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Hotel
Barge Nymphea
Cruise the Loire Valley, France
including Chenonceau Chateau
Seven Days / Six Nights
£175
per passenger discount on all
September & October 2008 departures*
 The
spectacular Loire Valley and its
main tributary, the River Cher, have carried
cargo and passengers for over 2000 years,
since pre-Roman times.
The Valley of the Kings is a timeless region
of spectacular beauty and grace and we are
delighted to offer the only hotel barge
navigating the Loire Valley.
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's interior features
a warm classic decor of rich varnished hardwoods,
stained glass and a welcoming country house
atmosphere.
 Nymphea
has three comfortable cabins providing twin
beds and en-suite facilities. Her crew of
Captain, Chef and Tour Guide are excellent
hosts and very knowledgeable about the history
of this beautiful area and its regional
wines and cuisine.
| Cruise
Highlights |
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Cruise under the
famed Chateau de Chenonceau |
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Visit a Troglodyte
cave dwelling and see the silkworm
nursery |
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Excursion to the
Chateau D'Amboise |
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Private tastings
at Montrichard and Civray |
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Chateau visit to
Valencay or Blois |
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Experience the colourful street
markets |
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Optional hot air
ballooning |
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Culinary Notes |
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Regional Dishes
Filet Mignon de Veau a la
biere et moutarde
Selle d'Agneau au romarain
Saumon et Friture
Regional Wines
St Nicholas de Bourgueil
L'Alliance des Generations
Sancerre
Vouvray
Regional Cheeses
Valencay
St Maure de Touraine
Selles sur Cher
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Meeting
Point |
| Sunday 4.30
pm
St Pierre des Corps TGV station
outside Tours
(TGV trains depart from Montparnasse
Station Paris)
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Alternative Itineraries |
We also offer alternative itineraries, including a cycling cruise and French wine cruise.
Please call us for details.
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Check
availability of this cruise
France Hotel
Barge Programme
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DAY 1
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Sunday
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 at our mooring opposite the
17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner
aboard. |
DAY 2
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Monday
MOULIN DE NITRAY TO BLERE
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
BLERE 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 |
| DAY 4 |
Wednesday
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. |
| DAY 5 |
Thursday
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. |
| 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 mediaeval town square. Before lunch
we can visit the local vineyard of the
Meriau family to taste the regional
Touraine vintages. 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-Captain's dinner
aperitif from their vineyards. Captains
Dinner aboard. |
| DAY 7 |
Saturday
NITRAY TO TOURS
After breakfast disembark and transfer
by minibus to St Pierre des Corps Station
in time for the 09.30 TGV to Paris.
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| NOTE: |
This is a sample itinerary and
is subject to change. |
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Boat Features |
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80 feet long |
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6 passengers |
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3 crew |
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2 twin staterooms |
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1 twin/double stateroom |
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Air-conditioned
saloon |
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Centrally heated
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6 Touring bikes
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Air-conditioned
minibus |
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*BOOK NOW AND
RECEIVE
£175 per person discount departing
September or October 2008
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