The Ultimate Spring Vacation…Barge Cruises in Holland!

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Crystal

Spring in Holland is greeted by rows of tulips, bursting with color as they cover the grounds of the Keukenhof Gardens. Nearly seven million tulips complement the blossoming fruit trees, canals and the stone-crafted windmill that has been turning for centuries. It is a tempting vacation thought.

Then again, there is luxury barge cruising. The appeal here is a pampered vacation to exotic locales, cities and attractions with the added pleasure of only unpacking once. Truly that is another vacation idea that triggers that temptation button. But what if you could combine a luxury barge cruise with a visit to Holland’s most treasured destinations? Continue reading →

Posted in Canal Boats, Destinations, Travel to Holland, Tulip Spring Cruises | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Shop ’til You Drop in Paris

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Crystal

Shipping in ParisNo place on earth says fashion like Paris. Home to the world’s most exclusive trend-setting fashion designers, Paris has long been renowned for the excitement and glamour of its unparalleled fashion scene. A trip to Paris brings you to the heart of this fast-paced world of design and opens the doors to a shopping experience that can be found nowhere else.

Did you know that the term “haute couture” is regulated by law in France? Only members of the exclusive Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture, who present their fashion collections twice annually, can actually use the term. Each article of clothing is made from scratch and is tailored specifically for the customer. The giants of fashion, Pierre Cardin, Coco Chanel and Christian Dior are just some of the designers belonging to this elite group. Continue reading →

Posted in Canal Boats, Destinations, Paris Tours | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Best Kept Cruising Secret…Barge Vacations!

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Crystal

What is a barge vacation? It is an amazing cruise vacation and adventure along the smaller waterways and canals of Europe.   There are two main types of barges:  hotel barge, on which professional crew members take care of every detail, or a self-drive barge, on which you act as the captain and crew.  Either option allows intimate exploration of the countryside in ways no other vacation can. Continue reading →

Posted in Canal Boats, Destinations | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cruise Back in Time along the Canal du Midi

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Crystal

Imagine journeying at a leisurely pace through the sun drenched countryside and historic villages of Southern France aboard a canal barge, at times forgetting not only what hour of the day it might be, but what century the boat is floating through. Dreams become a reality when touring by barge along the fabled Canal du Midi through the Languedoc region of France.

Just a portion of France’s unique canal system linking major towns and tiny medieval villages, the Canal du Midi passes through the coastal plain and stony hills where wine grapes flourish in the brilliant sunshine. A fiercely independent region, its rich history and deep traditions strongly influence the scenic area. Continue reading →

Posted in Canal Boats, Destinations, France, Travel to France, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Discover Dijon – The Captital of Burgundy

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Crystal

Dijon City Ceter with Water FountainWhether you wish to find romance, enjoy some fresh mountain air, experience lively nightlife, or spend the day on the water, France is the place where your dreams can be realized. There are few experiences in the world that can rival the memories of an outstanding vacation in France.  Dijon is an area of France that offers attractions and activities to please just about anybody, so if you are looking for the ideal location for your next vacation, Dijon might just be the perfect choice. Continue reading →

Posted in Canal Boats, Destinations, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Fun Technology for Paris

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Crystal

We all know how useful mobile phone applications are when we’re at home, but you can take these fun and useful applications on the road with you too! There is a wealth of new travel applications for your mobile device that will enrich your travel experience. From museums to restaurants, shopping to sites, these new applications will have you cruising the streets looking like a local, rather than fumbling with a guide-book like a lost looking tourist. Continue reading →

Posted in Canal Boats, Destinations | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A New Twist in Barging

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Crystal

For years, The Barge Connection has been pairing adventurous world travelers with some of today’s best European barge excursions. Recently, we’ve added a new barge that really ups the ante when it comes to exploring local culinary traditions. She’s called the Savoir Vivre, and she includes nightly on-shore dining experiences that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. More importantly, those meals are all included in the fare, making the Savoir Vivre one of the most value-added barging adventures around. Continue reading →

Posted in Canal Boats, Destinations | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Vacation to Savor

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Crystal

A soft breeze blows over the bow of the canal barge the Papillon as you relax on deck in the late afternoon sun. Butterflies lazily hover over the fresh herb boxes that line the sides of the boat. Eyes closed, you take another sip of wine. As the complex flavors wash over your tongue you contemplate another bike ride along the river- not the frantic calorie burning focused rides of your life at home- but a relaxing ride interrupted with picking blackberries from the flanking hedge rows and laughter. You’re actually laughing again. The first day you boarded the Papillon you kept reaching for your cell phone- now you don’t even know where it is- or care. This is the magic of a barge cruise aboard the Papillon which means, “butterfly” in French. Regal in a casually luxurious kind of way, a tour aboard the Butterfly will mesmerize and delight you. Continue reading →

Posted in Canal Boats, Destinations | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Let’s Go to Paris with The Kids

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Crystal

Paris is a uniquely cosmopolitan city—the true essence of culture and sophistication, so it may not be your first choice of destinations in which to travel with your children. But, Paris is filled with many family and child friendly places and activities—the French have kids too, right?  So if you and your spouse are looking for a getaway that is both romantic and family friendly, don’t overlook Paris as an option! Depending on the ages of your children, several of the famous Paris attractions are free, which means you can save your money to savor croissants with your kids! Structuring your trip to include alternating days of “child focused” activities, with those of a more grown up feel, may also be an excellent way to explore the city with your children, so that the whole family has a fulfilling trip to the City of Lights. Continue reading →

Posted in Destinations | Tagged , , | Leave a comment