Colibri overview
- Capacity 4 guests
- Crew members 2
- Booking type Private charter only
- Meeting point 2pm in Paris
“The beautiful Barge Colibri is owned and operated by Australian’s Earl and Fiona Pilatti and will be with you every step of the way on this fantastic holiday. “
Colibri has been designed to take a maximum of only four guests, offering luxury spacious accommodation.
The Colibri is well appointed with bespoke French oak furniture, fine fabrics and beautiful finishing touches. The interior of Colibri has high ceilings throughout with an emphasis on being light and spacious. Earl and Fiona take pride in seeking out and offering some of the finest wines and produce of the regions they cruise in and sharing them with guest.
Colibri has a very high return rate of guests, and for this reason, changes canals every few seasons. In 2016, Colibri will be returning to cruise the beautiful Canal du Midi, with one of the longest route on offer on this canal. Join now and get the chance to cruise aboard a luxury hotel barge along the UNESCO world heritage site of the Canal du Midi, whilst being indulged with gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and daily excursions to the regions sites.
Cabin
- Red Cabin – 16.3m 2
- Blue Cabin – 12.5m2
- Walk around King sized beds (or two twin beds)
- modern en-suite bathrooms
- linens are luxurious of the finest Egyptian cotton, with silk duvets for comfortable summer nights.
- Large showers, heated towel rails, hairdryers, Caudalie products and bathrobes.
Public area
- Light and spacious dining area and salon
- Ipod friendly music system with speakers above and below decks
- A large collection of music, a library of books and games.
- If the evenings turn a little chilly, the fire can be lit.
Deck
- 60m² Sundeck
- Dining table with or without shade (canopy umbrella 4m x 4m)
- 4 bicycles
Champagne cruise – sample itinerary
Sunday
Your cruise will commence in a small village near the Champagne Centre Reims. After welcome drinks, and enjoying one of Fiona’s fabulous lunches, we will start our cruise along the L’Aisne a la Marne Canal taking us around the edge of the Montagne de Reims. We will moor in a rural location near the Mont de Billy Tunnel for the evening and the village of Sept Saulx.
Monday
This mornings excursion will be to the Historic Champagne city of Reims with its magnificent Gothic cathedral where the coronations of the Kings of France have been held. Reims is also the home to some of the world famous champagne houses. After lunch aboard Colibri we will cruise through the Mont de Billy Tunnel and down a staircase of locks towards Conde sur Marne. This village is where the canal L’Aisne a la Marne ends at the junction with the Canal Lateral a la Marne. We stopped here back in 2004 when Colibri was a very different barge.
Tuesday
We explore the vineyards and villages of the Montagne de Reims this morning, this area has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. The hillside is home to many ‘Grand Cru’ villages – producing the highest quality grapes for Champagne. We will visit the Verzenay Lighthouse in the vines, giving splendid views over the vineyards and region, looking towards Reims and beyond. We will visit one of the many fabulous small champagne producers today, heading back to Colibri for lunch. We will start our cruise on the Canal Lateral a la Marne today, heading in the direction of Paris. We will be running parallel to the Marne river, along a beautiful stretch of canal, mooring for the night in Mareuil sur Ay. A charming village to take a walk and stretch you legs, where many of the names of the Champagne houses will be familiar to you.
Wednesday
Today is market day in Epernay, the Capital of Champagne. The Avenue de Champagne houses many of the big names, including Moet & Chandon. The champagne houses have kilometres of tunnels below ground in the limestone, keeping their sacred bubbles at the best temperature for maturation and make an interesting visit, of course rewarded by a tasting at the end. Time permitting, we can visit an artisan Chocolatier here, who makes chocolate champagne corks filled with bubbly, and you may try your hand making them. During this afternoons cruise we leave the canal and cruise on the Marne river, stopping at a beautiful riverside village for the evening.
Thursday
Our visit this morning will take us to the picturesque village of Hautvillers, the home and burial place of Monk Dom Perignon. The village and abbey are beautiful to stroll around with fabulous views over the Marne valley. This is a lovely village with artisanal and antique shops to browse in, and cafes to relax and enjoy watching the world go by. Our cruise this afternoon will take us along the Marne river to the small town of Dormans, a lovely river mooring for our final dinner aboard. Those wishing to take a walk may explore the village and walk up to the First World War memorial chapel.
Friday
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Colibri, Earl will take you to our agreed drop off point, Reims, to continue your travels.
Note * This is a sample itinerary, and we would be delighted to customise our itinerary to enhance your cruise and visits.
Rates
Rates upon application, Please contact us for current availability.
Barge Cruise Full Board
The cruise aboard Colibri comprises of accommodation for four people, including breakfast, lunch and four-course dinner. Selected wines will be served with the meals, with an open bar available for your pleasure. There are daily guided excursions to local sites of touristic interest. During the week, a meal may be taken ashore at a carefully selected local restaurant.
Barge Cruise Half Board
The half board cruise option aboard Colibri comprises of accommodation for four people, including breakfast and lunch each day and your first evening meal on board. Meals are served with selected wines, there is an open bar and other beverages are always available. There are daily guided excursions to local sites of touristic interest. Guests take their evening meal ashore at their own expense.
