SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger Horizon II is smartly outfitted with cherry interiors, traditional furnishings and antique brass accents, reminiscent of an English gentlemen's club. Accommodations include four king or twin suites, each with private bath. Her unique split-level design makes it ideal for any guest who must avoid a full flight of stairs. The barge has an expansive sundeck affording panoramic views of the countryside.
The Horizon II cruises in picturesque central Burgundy, passing through a region rich in history, commerce, art, and religion. Enjoy private wine tasting in Chablis, visits to the 12th century Abbaye de Fontenay and the 16th century château of Ancy-le-Franc, and an elegant dinner ashore at the prestigious Michelin star restaurant Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu.
Situated in the heart of France, this tranquil region is interlaced by a network of over 600 miles of waterways. A truly timeless place, Burgundy has been at the crossroads of France since the prehistoric age, and each subsequent culture has left behind its distinctive imprint. The rich legacy of art, architecture, and commerce recalls an age when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the French kings. Today, Burgundy's renowned vineyards produce some of the world's most prized wines, and an abundance of superb ingredients makes it one of the great gastronomic centers.
You are greeted at our meeting point hotel by our guide. He will escort you via private motorcoach or high-speed train to the mooring where your luxury hotel barge awaits. Once aboard, you are welcomed by our cordial, English-speaking crew, and ushered to your comfortably appointed stateroom, complete with private bath. Spend the first evening becoming acquainted with your fellow passengers who, like you, seek to experience France in a special way.
Each morning, your barge gets underway for the day's cruise. As it navigates the frequent locks on the canal, it is easy to step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll. If you feel adventurous, take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quiet lanes and quaint villages nearby. Or, simply relax on the sundeck and watch the lovely French countryside slowly unfold before you. During the day, you are invited to join an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of special interest. Each itinerary has been selected to include a varied sampling of the region... romantic castles, historic towns, and renowned vineyards for wine tasting. At certain châteaux and estates, your tour will be conducted by the owner, whose family has been in residence for generations. Your Captain will also arrange for you to enjoy special local events which occur during your cruise, from lively farmers' markets to the fireworks on Quatorze Juillet. As an option to the cruise, you may also be able to experience the adventure of a hot air balloon flight, depending on the weather and location.
Cruising the picturesque Canal de Bourgogne, Horizon II passes through a region rich in history, commerce, art and religion. Centuries of diverse cultures have left their distinct imprints on this peaceful, gentle, rolling landscape.
Sunday
Our guide will meet you at the hotel and escort the transfer from Paris to Tanlay, where the HORIZON II is moored. Champagne Reception and Welcome Dinner on board.
Monday
Morning cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne to the quaint village of Lézinnes. In the afternoon drive to the charming village and vineyards of Chablis, where a dramatic overlook offers sweeping vistas of the Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. In the village, sample these famous wines at the property of a private vintner.
Tuesday
Morning visit to the port city of Auxerre, the medieval capital of Lower Burgundy on the Yonne River. Accompanied by HORIZON II's guide, tour the cathedral and the historic old quarter. Scenic afternoon cruise to the village of Ancy-le-Franc.
Wednesday
Morning walking tour of the town of Noyers, named one of the most beautiful villages of France. Return to the barge for lunch, and an afternoon cruise to Ravières. Later in the day, enjoy a visit to the privately owned, 16th century renaissance Château of Ancy-le-Franc.
Thursday
Morning visit to the 18th century Forges de Buffon, built by the celebrated naturalist, Georges-Louis de Buffon. After the tour, you will be greeted by the present owner who will be your host for a glass of wine in her home. Afternoon cruise to Montbard. Dinner ashore at the Michelin three-star restaurant, Le Relais Bernard Loiseau, in Saulieu.
Friday
Morning visit to the open-air market in Montbard followed by a tour of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 12th century Abbaye de Fontenay. Founded in 1118 by the abbot of Clairvaux, St. Bernard, the remarkable abbaye is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in France. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to the final mooring in Venarey-les-Laumes. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday
Depart at 9:00 AM for the escorted transfer to Paris, arriving at the hotel by approximately 12:30 PM.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The Captain will schedule Hot Air Ballooning during the cruise upon request. Balloon flights are dependent on favorable wind conditions and a minimum of four passengers.
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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.
| HORIZON II 2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | EARLY/LATE Apr 4 thru May 1 Oct 24 thru Nov 6 |
VALUE May 2 thru May 15 Jul 11 thru Aug 21 Oct 17 thru Oct 23 |
HIGH May 16 thru Jul 10 Aug 22 thru Sep 4 |
PRIME Sep 5 thru Oct 16 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,495 |
$5,995 |
$6,495 |
$6,495 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
| Charter for up to 8 |
$42,360 |
$45,560 |
$48,760 |
$51,960 |
| HORIZON II 2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | EARLY/LATE Apr 3 thru Apr 30 Oct 23 thru Nov 5 |
VALUE May 1 thru May 14 Jul 10 thru Aug 20 Oct 16 thru Oct 22 |
HIGH May 15 thru Jul 9 Aug 21 thru Sep 3 |
PRIME Sep 4 thru Oct 15 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,495 |
$5,995 |
$6,495 |
$6,495 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
| Charter for up to 8 |
$42,360 |
$45,560 |
$48,760 |
$51,960 |
What's Included
- 7 days, 6 nights in a stateroom with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals starting with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- Wines with lunches and dinner
- Open bar
- All side tours and excursions
- Use of bicycles
- Dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Optional hot air balloon flights
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given 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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