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Barges In France: Apres Tout
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Cruise in France on the Canal du Bourgogne in Southern Burgundy on the Deluxe Hotel-Barge APRES TOUT

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 6-passenger Deluxe Apres Tout (previously cruising as Le Premier) is now under new ownership and cruising in 2012 on the Burgundy Canal through the heart of the Burgundy wine region. The Après Tout is a classic French barge which has been renovated to offer the most luxurious accommodation for six passengers. Tastefully and comfortably furnished, the salon and dining areas have large windows to view the outdoors while enjoying the Bose surround-sound system, satellite TV/DVD/CD or Ipod connection. There are three spacious staterooms and a separate library with a computer for guest use. Equal in size, the staterooms all have king-sized beds, which can be made up as twins if desired. Each cabin has a safe, satellite TV and DVD player. The ensuite bathrooms provide large walk-in showers and heated towel racks. The entire interior is beautifully light, enhanced by pale oak floors and skylights. The deck extends the full length of the barge, providing dining, spa pool and sun lounging areas. This is the perfect place for relaxing and taking in the spectacular vistas of the canal and countryside.

Aboard the Après Tout, your hosts Captain Rory and Chef Caroline Macrae would be delighted to welcome you on board, with your friends or family. Bringing their expertise of 20 years experience in luxury hotel barging to running their own vessel, the Après Tout, Rory and Caroline will ensure that their guests have a voyage exceeding all expectations. As owner-operators, Rory and Caroline will readily invite you into their personal work areas, the wheelhouse and galley. From behind the steering wheel, Rory will share his knowledge of the inland waterways while guests sit on comfy cushions and watch the countryside glide by. Caroline, while preparing the next feast, will share her recipes and secrets, while guests look on with a glass of wine.

There is no better way to explore and enjoy the splendour of France than to gently cruise along her historic canals and rivers. The owners have chosen Southern Burgundy for you to enjoy the wonderful gourmet meals and fabulous wines during a week-long cruise. Whatever your interests are -- in wine, food, history, cycling, golfing, art, antiques, shopping, they will create a customized itinerary to suit your requirements. Magical days and nights cruising on board the Après Tout on the Burgundy Canal…. join them for an experience in France that will create memories that will last a lifetime.



Features

  • Size of barge: 127 ft by 16.5 ft
  • Number of Passengers: 6
  • Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
  • Crew:
  • Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  • Salon: Large salon/dining room with bar, flat screen satellite TV, skylights and comfortable sofas. Panoramic opening windows. Library with large screen computer.
  • Bar: Open bar
  • Deck: Enclosed wheelhouse with seating for six p and panoramic windows. Large deck with spa pool, sun loungers, sun canopy and dining table.
  • Spa Tub: Yes
  • Cabin Features: Three identical staterooms 158 sq ft each, including bathroom with walk-in shower, with twin beds or king bed.  Safe, flat screen satellite TV and DVD player in each cabin.
  • Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 7-passenger air-conditioned mini-bus
  • Accessibility: Gangplank with double guard rails. One set of steps from terrace deck to salon with gentle gradient, with large tread size and double hand rails. (No wheelchair access)
  • Bicycles: Six all-terrain bicycles provided.


Apres Tout's Deck Plan
Apres Tout's Deck Plan


SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal de Bourgogne
St Jean de Losne to Pont d'Ouche 2012

Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
Depart Paris in our luxury private transfer service direct to the barge moored in St Jean de Losne, where you board the Apres Tout for your cruise through Burgundy on the Canal du Bourgogne.  A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once you have settled into your cabin, it will be time to return to the deck for a cocktail cruise on the river Saône.  A delicious four course dinner will be served with wonderful wines to match, followed by after dinner drinks - weather permitting all served on the magnificent teak deck.

Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Clos de Vougeot with Jeep drive through the vines.
Leaving the River Saone behind, we now enter onto the Canal de Bourgogne through the first of many locks!  Spend the morning enjoying your first cruising day on the flat plain from the river toward Dijon. After lunch, your guide takes you to the area of the "Côte d'Or" (in French meaning Gold Coast) planted with vines that produce some of the world's most famous wines. Here we visit the "Clos de Vougeot," a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is truly a magnificent Chateau and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote d'Or vintages.  We have arranged some fantastic World War II jeeps to take you through the vines to explore some of the small tracks that wind through this famous land for some exhilarating fun!   For those who have a little more energy, we can stop at a truffle producer and learn how the black diamonds grow and then how to find them.  We return to the Apres Tout for a well deserved refreshing cocktail!

Tuesday - Cruise to Dijon. Visit Dijon.
This morning we visit Dijon, a wonderful town with a long and interesting history. As it is market day, the centre is thriving with traders selling their produce and shoppers meandering taking in the atmospheric feel of this magnificent city. There is plenty of time to shop in the city's many chic boutiques or sit in a pavement cafe and watch the world go by.  Later, we will visit the Grey Poupon mustard shop for a tasting of this famous product and then take a walk through the historic area of the town which will captivate you with its historical past, including the Ducal Palace. We return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise into Dijon, where we moor for the evening.   Tonight, you must try a "Kir Royale" made with local Cassis, a liqueur invented here in Dijon made from blackcurrants and mixed with the Burgundy Champagne equivalent named Cremant.

Wednesday - Cruise to Fleurey.  Lunch in Gevrey Chambertin at a wine makers. Route de Grand Cru
Leaving Dijon behind we head to the valley of the Ouche.  Enjoy a relaxing morning on board; there are many locks for disembarking to cycle or to walk.  Late morning you transfer over the hillside and down through the vines to the charming village of Gevrey Chambertin. We are greeted by the owner of this prestigious  Grand Crus wine makers, and here we have a splendid lunch on their terrace over looking their vines!  During lunch Madame Drouhin Laroze (the owner) will present her wines. This is truly a very unique experience. After lunch, we are given a very informative private tour of the cellars.  We then take a scenic drive along the famous "Route du Grand Crus," Passing through many of the famous wine villages.

Thursday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit Beaune.  Dinner at the Abbaye de la Bussiere

The morning is spent cruising through the lovely Ouche Valley. This is a truly spectacular part of the canal, small villages pass by, cows wander in the fields, and there is nature all around. There is a total feel of peace and tranquillity as we slowly cruise this magnificent canal. After another wonderful lunch, you are transferred to the delightful town of Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune with its interesting history and magnificent tiled roof. After some free time for shopping or strolling in the pedestrian streets we have an optional appointment for a private wine tasting at the famous cellars of Joseph Drouhin, this tour is by invitation only. Later, we return to the barge for a refreshing cocktail and freshen up before one of the high lights of the week, a gourmet dinner at the stunning Abbaye de la Bussiere. This Relais & Chateaux property has been beautifully transformed from a Cistercian abbey into a fabulous hotel, set in architectural grounds where you will dine in style tonight.

Friday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche.  Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.

Today enjoy the final stretch of this beautiful canal.  We pass through several more locks until reaching our destination of the port at Pont d'Ouche. This afternoon we make a special private visit to an English artist of world renown, who has set up his gallery and workshop in a converted barn.  His work is world class, and has been recently commissioned to create a piece of art to celebrate the Olympics in London. We are shown through the workshop, and learn how he makes his marvelous pieces of bronze sculptures, many of which have been produced for the Queen of England, including the war memorial in London. We then drive up to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval hilltop village steeped in History. This is a charming place with stunning views from all angles of the surrounding countryside. Return to the Apres Tout for a gala dinner with wonderful wines to match and a fond farewell.

Saturday -  Paris.
After breakfast disembark and transfer to Paris with our private luxury transfer service.

Note: This itinerary runs in reverse on alternate weeks. The day to day itinerary  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.



Apres Tout
2012 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Apr 1 St. Jean-Lyon Value
Apr 8 Lyon-St. Jean Value
Apr 15 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Apr 22 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Apr 29 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
May 6 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
May 13 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
May 20 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
May 27 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Jun 3 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Jun 10 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Jun 17 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Jun 24 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Jul 1 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Jul 8 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 15 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Jul 22 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Jul 29 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Aug 5 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Aug 12 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Aug 19 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Aug 26 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Sep 2 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Sep 9 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Sep 16 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Sep 23 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Sep 30 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Regular
Oct 7 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Regular
Oct 14 St. Jean-Pont D'Ouche Value
Oct 21 Pont D'Ouche-St. Jean Value


*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.


APRES TOUT
2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION VALUE
Apr 1 thru Apr 14
Oct 14 thru Oct 27
REGULAR
Apr 15 thru Oct 13
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
$6,000
$6,000
Single Occupancy Supplement
$3,000
$3,000
Charter for 4
NA
$32,000
Charter for up to 6
$32,000
$36,000


What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in staterooms with private baths
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via private minibus
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% - 10% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros

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



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All deck and outside photos of Apres Tout © 2004-2007, 2008 Apres Tout. Most inside and outside photos (except wheelhouse) including food photography Copyright © 2004-2007, 2008 Special Places Travel, LLC. Web design by Special Places Travel, LLC.
Last Update: January 12, 2012

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Accredited, Better Business Bureau. Member, ASTA-American Society of Travel Agents, 
CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association, OSSN-Outside Sales Support Network. 
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Cards Welcome