Savoir Faire
Barging in Holland

Passengers: 12
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2007 in Holland
                   2008 in France
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2009 Prices

Very Special 2009
Holland Cruise Fare
It's not too late to get a group of friends or family together for Tulip Time in Holland!  And, on your Savoir Faire cruise, you'll receive Deluxe quality at a truly bargain price!
(We are sorry that this rate cannot be applied retroactively to charters already booked and deposited.)

Whole Boat Charter for up to 12 passengers:
$26,000
Available for the weeks of:
March 29 - April 4
April 12 - 18
April 26 - May 2
May 3 - 9

On our last visit to Savior Faire in Holland in April 2007, we found SAVOIR FAIRE moored in Haarlem, one of the most quaint and interesting of the Dutch ports. Savoir Faire's Dutch season cruises are very value-priced for this gorgeous vessel on a top Tulip Time itinerary: Excursions include Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips are blooming, and the Aalsmer Flower Auction, from where a multitude of flowers are auctioned and shipped daily. Cruise to the enchanting towns of Delft, Gouda, Haarlem and right through Amsterdam!

In 2007, we welcomed in Holland some wonderful guests, Eve and Sam Beller, who were kind enough to supply some of our new photos. They said: "We loved exploring the quaint towns and villages. The cruise was wonderful from the beginning to end and we hope to cruise on SAVOIR FAIRE next year."

SAVOIR FAIRE , the former Etoile de Champagne, was purchased by Captain Chris Bennett. Previous owner of a small and informal vessel on the Canal du Nivernais, Captain Bennett had high aspirations for Etoile de Champagne. The most welcome changes were made in the cabins: totally gutted and rebuilt, they are now spacious and pretty havens, overflowing with books and art, which includes Chris’ own delicate pencil drawings. The elegant public areas have been redecorated, too; these areas are especially spacious on this larger 3-story vessel. Everybody’s favorite is the back-of-the-barge bar, scene of a convivial cocktail hour.

Charter Savoir Faire in Holland and enjoy the best bargain in barging!

Savoir Faire

Holland Barge Cruise Itinerary

2009 "Cruising in Holland" Dates
Six-night cruises from March 29 to May 9

Haarlem To Haarlem
Sunday: Haarlem
After your pick-up by the Captain you will be taken to the barge moored in the center of Haarlem for a champagne welcome. We will relax for the afternoon with a cruise to Zaandam, (an important shipbuilding center of the 17th century, visited by Peter the Great) where we will moor for the night. Enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.

Monday: Haarlem to Ouderkerk
After breakfast we will take a short drive to the restored Dutch village of Zaanse Schans to visit a working windmill, a clog maker and a cheese maker. In the afternoon, cruise to Amsterdam, through the heart of the city where the small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century and then along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk.

Tuesday: Ouderkerk to Gouda
An early rise and drive to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer - an incredible institution where millions of flowers are purchased and shipped every day. Upon return we will set off for a cruise on the canals to Gouda. Besides cheese, you will find beautiful buildings, excellent shopping and the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland. After lunch, we will take a drive out to a local cheese farm.

Wednesday: Rotterdam to Delft
A morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and then onto Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery works, where porcelain is still handmade and painted. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this beautiful ancient Dutch city, crisscrossed by canals and made famous by the paintings of Vermeer.

Thursday: Delft to Oude Wetering
A morning cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and can purchase bulbs for shipment home.

Friday: Oude Wetering to Haarlem
Morning cruise to Haarlem, a picturesque town and the home of the famous Dutch painter Frans Hals. We’ll tour the Frans Hals Museum. The lovely 15th century Grote Kerk (former St.. Bravo’s Cathedral) has a magnificent organ on which both Mozart and Handel played. Farewell celebration on board and your last elegant gourmet dinner ends the cruise in style.

Saturday: Return Transfer
This will be your last breakfast on board. You will then be driven to either the airport or your hotel.

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

Savoir Faire Guest Book

"Dean's history lessons were superb - loved his commentary on the towns, cathedrals and chateaux.  The cuisine and crew were excellent - plus.  The entire experience was splendid - the Captain and entire crew bent over backward to give us the time of our lives!"
-Robert and Eve Eckhardt,  2008

"The first barge trip we have ever taken but it certainly won't be our last.  We are already thinking of next year on the Savoir Faire."
-Dr. and Mrs. James Brawner, 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

"Ellen, thank you for all the help with the trip.  Everyone loved it.  Chris and his entire crew were perfect.  I told Chris that his service was better than the Hotel Plaza Athenee!  They went out of their way to make us feel at home."
-Very Satisfied 2008 Guest

"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

"This was quite simply the trip of a lifetime. The barge was like a home and the staff was most accomodating. The cruising itself was most interesting especially the system of locks we passed through. Visiting the towns and sights on the canal was fascinating and we enjoyed each and every stop."
-Sally and Gregory Connell, 2007

"Just with one word!! Wonderful!"
-Fred Vines and Cheryl Berry, 2007

"Ken and I have to say it was one of the best vacations we have ever had. Chris and Fran could not have been more welcoming and their staff, OUTSTANDING!!! I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to relax, be treated like royality and eat the most wonderful meals. Evan, their chef is 5-star, Robert their butler, most enjoyable, Kerry so sweet and quietly efficient and of course Chris and Fran, most gracious hosts."
- Pat and Ken Neal, 2007

"We had a wonderful time on Savoir Faire and have told numerous people about you and The Barge Lady web site. The other three couples on the cruise were just fabulous company. They all joined the crew in making a huge deal out of our anniversary. It was really fun! The crew were all outstanding too!"
- Linda Quarberg, 2007

"An absolutely delightful, delicious and relaxing way to see France in a different way. Thanks to Ellen, The Barge Lady - she's the best!"
- Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Aronzon, 2006

"It was better than we had hoped for. Our last night cruising through Paris was pure magic. We cannot praise our Captain and crew enough. Kevin, our tour guide,anticipated all our needs and was a true gem. We are already planning our 2007 barge cruise!"
- Mr. and Mrs. Gary Albrecht, 2006

"Everything was new (deck furniture, bikes) and well-cared-for. The table settings were always different and lovely and featured French crystal and silvrware. This attention to detail was very appreciated!"
- William and Geri Muse, 2006

Savoir Faire Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Bow cabin 142 square feet , Five cabins 116 square feet - all with twin or queen beds
-Individual DVD player in each cabin, large selection of movies
(Snuggle up with hot cocoa and your favorite film!)
-Wifi connection available
-Elegant barge with mahogany paneling
-Piano and large salon/dining room with large windows
-Separate bar at stern
-Two sun decks