Tango

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 6 - 8	Your Host: Daniel Sak
Size: 100 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 4
Last Visited: 2007	Bicycles: 6
Rating: Deluxe	Air Conditioned: Yes

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, transportation to the cruise route (we will assist you with this), cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 6: $29,700
Whole Boat Charter of 8: $38,000
Cezanne and Renoir Cabins: $4,600 per person double occupancy
Van Gogh and Captains Cabin: $4,950 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,500

2013 dates

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

Tango is operated by Daniel Sak, the son of Fandango owner Hazel Young, see them pictured together at right. Like Fandango, Tango has a romantic history. As a child Daniel 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. This wonderful commentary from Norman and Ann Bikales sums up much that is special about a Tango cruise on 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 Cruise Itinerary

 

SPRING & FALL: MARSEILLAN TO LE SOMAIL

On the Canal du Midi

6 night 7 day cruises sail this route

March 31 - June 15 and

August 25 - November 2, 2013

Sunday: Board in Marseillan
Welcome Aboard!
Your tour guide will meet you between 3:30 pm-4:30 pm in the nearby town of Beziers. (TGV train service is available from the Paris Gare de Lyon Station to Beziers, is not covered in the cruise price, and must be booked and ticketed in advance. Please ask us to assign a specific train.) You will then be chauffeured to the barge moored on the edge of the Mediterranean in Marseillan port, pictured below, the St. Tropez of the Languedoc. This romantic setting welcomes you to enjoy a champagne reception and your first wonderful dinner on board.


Monday: Marseillan to Portiragnes
Visit Noilly Prat
First a visit to the renowned Noilly Prat vermouth cellars, then we stock up with fresh oysters from the growers, and the barge sets off to cruise across the Etang de Thau to enter the Canal du Midi. The canal cuts through the Camargue protected wildlife park where pink flamingos, black bulls and white horses are at home. A variety of wild birds provide a backdrop to your evening meal on deck. .


Tuesday: Portiragnes to Fonserannes Locks
Scenic Cruising, Bicycle along the Towpath
Excellent biking and walking opportunities during this morning’s cruise towards the aqueduct and seven staircase locks of Beziers, the most exciting of Paul Riquet’s engineering feats. After ascending the locks, pictured at right, a picturesque drive through the Picpoul vineyards to visit the medieval town of Pezenas. Private ‘hotels de ville’ of magnificent architecture, tales of kings, counts and ladies, and Moliere’s legacy make this a favorite visit.

Wednesday: Fonserannes Locks to Regismont le Haut Narbonne
Market Day in Narbonne!
Cruise to Regismont le Haut Narbonne, once Roman capital of the region, now a bustling and attractive town, has something for all visitors. Some will want to visit the Cathedral and cloisters, some the designer boutiques, but all will want lunch at the 100 year old covered Les Halles market. Chilled white wine, a fresh seafood platter, and whatever you want grilled along with homemade ‘frites’ and salad will make an unforgettable lunch. A relaxing afternoon cruise completes a perfect day.

Thursday: Regismont le Haut Narbonne to Pigasse
Ancient Minerve
Today’s excursion is a drive up to the ancient village of Minerve, offering panoramic views and a chance to learn the history of the Cathars. On the way back a visit to L’Oulibo, our local gold medal-winning olive mill. Your afternoon cruise features the smallest arched stone bridge on the Canal at Capestang. At sunset, we go to a nearby chateau vineyard for roasted mussels and private wine tasting with the owner.

Friday: Pigasse to Le Somail
Medieval Carcassonne
Today you visit Carcassonne to discover Europe’s largest medieval fortress city. Guests enjoy the historical tour as well as browsing the many interesting shops. You are invited out to lunch for a succulent cassoulet of duck confit and white beans, at the Auberge des Lices before heading back to the barge. An afternoon cruise takes you to the most picturesque canal village of Le Somail with art galleries and an antique bookshop. The chef and crew will host your farewell dinner.

Saturday: Depart Tango
A Sad Farewell
At 9:00am our guide will chauffeur you to your onward travel destination. As we are moored very near to Carcassonne, you may elect to be taken to the train station, to a rental car office, the airport, or local hotel, all in Carcassonne or environs. Those returning directly from Paris may want to arrange a direct TGV train from Narbonne, the cost of which will be in addition to the cruise price and which must be booked and ticketed in advance. We hope you have enjoyed your cruise and that we may see you again!

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SUMMER: CASTELNAUDARY TO LES AIGUILLES

On the Canal du Midi

6 night 7 day cruises sail this route June 16 - August 24, 2013

Sunday: Board in Castelnaudary
Welcome Aboard!
Your tour guide will meet you in Carcassonne at 4:00 pm. Pickup locations may include the airport, local hotel, train station or rental car office. You will then be chauffeured to the barge moored on the ‘Grand Bassin’ with the town of Castelnaudary as a backdrop. This is a magnificent setting for your champagne toast and first dinner on board.


Monday: Castelnaudary to Sauzens
Castelnaudary, Home of Duck Confit
Monday begins with a visit to the farmers’ market of Castelnaudary, pictured above. The chef stocks up with wonderful cheeses and produce while guests may find an authentic ‘beret‘ or wine opener. Before lunch, a visit to the pottery NOT to see the terra cotta cassoulet baking dishes being thrown. Castelnaudary is home to this succulent dish of duck confit and white beans which you will feast upon for dinner. An afternoon cruise down the many staircases of locks enables those who want to walk or bike to follow on the towpath.


Tuesday: Sauzens to Villeseque
Scenic Cruising
This morning the barge cruises through fields of wheat and sunflowers as we cross the rich agricultural Lauragais plain. We enjoy exceptional views to the Pyrenees on one side and the Black Mountains on the other. Following lunch, an excursion to the reservoir of St. Ferreol, the source of the water supply for the Canal du Midi. We’ll also visit the Pierre Paul Ricquet museum and learn about the intricate engineering of the Canal, stopping in Revel’s marketplace for a refreshment on the way back to the barge.

Wednesday: Villeseque to Carcassonne
Medieval Carcassonne
After a stunning cruise with long stretches of winding canal framed by centuries-old oak, pines and Mediterranean cypress trees, we enter the port of Carcassonne. You’ll tour ‘La Cité de Carcassonne’, pictured below, the largest Medieval fortress in Europe, and finish the afternoon with a stroll through the shopping district to visit the varied and elegant shops. A nice little evening cruise carries us back to the peaceful countryside for dinner and our mooring for the night.

Thursday: Carcassonne to Millepetit
Roman Abbey and Private Winetasting
Today’s excursion is to the Caunes-Minervois Roman Abbey nestled in the hills of the Minervois wine region. We combine the visual delights of this visit with a private vineyard tasting of the rich fruity flavors which make this wine exceptional. Today’s cruising highlight is ending the day under a canopy of sycamore trees. The captain lights up the deck at night creating a romantic atmosphere for your alfresco dining. With olive trees alongside and a chateau in the distance, it’s quite a fairytale.

Friday: Millepetit to Les Aiguilles
Narbonne's Covered Market
This morning we’ll take you to Narbonne, once Roman capital of the region, offering a Cathedral and cloisters, pretty architecture, shopping and, best of all, the 100 year old covered market. This is the chance to enjoy the seafood of the Languedoc Mediterranean coast along with chilled white wine and anything you want grilled with ‘frites’ and salad. A scenic drive back to the barge and your last cruise through a series of staircase locks. The chef and crew will host your farewell dinner.

Saturday: Depart Tango
A Sad Farewell
At 9:00am, your guide will transfer you to the nearby town of Narbonne, from where TGV trains to Paris depart. (Train transfers to/from the barge are not included in the cruise price, and must be booked and ticketed in advance. Please ask us to advise on the train schedule.) As well, you may pick up a rental car. You may also elect to be taken back to Carcassonne. We hope you have enjoyed your cruise!

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
Van Gogh Cabin - 190 sq feet
-One Queen or two twin beds
Renoir and Cezanne Cabins - 90 sq feet
-One Queen or two twin beds
Captain's Cabin - 196 sq feet
-King bed
-Accessible by separate entrance
Also in the Cabins
-Gorgeous tiled baths
In the Public Areas
-Salon with piano and elegant moderne style decor
-Tiled deck with hot tub
-Wifi
6 Bicycles
Scott “Sportsters” bicycles. Tango has children’s bicycles in stock and can arrange to rent specialty bicycles at the expense of the guest.