SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 6-passenger Emma takes the warmth of an Irish welcome, adds
the seductive charm of the French, puts it on a beautifully restored turn of
the century barge, and covers it with a balmy Mediterranean climate and what
have you got?
A lazy luxury cruise along the historic 17th century Canal du Midi with your hosts René and Liz aboard their floating home, "Emma."
"Emma" is a lovingly restored barge of 28 metres in length (92 feet) and 4.6 metres wide (15 feet) -- a Klipper Aak of Belgian origin.
The interior is spacious, bright and very comfortable for 6 passengers. The 3 cabins with private bath can be either twin or double bedded, as you wish - no more narrow bunk beds but full-sized mattresses guaranteeing a good nights sleep.
"Emma" is fully air-conditioned and has central heating for the cooler evenings in Spring and Autumn.
The outer deck has a comfortable eating area and deck chairs to relax on as you watch the French countryside glide by.
A barge cruise is a step back from the pressure of the 21st century to a much slower pace, while enjoying all the creature comforts of modern day living. 
Renè, your captain, was born in Sète, the Little Venice of the Midi, and knows the Canal and surrounding areas like the back of his hand. He comes from a line of boat enthusiasts, his grandfather having rounded the Cape Horn in the 1900's in a sailing boat and his uncle was a violinist aboard the "Normandy", the luxury liner cruising between France and America. He is an engineer by trade with a passion for mechanics and will ensure the smooth running of "Emma."
The interior is bright and spacious with beautiful arched double glazed windows which give you a good view of the outside countryside whilst cruising. 
There are 3 cabins on "Emma"Emma's cabins. Each cabin has its own bathroom with wash hand basin, toilet and a normal sized shower with sliding doors. The bathrooms are beautifully tiled, each one being a different color to complement the color of the cabin.
Towels and bathrobes are provided and there are also hairdryers.
I felt like I was living in a painting...beautiful scenes everywhere we looked.
-- K.O., IL, USA
The barge was lovely, very comfortable. The food and wine were excellent and the crew were pleasant and helpful. There was great storage space for clothes, even a hanging closet, which is unexpected on a boat. The bathrooms were great with wonderful water pressure and plenty of hot water.
-- L.N., ME, USA
Just wonderful. It was just the right balance of activity and laid back relaxation in great setting with outstanding hosts and accomodations. Service was faultless. Everything ran very smoothly but more important was the positive attitude of our hosts and crew. You felt much more like special family friends than host and guests.
-- R.F., ME, USA
The trip was everything that we had expected. The service was wonderful. As you already know, Liz was great. She really made us all feel very comfortable at all times. Whether it was on the deck, at the table or around the boat or shore, she made it very easy to relax and enjoy the hospitality. I think she even had fun which was rewarding for us in that we hopefully did not make her job very difficult. Rene was very pleasant. He did his best with English and I did my best with French and I think we did reasonably well. He ran the boat very well and there were no mishaps that we were aware
of. Anita was delightful. She responded to all our requests without hesitation. She did a great job at the table and in making our rooms look great everyday. It took a couple of days to pick up on when she turned down our beds in the evening. The table settings were a work of art. That seems to be something that is frequently mentioned in other reviews. It is the
small things that really catch peoples' attention. Christoph was also excellent. He was a very careful driver and were felt quite relaxed with him. He was knowledgeable about the places we visited and let us have all the time that we wanted at each place.
-- H.S., NB, Canada
One thing the French and Irish are renowned for is their hospitality and congenial company.
Passengers with the good fortune of travelling aboard 'Emma' will find themselves in the company of Liz and Rene, two of the finest, most experienced and friendly hosts that Southern France has to offer. Your barge experience will remain unmatched and you will fall in love with this boat and its hosts. Liz and Rene have perfected the pampering that is commmonly associated with France and the luxury barge experience. Their knowledge of the region is well connected with their ability to provide their guests with exceptional cuisine, tours, ambience and, most of all, friendship. We look forward to returning to 'Emma' and telling our friends about our wonderful experiences.
-- L.B., CO, USA
This was an experience of a lifetime and Liz and Rene were the perfect hosts. I couldn't possibly think of anything more they could have possibly done. They were lovely, kind, facilitating and terribly charming people. The young man, Christophe, who was working as the guide was such a wonderful human being.
-- S.A., CA, USA
Wonderful! The food aboard was spectacular! Liz is a fabulous chef and her accompanying wine choices opened our eyes to some local wines that we probably would not have considered. If someone had tried to convince me I would have been this content on a vacation I would not have believed it. Very relaxing. Very, very attentive. Rene and Liz are wonderful hosts.It would have been difficult to think of what could have been done better!
-- G.A., WA, USA
Saturday
After your pick up on Saturday about 5pm you will be taken to where Emma is moored to meet the rest of your crew and to enjoy a champagne reception. We shall let you get settled in and unpacked, which is the most strenuous task of the week, and then sit back and relax while we take a short cruise so that you feel you really are on a boat. During this time the first of your gourmet dinners will be prepared.
Sunday
After a leisurely breakfast of fresh fruit, croissants, homemade jams, cereal, and coffee you will be taken off in the minivan to explore the wonderful medieval city of Carcassonne. A stroll through the cobbled streets with an array of boutiques, a visit to the Feudal Castle, a foray into the Inquisition Museum or a walk along the ramparts, Carcassonne has something for everyone to enjoy. Back to the boat for a lunch of tasty homemade pates, quiches, and salads followed by a selection of the 365 cheeses that France has to offer and washed down with some of the finest wines of the Languedoc Rouissillon region. After lunch we shall cruise off to our next mooring spot along the canal, going down several locks -- some double, some triple -- as we start our descent towards the Mediterranean. Emma will stop at another lovely setting where your evening dinner will be served.
Monday
After breakfast today you will be whisked off again to discover another delight of the region. We could go to Lagrasse, a little village in the heart of the Corbieres with a magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched on the banks of the river Orbiel and where the little cobbled streets house a multitude of potters, artists, wood carvers, etc. Or we could go and visit the giant underground cave at Cabrespine or, alternatively, visit the ruins of the old Cathar stronghold Chateau Lastours. Steeped in history, every visit is organized around the things which interest you most. Another delicious lunch will be ready for you when you get back and you will be able to relax while we cruise on to our next stop.
Tuesday
France is famous for its open-air markets and today you will have the chance to experience this for yourself when we visit the market at Olonzac. The smells of the olives and herbs and the roasting chickens will make your mouth water and the arrays of fresh fruit and vegetables are a picture to behold. We will then go up into the heart of the Minervois region to Minerve a spectacular village set on a rocky outcrop in the gorges formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. There are lovely walks here, just the thing to build up your appetite for lunch. If you have plenty of energy after lunch while Emma is cruising to her next stop maybe you would like to take a bicycle ride or a stroll. The towpath follows the canal all the way so any time you want this option is available.
Wednesday
Narbonne is our tour for today. The ancient capital of Roman Gaul still retains a lot of its history. You will see the Via Domitia, a road 2000 years old with its chariot ruts still visible. Here you may visit the old Roman storehouses, the Archbishop's palace and the Cathedral St. Just with its cloister, high altar, and splendid organ. For those of you who enjoy food and markets, the indoor market at Narbonne is one of the best. You will see the finest display of fish, shellfish, fruit, vegetables, meats, herbs, spices, olives, cheese, and the list goes on. Perhaps you would like to dip your feet in the blue water of the Mediterranean, or visit the little fishing port of Gruissan. Such wonderful choices.
Thursday
Today we continue our lazy cruise which takes us under the smallest bridge in France - if you can get under this you can go anywhere on the canal system. A choice of visits awaits you. A wine tasting at Guery or at St. Chinian, a visit to the Abbey at Fontcaud, a trip up to the prehistoric site of Enserune with its panoramic views, there is so much to see, you will be spoiled with choices! Your final Gala Dinner awaits you tonight.
Friday
All too soon your week is over. After your breakfast you will be taken to your next destination to continue your onward journey, taking with you lasting memories of this most beautiful countryside.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change and is in reverse on alternate weeks.
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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.
| EMMA 2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR Apr 3 thru Nov 5 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,500 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,500 |
| Charter for 4 |
$22,000 |
| Charter for 5 |
$23,000 |
| Charter for 6 |
$24,000 |
| Half Board Charter for 4 |
$20,000 |
| Half Board Charter for 5 |
$21,000 |
| Half Board Charter for 6 |
$22,000 |
What's Included in Full Board:
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Montpellier, Carcassonne or Beziers to the barge and return, depending on cruise direction
- All meals beginning with dinner on Saturday through breakfast on Friday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included in Full Board:
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to the barge pickup point and return
What's Included in Half Board Charter:
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Montpellier, Carcassonne or Beziers to the barge and return, depending on cruise direction
- Breakfast and dinner daily (wine with dinner)
- 3 crew members (Captain, Chef and Hostess)
- All escorted side-excursions (all entrance fees at passenger's expense, golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
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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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