Cruise the French countryside through beautiful Touraine (also known as "the garden of France") aboard a 6-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights).
This ship 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 interior features a warm classic decor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a welcoming country home atmosphere.
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Sunday: Moulin de Nitray. You are met at 4:30 pm at the TGV (high-speed train) station at St. Pierre des Corps outside Tours and taken to the barge, where a champagne welcome awaits you at our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner on board.
Day 2, Monday: Moulin de Nitray to Larcay. A morning cruise through two locks takes us to the quaint town of Larcay, where we moor for lunch. Afternoon excursion to the Chateau de Villandry with its world-renowned Renaissance gardens. Dinner on board.
Day 3, Tuesday: Larcay to Vallet. After a morning cruise passing no less than six private chateaus, we tie up opposite the hamlet of Vallet, a cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped around an 18th-century mill. From there we leave for our excursion by minibus to the chateau of Amboise on the banks of the River Loire. There we visit this magnificent royal chateau and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Dinner on board.
Day 4, Wednesday: Vallet to Chisseaux. Morning cruise, then lunch while moored in Blere. In the afternoon we cruise under the five-arch bridge of the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau (a sight to remember forever) and moor at Chisseaux. From there we depart by minibus for a visit of the chateau. Tonight we have dinner in one of the local restaurants specializing in regional cuisine.
Day 5, Thursday: Chisseaux to Montrichard. Morning cruise to the cave-dweller hamlet of Bourrée. After lunch we drive east to Valencay, one of the most splendid chateaus of the Loire valley and the home of Talleyrand, Napoleon's foreign minister. A short walk from the next lock takes us to one of the most unusual dwellings in the Loire Valley, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside cave dwelling, which has been in turn wine cellar, limestone quarry, and most recently a silkworm nursery. Returning to the barge, we cruise to Montrichard, where we moor for the night. Dinner on board.
Day 6, Friday: Montrichard to Nitray. 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, the barge goes back downstream, for another passage under Chenonceau and arrives at the hamlet of Nitray in time to visit the Chateau and rose garden. Enjoy a dinner aperitif from their vineyards. Captain's farewell dinner on board.
Day 7, Saturday: End of cruise. After breakfast disembark and transfer by minibus to St Pierre des Corps train station in time for the 9:30 am TGV to Paris.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Highlights:
- Chateau and gardens in Villandry
- Chateau of Chenonceau
- Chateau of Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home
- Chateau of Amboise
- Optional hot-air ballooning
Included:
- Accommodations with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points.
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge Features
- Cabins: 3 twins (6 passengers)
- 3 crew members
- Size: 81 ft. x 14 ft.
- Sundeck
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned coaches for excursions
Departures every Sunday subject to availability (except winter).
This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
US$3500 per person double occupancy. Add $1500 for single supplement.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
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