The 8-passenger Princess offers complete luxury for up to eight guests. The well-appointed main deck is divided into a comfortable salon, a book-lined library and a formal dining room. All are handsomely furnished with custom seating and handcrafted cabinetry. The lower level has four cabins with either twin or king size beds and each with a private ensuite bathroom and double closets.
From April to the end of June, the Princess cruises the Champagne region, between Maizy and Chateau-Thierry on the Marne River and two nearby canals. Then from July through the end of October, Princess moves to the picturesque canal route in Alsace between Nancy and Strasbourg.
Your cruise in the Champagne region will involve a tour of the Coronation city of Reims and the third century Roman cellars of a house in Ruinart. Here, you will enjoy champagne tasting at Moët & Chandon, and an elegant dinner ashore at Boyer Les Crayères in Reims, one of France's top Michelin star restaurants. You will also discover the history of past World Wars as well as the victories of Joan of Arc and Napoleon.
During your cruise in Alsace, you'll see Chagall's stained glass window in Sarrebourg and experience the Inclined Plane. You will also see a boat lift that raises or lowers the Princess 146 feet and takes the place of 17 locks, saving a day of cruising. The week also includes a walking tour of Nancy, visits to the village of Lutzelbourg and the town of Saverne, a private wine tasting and walks through the city of Strasbourg with its old quarter of small canals and half-timbered houses. One of the highlights of the week is the dinner ashore at the Michelin star restaurant Le Cerf, in Marlenheim.
You will be greeted at the meeting point hotel in Paris for your Champagne cruise or in Strasbourg for your Alsace cruise and escorted via private motorcoach to the barge mooring, where you will be welcomed aboard by your English-speaking crew. Spend the first evening becoming acquainted with your fellow passengers and enjoy your first gourmet meal on board. Each morning, your barge gets underway for the day's cruise. As it navigates the locks on the canal, you can step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll along the canal towpath or take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quaint villages nearby. You may also choose to simply relax on the sundeck and watch the ever-changing scenery slowly go by. During the day, you will also be taken on an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of interest. The itinerary has been created to provide a sampling of the region ... romantic castles, historic towns, and vineyards for wine tastings. At certain chateaux and estates, your tour may be conducted by the owner, whose family has been in residence for generations. Your Captain will also arrange for you to enjoy special local events which might occur during your cruise, such as the lively farmers markets. As an option, you may also be able to take a hot air balloon flight, depending on the location and the weather.
Sunday - Thierry
You will be met by our guide at the hotel, and escorted via private motorcoach to the Princess' mooring in Château-Thierry. Champagne reception and Welcome Dinner on board.
Monday - Thierry to Cumieres
After a short morning cruise, visit the American Cemetery and World War I battlefields at Belleau Wood. Afternoon cruise through the vineyards along the winding Marne Valley to the overnight mooring in Cumières.
Tuesday - Cumieres to Tours-sur-Marne
In the morning, visit the village of Hautvillers. Afterward, drive to Epernay, the capital of Champagne. Tour the vast cellars of Moët & Chandon, followed by a champagne tasting on the property. Afternoon cruise to Tours-sur-Marne.
Wednesday - Tours-sur-Marne to Sillery
Morning cruise on the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne. Afternoon champagne tasting and tour of the family-owned House of Ployez Jacquemart. Evening mooring in Sillery. Dinner ashore at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Crayères, in Reims.
Thursday - Sillery to Courcy
After an early morning cruise and lunch on board, take a walking tour of Reims, the Coronation City of French Kings, including the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, and time for browsing local shops on your own. Return to Princess moored in Courcy.
Friday - Courcy to Maizy
Morning cruise on the Canal Lateral à l'Aisne. After lunch, drive to the hilltop city of Laon, where narrow medieval streets and handsome houses are still enclosed by original 13th century ramparts. Return to Princess, moored in Maizy, for the festive Captain's Dinner on board.
Saturday - Transfer to Paris
Depart the Princess at 9:30 AM via private transfer to the return point hotel in Paris, arriving by approximately 12:00 Noon.
Note: The Captain will schedule Hot Air Ballooning during the cruise upon request. Balloon flights are dependent on favorable wind conditions and a minimum of four passengers.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the barge cruises in the reverse direction.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Alsace: Canal de la Marne au Rhin
Nancy to Strasbourg, 2014/2015
Sunday - Nancy
You will be escorted via private transfer from our meeting point in Strasbourg to the Princess' mooring in Nancy. Champagne reception and Welcome Dinner on board.
Monday - Nancy to Xures
After a short early morning cruise, take a walking tour of Nancy, including Place Stanislas, considered one of the grandest squares in all of France. Afternoon cruise on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin to the village of Xures.
Tuesday - Xures to Xouaxange
Morning visit to the village of Lunéville and the 18th century Chateau de Lunéville with its magnificent gardens. Designed as a modest replica of Versailles, the chateau was a favorite residence of the Duke of Lorraine, Leopold, and the deposed King Stanislas, of Poland. Afternoon cruise through the open countryside of Lorraine and the plateau of reservoirs to the evening mooring in Xouaxange.
Wednesday - Xouaxange to Lutzelbourg
Morning visit of Sarrebourg to visit the 13th century Chapel of the Cordeliers, with a stunning stained glass window designed by the artist Marc Chagall. Return to Princess for an afternoon cruise which includes the Incline Plane, an engineering marvel which allows the vessel to slide down the hillside into the valley below. Cruise to the village of Lutzelbourg, nestled in the beautiful Zorn valley.
Thursday - Lutzelbourg to Saverne
Morning cruise through the forested valley into the charming town of Saverne. After lunch, drive through the vineyards along the Route de Vin to Traenheim for a private wine tasting and a cellar tour at a prominent local vintner. Dinner ashore at Le Cerf, in Marlenheim, honored with one Michelin star.
Friday - Saverne to Hochfelden
Morning cruise to the final mooring in Hochfelden. After lunch, drive to the historic city of Strasbourg. Tour the town center including the magnificent 12th century Cathedral and La Petite France, an old quarter of small canals and half-timbered houses. Return to Princess for the Festive Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Transfer to Paris
After breakfast, depart the Princess for the transfer to the return point hotel in Strasbourg, arriving by 10:30 AM.
Note:This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the barge cruises in the reverse direction.
TBD The Captain will schedule Hot Air Ballooning during the cruise upon request. Balloon flights are dependent on favorable wind conditions and a minimum of six passengers.
Princess
2014 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 6 |
Maizy-Chateau Thierry |
Early/Late
|
| Apr 13 |
Chateau Thierry-Maizy |
Early/Late
|
| Apr 20 |
Maizy-Chateau Thierry |
Early/Late
|
| Apr 27 |
Chateau Thierry-Maizy |
Value
|
| May 4 |
Maizy-Chateau Thierry |
High
|
| May 11 |
Chateau Thierry-Maizy |
High
|
| May 18 |
Maizy-Chateau Thierry |
High
|
| May 25 |
Chateau Thierry-Maizy |
High
|
| Jun 1 |
Maizy-Chateau Thierry |
High
|
| Jun 8 |
Chateau Thierry-Maizy |
High
|
| Jun 15 |
Maizy-Chateau Thierry |
High
|
| Jun 22 |
Chateau Thierry-Maizy |
High
|
| Jun 29 |
Maizy-Chateau Thierry |
High
|
| Jul 6 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
Value
|
| Jul 13 |
Strasbourg-Nancy |
Value
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 20 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
Value
|
| Jul 27 |
Strasbourg-Nancy |
Value
|
| Aug 3 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
Value
|
| Aug 10 |
Strasbourg-Nancy |
High
|
| Aug 17 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
High
|
| Aug 24 |
Strasbourg-Nancy |
High
|
| Aug 31 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
Prime
|
| Sep 7 |
Strasbourg-Nancy |
Prime
|
| Sep 14 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
Prime
|
| Sep 21 |
Strasbourg-Nancy |
Prime
|
| Sep 28 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
Prime
|
| Oct 5 |
Strasbourg-Nancy |
Prime
|
| Oct 12 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
High
|
| Oct 19 |
Strasbourg-Nancy |
Value
|
| Oct 26 |
Nancy-Strasbourg |
Early/Late
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
PRINCESS
2014 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
EARLY/LATE
Apr 6 thru Apr 26
Oct 26 thru Nov 1
|
VALUE
Apr 27 thru May 3
Jul 6 thru Aug 9
Oct 19 thru Oct 25 |
HIGH
May 4 thru Jul 5
Aug 10 thru Aug 30
Oct 12 thru Oct 18 |
PRIME
Aug 31 thru Oct 11
|
|
Junior Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,895 |
$6,395 |
$6,695 |
$6,695 |
|
Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$6,095 |
$6,595 |
$6,895 |
$6,895 |
|
Suite Single Supplement |
$1,995 |
$1,995 |
$1,995 |
$1,995 |
|
Charter for up to 8 |
$46,360 |
$49,560 |
$52,760 |
$54,360 |
NOTE: 2015 bookings are being accepted. Please contact us for 2015 prices: by phone at 1-877-642-2743 (US/Canada), 001.443.321.3614 (or +1-443-321-3614) if outside of the US, or by email at info@specialplacestravel.com
What's Included for 2014 & 2015
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabins with private baths
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return for Champagne cruises; transfers from Strasbourg to the barge and return for Alsace cruises
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday, including one dinner at a Michelin star restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles
- Dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant
What's Not Included for 2014 & 2015
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. |
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
|
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Last Update: September 17, 2014
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