|
THE
6 PASSENGERS NYMPHEA.....
is a classic Dutch design with shallow draft and is ideal for
navigating the incridibly beautiful yet somewhat sandy reaches
of the river Cher in the Loire Valley. Refitted throughout, her
traditional ship's interior features a warm classic decor of rich
varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a welcoming country house
atmosphere. Nymphes has three comfortable cabins providing twin
beds and en-suite facilities. Her crew of Captain, Chef and Tour
Guide are most knowledgeable about the history in this beautiful
area, the regional wine and cuisine and are excellent hosts
NYMPHEA
ITINERARY
Sunday, Day 1 AZAY SUR CHER TO MOULIN DE NITRAY - 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
Monday, Day 2 MOULIN DE NITRAY TO BLÉRÉ -
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
Tuesday, Day 3 BLÉRÉ TO CHISSAY EN TOURAINE
- 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
Wednesday, Day 4 CHISSAY EN TOURAINE TO ST AIGNAN - 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
Thursday, Day 5 ST AIGNAN TO MONTRICHARD - 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
Friday,Day 6 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 mediaeval 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
Saturday, Day 7 - After breakfast disembark and transfer
by minibus to St Pierre des Corps Station in time for the 09.30
TGV to Paris.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
CRUISE
HIGHLIGHT
* All-inclusive open bar, free wines,gourmet cuisine, entryfees
to excursions
* Cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau
* Visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and see the silkworm nursery
* Excursion to the Château D'Amboise
* Private tastings at Montrichard and Civray
* Château visit to Valençay or Blois
* Experience the colorful street markets
* Optional Hot Air Ballooning
Nymphea
Slide show
Download
brochure
|
