Cruise in France on the Rhone River in Provence and on the Saone River in Southern Burgundy aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge NAPOLEON

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 12-passenger Napoléon is one of Europe’s finest small river cruisers, combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. She is beautifully appointed with large picture windows that provide unsurpassed views of the countryside. There are six luxurious staterooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, double basins, shower and heated towel rail. The main deck features a large, elegant salon and separate dining room. An air-conditioned bus is available for excursions and touring bicycles are carried on board should you wish to bike into the countryside. The upper deck has an exterior, canopied dining area, spacious sun deck with loungers, jacuzzi and exercise equipment.

The Napoléon cruises the Rhône in Provence between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon, through sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Cézanne and Van Gogh. A region full of sophisticated architecture dating back to the Roman civilization and ruins of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts that continue to amaze modern engineers. The endless vistas of tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves are synonymous with Provence. Excursions are arranged to the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the storybook towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, St Rémy, birthplace of Nostradamus and the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.

For part of the summer the barge cruises on the Saone River in Southern Burgundy with visits to vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone, Beaujolais, and Cote d'Or regions, and cruises on the Rhone River to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France.

Perhaps the most relaxing part of this unforgettable adventure is the evening surprise when you return from your excursions to find a sumptuous feast, prepared by your personal gourmet chef, awaiting to be served in the dining room or al fresco on the exterior canopied deck.

Features

• Size of barge: Size: 129 ft by 16.5 ft
  
• Number of Passengers: 12
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
• Crew: 6
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  
• Salon: Elegant salon with comfortable sofas and chairs and separate dining room with picture windows. Guest computer with internet access and BOSE iPod docking station
• Bar: Open bar
  
• Deck: Upper sundeck with jacuzzi, lounge chairs, covered dining area, exercise equipment
• Spa Tub: Yes
  
• Cabin Features: One main deck cabin 130 sq ft with large windows. Five lower deck cabins 140 sq ft. Cabins include twin beds or queen bed, DVD player, desk, and ensuite bathroom with oversized shower.
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned mini-bus
• Accessibility: One cabin on main deck with no steps, five cabins with steps from salon. Stairs to upper level sundeck.
  
• Bicycles: Yes
  

Napoleon's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

There are no words to tell you what a wonderful experience this past week has been. Thank you all for making this trip so memorable. I will never eat cheese again without remembering the descriptions! The knowledge you have all shared and the extra efforts in every way will be cherished always.
-- Nancy & Darrien T.

We cannot begin to thank you enough for this wonderful week! The entire crew of the Napoleon are very special, and we will always remember our time with you.
-- Libby & James D.

The experience is one of exquisitely relaxed elegance - too special to be savored only once.
--E.G., CT, USA

*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.

What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Avignon or Valence, depending on cruise direction, to the barge and return for charters or individual passengers with train transfers
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to Avignon or Valence, depending on cruise direction (available at extra cost)
- Transfers to the barge mooring and return for individual passengers without train transfers
- Suggested 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros

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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