Tango

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 6-8
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2010 rates

Whole Boat Charter of 6:
$32,240
Whole Boat Charter of 8:
$43,400
Individual Cabins
$5,880 per person/double occupancy -
Van Gogh and Captain's Cabin
$4,750 per person/double occupancy - Renoir and Cezanne Cabins

2010 dates

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

TANGO'S sister ship FANDANGO - owned and operated by Hazel Young - will continue to cruise in Burgundy in 2010. As always, Hazel plans a special and delicious experience! See our Southern Burgundy section for full details.

Tango is operated by Hazel Young's son, Daniel Sak. As a child he had seen this barge abandoned by the side of the canal and was determined to own it. In 2000, his dream came true when he purchased the vessel, re-christened it as Tango, and renovated it to produce striking and sophisticated decor. Daniel now serves as both Captain and chef, continuing a tradition of excellence inherited from his mother.

Tango is absolutely gorgeous! Pictures do not do it justice. It reminds of a sophisticated yacht: with polished teak flooring, gleaming brass portholes, romantic cabins and luminous ceramic tiled baths. Chef Daniel is a perfectionist; the barge looks, feels, and even smells wonderful. His French country cooking uses the freshest ingredients. It is flavorful, creative, and light. A tiny window allows guest to watch him cook!

We have welcomed many parties onto Tango. Delightful guests Norman and Ann Bikales cruised in October, 2006. Their wonderful commentary sums up much that is special about Tango and its route encompassing both Mediterranean towns and the Canal du Midi: "The Canal du Midi is magical. It winds through medieval villages that have not changed in years. The countryside is a mass of grape vines and olive trees. We went to the local markets and saw the fabulous produce, which our chef bought and prepared daily. The food was exceptional. We ate all the local vegetables, fish, occasionally meat and drank the local wines which were blends of local grapes. We slept late, had long breakfasts, went to the market, to the villages, the most famous being Carcasonne, which we have been to twice before. The other areas were new to us and each village had a history of its own and a charm that drew us along the narrow cobblestone streets. We went all the way to the Mediterranean Sea just off the border of Spain. The terrain changed daily. Going through the locks was exciting as all the townspeople came to watch the big event of the day. One day, we went through seven locks in a row. We often got off the barge and walked for miles along the banks meeting the barge at another point. It was such fun."

Tango

Canal du Midi

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Agde to Le Somail on the Canal du Midi

Sunday: Arrival at Agde

Welcome Aboard!

You'll be met mid-afternoon by Tango crew at your arranged meeting point in Beziers or immediate environs - train station, rental car office, local hotel or airport.  From there, we'll chauffeur you to Tango moored in the ancient Greek port of Agde - now an atmospheric town of narrow, cobblestoned lanes and colorful ancient buildings.  Meet Captain and crew at the traditional Champagne Welcome.  There is plenty of time to relax and unpack before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Agde to Villeneuve-les-Beziers

Gourmet Day - taste Vermouth and Shop for Oysters!

Relax on Tango's gorgeous tiled deck for this morning's cruise through Camargue-like landscapes - black bulls and white horses grazing in canalside pastures.  You'll quickly settle into the relaxing rhythm on board as TANGO then cruises inland to the canal shaded by sycamore trees, see left.  After lunch, head out for a tasting at Noilly Prat, creators of the famed Vermouth, and then visit oyster beds at Marseillan to purchase fresh oysters for tonights hors d'ouevres - perhaps served on deck!

Tuesday: Villeneuve-les-Beziers to Foncerannes Lock

Shop for antiques in the ancient town of Pezenas

Take advantage of excellent bicycling and walking opportunities during this morning's cruise towards the incredible "Seven Staircase of Locks" at Beziers.  Onlookers will gather as Tango ascends all seven locks; this is something you'll remember always.  After lunch on board, it's time to go to Pezenas, known for gorgeous old town houses and antiques shopping.  On the way back to Tango, let's make time for a quick winetasting!

Wednesday: Foncerannes Lock to Regismont-le-Haut

Incredible Roman road in Narbonne!

Morning excursion to Narbonne - once the capital of the Roman province of Gaul.  Chariott-rutted paving stoned from the Via Domita, the road linking Narbonne to Rome, can be viewed, see at right.  Today Narbonne is a bustling town with much to enjoy - including the 100 year old Les Halles food market.  Help the chef select fresh seafood and cheeses to be served at lunch.  There will be time to explore the boutiques which line Narbonne's cobblestoned streets.  Back on board, it's an afternoon of relaxation, walking or bicycling as we cruise to our delightful countryside mooring.

Thursday: Regismont-le-Haut to Capestang

Lazy cruising, Breathtaking Views

This morning, we'll continue on the historic Canal de Midi to the village of Capestang.  After navigating through the tiniest stone bridge on the canal (Tight fit - but that's part of the fun!), breathtaking vistas of vineyards lining the canal and views of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance make for an exceptionally beautiful cruise.  This afternoon you'll stay busy.  First drive to the hilltop ruins of Minerve, an ancient hilltop village at which the breakaway Cathar sect made its last stand; then it's on to an olive oil mill to stock up on gifts.

Friday: Capestang to Le Somail

Cassoulet lunch in a Gorgeous Walled City

Have breakfast on deck, pictured at left. Then it's time for the sightseeing high point: Carcassonne, Europe's largest extant walled Medieval fortress.  Tour this fairytale town, view the rose stained glass windows in the Cathedral, and walk the ramparts.  Then enjoy a lunch of succulent cassoulet: confit of duck and white beans simmered for hours, by far the most famous dish of this area.  There will be time for fabulous shopping - Provencial tablecloths and other wonderful gifts - before heading back to Tango.  A late afternoon cruise to Le Somail provides a last relaxing view of the canal, and your Farewell dinner, with Tango moored at an adorable stone bridge, continues the peaceful mood.

Saturday:  Your Tango Cruise Ends

A Sad Farewell

After your last breakfast on board, depart at 10:00am (or earlier).  Your entire party will be chauffeured as a group to one departure point in Carcassonne, Narbonne or Beziers.  Train connections to Paris can be accessed from Narbonne or Beziers, while major car rental offices are available in all three towns.  We hope to see you again - consider a cruise in Burgundy on Tango's sister ship The Fandango.

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 Cruises on the hotel-barge Tango and barging on the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

 

Tango

Guest Book

"Tango was fabulous and the trip is going down in my book as "life altering" as I truly fell in love with the beauty, history and abundance of the land.  I bought two books to read and didn't open one as I was mesmerized with the views.  The barge itself was lovely and the crew touched my heart with both their professionalism and passion.  The food and wine exceeded my high standards and the memories still linger!"
-Satisfied 2009 Guest

"We had a great time on the Tango!  Accommodations were wonderful, food was great, staff was great and the scenery and leisurely pace of the trip was spectacular.  I told Captain Daniel Sak that the trip exceeded our expectations - and that everyone would agree with that assessment.  The hotel in Lyon was great - and dinner at Paul Bocouse was fantastic.  All in all, it was a wonderful vacation - one I've already recommended to several people to consider.  Thank you for putting this trip together for us."
-John Sutton, 2009

"Our Tango cruise was beyond our expectations. Accommodations were top-of-the-line and food exquisite. The crew of Hazel, Daniel, Anna and William were fantastic. They were so enjoyable and truly made the trip. From the moment we got on the barge until we departed, we did not want for a thing! TANGO is the nicest barge on the canal. Such attention to detail! Upon returning, I told our friends that other barges were Holiday Inns. We were on the Ritz Carlton!"
- Anissa Gurnee, 2007

"Fabulous in every way. This was as close to a perfect family vacation as one could wish for."
-Bill Jones III, 2007

"Outstanding. Daniel runs a good ship and the food was fabulous. The canal was even more beautiful than we expected. We would like to do it again in a few years."
-Joe and Ann Jennings, 2006

"Actually having the two barges worked very well - activity on one, peaceful sailing on the other. We loved the Van Gogh cabin on Tango - it is beautiful, particularly in the bath which has tiles to die for! Our family adventure was a great success. Hazel and her crew made us comfortable in every way."
- Gambill Family Tandem Charter, 2006

Tango Floor Plan

100 Feet long
-Refit for 2008 with four cabins
-"Honeymoon cabin" 190 square feet and two smaller cabins at 90  square feet
-Fourth cabin accessible by separate entrance
-Salon with piano and elegant moderne style decor
-Gorgeous tiled baths and deck