SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 12-passenger Napoléon is one of Europe’s finest small river cruisers, combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. She is beautifully appointed with large picture windows that provide unsurpassed views of the countryside. There are six luxurious staterooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, double basins, shower and heated towel rail. The main deck features a large, elegant salon and separate dining room. An air-conditioned bus is available for excursions and touring bicycles are carried on board should you wish to bike into the countryside. The upper deck has an exterior, canopied dining area, spacious sun deck with loungers, jacuzzi and exercise equipment.
The Napoléon cruises the Rhône in Provence between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon, through sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Cézanne and Van Gogh. A region full of sophisticated architecture dating back to the Roman civilization and ruins of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts that continue to amaze modern engineers. The endless vistas of tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves are synonymous with Provence. Excursions are arranged to the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the storybook towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, St Rémy, birthplace of Nostradamus and the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.
In late July and early August the barge cruises the Rhône in Southern Burgundy with visits to vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone, Beaujolais, and Cote d'Or regions, as well as to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France.
Perhaps the most relaxing part of this unforgettable adventure is the evening surprise when you return from your excursions to find a sumptuous feast, prepared by your personal gourmet chef, awaiting to be served in the dining room or al fresco on the exterior canopied deck.
There are no words to tell you what a wonderful experience this past week has been. Thank you all for making this trip so memorable. I will never eat cheese again without remembering the descriptions! The knowledge you have all shared and the extra efforts in every way will be cherished always.
-- Nancy & Darrien T.
We cannot begin to thank you enough for this wonderful week! The entire crew of the Napoleon are very special, and we will always remember our time with you.
-- Libby & James D.
The experience is one of exquisitely relaxed elegance - too special to be savored only once.
--E.G., CT, USA
Sunday - Paris to Valence. Moor in Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon.
For those who have purchased the barge's train transfers, depart Paris Gare de Lyon on the TGV train for Valence, where you will be met by the Napoleon guide at your rail car. For charters without train transfers meet at the one prearranged location in the Valence area. Your guide will transfer you to the barge moored in Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon where you board the Napoleon for a champagne reception. Individual passengers without train transfers should meet at the barge mooring location.
Monday - cruise to Viviers
Shortly after bread and croissants have been bought from the local bakery, set off and cruise to Viviers. Relax on board and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhone Valley glide by before taking a walking tour of this medieval town.
Tuesday - cruise to St. Etienne-des-Sorts
Take a guided visit to the Chateau de Grignan where the daughter of Madame de Sevigne resided. Today, you have the choice to have lunch off the barge, before a visit to a local truffle farm. Back on board, continue to St-Etienne-des-Sorts.
Wednesday - cruise to Avignon
Morning excursion to Chateau la Nerthe for a tasting of the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.The afternoon cruise to Avignon is spectacular. Cruise past Le Pont St-Benezet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) and then make an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a magnificent Roman aqueduct.
Thursday - cruise to Arles
Visit Avignon and enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, including a guided tour of the Palais de Papes. Later, cruise to Arles with an afternoon visit to the village of Les Baux which you can discover at your own pace.
Friday - cruise to Vallebregues
After breakfast go on a walking tour of Arles, best known in modern times because Van Gogh spent much of his time painting here between 1888 and 1890. Lunch is served while cruising to Vallabregues. Later, visit the lovely town of St-Remy, the birthplace of the famous French physician/astrologer Nostradamus, before an olive oil tasting in a traditional 18th century Provencal Bastide.
Saturday - Vallebregues. Avignon to Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge. Taxis from Vallebregues can be arranged for individual passengers without train transfers. For those who have purchased the barge's train transfers, you are escorted to the Avignon TGV station for your return to Paris Gare de Lyon where you are met by the barge representative who will assist you with your bags and getting a taxi. Charters without train transfers will be transferred to the one prearranged location in the Avignon area.
Note: This is a sample cruise itinerary and it is subject to change. On alternating weeks this cruise operates in the reverse direction.
Sunday
Depart Paris by train and travel to the French city of Valence. On arrival, your Afloat in France guide escorts you to Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon where you board the Napoleon for a champagne reception.
Monday
Shortly after bread and croissants have been bought from the local bakery, set off and cruise to Viviers. Relax on board and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhone Valley glide by before taking a walking tour of this medieval town.
Tuesday
Take a guided visit to the Chateau de Grignan where the daughter of Madame de Sevigne resided. Today, you have the choice to have lunch off the barge, before a visit to a local truffle farm. Back on board, continue to St-Etienne-des-Sorts.
Wednesday
Morning excursion to Chateau la Nerthe for a tasting of the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.The afternoon cruise to Avignon is spectacular. Cruise past Le Pont St-Benezet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) and then make an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a magnificent Roman aqueduct.
Thursday
Visit Avignon and enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, including a guided tour of the Palais de Papes. Later, cruise to Arles with an afternoon visit to the village of Les Baux which you can discover at your own pace.
Friday
After breakfast go on a walking tour of Arles, best known in modern times because Van Gogh spent much of his time painting here between 1888 and 1890. Lunch is served while cruising to Vallabregues. Later, visit the lovely town of St-Remy, the birthplace of the famous French physician/astrologer Nostradamus, before an olive oil tasting in a traditional 18th century Provencal Bastide.
Saturday
After breakfast, transfer to Avignon for your return train journey to Paris.
Note: This is a sample cruise itinerary and it is subject to change. On alternating weeks this cruise operates in the reverse direction.
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*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
| NAPOLEON 2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR Apr 5 thru Jul 18 Jul 26 thru Oct 31 |
GRAND CRU WINE WEEK EXPERIENCE Jul 19 thru Jul 25 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,500 |
NA |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,375 |
NA |
| Charter for 8 |
$54,000 |
NA |
| Charter for 9 |
$57,000 |
NA |
| Charter for 10 |
$60,000 |
NA |
| Charter for 11 |
$63,000 |
NA |
| Charter for 12 |
$66,000 |
NA |
| Wine Cruise (per person, dbl occ) |
NA |
$7,800 |
| Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip) |
$280 |
$280 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Avignon or Valence, depending on cruise direction, to the barge and return for charters or individual passengers with train transfers
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to Avignon or Valence, depending on cruise direction (available at extra cost)
- Transfers to the barge mooring and return for individual passengers without train transfers
- Suggested 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
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