The 6 passenger Nymphea is a classic Dutch design with shallow draft and is ideal for navigating the incredibly beautiful yet somewhat sandy reaches of the river Cher in the Loire valley. Refitted throughout, her traditional ship interior features a warm classic decor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a welcoming country house atmosphere. Nymphea has three comfortable cabins providing two twin bedded state - rooms and one twin or double stateroom with en-suite facilities. Her crew of Captain, Chef and Tour Guide are most knowledgeable about the history in this beautiful area, and are excellent hosts for your luxury cruise along the river Cher in the Loire valley.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: You are met at 4.30 pm at the TGV railway station at St Pierre des Corps and transferred to Nymphea where a Champagne Welcome awaits you. Cruise upstream to our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner aboard
Day 2, Monday: A morning cruise through two locks takes us to the quaint town of Bléré where we moor for lunch. Afternoon excursion to Chateau D'Amboise and the Clos Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Dinner aboard
Day 3, Tuesday: A short stroll over the bridge to admire the colourful street market in Bléré. Morning cruise to Civray de Touraine where an optional short cycle ride takes us to Les Caves de Père Auguste for a wine tasting. After lunch we cruise under the 5 arch bridge of the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux. From there we depart by minibus to visit the Chateau. Early evening cruise to the village of Chissay en Touraine. Dinner aboard
Day 4, Wednesday: An early start sees the Nymphea tackling the upper reaches of the navigable Cher, arriving at St. Aignan, the head of navigation where we moor in the shadow of the castle. An afternoon excursion is made either to Blois with its chateau, Musée de la Résistance and cosmopolitan shopping streets, or the Chateau de ValenVay, with its renowned gardens. Dinner ashore in a local hostelry
Day 5, Thursday: After a chance to stroll the old centre of St Aignan, we cruise downstream to the hamlet of Bourreé. A short walk from the lock takes us to one of the more unusual dwellings in the Loire Valley, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which has been in turn wine cellar, quarry for the tuffeau stone, and lastly a silkworm nursery. Returning to the barge we cruise to Montrichard where we moor for the night. Before supper we visit the local vineyard of the Meriau family, to taste the regional Touraine vintages. Dinner aboard
Day 6, Friday: Following breakfast, a short stroll takes us to the heart of Montrichard, into the midst of one of the largest weekly street markets in Touraine. There is much to explore at the 12th century Chateau of Foulques Nerra overlooking the medieval town square. After an early lunch, Nymphea sets off downstream again, for another passage under Chenonceau and arrives at the hamlet of Nitray in time to visit the Chateau and rose garden of Nitray. Enjoy a pre-Captains dinner aperitif from their vineyards. Captains Dinner aboard Nymphea
Day 7, Saturday: After breakfast disembark and transfer by minibus to St. Pierre des Corps Station in time for the 09.30 TGV to Paris.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions
Stateroom per person $3,500
Single supplement $1,500
Charter 2 passengers (Honeymoon) $15,000
Charter 4 passengers whole boat $17,700
Charter 5 passengers whole boat $18,900
Charter 6 passengers whole boat $20,100
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Boating and Sailing
Cultural Journey
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