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Midi - Languedoc II: Medieval Towns, Lush Vineyards, and the Deep Blue Sea
offered by supplier M15697 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 7
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 10
people
Destination(s):
France
Specialty Categories:
Barging
Food & Wine
Season: March - November
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 3090 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 4450 US Dollar (USD)
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Discover southern France aboard a classy 10-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights) on the historic Canal du Midi. The boat, a beautifully retrofitted former commercial sand, grain and wine barge, cruises under low 16th century stone bridges, past rustic stable houses and through peaceful southern French villages. This historical and pastoral setting makes for a unique experience, as well as total relaxation and tranquility.
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Sunday: Salleles D'Aude. You will be met by the barge manager at 4 p.m. at a designated point in Montpellier and transferred to the barge by private air-conditioned minivan. A full-crew welcome aboard follows, with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be treated to a 4-course dinner prepared by our on board chef.
Day 2, Monday: Salleles d'Aude to Argeliers. Today's excursion is a morning visit to the famous medieval walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable onboard guide will offer a historical and guided visit, making sure that you have time for shopping. An afternoon sailing takes us to Argeliers and starts our cruise on the picturesque Canal du Midi. By early evening you will arrive in Argeliers with enough time for a stroll into the village before the chef starts serving the next delight.
Day 3, Tuesday: Argeliers to Capestang. This morning's visit is a tasting at the Oulibo, the local olive oil press. After the olive tasting, a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse brings us into the hilltop village of Minerve, scene of one of the many Cathar sieges during the 13th century. A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await your return to the barge. Then, cruise to the charming village of Capestang, where we moor with a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk. Dinner on board.
Day 4, Wednesday: Capestang to Fonserannes. After breakfast, take a moment for a stroll into the village square to visit the market. The barge gets underway in time to stop for a pre-lunch wine tasting at one of the few remaining traditional 19th century wineries, Domaine de Guery. The cruise route today promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. When you arrive at the overnight mooring at the top of the Fonserannes locks, there is time to visit the old market town of Pezenas, the first seat of the Languedoc court. Dinner on board.
Day 5, Thursday: Fonserannes to Portiragnes. This morning we visit Narbonne. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the Roman Museum, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or simply relax in one of the many cafés. Later, the cruise takes in a 17th century feat of canal engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks) and the 18th century canal bridge that carries the barge over the Orb River to Portiragnes. It is an ideal afternoon for walking. Dinner on board.
Day 6, Friday: Villeneuve les Beziers to Agde to Marseillan. This morning we cruise through the "Petite Camargue," a joy for bird watchers with its pink flamingos, African rollers and bee eaters that frequent the surrounding estuaries. Later we leave the Canal du Midi and enter the open waters of the Etang de Thau, Europe's largest mussel and oyster park, and moor in the port at Marseillan. Visit of the nearby Noillly Prat Vermouth distillery and tasting. Captain's farewell dinner on board.
Day 7, Saturday: Marseillan to Montpellier. Wave goodbye to the crew and depart by private minivan to the appointed destination in Montpellier.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Highlights:
- The medieval walled city of Carcassonne
- Wine and olive oil tasting
- Ancient ruins in Narbonne
- Picturesque Canal du Midi and "Neuf Ecluses"
- Petite Camargue and Etang de Thau
- Quaint villages.
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
- Round trip transfers from specified meeting points.
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Superior vintage wines
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge Features
- Cabins: 5 twin or double (10 passengers)
- 5 crew members
- Size: 103 ft. long
- Sundeck
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned minibus for excursions.
Departures every Sunday subject to availability (except winter).
This barge can be chartered for groups. Various itineraries, themes 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$3090 per person double occupancy. Add $560 for high season, $800 single supplement.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
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