Meanderer
Barging in Upper Loire

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

2010 value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 4: $23,100
Whole-Boat Charter of 5: $24,200
Whole-Boat Charter of 6: $25,290
Individuals in a Double-occupancy cabin: $4,400
Single Supplement: $4,400

2010 value season dates

April 18 - 24	October 17 - 23
April 25 - May 1	October 24 - 30

2010 regular season rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 4:$25,290
Whole-Boat Charter of 5: $27,600
Whole-Boat Charter of 6: $29,900
Individuals in a Double-occupancy cabin: $5,175
Single Supplement: $5,175

2010 regular season dates

May 2 - 8	June 13 - 19	July 25 - 31	September 5 - 11
May 9 - 15	June 20 - 26	August 1 - 7	September 12 - 18
May 16 - 22	June 27 - July 3	August 8 - 14	September 19 - 25
May 23 - 29	July 4 - 10	August 15 - 21	September 26 - October 2
May 30 - June 5	July 11 - 17	August 22 - 28	October 3 - 9
June 6 - 12	July 18 - 24	August 29 - Sept 4	October 10 - 16

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 also offers an optional "Chocolate and Wine" cruise!

Meanderer

Upper Loire Barge Cruise Itinerary

cruising, exploring and bicycling

on the

Canal de Briare

Amilly to Chatillion-sur-Loire
Sunday: Paris to Amilly
Champagne welcome, evening cruise
Captain George Kovalick will meet you in Paris at 2:00pm. (Please select one central Paris hotel of your choice at which to be picked up; we are sorry that we cannot offer multiple meeting points.) From there, you'll be chauffeured to the barge moored in Montargis, an estimated two hour drive from Paris. You'll meet 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
Explore a 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 Paris. Estimated arrival time is noon. We hope to see you again on Meanderer!

---

Chocolate and wine cruise

Montargis to Chatillion -sur- Loire, in the Upper Loire
Sunday: Paris
We collect you from your Paris hotel at 3pm and then transfer you by private mini-coach to Meanderer. A Champagne reception and dinner capped by a delicious chocolate dessert await you.

Monday: Montargis to Montcresson
During the morning we cruise to Montcresson. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the spectacular palace of Fontainbleau, home to generations of French royalty. On our way back to the barge we stop in the town of Nemours for a visit to the famous Des Lis Chocolate Factory and Museum where we have a demonstration on the making of handmade chocolates and the chance to choose this evening's after dinner chocolate selection. Des Lis are famed for their wonderfully high quality chocolate and huge selection of fillings, including the locally grown "coquelicot" or poppy flavoured chocolates!

Tuesday: Montcresson to Chatillon Coligny
Today's excursion takes us to Montargis (where the praline was invented in the 17th Century by the Duc de Praline) with the week's best opportunity to explore a busy market town, people-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionery from the world famous Mazet Praline shop. As part of our special Chocolate and Wine itinerary we sample a range of Mazet Pralines and Chocolates in a private room at the sublime Mazet shop that dates back to the 17th Century. Our afternoon cruise takes us to the charming village of Chatillon Coligny.

Wednesday: Chatillon Coligny to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
Today we start our cruise early and enjoy a leisurely brunch before setting off for a long afternoon out in Northern Burgundy visiting the wine regions of Chablis, Irancy, St. Bris and the Caves de Bailly (12th century mines now used to age famous Champagnes and local wines). We return before dinner to join the barge in the picturesque village of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses.

Thursday: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to Ouzouer-sur-Trezee
The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Factory Museum and a wonderful artisan Chocolatier. We return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to Ouzouer-sur-Trezee. During the cruise our Chef will host a demonstration and lesson on how to make the ultimate chocolate dessert.

Friday: Ouzouer-sur-Trezee
The afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample local wine and explore the charming hill top village. Today's cruise takes in the delightful spendor of the world's longest aqueduct, crossing the River Loire. The Captain's Dinner ends your cruise in style - and with another chocolate dessert.

Saturday: Return to Paris
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris.

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.

Meanderer

Guest Book

"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
-IPod docking stations in the salon
-Wireless internet on-board - use your own laptop or the barge's laptop
-Six brand new bicycles purchased for the 2010 Season