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 relaxed, contemporary lifestyle with every luxury in traditional Ultra-Deluxe barging. Prosperite 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 with some of the largest rooms and highest level of amenities you will find on any of the barges in France. Each of the four, 270 square-foot cabins has a roomy reading corner, especially comfortable king-sized bed or twin beds and a huge private bathroom with both shower stall and bathtub and heated towel racks. Stunning decor in the upstairs salon and separate dining room combine Italian leather sofas with 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. Or you may want to chat with the captain or crew in the comfortable enclosed wheelhouse or relax in the hot tub on the foredeck.

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.

Sophisticated European travelers have long known the pleasures of touring France's charming waterways by barges. Now more and more travelers 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 the accompanying Mercedes minibus into the surrounding countryside, to explore the local chateaux or sip the wares of one of the many local vineyards.

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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

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Passenger Comments:

Our cruise was excellent. Lovely and accommodating crew, we loved our cabins, the cheese and all the wine tasting, the bicycles, the lovely location of the canal, the excellent tours!! Our thanks to Special Places Travel and to Spencer for making this trip come true in such a wonderful way.
Suzanne and Bob S., California September 2011

The Prosperite cruise route is beautiful. Our cabin accommodations were very spacious and well appointed. Service was impeccable. All of the crew members were consistently friendly and helpful. The captain, Spencer, was clearly an effective manager who inspired cohesion and camaraderie among the crew. Meals were consistently delicious and creative. Excursions were interesting and informative. The tour guide, Rejane, was so warm and gracious and very, very knowledgeable. Her personal connections to the area allowed her to give us access to a few private situations that would not normally be available to the traveling public. This was a wonderful bonus. There were many special moments each day, the entire experience was a high.
Client, Massachusetts October 2011

Our cruise was absolutely wonderful. Relaxing, informative, comfortable, accommodations were lovely. The entire staff were delightful and so accommodating. Always cheerful. Meals and wines were delicious, beautifully presented, adventuresome, and did I say delicious! Damien was brilliant.
J & S S., Alabama, USA, June 2010

We loved it. There was plenty to do but also time to relax. The food and wine was fantastic . The accomodations could not have been better for a barge.I thought the entire staff was a+. Cyril, the chef was truely charming and could not have been more willing to share his kitchen with an interested guest.
-- C.M., Pennsylvania, USA

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., Florida, 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., New Jersey, 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., Rhode Island, 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.