FRANCE: Boutique Christmas Eve Barge Cruise : Paris & The Canal Saint-Martin (port to port) – 4 days

Destination:  FRANCE: Paris

Tour Commences In:  Paris

Tour Concludes in:  Paris

Number of Days:  4 days / 3 nights

Tour Style; Luxury / Deluxe Barge Cruise (groups, couples & solo travellers)

Accommodation: Modern Boutique Barge

Meals: Breakfasts; 3: Lunches; 2: Dinners; 3:

Leaders: One or more professional local guides

Transportation: Luxury / Deluxe Barge Cruise

Tour Grading: Moderate: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility

Cruise Highlights:

• ·The ship will dock in the heart of Paris, a veritable crossroads of generations and cultures

•   Celebrate Christmas in Paris – Enjoy festive lights, decorations, and the holiday atmosphere in the City of Light.

• Seine River Scenic Cruise – Sail past iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.

• Christmas Eve Gala Dinner – Indulge in a gourmet French multi-course dinner with fine wines and live entertainment.

• Exclusive Canal Saint-Martin Cruise – Navigate this charming and historic canal with iron footbridges, locks, and tree-lined quays.

• Unforgettable Photo Opportunities – Capture Paris at Christmas from the unique perspective of the water.

  Excursions Included:

• Panoramic tour of the capital city, and visit of the covered arcades with their authentic charm

• Tour of the legendary Saint-Germaindes-Prés district, where history was made and creativity was cultivated

Cruise Program:

Day 1:    Wednesday 23rd  December:  Paris – “Paris by night":    (D)
Guests are invited to board the ship at 6:00 p.m. Once you have settled comfortably into your cabins, join us for a welcome cocktail and an introduction to our crew. Dinner will be served on board, followed by a delightful evening featuring the traditional Titi Parisien show. Later, we’ll cruise through Paris by night, taking in the city’s illuminated landmarks. Our ship will remain docked in the heart of Paris overnight. 

Day 2:    Thursday 24th December: The Canal Saint Martin – PARIS and its famous sites:    (B/L/D)
This morning, we cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin, gliding through the heart of authentic Parisian neighbourhoods. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the French capital, discovering some of its most celebrated sites, including Place de la République, the grand boulevards, the Palais Garnier, La Madeleine Church, Place Vendôme, and the Louvre.
From the Palais-Royal, we’ll stroll through Paris’s distinctive covered arcades. During the festive season, these elegant passageways are beautifully adorned with holiday decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Browse the traditional boutiques and soak up the vibrant Christmas spirit.
On Christmas Eve, the ship will be docked at the Quai d’Austerlitz.

EXCURSION – Day 2:
1 Excursion included
Tour the covered passageways in Paris  Duration : 4hrs  Classic Afternoon

Day 3:    Friday 25th  December:    PARIS and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district:    (B/L/D)
Spend the morning cruising along the Seine River, sailing past some of Paris’s most magnificent landmarks. As we glide through the heart of the city, admire Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité—where Notre-Dame stands proudly despite the scars of time—along with the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, Pont Alexandre III, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower and its Trocadéro Gardens. Our ship will then dock at the Quai de Grenelle.
This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the birthplaces of Parisian intellectual and artistic life. We’ll follow the historic Triumphal Way—passing the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde—before arriving in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. With its charming streets and café culture, this delightful quarter retains the atmosphere of a Parisian village.
Among the highlights are the city’s oldest church, dating back to 543, and the legendary Café de Flore, renowned for its rich artistic heritage and enduring celebrity appeal. In years past, enjoying a coffee here might have meant encountering luminaries such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Boris Vian, Guillaume Apollinaire, Albert Camus, or Pablo Picasso.
This afternoon, enjoy some free time to wander through one of Paris’s enchanting Christmas markets and soak up the festive atmosphere. We’ll then return to the ship for a celebratory festive gala evening on board.

EXCURSION – Day 3:
1 Excursion included
Tour of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Duration : 4hrs: Classic Afternoon

Day 4:    Saturday 26th  December:    PARIS   Cruise Concludes:    (B)
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9.00 a.m.

it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends.

At your leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you.

Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements

MS Deborah:
A canal barge cruise is an authentic and timeless experience. A privileged moment where you take the time to discover “la douce France” in a different way.

• Year of construction: 2016

• Number of decks: 2

• Crew members: 6

• Length: 38,5 meters

• Width: 5,07 meters

• Number of cabins: 11

• Number of passengers: 22
  PRM cabin(1): 1

UPPER DECK:  1 CABIN with high windows • 1 PRM cabin(1) - 1 large bed - 11 m2

MAIN DECK:  10 CABINS with high windows • 10 double cabins - 2 single beds - 9 m2

AMENITIES:

• TV

• Bathroom with shower and toilet

• Towels

• Hair dryer

• Telephone (for internal calls only)

• Safe

• Independent air-conditioning

• Electricity 220V

• Wi-Fi

Please note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

TEMPORARY EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER:
Valid only during your cruise: 00 33 (0)6 85 07 82 33

 Cruise Includes:

• Official welcome from the captain and crew

• Welcome cocktail

• All meals included; as per program

• Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists)

• Double occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom

• Christmas Eve dinner with aperitif and wines

• Excursions mentioned in the program x 2

• Private services of one or more international bilingual tour guides

• The "Titi Parisien” evening - the "Paris by Night” cruise

• Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/ hostess

• Gala dinner

• Travel assistance and repatriation insurance - all port fees

• Free Wi-Fi onboard

Not Included:

• International and or Domestic air fares & Transfers/travel to and from departure/ arrival points

• Passport and visa fees : Requirements Valid national identity card or passport

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal services

• Personal travel insurance : Cancellation and baggage insurance

• Porterage, tipping and gratuities

• Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers

• Any services not specifically mentioned in the program

• Personal expenses.