French Country Waterways Announces 2011 Cruises

The schedule includes a return to the Upper Loire valley - as well as the return of its eight-passenger luxury Princess; in addition, the 12-passenger Adrienne will be cruising in Alsace-Lorraine for the first time, splitting the season between this region and her classic Champagne itinerary. Cruises in Central Burgundy and along Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy's fabled Côte d'Or wine-growing region are also available. Prices for the weekly Sunday departures, April through October, range from $5,095 to $6,695 per person, double occupancy.

The company's fleet of luxury barges carries eight to 12 passengers, sailing on leisurely and luxurious six-night itineraries along the inland waterways of France. Guests aboard a French Country Waterways luxury barge enjoy a host of opulent amenities that are standard on all their cruises: an elegant dinner ashore at the most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant including Auberge des Templiers in les Bezards, Le Cerf in Marlenheim, Lameloise in Chagny, l'Assiette Champenoise in Tinqueux and Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu; creative cuisine prepared by talented young chefs, who blend classic cooking techniques with the trend to lighter fare; four-course candlelit dinners accompanied by Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines from Burgundy and other major French wine regions; all breakfasts and lunches; attentive service from a crew fluent in English and French; daily sightseeing excursions and private wine tastings; and time to relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths. Hot-air ballooning is also an option.

Formerly the private barge of shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig, the eight-passenger Princess is returning to the water with an itinerary in the Upper Loire Valley, where a network of canals link Paris to the fertile Loire River. Highlights on the sailing include a private cellar tour and wine tasting in the charming village of Sancerre; dinner ashore at the Michelin-starred Auberge des Templiers in les Bezards; a visit to the medieval town of Gien, a leading center for French faience; and a day trip - including lunch - to the magnificent Chateau de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux.

The 12-passenger, all-suite Adrienne splits her season between the Champagne and Alsace-Lorraine regions. In Alsace-Lorraine, a border region with half-timbered wine villages as well as rich forests and pasturelands , excursions include a walking tour in Nancy; a visit to Place Stanislas, one of the most beautiful and distinguished squares in all of Europe; cosmopolitan Strasbourg and its 12th-century cathedral, one of Europe's most stunning examples of Gothic architecture. In Champagne, a region known for its celebrated wine as much as its rich history, travelers will explore the Cathedral of Reims, the cellars Moet & Chandon, and the American Cemetery and World War I battlefields.

The eight-passenger Horizon II explores picturesque Central Burgundy as it cruises the Canal de Bourgogne on the route between Tanlay and Veneray-les-Laumes. Guests visit Auxerre's St. Etienne Cathedral and historic quarter; the Abbaye de Fontenay, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries; and the splendid Renaissance château of Ancy-le-Franc; as well as enjoy a private wine tasting in the vineyards of Chablis. At the Forges de Buffon, founded by 18th-century naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon, the guests enjoy a tour before sharing a glass of wine with the current owner.

The 12-passenger Nenuphar sails the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy's fabled Côte d'Or wine-growing region for 2011. Her route continues on the narrow 18th-century Canal du Centre overlooking vineyards of the Côte de Beaune and the meandering River Saône. Daily escorted sightseeing excursions include a walking tour of Dijon with its Ducal Palace and elegant shops; medieval Clos de Vougeot, the Chevaliers du Tastevin headquarters surrounded by vineyards dating back to the 12th century; Beaune, the charming wine capital of Burgundy; the lively port of Chalon-sur-Saône; 12th-century La Rochepot castle; and a tasting of renowned Burgundies in the private cellars of a local vintner in Santenay.

Each barge has been meticulously designed and is extensively refurbished annually, with suites featuring private baths and king, queen or twin beds. The barges are available for individual bookings and for charter groups of eight to 12. Special room rates are offered at the designated meeting point hotels in Paris and/or Strasbourg for guests wishing to extend their stay. Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from French Country Waterways, Ltd., P.O. Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331; (800) 222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada and (781) 934-2454 in MA; or, visit www.fcwl.com.