Cruise in France on the Canal de Bourgogne in Northern Burgundy aboard the Ultra-Deluxe PROSPERITE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 8-passenger Prosperite offers its passengers the Prosperite difference... high end luxury travel. Some things in life are meant to be savored. They are best enjoyed slowly, completely, fully. The taste of a crusty baguette whisked fresh from the oven. The exquisite bouquet of a glass of vintage burgundy or cognac. The velvet texture of aged Camembert or Brie as it melts upon the tongue. Or a week cruising centuries-old canals through the verdant fields and picturesque villages of provincial France.

Sophisticated European travelers have long known the pleasures of touring France's charming waterways by barges. Now more and more Americans are discovering this perfect method for seeing the beauty of the French countryside up close. Time seems to stand still as the barge slowly motors by quaint stone churches and well-kept houses, periodically pausing at moss-covered locks, as it makes its leisurely way from one town to the next.

You can catch up on your reading on deck, enjoy a delicious, well prepared repast from the fully equipped kitchen or simply relax to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the hull, and enjoy the quiet sensation that comes with unplugging yourself from the 24/7 world. If you're feeling more adventurous, there are daily excursions in our accompanying Mercedes minibus into the surrounding countryside, to explore the local chateaux or sip the wares of one of the many local vineyards.

The 128-foot long Prospérité serves as your floating home during your cruise. Expressly designed and constructed to meet the expectations of upscale travelers, it features a level of accommodations unmatched on France's inland waters with some of the largest rooms and highest level of amenities you will find on any of the barges in France. Each stateroom offers oversized twin or king size bed and a private bathroom with bathtub and separate shower with heated towel racks.

Imagine yourself on a journey with family or friends traveling quietly along ancient waterways. Through countrysides of great beauty and into the heart of unspoiled medieval villages and charming vibrant towns. Burgundy -- the very name conjures up visions of grapes ripening under the warm August sun and luscious red wine. Even in a nation known for its devotion to fine cuisine, Burgundy stands apart for its outstanding food and drink. While best-known for its outstanding eponymous red wine, the province is also home to a number of other fine wine appellations -- Chablis, Cote-de-Nuits, Hautes Côtes, to name just a few -- as well as more than 32 fine restaurants bearing Michelin stars, including four 3-star establishments. Some 150 vineyards, cellars and wine traders in the region are open for sampling their delicious wares.

The region is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The provincial capital, Dijon, once the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy, possesses a trove of preserved 14th century architecture, as well as the Musée des Beaux Arts, recognized as one of Europe's finest collections of medieval art. Everywhere, history is thick before you. Resplendent chateaus dot the countryside, a reminder of the grandeur of court life under the ancient regime. Yet in 21st century France, Paris is only a few hours away.

Features

• Size of barge: 128 ft by 16 ft
• Number of Passengers: 8
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
• Crew: 5
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  
• Salon: Large salon with Italian leather furniture. Separate dining room with demonstration kitchen, all with picture windows.
  
• Bar: Open bar
  
• Deck: Sundeck with hot tub, dining table, umbrellas and chairs. Covered wheelhouse with banquette seating for 8.
• Spa Tub: Yes - seats 6.
  
• Cabin Features:Cabins are each approximately 270 square feet (including bath), with oversized twin beds or king bed and bathroom with oversized shower, bathtub and heated towel racks.
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-passenger Mercedes mini-bus
• Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins.
  
• Bicycles: Yes

Prospérité's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

This was the first time the whole family ever vacationed together, and we all said it was the best vacation we ever had! Both the barge and the cabins exceeded our high expectations. The photos of the barge do not do it justice. The service was superior. Spencer and Jonathan know their business, and Haley and Kelsey met our every need with a smile. The meals were delicious and varied. Eric is a treasure!
-- R.C., FL, USA

Wonderful. A unique experience and a memorable trip. The service was excellent. Could not have been better. Kelsey and Ann and Jonathan were terrific, as was Spencer, of course. Superb food and wine. We wished we could take Chef Eric back to the States with us. Eric's cooking was the best we had in France.
-- J.B., NJ, USA

In a word our barge trip was superb! We've traveled a great deal and this was by far the nicest week we have spent on vacation. Everything was done to perfection; the boat was restored beautifully and every comfort considered, we cannot say enough about the entire crew. They were highly professional but warm and gracious. The food was a memorable experience in itself. All and all a fine experience, which we would highly recommend. Thank you for your help and suggestions.
-- K.P., RI, USA

Food and wines were incredible! Never have we been so consistently surprised at taste, presentation, and variety. The staff was consummately informed about the origins of the food, cheeses, and wines and shared information about such in an authoritative, yet "unstuffy" and friendly manner. The wines were very impressive and perfectly matched with the food for each meal----4 course lunches and dinners (sometimes 5) and 3 new cheeses at each along with 2 new wines at each.

Service was outstanding! We really felt that we were special people, even royalty! Everyone tried their very best to please us. On the first morning I felt like a bit of cheese from the previous night's dinner for breakfast. From then on, there were morning cheeses out just for me without my asking.

Eric is a wonderful cook, and the wine choices were top-notch and provided an excellent overview of the range of choices available. I am a critical guy, and always have some criticism in me. But this is a first for me, as I have none to offer. There's not one thing I would change. The whole experience from first contact with you to the drop-off at our hotel, rated a 10 out of 10.
-- J.M., 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 suites with private baths
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via private minibus
- 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 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