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6 THE ROANOKE TIMES Sunday, December 18, 2016TRAVEL
By Ann N. YungmeyerSpecial to The Roanoke Times
European river cruises are increas-ingly popular among travelers who want hassle-free travel with comfort-able accommodation, gourmet dining and sightseeing excursions all wrapped in one. The floating hotel concept also works well on Europe’s smaller water-ways and canals, where cruising by barge offers all of the above at a slightly more leisurely pace.
The canal barge glides serenely through the water at three miles per hour with frequent stops to pass through waterway locks, inviting one to hop off and explore the countryside or a nearby village. Towpaths alongside the canal are
excellent for walking and cycling, and it’s easy to catch up with the slow moving barge downstream.
Curious to experience this “slow trav-el,” my husband and I chose a European Waterways trip on the Burgundy Canal, which flows through one of France’s most prestigious wine regions and the esteemed districts of Chablis, Cote de Beaune, and Cote de Nuits. The pinot noir and chardonnay grape varietals orig-inated in Burgundy, and the region has a rich history, culture and gastronomy.
All aboardWe meet our captain and fellow cruise
mates, which include Australians, Cana-dians and other Americans, at our Paris hotel and shuttle to the petite village of
Escommes in eastern France. A welcom-ing crew greets us aboard our home for the week, the 12-passenger luxury hotel barge, L’Impressionniste.
Formerly a Dutch cargo barge, it is outfitted with comfortable cabins with en suite bathroom, air-conditioning and WiFi, as well as a sundeck Jacuzzi and bikes onboard.
The itinerary for our six-night voy-age covers about 40 miles in southern Burgundy, cruising a few hours each day through bucolic countryside with lush pastures of grazing Charolais cattle. Optional excursions by minibus include visits to medieval towns, markets and his-toric sites. At night we moor in peace-
Hotel barging in Burgundy, France
Barge cruising is an immersion in local history, culture and cuisine.
Photos by ANN N. YUNGMEYER | Special to The Roanoke Times
European Waterways’ all-inclusive hotel barge, L’Impressionniste, cruises at 3 mph along the Burgundy Canal.
Hotel Barging: Elements of the Cruise Experiencen Hotel barges typically accommodate 6 to 20 passengers on small waterways, with a more intimate onboard ambience compared to larger cruise ships.
n Crew aboard the luxury hotel barge generally includes the captain, boat pilot, chef, housekeeper, hostess and deckhand — offering a high level of personal service.
n Opportunities to learn about barging and crew activities may include accompanying the chef to market for dinner ingredients or assisting the deckhand in operating the lock gates.
n Canal towpaths and the slow-paced navigation (3 mph) make it easy to explore at will for a snapshot of local culture, such as wandering into a corner gallery, happening upon a food festival or chatting with a village inhabitant.
n Total cruise distance is generally less than 70 miles on a one-week voyage.
n The whole barge can be chartered with family and friends for a house party experience.
n European Waterways is one of several cruise operators offering deluxe barge trips in several countries. Based in England, the company offers cruises in France, Holland, Scotland, England, Ireland and Italy. Prices include all meals, wine, an open bar, daily excursions, and local transfers. Special themed voyages are available, such as golf, biking and opera.
— www.gobarging.com
CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
Visitors can enjoy the lavender garden and wine tasting at Bouchard Pere et Fils Chateau de Beaune.
Sunday, December 18, 2016 THE ROANOKE TIMES 7TRAVEL
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EXCURSIONS CALENDAR
OVERNIGHTDec. 31-Jan. 2New Year’s Eve in Myrtle Beach, S.C.Botetourt and Henry County Parks and Recreation are spon-soring this trip. Highlights will include the Market Common New Year’s Eve street party, walking on the beach or going shopping at Tanger Outlets. The price per person is $299, double; $294, triple; $289, quad; and $359, single, which includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, visits to listed attractions, two full breakfasts at the hotel, two night’s lodg-ing (ocean view rooms) and a tour host. The full amount is due when the reservation is made. Seats on the bus are assigned in the order that pay-ment is received. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from Bonsack Walmart, U.S. 460, Roanoke; at 8:20 a.m. from Clearbrook Walmart, U.S. 220, Roanoke; at 8:45 a.m. from Walmart, Rocky Mount; and at 9:25 a.m. from Walmart, Martinsville. The return time is about 9:15 p.m. For more information, call Botetourt County (540) 473-8326.
2017January–MarchRoanoke Ski Club — Ski TripsThe Roanoke Ski Club is spon-soring ski trips to Whistler Blackcomb, Canada (Jan. 21-28, $1,635), Taos, N.M. (Feb. 4-11, $1,672), Aspen/Snowmass, Colo. (Feb. 18-25, $1,840), Park City, Utah (March 4-11, $1,899), and Snowbird/Alta, Utah (March 11-18, $1,890). Prices include round-trip air from Roanoke, seven nights’ lodging, five days’ lift tickets, ground transfers and more. Local trip to Canaan Valley/Timberline, W.Va. (Feb. 20-23, $430). The price includes three nights lodging, three days’ lift tickets and more. All prices are per person based on double occupancy. For more informa-tion, contact Dave Cohan at (540) 330-3312 or [email protected] or visit www.roanokeskiclub.org/trips.htm.
Feb. 11 Valentine’s Lunch at Michie TavernBotetourt County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this trip to Charlottesville. The dining room at Michie Tavern features hearty midday fare offered by servers in period at-tire. After lunch, the group can tour buildings on the grounds. Passengers also will go on a local sightseeing tour. The price per person is $79, which includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, buffet lunch at Michie Tavern, sightseeing tour of Charlottesville and a tour host. The full amount is due when the reservation is made. The bus will depart at 7 a.m. from Dublin; at 7:20 a.m. from Christiansburg; at 7:45 a.m. from Salem; at 8:15 a.m. from Clearbrook Walmart, U.S. 220, Roanoke; at 8:45 a.m. from the Bonsack Walmart, U.S. 460, Roanoke; and at 9:15 a.m. from the Bedford Welcome Center. Return time is about 6 p.m. For more information, call Botetourt County Parks & Recreation at (540) 473-8326 or call (540) 366-2888.
March 18Highlands Maple Festival — MontereyBotetourt County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is
sponsoring this bus trip. View the process of tapping maple trees for syrup making. Festival fare includes food vendors with local special-ties, more than 160 artists and crafters, clogging groups, folk singers and storytellers. The price per person is $69 and includes roundtrip motor-coach transportation, Hardee’s sausage biscuit and juice on departure, ticket to Highland Center Arts and Crafts Show, sugar camp tour and a tour host. The full amount is due when the reservation is made. Seats on the bus are assigned in the order that payment is received. The bus will depart at 6:30 a.m. from the Clearbrook Walmart, U.S. 220, Roanoke; and at 7 a.m. from the Bonsack Walmart, U.S. 460, Roanoke. Return time is about 8:15 p.m. to Roanoke. For more informa-tion, call Botetourt County Parks and Recreation at (540) 473-8326 or (540) 366-2888.
March 20-24 Amelia Island, St. Augustine & Jacksonville, Fla.J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) depart-ing from Hollins Road Baptist Church in Roanoke is spon-soring a 5-day/4-night trip to Amelia Island, St. Augustine & Jacksonville, Fla. The cost is $525 per person/double occupancy. The trip includes motorcoach transportation with 8 meals included, lodging and tours to the Fountain of Youth, Kingsley Plantation, cruise on the St. John’s River, guided tours to Amelia Island, St. Augustine and Jacksonvillle. A deposit of $75 is due at the time of signing with the final payment due by Jan. 13. If you are interested, call Debbie at 798-8098.
April 1-2Cherry Blossom Train to D.C. Botetourt County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this bus/train trip to Washington, D.C. DAY 1: The group will trav-el from Roanoke to Lynchburg by bus. In Lynchburg, pas-sengers will board an Amtrak train for an excursion to Washington, D.C., for the anniversary of the cherry blos-soms. The train will go through Charlottesville, Culpepper, Manassas, Alexandria and sev-eral small towns, communities and farms. DAY 2: Passengers will visit the National Mall and the Smithsonian Museum of their choice. The per person price of $269 double; $264 triple; $259 quad; and $299 single includes: roundtrip motor coach transportation, ticket on Amtrak train from Lynchburg to Washington, D.C., one night’s lodging, visits to museums, memorials and monuments and a tour direc-tor. Passengers can board the bus at the Clearbrook Walmart, U.S. 220, Roanoke; the Bonsack Walmart, U.S. 460, Roanoke; and at the Bedford Welcome Center. For further information, call Botetourt County Parks and Recreation at (540) 473-8326 or call (540) 366-2888.
April 4-5Sights & Sounds of PennsylvaniaRoanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is sponsoring this trip. Pack an overnight bag and get ready for an all-inclusive experience of Amish country in Lancaster. Activities will include a stay at the Hershey Farm Inn, which has scenic walking trails and
farm animals, a tour of the Amish Village and the play “Jonah” at the Sight & Sound Theatre. Must register by March 1 to attend this trip. For more information, call 772-7529.
April 8-9Bus Trip to Washington, D.C., Cherry BlossomsHenry County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this bus trip. DAY 1: Activities will include a lunch stop; a photo stop at the Capitol and White House. Passengers will view the cherry blos-soms upclose while touring various monuments and memorials. DAY 2: Guests will visit the National Mall and a Smithsonian Museum of their choice. The price per person of $199 double; $194 triple; $189 quad; and $249 single includes: roundtrip motor coach transportation, sausage biscuit and juice, one night’s lodging, breakfast at hotel, visits to Smithsonian muse-ums, memorials and monu-ments and a tour director. Passengers can board the bus at the Walmart, Martinsville; at Kmart, Danville, VA; Food Lion, Chatham; and at Food Lion, Gretna. For more information, call (276) 634-4645 or (540) 366-2888.
April 21–May 1Amalfi Coast, Naples & Puglia, ItalyThe Roanoke Ski Club is spon-soring this trip. Cost will range from $3,159-$3,425 (depend-ing on number of travelers). Price includes round-trip airfare, five nights in Sorrento and four nights in Alberobello (boot of Italy), breakfast daily, six dinners, tour guides and admission fees. Included are visits to Naples, Positano, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Isle of Capri, wineries, an olive oil factory and other highlights of Southern Italy. All prices are per person based on double oc-cupancy. For more information, contact Dave Cohan at 330-3312 or [email protected] or visit www.roanokeski-club.org/trips.htm.
April 29Spring Mystery TripBotetourt County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this trip. Will it be north, south, east or west? Seats on the bus are assigned in the order that payment is received. The price per person is $69 and includes roundtrip motor coach transportation, an all-inclusive lunch, admission to all attrac-tions and a tour host. Lunch is included. The bus will depart from Dublin, with pick points in Christiansburg, Salem and Roanoke. For more information, call Botetourt County Parks and Recreation at (540) 473-8326 or call (540) 366-2888.
May 11-17Holland (Michigan) Tulip FestivalThe Salem Museum is sponsor-ing this trip to the tulip festival and Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel. Fly to Chicago and have a day and evening there with sightseeing of the “Windy City.” From there, tour Michigan, including two nights at the famous Grand Hotel on Lake Huron. In Holland, visit tulip gardens in a Dutch setting of windmills, drawbridges and canals. Also visit Frankenmuth, known as “little Bavaria.” The rate for seven days is $2,674 per person twin and includes airfare from Roanoke, six nights’ accommodations,
including two nights at the deluxe “Grand,” 10 meals, sightseeing and transportation. For additional information and a flier, call Freda at 989-6373.
May 13National Train DayHenry County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring trip. The group will visit historic train depots in Greensboro, High Point, Lexington, Thomasville, Spencer, Salisbury and Kannapolis, N.C. The price per person of $99 includes roundtrip motor coach trans-portation, train ticket to ride the Piedmont train, visits to area attractions and a tour host. Full payment is due when reservations are made. Seats on the bus are assigned in the order that payment is received. The bus will depart at 8:15 a.m. from Food Lion, U.S. 220, Bassett Forks. For more infor-mation, call (276) 634-4645 or (540) 366-2888.
May 27-29Memorial Day Weekend in New York CityHenry County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this bus trip. Attractions will inclde Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building Observatory, Radio City Music Hall They will be taken to Grand Central Terminal, the 9/11 Memorial, Chinatown and Ellis Island. The price per person is $449, double; $429, triple; $419 quad; and $559 single, which includes roundtrip motor coach transportation, breakfast upon departure, two nights’ lodging (in New Jersey), admis-sion to Empire State Building Observatory, ferry ticket to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and a tour host. Passengers can board the bus at the Clearbrook Walmart, U.S. 220, Roanoke; and at Bonsack Walmart, U.S. 460, Roanoke; and at other locations along the way. For more information, call (276) 634-4645 or (540) 366-2888.
June 5-9The Ark EncounterJ.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) depart-ing from Hollins Road Baptist Church in Roanoke is sponsor-ing this five-day/four-night trip. The cost is $530 per person/double occupancy. The trip includes motorcoach trans-portation with eight meals included, lodging in a Cincinnati hotel, admission to the famous ARK, the Creation Museum, Newport Aquarium and the Cincinatti Zoo & Botanical Gardens. This is a guided tour with a Diamond Tours Dinner Party with entertainment on the last day. Reserve your seat with a deposit of $75 due now with the final payment due by April 2. If you are interested, call Debbie at 798-8098 for more information.
June 10-17Hawaiian Islands CruiseFaith-based group travel with Educational Opportunities of-fers 8 days aboard Norwegian’s Pride of America ship sailing out of Honolulu. The cost is $1,608 and up, based on double occupancy. Taxes, gratuities and shore excursions are not included. Airfare add-on avail-able from Roanoke or other departure cities. The deposit is $400 per person. Final payment is due Feb. 10. Contact local EO tour host Robert Stutes of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church at 427-3064 or [email protected]. Brochures are available or go to www.eo.travel. To register online, use host ID 41660. Other
faith-based trip options are available.
June 17Rock Churches of the Blue Ridge ParkwayHenry County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this trip to view historic churches built by the Rev. Bob Childress in the counties of Carroll, Floyd and Patrick. There will be fudge sampling at Nancy’s Candy Company and a boxed lunch in the Meadows of Dan area. The price per person is $69 and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, tour of Hillsville Courthouse and Museum, fudge sampling at Nancy’s Candy Company, lunch, tour of the rock churches and a tour host.Seats on the bus are assigned in the order that payment is received. The bus will depart at 6:30 a.m. from the Bonsack Walmart, U.S. 460, Roanoke; at 7:15 a.m. from the Lowe’s, U.S. 220, Roanoke; at 7:45 a.m. from the Food Lion, Rocky Mount; and at 8:15 a.m. from Food Lion, Bassett Forks. Return time is about 8 p.m. For more informa-tion, call (276) 634-4645 or (540) 366-2888.
July 10-23The Majesty of PeruJoin Virginia Tech architecture professor Humberto Rodriguez-Camilloni on a study tour of some of the sites of Peru, including Sacsahuaman, Tipon, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Visit the historical centers and major museums of Lima, Arequipa and Cuzco; and enjoy the natural reserves of the Colca Canyon near Arequipa. Also included is a two-day tour of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. The land package ($3,595; double occupancy) includes all surface and air transportation in Peru, hotels, sightseeing, admis-sion charges, and most meals. For more information, call International Seminar Design, Inc., (202) 244-1448 or e-mail [email protected].
Aug. 12-20Pacific Coast JourneyThe Salem Museum is sponsor-ing this trip. Enjoy the scenery and experience many differ-ent types of adventure. Fly from Roanoke to Portland, Ore., see the Columbia River Gorge, explore the Oregon coast, visit Crater Lake National Park, Redwood National Park,
taste wine in the Sonoma Valley and end up touring San Francisco and cruising the bay. The rate is $3,009 per person double, which includes air from Roanoke, accommodations, transportation throughout, 13 meals, sightseeing and much more. Call Freda at 989-6373 for more information and a flier.
Oct. 3-18Wonders of China & the Yangtze RiverThe Salem Museum is spon-soring this trip. Highlights include: Shanghai, four-night cruise on the Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam, Chengdu, Panda Sanctuary, Xian and the Terracotta warriors, Tienanmen Square, Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, rickshaw tour and Hutong. The rate is $5,399 per person double, which includes air from Roanoke and all air within China, accommodations,34 meals, sightseeing, many special fea-tures and visits, and is hosted from Roanoke. Call 982-2200 for a brochure.
Nov. 3-11Cruise to Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Half Moon CayHenry County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring this trip to Charleston, South Carolina and a cruise. The group will travel from Roanoke, Rocky Mount and Martinsville to Charleston and then cruise to Amber Cove, Dominica Republic; Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador); and to Grand Turk on Carnival’s Sunshine. The cost is $1,199 per person, double for inside stateroom; $1,299 per person, double for ocean-view stateroom; and $1,599 per person for bal-cony room. Cruise insurance (optional) is available for $130 per person. The price includes transportation from Roanoke to Charleston, one-night’s lodging in the Charleston area, shuttle from hotel to ship, seven-nights’ lodging on ship, meals and en-tertainment on ship, taxes and port fees. For more information, call (276) 634-4645 or (540) 366-2888.
We welcome trips organized by schools, clubs, churches
and other nonprofits. Send to [email protected] or call
981-3340.
Photos by ANN N. YUNGMEYER | Special to The Roanoke Times
Towpaths alongside Burgundy Canal are excellent for biking or walking.
ful villages, where we may just find a canal-side game of boules to join. Our final mooring is in the pictur-esque village Fleurey-sur-Ouche, not far from Dijon.
A moveable feastM e a l t i m e a b o a r d
L’Impressionniste is a jour-ney in itself into regional traditions.
Fresh market produce and local cuisine are fea-tured with a modern flair, and each course offers carefully paired wines. The ambience is casual, and weather permitting, dining may take place in the pleasant alfresco set-ting on deck.
The cheese course is highlighted with the pre-sentation of regional chees-es, along with their history and flavor characteristics. French cheeses are typical-ly served, but our English chef, “Scotty,” sneaks in a surprise Godminster ched-dar from her hometown. Other memorable dishes include her creative soup made of French greens,
mint and lemon, and a refreshing dessert of pine-apple-mint carpaccio with homemade coconut ice.
The food-friendly Bur-gundy wines feature prom-inently on the daily menu, and the server will often identify the nearby wine domaine on a detailed Bur-gundy map. Wines from other regions of France including Alsace, Cham-pagne, and the Rhone Val-ley are paired with select courses.
Area attractionsIncluded in our trip
are guided visits to a for-tress and chateau, wine domaines, and the delight-ful cities of Beaune and Dijon. All are within a short drive of the mooring points, but the imposing Chateauneuf-en-Auxois can be admired from the deck of the hotel barge. The 14th-century fortress and quaint village is perched on a rocky spur overlooking the canal and countryside.
Chateau de Bussy-Rabu-tin, the home of a disgraced courtier of King Louis XIV, is another impressive cas-tle with a unique portrait gallery and magnificent French-style garden.
Hospices de Beaune is an architectural mas-terpiece with an amazing story, established as a “pal-ace for the poor” in 1443 by the chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy and his wife. Until 1971, it remained a charity hospital with very
high standards. The unique building became a cultural heritage site and museum with historical exhibits of the hospice setting, phar-macy items and medical instruments.
Highlighting Burgun-dian history, the wine domaine Clos de Vougeot was established by the monks of Citeaux Abbey in 1110. Visitors marvel at the thick-walled Great Cellar (above ground) and a dis-play of lever winepresses
that date from 1477. The Renaissance-style chateau was added in 1551. Clos de Vougeot remains a world-renowned Grand Cru wine, but current ownership of the domaine and vines is split among 85 private own-ers.
Bouchard Pere & Fils offers a tour at the domaine headquarters in the stun-ning Chateau de Beaune. Wine experts provide an overview of the history and production of the Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines, followed by a cellar tasting.
A visit to Dijon, “mus-tard capital of the world,” is a must for foodies. The medieval Old Town has a magnificent city market and mustard tasting bars with a variety of unique fla-vors. The Burgundy region boasts rich and diverse gastronomic traditions, and though nothing could upstage the distinguished Burgundy wines, Dijon’s famous hot mustards cer-tainly add to the prestige.
Ann N. Yungmeyer is a freelance writer in
Kingsport, Tenn.
FROM 6
The medieval city of Dijon, “mustard capital of the world,” offers a variety of flavored mustards to sample in shops and tasting bars.
