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& Cheryl Imboden'sEurope for Cruisers europeforcruisers.com |
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News
ABOVE: A suite on the hotel barge Adrienne. French Country Waterways repeats "Quinquennnial Anniversary" barge-cruise discountsSavings range from 5% to 50% Duxbury, MA -- French Country Waterways is celebrating wedding anniversaries with the return of its very popular "Quinquennial Anniversary" program. The special provides discounts of 5% to 50% on selected departures of the luxury barges Adrienne and Horizon II through August 2009 for couples celebrating wedding anniversaries in sequences of five from their fifth to their 50th. The longer the marriage, the larger the savings -- a 5% discount for the fifth anniversary, 10% for the 10th, 25% for the 25th, etc. The cruises, which have weekly departures from March 29 to October 25, are regularly priced at $6,795 to $7,995 per person, double. The 12-passenger, all-suite Adrienne sails the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy's fabled Côte d'Or wine-growing region for 2009. Her route follows the narrow 18th-century Canal du Centre overlooking vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, the meandering River Saône and the Canal de Bourgogne between St. Léger-sur-Dheune and Dijon. The eight-passenger Horizon II takes in "Historic Burgundy," the route between Tanlay and Veneray-les-Laumes on the Canal de Bourgogne. Guests on the Horizon II visit Auxerre's St. Etienne Cathedral and historic quarter; the Abbaye de Fontenay, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries; and the splendid Renaissance château of Ancy-le-Franc; as well as enjoy a private wine tasting in the vineyards of Chablis. Daily escorted sightseeing excursions for guests on the Adrienne include a walking tour of Dijon; the privately-owned 18th-century Château de Longecourt; medieval Clos de Vougeot, with its 12th-century vineyards; Beaune, the charming wine capital of Burgundy; the lively port of Chalon-sur-Saône; 12th-century La Rochepot castle; and a tasting of renowned Burgundies in the private cellars of a local vintner in Santenay These luxury six-night cruises combine elegant dinner ashore at the most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant near each cruise route (Adrienne - Lameloise in Chagny; Horizon II - Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu) with creative cuisine prepared by talented young chefs, who blend classic cooking techniques with the trend to lighter cuisine, accompanied by Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. Other signature characteristics include attentive service from a crew fluent in English and French; daily sightseeing excursions and a private wine tasting; time to relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths; and no smoking inside the barges and coaches. A festive dinner will mark the anniversary. The cruise need not coincide with the wedding date, but a couple must have gotten married between 1959 and 2004 in a year ending in four or nine and submit a copy of the wedding certificate. Rates are lowest during "value seasons" – May 3, 10, July 12 to Aug. 16. Early booking is recommended since space is limited. Special room rates are offered at several deluxe hotels in Paris. Information, brochures and reservations can be
obtained from French Country Waterways, Ltd., P.O. Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331;
(800) 222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada and (781) 934-2454 in MA;
www.fcwl.com. Photo: French Country Waterways. |
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