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Special Discount for New 2009 bookings!

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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 staterooms 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.

Cruise Highlights: 

• 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

Itinerary - River Cher, Loire valley:

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.

PRIVATEMonday, MOULIN DE NITRAY TO LARCAY

A morning cruise through two locks takes us to the quaint town of Larcay where we moor under the weeping willows for lunch. Afternoon excursion to Chateau de Villandry, with its world-renowned renaissance gardens.  Dinner aboard.

Tuesday,  LARCAY TO VALLET

After a morning cruise past no less that six private chateaux, we tie up opposite the hamlet of Vallet, a cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped around its 18^th century mill.  From there we leave for our excursion by minibus to Amboise on the banks of the Loire, where we visit the Royal Chateau D’Amboise and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci’s home.  Dinner aboard.

Wednesday VALLET TO CHISSEAUX

While cruising in the morning we may pull in to the tiny landing stage next to Domaine de Fontenay.  A two minute walk brings us to their courtyard where we can taste their range of Touraine wines as an aperitif before lunch moored at Blere.  In the afternoon we cruise under the 5 arch bridge of the impressive Château de Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux.  From there we depart by minibus to visit the Chateau.  We take dinner tonight in one of the local restaurants specializing in regional cooking

Thursday,  CHISSEAUX TO MONTRICHARD

A morning cruise takes us towards the troglodyte village of Bourré.  After lunch we drive east to Valencay, one of the most splendid chateaux of the Loire and the home of Napoleon’s foreign minister, Talleyrand.  Once back on board we cruise to the next lock, a short walk from which is 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. Dinner aboard.

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 12^th 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.  Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday NITRAY TO TOURS

After breakfast disembark, and return to St Pierre des Corps Station arriving there at 9.30am.

Rates 2009:

Note: All prices are in Pounds £

Features:

• 103 feet long

• 10 passengers

• 5 crew

• 1 twin/double suite

• 4 twin/double stateroom

• Air conditioned

• Sundeck

• 8 Touring bikes

• Air-conditioned minibus

Rates include:
Accommodation on board the barge
All meals, table wines and alcoholic beverages
All sightseeing and admittance fees as stipulated
Use of vessels' bicycles and other facilities
Round trip transfers from the meeting point to the barge are also included in the fares

Rates do not include:
Cancellation and holiday insurance
On board gratuities and items of personal nature