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European Waterways - Hirondelle - France - 2008 Season

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Click here for Itinerary Information
Click here for Terms and Conditions
Click here for Anjodi Barge Information & Photos


EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT
10% Discount if you Book between 1st and 22nd July and Pay in Full by 22 July 2008

Please select your preferred currency

CRUISING BURGUNDY / FRANCHE COMTE

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Rates are for six nights on either: A whole boat charter basis or per person based on double occupancy per cabin for our GoBarging luxury hotel barge cruises with departures every Sunday, from April to October

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2008 Rates in Australian Dollars
ACCOMMODATION VALUE REGULAR
Charter 6 guests wholeboat $30,208 $32,542
Charter 7 guests wholeboat $32,542 $34,875
Charter 8 guests wholeboat $34,875 $37,208
Stateroom per person $4,875 $5,208
Single Supplement $1,219 $2,604

Child Discount - $313 discount is offer to children aged 12 - 17 inclusive travelling with adults
Note: TGV transfers to / from between Paris & Local Train Station are included in the costs of the cruise.
Times of trains to be confirmed at time of booking

Rates, additional charges and conditions are subject to change, and to
currency fluctuation, without notice - Errors and Omissions Excepted
140607cm

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2008 DEPARTURE DATES - (sundays) RATE ROUTE
April 6, 13, 20, 27 Value Burgundy / Franche Comte
May 4, 11, 18, 25 Regular Burgundy / Franche Comte
June 1, 8 , 15, 22, 29 Regular Burgundy / Franche Comte
July 6, 13, 20, 27 Value Burgundy / Franche Comte
August 4, 10, 17, 24, 31 Value Burgundy / Franche Comte
September 7, 14, 21, 28 Regular Burgundy / Franche Comte
October 5, 12, 19, 26 Value Burgundy / Franche Comte

MEETING POINT
TVG tickets are included in the costs of the cruise and therefore you will be met off the train at the local TGV station by a barge representative and transferred directly to the barge on sunday afternoon

Hirondelle Barge Information


THE 8 PASSENGER HIRONDELLE ....
The 8 passenger Hirondelle, owned and operated by Afloat in France, cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône au Rhine and the River Saône.

The large windows, well above the water line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of Burgundy and Franche-Comté: renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque villages.

Burgundy is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times.

Excursions are arranged to places with story-book names, whether it be the quaint town of Dole, the famous museum in Dijon, the castle in Châteauneuf or to Besançon, birthplace of Victor Hugo.

Click here for larger image Click here for larger image Hirondelle Sun deck Hirondelle dining area Spacious Saolon and dining room onboard. Delightful appetizer each week's menu includes some of the chef's original recipes.
Click on the thumbnail views to enlarge

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ITINERARY

BESANCON TO DIJON ITINERARY

SUNDAY - PARIS TO BESANCON
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the Captain who transfers you to where the barge is moored at Besançon beneath the King’s tower of the Citadel. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. This evening the barge remains in Besançon, giving you the opportunity to view this bustling city.

MONDAY - VISIT THE CITADEL, CRUISE TO OSSELLE
Following a typical French breakfast your guide escorts you on a tour of the Citadel, designed in the 17th century by Vauban, military architect to Louis XIV. Leaving Besançon by boat is quite spectacular; the barge cruises a short distance up the River Doubs before turning into the canal tunnel and passing directly underneath the Citadel. Emerging downstream of the town we begin our descent of the Doubs Valley until reaching our first day’s destination, a quiet mooring near the sleepy town of Osselle.

TUESDAY - CRUISE TO DOLE, VISIT THE ARBOIS REGION
The boat continues to cruise downstream, alternating between the river and sections of the Canal du Rhône au Rhine, which traverses the rugged Franche-Comté and Jura regions. Today’s visits are to Arbois, the principal town of the Jura wine producing region, and a walking tour of Dole, including the magnificent cathedral and La Maison Pasteur, home of Louis Pasteur.

WEDNESDAY - CRUISE TO ST. JEAN DE LOSNE, VISIT BEAUNE
Enjoy the lovely countryside of the Franche Comté cruising from Dole on the very scenic Canal du Rhône au Rhine to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. After lunch, your guide escorts you on a walking tour of Beaune, the capital of Burgundy to visit the famous Hotel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Tonight’s mooring is St. Jean de Losne. Take some time to stroll around the port to see the many working and pleasure barges.

THURSDAY - CRUISE TO LONGECOURT, VISIT CLOS DE VOUGEOT
Today, the barge crosses the plain from the Saône to Dijon on the Canal de Bourgogne. This afternoon, visit the Côte d’Or, planted with vines that produce some of the world’s most famous wines. Your guide takes you on a tour of “Clos de Vougeot”, a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. Your tour is followed by wine tasting

FRIDAY - VISIT DIJON, CRUISE TO DIJON
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Tour the Musée des Beaux Arts and explore Dijon at your leisure. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise. That evening the chef has prepared a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner.

SATURDAY - DISEMBARK DIJON TO PARIS
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station for your return to Paris on the TGV. On arrival at Paris Gare de Lyon, you are met by our representative who will assist you with your baggage.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse

DIJON TO ESCOMMES ITINERARY

SUNDAY - PARIS TO DIJON
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the Captain who escorts you on your transfer to Dijon’s Port du Canal where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A delicious dinner is be served later that evening.

MONDAY - CRUISE TO FLEURY-SUR-OUCHE, VISIT CHATEAU DU CLOS DE VOUGEOT
As you leave Dijon the canal turns to the southwest and follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green forested hills provide you with exceptional views from the deck. This afternoon’s excursion is a dégustation in Chambolle Musigny and a visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a small village from which you may enjoy a stroll around.

TUESDAY - CRUISE TO GISSEY, VISIT DIJON
After breakfast, while the barge cruises to Gissey, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon’s cruise to the charming village of Gissey.

WEDNESDAY - CRUISE TO LA BUSSIERE, VISIT BEAUNE
Spend the morning relaxing on the top deck and watching the scenery glide by as the barge cruises along. After lunch your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, to visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune and enjoy a tasting of some of the magnificent local wines.

THURSDAY - CRUISE TO PONT D' OUCHE, VISIT CHATEAU DE COMMARIN
After breakfast, your guide takes you to visit the Abbey de la Bussiere built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Cluny. Back on board for lunch. In the afternoon your guide takes you to visit the Château de Commarin; an interesting castle whose celebrated tapestries with the coat of arms of the Vienne family, take the place of a family tree.

FRIDAY - CRUISE ESCOMMES, VISIT CHATEAUNEUF-EN-AUXOIS
After a morning cruise we stop at Repe and make a visit to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. Both the village and the château have a long and interesting history. Back on board for lunch and some more cruising before a visit to the Abbaye de Fontenay one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Meanwhile the chef is preparing a feast for your farewell dinner.

SATURDAY - DIJON TO PARIS
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you are met by our representative to assist you with your luggage.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse

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