Friday, November 24, 2017

30% Discount On Select Charter Weeks - Hotel Barges

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL OFFER

We are offering a 30% discount on whole barge charter prices for 6-night cruises aboard two hotel barges in France and one in Scotland when booked between November 24-30, 2017 for select 2018 dates...


What’s Included?

This is an all-inclusive, exclusive affair for food lovers, oenophiles, whisky enthusiasts or just those looking for the break of a lifetime, and a bargain to boot.

2018 prices include: local transfers to and from the hotel barges, luxury accommodation, all meals and wines served on board, an extensively stocked open bar, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary.

In addition to this, our guests will have full use of barge facilities, such as top of the range bicycles, a deck side spa pool and the services of a six member crew that includes an English-speaking guide and an on-board Master Chef.

France
  • La Belle Epoque, 12 passengers, April 8-14, 2018.
Cruises the historic Burgundy Canal through some of the region’s most scenic countryside. Excursions include private tastings at several renowned Chablis vineyards, a visit to the village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, the setting for the movie Chocolat, and a visit to Noyers-sur-Serein, (think cobbled streets and quaint, timbered architecture). Click for Brochure.
  • L'Impressionniste, 12 passengers, April 22-28, 2018
As well as the wine tasting excursions, L’Impressionniste offers a tour of Dijon and its sprawling market, a private gourmet lunch at the famed Château de Beaune, and a visit to Clos de Vougeot, home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, an exclusive fraternity that awards a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. Click for Brochure.

Scotland
  • Spirit Of Scotland, 12 passengers, April 15-21, 2018
The elegant Spirit of Scotland cruises the postcard-perfect Caledonian Canal in Scotland.  It features a traditionally decorated whisky bar and saloon and spacious dining area, ideal for cosy dinners against the breathtaking backdrop of the rugged Scottish highlands. Cruise highlights include a private tasting and tour of the Glen Ord whisky distillery and an excursion to Macbeth’s Cawdor Castle. The vessel cruises on numerous lochs that include Lochy, Oich, Dochfour and the renowned Loch Ness, where if you’re lucky, you might spot “Nessie”. Click for Brochure.

For more information about these barges, click on the above links to review their electronic brochures.

See more special offers for barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.




Enjoy !



Contact Paradise Connections Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 




Monday, August 07, 2017

FREE hotel night in Scotland for October 2017

FREE hotel night on selected October 2017 cruises in Scotland...



For more information about the boats, click on the above links to review their electronic brochures.


See more special offers for barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.




Enjoy !



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 




Wednesday, August 02, 2017

La Nouvelle Etoile 2018: Only one week open for Luxembourg-Germany cruise

The Hotel Barge LA NOUVELLE ETOILE has 2 cabins available for their Luxembourg-Germany (Remich to Koblenz) cruise 14-20 October 2018. All other weeks for this region are booked.

This open week is a "value" week and has a reduced price of $7700/person, double occupancy.

 Enjoy an all-inclusive barging cruise aboard La Nouvelle Etoile


The picturesque Moselle region of Germany is a wine lover's paradise and is most famous for its wines made from the Riesling grape. The area is known for the steep slopes of the region's vineyards overlooking the River Moselle. The river runs through one of Europe's most beautiful valleys and is perfect for anyone wishing to experience the romantic Germany of castles, vineyards, and half-timbered villages. Unlike the more heavily visited Rhine, the Moselle allows the visitors to meander at a more leisurely pace among colourful towns, markets and forests.

Click map to enlarge

 Highlights of the cruise include Trier, Germany's oldest city with roots going back to the Roman empire, Koblenz with its wonderful Old Town, and the 12th century Burg Eltz, "Queen of German Castles".



La Nouvelle Etoile is a very popular barge and they book up well in advance. We do have a few other open weeks in their 2018 calendar...

The following weeks are available for private charter for up to 8 guests or as a cabin week where the barge is shared with others. Click links for itineraries.


Looking forward to your inquiries...



Contact Paradise Connections to book LA NOUVELLE ETOILE
View La Nouvelle Etoile's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 

Monday, July 31, 2017

Italian Hotel Barge LA BELLA VITA's 2018 Opera Cruise

We are delighted to announce that La Bella Vita's popular Opera Cruise will commence on Saturday, August 25th in 2018, for seven nights.

Opera lover? Enjoy an opera-themed cruise aboard La Bella Vita

Before your cruise from Venice to Mantua begins, you will be taken to Verona to visit the fascinating Arena Muse Opera, a wonderful museum devoted to the history of opera, followed by dinner in the delightful courtyard restaurant.

Then comes the real highlight as you take your top-priced front stalls seats to enjoy a performance of one of the best-known operas, Bizet's "Carmen", in the magnificent setting of the Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona.

At the end of a memorable evening, you are transferred back to your hotel in Verona, where next day, there will be a guided tour of this charming city, before joining La Bella Vita in Venice.

During the 6-night cruise, there are visits to some wonderful baroque theatres, such as the Gran Teatro La Fenice, where the premières of operas by composers such as Rossini and Verdi were performed, as well as the intimate Teatro Bibiena in Mantua with its bell-shaped interior, that opened with a concert by a 13-year-old Mozart in 1770.

 And, of course, there is a lot more to see as you cruise across the Venetian Lagoon past its colourful islands and on through the Po Valley... visits to the famous fish market in Chioggia, the Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara, and the stunning Ducal Palace in Mantua, as well as wine tastings and dinner in a private stately home where Lord Byron wrote some of his best poetry.

This 7-day adventure is a wonderful combination for what Italy is famous for – wonderful food and wine, Renaissance architecture and, of course – opera!

This special departure is available for booking on a per cabin basis. The price for a Stateroom for 7 nights is US$4,840 and for a Junior Suite US$5,600. Rate per person, double occupancy.

For more information visit La Bella Vita's online brochure and/or email Paradise Connections.

We can, of course, arrange Opera cruises for any charter enquiries throughout the season. The Opera Season in Verona for 2018 is from June 26th to August 26th.




Looking forward to your inquiries...



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLA VITA 
View La Bella Vita's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 

It's not how far nor how fast, it's the pleasure of the journey that keeps people coming back for more.



Saturday, July 22, 2017

Barge Emma - UPDATE 20% discount

THE FRENCH HOTEL BARGE EMMA is offering 20% off remaining open dates for 2017.
UPDATE

French Hotel Barge Emma - Canal du Midi, France

Emma, a six-passenger French hotel barge that cruises along the Canal du Midi in the south of France, is offering a 20% discount across the board for both private charters and individual cabin weeks.

SPECIAL OFFER: 

Save 20% off standard rates for the remaining open weeks in 2017 for cruises along the Canal du Midi through October 27th.

STANDARD PRICES FOR 2017

SIX NIGHTSFIVE NIGHTS
Private Charter
up to 4 guests
$25,000
(-20% off=$20,000)
$22,000
(-20% off=$17,600)
Private Charter
5 Guests
$27,000
(-20%  off=$21,600)
$23,000
(-20% off=$18,400)
Private Charter
6 guests
$30,000
(-20% off=$24,000)
$25,000
(-20% off=$20,000)
Individual Cabin Week
per person, double occupancy
$5500
(-20% off=$4400)
$5000
(-20% off=$4000)

Emma's weeks run from Saturday through Friday. Open dates for 2017 are currently:
  • July 29 - August 4
  • August 5-11
  • August 12-18
  • August 19-25
  • August 26 - Sept 1
  • Sept 2-29: BOOKED
  • Sept 30 - Oct 6
  • Oct 7-13
  • Oct 14-20
  • Oct 21-27



FRENCH BARGE EMMA

The French Hotel Barge EMMA is owned and operated by Liz and René Jacquot and are assisted by two additional crew members. They cruise along the Canal du Midi in the south of France between Beziers & Carcassonne and Carcassonne & Toulouse. They also have a Beziers to Aigues-Mortes itinerary available upon request.

EMMA is fully air conditioned and also has central heating, if needed. There are three guest cabins; one has a queen bed, while the other two can be configured as either queens or twins. Beautiful handmade Irish quilts from Oonagh Morisson add that extra touch of luxury. Each guest cabin has its own private, ensuite bathroom with sink, toilet and a normal sized shower with sliding doors. The interior is bright and spacious with beautiful arched double glazed windows which give you a good view of the outside countryside while cruising. The French oak furniture has been hand made by a master craftsman and the whole effect is warm and inviting.

EMMA has a spacious upper deck (385 square feet) with tables, chairs, and loungers. Shade from the sun, too, if you want it. This is a marvelous vantage point to see the wonderful countryside and a great place to enjoy cocktails before dinner. Later on, view the stars and set the world to right. And, of course, EMMA has bicycles and a minivan to chauffeur you to various excursions.

Remember that EMMA can tailor your charter to your interests... wine tastings & vineyard visits, cooking, golf, tennis, walking tours, cycling tours, or just time out to relax and enjoy a side of France that most travellers don't experience.

Emma is available for private charters and individual cabin bookings for shared charter weeks. They also offer 5-night charters if that works better for your vacation plans and budget.



Take a break and enjoy the south of France!
 Shall we pencil you in?


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book EMMA 
View Emma's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


Friday, June 02, 2017

French Hotel Barge EMMA: Save 20% this summer on the canal du midi

THE FRENCH HOTEL BARGE EMMA is offering 20% off remaining open dates for 2017.

French Hotel Barge Emma - Canal du Midi, France

Emma, a six-passenger French hotel barge that cruises along the Canal du Midi in the south of France, is offering a 20% discount across the board for both private charters and individual cabin weeks.

SPECIAL OFFER: 

Save 20% off standard rates for the remaining open weeks in 2017 for cruises along the Canal du Midi through October 27th.
 See updated post: Click Here



FRENCH BARGE EMMA

The French Hotel Barge EMMA is owned and operated by Liz and René Jacquot and are assisted by two additional crew members. They cruise along the Canal du Midi in the south of France between Beziers & Carcassonne and Carcassonne & Toulouse. They also have a Beziers to Aigues-Mortes itinerary available upon request.

EMMA is fully air conditioned and also has central heating, if needed. There are three guest cabins; one has a queen bed, while the other two can be configured as either queens or twins. Beautiful handmade Irish quilts from Oonagh Morisson add that extra touch of luxury. Each guest cabin has its own private, ensuite bathroom with sink, toilet and a normal sized shower with sliding doors. The interior is bright and spacious with beautiful arched double glazed windows which give you a good view of the outside countryside while cruising. The French oak furniture has been hand made by a master craftsman and the whole effect is warm and inviting.

EMMA has a spacious upper deck (385 square feet) with tables, chairs, and loungers. Shade from the sun, too, if you want it. This is a marvelous vantage point to see the wonderful countryside and a great place to enjoy cocktails before dinner. Later on, view the stars and set the world to right. And, of course, EMMA has bicycles and a minivan to chauffeur you to various excursions.

Remember that EMMA can tailor your charter to your interests... wine tastings & vineyard visits, cooking, golf, tennis, walking tours, cycling tours, or just time out to relax and enjoy a side of France that most travellers don't experience.

Emma is available for private charters and individual cabin bookings for shared charter weeks. They also offer 5-night charters if that works better for your vacation plans and budget.



Take a break and enjoy the south of France!
 Shall we pencil you in?


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book EMMA 
View Emma's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


Friday, May 19, 2017

Single travellers - SAVE on Hotel Barge Cruise Trips

We are delighted to announce that for the remainder of the 2017 barge cruising season, the single supplement is waived on most of our Hotel Barges (Anjodi, Athos, Enchante, Finesse, L'Art de Vivre, L'Impressionniste, La Bella Vita, La Belle Epoque, Nymphea, Panache, Renaissance, Rosa, and Spirit of Scotland) for any departures which already have at least one confirmed double-occupancy cabin booking.



Current Availability for Single Traveller Special
(we do have other open dates for both private & cabin cruises)

  • ANJODI : June 4, 11, 25; July 2, 9, 23, 30; Aug 6; Sept 17; Oct 8, 15
  • ATHOS : June 18; July 30;
  • ENCHANTE : May 28; June 4, 11, 25; July 9, 16, 23; Aug 13; Sept 3, 24; Oct 15
  • FINESSE : May 28; June 4; July 16; Aug 20, 27
  • L'ART DE VIVRE : June 4, 18; July 9, 16; Sept 17
  • L'IMPRESSIONNISTE : June 4, 25; July 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sept 3; Oct 8
  • LA BELLA VITA : May 28; July 9; Aug 20; Sept 17; Oct 1
  • LA BELLE EPOQUE : June 4, 18, 25; July 30; Aug 6, 27; Sept 10; Oct 1
  • NYMPHEA : June 25; July 2, 30
  • PANACHE : May 28, June 4, 18, 25; July 23; Aug 13, 27; Sept 3, 24; Oct 1, 8
  • RENAISSANCE : May 28; June 11; July 2; Aug 6, 27; Sept 24; Oct 8
  • ROSA : May 28; June 4; July 23, 30; Aug 6, 13, 20, 27; Sept 3, 17, 24; Oct 1
  • SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND : June 18; July 2, 16, 30; Sept 10, 17; Oct 1, 8, 22

Please note this offer cannot be combined with any other offers nor applied to existing bookings. It is subject to availability and may be withdrawn before the end of the season.


See more special offers for barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.




Enjoy !



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 




Thursday, April 27, 2017

Some barge upgrades for 2017

We thought you might like a summary of the main upgrade and refurbishment works carried out on several of our hotel barges over the winter.


L’Art de Vivre - Burgundy


Saloon/dining area - new hand-built banquette seating and bar area; new wooden parquet flooring.


Anjodi - Canal du Midi



Saloon/dining area - new hand-built banquette seating and bar area; new wooden parquet flooring.

Deck area – new collapsible sun canopy


Finesse – Southern Burgundy
 
Saloon/dining area - new wooden parquet flooring

Cabin suites - new sofa in each of the 4 cabins

Deck area – new built-in lounging area


Enchanté – Canal du Midi




Saloon/dining area – new curtains and light fittings
Cabin suites – some new carpets, new curtains
Bathrooms - new fitted vanity units/sinks/taps in each of the 4 bathrooms


La Bella Vita – Venetian Lagoon & Po Valley

Saloon/dining area/bar area – new wooden flooring throughout
New larger fitted wardrobes in all 10 cabins
Photos to follow.


Spirit of Scotland – Caledonian Canal & Scottish Lochs

Saloon/dining/bar areas – new Scottish-weave tartan carpets; other traditional soft furnishings
Cabins – new carpets throughout; new bedding in each of the 6 cabins
Photos to follow.



Enjoy a barge trip this season!



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 




Friday, March 10, 2017

Barge MAGNA CARTA: Special Downton Abbey Cruises 2017

We are pleased to announce that the English Hotel Barge Magna Carta has added the Highclere Castle excursion to several of their cruise weeks for the 2017 barging season. This unique trip to the iconic castle and fictional site of the highly popular TV series “Downton Abbey” is a limited opportunity. The visit to Highclere replaces the standard itinerary's visit to Dorney Court.

Current availability for Downton Abbey itinerary (as of March 10, 2017)
  • April 9 - 1 cabin open, 3 booked - up to 20% off + Value season rates
  • April 16 - Booked
  • April 30 - 1 cabin open, 3 booked - up to 20% off
  • May 28 - Booked
  • July 9 - 1 cabin open, 3 booked - up to 20% off
  • July 16 - 4 cabins open. Open for private charter or by cabin
  • July 30 - 4 cabins open. Open for private charter or by cabin - up to 20% off
  • August 6 - 1 cabin open, 2 optioned, 1 booked 

Note that the week of  9th April has a special 20% discount, plus it is a value season week.


This extremely impressive Victorian castle, designed by Sir Charles Barry who was also the architect of the Houses of Parliament, sits on a 1000-acre estate and is the iconic home of the fictional Crawley family on the show. The "real" Downton Abbey has been owned by the Carnarvon family since 1679, where Lord and Lady Carnarvon still live today.

Located west of London in Berkshire, it is considered one of the finest Victorian homes still in existence, with sprawling grounds that are four times the size of New York City’s Central Park.

 

Cruising along the famous River Thames in England, passengers aboard hotel barge Magna Carta will also enjoy "royal" views and excursions to majestic castles, palaces and cathedrals. Magna Carta's itinerary also features a private tour of Dorney Court, a remarkable Tudor home on the banks of the Thames, where "Elizabeth", "The Other Boleyn Girl", and Agatha Christie's series "Poirot" were all filmed. We also visit Hampton Court Palace, one of the locations for the award winning film "A Man for All Seasons". The cruise concludes with a tour of Christ Church, one of the most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford and one of the settings for Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland".

The Royal River Thames cruise route of the luxury, 8-passenger, all-inclusive, crewed English Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA brings you in touch with the very soul of England. The Magna Carta cruises from Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages.  It is the perfect way to admire olde worlde England and the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

To view Magna Carta's Downton Abbey itinerary, please click here.

This is a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of Downton Abbey that allows them to walk the real-life setting made famous by their favorite television drama.




English Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA - Experience England from a different point of view

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks.

The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.

The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.

Check out our Regional Guide to learn more about the area where Magna Carta cruises.

Interested ?  Let's reserve your spot !



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAGNA CARTA
View Magna Carta's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com