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.
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.
Sunday - Moulin de Nitray
Passengers are met about 4:10pm 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.
Monday - 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 18th 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 takes 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 five arch bridge of the impressive Chateau 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 Bourre. 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 has grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which has been in turn a wine cellar, a quarry for 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 12th century Chateau of Foulques Nerra overlooking the medieval 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 passengers disembark to St. Pierre des Corps Station arriving there at approximately 9:30am.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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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.
| NYMPHEA 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR May 11 thru Oct 25 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,500 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,500 |
| Charter for 4 |
$17,700 |
| Charter for 5 |
$18,900 |
| Charter for 6 |
$20,100 |
| Cycling Charter Supplement for up to 6 |
$2,000 |
- 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
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