have plenty of time to look around the pretty Caledonian village of Fort Augustus before BANAVIE TO GAIRLOCHY making our way down the staircase of five locks. After In the morning we visit the mystic battlefields of lunch we visit Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston Falls Glencoe, followed by a visit to the Ben Nevis distillery (or with family charters, we explore the Nessie for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of Museum). Dinner aboard. Whisky preparation and taste a wee dram or two. In the afternoon we cruise along the heather-lined canal Friday, Day 6 to Gairlochy. Return to the barge for dinner aboard. Cruise Highlights FORT AUGUSTUS TO DOCHGARROCH Tuesday, Day 3 In the morning we leave Fort Augustus and cruise the Visit Glencoe, scene of treachery south shore of Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour, passing between the Campbell and GAIRLOCHY TO CULLOCHY LOCK Urquhart Castle and seeing an abundance of wildlife en MacDonald clans This morning we visit the World War Two Commando route. This afternoon we visit the 14th century Tour of the Ben Nevis whisky Memorial and the woollen shops at Spean Bridge, fairytale Cawdor Castle immortalised by Shakespeare distillery selling traditional knitwear and tweeds. On the way with Macbeth, housing a superb collection of Cruise Lochs Ness, Oich, Lochy and back to the hotel barge take a gondola trip up the tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful Dochfour mountain of Aonach Mor to enjoy the dramatic landscaped gardens. We also visit Culloden Moor scenery from above. Leave Gairlochy for an afternoon scene of the last major battle in mainland Britain in See Eilean Donan and Urquhart cruise via two locks at Laggan, through Lochs Oich and 1746. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard. castles Lochy and through Cullochy, finally mooring below the Culloden Moor, scene of the last lock. Dinner aboard. Saturday, Day 7 battle on British soil in 1746 DOCHGARROCH TO INVERNESS Wednesday, Day 4 47 Cawdor Castle, home of After a hearty Scottish breakfast, passengers disembark Shakespeare’s Macbeth CULLOCHY LOCK TO FORT AUGUSTUS at approximately 9.30am for the transfer to Inverness Spectacular scenery, wildlife and This morning we drive through Glen Moriston and by minibus, arriving at approximately 9.45am. folklore stunning highland countryside to romantic Eilean Donan castle, setting for the film Highlander. Eilean This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On Donan castle has an idyllic island setting with alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction commanding views of three sea lochs. Following the and the meeting and drop-off points are also reversed. Some of the Malt Whiskies abortive Jacobite rising of 1719, the ruins were abandoned for 200 years until the 20th century when a Served Aboard Ben Nevis 10 Year Old Lagavulin Cruise The Great Glen - Aboard the 8 passenger Scottish Highlander Glenfiddich Scottish Highlander was built in 1931 in Holland as a trading barge, transporting grain. In 1999, she was converted Dalwhinnie into a luxury hotel barge. Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish country house with subtle use of Glenmorangie tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet she is spacious and has every comfort for year-round Glen Moray cruising. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare – salmon, game and seafood, prepared by your own Master Chef, and Bowmore 18 Year Old the barge’s experienced crew of four will take care of your every need. A cruise aboard Scottish Highlander along the Great Glen as you admire some of Scotland’s finest scenery will be unforgettable.
● 117 FEET LONG ● 8 PASSENGERS 1 MACKINTOSH 3 MACPHERSON ● 4 CREW ● 1 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITE ● 3 TWIN/DOUBLE STATEROOMS ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● 8 TOURING BIKES ● FISH FINDER ● ALL WEATHER PASSENGER- 2 FRAZER 4 CAMERON FRIENDLY WHEELHOUSE ● MINIBUS England The Royal River Thames
The Picturesque River Thames Hampton Court
The River Thames slow, meandering journey past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages – a real mixture of olde worlde England and A the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley with frequent 48 stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore whilst we follow this old Viking trading route deep into rural countryside. Gentle exploration are the keywords, with good cycling and walking opportunities as the elegant and spacious air-conditioned 8 passenger Magna Carta finds her way along the Royal River Thames. Windsor Castle
Typical English Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities Salami of Guinea Fowl with Wild Mushroom; Rack of Lamb with Aubergine Purée, Sweet Potatoes and Spinach; Breast of Duck with Blackcurrant Sauce
Wine Cellar An array of fine European Henley wines, complemented by a full Hampton Court selection of spirits and liqueurs Cliveden Windsor
Cheese Board Cropwell Bishop Organic Stilton, LONDON OXFORD Dunsyre Blue Bath Soft Cheese
WINDSOR The History and Beauty of England Magna Carta
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in LONDON TO HENLEY-ON-THAMES 1066 and a royal home for over 900 years, this is the largest inhabited castle in the world. We explore the Guests are met by the Captain at a designated hotel in State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls House and St Central London at 3pm for afternoon English cream George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views. Late tea, before being transferred at 4pm to the Magna afternoon cruise to our private moorings in Carta, moored in the historic regatta town of Henley- Runnymede. Dinner aboard. on-Thames. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain and crew. Dinner aboard. Thursday, Day 5 Monday, Day 2 RUNNYMEDE TO SHEPPERTON HENLEY-ON-THAMES TO BOURNE END Moored by a luxury spa hotel, we have the opportunity to visit and use their excellent facilities. Our tour is to This morning we visit delightful Henley-on-Thames and the Magna Carta Memorial at Runnymede, where in its award-winning River and Rowing Museum. We set 1215, King John was forced to meet the powerful off at lunchtime and cruise the famous Regatta Mile. barons and seal this historic document. We also visit Then on to the medieval village of Hurley, where you the JFK and Commonwealth Air Forces Memorials Cruise Highlights can wander through Peter Freebody’s boatyard and before moving on to Savill Gardens, part of Windsor watch the traditional craftsmen at work. Afterwards we Great Park and containing a wealth of diverse plants English cream tea at a London Hotel have time to explore this ancient village including Ye and shrubs. Dinner aboard. Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country. Optional hot air ballooning Late afternoon cruise down through Bisham and Friday, Day 6 Marlow to our overnight mooring in Bourne End. Tour the Stanley Spencer art gallery SHEPPERTON TO HAMPTON COURT PALACE Dinner aboard. (After Dinner chance to join the Captain Henley-on-Thames, Royal Regatta in a most unusual riverside pub!) After breakfast, a morning cruise through countryside town and delightful riverside towns to our spectacular Tuesday, Day 3 mooring right beside Hampton Court Palace. After Moor beneath Windsor Castle BOURNE END TO WINDSOR lunch we visit this magnificent Tudor building. We tour King Henry VIII's apartments and the Royal Chapel, feel Visit the Magna Carta & JFK This morning we take a short cruise to Cookham, once memorials and the Savill Gardens the chill in the haunted gallery and wonder at the Tudor described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by one of England’s kitchens. Outside, the gardens are breathtaking with The Visit Henry VIII’s Hampton Court greatest artists, Stanley Spencer. We visit his gallery and Great Vine, the oldest in the country still producing Palace take a walk around the village. After lunch, we cruise to grapes and the world famous maze. Captain’s Farewell 49 the spectacular Cliveden reach. High above the river is Dinner aboard. Great walking and bicycling along the Cliveden, once the home of the Astor family and famous Thames Footpath as a place of political scandal! Magna Carta continues Saturday, Day 7 through Maidenhead and Bray and to our peaceful HAMPTON COURT PALACE TO LONDON mooring near Windsor. Dinner aboard. A Small Selection of the After breakfast, guests disembark at 10am and are Wednesday, Day 4 transferred back to London, or Heathrow Airport. Wines Served Aboard WINDSOR TO RUNNYMEDE This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On Damnée des Prieur Sancerre This morning we cruise right to the heart of Windsor alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. before enjoying lunch on board. Afternoon excursion Domaine de la Croix Jacquelet, Faiveley Montagny Pontilles Sauvignon Blanc Cruise The River Thames - Aboard the 8 passenger Magna Carta Don Cayetano Merlot Magna Carta is one of the finest, most luxurious vessels cruising the British Isles today. The ambience created by Baroncini Rosso di Montalcino combining a traditional 1936-built barge hull with fine mahogany, teak and oak woods is outstanding. Modern Reserve de Gassac Herault amenities include underfloor heating, spa pool and contemporary ensuite facilities for the four spacious staterooms. The upper deck saloon and dining area feature picture windows and stylish furnishings. Your Master Chef produces a range of mouthwatering dishes whilst you enjoy the riverside surroundings from your floating country hotel. A splendid cruise through Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. ● 117 FEET LONG ● 8 PASSENGERS ● 4 CREW ● 3 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITES ● 1 DOUBLE SUITE ● AIR-CONDITIONED 1 HENRY VIII 3 SHAKESPEARE ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● TV/DVD IN SUITES ● SPA POOL ● 8 TOURING BIKES ● AIR-CONDITIONED MINIBUS 2 CHRISTOPHER WREN 4 WINSTON CHURCHILL Ireland The Lower Shannon
St John’s Castle at Athlone Built in 1210 Ancient Clonmacnoise
The River Shannon... epresents Ireland at its finest. Rolling green fields, lakes and rivers, ancient Celtic monasteries and an abundance of R wildlife. The legends and fables of Ireland are found everywhere and are well understood by the warm and hospitable Irish 50 people. Their extraordinary history has been varied and sometimes difficult but they somehow always find the time to chat and pass the time of day. Our River Shannon cruise brings you in touch with the very soul of Ireland. The 10 passenger Shannon Princess II is a spacious, powerful river cruise vessel specifically adapted for this wonderful river. Traditional Irish Music
Typical Irish Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities Baked Baby Lobster, Roast Shoulder of Lamb, Black Velvet Crepes filled with Raspberries and served with Champagne Sauce
Athlone Wine Cellar A wide selection of French & other European ATHLONE DUBLIN wines, complemented by some wonderful Irish single malt whiskies DUBLIN Banagher
Killaloe Cheese Board Cashel Blue Farmhouse Cheese, Boilie Goats Cheese, Carrigbyrne Soft Cheese
Celtic Folklore to Inspire You Shannon Princess II
Daily Itinerary Aboard - Seven Days/Six Nights
Sunday, Day 1 afternoon excursion to “Leap Castle”,reputed to be DUBLIN TO QUIGLEY’S MARINA Ireland’s most haunted house. You will be greeted by Sean Ryan, a renowned musician, who will tell you the Guests are met at 3pm at their Dublin city centre hotel fascinating history of the castle and the part it played in and transferred by coach to the Shannon Princess, founding the American Constitution. Sean will gladly moored at Quigley’s Marina. Your Captain and his crew play a few tunes with possibly the added bonus of being welcome you aboard this comfortable hotel barge with joined by his talented young daughter who will Champagne, Black Velvet or Irish Coffee! Dinner aboard. demonstrate her amazing dancing skills. Dinner aboard.
Monday, Day 2 Thursday, Day 5 QUIGLEY’S MARINA TO ATHLONE TERRYGLASS TO GALWAY TO MOUNTSHANNON This morning, we begin our cruise around the beautiful A full day excursion to Galway City, a lively University city “Inner Lakes” of Lough Ree and then continue north to and cultural centre for Irish-speaking regions in Western Lough Ree as we explore some of the 365 islands on the Ireland. Visit the Galway Crystal Factory and a profusion lake. We then circle back to the River Shannon and onto of other craft and linen shops. Lunch on Guinness and our mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch we visit the oysters at a traditional Irish pub. Return to Shannon Cruise Highlights “Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre”.The centre interprets Princess and set sail through the especially beautiful an Iron Age bog road which was built in 148 B.C. Lough Derg passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains See the Iron Age Corlea Trackway Dinner aboard. as we head for Mountshannon – a lovely lakeside village Visitor Centre perched above the Lough. Dinner aboard. Tour the ruins of the legendary 6th Tuesday, Day 3 century Clonmacnoise ATHLONE TO SHANNONBRIDGE Friday, Day 6 Full day excursion to Galway City MOUNTSHANNON TO KILLALOE This morning we descend through Athlone Lock and Visit the unusual haunted Leap Castle head south through Europe’s richest example of This morning we set sail through south Lough Derg Tour the Birr Castle with its stunning “Callow” landscape. We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, and her many Islands, rejoining the River Shannon landscaped gardens a famed 6th century University and early Christian and entering Killaloe, once home to the court of the settlement. After a visit we lunch onboard en route to greatest High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. After Visit Killaloe and its cathedral Shannonbridge arriving mid-afternoon at this typical visiting this elegant little town, we lunch aboard, then Irish riverside town. Then we travel by private bus to set off by private bus on our excursion to a unique Birr Castle, Ireland’s Historic Science Centre, home of project set in the grounds of Craggaunowen Castle, 51 the oldest telescope in the world and the family seat of designed to bring Bronze Age & Celtic culture to life. the Earls of Rosse. Dinner aboard. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard. A Small Selection of the Wednesday, Day 4 Saturday, Day 7 Wines Served Aboard SHANNONBRIDGE TO TERRYGLASS KILLALOE TO DUBLIN
Chateau Lynch Bages We travel a very pretty stretch of the Shannon through After breakfast, we return you by coach to Dublin for Barbaresco Rio Sordo Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing-bridge is approximately 11.30am. La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo opened to allow the Shannon Princess passage onto Vergets Bourgogne Terroirs de Côte d’Or idyllic Lough Derg. We moor at Terryglass harbour and This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On Picher Smaragd Riesling enjoy lunch at the Derg Inn in the village, before an alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. Tyrell Eitelsbacher Cruise the Lower Shannon - Aboard the 10 passenger Shannon Princess II Shannon Princess II is the largest hotel barge cruising the River Shannon. Her thoughtfully designed interior includes twin or double beds with Lough-side views, a comfortable saloon, dining area and a full-length upper sundeck. Her experienced Captain and crew go out of their way to ensure your every need is accommodated. Your Master Chef was trained at the Ballmaloe School and distinguishes herself with signature dishes such as parcels of wild salmon, roast of Spring lamb, variations of shellfish stews with fresh herbs and, of course, a grand selection of desserts.
● 107 FEET LONG ● 10 PASSENGERS ● 5 IRISH CREW 5 INNER LAKES 3 MEELICK WATERS 1 SCARRIFF BAY ● 5 TWIN/DOUBLE SUITES ● CENTRALLY HEATED ● ROOFTOP SUNDECK ● TOURING BICYCLES ON REQUEST
4 THE CALLOWS 2 BENJAMIMES Family & Tandem Cruising
amily charters are available aboard all our hotel barges. You have the whole vessel to yourselves and she F becomes a home from home, except we look after all the hard work! Whether you are young or old or a combination of all ages; whether there’s cause for celebration, or just a chance to enjoy each other’s company…any one of our voyages, with all that can be experienced, really does take some beating. Many years of experience have shown us that every group is different and we try our hardest to make you aware of everything the region you have chosen has to offer – be it the Scottish Highlands, England, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Burgundy or the South of France. Having your own chef makes evening meals both enjoyable and flexible on a family charter. Dinner can be enjoyed as a family, with perhaps a casual barbecue during the week for children to enjoy some alfresco dining. Or a high tea can be served for younger children with the normal recipes they enjoy. Alternatively, a combination where elder children join the adults for dinner and then a break between courses for an evening stroll before bedtime. Adults can then relax in peace and quiet with coffee and liqueurs. The voyage itself is already great fun. Grandchildren may find themselves steering their 126 foot vessel along a tree-lined canal, perhaps joining their cousins in the barge jacuzzi or biking 52 together, as their parents relax alongside on the sundeck just a few feet away. Ashore, as well as our traditional cultural visits, we can arrange rom time to time we are asked if we can horse riding, water sports, tennis and many other activities to keep accommodate larger groups. Perhaps there is a the younger ones and young at heart, completely satisfied. Flarge family reunion to arrange, a holiday with a group of friends, or an organisation such as a wine club, or a company incentive group, who require more cabins than a single vessel offers. Voila! – Tandem Cruising…planned in advance, we can position two barges on the same waterway, allowing as many as 21 passengers to cruise in company. This really is great fun. Tandem cruising allows plenty of opportunity to sample the cuisine of another chef, host cocktail parties and enjoy the relaxed refinement encountered whilst cruising in company. In addition to the daily excursions enjoyed along cruise routes, we can also arrange tennis tournaments, bicycling rallies and golf competitions.
Hotel barges are the perfect family environment. For larger groups, try tandem Theme charter cruises Wine Cruises vailable in…a number of regions in France. Wherever you cruise we will introduce you to a A grand selection of fine local wines and spirits. You can look forward to delectable Burgundies such as Nuits St- Georges, Santenay and Vosne Romanée, often Première or Grand Crus vintages we have chosen with thought and care and usually direct from the vineyards you visit. The Loire Valley will introduce you to Vouvray and Touraine wines, nurtured for centuries by their Chateau-owning families, or enjoy the lighter, fruitier wines of Provence, the Languedoc- Roussillon and Alsace-Lorraine. We have also created our own Malt Whisky Trail in Scotland, for those partial to the lure of the single malt and the sight of unspoilt glens and wildlife. On our wine charters we take you directly to the vineyards for private tastings and employ a wine expert to explain the grapes, cultivation methods and history at some of the “off the beaten track” vineyards. We usually choose and buy wine together and enjoy it later in the day with a feast created by Festival Cruises 53 your talented onboard chef. Historical Venetian festivals – the Vogalonga, Regata Storica and the Riviera Fiorita regattas are some of the most traditional and Walking Cruises colourful events held in Venice each year. he beauty of barging and walking is that two of the most relaxing holidays possible are merged to give T you the best of both worlds. We have selected dates throughout the season for walkers who enjoy low-key hiking Golf Cruises along the Great Glen Way in Scotland, perhaps bagging a Ben cotland, Ireland, England and France. All have or a Munro along the way. Or discover the heartland of rural great golf courses such as Royal Dornoch, England with walks into the Chiltern Hills and stops at some SWentworth, Sunningdale, Lahinch and Galway of the most traditional pubs in the country. Perhaps enjoy Bay which should be enough to inspire any keen golfer. France with its gorgeous scenery, white Charolais cattle and Tee times can be arranged so that you have time to tiny vineyards on the edge of the Morvan forests alongside play a memorable round of golf and still enjoy a our Nivernais routes in Burgundy. relaxing cruise with superb food and wine. Wherever we cruise, most of our routes have an ever present tow path with easy access from the hotel barge. cruising - vineyards, walking, golf, antiques, Venetian festivals & more. Wines and Vineyards Whether you are a connoisseur or simply know what you like, all of our cruises have something to offer when it comes to discovering regional wines and vineyards.
here is an enormous variety of regional vintages - from the Corbieres T and Minervois regions of the South of France, north through the Cote de Nuits and Chablis vineyards of Burgundy, to the silver birch “wines” of Moniac Castle in Scotland. We have developed strong relationships with many renowned vineyards for over thirty years, seeing a new generation of viticulturers combining modern techniques with age-old procedures. During your time with us, we try to bring you part of this knowledge through a gradual exposure to these cultures and traditions. There is every opportunity for you to sample and learn how the vines are grown, cared for and matured, before being casked, bottled and ultimately, served with care during your cruise. Domaine Jafflin - A Renowned Source of Wine for European Waterways In fact, on our hotel barges in France, we serve around 25 different wines each week, generally from the region through which we are cruising. And of course, not only does each barge provide a comprehensive and interesting wine list, but also an open bar offering a wide selection of spirits and liqueurs.
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Generations of Expertise The fertile vineyards of Burgundy
Great wines and historic vineyards – a journey of discovery. Shops and Markets Even if you are not normally a lover of shopping, the vast array of fascinating shops and markets you can discover on one of our cruises may change your mind.
ost of our cruises are through rural areas, but we are often just a short distance from some of the most M wonderful old towns and cities in Europe, where there are great shopping opportunities. You may want to visit some of the brocantes for unusual antiques, or perhaps you have an eye for the latest fashion and would prefer to browse around a boutique couturier, or maybe you just enjoy exploring the vibrant local marchés. Whatever your preference, there are many shopping possibilities in some of the most picturesque parts of Europe which will allow you to embrace local culture as part of your holiday and, perhaps, even find the ideal momento of your cruise experience with us.
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Exclusive Shopping in Henley-on-Thames A Typical Brocante
Colourful Markets Regional Specialities
Colouful markets, exclusive shops, regional specialities. Travelling to Your Hotel Barge Getting there can often be half the fun! very European Waterways cruise is fully inclusive except for travel to and from the designated meeting point, allowing passengers the freedom to make their E own arrangements. Many of our guests prefer to extend their tour, staying at hotels before or after the cruise or making a more leisurely journey by car or train. Hotels ur designated meeting points are usually at hotels that we have carefully selected to offer a comfortable stay for one or more nights in the cruise region. Meeting times are predominately on a Sunday afternoon, with return transfers on the Selected Hotels O following Saturday morning. For charter parties, we are able to meet you at any hotel or other meeting point of your choice within a 30 minute drive of the hotel barge. By Car riving to the hotel barge through rural countryside at your own pace in your own or a hired car can be a very enjoyable “top and tail” to a cruise. For D passengers travelling from the UK, there are many cross channel routes, including the Eurotunnel which takes only 35 minutes. Parking is available at the meeting point hotel or at another convenient location and we can also provide clear directions. Please note that parking is at your own risk and expense. A Leisurely Drive By Train ail services in Europe, and particularly in France, are excellent. The high speed TGV trains operate from Paris to all regions and link up with the Eurostar trains R from London. Transfer from local station to meeting point is usually very easy, or a direct hotel barge pick up can often be arranged from the platform. For passengers on 56 three of our Burgundy cruises, a European Waterways representative will also be at the stations in central Paris to assist you onto pre-arranged train services. You will then be met at the destination by the hotel barge crew. Your pre-cruise travel documents will give all details necessary for you to make your train reservations in advance. The High-Speed TGV By Plane s well as the major hubs such as Paris and London, there are many well served regional airports near our cruise routes such as Lyon, Montpellier, Carcassonne, A Toulouse or Inverness. Smaller airfields are also often conveniently located for passengers arriving by chartered aircraft. We Can Help lthough we cannot package your tour, we can recommend a number of partner Convenient airports travel companies with a deep understanding of our cruise business and who can A help you with your individual requirements for booking flights, trains, ferries, hotels, car hire and even chauffeured limousines. We can also advise regarding your choice of travel, accommodation and timings. Please ask our experienced reservations staff. Our Ship’s Log A selection of the positive feedback we have received from our clients. Anjodi La Belle Epoque It was unbelievable, far better than we expected. Our first cruise with you and hopefully it will We would recommend it to our friends. We not be our last. What a way to spend a week, could not have asked for a better crew – they completely relaxing, the food and wine were the “made the trip and worked so well with each “best anyone could have. The crew were first class other. We enjoyed all of it the crew, food, wine, and could not have done any more for all of us. and the informative tours. We enjoyed the ambience of it all, and it all Jerry and George Matais, Arizona, USA passed too quickly. Thanks to you all. ” Malcolm & Janet Stringer, Burnley,” UK L’Impressionniste Enchanté Barging in Burgundy was the most delightful thing to do! Not to have to pack and unpack From the moment we stepped foot on Enchanté each day was a treat. On board L’Impressionniste till the end of the voyage we were in heaven. This “we were looked after like kings and taken to all trip far exceeded our expectations and we are the sites of interest or importance in the area. “grateful for the superb hospitality. Louisa and James, our skipper and tour guide was excellent Roger – we enjoyed your excursions, hearing and very knowledgeable, all the crew were very about your barging experience and your wine pleasant. It’s the very best way to experience knowledge. Thank you for sharing your barge France! Merci. with us. This has been by far the best vacation Jack & Robin Telford, Claremont, Australia we have ever had. ” Dona Connelly,”Wisconsin, USA Scottish Highlander Magna Carta The chef was excellent. The quiches he served at lunch were the best we have ever tasted and We have done it before and we shall do it again. given the superb food we have had before with The size of the barge and the personal care “European Waterways, that is praise indeed! afforded to us by captain and crew are ideal for someone with limited mobility. Just being on Stephen & Helen Drew, West Cornforth, UK “ board and slowly cruising along is as enjoyable ” as the trips ashore. We particularly enjoyed our hostess’s company and friendship and her L’Art de Vivre concern for our welfare. Brian & Rachel Hands, Oxford, UK We all had a wonderful time, especially as we were just one family on the barge. It was ” beautiful. The staff and captain were all excellent “and attentive – very good with the children too. La Reine Pedauque The Calvados was very good when I could get my hands on it! A fantastic experience from start to finish. Everyone should barge at least once in their lives. Bill and Diana Bruce, Jedburgh, UK We loved the large cabins and the crew was ” “fantastic. The food on board was the best food we have ever had and the wine tastings were unbelievable. Seriously, we did not want to leave Renaissance the boat. Thanks! I wanted to say that we had the best time on our Jean Foy & Rich Evans, Connecticut, USA barge. I would always recommend this barge and this crew at anytime and we had a chat to them ” Comfort, Luxury, Style “about doing this one again but on the Seine! Photo Credits: Pascal François, Takeshi Akiyama, That would be fantastic. Renaissance is divine Derek Banks, Alison Harris, OPT-J Jeanmart, Jon and the crew were the greatest crew one could Wyand, Azur/TokyoNews & Katsuhiro Tsukada, Debbie Baci, David Moores, Debbie Connelly, Louisa & Roger wish for. Best wishes and thanks again. Gronow, Stephen Graham, Europeforvisitors.com Carl & Kathy Wassman, Hamilton, Australia” Map Illustration and Design: Debbie Lloyd-Jones EEuropeanuropean Waterways
European Waterways Ltd 35 Wharf Road, Wraysbury, Staines, Middlesex, TW19 5JQ, England. Tel International: +44 (0) 1784 482439 Fax International: +44 (0) 1784 483072 Toll Free from USA: 1 800 394 8630 Toll Free from Canada: 1 888 342 1917 Toll Free from Australia: 1 800 771278 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.GoBarging.com
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