Elisabeth Barging in Holland

Passengers: 4-6
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2012 Holland Tulip Time rates

Whole Boat Charter for 4 - $18,200
Whole 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 Holland Tulip Time dates

March 25 - 31    Haarlem to Vreeland  Available

April 1 - 7          Vreeland to Haarlem  SOLD OUT

April 8 - 14        Haarlem to Vreeland  SOLD OUT

April 15 - 21      Vreeland to Haarlem  SOLD OUT

April 22 - 28      Haarlem to Vreeland  SOLD OUT

April 29-May 5  Vreeland to Haarlem  SOLD OUT

May 6 - 12         Haarlem to Vreeland  SOLD OUT

May 13 - 19       Vreeland to Haarlem  SOLD OUT

May 20 - 26       Haarlem to Antwerp   SOLD OUT

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 2010 guests adored Elisabeth and several parties have already booked a week in 2012 when the barge will spend April and May in Holland. "

Elisabeth Holland Itinerary

HAARLEM TO VREELAND AT TULIP TIME

Sunday: Amsterdam to Haarlem
Warm Welcome Aboard
Elisabeth’s guide will meet you in the lobby of your Amsterdam hotel at 2:00 pm and chauffeur you to the barge moored in the enchanting town of Haarlem. Estimated driving time is 30 to 60 minutes. Meet your hosts Peter and Sheena Jenner and enjoy the traditional Champagne welcome with the entire crew. There will be time for Sheena to introduce you to Haarlem, a tour which can include the Frans Hals Museum which closes at 5:00 pm today. Have a café in the town square before the sun sets and then return to Elisabeth for the first of many gourmet meals on board.

Monday: Haarlem to Leiden
An Enchanting Church
Start the day with a visit to the St. Bavo Protestant Church, a late Gothic basilica holding down a prime position right on the square. This is a church unlike anything you’ve seen and also boasts a huge organ on which have played Handel, Mozart and many other famous composers. Then begin to explore the Dutch waterways with an afternoon cruise to the university town of Leiden.

Tuesday: Leiden to Gouda
Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!
This morning’s excursion to Keukenhof Gardens is a cruise high point. Millions of bulbs are planted in fall and reach their peak in spring, all on display at this 8-acre park. There are many themed gardens, as well. Consider this the perfect place to buy and ship bulbs! Back on board, we’ll cruise to Gouda, famed for cheese. The bricked square is lined with cheese shops!

Wednesday: Gouda to Oudewater
Explore Two Viewpoints
This morning, stained glass takes center stage on a tour of the gorgeous St. John’s Church in Gouda. There are other surprises to experience in this lovely town. Then cruise to Oudewater and a visit to what some might call the opposite end of the religious spectrum: A witches museum. It is never boring on Elisabeth!

Thursday: Oudewater to Jutphaas
Delft scenes right out of a Vermeer Painting
Drive to Delft this morning to visit a factory where famed Delft pottery is still painted by hand. There will be time to stroll this classic town, over the many bridges and through scenes that the artist Johannes Vermeer, a native of Delft, might have painted. Cruise this afternoon to the tiny town of Jutphaas. You are now in the enchanting Holland of smaller canals and gardens.

Friday: Jutphaas to Vreeland and Mrs. Willigen's Cheese Farm
Mighty Dutch Flower Auction
You’ll be up early for a visit to the famed Aalsmeer Flower Auction in a covered building the size of two football fields - and where 20 million flowers are sold every day. This incredible spectacle demonstrates the financial aspects of the Dutch flower industry. Rejoin Elisabeth for lunch and a cruise along the tiny Vecht Canal to Mrs. Willigen’s Cheese Farm, located near the hamlet of Vreeland. Walk right into the farm and learn about the making (and tasting) of local cheese. Then it’s back on board for the Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.

Saturday:
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am for the drive back to central Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport. If flying out of Schiphol today, please do not book your flight before noon at the absolute earliest. Breakfast is your last on board meal. The Jenners wish you Bon Voyage and they hope to see you again on Elisabeth.

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VREELAND to HAARLEM AT TULIP TIME

Sunday: Amsterdam to Vreeland and Mrs. Willigen's Cheese Farm
Warm Welcome Aboard
Elisabeth’s guide will meet you in the lobby of your Amsterdam hotel at 2:00 pm and chauffeur you to the barge moored at Mrs. Willigen’s Cheese farm located just outside the tiny hamlet of Vreeland. Estimated driving time is 60 to 90 minutes. Meet your hosts Peter and Sheena Jenner and enjoy the traditional Champagne welcome with the entire crew. There will be time to unpack, relax and stroll along the canal into Vreeland. Return to Elisabeth for the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Vreeland to Jutphaas
Learn How Dutch Cheeses are Made
This morning, you’ll walk right to the Cheese Farm for an informal demonstration on the making (and eating) of local cheeses. The cruise this afternoon to Maarssen via the Vecht Canal, a tiny waterway which meanders through smaller villages and enchanting gardens. This is the real Holland rarely seen from larger vessels.

Tuesday: Jutphaas to Oudewater
Dutch Flowers Sold at an Incredible Auction
You’ll be up early today for a visit to the famed Aalsmeer Flower Auction located in a building the size of two football fields. You’ll look down on the action as 20 million flowers are sold each day. This incredible spectacle demonstrates the power of the Dutch flower industry. Rejoin Elisabeth, now moored in Jutphaas, for the cruise to Oudewater.

Wednesday: Oudewater to Gouda
Adorable Gouda: Cheese Shops Line the Bricked Square
Relax on deck or in Captain Jenner’s wheelhouse as Elisabeth cruises to Gouda, famed for cheese. You won’t be disappointed: Cheese shops line the bricked square, Sheena’s tour of St. John’s Church is a cruise high point; this church boasts stained glass windows among the most gorgeous in Europe.

Thursday: Gouda to Leiden
Delft, Home of Dutch Painter Vermeer
Drive to Delft this morning. This classic town was the home to Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer and still boasts scenes that could have been painted by him. Stroll over adorable bridges and through lovely squares. Also visit a factory where the famed Delft pottery is still painted by hand. You’ll be back on Elisabeth for lunch and the afternoon cruise to the university town of Leiden.

Friday: Leiden to Haarlem
Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!
Morning visit to Keukenhof Gardens, showcase Dutch flower growers. Millions of bulbs are planted in the fall and reach their peak in spring at this 8-acre park. There are many themed gardens, demonstrations of growing techniques and the opportunity to purchase and ship bulbs for your own garden. Cruise to Haarlem, arriving mid-afternoon and take an afternoon tour, which will include the Frans Hals Museum and the St. Bravo Protestant Church, a late Gothic basilica holding down the top position on the town square. This is a church unlike any you have seen and also boasts a huge organ on which such composers as Handel and Mozart played. Return to the barge for the Captain’s Dinner, which ends your cruise in style.

Saturday: Haarlem to Amsterdam
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am for the drive back to central Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport. If flying out of Schiphol today, please do not book your flight before noon at the earliest. Breakfast is your last on-board meal. Peter and Sheena wish you Bon Voyage and hope to see you again on Elisabeth!

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

"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

"This trip was really great.  The whole crew of the Elisabeth was delightful.  I would cruise with them again (in fact, will try to see if I can get some family members to go on a trip with them in the future).
-Henry Brown, 2010

"This was absolutely the most relaxing and stress free trip we've ever taken! It had the personal touch of staying with friends ~ friends that just happen to have a personal chef, a marvelous wine cellar, unlimited knowledge of the area, and the desire to make sure we were content at every moment. Floating lazily through the French countryside..We're already planning our next cruise on Elisabeth in Holland, 2012!"
-Andy and Monica Johnson, 2010

"Wonderful and relaxing! We were pampered with awesome food and wine pairings.
The cheeses were to die for!"
-Susan Ing, 2009

"We had a great time on the Elisabeth, and we had nearly perfect weather the entire time which added considerably to our enjoyment. We found the cabins very comfortable, the crew most willing to please, and the cuisine delicious. Sheena went out of her way to accommodate virtually all our menu requests. Peter was also ready with commentary while passing sights along the Nivernais, and we appreciated his recommendations for good bike days and routes as well. It was a perfect finale to my 5 weeks in France. All of us enjoyed our experience immensely."
-Michael and Ruby Gore, 2009

"Elisabeth is unique! A mixture of fine food, outstanding service, wonderful personalities, and exquisite countryside. We laughed and luxuriated the entire week!"
-Hedy and Harold Ertman, 2009

"Having been on a barge in the 1970s, in France before and 17 trips on The Delta Queen, I'd say that Elisabeth was right on top of enjoyable days! What I loved the most was sitting on deck, watching the serene world go by. I heard my first nightingale on this trip!"
-Meredith S.S. Smith, 2009

"Our week on Elisabeth was just delightful from start to finish. Sheena and Peter are so much fun. The food and wine were divine! Springtime is the perfect time for a visit. Flowers were in bloom everywhere. We highly recommend a barge cruise on Elisabeth."
-Pat and Bob Corless, 2009

"Our trip on the Elisabeth exceeded expectations in every way. Peter's deft handling of the boat and amusing anecdotes were priceless, and Caroline's and Kirstie's attentiveness was the height of indulgence. Sheena's exquisite cuisine was worth every ounce of the 5 lbs. I gained. Caroline was so knowledeable about the places we visited, and we had the Chateau at Ancy le Franc all to ourselves! Bring plenty of high powered sunscreen, because you will want to sit on deck for hours, watching the incomparable French countryside drift past. The ideal weather made the Wine & Chocolate cruise as close to perfect as a vacation could be."
-Bonnie Wheaton, 2009

"We ate too much good food. We drank too much. Did I mention that we ate too much?! The Jenners and crew made us feel like family."
-Bernard and Raz Tudor, 2009

"Our week aboard Elisabeth was sheer heaven. We enjoyed being with Sheena, Pete, Caroline and Chloe. All of them did so much to make our first barge cruise memorable. Ellen, if you need anyone to recommend Elisabeth, please refer them to us!"
-Beverly and Dan Arnold, 2008

"First and foremost, I would like to thank Sheena and Peter for donating this trip to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We are forever grateful for their generosity and hospitality. Our trip through Burgundy was the most relaxing trip our family has ever taken. Between Peter's incredible competence in navigating, Sheena's ability to accommodate not one, but two difficult dietary restrictions, the gorgeous natural landscape, and the ability to spend time with family we dearly love, this trip was one we never thought we could experience. As we passed through each lock, not only did we marvel at the character of each stop, but we could see the respect and friendliness with which Peter and Sheena were welcomed and we were proud to be aboard the Elisabeth!"
-Stacey and Larry Wolin, 2008

"We just got to Paris and wanted to let you know what an incredible journey we had with Sheena and Peter - really exceeded all of our expectations and your recommendations could not have been more on the mark. Thanks a zillion - I plan to let several of my friends know of the Elisabeth and think they will be interested. If you ever need any references, we'd sing their praises - super hospitality, world class food, great wine, great biking, great tour guiding. We're looking forward to our next barge tour!"
-David Satz, 2008


"It could not have been more perfect!! Sheena and Peter were the ones who made the whole trip so wonderful. They are very personable and their knowledge of the daily wines and cheeses was extremely educational. Not to mention perfect weather and perfect timing with France's spring flowers blooming everywhere!"
-George and Jan Jury, 2008

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