Meanderer
Barging in Upper Loire

Passengers: 6
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2012 value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 4: $27,900
Whole-Boat Charter of 5: $28,400
Whole-Boat Charter of 6: $28,900
Individuals: $4,950 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $4,950

2012 value season dates

April 22-28	October 14 - 20
April 29 - May 5	October 21 - 27
May 6 - 12

2012 regular season rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 4:$29,800
Whole-Boat Charter of 5: $30,600
Whole-Boat Charter of 6: $31,400
Individuals: $5,430 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $5,430

2012 regular season dates

May 13 - 19	June 24 - 30	August 5 - 11	September 16 - 22
May 20 - 26	July 1 - 7	August 12 - 18	September 23 - 29
May 27 - June 2	July 8 - 14	August 19 - 25	September 30 - Oct 6
June 3 - 9	July 15 - 21	August 26 - Sept 1	October 7 - 13
June 10 - 16	July 22 - 28	September 2 - 8
June 17 - 23	July 29 - Aug 4	September 9 - 15

Meanderer has announced two fantastic promotions for 2012! Receive a $400.00 per cabin discount for the weeks of July 22-28 and August 19-25. Two cabins are still available each of those weeks. TAKE advantage of this great offer! A free hotel night in Paris at the Hotel Esprit St. Germain is another option for cruises booked for any sailing in 2012 and with no expiration date. These promotions cannot be combined, so select the one that is exactly right for you! Meanderer is one of our favorite vessels and these offers provide yet another reason for parties of six to consider this barge.

MEANDERER was purchased in Fall, 2007 by George and Susan Kovalick and we were delighted to be their first guests aboard in April, 2008. The barge was moored in the delightful hamlet of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, which has become the Kovalick's headquarters in France. The Kovalicks have gone on great success with Meanderer.

This sophisticated and personable couple bring extensive professional experience in the hospitality, travel planning and retail service industries. They said. "We both understand what wonderful service is - and plan to provide it to Meanderer guests." As well, their personal backgrounds - he grew up in Paris, she in London - and interests in bicycling, hiking, boating, the arts and cuisine - match them well to the interests of barge guests. "I'd love to lead some long-distance bicycling excursions," said George. Of course those not biking can always relax on MEANDERER'S canopied deck!

The barge itself has always been elegant - but at the same time cozy. Needed upgrades such as wood flooring on the deck, internet access and flat-screen TV's in the cabins has only improved this already lovely vessel. Newly renovated baths add a great deal to the comfortable cabins. Antique accent pieces, gorgeous flower arrangements and carefully chosen artwork make the interiors come alive.

Meanderer cruises the full length of the Canal de Briare, an historic waterway on which construction began in 1604. The canal was built to enable produce to be shipped to Paris. The Canal de Briare winds its way through the Upper Loire, an area of idyllic countryside, unspoiled villages and beautiful vistas - and perfect for bicycling and walking.

Meanderer

Upper Loire Barge Cruise Itinerary

cruising, exploring and bicycling

on the

Canal de Briare

Montargis to Chatillion-sur-Loire
Sunday: Paris to Amilly
Champagne welcome, evening cruise
Meanderer's transfer agent will meet you in Paris at 2:00pm. (Guests who have booked a whole boat charter may be picked up at any one central Paris hotel of their choice. Guests who have booked on an individual cabin basis will all be met in the lobby of the Hotel Concorde Lafayette.) From there, you'll be chauffeured to the barge moored in Montargis, an estimated two hour drive from Paris. You'll meet Captain George Kovalick, Guide Susan Kovalick and the rest of the crew at a festive champagne welcome, followed by a cruise to the village of Amilly. Relax on deck and enjoy your first experience on the idyllic Canal de Briare.
Monday: Amilly to Montbouy
Magnificent Fountainebleau: Home to French Royals
Breakfast on village-baked pastries, fresh from the oven! Then we'll begin the morning cruise to Montbouy. Enjoy excellent hiking and biking opportunities - or choose to relax. The excursion program begins after lunch with a visit to the spectacular palace of Fountainebleau, pictured above, known for its ornate interiors and huge gardens. Generations of French royalty lived here and added decor reflecting many periods. Return to the mooring at Montbouy, where George has secured a key to the church and will take you on a pre-dinner visit to this lovely little village.

Tuesday: Montbouy to Chatillon-Coligny
Montargis - Busy Market Town
This morning, we'll drive back to Montargis for a browse around this busy town, criss-crossed by canals and floral displays. (Or, you can elect to visit the spectacular Medieval village of Ferrieres-en-Gatinais, a 20 minute drive from the cruise route.) The afternoon cruise ends in the charming village of Chatillon-Coligny. It's a short cruise, and once at the mooring there will be plenty of time for George to lead a biking tour of sights away from the canal.

Wednesday: Chatillon-Coligny to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
Explore the attics of an Ancient Chateau!
This morning's excursion is to the Chateau of St. Fargeau. This castle is 1000 years old and is intimately bound up with the history of the region. Explore in attics, with their centuries of frameworks, a most unusual perspective in a French chateau! Upon return, set sail to our peaceful mooring at Les-Sept-Ecluses, a staircase of locks from the 16th century which recalls the early history of the canal system. Take the opportunity to get off and walk in this delightful area, and meet up with Meanderer back at the mooring!

Thursday: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to La Gazonne
Nature Preserve Mooring
Choose your chateau today: The intimate Chateau de la Bussiere, pictured at right, with lovely gardens or the classic Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire, in the tradition of grand Loire Valley properties. Then it's back on board for a cruise to the mooring at La Gazonne, located in the midst of a nature preserve. Take a walk to visit the butterfly field or relax in the hot tub, and watch the swans glide by.

Friday: La Gazonne to Chatillon-sur-Loire
Sancere Region Winetasting
Early risers can join the chef purchasing in the market at the nearby town of Briare. Then, it's back on board for the most spectacular cruise of the week on the incredible Pont Canal, pictured at left, a bridge which takes the Canal de Briare across the River Loire! This elegant structure was designed by Eiffel of Tower fame. After arrival at Chatillon-sur-Loire and lunch on board, depart to the hilltop village of Sancerre - with its incredible views over vineyards extending in every direction. There will be ample time to taste and compare wines of the region. Back on board, the Captain's Dinner ends your cruise in style.

Saturday: Chatillon-sur-Loire to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart after breakfast at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to one location in central Paris, one location at Charles de Gaulle airport or one location at Orly Airport. Estimated arrival time at Orly and in central Paris is 11:00am; estimated arrival time at CDG is 11:30 am to noon. Please make all onward travel plans the day of departure on the basis of this timing. Guests booked in a whole-boat charter must transfer together; ie, ALL members of the party to central Paris , CDG Airport or Orly Airport. Guests booked on an individual cabin basis will be returned to the Hotel Concorde Lafayette at 3, Place du General Koenig, 75017 Paris from where they can easily get a cab to their Paris hotel or to either airport. We hope your Meanderer cruise provides lasting memories!


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 on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

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Chatillion-sur-Loire to Montargis
Sunday: Paris to Chatillon-sur-Loire
Champagne welcome, then cross the Pont Canal
Meanderer's transfer agent will meet you in Paris at 2:00pm.  (Guests who have booked a whole boat charter may be picked up at any one central Paris hotel of their choice. Guests who have booked on an individual cabin basis will all be met in the lobby of the Hotel Concorde Lafayette.) From there, you'll be chauffeured to the barge moored in Chatillon-sur-Loire. You'll meet Captain George Kovalick, Guide Susan Kovalick and the rest of the crew at a festive champagne welcome. Then experience an incredible cruise across the River Loire on the Pont Canal - Europe's longest canal bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel. Re-live this highlight at the first of many gourmet dinners on board!

Monday: Briare to La Gazonne
Sancere Region Winetasting
During the morning we cruise to the exquisite nature mooring at La Gazonne. Afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample to local wines and explore the charming hill-top village.

Tuesday: La Gazonne to Rogny Les Sept Ecluses
Many Visit Choices Today!
The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the beautiful private Chateau of La Bussiere, with its incredible 18th Century garden or Chateau de Sully, a magnificent classic chateau of the Loire Valley. As an alternative we can visit the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Chateau de Gien. We return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses and an opportunity to walk the ancient "staircase" of 7 locks, which stands as a monument to the old canal.

Wednesday: Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses to Chatillon Coligny
Geudlon - Watch a Medieval village being Constructed!
This morning we cruise to the charming village of Chatillon-Coligny. We'll be moored within a four minutes walk to the center of this vibrant and very pretty town. This afternoon excursion takes you to the splendid 16th Century Chateau of St. Fargeau. Alternate excursion is a visit to Guedelon - a spectacular project designed to create a medieval fortified village using tools and materials of that period.

Thursday: Chatillon Coligny to Montbouy
Magnificent Fountainebleau: Home to French Royals
A morning cruise takes us to the village of Montbouy with its beautiful church. Relax at the mooring and after lunch we visit the busy town and spectacular palace of Fountainebleau, home to generations of royalty.

Friday: Montbouy to Montargis
Explore a Busy Market Town
The morning cruise takes us to the regional capital town of Montargis. After lunch we visit the town with the week's best opportunity to explore a busy market town, people-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionery from the famous Mazet Praline shop. Back on board, the Captain's Dinner ends your cruise in style - and that includes the elegant table!

Saturday: Montargis to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart after breakfast at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to one location in central Paris, one location at Charles de Gaulle airport or one location at Orly Airport. Estimated arrival time at Orly and in central Paris is 11:00am; estimated arrival time at CDG is 11:30 am to noon. Please make all onward travel plans the day of departure on the basis of this timing. Guests booked in a whole-boat charter must transfer together; ie, ALL members of the party to central Paris , CDG Airport or Orly Airport. Guests booked on an individual cabin basis will be returned to the Hotel Concorde Lafayette at 3, Place du General Koenig, 75017 Paris from where they can easily get a cab to their Paris hotel or to either airport. We hope your Meanderer cruise provides lasting memories!

Meanderer

Guest Book

"The cruise was fabulous and more than met our expectations.  It was a most relaxing and enjoyable time for all of us.  The cabin was so superior, it was larger than our hotel room in Paris!  All of the food was superb, and the chef was gracious about preparing different dishes for my husband if the dinner was something that he did not eat.  The presentations were lovely and the desserts were outstanding.  The staff were most accommodating in every respect.  The sightseeing trips were great and we appreciated the very personal touches that Susan added in her commentaries.

This was a perfect trip in every respect - great food, great friends, great accommodations, wonderful weather and a fabulous barge and crew.  Loved the hot tub!
Maureen Horenstein, cruised October 2011


"Our pre-trip information was great and we had no questions heading into the trip.  Once on the barge, all our expectations were met. George, Susan and the entire crew were just incredible.  All six of us gave this cruise a 20 on a 1-10 scale!  Food was fantastic, barge was immaculate and we were treated like royalty.

Our cabins were very nice and the bed was great, the food was beyond excellent including all of the wine and cheese selections, the staff was great (when they chase you around with a bottle of wine, things are good!).  The sightseeing was the right variety of learning and fun and all tours were just for the right length of time.  The wine tour was really good.

This was just an exceptional experience.  Truly a first class trip from start to finish and again, George and Susan are just two of the nicest people you could possibly meet.  We are actually discussing doing another cruise with them at some point."
Bruce Abbott, cruised September 2011

"The cuisine and the crew were excellent and couldn't have been any better.  The countryside is beautiful and George and Susan are such interesting people to talk to.  I really enjoyed having the different cheeses and wines from the various regions at our noon and evening meals.  Our experience was absolutely perfect."
-Cathy and John Belcher, cruised September 2011
 
"We had an excellent experience and would definitely recommend both your group and the Meanderer.  Our compliments to Ellen, The Barge Lady, as well as Susan & George and their crew!"
-Denise and Barry Jackson, cruised September 2011

“First of all let me reiterate what Carole and Ken have already told you---we had the absolutely best time ever on the Meanderer. From start to finish the experience was exceptional! The barge itself was a great place to be for 6 days and George and Susan are the best of the best! Plus the staff couldn’t do enough for us and were charming. Thanks again for all your help arranging this wonderful trip for us.”
- Peter and Susan Schwab, May 2011

“Ellen, our time on Meanderer was fantastic. We loved George and Susan. The rest of the crew were tremendous. The food, wine and cheeses were very special. The barge was kept unbelievably clean – it was spotless and very comfortable. Seldom does the reality of a travel experience live up to the hype, but this cruise did. Actually, we are out of adjectives to describe our wonderful six days on Meanderer!”
- Ken and Carole Latimer, May 2011

"Our days on the barge were ones of good food, good company, excellent service and very comfortable accommodations. Having George and Susan as owners of the Meanderer insures complete commitment to the quality of the barge and its staff. This was most evident in so many aspects each day: a beautifully appointed table at each meal; a very accommodating chef; a never empty bar; a delightful and extremely competent staff. It was an experience that definitely bears repeating!"
-Charles and Joan Longley, 2010

"Barging is a unique and relaxing way to explore the French countryside - it's like your own, floating 5-Star hotel!"
-Kim Vandenbroucke, 2009

"Everything was fantastic! People were nice, food was great, wine was excellent, views were breathtaking and daily excursions were a ton of fun."
-Emily Vandenbroucke, 2009

"Cabin, cuisine and service were outstanding. Thank you for a great vacation!"
-John and Marian Saunders, 2008

"Just great! Owners and staff were interesting and very accomodating. Food was superb and wines complemented the foods wonderfully. The common areas and accomodations were very comfortable and nicely appointed. Overall a wonderful experience."
-Glenn and Christine Kelly, 2008

"We felt like kings being served and waited on by our own private chef, hostess, chauffeur and captain."
-Miranda Moss, 2008

Meanderer Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-One cabin at 140 square feet
-Two cabins at 125 square feet
-Lovely tiled baths with shower and L'Occitane bath products
-Choice of Queen or Twin Beds
-Flat screen televisions and DVDs in the cabins
-Appealing decor in salon/dining area with large windows
-Teak wood sundeck with canopy and hot tub
-True WIFI that accommodates 6 devices at the same time (laptops, tablets, smart phones), both PC and MAC
-Internet accessible laptop on board
-Two vehicles at your service: a 9-passenger VW Caravelle and 5-passenger VW Toureg