Cruise In France On The Canal de Briare In The Upper Loire Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge HORIZON II

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 8-passenger Horizon II has four cabins that can be configured with either a king or two twin sized beds. Each cabin has its own private, en-suite bathroom. Her beautiful cherry interior, traditional furnishings and antique brass accents is reminiscent of an English gentlemen's club. Her unique split-level design makes it easier to get around for those passengers with limited mobility, who need to avoid a full flight of stairs. The barge's expansive sundeck, offers beautiful panoramic views of the countryside as she glides by.

In 2013, the Horizon II will be cruising on a new route on the Canal de Briare in the Upper Loire region. The cruise week includes a visit to the charming wine village of Sancerre for a private cellar tour and wine tasting, a cruise over the historic Briare aqueduct designed by Gustave Eiffel, a tour of the medieval town of Gien including the faience museum, and a day trip to the magnificent 16th century Chateau de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux. During the week, guests will also see the 15th century village and chateau of St. Fargeau. Guests will also enjoy dinner ashore at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Auberge des Templiers in les Bezards.

You will be greeted at the meeting point hotel in Paris and escorted via private motorcoach to the barge mooring in the Upper Loire region (east of the Loire Valley), where you will be welcomed by your English-speaking crew. Spend the first evening becoming acquainted with your fellow passengers and enjoying your first gourmet meal on board. Each morning, your barge gets underway for the day's cruise. As it navigates the frequent locks on the canal, you can step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll along the canal towpath. You may also choose to take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quaint villages nearby, or simply relax on the sundeck and watch the every-changing scenery slowly go by.

During the day, you will also be taken on an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of interest. The itinerary has been created to provide a sampling of the region ... romantic castles, historic towns, and vineyards for wine tasting. At certain chateaux and estates, your tour may 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 might occur during your cruise, such as the lively farmers markets. As an option, you may also be able to take a hot air balloon flight, depending on the location and the weather.

Features

• Size of barge: 128 ft by 16 ft
• Number of Passengers: 8
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath):4
• Crew: 6
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Beautiful English decor in salon with comfortable sofa and chairs, bar, and separate dining room, and picture windows
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Large sundeck with tables and deck chairs.
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: Four suites with twin beds or king, about 170 sq ft with oversized shower in bath.
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned minivan
• Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins
• Bicycles: 8 bicycles
• Dinner ashore: One dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant included

Horizon's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

The Horizon II's routes through the Upper Loire, from Montargis tp Chatillon-sur-Loire. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de Briare.

*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.

Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others.
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