Luxury Barging in Holland, Belgium, and France ...
Tulip, Chablis, and Champagne cruises:
SAVOIR FAIRE

12 Passengers
Seven Day/Six Night Cruises, and
Two Week Three-Country Cruises

(Formerly "ETOILE DE CHAMPAGNE")

HISTORY ...
The Savoir Faire (formerly "Etoile de Champagne") dates back to 1932 when she was built as a transport barge in the Belgian estuaries. During World War II, her bow was replaced with a landing bow so she could sail up on the beaches. She was sunk during the war but later lifted from the river bottom and completely refurbished.

In 1979, the barge was brought to Holland where she underwent a total metamorphosis and was converted into the elegant three-decked hotel barge that she is today. Carrying just 12 passengers and built on the largest hull that can cruise the waterways, the former "Etoile de Champagne" was substantially refurbished the beginning of the 2005 season. For the 2006 season, her name changes to "Savoir Faire," continuing to maintain the very high standard of excellence in cuisine, accommodations and service that it became known for during the 2005 and previous seasons.

Through the years, she has received accolades from all those fortunate to have sailed aboard her, and many passengers have returned for repeat visits. As one of the few owner-operated luxury barges, the Savoir Faire prides itself in customizing your cruise week to your desires.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS ...
Chris and Fran Bennett have been captain and owners since the end of 2004. Their extensive experience on the waterways of France has included operating a successful barge in Burgundy that received rave reviews from their passengers, setting the stage for their operations aboard the Savoir Faire.

They are charming, attentive and knowledgable hosts assisted by a crew of four including a master chef.

In their first two years of operation aboard the Savoir Faire, they have received exceptional reviews from each charter and individual cabin cruise week, achieving some of the highest guest satisfaction levels of any of the barges in Europe.

GOURMET CUISINE and FINE WINES ...
Savoir Faire's master chef selects only the freshest ingredients to prepare the subtle sauces and the delicate pastries that are so much a part of exceptional French cuisine.

A grand selection of fine regional wines accompanies lunch and dinner, complementing the superb cuisine.

All meals are served in Savoir Faire's elegant mahogany panelled dining room with the finest crystal, Wedgewood china and Christofle silver.

ACCOMMODATIONS ...
The Savoir Faire features six staterooms. Each can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed. Staterooms 2 through 6 each have a separate toilet and shower. Stateroom 1 has a large bathroom with shower. All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S. standard power outlets.

In the public areas, the Savoir Faire is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment -- whether for a personal retreat, a quiet conversation, a small group get-together, or for all passengers to enjoy together. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years, and with new original works of art introduced by Chris and Fran.
* The main lounge has a panoramic view, comfortable custom-made furniture, upright piano, game table, and library.
* Adjacent to the lounge is an elegant dining room, large enough to double as a dance floor on festive evenings, and a writing desk in its own quiet corner.
* To the aft is a cozy cocktail lounge, a favorite meeting place for aperitifs or quiet conversations, with stereo and CD player.
* Outside there are two spacious decks -- a fore deck that opens directly from the main lounge, and an elevated observation deck offering a magnificent view of the passing countryside.

Features

• Size of barge: 130 ft by 16.5 ft
• Number of Passengers: 12
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
• Crew: 6
• Salon: The main lounge has panoramic windows, glass doors, comfortable sofa and arm chairs, upright piano, and dining area. The aft cocktail lounge has a bar, French doors and comfortable seating.
• Bar: Open bar 
  
• Deck: There is a forward sundeck off the main lounge as well as an observation deck on the upper deck, both with comfortable deck chairs and tables.
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: Six suites on the lower deck: forward suite is 142 sq ft with bath with shower, sink and toilet. Five suites are 116 sq ft, with separate toilet and shower facilities. All cabins with twin beds or queen bed.
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase minibus with an additional minibus if there are more than 8 guests.
• Accessibility: Steps from lounge to cabins and to upper observation deck.
  
• Bicycles: 12 mountain bikes

Savoir Faire's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

"The cabin accommodations were excellent. The boat, crew and owners were absolutely top notch and wonderful people. The meals and wines were the best in the world. We loved the 5 star chef!"
--G.M., Illinois

"What a fantastic boat! It is large, luxurious, sparkling clean, and in perfect condition. The newly decorated cabins are so clean and delightful -- we felt very special to be a part of this.... Captain Chris Bennett is a dream -- intelligent, dedicated to your every comfort, precise and a joy to spend time with.... The crew the week we sailed included some newcomers who tried so hard to make things perfect -- they won the hearts of all those aboard. We relaxed as we have not been able to relax in years -- we ate as we have never eaten -- healthful food that was gourmet all the way -- and the dedication to fine wines made us feel very special and pampered. The route was lovely and the last night in Paris was icing on a very special cake."
--S.B., Virginia

"High points of the cruise: The personality of the crew, their friendliness and willingness to accommodate their guests was extraordinary. The barge was lovely and clean and extremely comfortable. The weather could have been better but we were having such a good time that we didn't really care! I would certainly recommend Savoir Faire to others."
--C.D.

"This was one of our favorite adventures. Captain and crew were exceptional as were the meals, accommodations and excursions. Great way to see the countryside. Our cabin was much larger than our hotel room in Paris! Wonderful service by staff. Very professional. Exceptional meals and a wonderful tour of French wines and cheeses. The excursions were a very nice mix of historic sites with some wine tasting and tours through the countryside. The barge route was lovely, pleaceful route, wonderful towns along the way (I'm still trying to pick from over 1,000 pictures!)"

"I don't think things could have been any better. This was our first barge trip. My husband wasn't too sure about the whole idea initially but the second day out as we were riding bikes in the sunlight along the canal he said, 'I never want to leave this place.' We were planning our next barge trip that evening."

"We made some new friends and were able to really feel the peaceful pull of the river. The barge trip was the highlight of our 3 week trip to France. We've revised future trip plans to include another barge trip and have raved on to our friends about the experience."
-- C.C.

"The whole barge trip was extraordinary and the perfect vacation for celebrating a 70th birthday. What a perfect way to travel with our entire family (14 in all). Please extend a thank you and lots of love to all aboard the Savoir Faire. We loved every minute of our trip. Thank you!"

"The barge trip on the Savoir Faire was awesome!! The entire trip was well beyond all our expectations. Captain Chris and Fran were the perfect host and hostess - very attentive to all our needs and very warm and caring to our entire family. They were very intelligent and knowledgeable and great to talk to about so many things. They became part of our family. Our children and grandchildren were thrilled and delighted with every aspect of the trip."
-- T.C.

"Your boat is magical - with a warmth and charm that is infectious. The beautiful meals and trips and cruising made for an all too short week. Thank you for all you did to spoil us throughout. Speaking for all of us, this week exceeded all expectations and has set a high bar for future trips that are sure to come. Many thanks for everything!"
-- M. McG.

Sunday, Day 1
After your pick-up by the Captain you will be taken to the barge moored in the center of Haarlem for a champagne welcome. We will relax for the afternoon with a cruise to Zaandam, where we will moor for the night and you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2
After breakfast we will take a short drive to the Zaanse Schans to visit a working windmill, a clog maker and a cheese maker. In the afternoon we will cruise to Amsterdam, through the heart of the city where the small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century and then along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk.

Tuesday, Day 3
An early rise and drive to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer. Upon return we will set off for a cruise on the canals to the cheese Mecca of Gouda. After lunch, we will take a drive out to a local cheese farm. Besides cheese, you will find beautiful buildings, excellent shopping and the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland.

Wednesday, Day 4
A morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and then onto Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery works, where porcelain is still handmade and painted. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this beautiful ancient Dutch city.

Thursday, Day 5
A morning cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths, and other beautiful bulbs.

Friday, Day 6
Morning cruise to Haarlem, a picturesque town and the home of the famous Dutch painter Frans Hals where we will tour its museum. Farewell celebration on board and your last elegant gourmet dinner.

Saturday, Day 7
This will be your last breakfast on board. You will then be driven to either the airport or your hotel.

This itinerary is subject to change.
Rev 10/06

Spring - Amsterdam to Paris
(in October this cruise runs in reverse)

From the canals and cobbled streets of Haarlem, through the Dutch countryside, past windmills and fields of tulips, then on to Ghent in Belgium ... this is the most leisurely and pampered way to visit Holland,Belgium and France ever invented! A very special tour!

There are ample opportunities for bicycling and walking throughout the cruise. Your tour guide is at hand to advise you of the best possible choices.

Day 1: SUNDAY. Overnight in Haarlem
Guests are met at their hotel in Amsterdam at 1:30pm and driven to the "Savoir Faire" for a champagne welcome and a tour of Haarlem and its famous sights.

Day 2: MONDAY. Haarlem to Ouderwetering (bicycling possible)
This morning we cruise to the lakeside village of Ouderwetering. Afternoon visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs.

Day 3: TUESDAY. Ouderwetering to Delft (bicycling possible)
(Please note that should you wish to visit Alsmeer Flower Auction we have to leave the barge at 7am. We then return to the barge in time for a hearty breakfast. Coffee will be served before you leave).
Morning cruise along the canals to the town of Delft, a fascinating town full of small canals and humpbacked bridges and best explored by bike or on foot. Many beautiful buildings illustrate the city's historic connection with the Dutch East India Company. The birthplace of Jan Vermeer, Delft is also famous for its tableware. Your tour guide has arranged a visit after lunch to the Royal Delft factory to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made.

Day 4 : WEDNESDAY. Delft to Wilemstad (bicycling possible from Delft to Rotterdam)
Your cruise from Delft takes you through Rotterdam onto the river Ijssel and across the wide open waters of Holland Diep, part of the Dutch estuaries, to the charming old fortress town of Wilemstad. This town is preserved in its original state, with windmill dykes, an old church and a 15th century arsenal.

There will be an optional visit to the famous Delta Project which is one of the greatest feats of water engineering in the world involving damming the great estuaries.

Day 5: THURSDAY. Wilemstad to Antwerp (bicycling is possible but it's extremely difficult to get back onto the barge. Your captain does not advise this)
Today we will leave Holland and cross the border into Belgium and travel to Antwerp. Antwerp is the city of Rubens, where we can take a tour of Rubens' house, then a walk in the old quarter of this beautiful Flemish city.

Day 6 : FRIDAY. Antwerp to Ghent (bicycling is not possible today)
Once through the exit lock at Antwerp, we catch the flood tide up the winding "Sea Schelde". This mighty river rises over 20 feet during high tide, providing an ever changing landscape which is seen best from the decks of the "Savoir Faire". Later on your tour guide will meet you and escort you to the city of Ghent, with its magnificent cathedral and collections of fine art.

Day 7: SATURDAY. Moored in Ghent (bicycling/walking possible today)
After a hearty breakfast our chauffeur will take you to Bruges where you will be free for the day to roam the cobbled streets of this facinating town, known as the "Venice of the North". Here you will have the opportunity to explore the many museums, buy some of the handmade lace, take a boat trip on one of the small canals that flow through the centre of Bruges - or simply relax on a cafe terrace watching the world pass by. Our chauffeurs will take you back to the "Savoir Faire" late afternoon.

*Please note that on Saturday lunch is at your own expense and dinner aboard will comprise of a self-service buffet accompanied by wine (even the chef needs some time off during the week!).

Day 8: SUNDAY. Ghent to French/Belgian frontier (bicycling/walking possible today)
A relaxed morning heralds in the start of the second leg of our journey from Ghent to Paris. You are free to enjoy a walk or bicycle ride before lunch. Later in the afternoon we begin our cruise along the river Schede to the French/Belgian frontier.

Day 9 : MONDAY. French/Belgian frontier to Arleux (bicycling/walking possible today)
After passing the frontier, the "Savoir Faire" continues along the Schelde, through the town of Valenciennes to the junction of Canal du Nord at the little French village of Arleux. The chauffeurs will take guests to Valenciennes along the way.

Day 10: TUESDAY. Arleux to overnight mooring to be advised by your captain (bicycling/walking possible today)
The "Savoir Faire" begins her climb over the Vermandois Hills of Picardie through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is splendid - rural France at her best, and a good tow path allows guests to walk between locks. After lunch, the cars take an excursion to Amiens to visit what must be one of the greatest of all the Gothic cathedrals with its powerful, towering columns.

Day 11: WEDNESDAY. Cruise to Compiegne (bicycling/walking possible today)
Your cruise continues along the Canal du Nord as it drops down into the valley of the river Somme; a short trip on the Somme before climbing over another watershed and down to the valley of the river Oise to moor in the riverside town of Compiegne. There are many places to visit, including the train where the World War I Armistice was signed, as well as the Royal Palace.

Day 12: THURSDAY. Compiegne to Pontoise (bicycling/walking possible today)
As the "Savoir Faire" continues down the lovely Oise River, guests are taken on an afternoon excursion to the old Roman town of Senlis with its quaint narrow streets, ancient churches and interesting museums, rejoining the Etoile de Champagne for an evening cruise to the river town of Pontoise.

Day 13: FRIDAY. Pontoise to Paris (bicycling not possible today)
Cruise to Bougival in the morning and visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine.
There is also an option for a morning visit to Giverny to visit the home and gardens of the Impressionist, Claude Monet. The gardens should be at their best at this time of the year, and we can visit the waterlily pond and the Japanese bridge that inspired so many of Monet's paintings.

Guests rejoin the "Savoir Faire" for an evening cruise into Paris. After the Captains Dinner we shall cruise up the floodlit Seine past the Eiffel Tower and into the "Port d'Arsenal" adjacent to the Bastille.

Day 14: SATURDAY. Disembarkation
After breakfast guests are driven either to their Paris hotel or to the airport.

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

"Champagne and Brie Cruise"
A glorious week of cheese and wine tasting while cruising on the Marne, one of the most beautiful rivers in France.

Sunday
You are transferred by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel or airport and driven directly to the "Savoir Faire," moored in Cumieres, 2km from the heart of Epernay. After an introduction to your ship, you are given time to settle in to your cabin before joining your captain and crew for our welcoming champagne reception. There will be time to stroll through the village before coming back on board where your master chef will delight you with the first of many delicious meals.

Monday
This morning, after breakfast, we visit Reims and its magnificent cathedral. We then join the Savoir Faire for lunch and a short cruise to the delightful little town of Damery, with its 13th century church, which was part of a former Benedictine priory. Later this afternoon we visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made champagne. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday
You are now entering the true Champagne region. Your hosts have arranged a pre-lunch visit to the world famous cellars of Moet and Chandon for a tour and tasting. We then continue to cruise to Chateau Thierry, were we shall moor for the night. This pretty town offers a promenade along the original walls of the town with views over the Marne valley. This whole area was the scene of American battles in World War I. Nearby is the American Monument. Built in 1929, at an altitude of 660 feet, the monument keeps alive the memory of the American troops who fought in WWI. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield and the American cemetery. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday
Your cruise today will take you through picturesque landscapes so loved by both the French and visitors abroad. Today we have arranged a tour of some of our favorite places and a selection of visits to small family-run vineyards so that you can try their fine selection of champagnes. Our mooring for the night is at La Ferte, which offers beautiful, refreshing promenades along the river. Dinner aboard.

Thursday
Today we cruise to Meaux, in the very heart of Brie, famous for its wonderful cheeses of the same name. Nearby, on the route to Soissons, stands a monument that commemorates the 5th September 1914, the extreme point of advance of the German troops and the date of the French counter-attack. We visit Coulomniers, one of the centers of Brie cheese. Your personalized visit to a master cheese maker will enable you to see the cheese-making process first hand and to sample a variety of the world famous Brie cheese, along with wines from his excellent cellar. Dinner aboard.

Friday
This morning we leave Meaux and head towards the mighty Seine which will take us into the very heart of Paris. Our cruise will take us past Coupvray, the birthplace of Louis Braille, the inventor of the alphabet for the blind. At St Maur des Fosses we pass through the tunnel, which enables us to bypass the shallow waters of the Marne Loop. Today we visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. The wonderfully-proportioned chateau and its exquisite gardens are the highlight of this visit. Built between 1656 and 1661 for Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau's construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen called in. Famous architects, painters and landscapers were called in to reflect Fouquet's refined tastes. So lavish was the housewarming party, that Louis XIV threw a fit of jealousy and hurled Fouquet in jail. Just to prove who was boss, Louis XIV began building Versailles.

We finish our journey with an exclusive evening cruise through Paris. As the "Savoir Faire" glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower, you will be joined by your captain and his wife for cocktails followed by the farewell "Captains Dinner". Paris by night is referred to as the "City of Lights" and is one of the greatest sights to behold anywhere in the world. As we pass beneath the Eiffel Tower and the floodlit bridges, you can see from our panoramic observation deck why this capital has been the focus of so many creative artists and authors. The very essence of Paris comes flooding down to the banks of the Seine, overwhelming the senses and firing the imagination. Our final berth for the night is in the Arsenal, a stone's throw from the lively district of the Bastille.

Saturday
After a hearty breakfast, our chauffeurs will drive you to your hotel or airport in Paris.

Note: Itineraries are flexible and may be changed according to passenger requests and local conditions. The itinerary is in the reverse direction every other cruise week.
Rev 11/06

* Note: Cruise routes, cruise directions, and sample itineraries shown above are based on the barge's cruise plan for the current cruise season. Cruise directions 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.

What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in six cabins, each with private bath
- Transfers from Paris or Amsterdam (depending on cruise route) to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- Open bar and all wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles

Note: Three country cruise is 12 days, departing Sunday and concluding Friday

What's Not Included

- Overseas air transportation to Amsterdam or Paris and return
- Hot air ballooning option, typically 200 euros per person, 4 person minimum, when available, dependent on weather.
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain.

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