Cruise in France on the Canal du Marne au Rhin in Alsace on the Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge PRINCESS

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 8-passenger Princess offers one of the most pampered cruise experiences in Alsace-Lorraine.

You are greeted at our meeting point hotel by our guide. He will escort you via private motorcoach or high-speed train to the mooring where your luxury hotel barge awaits. Once aboard, you are welcomed by our cordial, English-speaking crew, and ushered to your comfortably appointed stateroom, complete with private bath. Spend the first evening becoming acquainted with your fellow passengers who, like you, seek to experience France in a special way.

Each morning, your barge gets underway for the day's cruise. As it navigates the frequent locks on the canal, it is easy to step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll. If you feel adventurous, take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quiet lanes and quaint villages nearby. Or, simply relax on the sundeck and watch the lovely French countryside slowly unfold before you.

During the day, you are invited to join an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of special interest. Each itinerary has been selected to include a varied sampling of the region... romantic castles, historic towns, and renowned vineyards for wine tasting. At certain châteaux and estates, your tour will be conducted by the owner, whose family has been in residence for generations.

On one evening, you will be welcomed by one of France's most prestigious restaurants for an elegant dinner ashore. Your Captain will also arrange for you to enjoy special local events which occur during your cruise, from lively farmers' markets to the fireworks on Quatorze Juillet.

As an option to the cruise, you may also experience the adventure of a hot air balloon flight.

Features

• Size of barge: 128 ft
  
• Number of Passengers: 8
  
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
  
• Crew: 6
  
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  
• Salon: Living room, library and separate dining room, all with picture windows
• Bar: Open bar
  
• Deck: Sundeck with canopy and tables and chairs.
  
• Spa Tub: No
  
• Cabin Features: Two grand double suites, one double suite, one twin suite, averaging 183 sq ft
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned minivan
  
• Accessibility: Steps to cabins
  
• Bicycles: Yes
• Dinner ashore: One dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant included
  

Princess's Deck Plan

*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 cabins with private baths
- Transfers from Strasbourg 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
- Dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant

What's Not Included

- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Strasbourg and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given 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