SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 6-passenger barge Elisabeth is a 30-meter Dutch Luxemotor barge built in Rotterdam Holland in 1930. The barge is very comfortably appointed, and resembles a small boutique hotel that has been reserved just for you. There are three identical roomy cabins with twin or queen size beds, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The salon/dining area offers a comfortable sofa, bar and dining table. The large wheelhouse is the perfect place to watch the world go by while chatting with the captain, who also happens to be the owner. The sundeck is ideal for enjoying 'al fresco' lunches and sunset dinners. The bow deck is great for quiet reading or peaceful sunbathing. Your leisure canal cruise aboard the Elisabeth will be restful and relaxed because your every desire will be taken care of by your personal crew of 4 who are there to serve you...what better way to enjoy the tranquil and picturesque canals of France?
Your hosts, Peter and Sheena Jenner love to welcome groups of friends or families. Even young children are welcome since there is no minimum or maximum age limit, because there is something for everyone to enjoy on the Elisabeth. For family charters, she can be prepared with toddlers in mind, such as providing cots, high chairs, paddling pools, kayaks or children's bikes. Naturally, when we have young guests aboard, our itineraries can be adjusted to suit the needs of all of the members of the party.
You may also chooste to cruise between Tanlay and Veneray les Laumes on the Canal de Bourgogne in the heart of Burgundy, for a fabulous "Chocolate and Wine Cruise". Our scheduled route will pass bucolic farms and quaint old villages. Catch up on the daily news from the lockkeepers as we assist them in working the locks on this beautiful 18th Century canal. If you are feeling energetic you can walk, jog or cycle along the tow path and through the villages, as the barge floats down the canal. Our knowledge of the area and the use of our comfortable minivan will provide you with unforgettable excursions to some of our favorite places.
One day might involve a trip to a medieval village, with cobblestone streets and another may take you to the Abbey de Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have also found a delightful renaissance chateau, and provide a private tour of the Grottes D’Arcy sur Cure, which is one of the oldest caves with ancient paintings in the world. We will also visit Alesia, site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gauls, before driving across the valley to visit Flavigny where the film 'Chocolat', was made. Of course, no visit to Burgundy is complete without sampling the superb wines of this world-famous wine region.
Join the Elisabeth for a delicious week of Wine and Chocolate!
BREAKFAST|
Whites . Chablis Vielle vigne . Melon de Bourgogne . Chablis Grand cru . Rouy . Coulanges . Alsace . Sauvignon de St Bris . Sancerre . Chablis Premier Cru . Tokay Pinot Gris Vendange tardive |
Reds . Epineuil (near Tonnerre) . Irancy . Pommard . Pernand Vergelass . Coulanges . Alsace Pinot Noir . Cotes D’Auxerre . Sancerre . Santenay . St Emilion grand cru classe |
The Elisabeth La Chocolat Cruise for Wine lovers, chocoholics and cyclists! The theme this year is wines and chocolate. From our visits to our tastings and demonstrations we hope to surprise you ... all this with gorgeous cruising, adorable villages, and a romantic chateau, as well as the option to cycle on your own daily!
The following is Elisabeth's typical itinerary that focuses primarily on wine and chocolate. However, each barge cruise can be customized to include as much or as little cycling as you like. Charter cruises can be tailored entirely to any specific interests you may have, including cycling. Whether you are participating in either a charter or an individual cabin booking, you can consult with your crew each day on specific cycling routes and destinations that may be of interest to you!
Saturday
Pick up in Paris at 2pm. Drive to the Elisabeth moored in the delightful chateau village of Tanlay. Settle in after a champagne reception and maybe take a stroll around the village. We start our chocolate week with tonight's dessert.
Sunday
This morning we will cruise to Lezzines and from here we will go to Ancy le Franc chateau. This beautiful renaissance chateau is well furnished and has incredible frescoes and artwork. A truly lovely visit. Then back to the barge for a tasting of the local tonnerroise wines. For those that are interested we can arrange a cooking demonstration today.
Monday
Today's cruise is to Ancy le Franc and here we will depart for a pleasant drive through the villages to Chablis for our wine tasting and a visit to the chocolaterie to hear the history of and taste the chocolate Pillars of Chablis. Back to the barge for more chocolate and perhaps to watch the film "Chocolat" before we visit the village.
Tuesday
Today starts with a leisurely cruise to Ravierres. After lunch we depart Elisabeth to visit the Grottes d'Arcy sur Cure to visit the caves and see some of the oldest cave paintings in the world. Formed 150,000 years ago the Stalagmite and Stalactite formations are fantastic. Cromagnon man painted in these caves 30,000 years ago. Back to Elisabeth for dinner and our next chocolate dessert.
Wednesday
This morning we will cruise to Montbard. The cruising just gets prettier as we go. Our visit this afternoon is to the Abbay de Fontenay, a UNESCO world heritage site. This wonderful abbey is the last complete Cistercian monastery left in France. Tranquility and beauty describe it perfectly. Back at Elisabeth our chef will give a demonstration on the making of tiny chocolate petit fours.
Thursday
Our last cruise takes us to Veneray les Laumes, a climb up and fabulous views over the countryside. We finish our week with a lunch in the village of Flavigny (where the movie "Chocolat" was made) and a walking tour of the village. If we have time we can visit the winery of Flavigny Alesia for a tasting before we drive the short distance to Alesia to see the site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gaules. The Roman ruins and amphitheatre date back to 345BC. Return to Elisabeth in time for a rest before the Captain's dinner and our last chocolate fest.
Friday
This morning we drive you back to Paris after breakfast. We hope you have enjoyed your cruise aboard the Elisabeth.
Note: On alternate weeks, this cruise is offered in reverse. This itinerary is a suggested itinerary which can be adapted to special requests and needs and may change.
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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.
| ELISABETH 2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
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| ACCOMMODATION | VALUE Mar 30 thru Jun 7 |
REGULAR Jun 8 thru Oct 25 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,500 |
$5,000 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,000 |
$1,500 |
| Honeymoon Charter for 2 |
$12,500 |
$13,000 |
| Charter for 4 |
$18,300 |
$20,200 |
| Charter for 5 |
$20,500 |
$22,500 |
| Charter for 6 |
$23,800 |
$25,800 |
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. | |
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Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
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