Cruise in France on the Canal de Briare in the Upper Loire Region on the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge RENAISSANCE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 8-passenger Renaissance has earned a reputation as one of the most luxurious of the hotel barges on the rivers and canals of France. The Renaissance offers four spacious suites with king bed or twins, each about 270 sq ft with a private bathroom of 60 sq ft, providing the ultimate in luxury. The beautifully appointed lounge has comfortable seating. A cozy bar is stocked with your favorites and bookshelves contain a Bose CD system, with current books and periodicals. The large sundeck at the bow has a canopy over the dining table and sun loungers near the jacuzzi.

Renaissance cruises in the Upper Loire region between Montargis and Chatillon-sur-Loire on the Canal de Briare. Excursions including the famous chateau Vaux le Vicomte and the Gien faience factory as well as a spectacular cruise over the Loire River on the Briare Pont Canal. Renaissance has engaged an outstanding, experienced crew that will continue to keep guests raving about the care and enthusiasm they shower on their guests during a fabulous cruise week in the Upper Loire region.

Features

• Size of barge: 128 ft by 16.6 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 beautiful furnishings. Comfortable sofas, fireplace and picture windows. Dining area with large table for 8
• Dinner Ashore: One dinner at Michelin star restaurant
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Teak sundeck with extensive sun canopy, dining table, chairs, recliners and spa pool
• Spa Tub: Yes
• Cabin Features: Bow and stern suites are 270 sq ft, mid suites are 260 sq ft, all with king bed or oversized twins and large ensuite bathrooms 60 sq ft with oversized shower
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned minivan seating 8.
• Accessibility: Steps from salon to cabins
• Bicycles: 8 mountain bicycles

Renaissance Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

Fantastic accommodations. Absolutely amazing food... Chef Slavek is a jewel... a fantastic variety of foods and incredible presentation, as well as absolutely delicious. Perfect portion size. Feast for eyes, mouth and stomach. Fabulous crew...terrific guide Maggy, but all the crew was GREAT: Captain Nico, Hannah and Rosy as well as Slavek and Maggy. Lovely outings... great opportunity to practice my French with all the lockkeepers.
-- M.F., Texas, USA, May 2010

Wonderful and exceptional experience. Our cabin accommodations were spacious and immaculate at ALL times! Meals and wines were perfection! Don't ever let that chef go. The staff anticipated everything and anything we wanted or needed before we did. I would go again.
-- S & B.Z., New Jersey, USA, October 2010

The day trips were excellent. Interesting and varied. All the meals, their presentation and the service were top notch. The wines and cheeses were to die for.
-- K.H. & P.R., Maryland, USA

Fantastic. Captain and crew were excellent in every way from taking care of us to preparing fabulous food and educating us about wines and cheeses from the region. Could not have done it better. They really worked hard to make sure all 8 passengers had everything they needed. Well done. Amazing [cabins]. Best cabins we have ever had on a small ship. More than met our expectations. Elegant and comfortable at the same time. Nothing needed that was not there.
-- W.T & K.T. California, USA

Very interesting and well choreographed, the chosen guides were very knowledgeable and informative. The wines were well chosen and the meals well prepared and beautifully presented.
-- D.S., California, USA

The Renaissance's routes through the Upper Loire, from Montargis tp Chatillon-sur-Loire. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de Briare.

*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 in a cabin with private bath
- transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday
- all wines with lunches and dinners
- open bar stocked to your specification
- use of bicycles
- all escorted side-excursions (hot air balloon flights, golf at additional cost)

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

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