Sunday, October 27, 2019

SIX OPERA CRUISES FOR 2020 - LA BELLA VITA

Special Opera Cruises

La Bella Vita's special Opera itinerary is for 7 nights and includes one hotel night in Verona before commencement of your cruise, a visit to the fascinating Arena Muse Opera, a wonderful museum devoted to the history of opera, followed by dinner in the delightful courtyard restaurant, and a performance of that week's opera at the Arena di Verona with premium seats. The opera-themed cruise aboard La Bella Vita continues for 6 nights between Venice and Mantua.

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

Available dates and performances for 2020:
  • July 5 – Cavalleria Rusticana – Charter Only
  • July 12 – Nabucco – Charter Only
  • August 2 – Aida – BOOKED
  • August 9 – Aida – Charter Only
  • August 16 – Nabucco  – Available to Book on a Cabin Basis
  • August 23 – Turandot – Charter Only
There is a supplement for Opera Cruises as they are for 7 nights.
  • Supplement: $625/person for cabin bookings and charter.
    Opera available on cruises subject to ticket and hotel availability on chosen date. Opera cruises includes one night's stay in a 4-star hotel, one extra dinner and premium seat tickets to watch an opera in the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona.



Special Offer

Save 10%
on Opera Cruises commencing
August 8 & 22, 2020
Book before January 6, 2020



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 premium seats to enjoy a performance of your chosen opera 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 colorful 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 cuisine and wine, Renaissance architecture and, of course – opera!

About The Italian Hotel Barge Bella Vita

Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colors throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation. There is an inviting bar area in which to enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to give a perfect view as you are served delicious Italian specialities and wines.

There are two main deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all air-conditioned and with en suite facilities. The upper deck has a huge sun deck with a large canopy and comfortable loungers to relax and watch the world drift by.

Enjoy delicious regional cuisine, fine Italian wines and the services of an attentive crew that will make this an unforgettable cruise. 

La Bella Vita offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Themed cruises such as family, golf, opera, and wine appreciation are available for private charters.






Let's reserve your spot !




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
 

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Family Barging Cruise

Family Barge Cruises Aboard Hotel Barge Athos on the Canal du Midi

Barging isn’t just for grown-ups — it can be great family fun. A family cruise on Athos has the makings of perfect peace. Remove yourself from the hustle and demands of the work & school, hand over the making of family meals to a talented Chef, and let your Tour Guide work out the logistics of site-seeing and getting you where your group wants to go. Athos and her trusty crew make it all possible, no matter the differences in age or interests.

Fun for the whole family

Athos’ Family Fun Cruise Itinerary includes activities and a daily plan that has something for the whole family. There is flexibility built in so that your group can tailor your own interests (some families have signed up for a morning horseback riding, others hit the beach or the waterslide park, some go for kayaking…). The options are yours and require a simple request to Athos’ expert Tour Guide who will figure it all out for you.

Sample Family Barge Cruise Itinerary

A week of fun for everyone:  horseback riding, swimming in the Med, canalside cycling, learning petanque with our professional petanque-playing guide Matt(!!), or challenge Captain Julian to a tennis match!  Throw in a fantastic personal chef who is open to your family’s dietary preferences, add glorious Canal du Midi cruising on the luxurious Athos, and call it a perfect family barging vacation.

Sunday - ARGELIERS

Your family will be met at 4pm at the designated pick-up point in Beziers by Athos Captain and Manager. In the comfort of Athos’ private air-conditioned Chrysler minivans, you will be chauffeured to where the Athos awaits you at her moorings. You will be treated to a full-crew Welcome Aboard, including an introduction to the Ship’s Dog, Jill! Toasting with either Champagne or soft drinks, the Chef will offer a selection of Mediterranean canapés fit for kids and adults alike.

Once you are settled into your cabin, there may still be time for a quick bicycle ride alongside the canal. Athos has a collection of children’s and adult bicycles & helmets that are at your disposal throughout the week.

You will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by our highly acclaimed Chef. Athos will have asked in advance for details about your family’s likes and dislikes so that the crew can present you with meals that meet the whole family’s approval! Discuss with the Chef about whether you’d like to have a few adults-only evening meals, or whether your gourmet experience will be a Family Dinner every evening.

Monday - ARGELIERS to LA CROISADE

While coffee is available at any time from the bar, continental-style breakfast is served, at your leisure, beginning at 8:30am. A breakfast buffet offers a selection to please everyone: cereals, juices, yogurts, cold meats and cheese, and of course fresh pastries and bread from the local boulangerie! Your guide suggests an excursion to the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne which will includes the legendary tales of Dame Carcas, and a visit to the tombstone of Simon de Montfort. There will also be time to browse the shops!

The Captain is getting ATHOS underway for an afternoon’s cruise to La Croisade, and Chef serves up another gourmet meal while the whole family relaxes on the sunny deck.

If exercise and a swim are in order, cycling enthusiasts might like to hop off with bicycles. Alternatively, your guide proposes a quick drive to the swimming hole at the Cesse River under the 17th century Canal Bridge. Ready for a refreshing glass of wine or a cold drink? Another delicious meal has been prepared. The on board hostess asks if everyone would like to eat al fresco, under the shade of the Plain Trees.

Tuesday - LA CROISADE to CAPESTANG

After breakfast, your guide suggests a morning outing to the local equestrian center. Along with the sheep, goats & chickens, la Fount del Bosc has a collection of very well-kept, well-educated poneys and horses. Your guide suggests a morning trail-ride en famille. On the way back, your guide stops at Bize Minervois, where the locals swim in the river – a refreshing cool-down at the end of an enjoyable hack.

Returning to Athos for a well-earned lunch on Athos' deck, Captain Julian starts the engines, and the Athos moves off. As Athos moors for evening, the crew suggests a quick game of Petanque (or French boules). The vineyards surrounding are sprawling and the view over Capestang towards the floodlit St Etienne collegiale is a pleasant setting for an outdoor dinner.

Wednesday - CAPESTANG – FONSERANNES

This morning your guide invites enthusiastic swimmers and paddlers on an excursion into the Cevennes mountains, where large, wide kayaks float down the River Orb! After the scenic drive into the hills, everyone is handed a helmet and lifejacket, then set off in kayaking groups to navigate the mostly-shallow riverbed. Chef has packed a superb picnic lunch to be served by crew who have accompanied you on the adventure. For those more enthusiastic about relaxing than kayaking, Julian invites you to stay on board for a leisurely cruise, lunch on deck, and a quiet time under the parasol. When kayakers return to Athos, cruising continues as far as the Fonserannes.

This evening’s mooring is the breath-taking viewpoint at the Fonserannes. Perhaps a little cycle ride down to the famous staircase locks and the Canal Bridge will work up your appetite for the Chef’s creations this evening?

Thursday - FONSERANNES to PORTIRAGNE

Following breakfast, your guide invites you on a side-trip to the weekly morning market in Narbonne. Even for non-shoppers, Narbonne offers bustling entertainment on a Thursday morning. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, or browse through the well-compiled Roman Museum and the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral. Or, simply take a moment to blend into the scene by sitting and relaxing in one of the many cafés. At noon your guide leads you to one of the most popular lunch spots at the brasserie Chez Bebelle in the covered food market. It is a busy, atmospheric and in-demand spot run by ex-rugby player Gilles Bebelle. The lunch is a casual affair, and the entertainment is Bebelle himself who calls out orders between the butcher's stall and his grill.

On your return, Captain Julian and his deck hand are busy getting Athos underway to the Neuf Ecluses (or staircase locks). This 17th cnntury feat of engineering is sure to impress! Athos' crew expertly tie her up in each lock, and wait for the gates to close safely behind her before the water levels empty out and allow her to pass one locks into the next. But it’s not over yet! Coming up next is the 18th century Canal Bridge that will carry Athos over the Orb River.

The paved towpath and the many locks leading to this village make it an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling alongside Athos.

When we arrive at the evening’s mooring just outside the small village of Portiragnes, your guide invites swimmers for a quick trip to the white sand beach either by bicycle or car (as it’s only 1.5km away) and a swim in the Mediterranean.  Dinner on board.

Friday - PORTIRAGNES to MARSEILLAN

Athos will get underway just after breakfast. Some active family members may like to take the bicycles back to the beach for a quick swim, and then return to re-board Athos as she makes her way under the Portiragnes bridge.

A spectacular seafood lunch arrives as you enter the open waters of the Etang de Thau. The Etang hosts Europe’s largest mussel and oyster beds. The crew’s favorite swimming pool is the Etang! Join them and jump in to cool off!

As Athos comes to moor in the port at Marseillan, you will notice the enclosure of the Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery. End a perfect day with a walking visit of the village, a romp around the seaside play-park which is a stone’s throw from Athos’ mooring, or take a leisurely cycle ride down the promenade. Alternatively, ask your guide to book you tennis courts on the clay courts here. Captain Julian and guide Matt are both keen players and there might be a family vs crew tournament to be had.

Chef’s efforts are sure to make this evening worth remembering! Captain Julian will join your party for your final dinner on board this evening. During the evening, he will also invite the crew, including Jill, to make a farewell toast with you.

Saturday - MARSEILLAN

After breakfast, everyone waves goodbye to Jill and the Crew, who have looked after your every need throughout the week. The minivans will now depart to the appointed destination in Beziers.



Question: We are a multigenerational group. Grandparents are unlikely to want to kayak. Can they wine-taste instead?

Reply: The options are endless! In short, yes. Athos runs two Chrysler minivans, which means that as long as family members can agree to a 6/6 split or 6/4 split etc…there is no reason why one crew member can’t take kids and interested adults to the beach, while the Tour Guide heads off wine tasting with Grandma, Grandpa and few others. Also, Athos crew are good at making use of the whole day – so while some family members may wish to just chill onboard for the morning, lunch, cruising…all is not wasted. Your Guide will have further plans; for example, a game of petanque on arrival to the evening’s mooring spot, or a quick swim at the river around the corner before family dinner on deck.


About The French Hotel Barge Athos

Hotel Barge Athos on the River Orb aqueduct

Athos

Cruise Highlights:
  • Tour of the medieval city of Carcassonne
  • Private tour and tasting at a Minervois winery
  • Organic Olive Tasting at L’Oulibo
  • Cruise through the natural haven that is the “Petit Camargue”
  • Tour and tasting at the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery
  • Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
NOTE: Family-themed charters are available on most barges .



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



Thursday, October 17, 2019

Barge cruises in Holland

See The Sights of Holland With A Bespoke Barging Cruise This Spring


Sunsets in Holland are magical

A barge cruise is definitely the way to discover Holland. The Netherlands are famous, of course, for tulips, but as a land with a rich artistic and cultural history, it has a lot more besides. The western provinces of this land of water are populated by windmills which sit above the polders and along the very river that gave its name to Amsterdam, while cities such as Haarlem and Delft are meccas for lovers of pottery and art. A barging cruise uncovers some of Holland's hidden gems and is the perfect way to experience the best the country has to offer.



Windmills

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.

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.



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

After enjoying a spectacular breakfast, we cruise 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.



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. They set the world price for flowers and plants. This happens by bringing supply and demand together by means of the auction clock. Each day, 19 million flowers and two million plants are sold through 13 clocks. The auction begins when each cart of flowers is presented to the buyers, one at a time. As soon as the carts are displayed, the famous Aalsmeer clock starts ticking down from 100, and as the time falls, so does the price of the cart. The first person to make a bid gets the cart and they have been known to sell within hundredths of a second. Buyers don't have to purchase the entire cart which is compiled of a number of crates, but the bidding continues until everything is sold.

As a visitor to Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer, you will walk over a specially designed gallery where you can enjoy the gorgeous flowers and experience the hustle and bustle of the auction.



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.

Learn more about the Netherlands on our web site's Destination page for Holland: CLICK HERE

CURRENT 2020 AVAILABILITY

PANACHE currently has 3 Dutch barging cruises available for 2020. Each of these weeks has a 10% discount if booked by January 6, 2020:
  • March 29-April 4 - Private charter for up to 12 guests
  • April 5-11: Cabin cruise
  • May 10-16: Cabin cruise

LA NOUVELLE ETOILE's Dutch Tulip cruises are fully booked. Book early for 2021.


About The Hotel Barge Panache

Hotel Barge Panache

The 12-passenger Hotel Barge Panache cruises in Holland & Belgium during the springtime, then through Paris to Champagne, and finishes their season in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France.

HOLLAND
Cruise Highlights
  • Tour Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world
  • Visit the Aalsmeer flower auction
  • Tour the fascinating conservation area at Enkhuizen
  • Visit the Royal Delft pottery to see the world famous earthenware being hand-made and painted
  • Tour picturesque Haarlem and visit a museum of the Dutch painter, Franz Hals
  • Tour the charming city of Leiden, Rembrandt’s birthplace


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 stateroms, 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.





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
 

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

BURGUNDY: Autun in August - A Roman Festival

Cruise Southern Burgundy With Finesse
Autun in August - A Roman Festival

The approach to Autun is striking. Its cathedral steeple, golden in the setting sun is quite the contrast to the surrounding green of the Morvan hills; it really wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney film or a Tolkien novel.

The Gallic Rome

The Cathedral of Saint Lazarus of Autun

Named after the Emperor Augustus Caesar, he declared Autun “the sister and rival of Rome itself”; quite the accolade from a man who ruled Rome for 4 decades. In Roman times the town would have been home to some 100,000 people and considered a Roman capital to the Gallic people, today that number is just shy of 14,000.  Roman influence is evident throughout the town, from its amphitheatre to the Romanesque carvings found on the medieval cathedral, and it is a heritage that is proudly celebrated by the locals.

A Roman Festival

Journées Romaines Festival

Each year hundreds of “Romans” take to the town streets for the Journées Romaines Festival, literally translated as “The Roman Days”, every August it brings to life the unusual history of Autun. Re-enactments of battles from the Gallo-Roman Period, and reconstructions of what life would have been like in those turbulent times. The event invites you to partake of a Roman Market, get involved in archaeological workshops, spectate Gladiator fights and watch authentic Roman theatre, all in the spectacular sunshine of the south of France!

Come See For Yourself

What better way to experience the pastoral scenery and tumultuous history of Southern Burgundy than from the peaceful climes of the luxury hotel barge FINESSE, winding its way gently along the undiscovered canals and medieval villages at the heart of France.


About The French Hotel Barge Finesse

Finesse

Finesse is a double-decker hotel barge that was built to exacting standards with luxury in mind, enhanced by her modern public areas and very spacious cabin suite accommodation.

The well-designed public areas include a saloon with contemporary furnishings and panoramic windows where the emphasis is on making the most of the natural light. There is also a demonstration galley where guests can watch their chef preparing delicious gourmet meals. Outside, guests can relax on the large sun deck with its alfresco dining area, comfortable seating and spa pool.

The four air conditioned cabin suites, which can be in twin or double-bedded configuration, are very spacious (approximately 265sq ft including en suite bathroom).

Finesse is the perfect vessel on which to cruise the meandering waterways of Southern Burgundy past vineyards and charming canalside villages, and to discover fascinating places along the way such as Autun, Beaune and Dijon.

Cruise Highlights:
  • Visit Clos de Vougeot, home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin
  • Tour and private wine tasting at Château de Chamirey in Mercurey
  • Visit to Beaune, including Hôtel-Dieu Hospice
  • Visit to the ancient roman city of Autun
  • Lunch in the beautiful setting of the Puligny & Chassagne Montrachet vineyards
  • Excellent opportunities for walking and biking. “Biking Plus” option available
About Hotel Barge Finesse





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
 



Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Cruising Italy: The Medieval Magic of Ferrara

Discover the Medieval Magic of Ferrara with La Bella Vita

The city of Ferrara is situated on a branch of the beautiful Po River in Northern Italy. Its location makes the charming town an ideal stop for visitors exploring the countryside via river cruises. Italy is famous for its ancient towns steeped in intrigue, romance and drama – and Ferrara is no different! Read on to uncover this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s thrilling medieval past.


The Ancient City of Ferrara


Ferrara provides a fantastic example of a medieval European city, complete with palaces, churches, charming cloisters and outdoor courtyards. Now an ideal location for beach holidays, culture breaks and river cruises, Italy was once a dangerous melting pot of influential families vying for power. The city of Ferrara owes both its fascinating history and much of its beautiful architecture to one specific family – the House of Este.

The House of Este and the Castello Estense


In the twelfth century, a noble Italian family known as the House of Este, set up their court in Ferrara. After the locals rebelled against tax in 1377, the family fortified their palace creating an impressive military stronghold to defend themselves against angry citizens. With four towers and a deep moat, even the most violent of rioters struggled to put a dent in the brick fortress called the Castello Estense.

The family founded a university in the city a few decades later which was a key step in heightening their power and influence. Soon members of the Este Court could be found in the most important circles across Europe. However, the family was made infamous by a certain young boy called Nicolò III who became head of the household in 1393.


The Legend of Nicolò III

Nicolò became master of the family at just 10 and got married at the tender age of 14. Despite his age, marital fidelity was not his style and he is said to have kept an astonishing 800 mistresses. Even with so many women around, Nicolò only had about thirty children all of which were brought up in a ramshackle manner in Castello Estense.

Nicolò’s cheerful, chubby cheeks disguised a jealous and controlling disposition. After catching his beautiful wife in the arms of her stepson – Ugo – he had them both brutally beheaded in the dungeons of his castle. This thrilling tale was famously immortalised by the British poet, Lord Byron.

Difficult family relations seem to be a tradition for the House of Este, with two of Nicolò’s grandsons blinding their brothers in a fit of jealousy. The two blighted siblings plotted to take over the throne and were thrown into the cells beneath Castello Estense for their troubles – they were left there for years and years!

In Ferrara you can see the sites of these dramatic historical happenings with your own eyes. Take advantage of the area’s wonderful river cruise aboard La Bella Vita.





About The Italian Hotel Barge Bella Vita


Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colors throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation. There is an inviting bar area in which to enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to give a perfect view as you are served delicious Italian specialities and wines.

There are two main deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all air-conditioned and with en suite facilities. The upper deck has a huge sun deck with a large canopy and comfortable loungers to relax and watch the world drift by.

Enjoy delicious regional cuisine, fine Italian wines and the services of an attentive crew that will make this an unforgettable cruise. 

La Bella Vita offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Themed cruises such as family, golf, opera, and wine appreciation are available for private charters.








Let's reserve your spot !




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