Barge Cruise: Loire - Chenonceau

Magnificent Renaissance chateaus at every turn!

Cruise the Cher River in the Loire River valley of France aboard a 6-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This small riverboat is a classic Dutch design with shallow draft and is ideal for navigating the incredibly beautiful but sandy river. The barge's traditional interior features a warm classic decor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a welcoming country home atmosphere.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Moulin de Nitray. You are met in late afternoon at the TGV (high-speed train) station at St. Pierre des Corps outside Tours and taken to the boat, where a champagne welcome awaits you at the river mooring opposite the 17th-century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner on the barge.

Day 2 - Monday: Moulin de Nitray to Larcay. A morning cruise through two locks takes you to the quaint town of Larcay, where the barge moors for lunch. Afternoon excursion to the Chateau de Villandry with its famous Renaissance gardens. Dinner on the barge.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Larcay to Vallet. After a morning cruise passing six private chateaus, the barge stops across from the village of Vallet, a cluster of buildings in the classic regional style of architecture grouped around an 18th-century mill. From there, travel by minibus to the chateau of Amboise on the banks of the Loire River. After touring this magnificent royal chateau and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's last home, you'll go back to the barge for dinner.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Vallet to Chisseaux. Morning cruise with a possible stop at the Domaine de Fontenay for a wine-tasting, then lunch on the barge while moored in Blere. In the afternoon you'll cruise through one of the arches under the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau (a sight to remember forever) and moor at Chisseaux before visiting the chateau. Tonight you can enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants specializing in regional cuisine.

Day 5 - Thursday: Chisseaux to Montrichard. Morning cruise to the cave-dweller hamlet of Bourré. After lunch take the minibus to Valencay, one of the most splendid chateaus of the Loire River valley and the home of Talleyrand, Napoleon's foreign minister. A short walk from the next lock takes us to one of the most unusual dwellings in the area, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside cave dwelling, which has been in turn wine cellar, limestone quarry, and most recently a silkworm nursery. Returning to the river boat, cruise to Montrichard and moor for the night. Dinner on the barge.

Day 6 - Friday: Montrichard to Nitray. Following breakfast, take a short walk to the heart of Montrichard and browse at one of the largest weekly street markets in the Touraine region. You can also explore the 12th century chateau overlooking the medieval town square and enjoy a wine-tasting at a local vineyard. After an early lunch, the barge travels back down the river for another passage under Chenonceau. You'll arrive back at Nitray in time to visit the chateau and rose garden followed by an aperitif from their vineyards. Captain's farewell dinner on board the barge.

Day 7 - Saturday: End of cruise. After breakfast, transfer by minibus to St Pierre des Corps train station in time for the morning TGV to Paris.

This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

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Highlights

• Chateau and gardens in Villandry
• Chateau of Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's last home
• Chateau of Amboise
• Chateau of Chenonceau - visit and cruise underneath
• Chateau of Valencay
• Visit to a cave dwelling and silkworm nursery
• Montrichard street market and chateau
• Nitray - chateau and rose garden
• Private wine tastings
• Optional hot-air ballooning
  

Included

• Accommodations with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
• Wine with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
• Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified

Not Included

• Transportation to and from beginning and end points.
• Health and travel insurance
• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities when available
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge Features

• Cabins: 2 twins; 1 cabin can be set up as twin or double (6 passengers)
• 3 crew members
• Size: 81 ft. x 14 ft.
  
• Sundeck
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned minibus for excursions
  

Cruise Departures

Every Sunday subject to availability, from Jun 27 through Oct 24

This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Dates and Prices

Book Your Cruise!

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