~
Easygoing River
and Barge Cruises ~
Go
with the Flow
~ Savor
the Countryside
A
river cruise vacation is about gently floating along peaceful canals and rivers
on leisurely-paced barges and riverboats. It is about enjoying smooth and tranquil
inland cruising on small luxury barge-hotels and elegant river cruise boats, away
from the pressures of modern living. Imagine gliding by picturesque scenery, through
historic towns, under ancient stone bridges or past rustic homes while sipping
a local wine on the sun deck. A perfect luxury vacation! France
is the place for beauty, romance, bountiful vineyards and gourmet cuisine. You
can experience all of this on a cruise down the Seine River from Paris into verdant
Normandy, through sun-drenched Provence, rustic and pastoral Burgundy, the wetlands
of Camargue or on the majestic Canal du Midi across southern France. You'll have
the same sensation cruising along the meandering Douro River in northern Portugal,
slowly winding your way between undulating uplands covered with lush vineyards
and olive groves. Or perhaps you'd enjoy a rail "cruise" through northern
Spain. Here's a sampling of some of our favorite cruises: Experience
the local culture on a cruise A
barge cruise is a soothing and relaxing experience. But it also is the perfect
way to venture along less-traveled rivers and canals, deep into the countryside.
Every day, opportunities abound for strolls into the heart of quaint riverside
villages, where the smiling faces of the locals greet you like welcome visitors.
Leisurely walks along the leafy canal tow path and visits to small vineyards to
meet the winemakers are common. On many occasions, a local market will be waiting
for you, full of unusual items typical of the region. You'll also visit magnificent
chateaus, colorful gardens, fascinating museums, and more - all part of the cruise
package. A
floating luxury hotel There
are similarities between a river cruise and a land tour. Both follow a pre-arranged
route and both take you to different places every day. But there is an important
difference between the two. On a barge cruise, you don't have to change hotel
rooms. A canal cruise offers the best of both worlds: you change locations and
discover new places, but you don't need to pack and unpack every day. Your hotel
room follows you wherever you go. Imagine this... your room, your cook and your
"retinue" all travel with you. Makes you feel like a king, doesn't it? Barge
cruising... as you like it Most
barge cruises have pre-determined itineraries. They cruise up the river or canal
one week and come back the following week in the other direction. But other "whatever-floats-your-boat"
options are also possible on smaller boats. These charter "theme cruises"
- usually for private groups or families - can be arranged to fit your specific
needs. A wine cruise or a golf cruise are two typical examples of such boat tours.
You name your interests... we'll handle the details for you. Gourmet
food and local wines Above
all, the culinary experience is the heart and soul of a river cruise. Special
gourmet meals are prepared by the onboard chef every day. Delicious local wines
are presented with your meals and are artfully paired with each dish. Cheeses
are not forgotten, of course (and France offers hundreds of mouth-watering varieties
- from the mildest to the smelliest). Every effort is made for the perfect enjoyment
of your taste buds. All-inclusive
luxury cruise and tour packages With
no need for hotel, restaurant or rental car reservations, you'll be able to just
relax and enjoy the scenery. The price is all-inclusive - generally including
all meals and tours - so you won't have to worry about overspending. You can choose
the intimate atmosphere of a barge or the more cosmopolitan ambiance of a larger
river cruise boat - either way, you'll make new friends from all over the world
and see the best the region has to offer. Canal
and river cruising truly is a wonderful experience. It is a great opportunity
to discover out-of-the-way places, eat heavenly dishes and drink excellent wines.
For many people it is a once-in-a-life-time event. For everyone it inevitably
leaves fond and romantic memories. Circa
Tours specializes in tours and river cruises in France, Spain and Portugal. We
have traveled extensively in those three countries and we love sharing our experiences.
We're here to help you with your next vacation in that corner of Europe: whether
river cruising, canal barging or traditional touring around the countryside. [top]
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