VICTORIA-BASED Outdoor Travel is offering a two-for-the-price-of-one deal on seven-day hotel-barge cruises in France in October. M.S.Anacoluthe will head out from Paris to explore the rivers and canals of Picardy, stopping to visit Claude Monet's garden at Giverny and other sites made famous by his fellow impressionists. From $2735 for two people, a saving of $2735; flights extra. Includes guided sightseeing by coach and all on-board meals with wine. M.S.Anacoluthe is said to combine the comforts of a small ocean liner with the charm of a river steamer. It has a piano bar, exercise room and outdoor hot tub. More: 1800 331 582; www.outdoortravel.com.au.
Early discounts: Trafalgar has a 10 per cent discount on trips in its Europe and Britain 2009 Summer Preview brochure. Early bookings lock in the price plus there's an additional 5 per cent off for people who have not previously travelled with Trafalgar. Bookings must be made, with a $500 deposit, by the end of September. Options include the eight-day Treasures of France tour, usually from $2035, now from $1831, land only, a saving of more than $200. The trip explores the picturesque northwest of France, including Rouen, Bayeux, the D-Day landing beaches and Mont St Michel. Includes transport, airport transfers, sightseeing, breakfasts and some other meals. More: www.trafalgar.net.au/Europe.
