Hotel Barge SAVOIR FAIRE: Family Barging Cruise Special Offer

FAMILY COMES FIRST ABOARD THE SAVOIR FAIRE

And indeed this is a first ever...

Hotel Barge Savoir Faire - Barging in France

Cruise the French canals of Burgundy

For many years now, the Captain and crew of the Savoir Faire have enjoyed a steady increase in family charters aboard this splendid vessel and exceptional reviews. With far more public areas than many other barges, you need never feel crowded. Find a quiet corner, relax and enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside as we gently glide past historical villages and delightful views.

Our family cruises are designed with your family in mind. We have, in addition to our marvellous itinerary, a multitude of offerings for children of all ages. Each day has been created to ensure that there's never a dull moment. This is one vacation that your children and grandchildren will remember forever.

For 2011 we are offering a spectacular opportunity to enjoy the very best of family barging.

2011 SUMMER FAMILY CHARTER DATES:

• June 26 - July 2
• July 3-9
• July 10-16
• July 17-23
• July 24-30

FAMILY CHARTER SPECIAL RATE:

This offer has expired. See 2012.

Some of the activities we have planned for you:

- SOPHIE'S SIZZLING PIZZA SESSION

What fun! Learn how to make that perfect dough, choose your own toppings, into the oven and presto! - a pizza all of your own for lunch and we'll officially name it on our Blog. Let us film you making it and we'll post it for all your friends to see.

- COOKIE COMPETITION

Learn how to cook the best cookies ever. Create a new recipe with the chef and wow all your friends and family with your very own invention.

- POPCORN & MOVIE NIGHT

Snuggle up in front of a great movie with a big bowl of popcorn. Our lounge is perfect for this. A big screen, cozy chairs. A real snug family evening in.

- TREE CLIMBING & PICNIC

A marvellous experience high above. Explore the treetops and let the monkey out. This is something all your friends will want to know about. Relax afterwards with one of Sophie's Summer Picnics - a basket full of surprises!
(Please note that there is an additional charge for tree climbing)

- BBQ NIGHT

If the weather's bright, let's do it right. Give the chef a hand to prepare your favorite BBQ meal. Let's dine alfresco, enjoy the fresh air and watch the sunset.

- PIRATE TREASURE HUNT

A pirate afternoon making pirate hats, colour in or draw pirate ships, bake pirate-themed biscuits, followed by our Treasure Hunt for children and adults alike.  Search out the clues on your map and discover the hidden treasure.

- FAMILY QUIZ NIGHT

Form your team and answer questions on general knowledge, music, sports, etc. A prize awarded to the winning team.

- GLASS PAINTING

Ruth is a qualified signwriter and her hobby is glass painting. She loves to teach people to paint designs on wine glasses. What a great souvenir from your vacation. Water-based glass paints are very safe for children to use and, if baked in the oven, are permanent. T-shirt painting could also be an option for children.

- NAPKIN FOLDING

Interested in making that next meal with your friends a little different? Take a napkin and our stewardesses will show you how to fold them into simple, yet impressive, designs.

- PETANQUE & PASTIS (or fruit juice) with the crew

Learn how to master this marvellous game, so beloved by the French and a mystery to others :)

- COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

Your chef demonstrates how to make a regional speciality with your help and answers any questions. The finished dish is then eaten as part of lunch or dinner.

The Hotel Barge Savoir Faire is fully air conditioned and heated. with accommodations for up to 12 guests in 6 well-appointed staterooms. Each stateroom can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed, and has ensuite private bathrooms. Each guest stateroom has a DVD player with an LCD screen and 2 sets of wireless headphones. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years.

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

 

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Ireland Guided Walking Tour & Barging Cruise, Summer 2011

The Irish Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS II invites you aboard for their

SUMMER SOLSTICE WALKING CRUISE
June 26 - July 2, 2011

There are still a few cabins available for the dedicated Guided Walking Tour barging cruise scheduled for Sunday, June 26 through Saturday July 2, 2011.  This week is available for individual cabin bookings and on offer at regular 2011 cruise rates (US$4200/person, double occupancy) with no additional supplement for the tour guide.

Embrace the luxury and comfort of barging along with the satisfaction and exhilaration of quality guided walking tours in a unique & beautiful environment that only Ireland’s River Shannon can offer.

Shannon Princess provides the perfect floating vista for your Irish walking adventure.  Walks are guided by professional walking guides, all with backgrounds in archaeology, history, natural science, and, of course, a smattering of local knowledge. Their luxury minibus and driver is in attendance on all walks, allowing walkers the freedom to extend walks or return to the barge at their wish.

Routes will typically vary between 14-20 km, or a 3 to 4-hour period. With undulating routes, many of the walks are areas of special environmental preservation. Enjoy alfresco gourmet lunch and refreshments catered by the barge crew and their support vehicle.

Irish Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS II - Shannon River Cruises in Ireland

The all-inclusive boutique hotel barge SHANNON PRINCESS accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 ensuite staterooms and cruises the lower Shannon River in Ireland between Athlone & Killaloe.

Click Map to Enlarge

Walks include:

• The Tain Trail
• The Pilgrim's Path
• The Slieve Bloom Way
• The East Clare Way
• The Graves of the Leinstermen

Learn more about this cruise. Read our newly updated Guided Walking Tour itinerary for the Shannon Princess II.

Guided Walking Tour cruises are also available for private, full-boat charters throughout the season.

We had a couple aboard Shannon Princess for the June 2010 Guided Walking Tour trip. They emailed us from the boat:

"...having the best time imaginable!  I will write more about the experience when we get home, but I can't imagine ever topping this!"

Experience barging in Ireland this year.

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

 

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French Hotel Barge ROSA: Barging in France - Gascony

If you watched the very successful BBC television series, French Odyssey with Celebrity Chef Rick Stein, a few years ago, you have already seen the French Hotel Barge ROSA. Well, after being beautifully refurbished by her new owners in 2010, she is ready for her first full season in her new guise.

French Hotel Barge Rosa - Barging in France - Gascony / Bordeaux

Barge cruises along the Canal des Deux Mers between Agen and Montauban

Rosa's route from Agen to Montauban on the Canal des Deux Mers in Gascony, a delightful waterway that links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, features the best that the region has to offer: private wine, Armagnac and foie gras tastings, delightful French countryside, and fascinating excursions.

Rosa's charming accommodation for eight guests features two double and two twin-bedded staterooms, all with private ensuite bathrooms, and a redesigned saloon that gives direct access onto the spacious sundeck. A cruise on Rosa is the ideal way to explore this beautiful, pastoral region of Southwest France. It's easy to get there too, as there are convenient transfers from nearby Toulouse.

Click map to enlarge

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visits to historic Montauban & picturesque Auvillar
• Negotiate the amazing inclined water plane at Montauban
• Wine, Armagnac and foie gras tastings
• Visit to Moissac and its ancient abbey
• Traverse a 1000-foot aqueduct
• Gastronomic dinner ashore
• Explore the wines of Bordeaux with the guidance of your knowledgeable crew

Barge ROSA is available for individual cabin bookings and private charters from March 6 through November 12 for the 2011 season. ROSA has a regular and value season rates.

Book your April, May, or June 2011 cruise before April 1, 2011 and benefit from ROSA's special offer. See details HERE.

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

 

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Irish Barge Shannon Princess - Bike Cycling Tours - New for 2011

More good news from the Irish Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS II...

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess - Guided Bike Touring Cycling Cruises
Barging in Ireland - Cruising the River Shannon

Olivia owner-operator of the Shannon Princess, told us that she's been working like a mad woman researching the area in regards to putting together an itinerary for a cycling tour. She has spent the past weeks driving, cycling, and visiting the route, as well as talking to guides and tour operators.

Her hard work has paid off... The Shannon Princess is now offering guided bike/ cycling tours with personal cycling guide, along with their luxury minibus as backup vehicle. Cycle through a series of quintessentially Irish landscapes: slow rivers, green hills, charming villages, and meandering country lanes. An ideal way to explore country estates and villages. Bicycle upgrades available on request.

We appreciate Olivia's efforts and she has put together a super itinerary. See Shannon Princess's bike touring itinerary HERE.

Some more good news? This guided cycling tour will be at no extra charge.  That's right; no additional supplement for the guided tour... just the normal charter fee for groups of 6-10 guests.

Cruise & Cycle Barge Trip Highlights :

• The hospitality and gourmet dining of boutique hotel barge Shannon Princess
• Cruise & cycle with your personal cycling guide, along with the luxury minibus as backup vehicle.
• Cycle through a series of quintessentially Irish landscapes: slow rivers, green hills, charming villages, and meandering country lanes.
• Soak up fascinating traditions, visit historic sites and enjoy lively riverside culture.
• A private whiskey tasting.
• A private chocolate tasting.
• Visit to a local cheese maker
• No additional supplement for the guided cycling tour cruise, unless an upgrade in bicycles is requested.

Visit the Emerald Isle aboard the Irish hotel barge Shannon Princess II and cruise between Athlone and Killaloe along the River Shannon. Shannon Princess accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as either doubles or twins, as you prefer.

Oh yes, can you stand some more good news?  Book your 2011 Shannon Princess cruise by St Patrick's Day (March 17, 2011) and Paradise Connections will give each member of your barging group a free 2GB iPod Shuffle. See details HERE.

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

 

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French Hotel Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE - 2011 season

We are very pleased to announce that the French Hotel Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE has undertaken a US$200,000 refurbishment project this winter.

French Hotel Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE - Barging in France

Barge Cruises in Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne

Some of the projects are:

• New de-humidifier system has been installed which adds silent filtered ventilation to all below deck areas.
• Stripping the cabins right back, replacing the insulation and rebuilding the interior walls.
• All the electricity, wiring and air conditioning has been replaced.
• The baths in both suites have been replaced with showers and the bathrooms have been retiled.
• The cabins are being redecorated, re-carpeted and beautiful new bed linen.
• There will be new solid brass light fittings and curtains throughout the barge.
• The saloon is also being redecorated with new curtains, wallpaper and parquet flooring.

We hope to be receiving photos soon!

This all-inclusive deluxe barge has a crew of 5 or 6, and accommodates up to 13 guests in 7 cabins, each with private, ensuite bathrooms. La Belle Epoque is fully air conditioned and also has central heating. They have two sundecks with steamer chairs, recliners, parasols, a large dining table, plus a Jacuzzi spa pool.

Besides their standard itinerary, themed cruises are available for private charters: Guided walking tour, Family cruise, Bike touring / Cycling tours, Wine lovers tasting & appreciation cruise... If you have specific interests, let us know and we'll see about adapting a cruise to your desires.

Book your April, May, June, July, or August 2011 cruise before April 1, 2011 and benefit from LA BELLE EPOQUE's special offer. See details HERE. 

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLE EPOQUE 
View La Belle Epoque's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges & barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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Two Weeks Until St Patrick's Day: SPECIAL OFFER

This is just a reminder that there are only TWO WEEKS left before St Patrick's Day in hopes that a few more of you will take this incentive to book your charter quickly for Shannon Princess...

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess at the Glasson Golf Course

Barging in Ireland - Cruising the River Shannon

Book a 2011 cruise aboard the Irish hotel barge SHANNON PRINCESS by St Patrick's Day (March 17, 2011) with Paradise Connections and we will send you a gift that you can enjoy during your barging cruise.

Tickle me with a shillelagh... you must be joking...

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

No, it's true!  Confirm your new 2011 Shannon Princess barge cruise between now and March 17, 2011 and get a FREE 2GB iPod Shuffle... or two... or three... or four... or more...

You can even have one in green!

We'll send each person in your party (whether a cabin booking of 2, or a private charter booking for 10, for example) a handy gift to enjoy on your barging vacation in Ireland.

Looking for a bit of music to put on your new iPod Shuffle? Check out these mp3 downloads from Amazon: Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, U2, The Pogues, Sinead O'Connor, The Cranberries, The Corrs, The Chieftains, The Irish Rovers, Irish Folk Players, The Cieli Band  

Here's a bit of culture for you :)

• Wondering what that phrase above means?

Beannachtaí na Féile Páraic oraibh! : St. Patrick's Day blessing upon you
Click HERE to listen (ban-ock-tee na fay-lah paw-rig ur-iv)

• Here's another useful saying when you visit Ireland:

Pionta Guinness, le do thoil. A pint of Guiness, please.
Click HERE to listen (pyunta Guinness leh duh hull)

(Thanks to http://www.irish-sayings.com for these sound bytes!)

Visit the Emerald Isle aboard the Irish hotel barge Shannon Princess II and cruise between Athlone and Killaloe along the River Shannon. Shannon Princess accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as either doubles or twins, as you prefer. Individual cabin bookings or private charters available.  Previous blog posts for Shannon Princess.

Experience barging in Ireland this year!

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

 

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Irish Barge SHANNON PRINCESS - Free Golf Day

Who says nothing is free... The Irish Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS has a wonderful promotion for those who would enjoy a spot of golf during their barging cruise...

Book a June or July 2011 private charter aboard SHANNON PRINCESS for 6-10 guests before April 14, 2011 and enjoy complimentary golf on one day of your cruise for everyone in your group at the award-winning Glasson Golf Course.

Golfing in Ireland at Glasson Country House and Golf Club is an experience not to be missed. Glasson Golf Club is a waterside course along the banks of the River Shannon. It has justifiably earned an international reputation as one of the most challenging and scenic golf courses in Ireland. Designed by Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jr., no matter what your level of golf expertise, the course is cleverly crafted so you can tee off for a relaxing round while soaking up the Glasson atmosphere or test your game to championship level. Since it’s inception in 1993, Glasson golf course has hosted a range of regional & international championship finals. Glasson was the proud host to the European Challenge Tour in 2007 & 2008, highlighting the calibre of this golf course.

If you are keen golfers and one day is just not enough, take a look at Shannon Princess's Golf Itinerary and book a special golf themed cruise.

Barging in Ireland - Shannon River Cruises - Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess II

The Shannon cruise brings you in touch with the very soul of Ireland. Come and explore the lovely Irish countryside... not only the rich wildlife and spectacular scenery, but their myths and legends as well. Pass by ancient monasteries, prehistoric cities, forts and Celtic vilages, while floating along the tranquil Shannon river.

Paradise Connections also has a special offer for those booking a Shannon Princess barging vacation... Confirm your new 2011 Shannon Princess barge cruise (private charter or cabin cruise) with us between now and St. Patrick's Day (March 17, 2011) and get a FREE 2GB iPod Shuffle for each member of your group.  See details HERE.

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

 

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Hotel Barges: Current special offers Barging Cruises (March 2011)

CURRENT SPECIAL OFFERS FOR 2011 HOTEL BARGES - BARGING VACATIONS & CRUISES

French Hotel Barge ANJODI

Barging cruises on the Canal du Midi in the south of France

Spring begins this month... Finally! The promise of better days should have you thinking about your vacation plans... We definitely recommend a barging cruise and hope you can take advantage of one (or more... you can have more than one vacation!) of these special offers.

French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - Barging in France - Canal de Bourgogne

Click on the Barge's name to view their online brochure.

THESE OFFERS HAVE EXPIRED - See Barging Newsletter for current specials

• 2011 season : Special offers for Full-Boat, PRIVATE CHARTERS (expires April 1, 2011)

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• 2011 season: Special offers for CABIN BOOKINGS, Shared-boat charters (expires April 1, 2011)

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• OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS ON THE FOLLOWING BARGES (expires March 31, 2011)

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MORE SPECIAL OFFERS / SPECIAL EVENTS:

• SAVOIR FAIRE: Family Charters (June 26 through July 24, 2011 departures), special price
• SHANNON PRINCESS: Guided Walking Tour (June 26-July 2, 2011), no additional supplement
• SHANNON PRINCESS: Guided Cycling Tours, no additional supplement
• SHANNON PRINCESS: Free Golf Day (June & July 2011) 
• AMARYLLIS: Special Grand Crus Wine Appreciation & Tasting Cruise (July 17 & 24, 2011)
• LA BELLE EPOQUE: Guided Walking Tours (October 16 & 23, 2011) no additional supplement

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Conditions
Barges normal Terms & Conditions apply.
Some cruises may require a minimum of 4 passengers booked to guarantee the cruise.
These special offers are subject to availability, apply to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.
Credit card payments on all offers carry a 2% surcharge (no charge for debit cards).
*These Hirondelle and Fleur de Lys offers are based on double occupancy in a double/twin cabin and apply to a maximum of two cabins per departure.
**These Amaryllis, Fleur de Lys and Alouette offers apply to full boat charter bookings only in 2011.

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French Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste - Barging in France - Canal de Bourgogne

These barging vacations are fully crewed and all-inclusive:

• Six nights' accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin.
• The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. A local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges.
• An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus an all day open bar, tea and coffee.
• Daily excursions by chauffeured minivan and inclusive entry fees to castles, vineyards, markets and other local places of interest.
• Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool.
• Return transfers to and from local meeting/drop off point.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging holiday
For more information on our barges and barging, visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com

 

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