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Northern Burgundy, France
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Elisabeth
Barging in Burgundy
Passengers: 4-6
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families
Elisabeth's Chocolate and Wine Cruise was recently featured in the article
"Chocolate Guarantees a Sweet Trip" in The Columbus Dispatch on September 12, 2010.
2012 rates
Whole Boat Charter for 4 - $18,200Whole Boat Charter for 5 - $20,500
Whole Boat Charter for 6 - $23,800
Individual Cabin - $4,500 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement - $1,000
2012 dates
| June 9 - 15 |
July 21 - 27 |
September 1 - 7 |
October 13 - 19 |
| June 16 - 22 |
July 28 - August 3 |
September 8 - 14 |
October 20 - 26 |
| June 23 - 29 |
August 4 - 10 |
September 15 - 21 |
October 27 - Nov 2 |
| June 30 - July 6 |
August 11 - 17 |
September 22 - 28 |
|
| July 7 - 13 |
August 18 - 24 |
September 29 - Oct 5 |
|
| July 14 - 20 |
August 25 - 31 |
October 6 - 12 |
"The Chocolate and Wine Cruise" on the Burgundy canal is an indulgent crowd pleaser! Creative owners Pete and Sheena Jenner will arrange chocolate tastings, dessert-making demonstrations, and a cheese tasting - as well as divinely beautiful cruising and visits to abbeys, chateaux and lovely villages. See the itinerary section for the complete story on this DELICIOUS cruise!
Visiting Elisabeth always feels like "coming home!" Maybe that's why we keep coming back: In 2007, 2008, 2009 and then in the fall of 2010. We look forward to both the warm hospitality and the chocolate desserts! The Barge Lady's very own Caroline Sack Klein and Creative Director Kelly Weiss visited the Elisabeth in 2010. Read about their experience -
Caroline said, "My first impression of Elisabeth is how handsome and comfortable this barge was. After exploring a bit, I noticed a very unique and interesting feature of Elisabeth – the wheelhouse where Captain Pete navigates the barge is directly above the outdoor deck. This encourages conversations between guests and captain as Elisabeth cruises. Owners Pete and Sheena are your friends from the moment you board. Sheena explained that most guests select Elisabeth based on the premise of the casualness and friendliness of the barge and crew. Not to mention the sexy and indulgent “Chocolate and Wine” theme!
In addition to creative and inventive chocolate desserts and snacks, Pete and Sheena give chocolate soap to every guest, and have a copy of the movie “Chocolat” ready to watch on the DVD player the first night of the cruise. They even serve chocolate flavored wine…that’s right! Of course no visit to Elisabeth is complete without a customized DVD from Sheena of photos taken the week of your cruise. The crew is always thinking of new ideas to maintain the inviting and gregarious atmosphere. Elisabeth and her “Chocolate and Wine” theme is certainly a special experience for everyone.
Ellen said," Sheena is one of barging’s most creative guides. She is the only outside guide allowed at the Grottes D’Arcy, a series of mesmerizing limestone caves that represent a timeline of human evolution. Thirty thousand year old pre-historic paintings are still being discovered. Sheena also presents an underground site where the German occupiers manufactured airplanes during World War II. Assistant Guide Caroline Hurst leads some of the excursions. The basilica at Vezelay is one of her major interests. Our many guests adored Elisabeth and several parties have already booked a repeat cruise. "
Elisabeth Itinerary
"Chocolate and wine Cruise " 2011
TANLAY to VENERAY-LES-LAUMES
CANAL DE BOURGOGNE
Peter and Sheena Jenner say: "Our theme for the 2011 season is 'Chocolate and Wine'. From our visits to our demonstration to our tastings, we hope to surprise and delight you. Plus we'll offer gorgeous cruising, walking and bicycling; adorable villages and a romantic chateau, too!"
Saturday: Paris to Tanlay
Welcome Aboard!
We'll meet you at one pickup location in central Paris at 2:00pm and chauffeur your party to ELISABETH moored in the delightful chateau village of Tanlay. After the traditional Champagne Welcome, there is time to unpack and take a stroll around the village. The Chateau at Tanlay is romantic in nature. It is encircled by water-filled moats and entered across a stone-filled drawbridge. Tonight experience the first of many gourmet dinners on board, including a chocolate dessert, of course!
Sunday: Tanlay to LezinnesChateau Ancy-le-Franc Excursion
Set an early start after breakfast featuring just-baked pastries from the village. This morning's cruise is to the village of Lezinnes. Now is the time to walk or bicycle on the towpath - or just relax on deck or in the wheelhouse, both prime spots to watch the countryside slip slowly by. This afternoon's excursion is to the Renaissance chateau Ancy-le-Franc, pictured at left, one of the week's high points. This is one of France's few chateaux built in the Italian Renaissance style - the same architect was then hired by the French King to work on Fountainebleau. Now owned by a private company dedicated to its restoration, Ancy-le-Franc is filled with gorgeous frescos and friezes, gilt and marble-set in its own romantic grounds complete with stable and a "folie" built in the middle of lake. Then it's back to ELISABETH for an on-board tasting of Tonnerroise wines and another delicious on-board dinner!
Monday: Lezinnes to Ancy-le-Franc
Taste Wine AND Chocolate!
We'll moor today right near the Chateau. Depart after lunch for a drive through glorious vineyard country to the village of Chablis. Here there is both a tasting of local vinatges and the local Chocolate, Pillars of Chablis. There will be time for a brief stop in Noyers, one of the five prettiest villages in France! Then return to the barge for dinner - and may we suggest a movie night?! We have many good films - but would suggest the movie "Chocolat," which anticipates our visit later this week to the actual village featured!
Tuesday: Ancy-le-Franc to Ravieres
30,000 year old Cave Paintings
Today begins with a leisurely cruise to Ravieres. After lunch, depart with Sheena for her tour of Grottes D'Arcy sur Cure, a pre-historic cave offering some of the oldest cave paintings in the world - with new works being uncovered all the time. Sheena is the only private guide allowed to lead tours here - and the visit is mesmerizing. Cro-Magnon man lived and worked here 30,000 years ago! Return to dinner on board, and a chocolate dessert or two!
Wednesday: Ravieres to Montbard
Gorgeous Cruising and More!
We'll cruise to Montbard this morning. The scenery just gets prettier as we go. Our afternoon visit is to Abbaye de Fontenay, pictured at left, the oldest complete Cistercian abbey in France. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are many beautifully preserved buildings. Save your appetite for tonight's demonstration on the making of tiny chocolate petit fours!
Thursday: Montbard to Veneray-les-Laumes
The "Chocolat" Village
Our last cruise takes us to Veneray-les-Laumes, as the canal climbs slowly upward for panoramic views over the countryside. Cruise right with Captain Peter Jenner in his comfortable and shaded wheelhouse - he and Elisabeth are warmly welcomed by local lock-keepers!
Lunch is off the barge in Flavigny, pictured at right, the village where the film "Chocolat" was filmed. If time, we'll taste some local wines before driving a short distance to Alesia, site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gauls. The Roman ruins and amphitheater date back to 345BC. Then it's back to ELISABETH, where the Captain's dinner ends your cruise in style!
Friday: Veneray-les-Laumes to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to either central Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport - Your entire party must go to the same location. Estimated arrival time is noon. (An earlier departure may be arranged. Please do not book a flight out of Paris before 2:00pm on the day of departure.) We look forward to seeing you back again on ELISABETH!
This itinerary runs in the opposite direction - Veneray-les-Laumes to Tanlay - on alternate weeks. 6 night cruises begin Saturday at mid-afternoon in Paris and end the following Friday at noon in Paris
VENERAY-LES-LAUMES to TANLAY on the CANAL DE BOURGOGNE
Saturday: Paris to Veneray-les-Laumes
Welcome Aboard!
We’ll meet you at one central location in Paris at 2:00 pm and chauffeur your party to the village of Veneray-les-Laumes. After the traditional champagne welcome, there is plenty of time to unpack and take a walk around town – or explore a bit by bicycle. Tonight experience the first of many gourmet dinners on board, including a chocolate dessert, of course!
Sunday: Veneray-les-Laumes to Montbard
The Chocolat Village
There’s a lot of adventure today! First, we’ll visit Alesia, site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gauls, fighting for the soul of what would become France. The Roman ruins and amphitheater date back to 345 BC. Then, it’s back to the present, with a walk and lunch in the enchanting village of Flavigny, where the movie “Chocolat” was filmed. This afternoon, we’ll cruise to Montbard, enjoying panoramic views over the countryside. Get right into the wheelhouse with Captain Peter Jenner – he and Elisabeth are warmly welcomed by local lock-keepers! Dinner on board ends a busy day – but there is always time for an after-dinner drink on deck.
Monday: Montbard to Ravieres
Cruise...then tour...then cruise!
Start out early with a short cruise to the Forges du Buffon. Take the time to relax or walk or bicycle… the choice is always yours. We are passing through especially pretty scenery. The depart for the Abbeye de Fontenay, the oldest complete Cistercian abbey in France. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are many beautifully preserved builings. Then it is back to your floating home for lunch and the afternoon cruise to Ravieres. What about another chocolate dessert tonight – yummy!
Tuesday: Ravieres to Ancy-le-Franc
30,000 year old Cave Paintings
Relax this morning on the cruise to Ancy-le-France. We’ll go out to lunch before one of the most remarkable excursions to be found anywhere in France: Sheena’s private tour of the Grottes D’Arcy-sur-Cure, a cave offering some of the oldest and most beautiful cave paintings in the world – and new art being discovered all the time. Sheena is the only outside guide allowed to lead tours – and the visit is mesmerizing. Cro-Magnon man lived and worked here over 30,000 years ago. Return to the barge for dinner.
Wednesday: Ancy-le-Franc to Lezinnes
Taste Wine AND Chocolate!
Cruise this morning to Lezinnes, a typical town of the region. Depart after lunch for a drive through glorious vineyard country to the village of Chablis. Here there is both a tasting of local vintages and the local Chocolate, Pillars of Chablis. There will be time for a brief stop in Noyers, one of the five prettiest villages in France! Then return to the barge for dinner - and may we suggest a movie night?! We have many good films - but would suggest the movie "Chocolat," which should bring back happy memories of the village we visited earlier this week!
Thursday: Lezinnes to Tanlay
Chateau Ancy-le-Franc Excursion
Set an early start after breakfast featuring just-baked pastries from the village. This morning's cruise is to the village of Tanlay. Now is the time to walk or bicycle on the towpath - or just relax on deck or in the wheelhouse, both prime spots to watch the countryside slip slowly by. This afternoon's excursion is to the Renaissance chateau Ancy-le-Franc, one of the week's high points. This is one of France's few chateaux built in the Italian Renaissance style - the same architect was then hired by the French King to work on Fountainebleau. Now owned by a private company dedicated to its restoration, Ancy-le-Franc is filled with gorgeous frescos and friezes, gilt and marble-set in its own romantic grounds complete with stable and a "folie" built in the middle of lake. Then it's back to ELISABETH for an on-board tasting of Tonnerroise wines and another delicious on-board dinner!
Friday: Tanlay to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to either central Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport - Your entire party must go to the same location. Estimated arrival time is noon. (An earlier departure may be arranged. Please do not book a flight out of Paris before 2:00pm on the day of departure.) We look forward to seeing you back again on ELISABETH!
This itinerary runs in the opposite direction - Veneray-les-Laumes to Tanlay - on alternate weeks. 6 night cruises begin Saturday at mid-afternoon in Paris and end the following Friday at noon in Paris
Elisabeth In Holland
"tulip time " 2012
April 1 - 7April 8 - 14
May 13 - 19
May 20 - 26
Sunday: Pickup in Amsterdam
Drive to Elisabeth moored in Haarlem
Elisabeth's guide will meet you in the lobby of your Amsterdam hotel at 2:00 pm and drive you to the barge moored in Haarlem. There will be time for the Champagne welcome and a stroll around this enchanting town. Have a cafe in the square before the sun sets.
Monday: Cruise to Leiden
Tour in Haarlem
In the morning, your guide will take you around Haarlem; the sites include a very different church with a large organ on which Mozart and Handel played and a museum with many classic Dutch paintings. This afternoon, cruise to the university town of Leiden.
Tuesday: Cruise to Gouda
Visit Keukenhof Gardens
A cruise high point is the visit to Keukenhof Gardens, acres and acres of tulips and other flowers are on display. This is the perfect place to buy and ship bulbs, too. This afternoon, cruise to Gouda, famed for cheese. The bricked square is lined with cheese shops!
Wednesday: Explore two Viewpoints
Visit both the largest Church in Holland and a Witches Museum!
In the morning, we'll tour St. John's Church with gorgeous stained glass windows, then cruise to Odewater and visit to a Witches Museum! It is never boring on Elisabeth!
Thursday: Cruise to Delft
The most beautiful town in Holland with scenes right out of a Vermeer Painting
Cruise to Delft and visit a factory where the famed pottery is still made by hand. There will be time to wander over the bridges which span beautiful small canals. Some of the scenes are right out of a Dutch painting.
Friday: Into the Countryside
Cruise Right to a Cheese Farm
We'll moor right outside Mrs.Willigen's Cheese Farm, making a very easy visit!
Saturday:
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, we'll take your group to one location EITHER at Schiphol airport OR central Amsterdam. Please do not book a flight out of Schiphol before noon the day of departure. We hope to see you on Elisabeth again!
This itinerary runs in the opposite direction on alternate weeks. 6 night cruises begin Sunday at mid-afternoon in Amsterdam and end the following Saturday.
Elisabeth Guest Book
"I had a very high expectation level, which can sometimes lead to disappointment...however, all of my expectations in every area were met and exceeded! We are still pinching ourselves over the cruise. This was truly our best vacation ever and I would do it again."
Peggi Van Doren, cruised September 2011
"The cruise was wonderful and it was very nice to be picked up and delivered door to door. The Elisabeth is a well-run and beautiful barge-Peter's flowers are exquisite. Each day the crew asked what we wanted to do that day i.e. bike, walk, poke around in the villages, etc. They were open to assist us in all ways. We started the experience with a Sunday market experience and a wine tasting at the Chablis Winery. The cave paintings were extremely interesting as was the village of Noyers. We did a side trip to Beaune for the Hospice of Beaune and Marche aux Vin...highly recommend this!
Sheena is definitely a gourmet cook-very interesting presentations of everything from the aperitifs through dessert. Portions of the meals were great. We learned more about various wines and cheeses than we thought possible. The entire experience was a great way to see the countryside and villages, with some great side trips and out of this world cuisine!"
-Diane Wilson, cruised October 2011
"We we had a fabulous time on Elisabeth! Peter and Sheena are wonderful hosts and the barge is so beautiful I would have a hard time ever going on a different one in the future. Thanks for all your help in also making our Paris hotel arrangements. We particularly enjoyed the Hotel Relais Bosquet. The trip of a lifetime- thank you!"
"This was the trip of a lifetime. We were traveling with out 12 year old grandson and the crew made sure each of us had a fabulous time. Captain Peter and the rest of the crew were wonderful. The extent of the crew's knowledge and experience enhanced the excursions. The food on the barge was the best we ate throughout our 3 week trip in France AND Italy!!!"
- Marika and Bill Glied, cruised June, 2011
"Dear Ellen, I know my parents are planning to write to you soon -- and suspect my son Jonathan will as well -- but I wanted to let you know that, from what they all tell me, they had the times of their lives! Everything was wonderful. My son can't stop talking about the food, the charming people, the fascinating excursions, the boat, etc. I know he will remember this trip for his entire life. Good luck to you and thanks for your excellent service."
-Sherry Glied, family cruised June 2011
"As someone in the travel industry, there are no better compliments than repeat costumers. All of us want to return next summer to cruise on the Elisabeth - again! The cruise exceeded my expectations in every way, and the cabins were excellent."
- Jackie and Nick Iavarone, cruised June, 2011
"The trip from start to finish was fabulous! All the crew, i.e., Peter, Sheena, and in alphabetical order, Caroline, Charlie, Louis, were most competent and delightful to be around. The cuisine, wine, and all else was spectacular."
- Marjorie and David Fox, cruised May, 2011
"We had a great time. The daily excursions were interesting, and the food was excellent and presented with flair. I also feel like I had time to relax and enjoy cruising on the canal. I would definitely recommend the Elisabeth to anyone. They really make you feel at home!"
- Sharon and Chet Ellingson, cruised May, 2011
Dear Ellen and Caroline - Many thanks for what proved to be a fabulous vacation. I wouldn’t change a thing. Sheena and Peter [and Charly] were a delight. All good things must end – but leaving the Elisabeth was tough. I appreciate what you do."
- Mark Donnelly, cruised May, 2011
"This barge trip was memorable. The fact that it was owned and operated by such warm and outgoing personalities made us feel that we were invited onto a friends boat to share some fun. Sheena has great people skills and wonderful contacts in the area. Peter is a great personality liked by all on the canal. In our cabin, the mattress was wonderful and the bathroom terrific. The food was interesting and of the highest quality. Wines were great finds."
- Pam and Les Fleischer, cruised May, 2011
"A relaxing trip watching the French countryside passing by. Peter and Sheena and all the crew are a pure joy to spend time with and what seemed "just so easy" took card of all the details. We have booked a trip in April 2012 when the Elisabeth returns to Holland."
-Randy and Rosie Weiss, 2010
"A relaxing trip watching the French countryside passing by. Peter and Sheena and all the crew are a pure joy to spend time with and what seemed "just so easy" took card of all the details. We have booked a trip in April 2012 when the Elisabeth returns to Holland."
-Randy and Rosie Weiss, 2010
"It was just a marvelous way to vacation. Although we saw amazing scenery and historical sites, we were able to do it all at a pace that was relaxing. For people who are always on the go, that was a wonderful way to truly get away. The food, crew, wine weren't half bad either (They were awesome!)"
-Doug and Susan Stussi, 2010
"Every day was phenomenal! Our second trip with Peter and Sheena flew by. We are planning our third."
-Ed and Susie Ailor, 2010
"We had such a good time on the Elizabeth. Peter and Sheena were the absolute perfect hosts. The crew is so warm and accommodating, and we felt like family by the end! The food and wine were both amazing."
-Alicia and Jake Jacobson, 2010
"This trip was something I had wanted to do for years, and it was better than I imagined! It was so relaxing - such a first class pampered experience. I was a little concerned I might get bored, but just the opposite - one week was not enough - it went by too fast. I wasn't aware of being stressed before I left home, but the barge trip was so relaxing, so comfortable. It certainly gave me new insights, and a new appreciation of the French countryside once you are out of the cities and large towns. I love Paris, but please take me out the countryside again! Soon!"
-John Nisley and Leatrice Roberts, 2010
Elisabeth |  |
 Smoked Salmon and St. Jacques Terrine with St. Jacques Sauce * * * Sorbet de Poire with Poire Liquor * * * Steak with Red Wine Sauce Rosti and Dauphin Potatoes Vegetable Bouquet * * * Cheese Platter Regal De Bourgogne Comte * * * Strawberry Chantilly Pancakes Vanilla Creme Fresh Fruits * * * Chocolates, Coffee and Liqueurs * * * * * ~ Wines ~ Chablis Premier Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2001 Beaune Premier Cru les Greves 1998 |
Elisabeth Floor Plan
100 Feet long
-3 cabins, all 103 sq ft with twin beds or queen.
-Attractive barge with salon and dining area with high windows.
-Laptop on board for use of the guests.
-Extensively renovated for the 2012 season, including new carpets and décor in the cabins
