Boating - Barging - Cruising - Sailing - Rafting - Sea Kayaking 


BOATING OR BARGING HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE AND EUROPE

Why not discover a different side of Europe on one of her many historic canals or navigable rivers? Originally used for transporting goods of all shapes and sizes, the length and breadth of the country, these waterways provide a peaceful and unusual way of exploring France or England, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Holland and Ireland.

The waterways themselves are full of interest; colourful birdlife, pretty little lock-keeper's cottages, sleepy villages and stunning scenery are among some of the things that await you if you decide to take the plunge...not literally we hope...and go boating in Europe with Outdoor Travel.

Our self-skippered cruisers on the French Camargue featured on the popular Australian TV travel show GETAWAY 

The hotel barge Anjodi last year hosted celebrity chef Rick Stein on his French Odysee series travelling along the Canal Du Midi from the Atlantic Ocean to the Med.  Early bookings are essential for 2008 - you will need to act quickly to secure places.

Anjodi's sister ship L' Impressioniste also cruises on the televised route at the coastal end of the Midi from the town of Agde to the oyster beds of the Thau Basin, the distillery of Noilly Prat and the Camargue with its wild horse, flamingoes and famous fighting black bulls.  Again book ealy for 2008 (see the Go Barging link below for Rick Stein's website).

CROWN BLUE LINE - SELF-SKIPPERED MOTOR CRUISERS IN EUROPE 2008
Self Skippered boat hire on canals of France & Germany

              Available in FRANCE - ENGLAND - ITALY -  IRELAND

                     SCOTLAND - GERMANY - HOLLAND

Explore Burgundy or the Loire Nivernais region, taste the wines of Alsace or the exquisite cheeses of Brittany.  Cruise the ancient Canal du Midi, The Lot, Charente or discover the natural history of the Camargue in France.

Crown Blue Line is the premier operator of self-skippered river or canal cruisers in Europe.  They have an extensive fleet of over 1000 self-skippered boats accommodating from 2 - 12 passengers. All vessels are fully equipped with cabins, bathroom/toilets and well equipped galleys. 

All boats are easy to handle - tuition given or skippers for hire if required - no experience or boat licence is necessary.

Also available on the Royal River Thames in England, Norfolk Broads, Caledonian Canal in Scotland, the Venice Lagoon in Italy, the Shannon in Ireland, Friesland in Holland or the Mecklenburg Lakes in Germany.

Opional bike hire (mountain bikes or road bikes), one-way hire, vehicle parking or transfers available in most areas.  A wide range of bases across Europe with the biggest & most modern fleet available.

Ask about our Elite Boats - our latest models available in most areas - at a premium price.

For more information click-on to the following links - but return to Outdoor Travel for Australian Dollar prices and reservations:

Click-on here to get full fleet and base information

Click-on here to get our current price list & booking form

Click-on here to order a brochure


CROWN BLUE LINE DISCOUNTS NOW AVAILABLE: 

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS – available for all 2008 reservations made before 31st May 2008: 

France    Brittany - all departures in May, June or July 2008                                          15% discount

France    Burgundy - all departures in May, June or July 2008                                       15% discount

Ireland     All bases - all departures in May, June or July 2008                                       15% discount

England   Norfolk Broads (Wroxham) - all departures in May, June or July 2008         15% discount

ALL OTHER DESTINATIONS - 10% all departures in May of June


Crown Blue Line discounts can be combined to a maximum of 15%

Call Outdoor Travel on 1800 331 582 or (03) 57551743 for details


UK WATERWAYS - NARROWBOATS NOW AVAILABLE FOR HIRE IN UK

Barge
For a more traditional canal cruising holiday in the UK check with us for the latest discounts, brochures, reservations & further information.

Free call (within Australia): 1800 331 582 or (+61) 357551743

Click here to order a brochure or here to view our canal boat fleet & base information




Go Barging - European Waterways

Hotel Barge Cruises

Go Barging is a UK based company with 30 years of experience in designing, building and operating hotel barge cruises in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy and Germany.

The Go Barging fleet offers both suites and cabins for a maximum of just 12 pampered clients on a selection of 7-day / 6-night cruises. They offer the highest level of comfort with spacious saloons, dining areas and bars aboard their barges. Each is centrally heated, well furnished and carpeted throughout. The twin, double or single suites or cabins are well appointed, each with its own bathroom or shower en-suite.

A minibus accompanies the cruise to offer guided sightseeing, museum or gallery visits, winetasting or transfers.

The most recent & exciting edition to the Go Barging fleet is La Dolce Vita cruising on the Venice lagoon & waterways in norther Italy. 

Departures are weekly from central Venice - specialist departures cover the opera & regatta seasons. 

Read what respected Australian travel writer Maggie Oehlbeck had to say after her cruise - click here

Click 'What's New' for dates/prices, here to order a hotel barge brochure or here for Rick Stein's Web Pages

Go Barging discounts:

Early - booking offers for 2008 cruises in Europe - ask for latest details

Latest updates:  L' Impressionniste & Belle Epoque will have single cabins next season without a single supplement.  We have also increased our fleet in France by adding the Bonne Humeur travelling under her new name of ‘Renaissance’ cruising in the Upper Loire/Burgundy region.

Ask for a copy of the new Go Barging – European Waterways brochure – call 1800 331 582 or email info@outdoortravel.com.au



Canal & Company

Fully Inclusive Hotel Barge Cruises

FRANCE - Burgundy, Paris or Alsace, GERMANY - Rhine & Moselle, HOLLAND - Tulip Cruises

If you can't see yourself skippering a boat through the canal locks of France, but the whole canal concept appeals to you, Canal & Company Hotel Barges have a fleet of ultra-comfortable hotel-barges accommodating between 20 and 50 passengers in comfort.  An onboard chef offers the very best of French gourmet cuisine accompanied by carefully selected regional wines and 30 different varieties of cheese. Sounds a bit hard to take, doesn't it?

With years of experience, the staff at Canal & Co Hotel Barges operate a  fleet of 5 barges in all the main tourism and wine growing regions of France including Normandy, Burgundy, Alsace-Lorraine, and the Upper Loire Valley. Cruises commence mostly from central Paris or Lyon/Dijon with return coach transfer's included to the cruise regions. They also operate Tulip Cruises in Holland in Springtime & cruises on the Mozell, Metz & Rhine in Germany.

All boats offer the highest level of comfort with spacious saloons, dining areas and bars. They are air conditioned, well furnished and carpeted throughout.  Crews are bilingual.  The cabins are well appointed each with its own shower bathroom ensuite.  Single and upper deck supplements are also available. The all- inclusive tariff includes a buffet lunch and four course gastronomic dinner with wines and coffee each day

Each day there are organised excursions to ancient abbeys, magnificent châteaux, museums, colourful markets in quaint villages and to local vineyards where private wine tastings are arranged.  Bicycles are available for passengers to use if the pace gets to sedentary!

Click here for cruise prices & departure dates

Click here for details about the MV Anacoluthe, Litote, Libellule, Lorraine & Charlemagne cruises


Canal & Co - discounts

For bookings on the Libellule made before 1st April for any available departure in 2008 Outdoor Travel are giving a discount of $150 per person for all new reservations.

FRANCE & HOLLAND - SAVE UP TO $2750 ON TWO PEOPLE CRUISING - Outdoor Travel is also offering ‘clear the decks’ last minute discount offers – 2 passengers travelling together can cruise for the price of 1 * on selected 7-day hotel barge cruises in the Libellule fleet in France & Holland in March & April 2008:

22nd March:    Charlemagne - Tulip cruise in Holland

Libellule - Burgundy from St Jean to Lyon

Lorraine - Alsace Lorraine from Kraft to Xouaxange

29th March:     Anacoluthe - Paris & Picardy from St Mammes to Compiegne

Charlemagne - Tulip cruise in Holland

5th April:          Lorraine - Alsace Lorraine from Kraft to Xouaxange

12th April:        Anacoluthe - Paris & Picardy from St Mammes to Compiegne

Libellule - Burgundy from St Jean to Lyon

* The 2 for 1 offers do not include any other discounts.  Return transfers available from Paris on some cruises at extra cost

Upper deck cabins are available (with a supplement) on several departures - supplements applicable where available.

Contact Outdoor Travel for more information or copies of the brochure -  For more details of our other canal or river cruises in Europe see:  http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/sailing


What you said about our hotel barge cruises: 

Le Phénicien - River Rhone in France - We have been back from overseas now for four weeks but are still catching up on things which needed doing here. However before the memory faded too much we did want to let you know how much we enjoyed our 'Le Phénicien' trip. The crew were wonderful and the owners were obviously very particular and caring about the whole exercise.

The food was out of this world and we had brilliant weather, which made it all so much more enjoyable.  We managed to get some bike riding in, perhaps not quite as much as we had hoped for but I guess that was made up for in other ways.  Anyway thanks so much for making the trip possible for us.  Bette and David


BIKE & BARGE CYCLING CRUISES IN EUROPE - AVAILABLE IN 2008
FRANCE, BELGIUM, HOLLAND, GERMANY, GREECE, CROATIA, TURKEY

Combining an easy-to-moderate guided cycling route of approximately 40 - 50 kilometres per day, these fully inclusive cruises offer cabin accommodation plus the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside sampling the local food, wine, beer and cheeses that makes Europe so special.

Cruises combines two popular ways to explore Europe (cycling & river cruising), allowing partners of different abilities & interests to holiday together (trips are just as interesting for non-cycling partners, leisure cyclist OR enthusiasts), unpack once & come ‘home’ each night to a wonderful meal and a comfortable cabin with your own bathroom. 

Demand is fast outstripping supply with these barges & early bookings are essential. 

We still have cabins available – as at February 2008 - cruises are 8-days/7-nights unless specified otherwise:

FRANCE                        Fontainebleau /Seine region 12th April (very limited cabins available) at $1600
                                     Loire Valley departs every Saturday April to October (September full) at $1550
                                     Champagne - Reims to Paris 2nd August at $1650
       
BELGIUM/FRANCE        Bruges to Paris 22nd March (just 1 cabin available) 2-weeks at $2555
               
HOLLAND                      Ijsselmeer from Amsterdam – Amsterdam 3rd May at $1385
                                     Tulip fields cruise from Amsterdam 11th May at $1650
                                     Cultural cruise Amsterdam to Amsterdam – NO CYCLING – 10th May at $1950
                                     Northern Holland 24th May, 22nd June, 20th July, 3rd, 10th & 31st August at $1660
                                     Amsterdam – Rotterdam 24th May at $1650
                                     On the trail of Rembrandt 14th & 28th June, 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th July, also
                                                                          2nd, 9th & 23 August, 6th & 13th September at $1380
                               
HOLLAND/BELGIUM      Amsterdam to Bruges 19th April at $1780 *
                                    Bruges to Amsterdam 26th April at $1780 *
                                    Bruges to Amsterdam 8th June at $1650
                                    Amsterdam to Bruges 6th July at $1650
                                    Bruges to Amsterdam 13th July at $1650
                                    Bruges to Amsterdam 14th September at $1650
           
                                    * Includes guided city tours, local wines during dinner & crew gratuities

GERMANY                   River Main & Neckar from Frankfurt – Ludwigsburg 14th June at $1650
                                    Ludwigburg to Koblenz 5th July (limited space) at $1650
                                    River Saar & Moselle 13th September (very limited spaces) at $1650
                                    River Moselle – Saarbrücken to Koblenz 18th October at $1460
               
HOLLAND/GERMANY   Amsterdam – Koblenz 21st June from $1650
                                    Repositioning cruise Koblenz to Amsterdam 18th October at $1460

GREECE                      Weekly tours in Cyclades, central or southern Aegean April to October at $1930

CROATIA                      Weekly departures Dalmatian coast island hopping - April to October from $1595

Details available & bookings open now.

Ask for details 1800 331 582 or email info@outdoortravel.com.au
What you said about our Bike & Barge cruises:

FLEUR – PARIS to AMSTERDAM - We have just returned from our wonderful barge trip. It was terrific. The crew were fantastic, meals fantastic, and the bike guides were all very friendly, knowledgeable people who helped make our trip very enjoyable.

We were very lucky with the weather also.

Certainly a trip we will not forget. We did a one-day tour of the Somme with another guide, and it was another day never to be forgotten.Thanks you for your help also.  Sue and Bill

Call 1800 331 582 for details or look at 'What's New' for a detailed itinerary.

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TALL SHIP SAILING THE PACIFIC

Søren Larsen Tall
shipJoin the Tall Ship SØREN LARSEN on an authentic sea journey

Sail to New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and across the pacific to New York and London. Join as 'voyage crew' on the flagship to the First Fleet re-enactment voyage, the ship that starred in the Onedin Line TV Series.

A Tallship must be the most graceful and romantic form of travel ever created. In a fresh breeze sails billow and strain against mast and rigging. Ropes and spars gently creak and sunlight sparkles on the sea. People of all ages join us, many of whom have never sailed before - previous experience is certainly not necessary.
 
The 12 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard. Comfortable 2 and 4 berth cabins are available.A Tallship must be the most graceful and romantic form of travel ever created. In a fresh breeze sails billow and strain against mast and rigging. Ropes and spars gently creak and sunlight sparkles on the sea. Aboard the Søren Larsen everyone is involved in the duty watch system, you may have your turn at the helm, on bow look-out or helping trim sail or help tack ship.

People of all ages join us and many have never sailed before - previous experience is certainly not necessary. There are 12 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship who are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard.

The Søren Larsen has berths available on all its New Zealand and Pacific sailings - from 5 to 50 days - call us today f
or details of dates and prices 1800 331 58 or click on to their website:  SOREN LARSEN



SAILING HOLIDAYS - BAREBOAT YACHTS, GULETS, CAIQUES OR CREWED CHARTERS

NOW AVAILBLE FROM OUTDOOR TRAVEL - In the Australian Whitsunday Islands or the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria, in Scotland, Cornwall, the Mediterranean island of Sicily or off the coast of Turkey.  Ideal for walkers, travellers, fishermen and sailors alike - for the new or the experienced as long as you are looking for a comfortable active holiday. 

SAILING IN SICILY - A SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE IN STYLE

On board of a Turkish caique, a unique and exclusive cruise to discover the Aeolian Islands and eastern Sicily.  You will be enthralled by the limpid water of the Sicilian sea and surprised by the variety of its beaches, beautiful and wild, made of lava rocks, shingles, gold, white and black sand. You will be captured by the landscapes and the romance of the sunset. You will be seduced by its history and its treasures and delighted by its flavours and its food.  Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, some of the Seven Sisters, as the Aeolian islands are named, as well as Taormina, Mt. Etna, Syracuse, the Baroque-style town of Noto, for a perfect combination of sailing and excursions, to relax and to enjoy the islands.

Life on board will be as relaxed as you like and time beaten by daybreaks, sunsets and magical moonlights.  A caique is a typical robust sailing boat made of wood.  Once used for fishing and nowadays converted into comfortable cruising boat, it offers large spaces both on and below deck and a charming old-style design.

Departures guaranteed with a minimum of 6 passengers on scheduled tour or charter.
 
Price Includes - Welcome cocktail on board, 9 nights on board in private cabins with ensuite facilities, full board (beverages exclusive), water, juices, iced tea on board, minibus and English-speaking guide for excursions at the Alcantara Gorges, Taormina, Catania, Mt. Etna. Syracuse, Noto.

See 'What's New' - NEW HOLIDAY IDEAS on our website for dates & prices for 2007 & 2008

FOR MORE DETAILS CALL 1800 331 582



SAILING THE QUEENSLAND WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Sunsail Jeanneau 35

8-DAY / 7-NIGHT STAY & SAIL PACKAGE OFFER

We know you're a walker - but we also know that you are a mature traveller seeking an active holiday often with a small group of friends - but with some comfort a priority.  So we are introducing a new combination holiday in Queensland that we tried ourselves several times that may introduce you to a new kind of local holiday adventure…. and you get to walk too along pristine beaches and out-of-the-way National Park trails.

Designed for those of limited sailing experience, we combine a holiday afloat with a full day of sailing tuition, plus a few days ashore in a luxurious island paradise. 

Take advantage of JETSTAR low-cost flights directly into Hamilton Island in the heart of the Whitsundays from most Australian capital cities and you have a good value active holiday with a lifetime of memories.

Whitsunday Family Hayman Island - Sail and Stay

Located at the northern end of the Whitsunday Islands, Hayman is renowned as one of the world's finest resorts. Hayman is a private island destination, presenting a unique resort experience of indulgence and natural beauty.

Our new Sail and Stay package now makes this special island treasure easily accessible and affordable for everyone.

Indulge for three nights in a Pool Deluxe Room and enjoy the 5 star service and facilities that are guaranteed to delight the most discerning traveller.

Combine your Hayman experience with three nights onboard Sunsail's Luxury Crewed catamaran where you can sit back and relax and allow your skipper and host take care of all the sailing and catering.

Six nights from $3,670 per person (twin share) this fantastic package includes:

  • 3 nights accommodation in a Pool Deluxe Room at award winning Hayman
  • A la carte 3-course dinner for 2 each evening in La Tratorria, The Oriental or Azure Restaurants
  • Full buffet breakfast for 2 daily in Azure Restaurant
  • Free use of non-motorised watersport equipment
  • Free squash, tennis, table tennis, badminton, golf putting green
  • Use of activities centre gymnasium facilities
  • Return transfers from Hamilton Island to Hayman Island

PLUS:

  • 3 nights sailing the Whitsunday Islands on board a luxurious 46-foot catamaran
  • Accommodation onboard is in an air-conditioned roomy double cabin with ensuite
  • Skipper and Host onboard
  • All meals, freshly prepared and served daily
  • Use of yachts watersports equipment including windsurfer, kayak and snorkelling equipment

Conditions:

* Subject to availability
* Package not available between 23 Dec 07 and 7 Jan 08
* Upgrade to a Lagoon Deluxe Room for just an additional $135 per person


Whitsunday
sailing PLUS walking in the National Parks:

Click onto this information site:   http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/great_walks/whitsunday/

For our latest 'Sail & Stay' active sailing holidays see 'WHAT'S NEW' or click-here to order a brochure


NEW 'By the Cabin' fully-inclusive sailing holidays - now available weekly in Queensland, Thailand & Croatia now available - ideal for couples or singles looking for a new sailing experience.




CONTACT OUTDOOR TRAVEL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION & CURRENT PRICES
1800 331 582 (within Australia)     +61 3 5750 1441 (from outside Australia)




FOR CURRENT PRICES SEE BOOKING OPTION ON THE 'WHAT'S NEW' PAGE OR CALL US ON 1800 331 582


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OUTDOOR TRAVEL PTY LTD
Shop 3/1 Ireland Street. BRIGHT, 
Victoria 3741, Australia

Mail: P.O. Box 286 Bright VIC 3741
Tel:  (+61) 03 5750 1441    Fax:  (+61) 03 5750 1020
Email:  info@outdoortravel.com.au

Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd is a fully licensed Australian travel agent and approved member of the Australian Travel Compensation Fund.

Licensed Travel Agent Number: 31102

Copyright (c) 2005 OUTDOOR TRAVEL PTY LTD.
All Rights Reserved.