Cruise On The Canal Lateral a la Garonne In Southwest France In 2013 (SOLD OUT), Or On The Canal du Midi In 2014 Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge COLIBRI

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 4-passenger luxury hotel barge Colibri is one of the prettiest and most comfortable barges currently cruising the canals of France. Consider her your own private hotel with ever changing views. Come aboard and allow the crew to take care of every need and make you feel truly pampered. The Colibri offers full board (all meals included, two of which are at restaurants ashore) or half board (includes daily breakfast and lunch plus the welcome dinner) charters.
In the 2013 cruise season, Colibri undertakes its Aquitaine Cruise between Castets-en-Dorthe and Serignac-sur-Garonne, on the Canal de Garonne in the South West of France between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Visits include wine tastings at the world heritage site in Saint Emilion, and others to the Chateau de Duras, Armagnac, the small town of Nerac (home of Henri IV), and Buzet where wine barrels are made.

In 2014, the Colibri's cruise route takes in the Cité of Carcassonne, on the Canal du Midi in the Languedoc - Roussillon region in the south of France. One route cruises from a small Roman village near Beziers to Trebes, a village near the stunning medieval site of Carcassonne. You will cruise along the beautiful canal as it follows the meandering contours of the land surrounded by vineyards and historical villages. The alternative cruise route is from Carcassonne to Castelnaudary and the Summit, taking you to the highest point between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. As the vineyards give way to fields bright with sunflowers, the barge continues to wind its way along the canal, sheltered by trees that are hundreds of years old. This lesser known stretch is the real treasure of the Canal du Midi, where time seems to stand still in a serene and peaceful way.

Colibri is a classic Dutch Luxemotor canal barge built in Friesland, Holland in 1931 and lovingly converted into a hotel barge from her cargo carrying days. Colibri was completely refitted in 2004 with added touches of luxury and elegance. Despite her generous size, Colibri takes only four guests, thus affording space and maximum comfort for everyone. Sleeping accommodations include two staterooms with generous en-suite bathrooms with hairdryers and bathrobes. The beds are European king-size, or you may choose two twin beds to afford flexibility to guest’s arrangements. The cabins are furnished with French oak furniture with ample hanging space and drawers to unpack your belongings and to feel at home. The interior is air conditioned to ensure your well-being. The dining area and salon are light and spacious, the perfect place to relax and feel at home, read a book, or chat over dinner and a glass of wine. There is a music system and collection of music, a small library of books, games and DVD's available to you. Guidebooks for the area are available for you to browse and help us to customise the cruise to your wishes.

On deck, there is the canopied wheelhouse where you will be shaded while chatting with the Captain. The large deck space also allows for shaded al fresco dining, and the chance to relax and find yourselves in awe of the scenery as you pass ancient villages and vineyards.There are lounge chairs for those who wish to take some sun while cooled by the gentle breeze. Four bicycles are at your disposal for riding the towpaths or exploring the villages and surrounding areas. The chauffeured and air-conditioned minibus will take you on excursions so that you can enjoy the sights in the area surrounding the canal.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS: Owners Earl and Fiona worked for many years in the luxury yachting industry, cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, from Australia to Alaska and have now chosen to make the canals of France their cruising ground. They married in France and fell in love with the country, life style, food and wines. They cannot think of a better place to cruise.With a background in catering and luxury service including chief stewardess / head of household on yachts up to 75 metres, Fiona delights guests with her gastronomic tour of the region and the Mediterranean. Earl is Australian, and has cruised widely with many ocean passages as an officer on vessels up to 75 meters, but is delighted to be in command of his own vessel. With the knowledge and experience gained from his super yacht chartering days and his love of people, Earl is fulfilling his dreams in welcoming and entertaining guests aboard his own boat. His enthusiasm for life will be evident as soon as you meet him. Earl and Fiona offer their service to make your holiday a magnificent experience that you will remember for a lifetime. They believe that after spending a great deal of their lives working on luxury super yachts, everyone deserves to be pampered in the same way!

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Features

• Size of barge: 87 ft by 17 ft
• Number of Passengers: 4
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 2
• Crew: 3
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Light and airy salon with three windows, glass doors, two arm chairs and a sofa, plus a game table.
  
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Canopied wheelhouse with guest seating. Partially shaded deck with dining table for al fresco dining and lounge chairs. Teak deck furniture.
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: Aft cabin 156 sq ft, Forward cabin 132 sq ft, both with twin beds or king and large ensuite bathroom with shower.
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned minibus seating for 4 passengers
• Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins.
• Bicycles: Four 21-speed mountain bikes.
• Meal plan: Full board (2 meals on shore included) or half board (five dinners not included)

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Colibri's Deck Plan

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Dining Aboard The Colibri:
SAMPLE MENU

Lunches are an assortment of salads and platters served ‘family style’ so you may help yourselves
and enjoy the relaxed informal setting. Dinners are four course feasts, using the best ingredients to
produce fine dining. Desserts are a favorite course of Fiona’s, they are all delicious and ‘mostly fruit’!

• Caramelized pear and blue cheese salad
• Poussins (chicken) with crunchy country ham & sage butter
• Rosemary potatoes
• Mediterranean vegetables
• Lemon ricotta flan with berries
• Selection of local cheese and figs

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Passenger Comments:

The overall trip was SUPERB! Cabin accommodations were better than expected, service was 'over the top' and the wine and meals were the best I have ever had. Excursions were well planned with good information from the leader. There was nothing that could have been improved!
D.H., KS, USA, October 2012

It was our first barge trip and we enjoyed the experience very much. It is a change of pace from our usual fast pace of travel so be prepared to slow down and sit back and relax. We paid first class prices and got first class service along with excellent accommodations. The meals definitly exceeded our expectations!
N & K K., CA, USA, June 2008

Overall trip was excellent. Accommodations were fabulous, just like a four seasons hotel. The meals and wines could not have been better and the excursions were interesting and informative.
G & A T., Canada, June 2008