The Barge Company. Relax, Unwind and Let the World Float by... TM

Transcription

1 Cruising in the South of France The Canal du Midi (between Salleles d Aude and Marseillan) 100 FEET LONG (30 METRES) 10 PASSENGERS 5 CREW 5 TWIN OR DOUBLE CABINS (ALL WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM) 8 GOOD QUALITY BIKES AIR CONDITIONING CENTRAL HEATING FISHING EQUIPMENT 2 FULLY AIR CON D PRIVATE MINIBUSES (CHRYSLER) FOR EXCURSIONS CD PLAYER, LIBRARY, GAMES The Athos is the largest vessel able to pass through the beautiful and unique oval locks on the Canal du Midi. Recently refurbished internally (2007), she has been designed to offer every comfort. Her varnished woods and pretty floral fabrics lift the spirits and together with the warm, welcoming crew you will soon be feeling totally at home. There are five cabins, all en suite, and each can be arranged with either two single beds (twin) or with one large double bed. Athos is fully air conditioned and each cabin has independent heating controls. Adjacent to the cabins is the large saloon dining room, bar and galley from where you can enjoy watching the world float by with a favourite tipple in hand if you re not lounging outside on the spacious sun deck already. With large chairs, loungers and umbrellas for those who prefer the shade it s the perfect place to chill out. Two air-conditioned minibuses are provided for the daily excursions and the celebrated Chef prepares gourmet delights for each meal, for which the Athos has become renowned. Especially suitable for large private family charter cruises, or simply groups of friends who wish to cruise in privacy and comfort, the Athos provides everything needed, and more, for this type of trip. Special Wine Cruises for charters of 10 guests may be arranged with a wine expert on board with guests during the cruise. Golf cruises and Tennis cruises can also be organized. Please contact us for more details. Cruise highlights may include: 2010 PRICES (USD) VALUE SEASON Individual Cabin Bookings (price per guest sharing a double or twin cabin) Single cabin occupancy supplement REGULAR SEASON $3,690 $4,350 $950 $950 Charter for up to 6 guests $28,900 $34,390 Charter for up to 8 guests $32,840 $38,500 Charter for up to 10 guests $35,220 $42,390 CRUISES START ON A SUNDAY AND END ON THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY The must-see medieval citadel of Carcassonne Minerve the stunning hilltop village Narbonne on its buzzing market day Domaine de Guéry a winery using traditional C20th equipment The Fonserannes staircase of 9 locks and canal bridge Oyster beds of the salt water lagoon the Etang de Thau Noilly Prat wine-tasting in the small fishing port of Marseillan PICK-UP 4pm, Sunday, at Montpellier airport (for collection from flight or after car hire drop-off), train station or central hotel (for the entire group). DROP-OFF nearest railway station, airport or car rental agency (for the entire group) on Saturday after breakfast. VALUE SEASON DATES: 28 March thru 24 April; 04 July thru 28 August; 17 October thru 06 November 2010 REGULAR SEASON DATES: 25 April thru 03 July; 29 August thru 16 October 2010

2 Sample Itinerary Salleles d'aude to Marseillan (or reverse) Sunday, Day 1 SALLELES D'AUDE - 4pm pick up at designated point in Montpellier. You will be met by ATHOS Captain and Manager. In the comfort of ATHOS' private air-conditioned Chrysler minivans, you will be chauffeured to where the ATHOS awaits you at her moorings. You will be treated to a full-crew Welcome Aboard, whilst toasting with Champagne and Mediterannean canapés. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by our highly acclaimed onboard Chef. Monday, Day 2 SALLELES D AUDE -ARGELIERS Enjoy your first coffee of the day sitting in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of ATHOS. While coffee is available at any time from the bar, breakfast is served, at your leisure, beginning at 8:30am. The proposed morning visit is a drive to the famous Medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable on-board guide, Dannielle, will offer the historical & guided visit -- making sure that you have time to browse those shops! While the Captain gets ATHOS underway for an afternoon's cruise to Argeliers, Chef will serve up another local 3-course gourmet meal (perhaps including the famous duck confit stew, Cassoulet?). By early evening you have arrived in Argeliers, where ATHOS' mooring is beside the picturesque Argeliers bridge. There ought to be enough time for a brisk stroll into the village before Chef starts serving up her next delight! Tuesday, Day 3 ARGELIERS - CAPESTANG Breakfast. This morning's suggested visit is a tasting at the Oulibo - the local olive oil pressoir. After tasting those organic and wholesome olives (accompagnied, bien sur by a small glass of rosé!!), a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve is in order. Dannielle will regale you with the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th C. A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await your return to the ATHOS. We arrive early evening in the charming village of Capestang. ATHOS will be moored with a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk -- and dinner will be waiting on your return! Wednesday, Day 4 CAPESTANG - FONSERANNES Breakfast. Visit the 6thC establishment and archeological site at the Oppidum d'enserune & amazing look-out and landscape of the Lac de Montady. To maintain your enthusiasm for local fare, Dannielle would like to invite you to a wine-tasting at one of the few remaining traditional-method 19th C wineries. On returning to ATHOS, a stylish al-fresco lunch awaits you (along with more traditional, dry, fruity rosé!). The afternoon promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. This evening's mooring is the breath-taking view-point at the Fonserannes. Perhaps a little cycle ride down to the staircase locks and the Canal Bridge will work up your appetite for the Chef's creations this evening? Thursday, Day 5 FONSERANNES - VILLENEUVE LES BEZIERS breakfast. Why not take a side-trip to the weekly morning market in Narbonne? Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, or, browse through the well-compiled Roman Museum, or, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or, simply take a moment to blend into the scene: sit and relax in one of the many cafés. As Chef and the hostess begin serving up today's luxury meal, Captain Julian and his deck hand are busy getting ATHOS underway. This 17thC feat of engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks), is sure to impress! ATHOS crew expertly tie her up in each lock, and wait for the gates to close safely behind her before the water levels empty out and allow her to pass one locks into the next. But it's not over yet! Coming up next is the 18th C Canal Bridge which will carry the ATHOS over the Orb River. The evening's mooring will be at the small village of Villeneuve les Beziers. The paved tow path and the many locks leading to this village make it an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling alongside the ATHOS. Dinner onboard. Friday, Day 6 VILLENEUVE les BEZIERS - AGDE - MARSEILLAN Breakfast. From the shaded and scenic mooring of Villeneuve, we get underway earlier than usual to make it into the Greek-established village of Agde for before lunch. Discover Agde! This morning will see bustling activity in the tiny centre ville. Take the opportunity to explore the Old Town and the Romanesque Cathedral which overlooks the River Herault. enjoy the short walk into Agde for a little exploration, or, relax on deck with a book. Late morning, ATHOS leaves your shaded mooring at Agde, and cruises towards Marseillan. A spectacular (and appropriate!) seafood lunch awaits you, as you enter the openwaters of the Etang de Thau. The Etang hosts Europe's largest mussel and oyster park. As ATHOS comes to moor in the port at Marseillan, you will notice the enclosure which makes up the Noillly Prat Vermouth distillery. End a perfect day with a fascinating tour of the Distillery -- and, of course, a taste of Noilly Prat vermouth! Chef's efforts are sure to make this evening worth remembering! Captain Julian will join your party for your final dinner onbard this evening. During the evening, he will also invite the crew to make a farewell toast with you. Saturday, Day 7 MARSEILLAN Breakfast. Wave goodbye to the Crew, who have looked after your every need throughout the week. The minivans will now depart to the appointed destination in Montpellier. PLEASE NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruises will be in reverse direction.

3 More Pictures (Click on an image to enlarge) Enjoy a warm welcome aboard with a champagne reception (below left). Guests love the solid hardwood interior that lends a truly boaty feel. The lavishly laden dining table seats up to 10 guests with ease, and the well stocked open bar is at your disposal throughout the week. Cabins are fresh and light, with luxuriously comfortable mattresses, bed coverings and over-sized cushions. Every cabin has natural light from portholes and solid wood doors lead to the bathroom, wardrobe and corridor (see below, second from left). Bathrooms are prettily tiled and immaculately clean, equipped with proper toilets too! Fresh herbs are grown on the large open sun deck all year round, and there s plenty of teak deck furniture to relax in as the sun goes...glass of wine in hand. Beautiful vineyard scene from the Canal du Midi. Gourmet cuisine on board.the ATHOS moored in Marseillan a charming fishing village on the Thau Salt Water Lagoon The dawn Mist over Beziers Cathedral Sunset over the Thau Salt Water Lagoon

4 Client Quotes Here are just a few of the things that past clients have had to say about their wonderful cruises on the ATHOS... The ultimate relaxing vacation. No better place to be captive: beautiful scenery, fantastic food and service! Georgia, USA My third trip!! As relaxing and self-indulgent as ever thank you (to all the crew), again! Kent, Great Britain Wonderful boat, great adventures, fabulous food. Brilliant crew. Thanks for a great time Pennsylvania, USA Thank you for sharing the past wee with us and for making our 10th anniversary so special. We ve had a fabulous time and thank you for every moment Sydney, Australia

5 Food and Wine SAMPLE MENU ENTRÉE (STARTER) Millefeuille of Peppers, Aubergines and Goat s Cheese, served with Balsamic Vinegar, Basil Oil and Rich Tomato Sauce MAIN COURSE Magret de Canard with Roasted Root Vegetables in a Rosemary, Thyme and Red Wine Jus CHEESES Chevre Frais, Etorki, Roquefort DESSERT Lavender Crème Brulée SOME OF THE ATHOS WINES: Crémant de Limoux, Château Haut Gléon Corbières, Borie Maurel Minervois, Picpoul de Pinet, Château Puech Haut Rosé

6 Deck Plan