Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess : Walking Themed Cruise 2020

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess 

I was surprised to receive this itinerary for the 2020 Shannon Princess' Walking Themed Cruise (see below, scroll down). This coming season is 2019... is it a typo? No, because...

Once again, the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess is fully booked (except for 1 cabin) for 2019 and it is only January! This is a very popular barge and must be booked well in advance. They already have 4 weeks booked for 2020.

Shannon Princess - Crewed Hotel Barge - River Shannon, Ireland

If you are interested in their last cabin for the 2019 season, the week is August 4-10. The rate for this individual cabin is $5350/person, double occupancy.

View Their Online Brochure

While their standard cruise is lovely, check out their various themed cruises (for private charters) CLICK HERE

2020 Walking Itinerary

Ireland has some of the finest scenery in the world. This isn’t just us boasting! According to a number of the world's leading travel sites, there is an abundance of natural and unspoilt beauty. The Lonely Planet refer to Ireland’s "breathtaking, ancient landscape" while Rough Guide describes how "an uncommon geological richness and the warming effect of the Atlantic produce an astonishing diversity of terrain on this small island".

With all this scenery on our doorstep, we believe the best way to see some of it is on foot. We've developed  a walking itinerary to enable our guests to incorporate a walking holiday with a luxury cruise, visiting carefully selected areas of interest and taking place over 5 days of the 6-nights cruise.

Relax and enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on the day of arrival

The first day of the vacation is all about settling in onboard the luxurious Shannon Princess and enjoying the first of many gourmet dinners, so the guided walks commence on day 2.


Walk 1 – The Grand Canal

The first walk incorporates a pleasant stroll through middle Ireland, along the towpaths of the Grand Canal.

 The Grand Canal offers a peaceful and scenic introductory walk

The canal commenced building in 1756 to connect Dublin with the West of Ireland. All goods manufactured in Dublin and required in the West of Ireland were taken via barge to the Shannon and further afield. It was the motorway or railroad of its day.

We will also see peat or as it is more commonly known in Ireland ‘turf’ being saved. It will be a quiet and peaceful introductory walk.

Dinner will be served on board the Shannon Princess at 7:00 pm.


Walk 2 – Kinnitty Castle

The second walk brings us to Kinnitty Village in County Offaly.

 A walk through woodland and forestry tracks

This tranquil woodland loop on forestry tracks passes close to the grounds of Kinnitty Castle (now a hotel) and fords several tinkling little streams which passes the scant ruins of Glinsk Castle with many fine broadleaf trees evident. There are beautiful views over Co.Offaly and the surrounding mountain valleys.

This walk may be amended to accommodate a visit to Leap Castle reputed to be "Ireland’' most haunted house." You will be greeted by Sean Ryan and his family who will invite you in to their unusual home and Sean, a renowned musician, will tell you the fascinating history of the castle and the part it played in founding the American Constitution.

Dinner will be served on board Shannon Princess at 7:00pm.


Walk 3 – Lough (Lake) Derg

Today we travel along a very pretty stretch of the Shannon River onto the idyllic Lough (Lake) Derg where an ever-changing landscape slips by.

After lunch in the village, the walkers will depart with their walking guide to the nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains. Steeped in history and folklore, the Slieve Blooms dominate the landscape as it straddles the border of counties Offaly and Laois. Its highest peak, 529m Arderin, translates from Irish as the height of Ireland.

Connections with the past are everywhere as the area is dusted with monuments dating back as far as 4,500 years. This is a 3 to 4 hour walk along riverside paths & bog tracks and through woodland trails.

Dinner will be served on board the Shannon Princess at 7:00pm.


Walk 4 – The East Clare Way

For the penultimate walk we depart after lunch for The East Clare Way walk which starts in Mountshannon and will be conducted by the walking guide. This is a 127km route of marked Highways and Byways. You will be guided through what is considered the most beautiful section.

Enjoy the stunning views overlooking Lough Derg

A gentle climb takes us up through riverside villages and into the Slieve Bernagh hills until we overlook some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Munster. Here, Lough Derg and its many islands are at our feet creating a landscape rich in beauty, colour and variety. 

This is a 3 to 4 hour walk on natural terrain and trails with moderate gradients.

Dinner will be served on board the Shannon Princess at 7:00pm.


Walk 5 – Arra Mountains

Our final walk commences after lunch, where the walkers will depart with the walking guide for a hike into the Arra Mountains. At The Summit of Tountinna is the "Graves of the Leinstermen", today one stone is standing, the rest are covered in undergrowth. The site may have originally been a stone circle or a Neolithic Tomb.

 The Arra Mountains provide magnificent views

Keep a lookout for evidence of the area's great slate quarrying tradition. Magnificent views can be had from these parts, and blanket bog and several varieties of heather add to the allure of the landscape.

This is an excellent walk and can take between 3 to 5 hours, walking on natural terrain with moderate gradients.

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess entering a lock

• Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
• Up to 10 guests
• Charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Biking/Cycling, Family, Golf, Walking
• Learn More: Online Brochure

Shannon Princess

The Shannon Princess has been thoughtfully designed throughout. The barge's inviting interior makes a charming floating living space – a perfect "Home away from home" for guests to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by Ruairi and Olivia’s love of antiquities, crafts, pottery and art with many works by established and local Irish artists.  On board the barge a friendly & relaxed mood has been created by carefully mixing casual informality with quality service.

The Shannon Princess provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as double or twins, each with ensuite facilities. This barge is owner-operated with a total of five professional crew in attendance.You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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RECIPE - Fusilli with Pumpkin Cream, Guanciale & Ricotta Salata

Enjoy this traditional Italian recipe.

Fusilli with Pumpkin Cream, Guanciale & Ricotta Salata

This salty sweet Italian treat of Fusilli with Pumpkin Cream, Guanciale & Ricotta Salata, is a traditional recipe made with the finest ingredients.

This time I’ll show you how to cook a perfect, tasty and colourful Italian first course. I’ve chosen some awesome ingredients used in the kitchens of the ancient Italian farmers. We will have an incredible balance between the sweetness of the pumpkin, the saltiness of the crispy bacon and the spiciness of the ricotta salata, smartly enhanced with chilli.

Fusilli with Pumpkin Cream, Guanciale & Ricotta Salata

Experience excellent Italian cuisine aboard La Bella Vita

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 320 g fusilli pasta
• 200 g pumpkin, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 finely sliced onion
• 150 g guanciale cut julienne
• 80 g ricotta salata – chilli flavoured
• 2 Sage Leaves
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVO)

Method

• Heat a pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil and cook the guanciale until it becomes crispy and slightly brown.
• Remove the guanciale from the pan and store it in a bowl.
• In the same pan add the rest of the olive oil, onion and sage and gently fry using the fat of the guanciale.
• Add pumpkin and season with salt & pepper.
• Add a little water and cook vegetables until they become tender.
• Remove from the heat, blend and strain.
• Cook the fusilli in boiling, salted water for 8 minutes (al dente).
• Serve the pasta with crispy guanciale on top and some flakes of ricotta salata.
• Sit down and enjoy your meal!

About The Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita

• Route: Between Venice and Mantua (Mantova)
• Up to 20 guests
• 6-10 crew
• Private Charter and Individual Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Opera
• Other possible itineraries for private charters: Family, Golf, Wine appreciation
• Learn More: Online Brochure

La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel offering comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodations with a choice of single or double beds. She has two upper-deck junior suites and eight lower-deck staterooms, all with en-suite facilities; and a bright, spacious dining room/bar area. Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform. Above, there is a huge sun deck with an awning and comfortable loungers to relax on with a drink and a good book, or just watch the world go by.

The variety of charming waterways between Venice and Mantua (Mantova) promises a unique and magical cruising experience. The itinerary includes fascinating excursions that offer a real insight into the many cultures -- Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and, of course, Renaissance -- that have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and nature en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife; from the charming Venetian port of Chioggia via the River Po and Bianca Canal to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city, Mantua.

Looking forward to your inquiries...

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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

 

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Wine Appreciation Cruises in Italy aboard La Bella Vita

Wine Appreciation Cruises on La Bella Vita

Italy is a major exporter of wine, with a heritage dating back to Roman times more than 2,000 years ago. Experience the fine wines of Italy with La Bella Vita's new Wine Appreciation cruise on the waterways of Venice and the Po Valley.


The Region and The Wine

With regards to wine, Italy is one of the few nations that comes close to rivaling France in terms of production and variety.  In Veneto there are two distinctive geographical areas for the vineyards; the eastern part, between the hills of Treviso and the Atlantic coast which typically produces the likes of Glera (Prosecco) & Merlot, and the western part near Verona which makes Garganega & Corvina. On this wine-themed cruise, however, you’ll sample fine wines from all over Italy.

The Veneto region and the Po Valley offer some of the most dynamic scenery in all of Europe. To start with, Venice is an architecture lover's haven, and due to the city's bloody past, there is a wide array of influences, Byzantine, Roman, Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance to name but a few. In addition to this, the climate of the Po Valley and its various nature reserves makes it a stellar spot for wildlife, and it is not unusual to see pink flamingos and wild peacocks.


Excursion Highlights

• A ride on a private boat to the island of Sant’Erasmo, where guests will enjoy an exclusive tasting at the domain of Orto di Venezia, Venice’s only winery – famous for the production of Casanova’s favourite wine
• Guests will also tour the Renaissance gardens of the 17th-century wine estate of Villa Widmann Borletti, followed by a tasting.
• The crisp, dry wines grown from the Garganega grape are on the itinerary during a visit to medieval town of Soave, origin of the world-famous white wine of the same name. This wine can be paired with "almost anything" and is one of the most popular in Italy
• In addition to the various wine-related excursions, there are plenty of other activities on the itinerary, such as a visit to the fishing port of Chioggia, and a guided tour of the beautiful 14th century Estense Castle in the Renaissance city of Ferrara.

About The Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita

• Route: Between Venice and Mantua (Mantova)
• Up to 20 guests
• 6-10 crew
• Private Charter and Individual Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Opera
• Other possible itineraries for private charters: Family, Golf, Wine appreciation
• Learn More: Online Brochure

La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel offering comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodations with a choice of single or double beds. She has two upper-deck junior suites and eight lower-deck staterooms, all with en-suite facilities; and a bright, spacious dining room/bar area. Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform. Above, there is a huge sun deck with an awning and comfortable loungers to relax on with a drink and a good book, or just watch the world go by.

The variety of charming waterways between Venice and Mantua (Mantova) promises a unique and magical cruising experience. The itinerary includes fascinating excursions that offer a real insight into the many cultures -- Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and, of course, Renaissance -- that have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and nature en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife; from the charming Venetian port of Chioggia via the River Po and Bianca Canal to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city, Mantua.

Looking forward to your inquiries...

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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

 

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Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Renaissance in Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is considered the birthplace of the French Renaissance. The year 1519 marked the beginning of the Renaissance period with the death of Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise, the birth of Catherine de Medecis, and the commencement of construction of Château de Chambord.

In 2019, throughout the entire anniversary year, events, expositions, scientific symposiums, visits, and regional and European-themed courses revive the spirit of the Renaissance while confronting modern challenges, creating a dialogue between the history and the future.

Join in the celebration aboard French Hotel Barge Nymphea and cruise the River Cher in the Loire Valley, France.

Chateau d'Amboise

Guests aboard the French Hotel Barge Nymphea visit the extraordinary Château d’Amboise, its gardens with the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, as well as the Château du Clos Lucé, where da Vinci lived until his death. Other excursions include tours of royal residences, wine tastings, and visits to local markets and other attractions.

About The French Hotel Barge Nymphea

French Hotel Barge Nymphea cruises the River Cher in the Loire Valley, France

• Route: The Cher River between Moulin de Nitray and Montrichard
• Up to 6 guests
• Charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Biking/Cycling, Family, Golf, Honeymoon
• Learn More: Online Brochure

Nymphea

Nymphea, a 6-passenger French hotel barge, is a classic Dutch design with shallow draft that makes her the ideal vessel for navigating the beautiful sandy reaches of the River Cher in the Loire Valley. Very few vessels are able to cruise this magical waterway.

We are delighted to offer Nymphea, currently the only hotel barge navigating the heart of the Loire Valley. The Valley of the Kings is as rich in history and legend as it is in beauty – little has changed over the centuries. The River Loire and its main tributary the River Cher have transported passengers and cargo for more than 2000 years.

There is much to discover in the Loire Valley, from the fabulous châteaux to the centuries-old villages dotted along the river. Wind your way through the narrow streets possibly discovering hidden shops with hand-painted pottery or stumble across an open market. Meet a winemaker or a cheese maker and learn why his goat cheese is the most famous in France.

The proximity of such a wealth of gorgeous Renaissance architecture makes a cruise along this waterway a unique travel experience.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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

 

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RECIPE : Chocolate Soufflé

Fine Food Aboard French Hotel Barge Finesse

We received an email with a recipe from Mike Crowson, the chef aboard "Finesse", that we'd like to share with you.

On the Finesse I do a cooking demonstration every week, which is how to make a twice baked cheese soufflé, but we don't demonstrate a dessert soufflé. As promised to a number of guests, here we will work through the chocolate soufflé served throughout 2018.

Here we have served the soufflé with a passion fruit sorbet to cut the richness of the chocolate.

This soufflé is very easy to make if you have a basic knowledge of desserts, it is also very stable. The base is a creme patisserie which is basically a very thick custard.

For our North American guests, note that I use cornflour. in this recipe. It is very important you do not confuse this with cornstarch which is used a lot in the USA but is not the same ingredient and does not react the same. Cornstarch, as its name suggests, is made from corn, but cornflour is made from wheat therefore they don't react exactly the same. In a savoury recipe this probably won't make too much difference but working with pastry you have to be very precise.

Chocolate soufflé

INGREDIENTS

• 6 egg yolks
• 150g caster sugar
• 40g plain flour
• 35g cornflour
• 50g cocoa powder
• 500ml whole milk
• 6 egg whites
• 120g caster sugar

METHOD

• With room-temperature butter, butter and sugar 6 ramekins. Place them in freezer until needed.
• Preheat oven to 185°C / 365°F / Gas mark 4.
• Place egg yolks and 150g sugar into a pan and make into a paste.
• Then add flour and cornflour, mix to combine.
• Add a small amount of warmed milk place over a medium heat and add the milk slowly while mixing.
• When all the milk has been added, cook over medium heat stirring all the time.
• When the mixture is hot, add the cocoa powder and continue cooking the custard mix, watching it doesn't stick on the bottom of the pan, until you have a smooth thick creme patisserie.
• Transfer to a bowl and cover with cling film until needed.
• In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites with 120g sugar until it is a stiff shiny meringue.
• Fold meringue into the creme patisserie until no whites are visible in the chocolate mix.
• Spoon mix into frozen ramekins, level off the tops, place into the oven, cook for around 12 minutes.

Sounds delicious, Mark. Thank you very much.

About The French Hotel Barge Finesse

Finesse

 


• Route: Southern Burgundy: River Saône & Canal du Centre between St-Julien-sur-Dheune and St-Jean-de-Losne
• Up to 8 guests
• Charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Bike, Family, Golf, Wine
• Learn More: Online Brochure

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections.
CLICK HERE

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

 

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Spring Barging Cruises in Holland With Panache

Make the Most of Spring with a Barging Cruise in Holland

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A barge cruise is definitely the way to discover Holland. Experience quaint Dutch windmills, world-famous flowers, small European towns, historic cities, art history, and Delft pottery, all in one week.

Watch the windmills in their silent majesty as you sit in the opulent saloon with a delicious Jenever (Dutch Gin) and tonic in hand, 

Explore 100 acres of flowers at the world famous Keukenhof Gardens. The theme for 2019 is "Flower Power".

Be enchanted by the cobblestone streets and gabled houses of the 800-year old Haarlem. 

Visit Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Aalsmeer hosts the largest floral auction in the world, with over 40 million plants and flowers from all over the globe traded here.

Enjoy the excursion to Zaanse Schans during their cruise of Holland.

Zaanse Schans conservation area was created in the 1960s in order to preserve the buildings and crafts of the country's industrial revolution in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. With a dozen windmills, a collection of traditional houses and workshops and a number of museums, it offers an unparalleled insight into Dutch social and industrial history.

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PANACHE is still available for Dutch barging cruises in 2019.

• March 24-30:   6 cabins open. Available for either private charter or cabin cruise. 20% discount for private charters.
• March 31-April 6: 6 cabins open. Available for either private charter or cabin cruise. 20% discount for private charters.
• May 5-11: 6 cabins open. Available for either private charter or cabin cruise. 20% discount for private charters.
• May 12-18: 2 cabins open and 4 booked. Available for cabin cruise.

LA NOUVELLE ETOILE has one week available in Holland for 2019.

• April 7-13: 1 cabin open and 3 booked. Available for cabin cruise.

Have questions? Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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

 

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Special Offers for Hotel Barges - Updated

Happy New Year

Out with the old and in with the new. 

Today, we updated the special offers for our European hotel barges. Most offers are valid for new bookings made by February 18, 2019. There's a variety of nice discounts across France, Italy & Scotland making Spring 2019 the ideal time for your cruise. Departures range from the end of March through June. Check out our Special Offers page and don't hesitate to pop us a line.

Up to 20% off private charters means that groups of family & friends are well catered for. There are also discounts of up to 20% on individual cabin bookings allowing you to join a group with like-minded folks; while the "No Single Supplement" specials on select departures is a great deal for those intrepid solo travellers.

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French Hotel Barge Anjodi Moored at Le Somail, Canal du Midi

Paradise Connections represents luxury hotel barges along various European waterways where attentive crew will pamper you with personalized service to ensure your enjoyment of this unique vacation.

Have questions? Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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

 

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