Hirondelle |
Barge Information
Rating  :
Deluxe
Number of
Passengers: 8
Number of Cabins:
4
Size of
Vessel: 128 ft in length
Number of Crew:
5
Cruise
Region: Upper Loire
Other Regions Sailed: Southern
Burgundy
2012 Whole Boat Charters for 8 all
season
$41,000
2012
Prices (per person) all
season
$5,150
Charter Pricing for 6 & 7 Passengers
Available
Call
Barge TravelPOINTS Today
For More Information or to
Book Your Journey
1.800.549.2575 |
Photo Album
 Hirondelle |
Overview
The elegant Hirondelle, wholly-owned by the luxury
travel company Orient-Express, is a typical Dutch-made
barge featuring large windows, modern, sophisticated
interiors, and comfortable accommodations. On her decks
you'll enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in all
of Europe - from hillside vineyards and historic
villages to Gothic churches and Renaissance chateaux.
While aboard Hirondelle, every wish will be
attended to by the attentive crew. Delicious meals are
served on board made with fresh local ingredients and
complemented by fine local wines. Excursions are lead by
a knowledgeable guide ensuring an unforgettable
journey.
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Accommodations
Hirondelle's four comfortable state rooms have been
decorated with beautiful fabrics and luxurious linens.
Three cabins are available with twin beds and one offers
a queen bed.
Each cabin includes an en-suite
bathroom, plenty of storage space, and a writing desk.
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Amenities
- All meals aboard including a candlelit 5-course
dinner
- Excellent regional and fine wines served with
lunch and dinner
- Open bar
- Sundeck with dining table and chairs
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Bicycles
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Sample Itinerary
Rogny les Sept Ecluses to Pont Canal de
Guetin
Sunday
- You'll be met
in the afternoon at the designated meeting point in Paris and
transferred to your barge. A champagne reception awaits your arrival.
This evening, enjoy your first dining experience on
board.
Monday - This morning, visit the
lovely village of Mezilles and the Jardin de Parfumer
where they still make perfume in the traditional way.
Nearby is the beautiful Chateau de Saint-Fargeau with a
history spanning a thousand years. Today, the barge
traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge
in Europe, connecting the Canal du Briare to the Canal
Lateral a la Loire.
Tuesday - After
breakfast, visit a faience factory in the beautiful town
of Gien. The barge cruises southward to Lere, a pleasant
countryside mooring. After a lunch, visit Guedelon where
for the last six years a team of engineers have been
constructing a fortified chateau using 13th century
techniques - fascinating for all.
Wednesday - This morning explore the
typical French market at Cosne-sur-Loire and sample some
of the local delicacies. Return to the boat for lunch
and a leisurely cruise to the village of Menetreol. In
the afternoon, visit Sancerre, situated on an impressive
hilltop west and the goat farm of Francois Blain to see
how the famous 'crottin' cheese is made. Enjoy a private
wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Chateau Tracy,
one of the most prestigious producers in the
Loire.
Thursday - Take a short trip to
Tharenay to taste the famous Pouilly Fume wine, a
perfect aperitif before lunch! This afternoon, visit La
Charite-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian
Romanesque art and a renowned resting place for pilgrims
on the road to Santiago de
Compostela.
Friday - Enjoy a walking tour
of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private
visit to the workshop of Mr. Bernard to see the master
ceramic maker at work and a chance to buy some of the
distinctive blue and gold faience. This afternoon take a
short drive to Apremont, one of the most beautiful
villages in France, to visit the private chateau and
gardens. Return to Hirondelle for a farewell gala dinner
on board.
Saturday
- After breakfast disembark the Hirondelle and transfer back
to Paris.
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1.800.549.2575
