Cruise in France on the Canal de Bourgogne in Northern Burgundy aboard the Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge HORIZON II

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.

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Features

• Size of barge: 128 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

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Passenger Comments:

Loved every minute of the trip and would [and have] recommend it to anyone. First class. Comfortable, immaculately clean and quiet. Service was excellent, certainly ahead of some of the hotels we stayed in after the barge trip. Meals and wines were both excellent. The service was efficient and friendly without being pretentious and the staff always helpful. Our cruise route was just beautiful. Peaceful and picturesque, away from the major tourist route. Some of the small villages were delightful. The whole trip exceeded our expectations. Just going through our photographs and reliving the trip made us realize just how much we enjoyed it. Realizing that it was probably just the right length of time for an intimate trip like this. Thanks for a great experience.
-- Steven and Trish S., Australia, August 2010