Tango
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Tango, built in 1931, initially navigated on the canals of North Eastern France. In the 1950's she sailed South and was shortened to 100 feet to fit the Canal du Midi to transport grain between the Atlantic and Mediterranean ports. Commercial barging ceased in the 1970's, when Tango was retired in a small canal-side village.

French born Tango Captain, Daniel Sak, had seen the barge abandoned as a child when navigating with his mother and always said it would be the only barge he would ever want to own.
In the year 2000 that dream came true, now he has lovingly converted her into a deluxe charter barge for up to six guests.

Daniel continues the family tradition of excellence in barging, an experienced pilot, he also oversees the culinary details of your cruise, selects the wines, and makes sure the overall experience of your week on board more than meets your expectations.

Tango's décor is a delight in all its details. Large opening brass portholes throughout the vessel and opening skylights provide fresh circulating air and light. French art deco fixtures, provencal ivory linens, and rich teak wall panelling recreate an atmosphere of the 1930's French passenger liners. Up on deck, two terraces provide alfresco dining and a sundeck with hot tub. Here on the right is the large salon with yellow leather sofas, bar and dining room.

Comfortable cabins with ensuite baths can be made up with twin or Queen beds.
The Van Gogh cabin, pictured here, is one of the most spacious cabins on
the Canal du Midi. All cabins on Tango can be made up with twin or queen
beds.
 

Cruise Highlights: 

Canal du Midi:
The magnificent tree-lined Canal du Midi is Paul Riquet's engineering wonder, completed in 1681 to link the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean bypassing the long passage around Spain. To preserve the beauty of this masterpiece, UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 1996. From the barges' sundecks you can appreciate the graceful olive-shaped locks, unique to this canal, which enable us to climb up and down the hilly terrain of the Languedoc-Roussillon. All along the canal, impressive stone bridges and aqueducts reflect the handsome Versailles architectural style of Louis XIV, the Sun King.
The barges cruise the entire length of the Canal du Midi from the ancient Phoenician seaport town of Agde on the Mediterranean to the beautiful 'Ville Rose' of Toulouse. The most popular stretch is between Beziers and Carcassonne where the canal serpentines past villages and vineyards. In mid-Summer the Carcassonne to Toulouse route offers cruising in the shaded avenues of the famous sycamore trees, colourful vistas of sunflower fields in full bloom and quiet back-road visits to farmer's markets.
 

Itinerary - Beziers to Carcassonne:

Sunday, Day 1
Agde
Your tour guide meets you at your designated meeting point and accompanies you to the barge moored on the edge of the Mediterranean in the Phenicien port town of Agde,
A champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides the occasion to meet your Captain and the rest of the crew. You will enjoy the first of many wonderful feasts with dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2
Cruise to Villeneuve les Beziers.
A morning cruise through Languedoc landscapes, black bulls and white horses graze alongside in canal side pastures .. You will quickly settle into the rhythm of relaxing on board while the scenery changes before your eyes as the barge heads inland shaded by the famous sycamore trees., A wine tasting at the cellars of Noilly Prat , creators of the famous Vermouth, and a visit to Marseillan’s oyster beds for some fresh oysters to enjoy on the barge.

Tuesday, Day 3
Cruise to Foncerannes Locks
Excellent biking and walking opportunities during this morning’s cruise towards the acquaduct and seven staircase locks of Beziers, the most exciting of Paul Riquet’s engineering feats. You can get off at the locks and take advantage of the easy exercise while the barge cruises leisurely alongside. After ascending the locks, a minivan visit to Pezenas, renowned for the magnificent architecture of its elegant and historical town houses. On the return journey, we can stop for a glass of cold white Picpoul de Pinet in a local vineyard before dinner on board.

Wednesday Day 4
Cruise to Regismont le Haut
Morning visit to Narbonne, once Roman capital of the region, where you can walk on the rutted paving stones of the Via Domitia. Now a bustling and attractive Languedoc town there is something for all visitors, a stunning Cathedral and cloisters, a 100 yr. old covered Les Halles market where guests help the chef fill the shopping baskets to take back to the barge, and for those that need designer boutiques, there are plenty..
A relaxing afternoon cruise takes us to a delightful countryside mooring with spectacular views..

Thursday Day 5
Cruise to Pigasse
Morning cruise to the canal side village of Capestang. You can stroll into the village for a pastis at a terrace café and buy some postcards before lunch on deck. After navigating through the tiniest stone bridge as we leave Capestang, breathtaking vistas of vineyards as far as the eye can see, and views of the snow capped Pyrenees make this afternoon’s cruise exceptionally beautiful. Enjoy a visit to L’Oulibo, our local olive mill boasting gold medals for both their oil and olives.
You will end the day with a drive up to the ruins of Minerve, defeated by Simon de Montfort the Cathars made their last stance here due to the natural protection of the canyons, Time to savour some fine wine of the Captain’s selection before dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6
Cruise to Le Somail
After a short morning cruise, the tour guide takes you to Carcassonne to discover Europe’s largest medieval fortress city, including the Cathedral famous for its rose stained glass windows. You are invited out to lunch for a succulent cassoulet, confit of duck and special white beans simmered for hours, by far the most famous of Languedoc dishes...A late afternoon cruise takes you to the most picturesque canal village of Le Somail, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner in this exquisite peaceful setting.

Saturday, Day 7
After breakfast your tour guide will take you to the departure point for the continuation of your journey.

Rates 2009:

Your cruise includes 6 nights accommodations in your own private twin or queen-bedded cabin with elegant en suite bath (King beds available on Fandango); all meals, including one meal at a local restaurant for either lunch or dinner; fine local wines from the Languedoc with meals; open bar; guided-chauffeured daily sightseeing; transfers to and from the barge in the cruising area; and use of barge amenities including bicycles and spa. (Alcoholic beverages not included with on-shore meal).

Value Season Prices
All CHARTER prices are eligible for 5% off if booked during Value Season. The value season is not available for individual cabin bookings but only for whole-boat charters.

Note: All prices are in EUROS

Features:

Comfortable cabins with ensuite baths can be made up with twin or Queen beds. The Van Gogh cabin, pictured here, is one of the most spacious cabins on the Canal du Midi. All cabins on Tango can be made up with twin or queen beds.

One of the great attractions of Fandango and Tango are the hand made tiles throughout all the cabin's baths. Designed by Alain Vagh of Salernes, the baths are stunning to look at as well as functional.

Rates include:

• Six nights accommodation, double occupancy

• All meals included in price with 1 meal taken on shore at quality local restaurant* of the captain's choice. (*alcoholic beverages not included for on shore meal).

• Transfers to and from the barge from either the Beziers TGV train station, Montpellier airport, car rental agency or hotel. Please note that airport pickups are available for charter groups only. Please consult with us about the most convenient meeting and drop off points before finalizing your plans.

• Excursions and visits to historical sites, vineyards for wine tastings, markets, and restaurants, in our air conditioned minivans

• All wines, bar and refreshment drinks consumed aboard

• Use of on-board bicycles