Charlemagne

Crusing France, Germany and Luxembourg

Passengers: 32
Size: 217 feet long
Rating: First Class, A/C, Great for Groups and Families
Last Visited: 2007

We are sorry to announce that charlemagne is no longer in service.  please call us at (800) 880-0071 and let us recommend an alternate vessel.

We were recently welcomed to Charlemagne by owners Guy Bardet and John Senior and were extremely pleased with this bright, spacious and above all comfortable vessel. The salon, lit by floor to ceiling windows, hosts small and intimate seating groups, while the twin-bedded cabins are simpler but have great bathrooms with double sinks and powerful showers. (There are also two suites which may be reserved for a higher price.)The large deck offers the perfect perch from which to enjoy passing scenery. 2007 crew includes experienced Barge Manager Christophe, adorable maitre'd Julian (who I had met on Libelulle) and chef Mario, who invites guests into the kitchen and shares recipes

The Holland at Tulip Time itinerary is very comprehensive, taking in the towns of Gouda, Haarlem and Aalkmaar (a Barge Lady favorite - an enchanting town that no other barge visits.) Excursions include the famed Keukenhof Gardens, the flower auction at Aalsmeer, the windmills lined up at Kinderdijk and the reconstructed Dutch village at Zaansche Schans. As on all Canal and Company barges, wonderful young crew keep the ambiance festive.

Charlemagne

River Moselle Barge Cruise Itinerary

Koblenz, Germany to Metz, France

on the Moselle River

Saturday: Frankfurt to Koblenz, Germany
We meet at Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel in Frankfurt at 2pm and transfer to Charlemagne, moored in the city of Koblenz, a welcome aboard reception will await you and then you will be shown to your cabins, time to settle into your accomodations before dinner is served.

Sunday: Koblenz to Cochem
A morning cruise on the Mosel brings us to Cochem, this famous riverside town is dominated by its medieval castle, originally built in the 11th C. Later, during a wine tasting you will be able to familiarize yourself with the different wines of the region.

Monday: Cochem to Bernkastel-Kues
The Moselle winds and turns and takes a route along the terrain which is entorely cultivated with vines which extend as far as the eye can see, occasionally broken by small villages.  We stop at Bernkastel-Kues for a visit to the small town and its half timbered houses.

Tuesday: Bernkastel-Kues to Trier
This morning , we continue our cruise up the river Moselle in one of the most beautiful parts of Germany.
After lunch, tour of the city of Trier.  This city was the capital of the Occidental Roman Empire in the 3rd C. and was named Rome of the North.  Trier can qualify, along with Worms as the oldest town in Germany.  Its remarkable collection of Roman ruins has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Wednesday: Trier to Remich, Luxembourg
Morning cruise on the river Moselle and arrive into Remich.  This charming small town is part of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and we will take an excursion there this afternoon.  The capital is a thousand years old, fascinating, built on rock and called the Gibraltar of the North.  A short bus ride will also take us for a visit to the Roman mosaiques of Nenning.  They were discovered in 1852 as part of an immense villa.  The sumptuous mosaic wall is the largest, most beautiful and best preserved north of the Alpes.  We return to Charlemagne in Remich.

Thursday: Remich to Metz, France
Early morning cruise to enter France, and finally reach Metz.  The countryside changes radically and we leave the hills and vineyards behind us, replaced by the vast plains of the Lorraine.  This afternoon, a visit to Metz, the city is Roman, Medieval, Classic and keeps its aspects from its three thousand years of history.  The cathedral of Saint-Etienne is world renown for its stained glass which covers a surface of 6496 square meters.  We have the pleasure of admiring the masterpieces from the 13th C until recent times.  There will be free time in the city before we return to Charlemagne for our farewell Gala Dinner.

Friday: Return to Frankfurt
After breakfast, we return to Frankfurt by motor coach, arriving around lunchtime.



Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Germany. Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Charlemagne

Guest Book

"This was our third barge trip and we really enjoyed it.  Loved the floor to ceiling windows on the Charlemagne.  You could sit on a couch and still see outside!  Also, loved having the whole top deck open.  My favorite day was the one I sat outside in the sun and watched the hillside vineyards go by in Germany.  It was heavenly!"
-Ed and Nancy Hawfield, 2008

The staff was outstanding - all of them. The cuisine was excellent. Far exceeding what we were anticipating. The chef Mario is a find. Not only was the food, wine and cheese excellent, his personality was great. He added a lot of fun to our time aboard. The Black Forest Cake that they baked for my birthday was the greatest. "
- Charles and Janice Sparrer, 2007

"Everything was new (deck furniture, bikes) and well-cared-for. The table settings were always different and lovely and featured French crystal and silverware. This attention to detail was very appreciated!"
- William and Geri Mose, 2006

"The warm personalities of the barge staff made us feel welcome and special. We had a wonderful week of sightseeing, dining, making new friends and being totally spoiled. We loved the 'City Lights' cruise through Paris."
- Arno and Linda Schubert, 2006