The 10-passenger Athos was built in 1964 as a commercial sand, grain
and wine barge and was converted into a luxury hotel barge in 1982. Her
five cabins offer all modern comforts and spaciousness and her saloon,
dining area, bar and sun deck are perfect for relaxation. An
English-speaking crew of 5 efficiently attends to your comfort and
entertainment and ensures an unforgettable experience.
Cruise Highlights
Visit the mediaeval city of Carcassonne
Wine tasting at Domaine de Guery
Visit Pezenas, an architectural gem
Passage through Fonserannes locks
Visit Roman Narbonne
Cross the 18th century Orb canal bridge
Itinerary
Sunday: Day 1 - Salleles D’Aude
You will be met by Athos Captain and Manager at 4pm at a designated
point in Montpellier and transferred by private air-conditioned
Chrysler minivan to Athos. A full-crew Welcome Aboard follows, with
Champagne and Mediterannean canapés. Once you are settled into your
cabin, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by our highly
acclaimed onboard Chef.
Monday: Day 2 - Salleles d'Aude to Argeliers
The proposed morning visit is a drive to the famous medieval
double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable on-board guide
will offer the historical & guided visit making sure that you have
time to browse those shops! An afternoon cruise takes us to Argeliers.
By early evening you have arrived in Argeliers and there should be
enough time for a brisk stroll into the village before Chef starts
serving up her next delight!
Tuesday: Day 3 - Argeliers to Capestang This morning's suggested visit is a tasting at the Oulibo - the local
olive oil press. After an olive tasting, a short drive up the Gorge de
la Cesse brings you into the hilltop village of Minerve, scene of the
Cathar siege of the 13th century. A long lunch and an afternoon of
relaxation await your return to the Athos which cruises to the charming
village of Capestang where we moor with a clear view of the flood-lit
St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday: Day 4 - Capestang to Fonserannes After breakfast, take a moment for a stroll into the village square to
visit the market. Athos gets underway in time to stop for a pre-lunch
wine tasting at one of the few remaining traditional-method 19th
century wineries, Domaine de Guery. The cruise route today promises
spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. When
you arrive at the overnight mooring at top of the Fonserannes locks,
there is time to visit to the old market town of Pezenas, the first
seat of the Languedoc court. The architecture is especially attractive.
Dinner aboard.
Thursday: Day 5 - Fonserannes to Portiragnes This morning we visit Narbonne. Explore an excavated portion of the
original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the well-compiled
Roman Museum, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or simply
relax in one of the many cafés. Later, the cruise takes in the 17th
century feat of engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks)
and the 18th century canal bridge which carries Athos over the Orb
River to Portiragnes. It is an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling.
Dinner aboard.
Friday: Day 6 - Villeneuve les Beziers to Agde to Marseillan
This morning we cruise through the “Petit Camargue”, a joy for bird
watchers with its pink flamingos, African rollers and bee eaters that
frequent the surrounding estuaries. Later we enter the open-waters of
the Etang de Thau, Europe's largest mussel and oyster park, and moor in
the port at Marseillan, near to the Noillly Prat Vermouth distillery.
Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday: Day 7 - Marseillan to Montpellier
Wave goodbye to the crew and depart by private minivan to the appointed destination in Montpellier.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate
weeks, cruise will be in reverse.
2009 Departure Dates
2009 Cruise Rates
Contact us for special pricing
Contact us now to book this cruise or for more information Contact
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks or insurance.
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise line and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
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