My husband and I are booking a Hotel Barge Trip on Reine Pedaque through the Burgundy region of France in May 2002. We have the option of a full week (7 days 6 nts) or 4 days 3 nights. The 1/2 week is less expensive, but I'm questioning if we shouldn't go for the full week - any thoughts?

Susan- <BR> My husband & I went on a barge trip last June in Burgundy for a week (boarded on Sunday, disembarked on Sat) and it was great. I think that a full week was just enough to totally relax. It depends upon what else you are doing-if you are going just for that, do the full week; if you have a bunch of other things planned the partial should be OK. Have a great trip!

I agree that a week is probably a good idea. Part of the charm (I think) of this kind of travel is that it is very slow and relaxing. Truthfully, that takes a little getting used to. So to be done in four days would risk either never relaxing at all, or just having it figured out when it would be time to move on. I loved it though-- hope you do too!

Took a Barge cruise is June on the Marguerite on the Doubbs and Rhein/Rhone canal. I don't think that the partial week would give you a chance to really enjoy the uniqueness of this type of trip. There are always some unusual things happening--for our group, there had been heavy rains for several days prior to our trip's beginning. The river was high and we had to stay anchored in our embarking site for two days as the French Navagaion had closed barge traffic, so didn't even start "crusin" until the 3rd day. We were taken on land trips, however, so we had a wonderful time, great food and wine and enjoyable companions.

Thank you all for your advice - I think I have convinced my husband that the full week is THE only way to go. Thanks again!