Saturday, April 13, 2019

Celebrate Flower Power aboard Dutch Hotel Barge Panache


Celebrate Flower Power in Holland with Panache


Keukenhof Gardens turns 70 this year. An important anniversary for one of Europe’s most revered and celebrated of gardens. Come aboard the Hotel Barge Panache this May to stroll among the tulips of this Dutch gem!

Flower Power at Keukenhof

Each year, Keukenhof Gardens chooses a theme on which to base their displays and events, this year, it’s Flower Power.


Keukenhof Gardens connects people from all across the globe who come to indulge in and be inspired by the natural beauty of Holland, which is famous for its bulb fields and wide variety of flowers. Flower Power has that late 60’s, early 70’s vibe of bright colors, hippie fashion, peace & music; expect to see outdoor concerts, new art & sculptures and even whisper boats (electronic vessels that traverse the waterways of Keukenhof).

Your Day at Keukenhof

Aboard a Hotel Barge Cruise through Holland, in the morning guests enjoy a spectacular breakfast before cruising to the historic city of Haarlem; once a major trading port, Haarlem is an exciting maze of cobbled streets and gabled houses at the center of a major bulb growing district.

After lunch on board the barge, its off to Keukenhof (The Garden of Europe) to stroll through its 100 acres in the midst of some 7 million bulbs! Once you’ve had your fair share of the colors, scents, & sculptures on offer at the gardens it’s back to the Hotel Barge Panache for a cocktail, canapé and wardrobe change…



The day’s itinerary will conclude with a gourmet affair at a Dutch restaurant in historic Haarlem, where you can bask in the beauty of the charming town and discuss the wonders of Keukenhof Gardens well into the night.

Panache is currently offering a 20% discount on this once in a lifetime experience, don’t miss out!
  • May 5-11, 2019 : Book for private charter or book a cabin and share the barge with others. Six cabins currently open.
  • May 12-18, 2019 : Three cabins booked, three cabins open. If you are a single traveller, the discount does not apply BUT a single supplement is not charged.



Don't feel that you have time to organize a Dutch barge trip in 2019? Book early for 2020 and benefit from 2019 rates.


About The Hotel Barge Panache



The Hotel Barge Panache is a 12-passenger barge offering 6-night cruises in Holland in the springtime.





Hotel Barge Panache

The 128-foot Panache is a 12-passenger luxury hotel barge of classic Dutch design, fully air conditioned with spacious public areas and six en-suite cabins, with your choice of twin or double bed configuration. En-suite bathrooms have twin sinks and oversize showers with massage jets. Panache is traditionally furnished in an old ship style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambience. The salon and dining room have large panoramic windows for viewing the passing countryside, as well as comfortable sofas, books and music, and an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool; a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner.

Panache has a highly professional crew of six, comprised of Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour guide, two Housekeepers, and led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain, who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more. Their knowledge of the region, combined with fascinating chauffeur-driven private excursions and the 12 bikes provided, will allow you to explore the areas you cruise through in as much detail as you desire.




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


Friday, April 05, 2019

Barging Burgundy: Discover French Wine and Mustard

French Wine & Mustard from Burgundy

Easily accessible by the Canal de Bourgogne, the cities of Dijon and Chablis are renowned worldwide for their signature offerings – unmatched mustard and incredible premier cru and grand cru wine.

Dijon’s Magnificent Mustard


In the Middle Ages, the Romans introduced growing mustard to Dijon and the crop flourished in the area. They soon fashioned their own recipe by grinding the seeds and vinegar together. While this is a far cry from the popular sauce we know and use today, it was how the condiment first originated in the area.

This method was described by early modern period cookery writer Robert May:
"Have good seed, pick it and wash it in cold water, drain it and rub it dry in a cloth very clean; then beat it in a mortar with strong wine-vinegar; and being fine beaten, strain it and keep it close covered. Or grind it in a mustard quern or a bowl with a cannon bullet."
Eventually local Jean Naigeon perfected the recipe by replacing the vinegar with verjuice, the sour juice of unripe grapes, which is the taste we recognise today.


Chablis’ Wonderful Wine


The heritage winery that best defines the region’s passion for wine-making is the Domaine Laroche. Its stunning vineyard is great for a relaxing walk through the fresh greenery. While touring their cellars, you can discover the secrets of the Chablis tipple through an interesting tasting session, where you’ll experience the entire process and learn how the wine makes its way from grape to glass.

An ideal stop on many popular barging cruises in Burgundy, Chablis is a must-visit haven for every wine lover.  Besides the winery, the gorgeous sights of the vineyards themselves offer a peaceful, rejuvenating sanctuary.


Hotel Barges in Burgundy

Taking a Burgundy barge cruise down one of the region's canals is a truly wonderful experience. The area boasts some of the world's finest wines with around 60,000 acres of sunlit vines and some of the prettiest canals in France. The waterways wind through the heart of the territory's renowned vineyards, medieval towns, elegant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals, picturesque villages and wonderful local markets.


Art de Vivre

Belle Epoque

Finesse

Impressionniste

Renaissance


Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE




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



Thursday, April 04, 2019

Meet The Captain Of Renaissance

French Hotel Barge Renaissance - Meet The Captain


 French Hotel Barge Renaissance - Barge Cruises on the Canal de Briare


Hadrien Famy

Hadrien is a Parisian with a love and innate understanding of all things French. He spent two years working in Australia but his passion for travel was not alleviated. Upon his return to France he was excited at the prospect of rediscovering his native country through the historical canal system.

His first season was spent as a deckhand aboard the French Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste where he literally learned the ropes. From there he joined the barge Renaissance which he will be returning for his sixth season (2019) as Captain.


About The French Hotel Barge Renaissance



The French Hotel Barge Renaissance
Cruising the Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Renaissance is designed to carry up to eight guests in ultimate luxury along the Canal de Briare, France's oldest canal. Enjoy a journey steeped in history on a cruise route that features elegant chateaux, small countryside villages and the famed wine-growing region of Sancerre.
Renaissance


Cruise Highlights:
  • Visit to Château de Fontainebleau and private tour of the French military stables
  • 7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, a national historic monument
  • Cruise across the aqueduct at Briare, built by Gustave Eiffel over the River Loire
  • Private wine tasting in Sancerre
  • Visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery
  • Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
  • "Biking Plus" option available


Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE


Learn More: Click for Renaissance's online brochure

See Special Offers: Click for current special offers on barges



 Allons-y ! 
Cruise the Canal de Briare with Barge Renaissance



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


Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Special Offers for 2020 Barge Charter Season


Special Offers for
2020 Barge Charters

We have posted special offers for hotel barge charters taking place in 2020. Offers valid for charters deposited by May 13, 2019




La Belle Epoque cruises the Canal du Bourgogne in Burgundy

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.





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



Tuesday, April 02, 2019

New Special Offers - Expires May 13, 2019

Special Offers on Barge Trips

We have updated the special offers for our European hotel barges. Most offers are valid for new bookings made by May 13, 2019. There's a variety of nice discounts across France, Holland, Italy & Scotland for you to enjoy. Departures range from April through August. French barge Rosa and Italian barge La Bella Vita also have discounted rates for October. Check out our Special Offers page and don't hesitate to pop us a line.

Many barges are offering 10% and 20% off private charters which are great for groups of family & friends. We all like a discount! Plus there are similar discounts on individual cabin bookings allowing you to join a group with like-minded folks. We also have "No Single Supplement" specials on select departures which are a super deal for those intrepid solo travellers.






Cruise the Canal du Bourgogne in Burgundy aboard L'Impressionniste

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.





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