Cruise In The South Of France On The Canal du Midi Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge TANGO

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 8-passenger Tango, built in 1931, initially navigated the canals of North Eastern France as a working barge. In the 1950's she sailed south and was used to transport grain between the Atlantic and Mediterranean ports. During this time, the Tango was shortened to 100 feet. This change made her the perfect maximum length to navigate the Canal du Midi. When commercial barging ceased in the 1980's, Tango was retired to a small canal-side village. The French born Tango Captain, Daniel Sak, had seen the barge abandoned as a child, while navigating with his mother, and always said it was the only barge he wanted to own. In the year 2000 that dream came true, when Daniel purchased Tango and lovingly converted her into a deluxe charter barge for eight guests.

Daniel continues the family tradition of excellence in barging. An experienced pilot, he also oversees the culinary details onboard Tango, from selecting the wines to making certain that the overall experience of your cruise more than meets your expectations. Tango's decor is a delight in all its details. Large brass portholes and opening skylights throughout the vessel provide fresh circulating air and light. French art deco fixtures, Provençal ivory linens, and rich teak wall panelling recreate the atmosphere of 1930's French passenger liners. Up on deck, two terraces provide space for al fresco dining and a sundeck with hot tub. Tango's large salon with soft yellow leather sofas, bar and dining room, provides the perfect space for congregating for after-dinner drinks and conversation.

Tango's knowledgeable, English-speaking crew will see to your every comfort during your cruise. Your friendly hostess makes sure cabins are tidy, beds made, and towels fresh each morning. Chef Daniel prepares gourmet feasts using the finest local produce, seafood, artisanal cheeses, pates, and seasonal fresh fruits. Tango's tour guide escorts your group on daily excursions in our air-conditioned minivan, taking in local history, wine-tasting, shopping, and site-seeing. And of course your Captaint is at the wheel as Tango cruises along the canal and navigates through the locks.

The Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Renoir cabins can be made up with queen or two twin begd configurations. Each cabin has its own ensuite bathrooms with beautiful handmade Provençal tiles designed by Alain Vagh, of Salernes. The Captain's cabin has its own entrance on the main deck, and is exquisitely fitted with the original mahogany panelling and cabinets. It features a separate bedroom with king-size bed, dressing room and ensuite bath. The Captain's cabin is only available for private charters of eight passengers or on individual cabin weeks.

Cuisine served aboard Tango focuses on the rich culinary tradition of the cruising area, the Languedoc. A Mediterranean climate provides sun ripened fruits, vegetables, olive oil and herbs, while the robust traditional fare of the Southwest offers foie gras, duck and tender lamb from the Pyrenees. A fantastic choice of fine cheeses and increasingly prominent wines from vineyards once favored by the Romans complete each meal. Chef Daniel Sak, graduate of the French National Cooking School in Beaune, Burgundy, and oversees the preparation of your meals when aboard Tango. He welcomes guests with a strong interest in cooking and are happy to share recipes, techniques and philosophy on fine dining. All of the meals prepared on board Tango are made with garden fresh produce bought daily at the local markets along the route, the best quality meats and poultry from the farms of the Southwest of France, and fresh Mediterranean seafood and fish.

The Tango's week long cruises take place on two beautiful stretches of the historic Canal du Midi. In the spring and fall it stays close to the sunnier Mediterranean coast to enable the guests to enjoy more outdoor dining. This cruise takes you from the ancient Phoenician seaport town of Marseillan into the heart of the Minervois wine region, mooring in the picturesque canal village of Le Somail. In the summer, it cruises in the Lauragais, just west of Carcassonne, for uncrowded peaceful cruising under the shaded avenues of the famous sycamore trees. Colorful vistas of sunflower fields in full bloom, quiet back-road visits to farmers markets, as well as a visit to Carcassonne in mid week make this an exceptional cruise. In both areas, an ever-changing scenery of vineyards, spectacular views of the Pyrenees and pretty villages are on each day’s cruise route. Tranquil moorings are the setting for each evening’s enjoyment. The sample itineraries will give you an idea of each day’s perfect blend of touring and cruising. Any private charter itinerary can be tailored to the group’s special interests in wine, food, history, art and anything else you may desire to do.

Features

• Size of barge: 100 ft by 16 ft
• Number of Passengers: 8
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath):4
• Crew: 4
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating:Yes
• Salon: Light and spacious salon with skylight, comfortable sofas, piano and dining table seating eight.
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Two tiled sundecks - one for alfresco dining with dining table, chairs and large parasol and one for lounging with hot tub, lounge chairs and large parasols
• Spa Tub: Yes
• Cabin features: Four cabins: Large Van Gogh suite (190 sq ft), 2 smaller cabins (90 sq ft), and for charter for 8 only the Captain's suite (196 sq ft) with separate entrance, all with twin beds or queen bed and ensuite bathroom with shower with colored Provencal tiles. Skylight in each cabin.
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: VW minibus seating 9.
• Accessibility: Steps from deck to salon. No steps from salon to cabins.
• Bicycles: 6 aluminum frame Scott mountain bicycles (3 mens, 3 womens)

Tango's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

Sunday - Marseillan
Your tour guide picks you up and brings you to the barge moored on the edge of the Mediterranean in Marseillan port, the St. Tropez of the Languedoc. This romantic setting welcomes you to enjoy a champagne reception and your first wonderful dinner on board.

Monday - Cruise to Portiragnes
First a visit to the renowned Noilly Prat vermouth cellars, then we stock up with fresh oysters from the growers, and the barge sets off to cruise across the Etang de Thau to enter the Canal du Midi. The canal cuts through the Camargue protected wildlife park where pink flamingos, black bulls and white horses are at home. A variety of wild birds provide a backdrop to your evening meal on deck.

Tuesday - Cruise to Fonserannes Locks
Excellent biking and walking opportunities during this morning's cruise towards the aqueduct and seven staircase locks of Beziers, the most exciting of Paul Riquet's engineering feats. After ascending the locks, a picturesque drive through the Picpoul vineyards to visit the medieval town of Pezenas. Private "hotels de ville" of magnificent architecture, tales of kings, counts and ladies, and Moliere's legacy make this a favorite visit.

Wednesday - Cruise to Regismont le Haut
Narbonne, once Roman capital of the region, now a bustling and attractive town, has something for all visitors. Some will want to visit the Cathedral and cloisters, some the designer boutiques, but all will want lunch at the 100 year old covered Les Halles market. Chilled white wine, a fresh seafood platter, and whatever you want grilled along with homemade "frites" and salad will make an unforgettable lunch. A relaxing afternoon cruise completes a perfect day.

Thursday - Cruise to Pigasse
Today’s excursion is a drive up to the ancient village of Minerve, offering panoramic views and a chance to learn the history of the Cathars. On the way back a visit to L'Oulibo, our local gold medal-winning olive mill. Your afternoon cruise features the smallest arched stone bridge on the Canal at Capestang. At sunset, we go to a nearby chateau vineyard for roasted mussels and private wine tasting with the owner.

Friday - Cruise to Le Somail
Today you visit Carcassonne to discover Europe’s largest medieval fortress city. Guests enjoy the historical tour as well as browsing the many interesting shops. You are invited out to lunch for a succulent cassoulet of duck confit and white beans, at the Auberge des Lices before heading back to the barge. An afternoon cruise takes you to the most picturesque canal village of Le Somail with art galleries and an antique bookshop. The chef and crew will host your farewell dinner.

Saturday
After breakfast your tour guide will take you to the departure point for the continuation of your journey.

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

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Tango 2013 Season Cruise Schedule* Week Route Season Apr 21 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Apr 28 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular May 5 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular May 12 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular May 19 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular May 26 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Jun 2 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Jun 9 Carcassonne-Castelnaudary Regular Jun 16 Castelnaudary-Carcassonne Regular Jun 23 Carcassonne-Castelnaudary Regular Jun 30 Castelnaudary-Carcassonne Regular Jul 7 Carcassonne-Castelnaudary Regular Jul 14 Castelnaudary-Carcassonne Regular

Cruise Schedule* ... continued Week Route Season Jul 21 Carcassonne-Castelnaudary Regular Jul 28 Castelnaudary-Carcassone Regular Aug 4 Carcassonne-Castelnaudary Regular Aug 11 Castelnaudary-Carcassonne Regular Aug 18 Carcassonne-Castelnaudary Regular Aug 25 Castelnaudary-Carcassonne Regular Sep 1 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Sep 8 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Sep 15 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Sep 22 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Sep 29 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Oct 6 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Oct 13 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Oct 20 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Oct 27 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular

*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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TANGO 2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	REGULAR Apr 21 thru Nov 2
Cezanne cabin, per person, double occupancy	$4,600
Renoir cabin, per person, double occupancy	$4,600
Van Gogh cabin, per person, double occupancy	$4,950
Captain's Suite, per person, double occupancy	$4,950
Single Occupancy Supplement	$1,500
Charter for 6	$29,700
Charter for 8	$38,000

What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabins with private baths
- Transfers from Beziers or Carcassonne to the barge and return, depending on the cruise direction.
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday, including one meal at a local restaurant chosen by the captain (alcoholic beverages not included at the restaurant)
- All wines on board with lunches and dinners
- Open bar on board
- All escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Air or train transfers from Paris to Beziers or Carcassonne and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid 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: March 28, 2013

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