Cruising in the Upper Loire Valley ...
6-Passenger Hotel Barge MEANDERER

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

Magical Chateaux, historical treasures, gourmet cuisine, renowned vineyards, enchanting waterways, mild climate, pastoral landscapes ...

Welcome to the waterways of France! Like the fine wines and food produced here, this historic country should be savoured slowly and there is simply no better way to enjoy France than to float through the very heart of it aboard a luxury barge.

To travel along France's ancient waterways is to make contact with an era when life was altogether less frenetic.

Making your journey aboard the spacious and luxurious Meanderer ensures a stress-free and memorable voyage which is hard to match

THE 6 PASSENGER MEANDERER .... Originally a Belgian "Spitz", was recently converted to her current exacting specification. With three ensuite cabins measuring in excess of 125 square feet each and an outdoor heated spa-pool with Jacuzzi, she is the perfect vessel for exploring the Upper Loire. Meanderer's Captain, an experienced host and crew of three ensure the finest of cruises along France's oldest canal. The flexible twin or double bed arrangement and newly decorated and air-conditioned cabins and saloon complement perfectly the spacious sundeck.

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Features

• Size of barge: 123 feet by 17 feet
• Number of Passengers: 6
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
  
• Crew: Crew 5, Captain, Hostess/Tour Guide, Chef, Boatman, Jr. Crew
  
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Bright and cheerful salon with built in bar, comfortable sofas, internet access, picture windows and dining area with table seating 7.
  
• Bar: Open bar.
• Deck: Teak deck with 6 reclining chairs, table, and a large sun canopy.
• Spa Tub: Yes
  
• Cabin Features: Three light, airy suites over 125 sq ft each with skylights, satellite TVs and DVD players, and twin beds or queen bed. Large shower in ensuite bath.
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: A 9-seater air-conditioned Renault Trafic van and Rangerover
  
• Accessibility: 4 steps from the deck to the salon and 4 steps from the salon to the cabins.
  
• Bicycles: Six 18-speed Mountain Bikes

Meanderer's Deck Plan

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Passenger Comments:

Could not have been better! Crew was wonderful. Barge was spectacular. Barge was very clean. Fresh towels all the time. Crew was very attentive & easy to get along with which was great. The best barge we have been on. Would definitely recommend any barge operated by Phill (the owner) & would definitely rebook on the Meanderer in the future.
-- E.T.

Service excellent from Phill and Hannah. They are absolutely concerned about their clients and want to be of outstanding service. One day I was sitting on the deck and Phil walked by on his way to do a task and stopped and said 'Barb, is there something I can get you? You look like you want a libation or something to snack on.' Quite over the top service.
--B.A., IL, USA

In summary we had a wonderful time on the cruise. Phill, Hannah, Dave and Jackie were wonderful people. Service was 6-star - I have stayed in 5 star hotels all over the world - this was the best. Food was incredible. The matching of wines with the food was superb. The side trips were very interesting. Whoever the guide was had a wealth of knowledge and a keen interest in what we were seeing which made the side trips even more enjoyable. In summary we had a wonderful time - I would recommend it to anyone and we will do it again.

I appreciated the small details---flowers in the room, throw pillows on the bed during the day, great soap, toilet paper folded to a point, fluffy robes, hairdryer, etc. Being surprised with flowers, a card, heart-shaped hors d'oeuvre, and champagne to celebrate our anniversary---WOW! Otherwise, walking to the 7 locks, the scenery, Sancerre, the food, the signed picture book of the canal----actually everything seemed like a high point. Around the second day, Jeff looked at me when we were sitting on the deck and said "I don't see a hint of stress on your face." That hasn't happened since I started my PhD in 1996!

--J.H. USA

Excursions - Phill is an excellent tour guide. We found most interesting those trips that centered on Phill's personal contacts. The vineyard, the castle where he had the key to private rooms, stops at points with special views, etc. These were the excursions one cannot duplicate on one's own.

Golf Charter cruises in Upper Loire

For charter cruise weeks, each golf course has been chosen for location (traveling time from the barge has been kept to the shortest possible) as well as the quality of the course itself.

All of the courses have been played by previous guests who reported favorably on their quality, variety and condition. We will personally visit all of the courses again before the start of the season to ensure they still meet the expected standards and to check any specific arrangements.

Non-golfing partners of golfing guests need not worry about having nothing to do as we have researched specific additional excursions and visits which are completely compatible with a golf charter.

Each day we will organise tee-times for either the morning or afternoon leaving us free to cruise for the other half of the day. Guests will be delivered to and collected from each course by private mini-bus with a member of our crew to help them through the registration process at each course and ensure a trouble-free start to their game.

The courses have been selected to provide a suitable challenge for experienced golfers. Some courses have facilities for less experienced players and we will happily enquire about course suitability for specific groups. Handicap certificates are not usually required to play in France although it is a good idea to carry them if possible.

Hire equipment is not at all reliable in France and often unavailable or very limited so we strongly advise guests to bring their own clubs. There is room on board the Meanderer to store them and we can easily carry them in the mini-bus.

Course details

Note: All fees are only rough estimates that are based on data from prior seasons and are expected to be higher for the 2008 season.

COURSE: Les Bordes, Orleans: 18 holes, par 72, 6256m; and 9 holes, par 35, 2870m.
Rated among the top 5 championship courses in France, the picturesque course offer a strong challenge to even the most experienced player. The evergreen fairways feature densely wooded boundaries and large natural water features. Fees per player: from €75
Reference: http://www.lesbordes.com/

COURSE: Fontainebleau: 18 holes par 72, 6074m. Regarded by many as the best golf course within the southern Paris region, this all weather course is deep in the private forest of the Fontainebleau estate. Fees per player: €50 - €70 and up.
Reference: http://www.golfdefontainebleau.org/EngPages/engindex.php

COURSE: Domaine de Vougaurd, Montargis: 18 holes par 72, 5914m. The “Golfe de Montargis” championship course is described as an “American” style course. Situated in a wooded valley, the course includes small man made water features and natural lakes. Fees per player: €35 - €65 and up.
Reference: http://www.vaugouard.com/

COURSE: Roncemay Golf and Country Club, Joigny: 18 holes par 72, 6401m. This international standard course, designed by Jean GARAIALDE in 1991 has hosted many of Frances famous competitions. Overlooked by the Chateau on whose grounds the course has been developed, the length and technical nature of the course offer a challenge to even the most advanced player. Fees per player: €36 - €45 and up.
Reference: http://www.roncemay.com/uk/navigation.htm

COURSE: Sancerrois, Sancerre: 18 holes par 72, 5828m. The course holds a lovely position set on the banks of the River Loire within sight of the famous vineyard village of Sancerre. A mainly flat, man-made course usually in fine condition. Fees per player: €40 and up.
Reference: http://www.sancerre.net/golf/En/index_en.htm

SUGGESTED ITINERARY with Recommended Golf courses (with traveling time by road shown in parentheses)

Sunday
At 2pm we collect you from your Paris hotel or pick-up point and transfer you to the barge for an early evening cruise.

Monday
Moored overnight at Amilly, Montargis. Recommended Golf Course: Les Bordes (50mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: City of Orleans or Chateau Sully

Tuesday
Moored overnight at Montbouy. Recommended Golf Course: Fontainebleau (50mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: Palais de Fontainbleau.

Wednesday
Moored overnight at Chatillon-Coligny. Recommended Golf Course: Domaine de Vougaurd (30mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: Montargis walking tour.

Thursday
Moored overnight at Rogny les Sept Ecluses. Recommended Golf Course: Roncemay (50mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: Chateau de St Fargeau or Auxerre walking tour.

Friday
Moored overnight at Chatillon-sur-Loire. Recommended Golf Course: Sancerrois (35 mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: Sancerre vineyard and village tour.

Saturday
After breakfast we take you back to Paris

Note: Since we cruise in the opposite direction on alternate weeks, the golf charter schedule will be reversed on those weeks.

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Meanderer 2008 Season Cruise Schedule* Week Route Season Apr 20 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Value Apr 27 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Value May 4 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular May 11 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular May 18 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular May 25 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Jun 1 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Jun 8 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Jun 15 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Jun 22 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Jun 29 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Jul 6 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Jul 13 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Jul 20 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular

Cruise Schedule* ... continued Week Route Season Jul 27 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Aug 3 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Aug 10 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Aug 17 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Aug 24 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Aug 31 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Sep 7 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Sep 14 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Sep 21 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Sep 28 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Oct 5 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Regular Oct 12 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Regular Oct 19 Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire Value Oct 26 Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis Value

*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.

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MEANDERER 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	VALUE Apr 20 thru May 3 Jul 6 thru Aug 30 Oct 19 thru Nov 1	REGULAR May 4 thru Jul 5 Aug 31 thru Oct 18
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)	$3,998	$4,498
Single Occupancy Supplement	$3,998	$4,498
Charter for 4	$20,990	$21,990
Charter for 5	$21,990	$23,990
Charter for 6	$22,990	$25,990

MEANDERER 2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	VALUE Apr 19 thru May 2 Aug 2 thru Aug 29 Oct 18 thru Oct 31	REGULAR May 3 thru Aug 1 Aug 30 thru Oct 17
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)	$4,400	$5,175
Single Occupancy Supplement	$4,400	$5,175
Charter for 4	$23,100	$25,290
Charter for 5	$24,200	$27,600
Charter for 6	$25,290	$29,900

What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabins 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 5-7% 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, Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743) Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614 or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com

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Last Update: June 22, 2008