SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 14-passenger 'Luciole' reaches the very heart of France. To travel from Paris - where we meet our guests each week - is to be transported to another world.
Beautiful and historic, the waterway on which we travel provides a step back in time. Of all European barge cruise routes this must surely be the finest. Each curve in the route presents an exciting panorama, to be explored, should you choose, on a stroll between locks - or from the sun deck of the 'Luciole'. Visits are made also to vineyards, market towns or chateaux, in a region where hustle knows no place.
With our warm-spirited and expert crew of six, all of whom are British or English-speaking, we combine gastronomy and comfort with thoughtful personal service throughout each cruise.
The 'Luciole' is owned by John and Penny Liley. Previously, John was editor of a leading British yachting magazine, while books he has written include France-the Quiet Way, an exploration of the entire canal and river system of France. These early journeys inspired him to select the Nivernais cruising area and establish the present hotel-barge business in 1976. This was with another barge, 'Secunda', forerunner to 'Luciole'. Continually updating the fittings and furnishings on board, Penny and John ensure the smooth-running of each cruise.
Penny first worked on the 'Luciole' as a chef in 1986, and has since played a major role in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere on 'Luciole', where a feeling of calm and attention to detail is apparent as soon as one steps aboard.
Available for whole-boat charter or individual bookings, the 'Luciole' allows its guests to explore in comfort the intimate up-country waterways of central France. From the air-conditioned saloon big picture windows allow uninterrupted views of the passing scene. Refreshments are freely available at all times from our open bar.
Three double-bedded cabins are available, each of which can be converted into twins, together with three further twin-bedded and two single cabins on board. Each has its own private shower and toilet facilities. Individually-controlled air-conditioning is installed throughout.
Meals on board the Luciole are treasured times: opportunities to sit and relax and share with friends, old or new, a summer luncheon or dinner by candlelight. The warm ambiance, for which the 'Luciole' is well known, is no better experienced than when gathered round a table with the anticipation of unfolding culinary delights.
The chef is encouraged to be innovative and imaginative, marrying French cuisine with a contemporary twist while using fresh local ingredients to inspire and spoil you. Your day commences with the arrival of freshly baked bread and pastries. Lunch is a feast of salads and savory dishes, followed by a selection of cheese. The four-course evening meal is the gastronomic highlight of each day, to be concluded, on the starlit nights for which Burgundy is noted, with coffee on our observation deck. Wines from far and near are chosen to complement the menu. With Chablis on our doorstep, local vineyards are well represented; but wines from the Cote d'Or are also on our list, together with Chateauneuf du Pape and selections from Bordeaux.
It was sublime. The crew were friendly, accommodating and always there when needed, only to magically vanish when not. My fellow travelers were warm, outgoing and fun. The food was amazing, and the wine, excellent. The scenery was lovely. Every excursion was fun and interesting, made ever so much more so by our guide, Neal. All in all, my best vacation experience yet.
-- V.B., TX, USA
Incredible, I never felt so spoiled in my life. The staff were mind readers.
-- M.J., VA, USA
Our trip on the Luciole was wonderfully relaxing, refreshing and a gastronomical delight. The boat was well maintained and appointed. Most of our time was enjoyed in the salon, on deck, walking, biking or exploring the beauty of the villages and countryside. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants a relaxing vacation and enjoy the local wines and flavors of France.
-- G.C.
Excellent crew in every respect. Food was superb and the wine and cheese were chosen with care. The tour guide was knowledgeable and all the crew made us feel like family. The barge was well equipped and comfortable. The route was charming in every way. Very beautiful.
-- E.F., OR, USA
This wonderful and beautiful week was a real pleasure for my daughter and myself as we cruised, toured and dined with terrific passengers and a delightful crew. From all of my travels, this trip was the best, a perfect panacea from a hectic life of noise and deadlines. Very, very relaxing.
-- A.B., IL, USA
I ADORED every moment on the Luciole. The crew was wonderful, the service was excellent, the food was fabulous, and the tour on the Nivernais was idyllic.
-- P.M., ID, USA
Service was exceptional and done in a non-intrusive, "glad to do it" manner. The crew was always at our call but never in the way. I liked the manner they quickly responded to requests and then disappeared; no easy task on a small craft. Every meal was a supreme event. Maybe that's stretching it for breakfast yet they too were excellent. The wines and cheeses were perfect complements for the meals; well selected and professionally presented by the crew.
-- W.W., MD, USA
We had one of the best times of our lives. We have traveled extensively and have rarely seen such dedicated and personal service. The pace was perfect.
The only aspect of the cruise that exceeded the pleasure of the Luciole herself was the absolute beauty of the landscape.
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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.
| LUCIOLE 2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | EARLY SPRING Apr 4 thru May 1 |
SPRING May 2 thru Jul 24 |
SUMMER Jul 25 thru Aug 28 |
AUTUMN Aug 29 thru Oct 16 |
LATE AUTUMN Oct 17 thru Nov 6 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,450 |
$3,750 |
$3,450 |
$3,750 |
$3,450 |
| Single in Single Cabin |
$3,550 |
$3,850 |
$3,550 |
$3,850 |
$3,550 |
| Charter for up to 14 |
$38,000 |
$40,000 |
$38,000 |
$44,000 |
$42,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- transfers from Paris 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 (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- 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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