In 2010, Cruise in Burgundy on the Burgundy Canal aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge COLIBRI
In 2011, returning to the South of France on the Canal du Midi (Now Taking Reservations)

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 4-passenger luxury hotel barge Colibri is one of the prettiest and most comfortable barges on the canals of France. Consider her your own private hotel with ever changing views. Come on board and let us look after your needs and make you feel pampered.

In the 2010 season, Colibri cruises the upper section of the Burgundy Canal, between the town of Tonnerre and the village of Pouillenay. The canal is very pretty, as it climbs with lovely views over the countryside, passing through villages and towns along the way.

In 2011, Colibri returns to cruise the Canal du Midi, in the South of France. The 2011 cruise route takes in the Cite de Carcassonne, a world heritage site, and numerous other wonderous voyages into history. Exploring rural France from the decks of a luxury barge with excursions designed around your wishes, is sure to be a holiday of a lifetime.

Colibri is a classic Dutch Luxemotor canal barge, built in Friesland Holland in 1931, and lovingly converted from her cargo carrying days. Colibri has been completely refitted in 2004 and a upon the splendid foundations we have added a touch of luxury and an air of relaxed elegance.

Despite her generous size, Colibri takes only four guests, thus affording space and maximum comfort to all parties. The interior is air conditioned to ensure your well-being. Sleeping accommodation is in two staterooms with generous en-suite bathrooms. 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 draws to unpack your belongings and to feel at home. The bathrooms have hairdryers and bathrobes. 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 may be shaded and chat with the Captain and be involved in all aspects of cruising the canals. The large deck space also allows for comfortable shaded al fresco dining, and the chance to relax and find yourselves in awe of the scenery as we pass ancient villages and vineyards.There are lounge chairs for those who wish to take some sun while cooled by the gentle breeze as we cruise along. Four bicycles are at your disposal for riding the towpaths or exploring the villages and surrounding areas. Plus our chauffeured air-conditioned minibus to take you on excursions so that you can take in the sites 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. Having married in France and fallen in love with the country, life style, foods and wines, they say they can think of no 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 a gastronomic tour of our region and the Mediterranean. Earl, who is Australian, has cruised widely with many ocean passages as an officer on vessels up to 75 meters. Earl is delighted to take command of his own vessel. With the knowledge and experience gained from super yacht chartering and his love of people, Earl is fulfilling his dreams in welcoming and entertaining guests aboard his own boat. His enthusiasm for life will come across as soon as you are met. Earl and Fiona offer their service to make your holiday a magnificent experience that you will remember for a lifetime. They feel, after spending a great deal of their lives working on luxury super yachts, that everyone deserves to be pampered!

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.

Colibri's Deck Plan

*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.

What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from local rail station, hotel or other point in the cruise area to the barge and return, as agreed with the barge owner
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday for full board, including 2 meals in restaurants on shore
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to the barge pickup point and return
- Suggested minimum 5% 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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