Rich & Ruth from PA wrote on November 11, 2019

My husband and I chartered the barge for a week with our two grown daughters. We loved George and Susan, and left feeling that we had made true friends that week! Declan, Ash, Shay and Charlie made for an unforgettable experience. EVERYONE was focused on us and making sure that we had a memorable week together. But it was done in a very casual and comfortable way. The food was phenomenal, and the caretaking/service were just exceptional.

The Meanderer and the people are an oasis in today’s world. If you are looking for the opportunity to leave the news, the work, and the world behind – you won’t find anything better. We had the opportunity to visit the past and thoroughly enjoy the present at an extremely leisurely pace – hard to beat that!

The entire experience was a blessing, as are these six people!

Loved it!

Tom & Judie from Sanibel Island, Florida wrote on August 15, 2019

All we can say is …WOW! What a wonderful week onboard the Meanderer. Our party consisted of three couples, all long-time friends. Being together on the Meanderer allowed us to spend quality time together in a spectacular setting, with every need taken care of by the attentive staff and crew. It was like being in our own floating five-star hotel, with fabulous food and top-notch service all around.

We loved the ability to personalize our daily schedule for each individual, with guided excursions to take in the unique history and culture of the Loire Valley, plus lovely cycling through the beautiful fields and villages.

With Barge Meanderer, hosts Susan and George and their staff have created a unique, first-class experience, and we highly recommend this trip.

Courtney from Orlando wrote on July 9, 2018

We cannot express enough how much we so enjoyed our time on the Barge Meanderer! The Crew was so fabulous that I had tears saying good bye to them! Martin’s cuisine is equal to that of any Michelin star restaurant. Each meal was a work of art and so thoughtfully put together. The amazing artwork by Aisling is a nice touch to the decor. The barge is homey and comfortable. You’ll have no problem relaxing in the same manner you would at your own home.
Susan and George are positively fascinating hosts that we could have talked to hours on end! The sites and itinerary were spectacular! I feel I learned more about wine, food and French history than I have on any other trip.
After the hustle and bustle of Paris, it was a treat to relax and meander though the French countryside at our leisure. We were truly able to “unplug” and enjoy our surroundings.
I wasn’t sure what to expect prior to going and I can say that it is one of our favorite vacations.
We want to bring my parents now! The Barge Meanderer is a trip like no other and can’t wait to go back!

Marjorie from Gainesville, FL wrote on July 9, 2018

The Barge Meanderer represents the ultimate relaxation vacation. Our family of six traveled the Briare Canal and we all agree that this is a vacation that is a delight to experience. The “hotel” portion is extremely comfortable with five star accommodations. The staff is pleasant and efficient and delightful to be around. The wishes of their guests are immediately honored. Chef Martin is an artist in his presentation and blending of flavors. The barge travels through a wonderful part of France including scenic villages along the route with beautiful chateaux to visit. The staff is very knowledgeable about sights to see. Susan and George are wonderful hosts for excursions and are obviously owners who care about attention to detail. From pickup in Paris to return they are delightful people with whom to spend time. I cannot think of enough superlatives to describe the Barge Meanderer experience. I would recommend this vacation to anyone. Thank you to Susan, George, Declan, Aisling, Matt, Akim and Martin.

Nancy from San Jose, California wrote on May 29, 2018

We would like to extend our gratitude to George and Susan, and to the outstanding Crew of Meanderer, for truly one of the best vacations of our lives and hands down our best trip to France. The beauty and peacefulness of gentle cruising through the French countryside was incomparable. Our excursions were such fun and so interesting with something for everyone, from the culture and architecture of the villages and chateaux to the blissful bike ride through the countryside to wine tasting in world famous Sancerre, even a game of pétanque with the crew! The barge was perfectly comfortable and felt like home. Martin’s meals are indeed Michelin star quality—-there was nothing he served that wasn’t delicious and beautifully presented. And I can’t think of anywhere else where we would be able to try so many wonderful French wines, pastries and cheeses. We are already talking about another trip with Meanderer. Thanks to all of you for making it so very memorable. Our best to every one of you.

Admin Reply by: Susan Kovalick

Thank you so much – -we’re ready to have you back on board anytime!!!

Debi from Ft Myers Florida wrote on May 28, 2018

There is no better way to enjoy the French countryside than with Meanderer. The ship is elegant and comfortable – really felt like home. Cabin was spacious and bathroom was excellent. Great bed and shower. The crew was amazing in every way. We loved the village excursions and points of interest – was really impressed with guide knowledge and special access to chateaus and village churches. George and Susan were exemplary hosts. Chef Martin created incredible meals of Michelin star quality – every single meal. Cheeses, breads and wines were amazing too. Best trip to France ever.

Martha from Denver, CO wrote on January 12, 2018

Our week aboard the Meanderer included three generations with an age range from 11 to 89. To a person, the barge trip was the trip of a lifetime. A floating boutique hotel with extraordinary staff makes the journey through the Loire Valley exceptionally personalized and unique. It was a wonderful mix of cruising on the canals at a slow pace that gave us time to connect with each other and enjoy the beautiful countryside, and excursions to cultural visits that we prioritized. In addition to the activities, the gourmet multi-course meals and wine are served with exquisite attention to detail and sensitivity to the needs of their guests, and its unlikely we’ll ever eat as well again!

That said, it is the attentiveness of the staff, especially the owners Susan and George, that make this excursion so remarkable. Touring a chateau is one thing, but picking raspberries there, then delivering fresh jam at breakfast the next day is indicative of their level of service. Susan and George and the whole staff, not only attended to our needs, but also anticipated them, arranging a wheel chair for my elderly mother to cut down on the number of steps she had to take. This is the epitome of a first class experience and was an extraordinary way to spend a week and worth every penny.

We have recommended to numerous friends to take the trip of a lifetime on the Meanderer and look forward to returning ourselves.

Lorry from Missouri/Ohio/NY wrote on July 25, 2017

A couple of summers ago 6 of us, including adult children, traveled on the Meanderer and it remains one our favorite trips of all time. Everything was amazing: the sights, the food, the service, the accommodations. What a wonderful family trip — I would do it again!

Lee Anne & Terry from Utah wrote on June 29, 2017

Our adventure on the Meanderer was superlative in every way. The accommodations, gourmet cuisine , exquisite wine, cheese and extremely knowledgeable, attentive and engaging staff created a five star experience from the moment we were greeted in Paris until our goodbyes. The daily excursions are artfully arranged and chaperoned and the opportunity for bicycling in the French countryside and otherwise seeing it from a hot air balloon put an exclamation point out a gloriously rejuvenating experience. We must do this again!

Florence & Alan from Cairns, AU wrote on May 30, 2008

Magic! The only word to describe 4 wonderful people. Susan, George, Sarah, Jono. This is the first holiday that has ever lived up to – and indeed exceeded – our expectations.

Chris & Kevin from Washington, DC wrote on May 23, 2008

Kevin and I have never been so delighted or so pampered on a vacation. I will always be grateful for your thoughtfulness and kindness to me. The cruising, eating, drinking, discovering, laughing and sharing have been unforgettable. Thank you for everything!

Ina & Neil and Jane & Marty from Florida wrote on May 17, 2008

When we met George and Susan, they told us they intended to make the “Meanderer” the best barge experience on the canal. They have definitely achieved their goal. This has been a delightful week that has far exceeded our expectations. Food – fantastic. Service – outstanding. Trips – interesting and informative.

Becky & Jeff from Texas wrote on May 3, 2008

What a wonderful trip – it was so much more than we could have ever dreamed of – our every need was anticipated. This trip far exceeded our expectations. The food was five star – every meal was special.

Joan & Steve from Maryland, USA wrote on April 25, 2008

To say we died and went to heaven would be an understatement. We could only hope that heaven would be this wonderful. Not only did you make our anniversary a special day, you made each and every day special.

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