SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 12-passenger Marjorie II offers several new routes for 2007... For the remainder of the season the barge cruises in Northern Burgundy from Moret-sur-Loing to Vermenton. This new route gives you the highlights of the entire region with the perfect combination of river and canal cruising on one itinerary. They are also maintaining their very successful golf cruises in Burgundy.
The Marjorie II's size offers a level of personnel service unusual on a hotel vessel. When entering the Marjorie II you will be struck by the well-designed interior created for luxury, elegance and spaciousness. Relax in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy an unrivalled view from the large panoramic windows while cruising the inland waterways of Europe. In the dining room you will find French cuisine of the highest quality, served on the finest china and silverware, all of which combine for a memorable culinary experience.
The sundeck is the perfect place to relax, further enhanced by the enticing jacuzzi. What better place to appreciate the scenery!
Cabin comfort is a priority on the Marjorie II. The bedrooms have been created to comfortably accommodate queen or twin beds. Each room has been furnished in an old ship style with mahogany and brass fittings. If you wish to keep in touch with home or just wind down at the end of the day, then make full use of the Satellite TV and video library. The ensuite bathrooms come fully fitted with double sinks, oversized showers with massage jets and all necessary amenities.
The barge trip more than exceeded our expectations and was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience from beginning to end, largely due to the excellence of the crew.
-- J.S.
It was beyond all our expectations!!! The crew was very friendly and yet they were all very professional. We all wanted Dave, the chef to follow us home so that we could continue to enjoy the fabulous meals. We were three generations and everyone had a wonderful time.
-- D.K.
The cabins were excellent - surprisingly well designed and use of space. Service was truly unbelievable. Food/drinks were excellent and varied, everything we wanted - even Margueritas from fresh limes. Excursions were so interesting and diverse - Binzi was a great guide. The high point was the relaxed setting - a chance to live at a slower pace, walking and biking along with the barge.
-- R.H., TX.
Quality of cabin, service and food, drinks, excursions, and quality of barge route were all excellent. I couldn't think of anything to improve unless there were more excursions available on other routes. The excursions were really a huge hit with us, to a large degree, because of the incredible knowledge and humor that Binze possessed. Also Russell, Leanne, and Tash were a big hit with their presence and attitudes. Also Binze went way out his way to help our friends in Paris to find their hotel and then take them back into Paris to meet us.
The cabin accommodations were wonderful. Much roomier and more comfortable than the last barge we were on and that was nice too. The service was fabulous. What a wonderful crew. The meals and wines were unbelievable. Very imaginative cooking and just the right amount of it.
--B.H., WA, USA
The high points of the cruise were the overall balance of beautiful barge, good crew, beautiful countryside and food/drink. Very, very relaxing.
--H.B., NY, USA
Overall the trip was wonderful. The scenery was beautiful, the service was excellent and the overall accommodations on the barge were exceptional. The barge is beautiful, the crew was outstanding and the overall experience was relaxing and great. The barge was immaculately maintained and furnished. It was a beautiful, relaxing week cruising. The service was spectacular. The crew on the boat - Leigh, Vicky, Eleanor, Charlie and Dieter - went out of their way to make sure that we had everything we needed. They are extremely personable and helped to make the trip wonderful. Ronny, the captain, was a great guy and provided us with a lot of interesting information about the area, his life barging, etc. This was our first barge trip and won't be our last. The quality of the barge and the service provided by the crew made the experience exceptional.
--K.B., NJ
Water levels, waterway traffic, and maintenance of canals and locks all have a direct effect on canal and river cruising. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closure due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs or other unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, all routes are subject to change.
Sunday
We meet in Paris at Le Parc Sofitel Demeure (or other designated location) and transfer you to the Marjorie II moored in the picturesque village of Moret-sur-Loing made famous in the paintings of Alfred Sisley. After a champagne welcome and introduction of the boat by the crew there's time for an early evening stroll before our first dinner on board.
Monday
Our first excursion brings us to the Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte and its fabulous gardens by Le Notre (of Versailles fame). Some 20,000 workmen were employed in the construction of this magnificent 17th century masterpiece, designed by Le Vau and decorated by Le Brun. In the afternoon we cruise on the Seine to Sens.
Tuesday
Sens is dominated by the Cathedral of St. Etienne which was the first cathedral built in the Gothic style (circa 1140). Thomas a Becket spent time here in exile from England and the cathedral is justly famous for its stained glass windows. It's also a nice town for shopping. An afternoon cruise brings us to the picturesque town of Joigny built on the slope of the Cote St. Jacques on the verge of the Orthe forest.
Wednesday
This morning is our wine tasting in Chablis, home of the famous dry white wines of Petite Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. We visit several excellent wine houses. A short cruise brings us to Auxerre.
Thursday
This morning we visit Auxerre, historical capital of Lower Burgundy and one of the loveliest towns in France. Renaissance houses surround the Galliard clock tower, a city landmark since 1483, and the abbey church and cloisters of St. Germaine are just a short walk away. In the afternoon we cruise to Vincelles on the Nivernais canal.
Friday
Today we have a long excursion to visit the village of Vezelay with its Roman Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe, situated in the heart of the Morvan National Park. This village has barely changed since Richard the Lion Heart set off for the third crusade in the 12th century. Our last cruise brings us to Vermenton. Tonight we celebrate with a special farewell dinner.
Saturday
After breakfast, we disembark and transfer you back to your hotel in Paris where your tour ends.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*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.
| MARJORIE II 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | LOW Mar 30 thru May 24 Jun 1 thru Aug 30 |
HIGH Aug 31 thru Oct 25 |
FAMILY CHARTERS Jul 6 thru Aug 30 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,800 |
$4,100 |
NA |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,900 |
$2,050 |
NA |
| Charter for 10 |
$38,000 |
$41,000 |
NA |
| Charter for 12 |
$41,750 |
$45,400 |
NA |
| Family Charter for up to 12 |
NA |
NA |
$38,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- transfers from Amsterdam or Paris to the barge and return
- all meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- all wines with lunches and dinners
- open bar
- all escorted side-excursions (special excursions are extra)
- use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- overseas air transportation to Paris or Amsterdam and return
- suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent euros to the captain
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
|