VIDEO for Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander

We have a new video for the Scottish Hotel Barge SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER.

 

Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander - Barging in Scotland - Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness, Highlands

When most people think about barging it is about a barge cruise along the French canals. France is fantastic, of course, but we want to let you know that you can also experience barging in SCOTLAND all year round!

Click image to enlarge

The highlands of Scotland hold the very essence of this awe inspiring country. Cruise along the Great Glen from Inverness towards Fort William, through lochs, along rivers and the scenic and absorbing Caledonian Canal.

Ancient castles leading to the water's edge, heather-clad hillsides and arguably the finest inland cruising scenery in the world.

Anchor below castles and explore the Glens, Munroes and Bens of this spectacular land.

The legends of the past, the taste of single malt and the mythical inhabitant of Loch Ness all contribute to a special magic only experienced in Scotland's dramatic Highlands.

---

The hotel barge Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish country house with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet, Scottish Highlander is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. Scottish Highlander accommodates up to eight guests in staterooms that can either be configured for doubles or singles, each with ensuite bathrooms.

 

Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander Moored Below Urquhart Castle

The experienced crew of four, led by your captain, ensure attention to your every need. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare, salmon, game, venison and seafood, prepared by your own master chef.

Some of the Single Malt Whiskies served aboard:

Ben Nevis 10-year old Lagavulin Glenfiddich 12-year old Dalwhinnie Glenmorangie

Glen Moray Bowmore18-year old Isle of Jura 18-year old Auchentoshan 12-year old

Besides the Standard Classic Cruise itinerary, Scottish Highlander also offers themed cruises:

• Biking / Cycling Cruise
• Family Cruise
• Fishing Cruise
• Golfing Cruise
• Honeymoon Cruise
• 4-night Christmas Cruise
• 4-night Hogmanay (New Years) Cruise

Scottish Highlander will also tailor your charter towards your specific interests such as hiking, or a whisky distillery cruise...

A cruise aboard Scottish Highlander along the Great Glen as you admire some of Scotland's finest scenery will be unforgettable.

Say "Hello" to Nessie for us :)

---

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

 

---

Vogalonga Regatta in Venice Italy with Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

The Hotel Barge LA BELLA VITA has a special 7-night itinerary for the week of the Vogalonga Regatta in Venice Italy, May 18-25, 2013.

Italian Hotel Barge LA BELLA VITA
Barge Cruises in Venice & Po Valley - Barging in Italy

VOGALONGA REGATTA

The Vogalonga Regatta started in 1975, as a small gathering of Venetian rowers expressing their love for their lagoon and as a peaceful protest against the influx of motorized boats. Motor boats have a devastating effect of eroding the banks of the lagoon and canals, and eats away at the beautiful, historical buildings. The idea of the regatta is a get-together of people-powered boats having a friendly race through the Venetian lagoon.

 Vogalonga Regatta Route: Venice-Burano-Venice

The track has remained virtually unchanged over the years. It covers about 30km by way of canals and makes its way through the most beloved and picturesque parts of the lagoon. Participants have up to 6 hours to complete this event. The boats gather in St Mark’s Basin, in front of the Ducal Palace on the morning of the race to sing hymns to St. Mark and Venice, after which, they’re off! The route bypasses the island of Saint Helena, skirts the islands of Vignole, Sant'Erasmo and San Francesco del Deserto. The half-way point is Burano and the return path passes the islands of Mazzorbo, Madonna del Monte and San Giacomo in Paludo, the procession then crosses through the Murano Grand Canal and is then back in the lagoon. Once in Venice, the boats row along the Cannaregio canal and the Grand Canal, arriving at the finish line at Punta della Dogana in front of San Marco.

Upon completion of the regatta, each participant receives a commemorative medal, a certificate, and souvenirs of the event. Prizes are also awarded, including numerous pairs of oars, oar locks, trophy cups and plaques. What started off as a small gathering of around 500 local boats from Venice and neighboring cities, is now an international gathering of over 1500 boats from around the world.

OFFICIAL VIDEO 38th Vogalonga - 2012 Venezia

Following the success of the Vogalonga and on the wave of re-discovered love for tradition and the call to save the city, more than 50 rowing clubs sprang up in Venice and the surrounding area. The entire city contributed to the re-establishment of workshops dealing with restoration, as well as the construction of boats and oars; knowledge of which had nearly disappeared. Boats which had long since disappeared from the lagoon were recreated, having formerly only been seen in works of art by the great Venetian landscape painters such as Pietro Longhi and Francesco Guardi. Among the traditional boats which have regained interest are the mussin and the vipera, as well as the pupparini, gondolini and gondole da fresco.

The beauty of the lagoon passages, the enthusiasm of the rowers, and the opportunity to see, even for just one day a year, Venice as a river of thousands of boats, has transformed the Vogalonga into a splendid sporting event.

---

LA BELLA VITA is a 20-passenger vessel that was recently refitted in 2010-11 to high standards to offer comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodation. There are two upper-deck suites and eight cabin staterooms, all with private ensuite bathrooms, and a bright spacious dining room/bar area. Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform, whilst above is a huge sun deck with comfortable sun loungers.

Cruises aboard La Bella Vita includes comfortable, air conditioned accommodation in en suite cabins which can be configured as twins or doubles, gourmet meals, open bar, fine wines, daily escorted excursions, entrance fees, local transfers and the use of barge facilities such as bicycles to explore the towpaths and a large sundeck to laze on.

The Vogalonga Regatta Cruise is a 7-night, rather than their standard 6-night charter, May 18-25, 2013.

• Saturday, Day 1 - Venice: Guests are met at 6pm at the designated meeting point and transferred to La Bella Vita moored near St Mark's Square in Venice. There's a Captain's welcome and introduction to the crew and your fellow passengers. After dinner, visit St Mark's Square to take in the fabulous architecture, people watching, and listening to the live performers.
• Sunday, Day 2 - San Giorgio Island: On Sunday, watch the Vogalonga Regatta from the barge moored in Riva San Biagio. Enjoy lunch on the sundeck as you watch the 1500 boats row past. Dinner on board.

CLICK HERE to read the full weeks' itinerary.

---

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

 

---

Fancy a Barging Cruise Vacation This Spring?

Springtime - Perfect for Hotel Barging

Springtime really is a glorious time of year to embark on a hotel barge cruise. We offer a wide variety of destinations, from the colorful waterways of Holland to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy; from the sunshine of the Canal du Midi to the unspoiled countryside of Gascony... Don't forget England, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy!

Here are just a few examples that will whet your appetite:

Hotel Barge Panache	A Dutch Tulip Cruise aboard Panache, includes tours of the Delft pottery works, Gouda, and the Keukenhof Gardens with its magnificent displays of millions of tulips. It is also a perfect time for you to visit Amsterdam as there are several milestones in 2013: the Van Gogh Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary and 160 years since the great artist's birth; the Rijkmuseum reopens its doors on 13 April after 10 years of renovations; Amsterdam’s canals themselves mark 400 years since their construction first began; and Queen's Day (Koninginnedag), a national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is on 30 April.
Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre	A cruise along the delightful Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy aboard L'Art de Vivre. This canal meanders alongside the River Yonne through a largely undiscovered area near the rolling Morvan Hills. You will enjoy visits to the riverside city of Auxerre and the beautiful, medieval villages of Noyers and Vezelay, as well as a private tour of a renowned Chablis winery. Transfers to and from central Paris in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus are also included for L'Art de Vivre’s guests, and indeed on our other Burgundy barges.
Hotel Barge Anjodi	A relaxing voyage through Cathar country along the world famous Canal du Midi aboard Anjodi or Enchanté, where you will discover a marvellous blend of Gallo-Roman influences reflected through this historic part of Southern France. As well as a fascinating itinerary on each hotel barge, you will enjoy delicious meals prepared by your own master chef, accompanied by excellent local Corbieres and Minervois wines. A wonderful combination!

LET'S GO BARGING THIS SPRING

---

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

 

---

2013 Barging Cruises: Special Offers / Discounts

 SPECIAL OFFERS FOR THE 2013 BARGING SEASON

HOTEL CANAL & RIVER BARGES 

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS on BARGING VACATIONS & CRUISES
2013

We have some fantastic special offers lined up for 2013 aboard luxury, crewed hotel barges in France (Burgundy, Canal du Midi, Gascony), Holland, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Italy.  Contact Paradise Connections now, for current availability and pricing. We hope you can take advantage of these special barging cruise dates.

Hotel Barge Enchanté - Cruising the Canal du Midi - Barging in France

See updated special offers: CLICK HERE

---

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

 

---

Irish Barge Shannon Princess: Season's Greetings

Passing along Season's Greetings from the Irish Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS.

Barging in Ireland - Irish Barge Cruises - River Shannon Barge Trips

We have planned a few posts in the near future for the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess:  a recipe, their new golfing itinerary, crew profile...

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess moored in Killaloe, Ireland

Visit Ireland and enjoy seeing the sights and soaking up the Irish culture with Ruairi & Olivia, owner-operators of the Barge Shannon Princess, along with their attentive crew. The barge accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as either doubles or twins, as you prefer. Shannon Princess is available for private charters and individual cabin booking for shared charter weeks.

With family and friends getting together during the holiday season, it is an excellent opportunity to plan your next barging vacation. Visit our website and contact Paradise Connections and let's begin!

---

Don't put it off any longer... Go barging in Ireland in 2013!

---

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

 

---

Special offers for 2013 Barging Cruises

 SPECIALS FOR 2013 SEASON

HOTEL CANAL & RIVER BARGES 

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS on BARGING VACATIONS & CRUISES
2013

We have some fantastic special offers for March, April & May 2013 aboard luxury, crewed hotel barges in France (Burgundy & Canal du Midi), Holland, England, Scotland, and Italy.  Contact Paradise Connections now, for current availability and pricing. We hope you can take advantage of these discounted barging cruises.

Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre - Moored in Auxerre (Burgundy) France

Click on the Barge's name to view their online brochure. Find prices on their online brochure's RATES page. Contact us if you'd like us to do the calculation for the special offer rate and check current availability.

Please see our January 2013 post for current special offers:  CLICK HERE

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.


MORE SPECIAL OFFERS / SPECIAL EVENTS:

• SHANNON PRINCESS (Ireland): Guided Cycling Tours, no additional supplement
• LA BELLE EPOQUE (Burgundy): Guided Walking Tours, no additional supplement : 
• September 29- October 5, 2013 - one cabin left! (as of Nov 10)
• October 13-19, 2013 - five cabins open
• October 20-26, 2013 - five cabins open

---

French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - 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.

Barge Scottish Highlander - Barging in Scotland - Caledonian Canal Cruise

---

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

 

---

French Barge SAVOIR VIVRE: New Value Season Dates

We have offered the French hotel barge SAVOIR VIVRE since she was first launched into the charter fleet and have watched with pleasure as this barge has truly come into its own. The owner of Savoir Vivre, James Waggott, deserves much credit for the success of his barge as it is a bit different from the norm with their "dine like a local WITH the locals" dinners ashore each night.

French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE - Barging cruises in Burgundy, France

Besides Savoir Vivre's cruise route of the gorgeous Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy and top crew, this barge offers excellent value with prices ranging from $3250 to $3500 per guest on an 8-person charter, depending upon the season.

Speaking of season... Savoir Vivre has added more weeks to their 2013 Low Season!

LOW SEASON	NORMAL SEASON
March 31 - May 11 July 28 - August 24 October 13 - 26	May 12 - July 27 August 25 - October 12 -

LOW SEASON	NORMAL SEASON
6 guests: $24,000 7 guests: $25,000 8 guests: $26,000	6 guests: $26,000 7 guests: $27,000 8 guests: $28,000

The cruise price includes the cost of 6 dinners ashore and a half bottle of wine per person.

Read what Savoir Vivre's guests from the 2012 season have said about:

• THE EXPERIENCE

“Savoir Vivre exceeded my expectations.  The service and the food were on par with a cruise we took several years ago on a more expensive luxury barge in the same area.”

“I am in the adventure travel business and therefore can be quite critical when traveling with other travel companies – but this was top notch.”

“I feel I definitely saw some of the real France.”

• THE BARGE

“The cabins were great! They were nicer than we expected. Very modern, clean and efficient. The bathrooms were super and the showers were great.”

“Our cabin was charming, nicely decorated and had more storage and a larger shower than expected.”

• THE CREW

“To rate the crew as ‘excellent’ doesn’t do them justice.  The three of them worked exceptionally well together and were the major reason for our wonderful experience.  Jo, the Hostess, worked magic. Laura, the Guide, was well-versed in the history of the area and made it come alive.”

“Our crew was excellent.  I can’t imagine travelling with a better crew!  They were like family and I cried when we had to say goodby.”

“Captain Richard is the most friendly and outgoing person.  He handles all the personalities and still stays at the top of his game.”

‘Guide Laura went out of her way to supply a special wine that I had mentioned and was unable to locate thus far in France.  She surprised me with a bottle that  we were able to drink right on a spot overlooking the vineyards.”

• THE FOOD – ON BOARD and ON SHORE

“We enjoyed eating at various restaurants in the villages each night. This was one of the main reasons we chose Savoir Vivre, and it fully lived up to our expectations.”

“We would rate the cuisine as EXCELLENT.  The breakfasts were very nice – not too much food but just what we wanted.  LOVED the lunches – Chef Steve catered ‘to die for’ quiches and the most delicious salads of all types. On the last day, we had wonderful poached salmon.”

“The food was outstanding – breakfast, lunch and dinner.  But the evening meals on shore became everyone’s favorite and we looked forward to them all day.”

“We will miss the three salads, quiches, baguettes, real butter, meat, cheeses, two wines, desert and café served at lunch each day!”

Sounds good? Contact Paradise Connections to book your charter aboard Savoir Vivre in Burgundy France for next season.  But, don't wait too long because, as of October 9, 2012, they already have NINE WEEKS booked!

Discover more about the French hotel barge Savoir Vivre in a recent post: CLICK HERE.

---

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

 

Barge Cruises: 2012 Last Minute Special Offers

We're down to the last few weeks of the 2012 barging season...

October is a wonderful month to go barging, plus we have some last minute special offers to give you added incentive... and then there is Paradise Connections' gift, too!

French Hotel Barge Enchanté

These special offers have expired. See special offers for 2013 HERE

---

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

 

---

European Barging Cruises: 2013 specials

EARLY BIRD SPECIALS FOR 2013 SEASON

HOTEL CANAL & RIVER BARGES 

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS on BARGING VACATIONS & CRUISES
2013

We have some early bird specials for April & May 2013 aboard luxury, crewed hotel barges in France (Burgundy & Canal du Midi), Holland, and Scotland.  Contact Paradise Connections now, for current availability and pricing.

Hotel Barge Panache - Barging cruises in France & Holland

See latest special offers: HERE

---

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

 

---