THE BARGE: Constructed in 1948 as a Belgian "Spitz" commercial barge Converted into a hotel barge in 1992 Measures 123 ft. long by 17 ft. wide Three (3) onboard cabin accommodations Six (6) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Five (5) crew members consisting of Tour Guide, Chef, two (2) Hostesses, and Captain. Crew members speak both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Jacuzzi HI FI system with CD player Satellite flat screen TV with DVD/Video Six (6) touring bikes MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Meanderer has no wheelchair access. There are several steps and narrow passageways which may be difficult to navigate for those with extremely limited mobility. DECK PLAN: Cruising on board the spacious and luxurious Meanderer ensures a stress-free and memorable voyage, which is hard to match.

CABINS: There are three (3) beautifully appointed cabins on board Meanderer, each with private en suite bath facilities, large hanging closets, and TVs with DVD players. The large windows and skylights allow natural light to bathe the elegant interior in a warm glow, providing an overall calming effect. CABIN SIZE: All cabins are equally comfortable and measure in excess of 125 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Each cabin can be fitted as either two (2) twin beds or one (1) queen size bed.  When the cabins are in twin bed configuration, the beds will be parallel with a space in between them. BATHROOMS: All cabins have fully-tiled private bath facilities, complete with shower, toilet, and basin. They are well-stocked with towels, bathrobes, and bath products. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Built-in Closet Flat screen satellite TV with DVD/Video player CD player Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Cabin  En Suite Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: The light and airy Salon/Dining Room uses the full width of the barge and features large opening picture windows. Filled with natural light and soft colors, it is the perfect place for relaxing indoors. The Salon/Dining Room furniture consists of: 3 sofas Coffee table Fully-stocked bar and ice maker Dining table with seating for six (6) people ON DECK: The Sun Deck is a spacious open-air gathering area with plenty of shade and boasts a heated Jacuzzi excellent for relaxing with a refreshing drink.  The deck offers space for "al fresco" dining while the sun canopy helps shield guests from the heat of the day. The beautiful deck furniture consists of: 2 armchairs 2 reclining chairs 1 table with seating for six (6) 1 canopy The Sun Deck is a great spot to sun bathe and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you slowly wind through the canals of France. OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). A cozy, air-conditioned minivan is also available for transfers and onshore excursions.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

Meanderer cruises a carefully selected route between Montargis, a royal residence in the 14th and 15th centuries, and Châtillon Sur Loire (derived from Castilian “Little Fortress”), the town with origins dating back to the 10th century. As you float aboard the luxury barge Meanderer, you will enjoy scenic views of the Upper Loire valley. You will visit the towns of Montcresson, Montbouy, Châtillon-Coligny, Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, Ouzouer-Sur-Trézée and the Sancerre wine region. With its rich history, glorious architecture, daily town markets, antique shops and museums your experience can be tailored to your preferences by our crew and hosts. These ancient waterways will take you through the region in the way one traveled back then – a different pace, relaxing manner, and unforgettable images. On request, Meanderer will also cruise the northern part of the canal from Samois sur Seine to Montargis.  See sample itinerary for a description of each day along the route. Click below for a Sample Itinerary: Canal de Briare Canal du Loing

Highlights: Chateau Vaux Le Vicomte , filming location for "Man with the Iron Mask" Busy market town of Montargis Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, the ancient "staircase" of 7 locks, which stands as a monument to the old canal The world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample the local wine The impressive Briare Aqueduct , built by Mr. Eiffel of Eiffel Tower, Paris fame The pretty town of Gien on the banks of the River Loire with visit of the Chateau of Gien

George and Susan come to the Meanderer with extensive backgrounds in the hospitality, travel and service industries.  For many years George has been in the travel industry handling high end of corporate and private travel as well as major events and corporate planning. Susan comes from the luxury retail background and after leaving the corporate world started her own consulting company. She has worked with retail companies teaching them customer service and management development as well as writing customized training programs.

For the past five years they have also owned a Japanese restaurant, which has become one of the best-known and respected in the Scottsdale , Arizona area. Both understand what wonderful service is supposed to be and strive to provide only the best in all their business dealings. Since both of them come from Europe, George grew up in France , and Susan is from the UK , this venture is a natural for them. They have owned and enjoyed a 48 ft. sailboat for over 20 years in the coastal waters of the US Northeast.  Both speak fluent French and know France well. Both have a love for boating and the outdoors. They are avid exercise participants enjoying tennis, biking, hiking, camping and, in general, being active. They share a love for the arts, food and wine, and enjoying sharing those experiences with others.

SAMPLE DINNER MENU 1 Patatou des Pyrénées Warm goat cheese, potatoes, roasted walnuts Emincé de Poulet Fermier Sauce Parchement Free range breast Chicken with Sauterne Sauce Clafoutis aux Poires Pear Clafoutis, sorbet Assiete de Fromage (Assorted Cheese) Coffee and Chocolates SAMPLE DINNER MENU 2 Tatin de Champignons Sauvages Slow cooked wild mushrooms over puff pastry, black truffle sauce Magret de Canard au Madiran Honey roasted breast of Moulard Duck, shallots flan, Madiran wine sauce Fondant au Chocolat Warm flourless chocolate cake Assiete de Fromage (Assorted Cheese) Coffee and Chocolates SAMPLE DINNER MENU 3 Foie Poêlé au Muscat Pan seared foie gras with honey poached pear Saumon Farci aux Epinards Salmon stuffed with Spinach Mousse , served with dill beurre blanc Crêpes Suzette Sauce of orange juice & zest, Grande Marnier Assiete de Fromage (Assorted Cheese) Coffee and Chocolates SAMPLE DINNER MENU 4 Bisque de Homard Lobster Soup Carré d'Agneau Rôti Thym Frais et Tian de Légumes Roast rack lamb fresh thyme and vegetables Assortiment de Sorbets Maison Assortment of homemade sorbets Assiete de Fromage (Assorted Cheese) Coffee and Chocolates SELECTION OF WINES AND CHEESE Sunday Wine —Gigondas 2000/Sancerre Clos de Roy 2001 Cheeses —St Agur/Brie de Meaux Monday Wine —Morgon Beaujolais Cru  2000/Coulange les Vineuse 02 Cheeses —Bleu des Causses/Caprice des Dieux Tuesday Wine —Margaux 99/Poilly Fumé 2001 Cheeses —Montbriac/ Mimolette Wednesday Wine —Mercurey 99/Crozes Hermitage 02 Cheeses —Forme d'Ambert/Boursault Thursday Wine —Sancerre Cuvee Romble 01/Menetou Salon 02 Cheeses —Bleu d'Avergne/Boursin Poivre Friday Wine —St Emillion Gr Cru 98/Chablis Premiere Cru 2001 Cheeses —Domaine de Bresse/Pie d'Angloys

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Meanderer
Transfer to barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
Open bar
All escorted excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Gratuities
________________________________________________________________________

JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

Cruise Passenger Meeting Point Hotel of your choice - 2pm Paris To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from the hotel of their choice in Paris at 2pm. If you choose to stay in Paris prior to your cruise, please contact our Reservation Team for more information. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred back to Paris after breakfast. Alternative pre- and post-cruise transfer points can also be arranged.

	WINE Although the standard cruise includes two visits to a winery, this theme is expanded to include additional visits, tastings, opportunities to view the wine-making process. Find out more!
	FAMILY This family-friendly barge cruise is well-balanced to please every member on board despite the age level. Trips to theme parks and other adventurous activities await you and your family. Find out more!
	GOLF The Upper Loire region offers golfers the chance to play a number of immaculately presented, picturesque courses (including "Les Bordes" - regularly listed as one of Europe's top five courses). Find out more!
	CHOCOLATE & WINE A truly indulgent itinerary awaits as soon as you arrive in Paris. Your gracious hosts will pick you up from Paris in the early afternoon for a Parisian surprise... Find out more!
	ANTIQUES This antiques cruise goes a step further and offers guests the opportunity to explore flea markets and antique shops in search of France's cultural history. Find out more!