Marjorie II
Barging in Belgium

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

In 2011 the barge Marjorie II  will not be cruising in Belgium. Please call us at 800-880-0071 and we would be happy to assist you in planning the perfect barge cruise vacation in France, Holland, England, Germany, Ireland or Scotland!

Marjorie II

Belgium

Barge Cruise Itinerary

 

ANTWERP TO DINANT IN BELGIUM

Sunday: Brussels to Antwerp
Welcome Aboard!
Pick up at your hotel in Brussels at 3:00 PM for a transfer to the Marjorie II, moored in Flanders Capital Antwerp. After a drink to welcome us on board, we can stroll through the city till our first dinner on board. This evening you should go to the "Grote Markt" to drink one of the more than 100 kinds of Belgian Beers


Monday: Antwerp to Hasselt
Explore Antwerp
Antwerp,  pictured at left, 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. We cruise to Hasselt in the evening.




Tuesday: Hasselt to Leige
Winetasting at Belgium's Largest Winery - a Castle!
This morning we visit the 19th century agricultural distillery – in the middle of the city of Hasselt - the National Genever Museum tells the story of Belgian gin, from grain to drink. You can follow the production process, among others, in an authentic 19th century distilling facility. And of course you can also taste a large number of Belgian grain gins. We start cruising direction Liege, pictured at left below, during lunch followed by a short drive to the Wine castle of Genoels-Elderen, pictured at right. With its 20 ha of vineyards the largest winery in Belgium. The microclimate on the hills of Limburg produces excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines. We have a guided tour and a wine tasting.

Wednesday: Leige to Huy
Visit the Jacques Chocolate Factory
After a breakfast with Belgian waffles we drive to Eupen, the German speaking region in Belgium. We visit the Jacques chocolate factory founded in 1896. This educational museum uncovers everything from the cultivation of cacao to the finished products, from the origins to the fabrication of chocolate as well as the ceremonial rituals that accompanied its tasting in times gone by. Afternoon cruise through the hills to Huy, one of Belgium’s oldest towns.

Thursday: Huy to Namur
Historic Battlefield
We drive to the Waterloo Battlefield, preserved almost as it was in 1815. Find out about the course of this great battle from European history, which pitted Napoleon’s troops against those of Wellington and Blücher. Late afternoon cruise to Namur which is located at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse Rivers. The city boasts and impressive Cathedral and Citadel above the cliffs.

Friday: Namur to Dinant
13th Century Abbey
Today’s excursion is to the 13th century Abbey de Leffe, famous for their beers. In the afternoon, we cruise to Dinant, pictured at right, home to cathedrals and fortifications as well as the home of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone.

Saturday: Dinant to Brussels
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Brussels, where your tour ends

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 Holland and Belgium Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Marjorie II
Guest Book

"Our experience was Super-Super!  The other guests were very compatible, the staff were wonderful, the food was the greatest!  Ellen, you did good!"
-Gordon and Carol Kremer, 2010

"The entire trip was a pleasure.  The service was excellent, the food interesting, varied and delicious, the wines and beers adequately described and matched with the food.  The stops were well planned to be timely and worthwhile - especially the detailed description and tour of the flower auction."
-Pearl Rich, 2010

"Onboard:
You will be interested to hear that, thanks to you, we were the only travellers on-board who had a daily itinerary and maps.  Our travelling companions thought it such a good idea that a photocopier was found at our first town and copies made for all!"

"Cabin:
Attractive decor and very clean.  Well laid out with adequate storage.  Very comfortable bed and blanket, not duvet, just as we had requested.  Good soundproofing. Excellent bathroom and shower with endless hot water.  good quality towels and bed linen changed frequently."

"Lounge/Dining room:
Light, airy and very pleasant.  A nice place to relax."

"Food:
Excellent.  A breakfast special was offered each day but you would also request whatever you fancied.  Menus were discussed each day and individual tastes were accommodated with no fuss.  Regional food specialties were complemented by local wines.  Lunch and dinner menus were well balanced.  The cooking was of a consistently high standard and the chef was charming and keen to obtain our feedback."

"Staff:
The staff just went about their duties efficiently and worked very well as a team.  They were friendly and helpful and it seemed as if nothing was too much trouble for them.  Our well being and enjoyment was their priority."
-Margaret Harding and Paul Hewett, 2009

"Everyone's expectations were exceeded.  The food was excellent.  Stin, the chef, really outdid himself.  Louise, the van driver and tour guide, really knows her history and took us on wonderful excursions."
-David and Lynda Zachar, 2008

"Our barge trip was the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, luxury and access to outdoors, excursions and relaxation.  The crew of the Marjorie II was fabulous and the French countryside always a gem."
-Joel and Lynn Altschul, 2008

"For a family of 23 people, our double charter proved to be an exceptional trip.  There were activities for guests age 14 to 83 to enjoy!  The Captains and crew did so much to make the cruise memorable.  The 4th of July celebration was spectacular!  Thanks so much!"
-Doug and Kitty Quarles, Jr.
 Marjorie II - Savoir Faire
 Double Charter, 2008

"Our trip went off without a hitch.  The captains and crews on the Savior Faire and Marjorie II were terrific...very friendly and seemed to go out of their way to make the side trips worthwhile."
-Bob Doolittle
Marjorie II - Savior Faire
Double Charter, 2008

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.