Tivoli just opened its first Dutch hotel in a 16th century property

March 22, 2023 No Comments

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts recently opened its first property in the Netherlands.  

The Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel is a 16th-century property in the classicist style overlooking the Amstel Canal; it is considered to be the oldest hotel in the Dutch capital. The property was the original home to Rembrandt Van Rijn’s famous painting The Night Watch (completed in 1642), which hung on a wall in what is now one of the hotel’s bedroom suites until it was relocated to the city’s famed Rijksmuseum.

Centrally located in Amsterdam’s historic city centre and walking distance from the city’s main tourist attractions, the heritage property has 81 guest rooms including seven suites, most of them overlooking the canal. It also boasts the elegant new Omber restaurant and bar, which is inspired by the art of Rembrandt, who lived very close to the hotel.

Old world elegance

Inspired by the Dutch Golden Age and the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam, Tivoli Doelen’s interiors blend an old-world elegance with contemporary service and special Tivoli touches.  

The guest rooms and suites offer views over the canals or the city, with the interiors featuring pastel tones with splashes of red for a relaxing but vibrant atmosphere, combined with touches of natural wood.

New beds and bed linens provide the best night’s sleep, while marble bathrooms feature amenities from the French luxury brand Lalique.

For an ultimate Dutch experience, guests can book the 506-square-foot Rembrandt Suite, where they can view a perfect replica of The Night Watch, in the same room and on the exact wall where the masterpiece originally hung for 70 years. Another interesting room is the Empress Suite, which was once the boudoir of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, most well-known as Sisi.

With a unique C-shape design to maximize views of the canal, the suite has a king-sized bed with Dutch shields on the ceiling, which are a symbol of protection. 

A touch of Rembrandt

On the ground floor and overlooking the canal, Omber restaurant and bar now offers a Mediterranean-Dutch fusion menu.  The restaurant’s name was inspired by the craftsmanship of paint making and the limited colors Rembrandt used in his works of art– omber, or amber in English, being one of his signature colours).  

Every dish on the menu contains an element inspired by his color palette. The menu also takes inspiration from the artist’s favorite dishes, such as herring and pickles, which has been recreated by the team and given Dutch name “Rembrandt Pauze”. The restaurant’s slow-cooked Dutch veal with parsnip, Carrots and Purslane is perfectly paired with Portuguese Cartuxa wine from Alentejo, a nod to the Tivoli brand’s Portuguese heritage.

Omber Bar, which opens daily at 4:30 pm, serves several signature cocktails have been created with Jenever, a typical Dutch gin that was also Rembrandt’s favorite drink. Most of the bar’s gin cocktails are made with a local Jenever producer, Wynand Fockink, which operates a similar distillery process to that used in the Dutch Golden Age. 

The star cocktail, “Night Watch” is based on an old recipe found in the hotel archives dating back to the 17th century and is made with old Jenever, coffee liqueur, syrup and cherry bitters.  

Suites at Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel start from $643.00 including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-doelen.

London’s newest riverside hotel is minutes from top attractions

January 13, 2023 No Comments

The Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment has officially opened.

 The 142-room hotel marks the eighth Hyatt-branded property in London, confirming Hyatt’s ambitious and strategic brand growth plans for 2023 and beyond in the United Kingdom.  

With its prime riverside location and proximity to the city’s most notable attractions, Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment caters to the many guests and World of Hyatt members looking for seamless stays in central London.

The hotel is conveniently located; it is a five minute walk to the capital’s political epicenter, Westminster, home to landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Big Ben. A short stroll along the River Thames from the hotel leads to the South Bank, an area celebrated for its world-class arts and cultural venues, whilst nearby Vauxhall Station provides direct access to many of the city’s major travel hubs.

Stylish guest rooms

A total of 142 well-appointed, contemporary guestrooms make the most of the enviable riverside spot, with many featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide immersive views of the city’s iconic skyline. On the fourteenth floor, a range of executive suites offer king-size bedrooms, spacious, modern bathrooms, and relaxing lounge areas, accompanied by a private balcony for guests to enjoy exclusive panoramas across London.

Food & drink

For those looking for a multifunctional setting to share, socialize and collaborate, POTUS bar and restaurant delivers a diverse and distinctive menu of North American classics alongside traditional British favorites. Meanwhile the rooftop restaurant, cocktail bar, and shisha terrace Mezemiso serves authentic Lebanese and Japanese cuisine to create an incomparable dining experience overlooking the memorable sky-high views of the city.

Amenities

The hotel’s additional amenities reflect the Hyatt Regency brand commitment to encourage productivity and peace of mind. This includes an on-site fitness center fitted with the latest Technogym equipment, and five technology-enabled meeting rooms, which have been designed to inspire connection, offering 15,273 square feet (1,419 square meters) of combined meeting space for a range of events, from business conferences to group gatherings.

A look inside one of Europe’s best private villas

January 11, 2023 No Comments

Located in the Bay of Sant Miquel, just off the north coast of Ibiza, Isla Sa Ferradura is an ultra-luxury private island of 377,000 sq. ft. which is connected to the main island by a small, hidden two-sided beach.

The primary villa is set within magnificently landscaped gardens offering approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of indoor living space and accommodations for up to 20 overnightguests.

The villa consists of 1 sumptuous master suite and nine additional, luxuriously appointed double bedrooms with ensuite facilities. Private terraces as well as the spectacular 8000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace abound allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean surroundings and the panoramic sea views.

“Isla Sa Ferradura is a discreet hideaway for the discerning few and features privacy and amenities that are found on only a handful of properties around the globe at most,” said managing director Ulf Karow. “Our highly trained international team of 23 is prepared to cater to every need and to provide an unparalleled experience for all guests.”

Isla Sa Ferradura is a two-time recipient of Europe’s Best Private Villa (2018 and 2021) and represents the finest in villa accommodations available in Ibiza and beyond. 

Weekly rental fees for the 2023 season are now available.

 

 

This 21-day trip to the Arctic costs $187,000—here’s what it gets you

January 2, 2023 No Comments

Thoughtfully curated by the luxury hospitality industry veterans of HL Adventures and led by the Arctic’s foremost experts and guides, The North’s bespoke, three-week itinerary for the Arctic Horizon will cover seven wonders spanning the Arctic Circle.

An intimate group of just 50 like-minded adventurers will explore the edge of the world to destinations normally beyond our boundaries. Together they will take in vast landscapes, view majestic wildlife and partake in rare, authentic experiences with local Indigenous communities.

The North's bespoke, 21-day, curated itinerary includes Greenland where guests will be able to cruise through majestic icebergs and spot surfacing Humpback whales.
The North’s bespoke, 21-day, curated itinerary includes Greenland where guests will be able to cruise through majestic icebergs and spot surfacing Humpback whales.
During the Alaska portion of The North's itinerary, guests will be able to watch grizzly bears fishing in the water falls of Katmai.
During the Alaska portion of The North’s itinerary, guests will be able to watch grizzly bears fishing in the water falls of Katmai.

“As a lifelong explorer of the Arctic, my vision is to make the last frontier accessible to a select few who share my passion and respect for these rarely experienced, untouched regions,” said Founder Jón Olafur Magnussen. “What I am sure will be a life-changing adventure for our guests is the culmination of my life’s work. I am confident our team’s meticulous eye for detail will ensure an unrivalled level of service throughout these most extraordinary destinations.”

Private charter

Typically holding well over 300 passengers, a fully customized Boeing 757-200 has been privately chartered from Icelandair and refitted with 50 lie-flat seats for a more relaxing and restful environment.

A personal chef will prepare destination-inspired dishes, while accommodating dietary preferences, requests and restrictions. A dedicated concierge team and on-board hosts will attend to guests’ every wish and desire. Explorers will receive personalized iPads, detailing the day’s schedule, offering an in-flight entertainment system and showcasing a gallery of photos provided each day by The North’s professional photography team.

Armed with more than two decades of destination management experience, the leaders behind this all-new, once-in-a-lifetime adventure have called upon their elite partners to bring together the finest experiences of each destination. This journey to the last great frontier often only exists in the wildest imaginations of even the most adventurous travelers, but through the expertise and experience of The North’s hand-selected partners, The Arctic Horizon will bring this dream to fruition, without compromising on comfort or service.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Reykjavik, Iceland
Days 2 – 3 – Ilulissat, Greenland
Days 4 – 6 – Sonora, Canada
Days 7 – 10 – Anchorage, Alaska
Champagne Toast Over the North Pole
Days 11 – 14 – Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Day 15 – 17 – Alta, Norway
Day 18 – 21 – Reykjavik, Iceland

Farewell journey

The trip will conclude with a festive farewell gala dinner at the Arctic Explorers’ Club’s expedition lodge and luxury camp. Founded in 2015, this members-only group of explorers, travellers and friends are a collective of like-minded individuals who have a lifelong interest in the Arctic. In addition to supporting a foundation to educate children around the world about the Arctic, the Club serves as an opportunity for guests to continue their journey together and to create new opportunities each year to further develop knowledge and understanding and explore this world beyond the horizon.

The price of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure is 187,000 USD per person (based on double occupancy; 10 percent supplement applicable for solo travelers). This all-encompassing journey includes travel by privately chartered air, first-class accommodations, all meals, all ground transportation, an extensive selection of excursions and activities, special events and private access, as well as all gratuities.

For more information, visit https://thenorth.is/arctic-horizon

Travellers can sail Europe for up to 35 days aboard this cruise ship

December 23, 2022 No Comments

For Holland America Line’s 2024 Europe season, the cruise line is adding several new itineraries that combine regions, increasing the number of voyages of 14 days or longer and enhancing Northern Europe with new departure ports.

From April to November dozens of unique itineraries — ranging from seven to 35 days — will be offered on two of the line’s Pinnacle Class ships, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, along with Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.

The four Holland America Line ships will cover the entire region on voyages designed for cultural immersion. Nine overnight ports and 33 late-night departure cities provide more time ashore while the ships explore the Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, French and Spanish rivieras, Israel, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenlandand Norway.

Highlights 

Highlights of Holland America Line’s 2024 Europe cruising season include:

  • 11 departure cities
  • Nine overnight ports
  • 33 overnight departure cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight)
  • New Northern Europe cruises
  • 14-day Canary Islands cruise
  • 14-day Mediterranean cruises
  • 2024 Barbuda itineraries

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Exploring one of Belgium’s most historic cities by canal

December 21, 2022 No Comments

Ghent is inviting those eager to tour the city to get off their feet for at least some of their explorations.

The historic city has a large number of open-air boats that ply canals leading past dramatic attractions, with the narrated tours identifying and providing information on those attractions.

And, says Marco Frank of Visit Flanders, the cruises are a great way of learning about a city steeped in history.

“Exploring a city by canal boat tour is charming and relaxing way to get a first impression of the city and to learn about the most important attractions and highlights of the city,” says Frank,  who has taken waterborne Ghent tours. “The ship captains performing the tour, and who act as your local guides touring the canal bout tours, are really the ones that should be highlighted. These locals are able to connect the visitors with Ghent in a unique way by telling authentic stories and giving perspectives on the history of Ghent that only a local person can provide. The captains take you from the beginning of settlement all the way to modern times, highlighting the diverse and interesting aspects of the city.”

A recent canal tour Frank undertook had a guide pointing out in English a long-standing structure that is now a Marriott hotel but which one served as what was diplomatically referred to as a locale for “girls of easy virtue” to ply their trade from.

The cruise also passed directly past the imposing Castle of the Counts, with the guide cheerfully informing passengers that not all housed there enjoyed their stays, with some ending up in torture chambers.

Frank notes guests who are interested in adding a little extra to their tour can opt for one  featuring snacks, local specialties, and beverages, such as beer.

Possible inclement weather is taken into account on the cruises, with most boats able to be equipped with umbrellas that can be lowered to allow the vessels to pass under bridges.

Meanwhile, Frank notes that historical Ghent can be explored in a variety of ways.

“Exploring the city on a canal boat trip is only the first step in diving into the local culture,” he continues. “Many must-see attractions are not on the route of the canal boat tour and need to be accessed on foot, or by bike, bus or city tram.

For visitors who prefer a more active experience, a self-drive barge/boat or mini cruise is also a great way to explore the city and go beyond the standard guided canal boat tours. It is even possible to rent a kayak, Canadian canoe, or rafting boat to explore Ghent on your own or in a group.”

And Frank adds that his own experiences on canal cruises means he has no hesitation in recommending them.

“I have always loved the guided canal boat tours,” he reports. “Although I have done them many times, I typically get a different captain doing them. These are the unsung heroes that really make the experience special every single time. Although all of them essentially tell the same story, every captain has a slightly different twist. This makes the experience interesting again and again.”

STORY BY: IAN STALKER

At nearly $10,000 a night, this is Montenegro’s most luxurious villa

December 19, 2022 No Comments

Villa Ponta Melagrana, an ultra-exclusive villa located in Montenegro’s charming fishing village of Pržno, has launched globally.

With picturesque views of the turquoise Adriatic Sea, the Sveti Stefan Peninsula and Sveti Nikola Island; Villa Ponta Melagrana is one of Montenegro’s most luxurious villas, providing a once in a lifetime holiday experience.

It is the largest and only luxury villa of its kind with direct access to the sea in the area, and is available for exclusive hire only to ensure the utmost privacy.

Catering for up to 22 guests across eleven spacious bedrooms, Villa Ponta Melagrana provides all the services you would expect from a five-star hotel, and more. The villa has a full-service spa with therapists on demand, to offer bespoke massage and other wellness treatments.

Complete with facilities including a sauna, gym, beauty and massage room as well as an indoor swimming pool, and outdoor infinity pool, guests can enjoy a full hotel experience in the privacy of their own villa.

Perched atop Pržno’s Pomegranate cliff, the vision for the property was to ensure the design elements were reflective of the surrounding nature, whilst also showcasing the rich history and tradition of the destination.

Central to its design is the 300-year-old stone staircase – located in the heart of the property – which sits alongside a collection of stone antiquities all taken from the very cliffside it calls home, creating a deep-rooted sense of place for guests.

Personalisation is at the heart of Villa Ponta Melagrana’s ethos, and the chefs work with guests ahead of time to create bespoke menus and meal-plans. Additionally, the concierge team pride themselves on their attention to detail, with no request too extravagant.

Offering a fully personalised service to ensure the most unforgettable experience, the team can source any additions required, whether it’s flying in a top chef from around the world, sourcing rare and delicious delicacies or arranging unique cultural experiences – the sky really is the limit.

Villa Ponta Melagrana is also well set up as an event destination catering for weddings and other special milestones. Working with leading UK and Destination Wedding and Event Designers ‘Love Lydia Weddings & Events’, Villa Ponta Melagrana can take care all of elements of the planning process, ensuring a stress-free and straightforward experience, allowing guests to focus on creating unforgettable memories with family and loved ones. 

Prices for exclusive hire of up to six bedrooms start at £5,980 per night.

Here’s where to find the world’s tallest, wooden hotel

December 2, 2022 No Comments

After a soft local opening, the world’s tallest hotel made almost exclusively from wood, has now opened for guests everywhere at the birthplace of cross-country skiing, Skellefteå in Swedish Lapland.

The new hotel is part of a five-day/four-night Wood Hotel Experience from Off the Map Travel adventure travel specialists, offering a mix of sustainability and nature in a beautiful setting.

Designed for enjoyment in the forested area of northern Sweden, couples as well as families will experience the hotel along with local adventure and gastronomy.  Available from December to March, the Wood Hotel Experience begins with an overnight stay in Stockholm before a flight to Skellefteå where guests will be transferred by electric car to the Wood Hotel.

About the hotel

The new Wood Hotel stands 75 meters tall with 20 storeys and is made almost entirely from spruce and pine sourced from the neighboring forests. Dominating the skyline but fitting into the town’s natural beauty with its wood construction, the hotel has 205 contemporary rooms filled with the rich, warm smell of the trees they are built from. In addition to a rooftop spa, the hotel has three stunning restaurants including an Italian café, an Asian restaurant and one with locally sourced, Sami-inspired food.

“This is an opportunity for sustainability-minded visitors who search out “neo luxury,” looking for culture and escapism all wrapped into one comfortable, climate-sensitive package,” noted, Alex Minnis, Chief Operations Officer of Off the Map Travel. “Being made out of wood contributes to the building’s being climate-positive as the structure absorbs more CO2 than it uses. It also contributes to comfort and personal well-being, reducing stress and improving sleep,” he added.

A unique experience

As part of the experience, guests will create their own gin at Skellefteå’s award-winning distillery using locally foraged ingredients.

Guests can also choose to go snowshoeing to take in the sights of this beautiful part of Swedish Lapland and then relax in the hotel’s Vana Spa with its saunas and outdoor pool offering panoramic views over Skellefteå and its forests.  In winter, the new itinerary is ideally located for guests to experience the Northern Lights on a self-guided walk with well-marked trails leaving directly from the hotel.

For cross-country skiers, Skellefteå is a dream, offering choices for all levels of enthusiasts, with optional excursions possible according to guests’ interests and levels.

Priced from £2045 per person ($2500 USD at the time of this writing), the five-day/four-night Wood Hotel Experience itinerary includes all accomodations, daily breakfast, one lunch and gin making, snowshoeing and the rooftop spa. Flights and travel insurance are additional, and the package can be customized to include excursions such as cross-country skiing.

See why this region in eastern Switzerland is perfect for active travellers

October 10, 2022 No Comments
While most travellers know popular Swiss cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva or Basel, few tourists venture into the smaller regions and cities that make this country so spectacular year-round.
 
Just far enough off the beaten path to be distinctive, Graubunden is a region in east Switzerland that is known for its breathtaking alpine slopes and magical landscapes. Each region offers extraordinary experiences to be discovered any time of the year. Here are our top picks to vacation like a Swiss!

Celerina

Winter here is a Christmas market in the historic village center, bobsledding down the world’s only natural and oldest bobsleigh track in the world, the St. Moritz-Celerina Olympia bob Run, then slowing down time for a snowshoe trek on the Staz Forest Trail. Summer is about a horse-drawn carriage ride to Lake Staz, returning to the Staz Forest for a sensory barefoot hike through fragrant meadows, and savoring a gastronomic walking tour through town.
 
Where to Stay?
Built in 1906, the Cresta Palace elegantly walks that fine line between history and modernity, incorporating the best of both worlds. Luxury comes in the form of treatment rituals and Swiss-quality medical wellness at the superb Vita Pura Spa, beautifully appointed classic rooms or sleek renovated accommodations, and impeccable white-glove service. Direct access to the Corviglia cable car is an added plus.

Flims Laax

Winter is all about traditional sports, yes, but punctuated by the unexpected: filming your ride though the halfpipe at the world’s largest halfpipe and Europe’s largest snow park, Foxtrail scavenger hunts, and culinary trails await your readers. If they choose summer, talk to them about the longest treetop walkway on earth or swimming in Lake Cauma, a balmy 75-degree temp turquoise gem surrounded by tall forest.
Where to Stay?
Located directly at the LAAX valley station for maximum mountain accessibility year-round, signinahotel revolves around well-being in all its forms. Its signature signinawellness program features a hydro-circuit pool, massage therapy, gym, and a sauna area with five distinct offerings for body and soul.

The chic rocksresort—also right on the LAAX lift station—gives travelers a different view of the alpine lifestyle. Offering double rooms and modern apartments, it’s the place to be for singles, couples, or families.

Lenzerheide
Winter means 225 snow-safe slopes and record-breaking sunny days at the Arosa Lenzerheide Ski Area. Summer brings outdoor concerts, hiking to the ruins of medieval Belfort Castle and the Sanaspans Waterfall, or ride the famed longest toboggan run in Switzerland, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Where to Stay?
The 126-room Valbella Resort—comprised of three separate buildings—is fresh from an extensive renovation inside and out that not only drastically reduced its ecological footprint, but also included upgrades of all rooms in the Tgiasa Principala main building, an expansion of the Capricorn restaurant, and the addition of an organic swimming pond, among other improvements.

A pioneer in sustainability and community outreach, Hotel Schweizerhof is also known for being the home of the Green Michelin Star restaurant, Scalottas Terroir, where Chef Hansjörg Ladurner works exclusively with regional produce. Its 75 stylish rooms, art-filled common areas, and newly redesigned BergSpa will impress the most discerning of travellers.

This luxury barge has teamed up with one of the oldest champagne houses for a river cruise like no other

October 7, 2022 No Comments

Belmond is launching a luxury barge, part of its unmatched French collection: Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne.

Debuting in May 2023, Coquelicot will take guests on a cinematic journey of Champagne in partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house. Featuring three spacious cabins with ensuite facilities, an indoor salon with a champagne bar, and an extensive outdoor deck, Coquelicot will set a new standard of sophistication for slow-paced sailing in France. Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat is available for week-long private charters starting from €82,000 (approximately $79,500).

Designed by successful French duo, Humbert & Poyet, Coquelicot, formerly the Hirondelle barge, will boast three double cabins with marble ensuite bathrooms and an indoor lounge with a champagne bar – stocked with a curated selection of the guests’ preferred labels. The vessel’s top deck will be the social centre for guests to unwind as they meander the calm waterways. Framed by potted local herbs and indigenous wildflowers that root the space in the locale, the deck features two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area to enjoy a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers.

To complement the ever-changing views and create an intimate sanctuary on the water, the barge’s interiors and exteriors will capture the essence of Champagne, with nods to the region’s hues and character. Local fabrics in earthy tones and raw materials will honor Champagne’s agricultural heritage, while fluted walls, decadent interiors and pieces of art will pay homage to the land’s glorious present. Coquelicot’s namesake, the red poppy, will be found in subtle references such as the hand-cut red marble side tables and the tone-on-tone hand-painted petals that line the hallway, while the lounge’s skylight is a celebration of Champagne’s water mapping legacy.  

Elevating the river barge journey, Belmond has partnered with Maison Ruinart to offer exclusive access to the first established House of Champagne with a private tasting lunch by Chef In Residence Valérie Radou and guided tours of the historic Taissy vineyard to discover the brand’s latest sustainability initiatives. Guests will disembark Coquelicot for unrivaled access to Taissy vineyard, which has been referenced as early as 1733 in the Maison’s archives. Immersed in the hillsides of the Champagne region, Maison Ruinart, in partnership with Reforest’Action and the University of Reims, launched a pioneering viti-forestry project in 2021 to preserve and regenerate forests in order to restore biodiversity. Also dotting the grounds is a new art installation by German visual artist Nils-Udo, a pioneer of land art. A technical tasting of iconic Maison Ruinart cuvées, led by a Maison Ambassador, will conclude the morning experience in the vineyard.

Back on board, Belmond guests will be treated to a private five-course tasting lunch by Maison Ruinart’s Chef In Residence Valérie Radou and Coquelicot Head Chef. It will be the first time Maison Ruinart’s Chef will be cooking a private ‘four hands’ lunch outside of Maison Ruinart. A true lesson in French art de vivre, this dining experience includes five seasonal dishes inspired by regional cuisine and paired with prestigious cuvées such as Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Dom Ruinart Rosé. Framed by the idyllic landscape and in the comfort and privacy of their own luxury boat, guests will delve deep into the world of Maison Ruinart, as their ambassador reveals the story, characteristics and technical aspects of each bottle.

Personal Guest Experience Executives will help craft customized itineraries depending on guest preferences. Whether an art-focused tour of Champagne, a historic voyage through the mighty castles, an active adventure on two wheels or a series of epicurean visits to Europe’s most celebrated and most secret wine producers, guests will have the liberty to design their own journey and marvel at the region’s treasures at their own pace. Alternate an al fresco soirée on the top deck with an off-board Michelin-starred restaurant experience or a less inhibited dinner in one of the quaint villages scattered across the region. The all-inclusive journeys include table d’hóte meals, complimentary beverages, all planned excursions escorted by a private guide, and transfer from Paris to the barge. Helicopter transfers from Paris are also available upon request.