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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French Hotel Barge PROSPERITE: Cabin Week Cruises & Other News

The luxury crewed French Hotel Barge PROSPERITE has made changes for their Individual Cabin Cruise Booking weeks for the 2011 season.

French Hotel Barge PROSPÉRITÉ - Barging vacations in France
Barge cruises along the French canals of Southern Burgundy
Canal de Bourgogne - between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois

Prospérité is normally available for private charters only, but this season they have opened two weeks on their calendar for individual cabin cruises for a shared charter. This is a wonderful opportunity for a couple to do a barging vacation aboard a quality barge such as Prosperite.

SHARED BARGE CHARTER, Cabin Cruise Weeks:

• July 10-16, 2011 (take part in Bastille celebrations!)
• October 2-8, 2011

RATE:

• $12,500/cabin (i.e. $6250/person, double occupancy)

PRIVATE CHARTERS: Prospérité is pretty well booked up for Spring & early Summer, but inquire, perhaps they are open for YOUR dates! Prospérité is currently open from June 26 through August 27, 2011. They are a very popular barge, so inquire for dates before they are all gone.

RATES:

Value season, 2011 - April 3-23 and October 16-29:

• up to 8 guests: $39,900

Regular season, 2011 - April 24 through October 15:

• 6 guests: $47,400
• 7 guests: $48,650
• 8 guests: $49,900

 

A FEW COMMENTS FROM 2010:

"Just an outstanding experience - nothing about it we didn't love - the food was wonderful - Damien is a superb chef and interacted personally with us, he even taught a cooking class - Captain Spencer has a assembled a highly talented, service oriented crew who make it a delight every day - the sightseeing excursions were interesting and informative and Rejane made Burgundy come alive with her knowledge and passion.  We recommend this cruise without reservation - and we are seasoned travelers."

"A wonderful experience.  Accommodations, food and wine are memorable experiences  Captain Spencer and crew met or exceeded every need.  Wonderful people who are pleased to serve and enjoy doing it."

"I just wanted you to know what an exceptional experience we had on Prosperite.  We had high expectations of the barge, the crew, the scenery and ALL were exceeded!  Captain Spencer, Rejane, Emily, Aidita, Vincent and Damien were all exceptional hosts!”

OTHER NEWS:  Earl and Spencer are in the midst of a major upgrade to this already gorgeous barge! All of Prospérité's carpeting (upstairs and down) will be replaced, the entire vessel will be re-painted, and the bathroom facilities more modernised. In addition, all new bathroom linens will be purchased.  Last season, they purchased a brand new Mercedes minivan. These upgrades keep Prospérité in the premier rank of boutique hotel barges.

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

 

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Spring Dutch Tulip Cruises - Hotel Barge SAVOIR FAIRE

Visit Holland this spring and see the tulips in bloom while enjoying a cruise through countryside of the Netherlands aboard Hotel Barge Savoir Faire.

Hotel Barge SAVOIR FAIRE - Barging cruises in Holland, Belgium and France

In addition to visiting such famous sites as Haarlem, Delft, Rotterdam, Gouda, Amsterdam and the windmills of Zaanse Schans, the Savoir Faire Holland Tulip Cruise also includes two of the most popular destinations in Holland. Not to be missed are:

• Aalsmeer, close to Amsterdam, is the home of the world’s biggest flower auction. The auctions are held early in the morning but they are still very popular. Many tourists put their wish of sleeping in aside for a visit here. And it is not just for tourists, local cultivators and 1.500 foreign growers send their products to the auctions. The flowers are sold to buyers all over the world, more than 75% of the flowers and plants sold at the auction are exported.
• Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden (32 hectares) is located between the two towns of Hillegom and Lisse, south of Haarlem. The park attracts 800.000 people during the open hours of eight weeks each year and it's one of the most photographed sights in the world. For the season of 2011, 7 million bulbs have been planted making the flower season something very special to look forward to.

SAVOIR FAIRE has a special offer for April 3-9 and April 10-16, 2011 cruises... Inquire.

The Hotel Barge Savoir Faire is fully air conditioned (central heat, too!) and accommodates 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.

You can find Savoir Faire's itineraries in our eBrochure.

Our website has interesting supplementary information for Holland and Belgium.

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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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