Sun-drenched shores of Southern France on the luxury hotel barge Athos for 10 guests
UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient villages, Roman fortresses, lush vineyards, picturesque landscapes
7 days / 6 nights
Cruise Highlights * Tour of the medieval city of Carcassonne * Private tour and tasting at a Minervois winery * Organic Olive Tasting at L’Oulibo * Cruise through the natural haven that is the “Petit Camargue” * Tour and tasting at the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery * Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
Itinerary:* Sunday, Day 1 Welcome to Athos Guests are met in Beziers** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Athos. A full-crew Welcome Aboard follows, with champagne and Mediterranean canapés. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to your first 4-course dinner on board, prepared by the highly skilled chef.
Monday, Day 2 Argeliers to La Croisade Enjoy breakfast in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of the hotel barge, before driving to the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. The knowledgeable guide will provide a full tour of this historical place and ensure that you also have time to browse the shops. Return to the barge for a gourmet lunch (perhaps including the famous duck confit stew, cassoulet) and an afternoon’s cruise to La Croisade, with plenty of opportunity to walk or bicycle along the towpath. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 La Croisade to Capestang After breakfast, we enjoy a tasting at “L’Oulibo”, the local olive oil press. After tasting those organic and wholesome olives accompanied by a glass of rosé, we take a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve. Your guide will regale you with the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th century. Relax after lunch on board, whilst we cruise to Capestang, or you can enjoy a wine tasting at a local château, such as Château Cabezac. Return to the hotel barge for dinner on board and admire the floodlit Collegiale St. Etienne.
Wednesday, Day 4 Capestang to Fonserannes After breakfast, we take a trip to the weekly morning market in Narbonne. Even for non-shoppers, Narbonne offers much entertainment. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the Roman Museum, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or simply relax at one of the many cafés. After lunch in the atmospheric market, we return to Athos and cruise to Fonserannes. From our mooring tonight you will have a glorious view of the town of Beziers and the Cathedral St.Nazaire. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 Fonserannes to Portiragnes This morning we drive to the old market town of Pezenas, which was the first seat of the Languedoc court. The architecture is unique within this region because of the “Hotels Particuliers” or mansions belonging to the noble families who followed the Court. It is filled with artisans’ shops, including painters, hat makers, and costume designers. Once again, your guide makes sure that there is time to browse, as well as learning about the history. After lunch we begin our negotiation of a 17th century feat of engineering, the Fonserannes Staircase Locks. Then we traverse the 18th century aqueduct over the River Orb. The paved towpath and the many locks leading to our mooring make it an ideal afternoon for walking or bicycling alongside the barge. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 Portiragnes to Marseillan This morning, we get underway earlier than usual, cruising through the area known as the “Petit Camargue”. Bird watchers should look out for the local species such as pink flamingos, African Rollers and Bee Eaters. After crossing through the exceptional “round lock” at Agde, a spectacular and appropriate seafood lunch awaits you, as you enter the open-waters of the Etang de Thau, which boasts Europe’s largest mussel and oyster beds. As we moor in the port at Marseillan, you will notice the enclosure of the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery. End a perfect day with a fascinating tour of the distillery and if you choose, a tasting of Noilly Prat before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Marseillan After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Beziers.
*This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change due to local conditions. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in reverse direction from Marseillan to Argeliers.
Departure dates 2024: Weekly every sunday between March 31 and October 27, 2024
Rates 2024 per person in state room from EUR 4,890 to 5,650 EUR per week Supplement for single cabin from 1,800 EUR to 2,100 EUR
Rate includes: • local transfers to and from the hotel barge • a luxury 6 night cruise on luxury hotel barge "Athos" • all gourmet meals on board catered by the on board Master Chef • all wines/beverages served throughout the cruise • an open bar 24/7 with a large range of drinks • inspiring excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary • the attentive services of 6 crew members • use of bicycles, Wi-Fi (limited speed)
Hotel barge Athos: Dimensions: approx. 30 x 5 m Crew: 5 Cabins: 5 (between 8.7 and 9.5 sqm) each with bathroom with shower/WC (equipped with hair dryer and beauty products), 2 portholes in the cabin and 1 in the bathroom, portholes can be opened, individually controlled air conditioning and heating Beds: According to guests wishes double bed (1.90 x 1.60m) or 2 single beds (1.90 x 0.80m). 1 cabin can be changed into cabin for 4 people with 2 bunk beds. Equipment: sun deck, dining room and saloon, 10 bicycles, WiFi (connection partly limited), small library, games, boules, binoculars, guitar on request Meals: Daily fresh menu prepared by the chef
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Would you like an
individual guidance?
We know most of our vacation villas personally and will be happy
to advise you in detail. We look forward to hearing from you!
