Nymphea Canal Barge - River Cher & Loire Valley, France: 7 Days Cruise Tour 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 state-rooms 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. Inclusions Highlights Features Itinerary Dates Inclusions Gourmet cuisine including 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners All-inclusive open bar including free wines Entry fees to excursions Highlights Cruise under the famed Chateau de Chenonceau Visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and see the silkworm nursery Excursion to the Chateau D'Amboise Private tastings at Montrichard and Civray Chateau visit to Valencay or Blois Experience the colorful street markets Optional Hot air Ballooning Special Notes Travel May through October from $3300.00. Please call for rates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Azay Sur Cher to Moulin De Nitray
You are met at 4:30PM at the TGV railway station at St. Pierre des Corps and transferred to Nymphea where a Champagne Welcome awaits you. Cruise upstream to our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner aboard.

Day 2 - Moulin De Nitray to Blere
A morning cruise through two locks takes us to the quaint town of Blere where we moor for lunch. Afternoon excursion to Chateau D'Amboise and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Dinner aboard.

Day 3 - Blere to Chissay en Touraine
A short stroll over the bridge to admire the colourful street market in Blere. Morning cruise to Civray de Touraine where an optional short cycle ride takes us to Les Caves de Pere Auguste for a wine tasting. After lunch we cruise under the 5 arch bridge of the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux. From there we depart by minibus to visit the Chateau. Early evening cruise to the village of Chissay en Touraine. Dinner aboard.

Day 4 - Chissay en Touraine to St. Aignan
An early start sees the Nymphea tackling the upper reaches of the navigable Cher, arriving at St. Aignan, the head of navigation where we moor in the shadow of the castle. An afternoon excursion is made either to Blois with its chateau, Musee de la Resistance and cosmopolitan shopping streets, or the Chateau de ValenVay, with its renowned gardens. Dinner ashore in a local hostelry.

Day 5 - St. Aignan to Montrichard
After a chance to stroll the old centre of St. Aignan, we cruise downstream to the hamlet of Bourree. A short walk from the lock takes us to 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. Before supper we visit the local vineyard of the Meriau family, to taste the regional Touraine vintages. Dinner aboard.

Day 6 - 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. 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-Captains dinner aperitif from their vineyards. Captains Dinner aboard.

Day 7
After breakfast, disembark and transfer by minibus to St. Pierre des Corps Station in time for the 9:30 TGV.

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

• Note: From pricing is per person based on double occupancy and does not include airfare. Itineraries are subject to change due to canal/river conditions and are at the sole discretion of the captain.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.