Cruise the south of France aboard an 18-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Go deep into unspoiled landscape and centuries of tradition in the flat lands of Camargue, the Rhone 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 barge 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.
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Sunday: Avignon. Transfer from a pre-determined point to the barge moored right outside the Avignon ramparts. Visit the "City of the Popes" at leisure. First gourmet dinner on board with local wines.
Day 2, Monday: Avignon to Villeneuve les Avignon. History and wines are our main centers of interest today. We 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, we visit a winery near world-famous Chateauneuf du Pape with a guided tour followed by wine tasting. This evening we sail to Villeneuve les Avignon where we stay overnight. The wines we tasted earlier today may very well be on the table for dinner!
Day 3, Tuesday: Villeneuve les Avignon to Vallabregues. This morning "Le Pont du Gard" an impressive ancient Roman aqueduct (a World Heritage site) and its interactive museum are on the itinerary. This marvel of architecture is absolutely stunning... a "must-see". Back to the barge for lunch. Afterwards, we sail down to Vallabregues, a quiet and charming little port. A game of Petanque (similar to Bocce Ball) is a fun way to spend the rest of the day.
Day 4, Wednesday: Vallabregues to Arles. Morning excursion to the charming medieval village of Les Baux de Provence and time for shopping. Today's sailing takes us through the huge 36-feet high lock of Beaucaire. Then on to Arles, the "open-air Museum of Provence".
Day 5, Thursday: Arles to Gallician. Our guided visit in Arles this morning will take us back to Antiquity and the Romans, and help us reminisce about Vincent Van Gogh who painted some 300 canvases during his agitated year in this city, in 1888. Then, after entering the Petit Rhone River, today's cruise brings us to wild and picturesque Camargue, the rustic delta of the Rhone River. Later in the afternoon, we reach the quiet and typical village of Gallician where we moor for the night.
Day 6, Friday: Gallician to Aigues Mortes. For our last day of excursions, how about a trip to wild Camargue? There we visit a "manade" a typical ranch, where the "gardians" (the Camargue version of Wild West cowboys) show us how they tend their herds of bulls, while riding their superb white horses. Later in the day, we reach our final destination: Aigues Mortes, a 14th-century walled city, famous because this is where St Louis set sail for the Crusades. This evening, farewell dinner on board.
Day 7, Saturday: Aigues Mortes. After breakfast, morning departure to the transfer point.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
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 and 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
- Crew gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge Features
- Cabins: 3 double and 6 twin/double
- Crew: Family team of 4 + 2 crew members
- Length: 127 ft.
- Sundeck
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned coaches for excursions.
Departures every Sunday subject to availability (except winter).
This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes (golf, wine, gastronomy) and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season: US$2990 per person double occupancy; single supplement $1200. Mid season: US$3500 per person double occupancy; single supplement $1400. High season: US$3990 per person double occupancy; single supplement $1600.
High season: US$3,350 per person double occupancy. Single supplement $1,060
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
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