Sunday - Haarlem to Leiden
You are collected from the designated meeting place for the short drive to the Savoir Faire, moored at Haarlem. Once aboard your Captain and host welcomes you with a 'Champagne Welcome' and an introduction to your crew and barge. Shortly afterwards we begin our cruise to Leiden, where we moor overnight. This evening your chef welcomes you to your table with the first of many delicious offerings. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambience of what promises to be the first of many memorable occasions.

Monday - Leiden to Delft
A peaceful morning cruise along the canals out of Leiden and through the oldest lock in Holland at Leidschendam. After lunch we drive to the world famous Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and other beautiful bulbous plants. Afterwards we continue our cruise into Delft.

Tuesday - Delft to Gouda
After breakfast we take a walking tour of the Royal Porcelain Factory, where beautiful hand painted ceramics are still made. We then take a stroll around the cobbled streets of Delft before joining the ship to begin your cruise through the busy port of Rotterdam and onto Gouda.

Wednesday - Gouda to Uithoorn
This morning your tour guide will escort you through the streets of medieval Gouda, where you will see the most famous of all stained glass windows in Holland. A leisurely stroll through town is a must, with its "Disneyesque" main square and small boutiques. After lunch we cruise through towns clinging to the canal sides to our overnight mooring at Uithoorn.

Thursday - Uithoorn to Zaandam
Today we begin our cruise along the winding Amstel River into Amsterdam and then through the very heart of this enchanting city where small canals and unique architecture take you back to a bygone era. You can literally reach out and touch the passers-by. Leaving Amsterdam we join the mighty North Sea Canal and head west towards our overnight mooring at Zaandam. After lunch your tour guide drives you to Zaans Schans with its clog maker and working windmills. There's even the first supermarket in Holland.

Friday - Zaandam to Haarlem
Our final cruise takes us to Haarlem, a town of exceptional beauty with its main square, once used for jousting and the famous Frans Hals Museum. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful place and to shop around its many boutiques. Tonight we celebrate your company at the Captain's table with mouth watering offerings from your chef.

Saturday - Haarlem
We end the cruise with a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell from your crew and then transfer you to the designated drop off point.

Note: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary, and is subject to change.

Note: The following itinerary, between Amsterdam and Paris or reverse, may be booked in full as a three-country cruise spanning nearly three weeks, or in sections, as an 11 day/10 night cruise between Bruges and Paris (or reverse, in the Fall), or as a one week cruise between Amsterdam and Bruges or reverse. Minimum number of passengers required to confirm. Contact us to explore customizing this cruise to your interests.

Sunday - Amsterdam to Ouderkerk
Guests are met at their hotel in Amsterdam at 2pm (Pickup at Schiphol Airport can also be arranged) and driven to the Savoir Faire for a champagne welcome and a cruise through the heart of the city to the quaint little town of Ouderkerk. Captains Welcome  

Monday - Ouderkirk to Gouda
Morning cruise along the canals to the town of Gouda, famous for its cheese. Afternoon visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs. After we return to the Savoir Faire there will be time for a stroll around Gouda where we will find the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland.
 
Tuesday - Gouda to Wilemstad
A cruise out of Gouda to the river Ijssel and across the Holland's Diep, part of the Dutch estuaries, to the charming old fortress town of Wilemstad. This town is preserved in its original state, with windmill dykes, an old church and a 15th century arsenal. There will be an optional visit to the famous Delta Project which is one of the greatest feats of water engineering in the world involving damming the great estuaries.

Wednesday - Wilemstad to Antwerp
Today we will leave Holland and cross the border into Belgium and travel to Antwerp. Antwerp is the city of Rubens, where we can take a tour of Rubens' house, then a walk in the old quarter of this beautiful Flemish city.

Thursday - Antwerp to Ghent
We catch the flood tide up the winding "Sea Schelde" which takes us to the town of Ghent. You will have plenty of time to visit this beautiful town in the afternoon.
 
Friday - Ghent to Bruges
You cannot pass through this part of the world without a visit to the beautiful little town of Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North". The chef will pack a picnic lunch, so there will be plenty of time to explore the many museums, buy some of the handmade lace or take a boat trip in the small canals that wander through the town. Rejoin the Savoir Faire in late afternoon to cruise along the River Schelde to the French/Belgian frontier.

Saturday - Bruges to Arleux
Guests who have selected 6 nights will be transferred to Brussels Airport or Ghent by about 11am.  After clearing customs at the frontier, (a simple formality), the Savoir Faire continues along the river Schelde, through the town of Valenciennes to the junction of Canal du Nord at the little French village of Arleux. The cars will take guests to Valenciennes along the way.

Sunday - Arleux to The Vermandois Hills
The Savoir Faire begins her climb over the Vermandois Hills of Picardie through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is splendid - rural France at her best, and a good tow path allows guests to walk between locks. After lunch, the cars take an excursion to Amiens to visit what must be one of the greatest of all the Gothic cathedrals with its powerful, towering columns.
 
Monday - The Vermandois Hills to Compiegne
The cruise continues along the Canal du Nord as it drops down into the valley of the river Somme; a short trip on the Somme before climbing over another watershed and down to the valley of the river Oise to moor in the riverside town of Compiegne. There are many places to visit, including the train where the World War I Armistice was signed, as well as the Royal Palace.

Tuesday - Compiegne to Pontoise
As the Savoir Faire continues down the lovely Oise River, guests are taken on an afternoon excursion to the old Roman town of Senlis with its quaint narrow streets, ancient churches and interesting museums, rejoining the Savoir Faire for an evening cruise to the river town of Pontoise.

Wednesday - Day 11 Giverny
Loaded down with a picnic lunch, deck chairs and tables, the cars take guests on a day excursion to Giverny to visit the home and gardens of the Impressionist, Claude Monet. The gardens should be at their best at this time of the year, and we can visit the water lily pond and the Japanese bridge that inspired so many of Monet's paintings. Moor for the night in Pontoise.

Thursday - Pontoise to Paris
Cruise to Bougival in the morning and visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine. Guests rejoin the Savoir Faire for an evening cruise into Paris and we moor in the heart of Paris, beside the Place de la Concorde.
 
Friday - Paris
A day moored in Paris with a chance for guests to tour and shop in Paris Centre.  Your guide will be available to accompany through Paris.  Farewell Gala Dinner on board.

Saturday - Paris
After breakfast guests are driven to Paris.

Note: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in reverse direction. All itineraries are subject to change.

Sunday - Moored at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
Our drivers collect you at 2.00pm from your hotel in Paris and escort you to the "Savoir Faire" moored about 2 hours away at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. This picturesque town was founded in 1163 by Louis VII of France to protect the kingdom of France at the boundary of the Champagne. In 1204 Philippe Auguste held parliament in the city, and Saint Louis resided in the city before departing for the Eighth Crusade. In 1594 the city was burnt down. During the French Revolution the name was changed from le-Roi (the king) to sur-Yonne (on the Yonne). In 1870 a memorial for the dead was designed by the sculptor Emile Peynot. The city was governed from 1927 till 1935 by the infamous mayor Marcel Petiot, who was guillotined in 1946, convicted of 27 killings. We shall also have an opportunity to view the 700-year-old town gate as well as the magnificent Church of Notre Dame, the building of which lasted from the 12th to the 16th century. After a champagne reception, during which you are introduced by your Captain to your crew and the ship, you are free to settle into your cabins. Your guide is at hand to escort you around the town or you may enjoy wandering through its narrow streets on your own. After a drink in the ship bar, you will be served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your personal master chef.

Monday - Villeneuve-sur-Yonne to Sens
After breakfast your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where we have arranged a private tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a pre-lunch wine tasting of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we drive to a beautiful spot where you can see a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. A little more wine and a sumptuos buffet lunch set the scene. You then return to the "Savoir Faire" to continue your cruise to the ancient town of Sens. Your overnight mooring is five minutes from the town centre. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar as the swans gather round in anticipation of a free meal. The perfect setting for the end of a perfect day.

Tuesday - Sens to Labrosse Lock
After breakfast your guide escorts you around Sens to see the Cathedral of St Etienne. Begun in 1140 and housing one of the richest treasuries in France, this mighty Gothic cathedral is the first of its kind in Europe. Afterwards enjoy a stroll on your own through this popular market town before returning to the "Savoir Faire".  Lunch is served on board, as we begin our cruise along the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. Later we pass the photogenic town of Pont sur Yonne as we make our way towards our overnight mooring at Labrosse Lock. The importance of this waterway is evident by the presence of commercial barges - some of which may join us in the locks!   Enjoy the true tranquility of this beautiful setting. Weather permitting, your chef will happily prepare a stupendous "Savoir Faire BBQ."

Wednesday - Labrosse Lock to Moret-sur-Loing
We begin the day with a great Savoir Faire breakfast. Afterward, your guide escorts you to the medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient ramparts and browse around the boutiques and shops. Provins is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is listed amongst the most interesting towns in France.  We then return to the barge for lunch, followed by a leisurely cruise along the final section of the river Yonne before joining the river Seine to Moret-sur-Loing. There's time to stroll along the riverbank before a refreshing cocktail and dinner.

Thursday - Moret-sur-Loing to Melun
We begin our cruise north along the mighty Seine towards Melun. The landscape begins to unfold revealing the tranquil beauty so sought after by busy Parisiennes. Luxury villas and chateaus begin to appear along the riverbanks, as we cruise past fishermen patiently sitting beneath the shade of a willow tree.  Your excursion this afternoon is to the magnificent chateau of Fontainebleau. To walk through Fontainebleau is to walk through the very history of France. Every royal family has added its architectural signature, resulting in an unrivaled display of opulence. Afterwards you will be able to explore the town before joining your drivers who will escort you back to the Savoir Faire.  This evening we shall be moored in the centre of Melun. You will have the opportunity to stroll along the shaded riverbank and breathe in the fresh air before your candlelit dinner is served.

Friday - Melun to Paris
After breakfast your tour guide will drive you to the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask"). Our visit includes an opportunity to explore the magnificent formal gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best in France. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau's construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen called in. Famous architects, painters and landscapers were commissioned to reflect Fouquet's refined tastes. So lavish was the housewarming party, that Louis XIV threw a fit of jealousy and hurled Fouquet in jail. Just to prove who was boss, Louis XIV began building the Palace of Versailles.  After joining the Savoir Faire for lunch, we continue our cruise into the capital of France, Paris. Before dinner we enjoy a late afternoon cruise through this wondrous city. While cocktails are served beneath the Eiffel Tower, your chef prepares your delicious farewell dinner. Afterwards, with celebration champagne served on deck, the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery, and the symbolic Eiffel Tower, each floodlit to show their magnificent beauty.  Tonight we moor at the Port d'Arsenal, in the heart of the Bastille district.

Saturday - Paris - departure by 9.30am
We end the cruise with a nourishing breakfast and fond farewell from your crew, before your chauffeurs take you to the airport for your flight.
 
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change, and the itinerary is reversed on alternate weeks.

THE BEST OF BURGUNDY - a romantic cruise along the Burgundy Canal
 
Sunday - Ancy-le-Franc
Your chauffeur collects you from the designated pick up point in Paris for the drive to the Savoir Faire, moored at Ancy-le-Franc on the Burgundy Canal. Your host and Captain, Chris, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. Before dinner, your tour guide is at hand to introduce you to the local area and tell you about the cruise week ahead. After a well deserved aperitif on deck you are served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your very own master chef.
 
Monday - Ancy-le-Franc to Lezinnes
Fresh ground coffee and fluffy croissants and pastries straight from the local baker - a delicious breakfast sets us up for our excursion to Fontenay, a marvelous medieval abbey with its cloisters, capitulary hall, dormitories and fish basins full of trout. There’s even a prison. Returning to the Savoir Faire for lunch we start our gentle cruise past the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d'Ancy le Franc, towards the canalside village of Lezinnes where we moor overnight. Today, as with every day of your cruise, there's plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel descends through a series of quaint hand operated locks.
 
Tuesday – Lezinnes to Tanlay
Today we have a real delight in store!  Ropes away and onward past sleepy hamlets and cattle grazing by the canal banks. Our cruise today takes us to Tanlay, famous for its beautiful 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau. After lunch we take a short ride to the Chateau of Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance jewel, set in the centre of a large park on the banks of the canal, houses the biggest collection of Renaissance murals in France, making Ancy-le-Franc a direct contender of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense quadrilateral, which is a classified historic monument, holds a rich decor attributed to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th century.  
 
Wednesday - Tanlay to Tonnerre
After breakfast we take a short walk to the Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village. The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescoes. After lunch we continue your cruise along the Burgundy Canal. Our cruise this afternoon takes us to Tonnerre, one of the few places along the canal where you will find vineyards. This town is the centre of a small wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing excellent reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne Epineuil". Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne. Situated in the centre of the old town this natural spring, the second deepest in France, has long mystified people and is well worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into a "Lavoire". Also worthy of note is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte of Burgundy.
 
Thursday - Tonnerre to Flogny la Chapelle
A good hearty breakfast sets us up for our morning cruise. This is barging at its best. Relaxed, gentle on the soul, every bend offering something new. Hop on, hop off - we're going nowhere fast! Feeling left out - why not help us with the locks. Great exercise and the photos will be the envy of your friends. After lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a wine tasting of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. A little cheese, a glass of wine - perfect!
 
Friday - Flogny la Chapelle to St Florentin
Our cruise this morning takes us to our final destination of St Florentin. After lunch we drive to one of the prettiest towns in France. Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy, is situated in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine. The success of this thriving town is celebrated by architectural jewels such as the ornately painted 15th century Clock Tower, the soaring Gothic cathedrals of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen and an abundance of ornate Renaissance houses bordering tree lined squares. Every street offers a golden opportunity for the aspiring photographer. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy the evening from the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.
 
Saturday - St Florentin
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a hearty breakfast. After all, we wouldn't want you leave hungry! Bags are loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated destination in Paris.
 
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The cruise runs in the opposite direction on alternate weeks.