Join an exciting 7-day private trip along Canal Du Midi on the Athos luxury hotel barge. Begin at Argeliers, a little village in Southern France's Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. Cruise to La Croisade and learn about the history of Carcassonne's medieval walls, followed by organic olive Tasting at L’Oulibo in Capestang. Visit the weekly morning market in Narbonne or relax at a picturesque café in Fonserannes. The next day, browse the artisan stores in Pezenas, home to painters, hat makers, and costume designers, before traversing the 17th-century engineering marvel, the Fonserannes Staircase Locks. Pass under the 18th-century Orb aqueduct. Before arriving in Marseillan, go birding in Petit Camargue, taste local wines, or have lunch in Etang de Thau, which has Europe's largest mussel and oyster beds.
Highlights
Pass through the Fonserannes locks with your private group of up to 10 guests
Tour Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
Visit Pezenas, an architectural gem
Enjoy a wine tasting at a local château, such as Château Cabezac
Bicycle or stroll the 18th-century aqueduct across the river orb
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. Guests are served chilled champagne and Mediterranean canapés as they arrive on board where your accommodating crew awaits. Be invited to your first 4-course dinner prepared by the highly skilled chef.
After you've enjoyed a fresh and delicious breakfast on the upper deck of the hotel barge, 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 provides 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 is served to end the day.
After a delectable breakfast, 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 entertains you with the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th century. After lunch, relax on board 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.
Narbonne is a town in southern France on the Canal de la Robine. After breakfast, have the opportunity to explore the morning market in Narbonne, but non-shoppers should not worry since Narbonne also entertains. Explore and discover an excavated portion of Via Domitia, the first Roman road built in Gaul to link Italy and Hispania through southern France. Explore the Roman Museum, the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or 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, have a chance to view the town of Beziers and the Cathedral St.Nazaire.
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, have time to browse these shops and learn historical information. After lunch, 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.
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, 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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$38,500
or $3,850 per person based on 10 max passengers
Select a Date
Maindeck
Averaging to 93 - 102 sr. ft. including en-suite. Five Twin/Double staterooms with private bathroom with shower. Located on the maindeck
Notes
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
**other locations are available for private Charter bookings.
Rates Include:
Accommodations
Private shower
All gourmet meals
Selected regional wines and alcoholic beverages
All sightseeing tours and admittance fees
Use of the vessel's bicycles
Roundtrip transfers from specified meeting point
Rates Exclude:
Air transportation
Airport taxes
Visas
Health or accident insurance
Trip cancellation insurance
Superior Châteaux vintage wines
Crew gratuities
Optional activities such as hot air balloon flights or items of a personal nature such as laundry, communication charges or purchases
Initial deposit is $1,200, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
