Cruise in France on the canals and rivers of Southern Burgundy aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge HIRONDELLE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 8-passenger Hirondelle has four beautifully appointed staterooms, three with twin beds and one with a double bed, each with their own private bathroom with shower. Each has large windows that open well above the waterline. There is a spacious living room/dining salon, sun deck with lounge chairs and sheltering umbrellas, stereo, games, writing desk and reading material. The Hirondelle has a minibus and bicycles are provided for excursions to local landmarks.

The Hirondelle cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône au Rhin and the River Saône. The large windows and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of Burgundy and Franche-Comté: renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque villages. It is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times. Excursions are arranged to places with storybook names, whether it be the quaint town of Dole, the famous museum in Dijon, the castle in Châteauneuf or to Besançon, birthplace of Victor Hugo.

One day you may decide to bicycle through the countryside to visit Roman ruins, travel in your own air-conditioned mini-bus to an out of the way vineyard, soar over the historic Saône valley in a hot air balloon or visit Beaune the wine capital of Burgundy. Then, at the end of a glorious day, return to your floating "county home" where your crew has been preparing an evening feast ... an elegant five course gourmet dinner graced by fine wines and cheeses unknown outside France. A sense of comradeship seems to prevail as you share the day's adventures with friends ... reliving memories that will carry your conversations for years to come.

Features

• Size of barge: 128 ft by 16.5 ft
• Number of Passengers: 8
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
• Crew: 5
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Salon with comfortable sofas and chairs, stereo system, book/games library, dining area, skylight, and picture windows
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Sundeck with dining table and chairs
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: Two twin-bedded cabins 123 sq ft, one twin-bedded cabin 140 sq ft and one cabin with queen bed 138 sq ft including bathroom, each with sink in cabin
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned Mercedes mini-bus (8-seater plus driver)
• Accessibility: Steps to salon/cabins.
• Bicycles: Yes

Hirondelle's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

I just wanted to tell you how fabulous our trip was on the Hirondelle two weeks ago. I really didn't know what to expect, but I couldn't have imagined it would be so wonderful. I don't have a single complaint - only huge compliments to give about everything. The boat was beautiful and perfectly clean both inside and out every minute of the day; the food was outstanding and was presented just gorgeously; the rooms were very generous in size; the shore excursions were wonderful.

But the biggest compliment of all goes to the Hirondelle staff. All of the above things were so good because of the crew. They were absolutely perfect - professional, fun, kind, interesting, and they all did their jobs perfectly. Cedric and Grant worked hard to ensure a safe trip and a sparkling clean boat on the outside; we met some people on a small private barge, and they commented how nice it was that our Hirondelle pulled aside to let them go through the lock first, because usually the large barges don't do that. Cedric has an incredible talent as a chef, and there was not one thing he presented that wasn't beautifully prepared and excellent tasting. Emma is a gem - always smiling, always cleaning and plumping pillows and straightening up; and she's very knowledgeable about the fromages et vins that were served. And Olivia was a great guide and took us to some wonderful chateaux and villages; she was a good translator, too. And Rebecca, who took us to the train in Paris and met us when we returned was excellent. We were taken care of from the minute she picked us up at our hotel until we returned to the Gare du Nord in Paris.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a barge cruise on the Hirondelle to anyone. It was just perfect.
-- B.T., GA, USA

Sunday - Paris to Besancon.
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at the Dijon station you are met by your guide who transfers you to where the barge is moored at Besancon. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. This evening the barge remains in Besancon, giving you the opportunity to view this bustling city.

Monday - Visit the Citadelle. Cruise to Osselle.
Following a typical French breakfast,your guide escorts you on a tour of the Citadelle, designed in the 17th century by Vauban, military architect to Louis XIV. Leaving Besancon by boat is quite spectacular; the barge cruises a short distance up the River Doubs before turning into the canal tunnel and passes directly underneath the Citadelle. Emerging downstream of the town, we begin our descent of the Doubs Valley until we reach our first day’s destination, a quiet mooring near the sleepy town of Osselle.

Tuesday - Cruise to Dole. Visit the Arbois Region.
The boat continues to cruise downstream, alternating between the river and sections of the Canal du Rhone au Rhin, which traverses the rugged Franche-Comte and Jura regions. Today’s visits are to Arbois, the principal town of the Jura wine producing region, and a walking tour of Dole, including the magnificent cathedral and La Maison Pasteur, home of Louis Pasteur.

Wednesday - Cruise to St. Jean de Losne. Visit Beaune.
Enjoy the lovely countryside of the Franche Comte cruising from Dole on the very scenic Canal du Rhone au Rhin to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Late morning, your guide escorts you to the village of Puligny-Montrachet for a delightful lunch. Then discover Beaune, the capital of Burgundy and its famous Hotel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Tonight’s mooring is St. Jean de Losne.

Thursday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Clos de Vougeot.
Today, the barge crosses the plain from the Saone to Dijon on the Canal de Bourgogne. This afternoon, visit the Cote d’Or, planted with vines that produce some of the world’s most famous wines. Your guide takes you on a tour of 'Clos de Vougeot', a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote d’Or vintages. Your tour is followed by wine tasting at a family run winery.

Friday - Visit Dijon. Cruise to Dijon
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise. That evening the chef has prepared a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner.

Saturday - Disembark. Dijon to Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the Dijon station for your return to Paris on the TGV. On arrival at Paris Gare de Lyon, you are met by our representative who will assist you with your baggage.

Note: The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal du Centre, Saone River, Canal du Rhone au Rhine:
St Leger to Besancon

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday - Paris to Dijon
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon in the afternoon on the TGV train. On arrival at the Dijon station you are met and escorted to St. Leger for your cruise through Burgundy and the Franche-Comte. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A cocktail cruise introduces you to the delights of cruising before your first delicious dinner on board.

Monday - Visit Chateau de Rully. Cruise to Chalon
After a typical French breakfast, you visit the Chateau de Rully. Back on-board, you will go through your last lock on the Canal du Centre. A deep lock which takes you from the canal into the River Saone just north of Chalon-sur-Saone where the barge moors for the night. Time this evening to stroll around Chalon before dinner.

Tuesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to St Jean
This morning relax as the barge cruises to Seurre and watch the passing scenery of the river Saone. After lunch your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, and a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Enjoy a beautiful private wine tasting at Joseph Drouhin cellar. Continue to cruise to tonight's mooring at St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France.

Wednesday - Visit Clos de Vougeot. Cruise to Dole
This morning you leave the Saone river and enter the canal Rhone-Rhine. Late morning your guide drives you to the beautiful village of Pulighy-Montrachet for a delightful lunch. This afternoon visit the Clos de Vougeot, a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevalier du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest vintages.

Thursday - Visit Dole. Cruise to Osselle. Visit Arbois
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dole, home of Louis Pasteur. Back on board your journey continues through the lovely countryside of the Franche-Comte to the sleepy village of Osselle, where the boat moors for the night. This afternoon's visit is to Arbois, the principal town of the Jura wine producing region and the region's famous 'vin jaune'.

Friday - Cruise to Besancon. Visit Besancon
Your final day of cruising takes you to Besancon, with cruising alternating between canal and river, passing through two tunnels before arriving in Besancon, capital of the Franche-Comte. A walk of the Citadel and its museums is scheduled for the afternoon. Back on board the Chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner.

Saturday - Disembark the Barge. Transfer to Paris
After breakfast disembark and transfer to Besancon station for the return to Paris. On arrival in Paris, Gare de Lyon you are met by our representative and assisted with your luggage.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternation weeks this cruise may run in the reverse direction.

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Hirondelle 2008 Season Cruise Schedule* Week Route Season Apr 6 St. Jean-Escommes Value Apr 13 Escommes-St. Jean Value Apr 20 St. Jean-Escommes Value Apr 27 Escommes-St. Jean Value May 4 St. Jean-Escommes Value May 11 Escommes-St. Jean Regular May 18 St. Jean-Escommes Regular May 25 Escommes-St. Jean Regular Jun 1 St. Jean-Escommes Regular Jun 8 Escommes-Dijon Regular Jun 15 Dijon-Besancon Regular Jun 22 Besancon-Dijon Regular Jun 29 Dijon-Besancon Regular Jul 6 Besancon-St Leger Value Jul 13 St Leger-Besancon Value

Cruise Schedule* ... continued Week Route Season Jul 20 Besancon-St Leger Value Jul 27 St Leger-Dijon Value Aug 3 Dijon-Escommes Value Aug 10 Escommes-St. Jean Value Aug 17 St. Jean-Escommes Value Aug 24 Escommes-Dijon Value Aug 31 Dijon-St Leger Value Sep 7 St Leger-Dijon Regular Sep 14 Dijon-Escommes Regular Sep 21 Escommes-St. Jean Regular Sep 28 St. Jean-Escommes Regular Oct 5 Escommes-St. Jean Value Oct 12 St. Jean-Escommes Value Oct 19 Escommes-St. Jean Value Oct 26 St. Jean-Escommes Value

*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.

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HIRONDELLE 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	VALUE Apr 6 thru May 10 Jul 6 thru Sep 6 Oct 5 thru Nov 1	REGULAR May 11 thru Jul 5 Sep 7 thru Oct 4
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)	$4,620	$4,950
Single Occupancy Supplement	$1,155	$2,475
Charter for 6	$28,600	$30,800
Charter for 7	$30,800	$33,000
Charter for 8	$33,000	$35,200

What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via TGV train
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid 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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Last Update: January 16, 2008