BOATING - BARGING - CRUISING - SAILING - SEA KAYAKING 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 many countries, these navigable waterways provide a peaceful and unusual way of exploring France or England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Scotland and Ireland. The waterways themselves are full of interest; colourful bird life, pretty little lock-keeper's cottages, sleepy villages, vibrant pubs, restaurants of renown, history 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 Australia's leading canal & river cruise experts. Our self-skippered cruisers on the French Camargue featured on the popular Australian TV travel show GETAWAY The hotel barge Anjodi hosted celebrity chef Rick Stein on his French Odyseey series travelling along the Canal Du Midi from the Atlantic Ocean to the Med. Early bookings are essential for this popular voyage - you will need to act quickly to secure places. Anjodi's partner in Rick Stein's project was L' Impressioniste which also cruised on the televised route at the Mediterranean end of the Midi from 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. This season it has moved further north into the wine growing regions of Burgundy.  But we have the beautifully restiored Le Phenicien cruising in the Rhone Valley between Avignon and Aigues Mortes near Montpellier and Nimes.  Again book early for 2010 sailings. CRUISE NEWS -  DISCOUNTS -  SPECIAL OFFERS - SEE WHAT'S NEW CROWN BLUE LINE - LE BOAT SELF-SKIPPERED MOTOR CRUISERS IN EUROPE 2010 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 near Lock Ness in Scotland, the Venice Lagoon in Italy, the River Shannon in Ireland, Friesland in Holland or the Mecklenburg Lakes in Germany. Optional 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 about Crown Blue Line or Le Boat click-on to the following links: Click-on here to get our current price list & booking form Click-on here to order a brochure UK WATERWAYS - CREWED OR SELF-SKIPPERED CANAL NARROWBOATS AVAILABLE IN UK When most people think of canal boat holidays they picture in their mind the traditional British narrowboat or barge constructed during the industrial revolution in the 1700’s to carry cargo long the narrow, shallow canal networks built to link industrial centres. Nowadays these barges are very much a part of the English countryside scene as floating accommodation that moves at a snails pace through some of the most fascinating, historical and attractive regions where canals have always been important such as the Midlands and Birmingham, North Wales and the Llangollen region or northern England. Some of these narrowboats are available as self-skippered holiday options but for those interested in joining a small group holiday with a captain and crew to attend to the management of the boat, preparation of meals and explanations of the places you visit along the way our narrowboat hotel barge holiday aboard the Katie may be for you. At 70 ft long and 6ft 10ins wide this is just about the biggest barge that can go through the locks on the English Canal System yet we are limited with just three cabins for passengers on each departure. The layout of the barge has been designed to provide maximum personal space and privacy. The interior, whilst narrow, is designed to offer double or twin beds, showers rooms with sink and toilet and a lounge dining area. The barge is centrally heated and has mains electric. Space is limited but there are sitting areas to enjoy the cruise and we encourage you to join in with the workings of the boat on locks and mooring. The crew certainly want you to feel as much at home as possible. Starting on a continuous series of journeys from easy to reach places such as Birmingham, Chester, Great Haywood, Worcester, Shakespeare’s home of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick – with the hugely popular Warwick Castle, Marsworth, Market Harborough, Coventry with its glorious cathedral, Sawley near Nottingham, Banbury or Snetterton we offer a comprehensive choice of barging holidays. For more information about UK Narrowboats click-on to the following links: Click-on here to go to the UK self-skippered Canal Boat page Click-on here to order a brochure 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, wine tasting or transfers. The most recent & exciting edition to the Go Barging fleet is La Dolce Vita cruising on the Venice lagoon & waterways in Northern Italy. Departures are weekly from central Venice - specialist departures cover the opera & regatta seasons. For more information about Go Barging Cruises click-on to the following links: Click here to read Australian travel writer Maggy Oehlbeck's comments on our cruise in Venice Click-on here to order a brochure Click-on here to download the full Go Barging brochure (large file). Click-on here for latest Go Barging Dates / Prices and booking form For those who enjoyed his French Odyssey TV series filmed on the Anjodi on the Canal Du Midi - Click here for Rick Stein's Web Pages LE PHÉNICIEN - PROVENCE & THE CAMARGUE Everything in our cruises has been designed to help you feel at home. You will rest and relax while the boat meanders through the tranquil waterways of southern France. Once on board, you will be introduced to the crew with a welcome drink. After a brief presentation you will be guided through the boat by the captain. Then a brilliant dinner specially prepared by our Chef is served on board. Next morning you are ready for your first day of cruising. All meals are served on board - prepared from selected local ingredients - by our resident Chef. Breakfast and lunch usually consist of a hot or cold buffet. Dinner is a more traditional gourmet meal served at table. You will discover a wide variety of local specialities including fresh cheeses, local wines, red, white, rosé, Champagne and other sparkling wines. Between 2 to 6 hours a day are dedicated to navigation. One or two excursions a day are organised specially for you. We must stress on that point: the excursions we offer have been designed exclusively for our passengers, sometimes to places where perhaps they did not usually welcome tourists. Of course you will also visit some famous monuments and [places of interest, but usually outside of the busy periods. On board the hotel barge there is a great selection of books and games. You will also appreciate the paintings from local artists exhibited in the main lounge. Cycling is an invigorating way to stimulate your appetite and there are opportunities to explore our ports of call in the evening. And newly renovated in 2009 almost everything on the boat has been changed, replaced, updated or renovated with new wall paper, ceilings repainted, the storage space in the cabins is doubled (in the twin cabins there is also a vertical closet). All beds now have duvets with 2 pillows/person (one large square, one rectangular smaller) All cabins and corridors are adorned with beautiful photos of Provence from Gérard Sioen (a famous photographer in this region). Bathrooms have been totally refurbished with new furniture, new showers, new tiling (shower and floor) and new brighter neon lights. We know you will enjoy the changes! Duration: 7-days / 6-nights Cruising: Avignon to Aigues Mortes or vice versa Highlights: The Rhone Delta & Camargue with its flamingos, bulls & horses, ancient churches & Roman history, Van Gogh´s Arles, the mediaeval village of Les Baux & wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape What you said about these 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 For more information about Le Phénicien click-on to the following links: Click-on here to order a brochure Click-on here to email OUTDOOR TRAVEL directly LUCIOLE - CRUISING IN BURGUNDY FROM AUXERRE Starting in the Yonne region, cruise the River Yonne deep into the heart of Burgundy past Chablis, Avalon and Vézelay to Clemency. Interwoven with sections of the Nivernais man-made canal we cruise through 35 locks, past a succession of pretty stone-built villages along a waterway once used for floating timber and wine down to Paris. We follow path taken by the Romans and by pilgrims, past Charolais cows grazing in the lush green meadows alongside this enchanting waterway full of the character and charm of a past age. Our hotel barge tour departs from Auxerre (which is within easy reach of Paris by train). The barge Luciole accommodates up to 14 guests in eight individually air-conditioned cabins (three have double beds which can be converted into twins and three have a twin-bedded layout and there are two single cabins). Each cabin has its own private bathroom. Meals on board the Luciole are treasured times: opportunities to share with friends, old and new, a summer luncheon or candlelit dinner. Our chef is encouraged to be innovative and imaginative, marrying French cuisine with a contemporary twist while using fresh local ingredients. Breakfast offers freshly baked croissants, pastries and bread. Lunch is a feast of salads and savoury dishes, followed by a selection of fresh fruit and cheeses. The four-course evening meal is the gastronomic highlight of each day, to be concluded, on the starlit nights for which Burgundy is noted, with coffee and liqueurs on deck. Daily-guided excursions are offered by air-conditioned bus - to medieval towns, chateaux and the glorious vineyards of Chablis - blending culture and shopping opportunities along the way! Beside the canal the old towpaths, free of passing traffic, are perfect for a stroll beside the barge as she makes her way between the locks. Bicycles are also provided for use of passengers and are popular early in the morning or before dinner. We take you on a wine tour of the country, choosing wines to compliment our menus - all are recommended by wine expert Marc Ragaine, voted 'the world's best independent wine merchant' in 2003. We serve 18 wines from 12 different grape varieties each with its own specific character, reflecting the 'terroir' and the great diversity of the vineyards of France. The 'open bar' is freely available at all times. The sun deck, with seating, tables and umbrellas, offers the perfect place to enjoy the scenery as it unfolds or from the air-conditioned saloon area large picture windows allow uninterrupted views of rural Burgundy. Plenty of time to be active or just to relax and unwind as your day and your mood takes you. Departs: Weekly every Saturday from April to October For more information about LUCIOLE click-on to the following links: Click-on here to order a brochure Click-on here to email OUTDOOR TRAVEL directly THE LORRAINE - CRUISING THROUGH ALSACE OR BURGUNDY IN FRANCE The Canal de la Marne au Rhin & Canal du Rhône au Rhin on the french / German border A delightful cruise through the heart of Alsace-Lorraine where French and German culture entwine creating one of France’s most popular cruise regions. Visit the famous towns of Colmar and Strasbourg and see traditional picturesque villages with half-timbered houses and ancient squares. We include interesting shore excursions by coach, on foot or by bicycle - including crystal glassmaking and beer or wine tasting – and free time for shopping or to explore. The region is renowned for its exquisite cuisine and fine wines and our onboard chef will make every meal a regional delight. Cruise highlights include:       * Sarrebourg - Chapel of the Cordeliers with Chegall's stained-glass window.       * The Arzviller barge lift - raising boats 52-metres.       * Saverne - splendid red sandstone palace and typical houses.       * Strasbourg - the stupendous cathedral and the picturesque "Petite France" district.       * Colmar - a fairy-tale town with its Little "Venice" quarter Departs: Weekly every Saturday from April to October The Lorraine cruises in Burgundy from April to July, then on La Petite Saone and through the Vosges Mountains in July before settling on to its weekly Alsace itinerary from mid  July to mid October when the boat returns to the Vosges Mountains route followed by La Petite Saone. For more information about Lorraine click-on to the following links: Click-on here to order a brochure Click-on here to email OUTDOOR TRAVEL directly BIKE & BARGE CYCLING CRUISES IN EUROPE FRANCE, BELGIUM, HOLLAND, GERMANY, GREECE, CROATIA, TURKEY, CANADA, VIETNAM Combining an easy-to-moderate guided cycling route of approximately 40 - 50 kilometres per day, these fully inclusive cruises offer cabin accommodation. Check with us for the latest discounts, brochures, reservations & further information. Call (within Australia): 1800 331 582 or (+61) 3 57551 743 Click-on here to go to the European Bike and Barge Page Click-on here to order a brochure TALL SHIP SAILING - NEW ZEALAND & THE PACIFIC Join the crew and sail this authentic square-rigged sailing ship - all-inclusive from AU$990 per person The romance and splendour of sailing as our forefathers did is available to all ages, no previous experience is required. Discover for yourselves the magic and the challenges faced by explorers, sailors, whalers and mariners, by Captain James Cook, Wallis and Bougainville, as they sailed the waters  around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Click here for departure details: New Zealand Voyages - from the city of Auckland to Russell on the Bay of Islands - regular 3, 4, 5 & 7-night voyages until the end of April 2010; -voyage schedule & plans for the Pacific Island voyages - including future sailings between Australian & New Zealand - for the remainder of 2010 - will be announced shortly. The Søren Larsen was the flagship of the First Fleet Re-enactment Voyage that sailed into Sydney harbour with the fleet of Tall ships for Australia's 200th Birthday in 1988. The ship was also the star of the BBC TV series 'the Onedin Line' .  Be part of the ship's 22-person Voyage Crew in 2010. To see Søren Larsen lying at anchor in a remote and deserted bay recreates a scene straight out of an 18th century engraving of the early European voyages of exploration. Your Role as Voyage Crew - This is an adventure holiday where the emphasis is placed on your enjoyment. Participation is part of that adventure and you will be taken on as a Voyage Crew, learning 'hands on' from the professional crew about shipboard life. Allowance is made for age and abilities and as part of the ship's watch system you can handle sail, take the helm, join-in and have fun. On ocean sailing or blue-water voyages you can be expected to stand watch and participate in all the activities of sailing the ship. The objective is to undertake an authentic blue water passage under square rig. You will be introduced to the traditions of tall ship sailing, working as part of a skilled crew within the watch system. On-board facilities include 2 or 4 berth cabins, a well equipped saloon and galley, shower / bathrooms, inflatable boats, fishing tackle, windsurfer and snorkelling gear. Berth price includes all meals on-board, all excursions and activities, use of ship’s wet-weather gear, inflatable boats and all safety equipment. On arriving on-board you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew. Much of the first morning will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works. For those who wish we try to give you a chance to be shown how to haul and rig the sails and climb the masts. There are 13 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship that are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore. While on watch the voyage crew are under the care and instruction of the watch officer and two other permanent crew; everyone stands a turn on the helm, takes lookout on bow watch, helps fill in the ship's deck log and help handle the sails as required. The watches on deck will have to work the brigantine rig to best advantage to make the most of the changeable weather. On the longer sea passage there's time for talks about basic navigation, seamanship theory, rope work, history and development of square rigged ships. The timeless routines of the sea and unique beauty and grandeur of the ocean can only really be appreciated by those who have undertaken a blue water passage several days out from land. Highlights of the New Zealand voyages this summer include the historic town of Russell and the picturesque Roberton Island. Dolphins usually delight in escorting the ship to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock archway.  With 4 or 5 nights in hand we make our way through the Hauraki Gulf, visiting the marine reserve and the Poor Knights Islands and perhaps Kawau or Tiri Tiri island  and  Auckland Harbour - the ship's home port. Søren Larsen has berths available on all its New Zealand sailings. Call today for details of Dates and Prices on 1800 331 582 or click-on to these links: Click-on here to order a brochure Click-on here to Find out more about Søren Larsen Click-on here to email OUTDOOR TRAVEL directly SAILING HOLIDAYS - BAREBOAT YACHTS, GULETS, CAIQUES OR CREWED CHARTERS NOW AVAILABLE 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. For more information click-on to the following links: Click-on here to order a brochure Click-on here to email OUTDOOR TRAVEL directly SAILING THE QUEENSLAND WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS 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 Whitsunday Islands from most Australian capital cities and you have a good value active holiday with a lifetime of memories. 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 Island experience with three nights on-board our Luxury Crewed catamarans where you can sit back and relax and allow your skipper and host take care of all the sailing and catering. Six nights packages 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 on-board is in an air-conditioned roomy double cabin with ensuite       Skipper and Host on-board       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 over the Christmas / New Year period       Upgrade to a Lagoon Deluxe Room available For more information click-on to the following links: Click-on here to order a SAILING HOLIDAY brochure Click-on here to email OUTDOOR TRAVEL directly