Cruise In France On The Canal de Bourgogne In Southern Burgundy Aboard The Ultra-Deluxe PROSPERITE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 8-passenger Ultra Deluxe Prosperite cruises on the picturesque Burgundy Canal through the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Prosperite has developed into one of the top barges in France, under the low-key but strategic leadership of veteran Captain Spencer Hayes. Debuting in 2003, Prosperite was created by a hands-on American hotelier and combines the best features of a relaxed, contemporary lifestyle that includes every luxury in traditional Ultra-Deluxe barging. Prosperite is one of only a few barges that is available for charter only.

Expressly designed and constructed to meet the expectations of upscale travelers, it features a level of accommodations unmatched on France's inland waters. You will find some of the largest rooms with the most desirable amenities currently available in barge cruising in France. Each of the four 270 square-foot cabins have a roomy reading corner, and can be configured with an especially comfortable king or two twin size beds. Each cabin has its own huge, private ensuite bathroom that has both a shower stall and bathtub with heated towel racks. Stunning decor in the upstairs salon and separate dining room is evident with the Italian leather sofas and both contemporary and antique accent pieces. There is a demonstration kitchen where guests may watch and interact informally with the Chef at work, and an “open refrigerator” with drinks, snacks and desserts available 24 hours a day. Feel free to visit the comfortable enclosed wheelhouse to chat with the Captain or crew, or relax in the hot tub on the foredeck.

Imagine yourself on a journey with family or friends traveling quietly along ancient waterways as your barge cruise takes you through beautiful countrysides that lead to 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 wines. 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 you look, history lies before you. Resplendent chateaux dot the countryside, and are still a reminder of the grandeur of court life under the ancient regime. It is hard to imagine that amidst all of this beauty, the bustling city of Paris is only a few hours away.

Sophisticated European travelers have long known the pleasures of touring France's charming waterways aboard barges. Now, more travelers are discovering this idyllic way to see the beauty of the French countryside up close and personal. Time seems to stand still as the barge slowly floats by quaint stone churches and well-kept houses, periodically pausing at moss-covered locks, as it makes its leisurely journey from one town to the next. You can catch up on your reading on the sundeck, while relaxing to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the hull. Experience unique and delicious meals with beautfully paired wines while you simply enjoy the quiet sensation that comes with unplugging yourself from the 24/7 world. If you're feeling more adventurous, there are also daily excursions to interesting sights in the area. You will travel in air-conditioned comfort in an Mercedes minibus that accompanies your journey through the surrounding countryside.

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 about 270 square feet with oversized twin beds or king bed, including ensuite 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

Dining Aboard The Prosperite:
SAMPLE MENU

• Pan roasted duck breast on a sweet potato puree, served with duck confit, foie gras and fig tortellini
• Spinach, ricotta and pine nut valigette with wild asparagus and crispy pancetta
• Lamb wellingtons with baby spring vegetables and slices of braised lamb poitrine
• Young asparagus, avocado and quail egg with truffle dressing garnished with parmesan tuiles
• Duo of sea bass and John Dorry fillet with coconut and lemongrass sugar snap peas and sweet potato mash
• Desserts may include chocolate ganache slice (pate) with white Creme de Menthe ice cream, orange and vanilla panna cotta with vanilla
  poached rhubarb crumbles and basil sorbet, molten chocolate cake with Bushmill's caramel beurre Salé, honey & saffron crème brulée

• Santenay Maladière 1er Cru 2001
• Perrières Grand Cru 2000
• Romanée Les Suchots 1er 2001
• Saint Emillion Grand Cru 1999
• Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits 2003
• Côtes du Rhône 2002
• Bourgogne Pinot Noir La Chapelle 2002
• Volnay Santenots 1er Cru 2003
• Brouilly 2005
• Graves 2003
• Meursault Charmes 1er Cru 2003
• Sancerre 2004
• Chablis Grand Cru “Bougros” 2002
• Bourgogne Chardonnay “Cuvée Prestige” 2004
• Pouilly Fumé 2004
• Bourgogne Aligoté 2004
• Petit Chablis 2003
• Pouilly Fuisee 2001
• Saint Veran 2003

Passenger Comments:

Timeless cruising on tree-lined canals... Winetasting in the Cote d'Or... Personalities of Burgundy... Hospice de Beaune... An idyllically beautiful route!

Sunday - Paris to Vandenesse-en-Auxois - Private chauffeured transfer
A member of Prosperite crew will meet your party at one pickup location in central Paris at 2:00 pm or, alternatively, one pickup location in Dijon, Beaune or the immediate Cote d'Or area at 4:00 pm, and then chauffeur you via Mercedes Minivan to the barge, at anchor in Vandesesse-en-Auxois. You'll be welcomed by the traditional champagne reception, and enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board with the romantic hilltop village of Vandenesse-en-Auxois as a backdrop.

Monday - Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Pont d'Ouche - Romantic Canal - Cruise Past Colorful Lockhouses
Set sail this morning, heading down the Burgundy Canal to the tiny hamlet of Pont d'Ouche. We are deep in the heart of traditional Burgundy, exemplified by the lockhouses which line the canal. After lunch on board, we will introduce you to another facet of Burgundy, the culture of wine. We will pass through the villages of Puligny and Chassagne Montrachet on the way to winetasting at Domaine Prieur-Brunet in Santenay. These scenes are gorgeous, with vineyards hugging both hills in the distance and fields right beside the roads. Return to Prospérité for cocktails and dinner on board.

Tuesday - Pont d'Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche - Medieval Hospice in Beaune - Plus Shopping
This morning we are still deep in the countryside, cruising from Pont d'Ouche to La Bussière sur Ouche. What about taking out the bicycles to explore? Or you can walk into a passing town for a cafe. The beauty of the region is spread out before you no matter what activity you choose.  After lunch, it's back into the Mercedes Minivan for a cruise high point: An excursion to Beaune. This enchanting town is the wine capital of the Cote d'Or; underneath its streets lie hundreds of miles of wine cellars. Visit the 14th century Hospital Hotel Dieu; it is gorgeously preserved and provides a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages. There may be time for an impromptu wine tasting, a browse in the shops lining the pedestrian zone, or a cafe and pastry in the town square. Then it's back to Prospérité to re-live the day at dinner on board.

Wednesday - La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche - Dinner out at a Restored Cistercian Abbey
Scenes from out of an Impressionist painting float by on our cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche. After lunch, begin with a quick stop at "La Ferme du Poisset", a nearby farm which produces divine goat cheese. Yes, we will taste some cheese! Then it's back to the adorable village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Here is an enchanting old chateau - very simple, but with history and ghosts around every corner. Then walk the cobblestoned lanes of the village; perhaps one of the craft shops is open. Then it's back to Prospérité where there will be time to prepare for dinner at Abbey de la Bussiere, a former Cistercian Abbey now immaculately restored into a hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Thursday - Gissey-sur-Ouche to Fleurey-sur-Ouche - Where Monks First Made Wine in Burgundy!
Another lazy morning cruise begins the day. After lunch, we will drive southward to the Cote d'Or Vineyard region. First, we will drive among more villages and vineyards of the "Route des Giand Cru" on the way to Clos de Vougeot, a 12th century chateau where Cisterican monks perfected the art of winemaking (taking over a tradition begun by the Romans). Explore the ancient wine presses and soak in the ambiance of this elegant chateau surrounded by vineyards. Then it is back to Prospérité on Fleurey-sur-Ouche for dinner aboard.

Friday - Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Plombieres-les-Dijon - Join the Locals at Dijon Market
A short drive takes us into Dijon - an old city with a beautifully preserved and pristine historic district. We will first take a walking tour, stopping at an old Palace of the Ducs of Burgundy (now an art museum), an elegant church, ending at the Covered Food Market designed by Eiffel of Tower fame. A vast selection of produce, fish, cheeses, breads, baked goods and prepared delicacies brings this bustling market to life. There will be time to browse the tiny shops lining the cobblestoned streets, too. Then it is back to Prospérité for lunch and the afternoon cruise to our final mooring, the petite port of Plombieres-les-Dijon. (You may elect to stay in Dijon - we will collect you when the barge arrives in port.) You will enjoy the festive Captain's Dinner, a nostalgic finish to your Prospérité cruise.

Saturday - Return to Paris - A Sad Farewell
You will depart at 9:00AM and be chauffeured as a group either to one location in central Paris or one location at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Driving time to Paris is estimated at three hours; driving time to Charles de Gaulle at four hours.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.

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Prosperite 2013 Season Cruise Schedule* Week Route Season Mar 31 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Low Apr 7 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Low Apr 14 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Low Apr 21 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Apr 28 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular May 5 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular May 12 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular May 19 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular May 26 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Jun 2 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Jun 9 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Jun 16 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Jun 23 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Jun 30 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Jul 7 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Jul 14 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular

Cruise Schedule* ... continued Week Route Season Jul 21 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Jul 28 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Aug 4 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Aug 11 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Aug 18 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Aug 25 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Sep 1 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Sep 8 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Sep 15 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Sep 22 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Sep 29 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular Oct 6 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular Oct 13 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Low Oct 20 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Low Oct 27 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Low

Prosperite 2014 Season Cruise Schedule* Week Route Season Mar 30 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Low [2013 Rates] Apr 6 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Low [2013 Rates] Apr 13 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Low [2013 Rates] Apr 20 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Apr 27 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] May 4 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] May 11 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] May 18 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] May 25 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Jun 1 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Jun 8 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Jun 15 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Jun 22 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Jun 29 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Jul 6 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Jul 13 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates]

Cruise Schedule* ... continued Week Route Season Jul 20 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Jul 27 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Aug 3 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Aug 10 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Aug 17 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Aug 24 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Aug 31 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Sep 7 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Sep 14 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Sep 21 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Sep 28 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Regular [2013 Rates] Oct 5 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Regular [2013 Rates] Oct 12 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Low [2013 Rates] Oct 19 Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois Low [2013 Rates] Oct 26 Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon Low [2013 Rates]

The Prosperite's routes through Southern Burgundy, from Dijon to Vandenesse-en-Auxois. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de Bourgogne.

*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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PROSPERITE 2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	LOW Mar 31 thru Apr 20 Oct 13 thru Oct 26	REGULAR Apr 21 thru Oct 12
Charter for 6	$45,900	$53,900
Charter for 7	$45,900	$54,900
Charter for 8	$45,900	$55,900

PROSPERITE 2014 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	LOW [2013 RATES] Mar 30 thru Apr 19 Oct 12 thru Nov 1	REGULAR [2013 RATES] Apr 20 thru Oct 11
Charter for 6	$45,900	$53,900
Charter for 7	$45,900	$54,900
Charter for 8	$45,900	$55,900

*2013 rates will be honored for 2014 bookings placed before the announcement of 2014 prices (expected in late Spring 2013).

What's Included for 2013 & 2014 Cruises
- 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 for 2013 & 2014 Cruises
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros

Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others.
	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: April 1, 2013

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