The Horizon II, a French Country Waterways luxury barge, will sail on three itineraries in Burgundy for the first time in 2006. The vessel adds new Canal du Nivernais cruises from May 21 to July 22 and a new Canal de Bourgogne itinerary on May 14 and July 23 to its regular "Historic Burgundy" weekly departures. Both new routes take in Auxerre. Converted last year from a 12-passenger to an eight-passenger, all-suite barge, the Horizon II features four suites with a king-size bed and armoire, and an expansive sundeck. The leisurely six-night cruises at all-inclusive rates of $3,995 to $4,795 per person double include four-course French dinners, estate bottled wines at lunch and dinner, open bar, tours and excursions, bicycle use, services of the English- and French-speaking crew, and escorted transfers between Paris and the barge. A special perk is dinner ashore at a three-star Michelin restaurant, either L'Espérance in St-Père-sous-Vézelay, La Côte Saint-Jacques in Joigny or La Côte d'Or in Saulieu. Visit [www.fcwl.com].
