Marjorie II
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 12
Size: 129 feet long
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter for 12:
$41,750 - Low Season
$45,400 - High Season
Whole Boat Charter for 10:
$38,000 - Low Season
$41,000 - High Season
Family Charter for up to 12: $38,000
Individuals:
$3,800 - Low Season
$4,100 - High Season
Single Supplement:
$1,900 - Low Season
$2,050 - High Season
Low Season is March 29 to August 29
High Season is August 30 to October 31
Family Charters are available July 5 to August 29
 
2009 Burgundy - Upper Loire Cruise Dates
6 - night cruises from May 31 to October 25, 2009

MARJORIE II is owned by Ronny and Damienne Muyshandt, a hardworking Belgian couple - both with extensive background on the waterways of Europe.Damienne supervised the interior decoration of this sleek, modern and elegant vessel. The six equal cabins boast CNN on the television and each has a bathroom with a double sink. Relax in the on-deck jacuzzi as you cruise on a lengthy and beautiful itinerary featuring the top sights of two regions, Burgundy and Upper Loire. The 2008 itinerary cruises between the Impressionist village of Moret-sur-Loing (home of painter Alfred Sisley) and the town of Vermenton, close to the Chablis vineyards and many sights of Burgundy.

Marjorie II

Barging in Burgundy

and Upper Loire

2008 "Burgundy and Upper Loire" Cruise Dates
Six night cruises from June 1 to October 25

Moret-Sur-Loing to Vermenton

Sunday
We meet in Paris at Le Parc Sofitel Demeure (or other designated location) and transfer you to the 'Marjorie II' moored in the picturesque village of Moret-sur-Loing made famous in the paintings of Alfred Sisley. After a champagne welcome and introduction of the boat by the crew there's time for an early evening stroll before our first dinner on board.

Monday
Our first excursion brings us to the Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte and its fabulous gardens by Le Notre (of Versailles fame). Some 20,000 workmen were employed in the construction of this magnificent 17th -century masterpiece, designed by Le Vau and decorated by Le Brun. In the afternoon we cruise on the Seine to Sens.

Tuesday
Sens is dominated by the Cathedral of St. Etienne which was the first Cathedral built in the Gothic style (circa 1140). Thomas a Becket spent time here in exile from England and the Cathedral is justly famous for its stained glass windows. It's also a nice town for shopping. An afternoon cruise brings us to the picturesque town of Joigny built on the slope of the Cote St. Jacques on the verge of the Orthe forest.

Wednesday
This morning is our wine tasting in Chablis, home of the famous dry white wines of Petite Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. We visit several excellent wine houses. A short cruise brings us to Auxerre.

Thursday
This morning we visit Auxerre, historical capital of Lower Burgundy and one of the loveliest towns in France. Renaissance houses surround the Galliard clock tower, a city landmark since 1483 and the abbey church and cloisters of St. Germaine are just a short walk away. In the afternoon we cruise to Vincelles on the Nivernais canal.

Friday
Today we do a long excursion to visit the village of Vezelay with her Roman Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe, situated in the heart of the Morvan national park. This village has barely changed since Richard the Lion Heart set off for the third crusade in the 12th Century. Our last cruise brings us to Vermenton. Tonight we celebrate with a special farewell dinner.

Saturday
After breakfast, we disembark and transfer you back to your hotel in Paris where your tour ends.

Haarlem to Bruges

Sunday
Transfer from your hotel in Amsterdam to the Marjorie II, moored in Haarlem. After a drink to welcome us on board, we can visit the Frans Hals Museum and its collection of Old Masters. Other highlights include St. Bavo's Cathedral on the main square where both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ.

Monday
After an early breakfast we take a trip to the Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers are auctioned every day. Returning to our boat, we cruise on to Leiden. This is a very charming University town with the American Pilgrim museum how tells the stories of the founders of New England, the Pilgrims.

Tuesday
This morning marks a cruising highlight: a walk through the glorious Keukenhof Gardens, Holland's best-known gardens park, with more than 70 acres filled with over 6 million flowering bulbs. We stroll through breathtaking waves of color on this unforgettable half -day excursion. Back on board, we cruise through beautiful landscapes to Delft.

Wednesday
Delft is a fascinating town, full of small canals and humpbacked bridges and best explored by bike or on foot. Many beautiful buildings illustrate the city's historic connection with the Dutch East India Company. The birthplace of Jan Vermeer, Delft is also famous for its tableware, and we visit a factory to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. Then, back on the barge, we cruise through Rotterdam, the largest port in the World direction Antwerp.

Thursday
Antwerp, where the three "must-see" sights are baroque painter Pieter Paul Rubens' house, the Plantin-Moretus house, a printing plant and shop in service between 1555 and 1876, and of course Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral. This evening you should go to the "Grote Markt" to drink one of the more than 100 kinds of Belgian Beers. Today we need to cruise on the Schelde River to Ghent. This river has a tide difference of more than 20 feet and a strong current.

Friday
A first and lasting impression of Ghent is of its marvelous medieval structures whose sturdy stone facades reflect well in canal waters. We visit the Castle of the Counts. This magnificent, almost unrivaled, example of a feudal fortress of the Counts of Flanders has a massive medieval shape that rises from the reflective waters of its moat; it was built about 1180. We cruise to our final mooring, Bruges. The day ends with this evening's Farewell Dinner.

Saturday
After breakfast, we transfer you to your hotel or airport.

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 Barge cruises in Burgundy Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Marjorie II

Guest Book

"A gastronomical experience! Besides the meals, which could favorably with some of the meals we have had in New York or Paris, we had the pleasure of savoring eighteen cheeses and sixteen wines. We also found fascinating the descriptions of these wines and cheeses by our knowledgeable staff. My wife's birthday was celebrated with a custom-baked cake!

"For the past twenty one years we have traveled the world. Our week on Marjorie II was one of our most relaxing and enjoyable weeks ever."

"This is our second cruise on Marjorie II. The barge, the crew, the excursions and especially the food and wine are still superb."

"This was an opportunity for forget time as an ever-changing landscape filled with old world charm passed by. The days consisted of enjoying exceptional food and wine, excursions through beautiful towns and being pampered by the crew. No detail was overlooked. This was the most enjoyable vacation we've ever taken and surpassed our expectations."

Marjorie II Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-6 Large cabins 170 sq ft with twin or queen beds, TV, and good sized windows.
-Elegant, modern decor with big picture windows in salon, dining room.
-Jacuzzi on deck.