Go Barging This Spring on the European Waterways

Here are just 4 great examples...

After the frosty storms of this past winter, there’s nothing like a rejuvenating spring break to blow away the cobwebs and show your face some sunshine. March, April and May are the ideal months for a barge cruise on continental Europe, when temperatures are high enough to soak up some much needed Vitamin D, yet mild enough to explore fully without worrying about the heat.

Burgundy

The beautiful Burgundian countryside can be fully appreciated on a cruise early in the year. Whether you’re biking down the picturesque towpath of the Canal du Bourgogne, driving through the region’s rolling vineyards, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine on the barge’s sun deck as you glide down the canal – we believe that Burgundy is superb in the spring.

We have several barges in Burgundy. Click on their names to view their online brochures:

l'Art de Vivre — La Belle Epoque — Finesse — l'Impressionniste

Italy

The city of Venice is a fascinating feast for the eyes at any time of the year, but the beauty of the lagoon is especially apparent in the spring months. Nothing can beat a stroll along the Istrian sea wall, constructed in the nineteenth century, with astounding views of the Adriatic.

View online brochure: La Bella Vita

Canal du Midi

Birdwatchers will be in their element cruising the Canal du Midi in the spring when cruising through the “Petite Camargue”. This region is a haven for wildfowl such as Bee Eaters, African Rollers and the iconic pink flamingo.

We have several barges on the Canal du Midi. Click on their names to view their online brochures:

Anjodi - Athos - Emma - Enchante

Holland

Last but not least... Holland, of course! In late March and early April its world-famous tulips are in full and riotous bloom. If you’d like to witness the spectacle yourself, get in touch to find out about the special tulip cruises that we have at this time of the year with excursions to Keukenhof Gardens and the Aalsmeer flower auction.

Two barges to choose from:  La Nouvelle Etoile  —   Panache

---

Make the Most of Spring with a Barging Cruise

---

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

 

---

RECIPE: Breaded Camembert with a Port and Red Currant Sauce

This beautiful Baked Breaded Camembert with a Port and Red Currant Sauce recipe is a clear champion when it comes to dinner parties. Baked breaded Camembert is hassle-free and full of with flavor.

INGREDIENTS - Serves 4

• 1 Camembert (not too ripe)
• 4 oz fine bread crumbs
• 1 beaten egg yolk
• Small jar red currants in their natural juices
• 3/4 cup port
• Juice of one lemon
• 3 tbs red currant jelly
• Salt and ground black pepper

METHOD

1. Cut the Camembert into quarters. Dip the quarters in the beaten egg yolk and then in the bread crumbs, making sure they are well covered. Place the Camembert in the freezer.
2. To make the sauce, place the red currants, including the juice, into a saucepan. Add the port, lemon juice, red currant jelly, and seasoning. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Keep sauce on a low heat while cooking the Camembert.
3. To cook the breaded Camembert, remove from the freezer 30 minutes before cooking. Lightly brush with nut oil and bake in a 475°F (245°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
4. Serve with the port and red currant sauce.

---

Enjoy

---

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

 

---

French Hotel Barge Savoir Vivre - Special Offer

AVAILABILITY UPDATED: APRIL 6, 2018 

(Hurry, booking up quickly)

The luxury crewed French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE offers both cabin cruises and private barge charters along the Canal de Bourgogne in the Burgundy region of France. This popular hotel barge has a special offer that we'd like to share...

French Hotel Barge Savoir Vivre - Barging cruises in Burgundy France

SPECIAL OFFER

20% discount off remaining open dates for 2018 season.

Dates open for private charters or cabin bookings (4 cabins currently available):

• April 1 (value season), 22, 29
• July 22
• August 19

Dates open for cabin bookings:

• Aug 12

 Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

ABOUT SAVOIR VIVRE

Savoir Vivre is an 8-passenger, hotel barge that cruises along the Canal de Bourgogne in the Burgundy region of France.

Savoir Vivre is 80 feet long, air conditioned (central heating, too), 4 identical guest cabins which can be configured with a queen or two twin beds, each having ensuite private bathrooms, flat screen TV, DVD, iPod dock,  internet where available, 8 bicycles, etc...

Savoir Vivre is a bit different to the other hotel barges that we represent as they do not have an onboard chef. Pastries for the continental breakfast are supplied by the local baker. Lunch is catered by professional chefs who meet up with the boat with their prepared meal. Dinners are off the boat in locally selected restaurants (included in charter fee).

 Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

---

Shall we pencil you in ?

---

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

 

Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita - Visit Villa Ca’Zen

The Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, offers canal/ river cruises in Italy including Venice, the Islands of the Venetian Lagoon, the Bianca Canal, and Po Valley. The Po River flows through the north of the country and provides the perfect setting from which to discover its landscape, people and history in the most delightful way.

One popular excursion on this Italian river cruise through the Veneto region is the lovely Villa Ca’Zen, a 17th-century villa in the Po Delta Nature Reserve, Italy’s biggest regional park. The villa’s long and interesting history also has a link to one of Britain’s greatest poets: Lord Byron (more about that later).

 Ca'Zen

Early History

In the early 1700s, many wealthy Venetian families established grand estates throughout the Po Delta region, using the area for shooting, fishing and crop cultivation. The Ca’Zen estate was built by the Zen family around that time, and is situated on the site of a small stone tabernacle that dates back to 1459 and is dedicated to Saint Margherita.

The original estate included the Venetian-style villa, along with a chapel, stables and a portico. The chapel has a beautiful aspect directly facing the River Po and contains two important statues (from the famous Bolognese School) that depict Mary and the Archangel Gabriel during the Annunciation.

In the early 1800s, when the estate passed from the Zen family’s hands to the Marchesi Guiccioli of Ravenna, two extra wings were added to the villa, along with some outlying cottages and several large granary barns.


Lord Byron

The history of the villa took on a romantic twist through its association with Lord Byron, who is perhaps the most romantic of all the great Romantic poets. Byron fell deeply in love with Contessa Teresa Gamba who was already spoken for as the wife of Alessandro Guiccioli.

Despite her marriage to Guiccioli, the attraction between the Contessa and Byron was instant and mutual and they became lovers. Angered by their liaison, her husband sent her away to languish in the family estate (Ca’Zen) far from the social life of Venice in an attempt to place distance between the lovers. Alas for Guiccioli, Byron instead pursued his passion and secretly travelled to the estate to be with Teresa. It was from here that the poet penned some of his most celebrated and beautiful works, many of which were dedicated to his lady love and the river.


Beyond Byron

In the ensuing years, the estate was taken over by the Casalicchio-Avanzo family, and it was the wife of Cavalier Pericle Avanzo, Elaine Avanzo Westropp Bennett, who suggested using part of the country house to rent out to visitors. Its location in the heart of the environmental reserve is ideal for a host of outdoor pursuits. Today, the villa is also very popular as a wedding venue.

The romance, history, culture and landscape of this relatively unspoilt region combine to create a truly memorable experience both on and off the water.


About La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel offering comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodations with a choice of single or double beds. She has two upper-deck junior suites and eight lower-deck staterooms, all with en-suite facilities; and a bright, spacious dining room/bar area. Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform. Above, there is a huge sun deck with an awning and comfortable loungers to relax on with a drink and a good book, or just watch the world go by.


See our newly updated brochure for La Bella Vita: CLICK HERE

Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

---

Visit Italy this year, with La Bella Vita

---

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

 

Walking The Scottish Highlands

Scotland’s popularity as a tourist destination has soared over the last few years, and with its spellbinding natural landscapes, historic cities and unique culture it’s not hard to see why.

Barge Cruises Through The Highlands of Scotland

Scottish Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland

An all-inclusive, crewed barging charter is an excellent platform for a walking trip through the Scottish Highlands. We have two hotel barges that offer guided walking-themed cruises:

• Spirit of Scotland: online brochure
• Scottish Highlander:  online brochure

Munros and Glencoe

With some 282 Munros (a Scottish mountain at least 3,000 feet in height) and more than 30,000 lochs, Scotland is the ideal place for a stroll. The Munros were first listed in 1891 by Sir Hugh Munro, at the time his list caused a fair amount of uproar as there were only thought to be around 30 mountains of that stature. Since its inception “Munro Bagging” has become a popular pursuit for walkers and hikers alike, this refers to the practice of reaching the summit of a Munro, although with 282 to tick off your list you’d have to be fairly dedicated!

Somewhat of a mecca for British walkers, Glencoe is an enigmatic blend of troubled history and dramatic glens, infamous for both the MacDonald massacre of 1692 and the towering peaks of the three sisters; here you will find a myriad of trails from the light (at 45 minutes) to the somewhat strenuous (at 7-9 hours).


Highland Castles & Cities

Eilean Dolan Castle

Encounter the incandescent yellow of the wild gorse and the deep purple of the heather carpeted highlands as you stroll around the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle or the incredibly scenic Loch Oich, the highest point of the Caledonian Canal. A short drive away is the stunning Eilean Dolan castle, featuring in the films “Highlander” and “The World Is Not Enough” the castle overlooks three sea lochs and there is no shortage of space for exploration.

In the unlikely event you don’t find yourself enamoured with the beautiful Scottish countryside, Inverness, considered the capital city of the Highlands, is a gem of a place for a ramble. Bursting at the seams with culture, music and ancient architecture it is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities, and yet despite its rapidly expanding population it still retains the authentic feel of a time honoured Highland town. If you’re interested in hiking in Scotland or walking holidays then you might consider a hotel barge cruise as the perfect way to get to the heart of the highlands.

Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections

Scottish Hotel Barges

While the waterway itself is very interesting, there are many other fascinating aspects of the Scottish Highlands that you will enjoy.

Click map to enlarge

We represent two hotel barges who travel this route...


SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER

• Route: Caledonian Canal, between Banavie and Muirtown
• Up to 8 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Golfing, Honeymoon, Family, Whisky Trail
• See more: Online Brochure

SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND

• Route: Caledonian Canal, between Banavie and Muirtown
• Up to 12 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Golfing, Whisky Trail
• See more: Online Brochure

Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

---

Take a trip to Scotland this year

---

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

 

---

Special Offers UPDATED

Earlier in the week we updated our Special Offers page for European Barging Cruises.

Of the barges participating, many have 10% or 20% off their normal rates for selected weeks. The majority of these discounts expire on April 3, 2013.

There are also "extras" such as a free Gondola ride with Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita.

We are in the process of updating our online brochures for hotel barges in our fleet. This includes updating the code, photos, specifications, layout diagrams, itineraries, cuisine, etc. We have just finished updating our fleet in Great Britain: Scottish Highlander, Spirit of Scotland, Shannon Princess and Magna Carta. Last night we started on Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita.

Magna Carta is offering their "Downton Abbey" cruise this season. Even though the TV series has now ended, Downton Abbey enthusiasts are still excited about walking in the footsteps of the talented actors and actresses who made it such a captivating drama. Select weeks will include a visit to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), one of England's most beautiful Victorian castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679, and the current castle stands on the site of an earlier house, which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester for some 800 years.

Visit Highclere Castle - English Hotel Barge Magna Carta - Royal River Thames

The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess has two cabins available. Check it out! Of course, you can book early for the 2019 season as spots book up fast.

Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

---

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

 

---

IRELAND - 2 cabins re-open on Shannon Princess

We are pleased to announce that TWO cabins are now available for 2018 aboard the Irish Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS.

You have another chance for barging in Ireland this season as the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess has a couple of cancellations.

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess - Barge Cruises In Ireland

Shannon Princess currently has:

• 1 cabin open for May 27-June 2, 2018
  
• 1 cabin open for June 24-30, 2018
  

Price is $10,100/cabin for 2 people ($5050/person, double occupancy).

This price includes: Local transfers between Dublin and the hotel barge (the approximate transfer duration is 2hrs or 2hrs 30mins depending on the cruise direction), a luxury 6-night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef, an open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of 5 crew and use of barge facilities, which include wireless internet access, spa-pool (hot tub) . Bicycles are available upon request at no extra charge.

These cabins will go quickly as Shannon Princess is otherwise completely booked up for 2018.

See our newly updated brochure for Shannon Princess: CLICK HERE

Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

Ireland: River Shannon

The River Shannon and its lakes represent Ireland at its finest and your cruise aboard Shannon Princess features a landscape of rolling green fields, ancient Celtic landmarks and an abundance of wildlife.

The legends and fables of Ireland are found everywhere and are well understood by the hospitable Irish people who will be happy to tell you more about the ancient culture. The history of Ireland has been varied and sometimes difficult, but the locals always find the time to chat and perhaps charm you a tale or two of folklore.

The Shannon Princess

The Shannon Princess has been thoughtfully designed throughout. The barge's inviting interior makes a charming floating living space – a perfect ‘Home away from Home’ for guests to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by Ruairi and Olivia’s love of antiquities, crafts, pottery and art with many works by established and local Irish artists.  On board the barge a friendly & relaxed mood has been created by carefully mixing casual informality with quality service.

The Shannon Princess provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as double or twins, each with ensuite facilities. This barge is owner-operated with a total of five professional crew in attendance.You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.

Cruise Highlights

During your cruise, there is a program of fascinating excursions that will you give you a true immersion into the heritage and traditions of this part of Ireland, such as a personal tour of a castle by its eccentric owner, a birds of prey display, visits to a whiskey distillery and hand-weaving workshop and, of course, the chance to sample a pint or two of the ‘black stuff’ – Guinness.

• Tour the legendary 6th century Clonmacnoise ruins
• Full day excursion to Portumna Castle and Galway
• Traditional Guinness and oyster lunch
• Visit the unusual haunted Leap Castle
• Tour Birr Castle’s Gardens and Science Centre
• Birds of prey demonstration at Adare Manor
• Tour of the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery with a private tasting
• Visit a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop
• Hear traditional Irish music
• Excellent walking and fishing opportunities

Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

---

Don't miss out again... 
Book your 2018 Shannon Princess cruise NOW

---

Contact Paradise Connections to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess's online brochure

Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

---

Scotland's Caledonian Canal in the Scottish Highlands

Cruising The Caledonian Canal in the Scottish Highlands

We are not alone in the belief that cruising the Caledonian Canal is the perfect way to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. This 60-mile waterway, which bisects the Highlands from Fort William in the southwest to Inverness in the northeast, passes brooding castles and connects dramatic, deep-water lochs.


A Two-Pronged Project

The canal was first conceived by James Watt, inventor of the Watt steam engine, in 1773. It would join the lochs of the Great Glen – namely Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy – which lie in a remarkably straight line along a geological fault, connecting eastern and western Scotland. However, it was in 1803, 30 years later, that the project was approved by the Scottish government with canal engineer Thomas Telford at the helm.

The benefits of the canal would be two-fold: it would save sailors from making the often perilous trip around the north and west of Scotland, and it would provide work for the many unemployed men who had been deprived of their jobs in the Highland Clearances. However, the project exceeded both its deadline and its budget. Its local workforce was significantly reduced during the peat cutting season and the potato harvest, resulting in the hiring of Irish navvies (unskilled manual laborers) to continue the work and leading to criticism that it wasn’t fulfilling its aim to reduce local unemployment.


Better Late Than Never?

The fact that the canal took 19 years to complete – 12 years longer than expected – meant that the wooden sailing ships it had originally been designed to accommodate were somewhat outdated by the time it opened. Steamer ships with iron hulls were now able to make the journey around the coast of Scotland with much less risk. To make matters worse, many of these new ships were too big to use the canal.

Scottish Highland & other pleasure boats in Fort Augustus lock

 Although, commercially, this impressive waterway was not the success its designers had envisaged, its stunning route through the Highlands made it a popular tourist attraction. Queen Victoria’s cruise along it in 1873 led to an increase in interest which has not abated ever since.


Fabulous Features

Cruising aboard the hotel barges Scottish Highlander and Spirit of Scotland allow you to appreciate the incredible feats of engineering that Thomas Telford and his team achieved when building this remarkable canal. The area is called "the Highlands" for a reason: there are an impressive 29 locks, 10 bridges and four aqueducts along the 60-mile route. Of particular note is Neptune’s Staircase, the longest staircase lock in the UK. It takes a vessel 90 minutes to rise 70 feet over a distance of 500 yards, passing through 8 locks along the way.

Neptune's Staircase

Scottish Hotel Barges

While the waterway itself is very interesting, there are many other fascinating aspects of the Scottish Highlands that you will enjoy.

Click map to enlarge

We represent two hotel barges who travel this route...


SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER

• Route: Caledonian Canal, between Banavie and Muirtown
• Up to 8 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Golfing, Honeymoon, Family, Whisky Trail
• See more: Online Brochure

SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND

• Route: Caledonian Canal, between Banavie and Muirtown
• Up to 12 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Golfing, Whisky Trail
• See more: Online Brochure

Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

---

Take a trip to Scotland this year

---

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

 

---

French Hotel Barge Anjodi has a new route

French Hotel Barge ANJODI has a new itinerary from Marseillan to Avignon in the south of France. It is a dream come true for foodies, historians and nature lovers alike.

You will experience oyster farms, Muscat wine tasting, and the incredibly colorful wildlife of the Camargue National park. It's more than likely that you'll spot a flock of pink flamingos or wild white horses charging across wide open expanses, as Anjodi gently cruises by.

Pink flamingos in the Camargue

If Muscat isn't your thing (do you know what you're missing?) then there's a marvellous Mediterranean beach within walking distance from where Anjodi is moored. The next day you can stroll about the parapet of the beautiful walled town of Aigues Mortes, admiring the sunset from spectacular heights!

Visiting Arles, you'll understand why it was the inspiration for over 300 of Van Gogh’s paintings, plus you'll also see the 1st Century Roman Arena and St Trophime’s Basilica. The old Camargue capital is a stunning cornucopia of architecture and incredible Mediterranean cuisine.

Palais des Papes

And, of course, there’s wine!. On Friday, following an exquisite lunch, a tour has been arranged of the world-renowned Chateau Neuf du Papes commune, accompanied by a private tasting with one of the region’s most prestigious wine makers. After the tour and tasting it's back to the barge for one final balmy evening of cocktails and the Captain’s farewell dinner.

Does this float your boat? Then check out the full itinerary in Anjodi's online brochure.

Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK? Contact Paradise Connections.

This itinerary is offered for the VALUE week of October 28 to November 3, 2018. Currently, no cabins are booked so Anjodi is open for private charter or individual cabin bookings.

---

This itinerary is only offered once this year, so

grab it with gusto

---

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

 

Savings for the single traveler

Single travelers... 

No single supplement on select cruise dates for cabin bookings made by February 19, 2018. 

[2/11/2018 - Update: added Barge Emma, canal du midi]

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


FRANCE

• Canal du midi: Anjodi, April 1-7
• Canal du midi: Emma, June 2-8 (no expiration date)
• Burgundy: L'Art de Vivre, April 8-14 and April 29-May 5
• Burgundy: L'Impressionniste, April 22-28
• Burgundy: La Belle Epoque, May 20-26
• Upper Loire/ Burgundy: Renaissance, April 15-21

HOLLAND

• Panache: April 1-7 and May 6-12

ITALY

• La Bella Vita: May 6-12

QUESTIONS?  Contact Paradise Connections.

---

Enjoy Barging in 2018 !

---

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

 

---