| Emma |
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
Whole Boat Charters starting at $19,800
Half Board Charters starting at $17,000
Prices (per person) starting at $3,750
Charter Pricing for 4 Passengers Available
Note: Please see Overview for description of inclusions for half board cruises on Emma.
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For More Information or to Book Your Journey
1.800.549.2575
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 Emma
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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 René, 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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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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- Delicious cuisine featuring family recipes from the Canal du Midi region
- 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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Emma cruises primarily on a route from Béziers to Carcassonne, however, other options are available upon request. Occasionally,
Emma will cruise from Béziers to Camargue, western Europe's largest river delta and home to a huge regional park and nature
preserve. Another option is to cruise from Béziers to Agde, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way,
you'll pass beautiful seaside towns including Séte - René's hometown where you'll be treated to a special tour.
Saturday - After your pick up on Saturday in the late afternoon, you will be taken to where Emma is moored to meet the
rest of your crew and to enjoy a champagne reception. You'll have time to 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 you will be taken off in the minivan to explore the wonderful medieval city of Carcassonne.
Whether you choose a stroll through the cobbled streets with an array of boutiques, a visit to the Feudal Castle, a foray
into the Inquisition Museum or a walk along the ramparts, Carcassonne has something for everyone to enjoy.
After exploring Carcassonne, you'll head back to the boat for lunch and then a cruise to the 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 might
visit Lagrasse, a little village in the heart of the Corbieres with a magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched on the banks
of the river Orbiel, or perhaps explore the giant underground cave at Cabrespine, or the ruins of the old
Cathar stronghold Château Lastours. Whatever you chose, another delicious lunch will be ready for you when you get
back and you will be able to relax while Emma cruises on to your 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 can take a bicycle ride or a stroll on
the ever-present towpath along the canal.
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, and visit the old Roman storehouses,
the Archbishop's palace, and 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. Such wonderful choices!
Thursday - Emma's lazy cruise continues and 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, a trip up to the prehistoric site of Enserune with its panoramic views, there is so much to see,
you will be spoiled with choices! Your final Gala dinner awaits you tonight.
Friday - All too soon your week is over, but you will enjoy one last short cruise before saying goodbye.
After your breakfast you will be taken to your next destination to continue your journey, taking with you
lasting memories of this most beautiful countryside.
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1.800.549.2575
