Cruise in France on the Cher River in the Loire Valley on the First Class Hotel-Barge NYMPHEA

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

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. To date, the Nymphea is the only cruising barge navigating the fabled 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. The three charming cabins -- two with twin beds and one with twin beds or double bed-- provide lots of cozy comfort. Her crew of Captain, Chef and Tour Guide are most knowledgeable about the history in this beautiful area, and are excellent hosts for your cruise.

Cruise highlights include: a cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau, a visit to a Troglodyte cave dwelling and silkworm nursery, an excursion to the Château d'Amboise, private tastings at Montrichard and Civray, a visit to the château of Valençay or Blois, a visit to the colorful street markets and optional hot air ballooning.

Features

• Size of barge: 81 ft. by 14 ft.
• Number of Passengers: 6
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
• Crew: 3
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Lower level salon has built-in seating and dining table for 6. Upper salon has picture windows and built-in seating.
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Sundeck with reclining chairs and a parasol
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: Chenonceau bow Stateroom: twin beds or double, approx. 172 sq. ft. with entrance from deck. Cheverny Stateroom: twin beds approx. 84 sq. ft. Chambord Stateroom: twin beds approx. 107 sq. ft. Cabins include ensuite bathroom with shower.
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 7 seater air-conditioned VW Sharan minibus
• Accessibility: Steps from deck to salon and two cabins. Steps from deck to Chenonceau cabin.
• Bicycles: 6 mountain bikes

Nymphea's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

All I can say is that Devlin has spoiled me for any chef for a good long while. His love of food is evident in the dishes he prepares! I mean, the only thing more heart-warming than his food is how much he cared to tell us what we were eating and finding out how much we liked it!
-- D.B., IA, USA

I have been traveling on business and pleasure for some 45 years. This will have to have been mine and my wife's most memorable travel experience in all aspects. Besides the excellent meals, which would compare favorably with some of the best meals we have experienced in Paris and New York, we had the pleasure of savoring a variety of some eighteen cheeses and sixteen wines. I was so impressed I asked for a listing to take back with me to share with friends. We also found facinating the description of the wines and cheeses provided by the very knowledgeable staff. Unfortunately, we will never find any of these cheeses in the United States ...maybe some of the wines.
-- R.H.

The high points were cruising under the Chenonceau arches, the wonderful food and wines, and the relaxing atmosphere. Everyone who loves to travel should take at least one small barge trip!
-- S.Y., VA, USA

We loved it! The cabin was cozy and beautiful with a huge bouquet of fresh flowers. Everything was very clean and comfortable. The two young ladies that took care of us were a delight. The were always laughing and smiling. They were always asking what they could get for us or help us with. They were all such fun. The captain was also lots of fun and very enjoyable.The wines and food were far better than we expected. Every meal was wonderful. The presentation was beautiful, the quality outstanding and we ate and drank way more than we needed! The wines and cheeses were exceptional. The tours were so beautifully planned in the late afternoon so there were never crowds of people. We felt like every tour was a private one. Lee was very knowledgeable about all the places with wonderful little tidbits of information above and beyond a regular tour. We also enjoyed the wine tastings and meeting the owners.
-- N.P., KS, USA

The excursions were excellent. I hate crowds, so I have to compliment the staff on the timing of the excursions designed to avoid the tourist crush. In some instances we virtually had the chateaus to ourselves, or almost.

The high point on the cruise was celebrating my wife's birthday on the cruise with a custom baked cake. Also the final captain's dinner. I also have to include as a high point of the cruise the attention lavished on us by the captain and the crew.

I have always resisted taking a "cruise" in the company of 2,000 to 5,000 people. As my wife put it... this was to be my introduction to cruising. I certainly will continue to resist taking a "cruise" BUT I will be on one of your barges next year.
-- R.H.

*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.

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- transfers from Tours (St Pierre des Corps TGV station) to the barge and return
- all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- all wines with lunches and dinners
- open bar
- all escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- train transfers from Paris to Tours (St Pierre des Corps TGV station) and return
- suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent Euros

Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™ For booking information, Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743) Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614 or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com

Member: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Bonded. Founded 1997. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.
Accredited, Better Business Bureau