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2010 SEASON SPECIAL CRUISE IDEAS
Updated 18th May 2010
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The Rites of Spring: Keukenhof, Netherlands, on the Savoir Faire
There may be no time more joyous than the greening of the year, when cold climates awaken from their
snowtime slumber and flowers warm the world with cheer.
The tulip is a national symbol of the Netherlands, and the flower figures prominently in Dutch
history. They take their tulips seriously here: The Netherlands’ Princess Máxima
(with help from the wife of Russia’s president) presided at last year’s opening of Keukenhof,
the world’s largest flower garden. More than 7 million tulips in 100 varieties are planted
by hand each year on Keukenhof’s 80 acres, provided by dozens of royally appointed growers.
The 2010 season runs through May 16.
The Savoir Faire still has openings for last minute cabin bookings on her 2010 'Tulip Cruises'
at an amazing price of US$3800
(per person, based on double occupancy) on her 18th and 25th April 2010 departures!
Terms as follows:
- Subject to availability
- Valid for new bookings only
Contact us to enquire about availability or book.
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We are delighted to introduce for 2010 a WALKING CRUISE itinerary on the Shannon Princess.
A dedicated Guided Walking Cruise is now booking... Come and discover the beauty of Ireland the week starting Sunday June 20th 2010.
The Shannon Princess new 'Walking Itinerary' embraces the luxury and comfort of Barging along with the satisfaction
and exhilaration of quality guided walking tours in a unique & beautiful environment
that only Ireland’s river Shannon can offer.
Along with her chauffer driven luxury mini coach & her professional Walking guide,
Shannon Princess provides the perfect floating vista for your European walking adventure.
Her walks are guided by professional walking guides all with backgrounds in Archaeology, History & Natural Science along
with a smattering of local knowledge.
Her 'Walking Cruises' combine all the pampering of a regular cruise with five guided & catered walks.
Each day wake to freshly baked pastries & our excellent Wellness Style breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast
your guide will muster his troops & set off for that days trail. Routes will typically vary between
14 & 20 km, or a 4 hour period.
With undulating routes, many of our walks are areas of special environmental preservation.
Whilst 'out and about' you can enjoy alfresco gourmet lunch & refreshments catered by the barge crew & their support vehicle.
Return to the barge for Captain's cocktail reception and a leisurely afternoon or evening dining cruise to our next port of call.
Relax as the last rays of light wash over Shannon Princess and the River Shannon, soak up the Shannon’s tranquil ambience
and watch the world float by. Spend you late evening at leisure or catch up with
new friends in a local country pub and perhaps enjoy an impromptu music season.
Each day the Shannon Princess' overnight mooring will be the starting point for the next day's Walking Tour.
WALKING CRUISE AT A GLANCE...
THE TÁIN TRAIL...
TÁIN BÓ CULAINE – is the legendary route taken across Ireland taken by Queen Maedbh of Connacht in her
attempts at the theft of her husband's riches and his prized Brown Bull of Cooley. The Tain Trail is
steeped in mythology & history as it retraces the journey & battles between Maeve & her armies & the Warrior hero Cúchulainn.
Your walk will join the Tain Trail along the Shores of Lough Ree where Maeve met a bloody end. You will follow the trail
for 3 to 4 hours. This is a charming lakeshore byway on natural surfaces with only slight gradients.
The PILGRAM'S PATH
Shannon Princess moors at Clonmacnoise ruins - an atmospheric & spiritual 6th Century monastic settlement soaked in
history & myth. Clonmacnoise was the ancient burial grounds of the High Kings of Tara & Connaught and quickly became a popular place of pilgrimage.
Here on the Shannon Riverbanks you will start your walking trail on THE PILGRIM'S PATH.
This ancient walking route crossed early historic Ireland from east to west and was known in Gaelic as An
tSlí Mór, the Great Road. The modern Pilgrim Path covers an intact stretch of that ancient route which winds along the Esker Riada
and provides the walker with an elevated view of the bog and river Shannon rich in wildlife and flowers. You will follow the trail for 3
to 4 hours, over gently undulating & natural terrain.
THE SLIEVE BLOOM WAY.
You will travel by luxury coach to the nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains. Steeped in history and folklore, the Slieve Blooms
dominate the landscape as it straddles the border of counties Offaly and Laois. Its highest peak, 529m Arderin,
translates from Irish as the height of Ireland. Connections with the past are everywhere as the area is dusted
with monuments dating back as far as 4,500 years. This is a three to 4 hour walk along riverside paths & bog
tracks and through woodland trails.
THE EAST CLARE WAY.
The East Clare Way walk starts from overnight mooring in Mountshannon. This is a 127km route of marked
Highways and Byways. You will be guided through what is considered the most beautiful section -“The
Ogonnello Way”. A gentle climb up through riverside villages & into the Slieve Bernagh hills until you will
overlook some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Munster with Lough Derg and its many
islands at our feet creating a landscape rich in beauty, colour and variety. This is a 3 to 4 hour
walk on natural terrain and trails with moderate gradients.
THE GRAVES OF THE LEINSTERMEN.
You will take a hike into the Arra Mountains from the Shannon Princess' mooring in Killaloe. At The summit of Tountinna
is the “GRAVES OF THE LEINSTER” today one stone is standing, the rest are covered in undergrowth.
The site may have originally been a stone circle or a Neolithic Tomb. Keep a look out for evidence
of the area’s great slate quarrying tradition. Magnificent views can be had from these parts, and
blanket bog and several varieties of heather add to the allure of the landscape. This is an excellent
walk and can take between 3 to 5 hours to walk. You will be walking on natural terrain with moderate
gradients.
Terms as follows:
- Subject to availability
- Valid for new bookings only
Contact us to enquire about availability or book.
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HONEYMOON CRUISES...
...through Venice, the Scottish Highlands or the Loire Valley
Three of the most intimate vessels that we are pleased to represent can be chartered for an exclusive two person charter offering the ultimate in floating romance. Couples use the best double suite and will enjoy fine dining on board nightly by candlelight after champagne cocktails, with one evening meal ashore seated at the best table in a Michelin starred restaurant. Cruises will include special honeymoon features such as a serenaded gondola ride, balloon trip or luxury loch side picnic with piper in discreet attendance! Daily excursions are tailor-made to individual preference and can sometimes be made by bicycle or horse drawn carriage.
Cruising through Venice...
The Venice cruise on board La Dolce Vita includes arrival by high speed water taxi, secluded anchorages by remote lagoon islands and a trip up the River Brenta to Padua, setting of two of Shakespeare’s plays. There is also time for cappuccinos in St Mark’s Square and Bellini cocktails at the world famous Harry’s Bar.
Cruising through the Scottish Highlands...
The Scottish Highlands offers the most spectacular inland waterway scenery in Europe with the Scottish Highlander finding dramatic anchorages such as Urqhuart Castle on mysterious Loch Ness. Guests can wander the heather clad shores with only sheep for company or relax on board with maybe a “wee dram” of single malt whisky.
Cruising through the Loire Valley...
The Loire Valley cruise with its fairytale chateaux and tranquil vineyards is another romantic destination. The Nymphea will moor in picturesque settings by centuries old watermills or under shady weeping willows and a short stroll will lead to a colourful street market or friendly village café.
There is something for every discerning newly wed couple.
Terms as follows:
- Subject to availability
- Valid for new bookings only
Contact us to enquire about availability or book.
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SAVOIR FAIRE
"The Best of Upper Loire and Burgundy"
We are pleased to annouce that the Savoir Faire will continue with its cruise route throughout 2010, "The Best of Upper Loire and Burgundy", with more biking, more walking, more canal, more variety... more of everything!
You will be welcomed aboard the Savoir Faire for your magical journey through time as she glides past picturesque villages and mighty Gothic towns. From the sun kissed slopes of Chablis to the inner sanctuaries of French kings and noble knights, this cruise promises golden memories with every turn you take.
On "The Best of Upper Loire and Burgundy" cruise the Savoir Faire will cruise from Auxerre (Burgundy) to Montargis (Upper Loire), via the Yonne, Petite Seine and Canal du Loing
This special cruise includes the following excursions:
- Walking tour of medieval Auxerre with optional "Son et Lumiere in the Cathedral" after dinner
- Wine tasting at Chablis with personalized tour of the Grand Cru vineyards followed by optional cheese tasting at a local Burgundian farm
- Walking tour of 13th Century riverside town of Villeneuve sur Yonne
- Walking tour of 12th Century Sens Cathedral, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France
- Tour of the Chateau of Vaux la Vicompte and gardens - setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask"
- Walking tour of medieval Moret sur Loing and visit to the house of famous Impressionist Alfred Sisley
- Tour of Fontainebleau Palace & gardens followed by optional visit to artist community of Barbizon
- Excursion to the shops and flowered walkways of Montargis
Your captain arranges each day so you can enjoy the opportunity to excercise along the paths that border the cruise route.
For those who are more adventurous we provide local maps so that you can visit hamlets and monuments close by. For those who are more adventurous Hot Air Ballooning can be arranged at additional cost.
Terms as follows:
- Subject to availability
- Valid for new bookings only
Contact us to enquire about availability or book.
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