THE BARGE: Constructed in 1928 as a cargo barge carrying goods between the islands of the North Sea and the mainland Measures 88 ft. long Three (3) onboard cabin accommodations Six (6) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Two (2) crew members who speak both German, Spanish, and English. PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: TV with DVD player Internet access Two (2) Dutch-style bicycles and two (2) mountain bikes MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Caroline has no wheelchair access. There are narrow steps leading down from the deck to the salon and cabin area that may be difficult to navigate for people with very limited mobility. DECK PLAN: The well-planned accommodation of Caroline offers a choice of three air-conditioned twin/double staterooms.

CABINS: There are three (3) luxurious and spacious air-conditioned guest cabins on board Caroline, each with private en suite bathroom. CABIN SIZE: All cabins are very similar in size and are equally comfortable. The size listed below for each cabin includes bathroom area. Cabin 1 - Approx. 131 sq. ft. Cabin 2 - Approx. 88 sq. ft. Cabin 3 - Approx. 108 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: There is one (1) double-bed and two (2) twin-bed cabins. Bed sizes are: Twin - 3 ft. X 7 ft. Double - 4 ft. 6 in. X 6 ft. 6 in. BATHROOMS: Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower, wardrobes and shelves for clothes. AMENITIES: Climate Control Wardrobes/Shelves Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Twin Configuration Double Configuration En Suite Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: Guests will find a relaxed atmosphere in the comfortable Salon/Dining Room, and a well-equipped galley-kitchen where the hosts will prepare incredibly delicious meals. The Salon/Dining Room features: Built-in sofas Small tables TV with DVD player Wood-burning stove Dining table with seating for six (6) people ON DECK: The huge flowered Sun Deck is laid with carpet and is also the best place to admire the gurgling waters in the famous oval locks. Enjoy relaxing with a cool drink or sit on the bench in front of the steering position under a shady umbrella watching the wonderful French countryside drift past. The comfortable deck furniture consists of: 1 al fresco dining table 1 parasol 4 reclining chairs OFF BOAT: Guests will travel through one of the most picturesque landscapes of Europe; therefore, they are encouraged to take a walk on the old, but well-maintained, towpath in the shade of the plentiful plantane trees. Since the barge travels slowly, this will not be a problem. On the canal there is no car traffic, nor hills or mountains, so riding a bicycle on the towpath is stress-free ride and also offers a pleasant way to experience the passing villages. Additionally, an air-conditioned minivan is available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

Caroline travels the idyllic Canal du Midi in the sunny southern part of France between the cities of Beziers and Carcassonne, famous for the old fortified “La Cite” overlooking the Canal and the city. Close to the Mediterranean and the historic sites of the Cathar country of Languedoc-Roussillon, the Canal du Midi joins, since 1681, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. This terrific waterway is part of UNESCO World Heritage. This more than 300 year old Canal offers enchanting views behind every curve. The waterway follows the contours of the landscape. Sometimes one curve leads into the next and than suddenly spacious vineyards. Sometimes Caroline crosses a river on an aqueduct, this always excites interest and many photos. The locks, the avenues of plane trees, whose roots are securing the banks of the canal, every bridge or aqueduct speaks volumes of the ingenuity of the builder - Pierre-Paul Riquet, who, with engineering ingenuity, constructed a technical masterpiece. Click below for Sample Itinerary: Beziers-Carcassonne

Highlights: The vast medieval castle town of Carcassonne Exploring Narbonne, the ancient capital of Roman Gaul Le Somail: a hamlet created by Pierre Paul Riquet, now home of quite a few craftsmen like painters and potters Beziers: the native town of Pierre Paul Riquet, inventor of the "Canal du Midi”

The casual environment on board Caroline is further heightened by the charm and charisma of her owners, Ute & Uli Weber. As your hosts for this week-long adventure, they make your grand experience their top priority. Known for their affable demeanor, Ute & Uli will help you create a truly unforgettable experience upon the Midi Canal. Here are just a few kind words from some recent travelers: "Ute's food is incredibly delicious." "Uli is an amazing and knowledgeable captain." "They both were so charming & attended to our every need!"

Caroline offers her guests A La Carte cruises (Half Board or Full Board), which helps her travelers get acquainted with local traditional cuisine, and explore new tastes of the local restaurants.
	Breakfast Caroline offers an extensive continental breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, tea, fruit juices, croissants and Baguettes, eggs, jams, cereals, yogurts, and much more. Lunch* Lunches served aboard Caroline are true 4-course gastronomic dinner-like menus, including fresh salads from the region with different dressings (i.e. - roquefort or walnut); tomatoes provençal; local specialties like ham, pepper salami and wild salami from the Languedoc-Roussillon; different cheese specialties; warm Quiche Lorraine; Confit de Canard; andCréme Bruleé to name a few. Beverages such as soft drinks, beer, wine and bar drinks are included. Note: Dinners with the Half Board Cruise program are not included in the weekly arrangement (except on Sunday evening) and will be taken onboard or ashore in a restaurant of your choice. Returning to the barge after dinner, enjoy the evenings sitting on deck with a glass of wine or digestive, talking, laughing, and sharing.
If requested, Full Board / All Inclusive cruises can be arranged at additional cost (see Dates & Rates below). * Alternatively, guests can enjoy the 4-course meals as dinner instead of lunch. This is an alternative for those days which are too hot at lunchtime, or the breakfast was just a too short of a time prior to lunch. It is also ideal to dine this way if guests have had a little bite in the lovely covered food market in Narbonne at lunchtime, and for dinner, Caroline is moored somewhere in the picturesque landscape - in the middle of nowhere - without any restaurant nearby. Dining ashore (a selection of restaurants) The following link is a guide to some of the most enticing restaurants found close to the canal along this cruise route.  Here, you will find a wide range of dining choices in terms of atmosphere, price, and specialty.

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Cruises commence on Sundays; however, variations are possible.

Half Board price includes:

A cabin on board Caroline
Transfers from or near Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne to the barge & return
Meals on board (Welcome Dinner, breakfasts & lunches)
Table wine, beers, soft drinks & bar drinks served on board
Use of bicycles

Full Board price includes:

A cabin on board Caroline
Transfers from or near Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne to the barge & return
Meals on board (Welcome Dinner, breakfasts, lunches & dinners)
Table wine, beers, soft drinks & bar drinks served on board
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Lunches or dinners ashore
Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne & return
Gratuities

Barge vehicle is available for short side trips along the way. Guided shore excursions and longer side trips are optional and available on request for an additional fee.
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

Cruise Passenger Meeting Point Hotel or Train Station - 4pm Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from hotel or railway station at 4pm. If you choose to stay in Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne prior to your cruise, please contact our Reservation Team for more information. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred back to hotel or railway station after breakfast. Alternative pre- and post-cruise transfer points can also be arranged.
Recommended TGV Trains Between Paris and Beziers Beginning Saturday:  TGV6209 Departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:20am and arriving Beziers at 3:30pm. Returning Friday:  TGV6210 Departing Beziers at 12:25pm and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 4:40pm Recommended TGV Trains Between Paris and Narbonne
Beginning Saturday: TGV6209 Departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:20am and arriving Narbonne at 3:45pm. Returning Friday: TGV6210 Departing Narbonne at 12:10pm and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 4:40pm. There are no direct trains between Paris and Carcassonne.  Please contact us for details on the most convenient transportation. TGV Trains between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport And Beziers or Narbonne are also available. Please inquire for details.