Cruise in France on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace, and on the Aisne River and the Canal de l'Aisne a la Marne in Champagne aboard the Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge ADRIENNE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 12-passenger Adrienne has been designed to offer the utmost in quality and comfort for its guests. With handcrafted French provincial furnishings throughout, she offers six generously-sized king or twin suites, sleek marble baths and custom made cabinetry and armoires in rich maple. It has a beautiful salon and dining area where passengers can relax and enjoy superb cuisine and vintage wines. The barge is fitted with a spacious canopied deck with comfortable furniture made for relaxing and enjoying the picturesque views.

In the 2011 season, between April and July, the Adrienne cruises in the Lorraine region between Nancy and Strasbourg. Then between July and October, Adrienne moves to the Champagne region, cruising through the picturesque Marne River and Canal, in a region that produces the world's celebrated champagne and which has also witnessed centuries of history shaping events.

During the cruise in Alsace, you'll see Chagall's remarkable stained glass window in Sarrebourg, experience the Inclined Plane which is a boat lift that raises or lowers the Adrienne 146 feet in an engineering marvel that takes the place of 17 locks, saving a full day of cruising. The week also includes a walking tour of Nancy, visits to the village of Lutzelbourg and the town of Saverne, a private wine tasting at Domaine Bechtold in Dahlenheim, and walks through the city of Strasbourg with the old quarter of small canals and half-timbered houses. One of the highlights of the week is the dinner ashore at Michelin star Le Cerf, in Marlenheim.

During your Champagne region cruise, you will have the opportunity to tour the Coronation city of Reims, the third century Roman cellars of the house of Ruinart, enjoy champagne tasting at Moët & Chandon, and an elegant dinner ashore at the one of France's most prestigious restaurants Michelin star restaurant Boyer Les Crayères in Reims. Visitors can discover a grand historical heritage, from the triumphant victories of Joan of Arc and Napoleon to the 20th century battles of the great World Wars. The extensive vineyards date to Roman times, but it was the discovery of effervescent wine in the 17th century that made Champagne recognized around the world as the symbol of celebration.

You are greeted at the meeting point hotel by our tour guide, who will escort you via private motorcoach to the mooring where your luxury hotel barge awaits. Once aboard, you are welcomed by our cordial, English-speaking crew, and ushered to your comfortably appointed stateroom, complete with private bath. Spend the first evening becoming acquainted with your fellow passengers who, like you, seek to experience France in a special way.

Each morning, your barge gets underway for the day's cruise. As it navigates the frequent locks on the canal, it is easy to step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll. If you feel adventurous, take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quiet lanes and quaint villages nearby. Or, simply relax on the sundeck and watch the lovely French countryside slowly unfold before you. During the day, you are invited to join an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of special interest. Each itinerary has been selected to include a varied sampling of the region ... romantic castles, historic towns, and renowned vineyards for wine tasting. At certain chateaux and estates, your tour will be conducted by the owner, whose family has been in residence for generations. Your Captain will also arrange for you to enjoy special local events which occur during your cruise, from lively farmers' markets to the fireworks on Quatorze Juillet. As an option to the cruise, you may also be able to experience the adventure of a hot air balloon flight, depending on the location and the weather.

Features

• Size of barge: 128 ft
  
• Number of Passengers: 12
  
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
  
• Crew: 6
  
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  
• Salon: Elegant salon with comfortable sofas and chairs, separate dining room, picture windows
• Bar: Open bar
  
• Deck: Sundeck with canopy, deck chairs and 3 tables
  
• Spa Tub: No
  
• Cabin Features: 4 suites with king or twin beds 157 sq ft, 2 suites with king bed, including ensuite marble bathrooms with shower
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned Mercedes 13 passenger mini-bus
  
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Bicycles: 8
• Dinner ashore: Dinner at a Michelin star restaurant included.

Adrienne's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

Absolutely the finest of everything. The chef, crew, boat, attention to every detail were beyond comparison. The cabin was lovely - very well designed and surprisingly spacious. The bathroom was beautifully appointed, towels and linens very good quality, decor was very pleasing.

Incomparable service! Glenn was charming, always pleasant, helpful, informative and upbeat. Tom, Amelie and Michelle were equally wonderful, helpful, always ready to lend a hand or satisfy a request - all worked really hard but maintained a terrific disposition - pretty amazing group.

Cyril worked magic in the kitchen and we felt that he was every bit as talented as the chef at the 3 star restaurant we went to in Chagny. Each meal was a masterpiece of flavor, presentation, texture - a work of art. Dining was an experience and we eagerly anticipated each evening to see what Cyril would create. We were always thrilled with the outcome. The wines were magnificent, varied and totally enjoyable - a treat.

Excursions were very interesting - diverse. Loved the tastings, the information along the way, the towns, the history.

The barge and cabin surpassed my expectations. I was thinking it might be smaller and a little cramped, but found it to be luxurious and beautiful. The high points of the cruise? Dinner!
-- B.G. & D.G., TN, USA

*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.

Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™ For booking information, Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743) Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614 or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com

Member: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Bonded. Founded 1997. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.
Accredited, Better Business Bureau