Six nights is now the industry standard of cruise length. Most begin on
Saturday or Sunday, though some barges in France offer mid-week departure
dates. The season is roughly from April 1 through November 1, though there
are some exceptions. All meals, all wines, open bar with the exception of a
few vessels, chauffeured/guided sightseeing, and use of all facilities such
as bicycles are generally provided. All individual rates, ranging from $2000
to $6500 based on double occupancy, are for one person sharing a twin or
double-bedded cabin. For single travelers, there are certain barges that
require little or no supplement fee. As with cruises, an appropriate
gratuity is given for the staff at the conclusion, but is received via the
barge's captain.

Trip options can be in France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland, Belgium
or Germany. Even in France, the vast majority of barge owners and crews are
British and English is their first language. Crews of different
nationalities,be they Dutch, French or German, all speak English fluently.

"All it took for me was one barge cruise for me," explains Sack. "This is
different. Being on a barge, being immersed into the timeless, provincial
life of France's remote countryside, and then being pampered every curve of
the canal, this is a travel dream come true." A successful travel agent on
Chicago's Gold Coast, she had long been traveling in Europe, especially
France. After her first barge experince, she immediately headed back to the
states, some 18 years ago, and made a quick job change, renaming herself
"The Barge Lady" and promoting barge programs and this unique travel
experience. Her fleet has grown to over 50 barges in six countries, which
she and her staff have personally visited, inspecting the vessels'
amenities, sampling the cuisine and trying out the itineraries throughout
the related countrysides. "My been there, done that experience enables our
office to professionally and personally consult travelers, helping to match
them up with the right barge," concludes Sacks. "Our staff can juggle a
myriad of boat descriptions, cabin types, canals, itineraries and amenities
in their heads when consulting with clients about barge cruises. But that
complexity, in fact, is what makes barging such an ideal form of travel."

There are specially designated "family departures" in which children under
age 14 receive substantial discounts. Charter vessels welcome families and
will sometimes provide children's bicycles and special programming. In
regards to adults and bicycles, virtually all of the French and Dutch barges
carry bicycles. Barges which float primarily on larger rivers do not carry
bicycles. Walking is perhaps a more appropriate activity in England, Ireland
and Holland.

For expert consultation and more information, visit www.bargelady.com or
call 800-880-0071.