New for 2012! Cruise in Holland and in Alsace on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge PANACHE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 12-passenger Panache (formerly named Marjorie II) has a new owner and new routes for 2012, first cruising in the spirng in Holland for the Amsterdam tulip cruises with excursions to see the Keukenhof Gardens, the Zaans Schans with its clog maker and working windmills and the stained glass windows in Gouda. The Panache then moves to Alsace to cruise on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin and the Canal des Houillères de la Sarre, between Strasbourg and Mittersheim, where you can take a walking tour of the city of Nancy with its Baroque palaces and home of the Art Nouveau movement, see Strasbourg's Gothic Cathedral and the Inclined Plane at Arzviller.

The Panache is traditionally furnished in an old ship style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambiance, designed for luxury, elegance and spaciousness. The accommodations offer a choice of six air-conditioned Junior Suites, all with full en-suite facilities with oversized showers with massage jets and double sinks, and a choice of twin or queen bed configuration. The saloon and dining room feature comfortable sofas, books and music, and an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool, a perfect place to relax and appreciate the scenery.

Panache's highly professional crew of five is comprised of Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour guide and Housekeeper, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more. Their knowledge of the region combined with the 12 bikes we provide will allow you to explore the areas you cruise through in as much detail as you desire.

Features

• Size of barge: 129 ft by 16 ft 5 in
  
• Number of Passengers: 12
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
• Crew: 6
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Large salon with 12 picture windows, large comfortable U-shaped sofa and two settees. Dining area with table for 12.
  
• Bar: Open bar
  
• Deck: Sundeck with Jacuzzi, chairs, dining table for alfresco dining, and umbrellas for shade.
• Spa Tub: Yes
  
• Cabin Features: Six cabins 170 sq ft each including two twins or queen bed and large ensuite bathroom with oversized shower and double sinks.  Two cabins a few steps down from main deck, four on lower deck. Satellite TV in cabins with video library.
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Mercedes mini-bus
  
• Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins.
  
• Bicycles: 12 15-gear mountain bicycles
  

Panache's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

I felt like our well being was the number one concern of everyone on the crew. They could not have been more professional. They took great care of all of us and always seemed happy to be doing what they are doing.
-- M.G., Texas, USA

AWESOME. It felt like a dream come true. I have traveled the world and travel often and this is the best trip I have ever taken.
-- K.C., Alabama, USA

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., Texas, USA.

The Panache's route through the Alsace region, from Strasbourg to Mittersheim, on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, and the Canal des Houillères de la Sarre. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. Also view the route for the Panache's spring tulip cruise in Holland on the Haarlem Loop outside of Amsterdam.

*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.

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Amsterdam or Strasbourg, depending on cruise route, 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 Amsterdam or Strasbourg 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, 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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