Emma |
Barge Information
Rating  :
First Class
Number of
Passengers: 6
Number of Cabins:
3
Size of
Vessel: 94 ft in length
Number of Crew:
4
Cruise
Region: Canal du Midi
Other Regions Sailed:
None
2012 Whole Boat Charters for 6 all
season $30,000
2012 Half
Board Charters for 4 all season $25,000
2012 Prices (per person) all season
$5,500
New for 2012 Five Night
Cruise!
Whole Boat Charter for 6 all season
$25,000
Whole Boat Charter for 4 all season
$22,000
Prices (per person( all season
$5,000
Call Barge
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For More Information or to Book
Your Journey
1.800.549.2575 |
Photo Album
 Emma 
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Overview
A cruise aboard Emma is the perfect combination of the
warmth of an Irish welcome with the seductive charm of
the French. You'll love cruising the Canal du Midi on
this beautifully restored barge while soaking up the
balmy Mediterranean climate.
Your hosts Rene, a
native to the region surrounding the Canal du Midi, and
Liz, originally from Ireland, call Emma their home and
invite you to enjoy the French countryside on her decks.
Emma's interior is bright and spacious, with plenty of
room for 6 passengers. Her sundeck features a
comfortable dining table as well as deck chairs for
relaxing as you watch the scenery glide by.
Half
Board cruises are available on Emma. This option
includes breakfast and dinner daily, as well as wine
with dinner. Lunch is taken ashore at the passenger's
expense. Side excursions are included, but entrance fees
are not included. Finally, bar drinks are not included
in the half board fares.
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Accommodations
Emma offers three cabins, one offers a double bed and
two with either twin or double beds. Each cabin has its
own beautifully tiled bathroom, each one being a
different color to complement the color of the cabin.
Bathrobes and hairdryers are also provided.
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Amenities
- Delicious cuisine featuring family recipes from
the Canal du Midi region
- Quality French regional wines with dinner (and
lunch if cruising on the full board option)
- Open bar with full board, honor bar with half
board
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Sundeck with large teak table and chairs, lounge
chairs, canopy
- Bicycles
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Sample Itinerary
Canal du Midi
Emma cruises primarily on a
route from Beziers to Carcassonne, however, other
options are available upon request. Occasionally, Emma
will cruise from Beziers to Camargue, western Europe's
largest river delta and home to a huge regional park and
nature preserve. Another option is to cruise from
Beziers to Agde, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
Along the way, you'll pass beautiful seaside towns
including Sete - Rene's hometown where you'll be treated
to a special tour.
Saturday - After
your pick up on Saturday about 5pm you will be taken to
where Emma is moored to meet the rest of your crew and
to enjoy a champagne reception. First, get settled in
and unpacked, which is the most strenuous task of the
week, and then sit back and relax while you enjoy a
short cruise so that you feel you really are on a boat.
During this time the first of your gourmet dinners will
be prepared.
Sunday - After a leisurely
breakfast of fresh fruit, croissants, homemade jams,
cereal, and coffee you will be taken off in the minivan
to explore the wonderful medieval city of Carcassonne.
Whether you stroll through the cobbled streets with an
array of boutiques, take a visit to the Feudal Castle,
enjoy a foray into the Inquisition Museum or walk along
the ramparts, Carcassonne has something for
everyone.
Then head back to the boat for a lunch
of tasty homemade pates, quiches, and salads followed by
a selection of the 365 cheeses that France has to offer
and washed down with some of the finest wines of the
Languedoc Roussillon region. After lunch you'll cruise
off to your next mooring spot along the canal, going
down several locks -- some double, some triple -- as
Emma starts her descent towards the Mediterranean. Emma
will stop at another lovely setting where your evening
dinner will be served.
Monday - After
breakfast today you will be whisked off again to
discover another delight of the region. You could go to
Lagrasse, a little village in the heart of the Corbieres
with a magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched on the
banks of the river Orbiel and where little cobbled
streets house a multitude of potters, artists, and wood
carvers. Or you might visit the giant underground cave
at Cabrespine, or visit the ruins of the old Cathar
stronghold Chateau Lastours, steeped in history. Every
visit is organized around the things which interest you
most.
Another delicious lunch will be ready for
you when you get back and you will be able to relax
while you cruise on to our next stop.
Tuesday - France is famous for its
open-air markets and today you will have the chance to
experience this for yourself when you visit the market
at Olonzac. The smells of the olives and herbs and the
roasting chickens will make your mouth water and the
arrays of fresh fruit and vegetables are a
picture.
You will then go up into the heart of
the Minervois region to Minerve, a spectacular village
set on a rocky outcrop in the gorges formed by the
rivers Cesse and Brian. There are lovely walks here,
just the thing to build up your appetite for lunch. If
you have plenty of energy after lunch, while Emma is
cruising to her next stop, you take a bicycle ride or a
stroll. The towpath follows the canal all the way, so
this option is available any time you want.
Wednesday - Narbonne is your tour for
today. The ancient capital of Roman Gaul still retains a
lot of its history. You will see the Via Domitia, a road
2000 years old with its chariot ruts still visible;
visit the old Roman storehouses, the Archbishop's
palace, the Cathedral St. Just with its cloister, high
altar, and splendid organ.
For those of you who
enjoy food and markets, the indoor market at Narbonne is
one of the best. You will see the finest display of
fish, shellfish, fruit, vegetables, meats, herbs,
spices, olives, cheese, and the list goes on. Perhaps
you would like to dip your feet in the blue water of the
Mediterranean or visit the little fishing port of
Gruissan.
Thursday - Today you'll
continue your lazy cruise which takes you under the
smallest bridge in France; if you can get under this you
can go anywhere on the canal system. A choice of visits
awaits you. A wine tasting at Guery or at St. Chinian, a
visit to the Abbey at Fontcaud or a trip up to the
prehistoric site of Enserune with its panoramic views.
You will be spoiled with choices! Your Gala Farewell
dinner awaits you tonight.
Friday - All
too soon your week is over, but you will still enjoy a
short cruise near Colombiers before saying goodbye.
After your onboard breakfast, you will be taken to your
next destination to continue your onward journey, taking
with you lasting memories of this most beautiful
countryside and your experience as a guest on Emma.
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1.800.549.2575 
