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Athos crossing beutiful landscapes

Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi

Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Athos
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Join an exciting 7-day cruise on board the Athos ship. Enjoy the different places along the way while cruising the Canal Du Midi. Explore the history of the walls in Carcassonne and browse artisans shops in Pezenas filled with painters, hat makers and costume designers. You might choose to bird watch in Petit Camargue, taste local wines, or enjoy lunch at Etang de Thau, which offers Europe’s largest mussel and oyster beds. Visit the weekly morning market in Narbonne or simply relax at a picturesque café in Fonserannes.
Wines of EuropeCanal du Midi in FranceAdventures in EuropeWines of EuropeAthos crossing beutiful landscapes
Highlights
  • Tour Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
  • Enjoy a wine tasting at a local château, such as Château Cabezac
  • Visit Pezenas, an architectural gem
  • Pass through the Fonserannes locks
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Argeliers | Embark

Argeliers is a small village in Southern France situated in the Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon region. Guests are met in Beziers while waiting to be transferred to the ship by a private chauffeured minibus. Chilled champagne and Mediterranean canapés will be served as guests arrive on board where your accommodating crew awaits. Once on board, you will be invited to your first 4-course dinner prepared by the highly skilled chef.

Day 2: La Croisade

After you've enjoyed a fresh and delicious breakfast on the upper deck of the hotel barge, you will visit the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times followed by additional walls that were added in the 13th and 14th centuries. Your knowledgeable guide will provide a full tour of this magical and historical place with enough time to browse some shops along the way. Return to the ship and enjoy a gourmet lunch that may even include the famous duck confit stew, cassoulet. In the afternoon, cruise to La Croisade where you can spend some time walking or cycling along the towpath. A delightful dinner will be served to end the day. 

Day 3: Capestang

After a delectable breakfast, you will have the opportunity to taste some organic and wholesome olives accompanied by a glass of rosé at L’Oulibo. A short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve is next on the list. Your guide will entertain you with the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th century. Relax on board after lunch while cruising to Capestang then enjoy a glass of wine at a local château such as Château Cabezac. 

End the day with an elegant dinner on board and take in the views of the floodlit Collegiale St. Etienne.

Day 4: Fonserannes

Narbonne is a town in southern France on the Canal de la Robine. After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to explore the morning market in Narbonne but non-shoppers should not worry since Narbonne also offers entertainment. Explore and discover an excavated portion of Via Domitia, the first Roman road built in Gaul to link Italy and Hispania through what is now southern France. Explore the Roman Museum, the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral or just relax at one of many cafés nearby. You can have your lunch at the atmospheric market then return to the Athos to cruise to Fonserannes. Before the day ends, you will have a chance to view town of Beziers and the Cathedral St.Nazaire. 

Day 5: Portiragnes

Drive to the old market town of Pezenas. a commune in the Hérault department in the Occitanie region in southern France. The architecture of Pezenas is distinctive because of the "Hotels Particuliers" or those mansions of the noble families who followed the Court. Filled with artisans' shops such as hat makers, painters, and costume designers, you will have time to browse these shops as well as learn historical information. After lunch, you will begin your exploration of the Fonserannes Staircase Locks then travel across the 18th-century aqueduct over the River Orb. Walking or cycling the paved towpath alongside your ship are optional activities.

Day 6: Marseillan

Cruise through the area known as the "Petit Camargue" and keep your eyes peeled for local bird species such as pink flamingos, African Rollers, and Bee Eaters. The ship then cruises across the magnificent, "round lock" at Agde. A delightful seafood lunch awaits you at the Etang de Thau which humbly offers Europe’s largest mussel and oyster beds. While the ship moors at the port of Marseillan, you will have the chance to witness the enclosure of the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery. The tour ends with a tasting of Noilly Prat and Captain's farewell dinner on board.

Day 7: Marseillan | Disembark

After breakfast on board, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Beziers.

Ship/Hotel

Athos

Athos Saloon
Athos comfortable sitting area
Athos canopy bikes on deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,690 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Athos Twin Cabin
Maindeck
Averaging to 93 - 102 sr. ft. including en-suite. Five Twin/Double staterooms with private bathroom with shower. Located on the maindeck

Notes

- All children under the age of 18 years accepted onboard qualify for a discount of $300 per child per week 
 
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Good regional wines served throughout the cruise
  • Complimentary use of bicycles
  • Guided sightseeing
  • An open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Local transfers to your barge
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport or Visa fees

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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