SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS: 4 PASSENGERS
For the 2008 season, the Alouette has expanded cabin size by reducing accommodations from three cabins to two larger cabins -- beautifully appointed staterooms each with its own private bathroom with shower, large windows that open well above the waterline. There is also a spacious living room/dining salon, sun-deck with lounge chairs and sheltering umbrellas, stereo, games, writing desk and reading material. As well, the Alouette has a minibus and bicycles that are provided for excursions to local landmarks.
The Alouette spends the entire season cruising on the historic Canal du Midi, between Béziers and Carcassonne. This beautiful tree-lined canal was built in the 17th century and was an engineering marvel for its time. Highlights of this area include Carcassonne, the most complete medieval, fortified city in existence. Excursions to fortified villages, castles and market towns plus a sophisticated gourmet and service tradition on board the Alouette create the ingredients for an exceptionally memorable barge cruise.
One day you may decide to bicycle through the countryside to visit Roman ruins, travel in your own air-conditioned mini-bus to an out of the way vineyard, or visit a local market or the historic towns and villages of the region. Then, at the end of a glorious day, return to your floating "country home" where your crew has been preparing an evening feast ... an elegant five course gourmet dinner graced by fine wines and cheeses unknown outside France. A sense of comradeship seems to prevail as you share the day's adventures with friends ... reliving memories that will carry your conversations for years to come.
Sunday - Beziers
Your Alouette tour guide meets you in the lounge of Hotel de la Cite, Carcassonne at 2.00pm and escorts you on your transfer to the barge at Beziers.You are welcomed on board with a champagne reception which gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday - Cruise to Capestang. Tour Oppidum d'Enserune
The first morning's cruise is along the beautiful Canal du Midi to Capestang where we moor for the night. In the afternoon, visit Oppidum d'Enserune, a pre-Roman hill-top settlement and one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. The top of the hill affords a panoramic view of the pond of Montady drained in 1247 and transformed into a curious pattern of cultivation.
Tuesday - Cruise to Le Somail. Visit Abbaye de Fontfroide
Take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over 300 years ago. After lunch, visit l'Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well-kept garden and peaceful cloister. On the way back to the boat, stop at Chateau Auris for a wine tasting.
Wednesday - Visit Narbonne and the market. Cruise to Homps
This morning, experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne, a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine-producing center. The municipal, military, and religious architecture, the river banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all contribute to its charm. Enjoy a lunch at a bistro just in front of the market and then return to the barge for an afternoon's cruise.
Thursday - Visit Minerve. Cruise to Trebes
After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. On the way back to the boat stop at Peyriac-Minervois for wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Trebes.
Friday - Cruise to Carcassonnne. Visit Carcassonne
Finish the week with a tour of Europe's largest medieval fortress La Cite of Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenees are stunning. Visit the cathedral remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, fine statues, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Back on board the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell dinner.
Saturday - Carcassonne
After breakfast disembark and transfer to the local train station.
The day to day itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
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*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.
| ALOUETTE 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | VALUE Apr 27 thru May 10 Jul 6 thru Sep 6 Oct 5 thru Nov 1 |
MAIN May 11 thru Jul 5 Sep 7 thru Oct 4 |
| Charter for 2 |
$21,500 |
$23,150 |
| Charter for 3 |
$22,300 |
$23,950 |
| Charter for 4 |
$23,100 |
$24,750 |
| ALOUETTE 2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR Apr 5 thru Oct 31 |
| Charter for 2 |
$22,900 |
| Charter for 3 |
$26,100 |
| Charter for 4 |
$29,300 |
| Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip) |
$280 |
* What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Carcassonne or Beziers train station to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to Carcassonne or Beziers and return (available at extra cost)
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
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