SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 13-passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque in Burgundy, began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today. Her light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which she has been named. There are two large suites and four junior suites with twin beds or double bed, plus a single cabin with bathroom. She is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Mater Chef and crew of three. L'Impressionniste offers excursions to some of the most famous cities in Provence, including Avignon and Arles, and cruises through the Camargue National Park, famous for its with its wild horses, black bulls and pink flamingos
Really fantastic, relaxing, great service, the crew - Captain Nicholas, Laurent, Sarah, Tara, and Aiden the amazing chef all bent over backwards to make us feel special and the sights and events really rewarding. Highlight of the trip - Aiden prepared the meals beautifully using fresh ingredients every day and was quite proud to describe his dishes in wonderful detail. Wines and cheeses were perfect complements to the meals - descriptions provided were also informative and added to the experience.
-- J.H., NH, USA
I was happy with the entire cruise. All 5 members of the staff were excellent. They were very friendly and anxious to please. The crew went out of their way to make everything perfect. The meals and wines were excellent. Again, the chef and crew did everything possible to make sure we had the best of everything. He worked hard to come up with special items that we mentioned.
-- S.W. NJ, USA
Just wanted to let you know that we have returned from our trip. The barge trip was even better than I thought it would be. Thank you for all your work in coordinating and seeing that we were picked up. It was an exceptionally nice crew and a pleasant mix of passengers. I didn't get bored, because I was off the barge early either walking or biking in the morning. In the afternoon they transported us daily to some interesting place. I would recommend you and the barge company to everyone.
-- A.K., CA, USA
Lovely trip, fabulous crew. I felt that Nikko was extremely qualified for his job...excellent skipper. Aiden, Sarah, Laurent and Tara put the trip over the top each in their own way. Scenery and choice of towns we visited was wonderful. Would have liked more time in some towns. Thank you all for everything! We will always remember this as a very special trip.
-- T.H., NJ, USA
Barging on the canal aboard L'Impressionniste in Burgundy was one of the most delightful vacations I have ever taken:) The crew, Neal, John, Pixie, Barbara, and Darren were so knowledgeable, professional, caring, and fun, providing us with a marvelous 6 days. The food, wine, and cheeses were superb....the accommodations most comfortable and of course the locale was idyllic! I couldn't be more enthusiastic in relating to friends here just how unique and memorable this adventure proved to be.
-- J.L., IL, USA
We truly enjoyed everything, especially our wonderful crew. They made us feel like we were the best group they had all season.
-- R.G., CA, USA
Sunday
Guests are met at 4pm at the Hotel Mercure Cite des Papes in Avignon and escorted by minibus to L'Impressionniste for a Champagne welcome. Dine aboard in Avignon.
Monday - Villeneuve-les-Avignon to Vallabregues
This morning we visit Avignon and the famous Palais des Papes, an impressive monument to the era of the 'Other Rome', when the Popes moved to France or we enjoy a superb wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape, former vineyard of the Pope. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone River, past the foothills of the Alpilles to Vallabregues, with a cycling or walking opportunity along the quiet river bank. Optional early evening tour of Tarascon with its famous castle of King Rene. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Vallabregues to Aigues Mortes
This morning we explore Arles. Choose between the Roman Arena and Theatre, St. Trophime's Basilica, and the Museum of Provencal Life. We also visit some of Vincent Van Gogh's haunts on foot through the heart of this old capital of the Camargue before rejoining the barge for our cruise along the Rhone. We join the Petit Rhone and then the Canal du Rhone a Sete that carries us to our mooring beside the medieval fortified walls of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local Auberge.
Wednesday - Aigues Mortes to Maguelone
Stroll from L'Impressioniste to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse for the returning 13th century crusaders. In the afternoon, we cruise through the Camargue National Park with its wild white horses, abundant sea bird life, and flocks of elegant pink flamingos, to the vineyard encircled Maguelone Abbey, just a short stroll or cycle from the nearby Mediterranean. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Maguelon to Marseillan
An early morning cruise brings us to Frontignan lifting bridge. In the afternoon we sail out onto the Thau Lake, a large, inland salt-water lagoon with acres of mussel and oyster beds. Miniature sea horses can be seen passing on the tide. Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing village and home to the famous Vermoutherie of Noilly Prat, is our visit for the day. There is also time to explore this vibrant small town. Dinner on board.
Friday - Marseillan to Agde
In the morning we cruise along the tree lined 17th century Canal du Midi to Agde, which was settled by the Phoenicians in 2500 BC. During our tour of Agde we encounter its cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains and its labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. Our afternoon excursion is Pezenas, Versailles of the Languedoc region and former home to the French writer Moliere. Captain's Dinner on board.
Saturday
Return transfer by minibus to Agde TGV station by 10am or Montpellier TGV station, airport or hotel by 11am.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise runs in the reverse direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.
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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.
| L'IMPRESSIONNISTE 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | VALUE Mar 23 thru Apr 26 Jul 6 thru Aug 30 Oct 26 thru Nov 8 |
REGULAR Apr 27 thru Jul 5 Aug 31 thru Oct 25 |
SIX WEEK TRANS EUROPE CRUISE Nov 9 thru Dec 20 |
| Junior Suite (per person, double occ) |
$3,990 |
$4,590 |
$20,000 |
| Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,250 |
$4,850 |
$21,000 |
| Single in Single Cabin |
$4,350 |
$4,990 |
$22,000 |
| Suite Single Supplement |
$1,550 |
$1,750 |
$7,500 |
| Charter for 10 |
$43,200 |
$49,500 |
NA |
| Charter for 11 |
$44,500 |
$51,000 |
NA |
| Charter for 12 |
$45,800 |
$52,500 |
$240,000 |
| Charter for 13 |
$47,100 |
$54,000 |
NA |
| Golf Cruise Supplement (per person) |
$400 |
$400 |
NA |
| Wine Cruise Charter Supplement for up to 12 |
$5,000 |
$5,000 |
NA |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- transfers from Montpellier or Avignon to the barge and return
- all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- all wines with lunches and dinners
- open bar
- all escorted side-excursions (golf at additional cost)
- use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- transportation from Paris to Montpellier or Avignon and return
- suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
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