Life in the slow lane: canal & river cruising. What is new at Abercrombie & Kent for 2005-06 (Nov. 23, 2004)

Life in the slow lane: canal & river cruising. What is new at Abercrombie & Kent for 2005-06
A journey aboard one of the small boats that ply Europe's rivers and rural canals is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy France, Holland, England, Scotland or Ireland.
While your barge travels, you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride (and the incredible meals). Or, if you prefer, take advantage of the active options that are part of the barging experience, like towpath cycling or village rambles.

The wide variety of barge vessels and itineraries available from Abercrombie & Kent makes it easy to find a barge holiday that matches your own travel style.
A&K has selected 22 of the most coveted canal and river cruisers in Europe, both hotel vessels and private charters, to travel the picturesque waterways of Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Alsace-Lorraine, Provence, Bordeaux, Normandy, Holland, England, Scotland and Ireland.

Comfortable cabins include private, en suite facilities; distinctive dining with exceptional service; and spacious lounges and sundecks with al fresco dining. For the most part, canal cruises emphasize relaxed, leisurely travel in country regions filled with often overlooked sightseeing treasures. The actual miles covered on a canal trip are relatively few, with frequent opportunities for waterside activities. Canal barges typically carry between 6 and 24 passengers.

NEW FOR 2005-06

Prosperite brings a new standard of luxury to the barging experience with plenty of space and privacy. Watch the Canal de Bourgogne glide past from the hot tub on deck visit the open kitchen to see your chef in action and spend your nights in a spacious cabin with a full tub and shower. Six-night charters from $40,000. Reserve and deposit by December 31, 2004 and save 5%.

Graceful Anjodi glides along the Canal du Midi with its picturesque locks, aqueducts, bridges and tunnels or, as an end-of-season alternative, through Provence and Camargue along the sun-baked Mediterranean coast. Six-nights from $2,390.

While an extensive network of canals makes France the capital of barging, barging opportunities in the British Isles celebrate our shared cultural heritage and make history come alive. Newly refurbished, Actief cruises the stunning upper reaches of England's Royal River Thames.
This world of picturesque villages, winding backwaters and tidy locks is a cruise through English history. Superb private tours, gourmet cuisine and excellent service assure a relaxing and refreshing holiday. Six-night cruises from $2,390.

Shannon Princess II provides an outstanding cruise experience along some of Ireland's loveliest waterways. Skipper Ruari Gibbons and his wife Olivia, a renowned chef, invite you to make their lovely barge your home. Buoyed by spectacular scenery and Ireland's legendary hospitality, you'll be enchanted by the history and culture of this fascinating land.
Six night cruises from $3,500; charters for 10 passengers, $33,000.

Specialty departures cater to unique interests. Whether you choose to savor the finest vintages in the regions where they are are produced, golf on Scotland's challenging courses, marvel at the springtime tulips in Holland, go antiquing in London, or fish Europe's rivers and streams, A&K has a specialty departure for you.
Choose from planned offerings or allow A&K to create a personalized itinerary for a group of family and friends.

Celebrate in A&K Style
On charter departures, all cabins on board are reserved for the exclusive use of the chartering party, which may be a family or group of friends travelling together. Barges dedicated to charter use are usually small, with space for 6 or 8 passengers.
If your group is larger, we'll find a larger boat or two barges that can travel in tandem. By special arrangement, any barge featured in our brochure can be chartered. Barging in Europe is ideal for families looking for a relaxing and comfortable way to vacation together. It's a great way to enjoy Europe at your own pace.
Parents and grandparents can stretch out on deck with a book while the children walk or cycle along the towpath or vice versa. And because there's no need to pack, repack and move from place to place, the barge very quickly becomes a comfortable home away from home.

(Source: Abercrombie & Kent, Inc.)