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
From Paris, you are escorted via private motorcoach to Tanlay where Horizon II is moored. Welcome reception and dinner on board.
Monday
Cruise on the Burgundy Canal to the village of Lezinnes. Afternoon drive to the vineyards of Chablis, where you will sample several vintages of these famous wines at the property of a private grower. Although widely imitated around the world, only the wines produced in this region can truly be labeled Chablis.
Tuesday
Morning visit to the medieval port of Auxerre. Join the Horizon II's guide for a walking tour of the St. Etienne Cathedral and the historic quarter where the cobblestone streets fan out from a Renaissance clock tower. Return to Horizon II for the afternoon cruise to Ancy-le-Franc.
Wednesday
Morning visit to the 16th century chateau of Ancy-le-Franc, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Burgundy. The interiors are furnished with a number of original period pieces. Late morning drive to Noyers, named one of the most beautiful villages in France, for a walking tour of the town center and lunch at a local restaurant.
Thursday
Tour the Forges de Buffon, founded by the 18th century naturalist George-Louis de Buffon. After the tour, your 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 renowned Michelin three-star restaurant, Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu.
Friday
Visit the splendid Abbaye de Fontenay, founded in 1118 by St. Bernard. This meticulously preserved site is a rare example of the distinctive architecture and industry typical of the early Cistercian orders. Cruise to the town of Veneray-les-Laumes. Festive Captain's Dinner on board.
Saturday
After breakfast, you are escorted via private motorcoach to Paris.
Note: Please note that alternate cruise weeks will be in the reverse direction.
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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 |
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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