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Barge Cruises in France ~
Provence
- Camargue II
Home
to the Romans, 7 Popes and Van Gogh. Cruise
rivers and canals of southern France aboard an 18-passenger barge-hotel
(7 days - 6 nights). Discover 2,000 years of history and heritage, plus some of
the finest wines in the world, on the sunny banks of the Rhone River. Go deep
into unspoiled landscape and centuries of tradition in the flat lands of Camargue,
the Rhone River delta on the shores of the Mediterranean. Spot flocks of pink
flamingos and herds of wild horses in the distance, and marvel at unusual fauna
and colorful flora while slowly gliding down the tranquil waters of the Rhone-Sete
Canal.
With its roomy common areas and the nine cabins below deck, this
expertly decorated river boat combines the spaciousness of a river cruiser and
the coziness of a small canal barge. Have an "aperitif" on the deck
and savor the many local specialties of the lunch buffet and the formal gourmet
dinners. While watching the sun set over the lagoon, let Provence gently warm
your heart... one sip at a time. 
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual
program may vary)
Day
1 - Sunday: Avignon. Late
afternoon transfer from the TGV station or a specified local hotel to the boat
moored just outside the Avignon ramparts. Visit the "City of the Popes"
on your own or just relax. First gourmet dinner aboard the barge with local wines.
Day
2 - Monday: Avignon to Villeneuve les Avignon. History
and wines are the main topics of interest today. You'll first take a guided tour
of Avignon to learn about the religious and artistic importance of the city's
prestigious past with its Palace of the Popes. Then, visit a winery near world-famous
Chateauneuf du Pape with a guided tour followed by wine tasting. This evening,
cruise to Villeneuve les Avignon and stop for the night. The wines you tasted
earlier today may very well be on the table for dinner! Day
3 - Tuesday: Villeneuve les Avignon to Vallabregues.
This morning, the itinerary includes "Le Pont du Gard," an impressive
ancient Roman aqueduct (a World Heritage site) and its interactive museum. This
marvel of architecture is absolutely stunning... a "must-see." Back
to the river boat for lunch. Afterwards, cruise down to Vallabregues, a quiet
and charming little port. A bike ride or a game of Petanque (similar to Bocce
Ball) are two fun ways to spend the rest of the day before dinner on the barge. Day
4 - Wednesday: Vallabregues to Arles. Morning
excursion to the charming medieval village of Les Baux de Provence with time for
shopping. Today's cruise takes you through the huge 36-foot-high lock at Beaucaire.
Then on to Arles, the "open-air Museum of Provence." Day
5 - Thursday: Arles to Gallician. Your
guided visit in Arles this morning will take you back to Antiquity and the Romans.
You can also reminisce about Vincent Van Gogh, who painted some 300 canvases during
his agitated year in this city (1888). Then, after entering the Petit Rhone River,
today's cruise brings you to wild and picturesque Camargue, the rustic delta of
the Rhone River. Later in the afternoon, you'll reach the quiet village of Gallician
and moor for the night. Dinner aboard the barge. Day
6 - Friday: Gallician to Aigues Mortes.
For the last day of excursions, how about a trip to wild Camargue? There you can
visit a "manade" (a typical French ranch), where the "gardians"
(the Camargue version of Wild West cowboys) show how they tend their herds of
bulls while riding their superb white horses. Later in the day, you'll reach your
final destination: Aigues Mortes, a 14th-century walled city, famous as the port
where St Louis set sail for the Crusades. This evening, farewell dinner aboard
the barge. Day
7 - Saturday: Aigues Mortes.
After breakfast on the barge, departure to the pre-arranged transfer point.
On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is
subject to change without notice.
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Highlights -
Wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape
- The
Roman aqueduct of "Pont du Gard"
- Avignon,
City of the Popes
- Ancient
Arles and memories of Vincent Van Gogh
- Wild
and rustic Camargue
Included - Accommodations
with private bath or shower
- All
meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine
with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing
tours and entrance fees as specified
Not
Included - Transportation
to and from beginning and end points. (Optional transfer to and from Paris
is available.)
- Health
and travel insurance
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
Features - Cabins:
6 with queen beds; 3 with twin beds
- Crew:
Family team of 4 + 2 crew members
- Length:
127 ft.
- Sundeck
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coaches for excursions
Cruise
Departures Every
Sunday subject to availability (except winter). Note:
The following 2012 departure dates will have special itineraries: This
barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes (golf, wine,
cooking, etc.) and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each
group. DEPARTURES
AND PRICES BOOK
YOUR CRUISE [top]
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