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 provides bicycles for cycling along the towpath and into villages, and has a minibus for excursions to local landmarks.
The Hirondelle cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe. For 2010 it now cruises primarily in the Upper Loire on the Canal Lateral a la Loire except for cruises in April and October in Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, 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. 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, or soar over the countryside in a hot air balloon. Then, at the end of a glorious day, return to your floating "country 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.
In the Upper Loire you can take a short drive to Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop, for lunch and a private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Château Tracy, one of the most prestigious producers of the famous Pouilly Fume. Visit the famous Gien pottery (faience) factory and the Château of La Bussiere with its imposing setting and medicinal gardens. Or relax as the barge traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe connecting the Canal Lateral a la Loire to the Canal du Briare. In Southern Burgundy you will see the 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 Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, the quaint town of Dole, the famous museum in Dijon, or the castle in Châteauneuf.
Fabulous. The staff (crew) we had made the trip even more special. Ollie (chef) was a wonderful cook and made some wonderful recipes. Jonathan, our cruise director selected the best wines. Vanessa our hostess picked out so many wonderful cheeses to taste from all the regions. Barge route was pretty and very relaxing. I will definitely be barging again in the future.
-- K.P., CA, USA
The barge trip was phenomenal. What we experienced was so much more than what we expected. The barge was impeccable, clean, well decorated, easy to move around in. The staff were fun, attentive and knowledgable. The food could have come from a 5 star restaurant. The route was perfect for us. We were looking to get away from it all and relax. This is the perfect route for that. The canal was small so we did not have to deal with much boat traffic or town noises. The scenery was beautiful and peaceful. This was a trip of a lifetime.
-- M.D. & J.D., San Diego, CA, USA
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. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a barge cruise on the Hirondelle to anyone. It was just perfect.
-- B.T., GA, USA
We enjoyed every minute and all of you made us so comfortable. Everyone is very cheerful and always smiling. We are so glad we choose the Hirondelle! Come and visit us one day!
-- Dave & Jane B.
Thank you for the most memorable week - you are now part of our extended family - as you have made us feel part of yours. Our sincere thanks to you all.
-- Joan & Graham B.
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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.
| HIRONDELLE 2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR Apr 4 thru Oct 30 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,900 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,225 |
| Charter for 6 |
$34,400 |
| Charter for 7 |
$36,800 |
| Charter for 8 |
$39,200 |
| Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip) |
$300 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Nevers, Le Creusot or Dijon to the barge and return, depending on cruise direction, for charters or those with train transfers.
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Nevers, Le Creusot or Dijon or return, depending on cruise direction (available at extra cost)
- Transfers and from the barge mooring for individual passengers without train transfers
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent Euros
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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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