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.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
All-inclusive open bar, free wines, gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions
regional specialties
Filet Mignon de Veau à la Bière et Moutarde, Selle d'Agneau au Romarin, Saumon et Friture
Cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau
wine cellar
St Nicolas de Bourgueil, L'Alliance des Generations, Sancerre, Vouvray
Visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and see the silkworm nursery
cheese board
Valençay, St Maure de Touraine, Selles sur Cher
Excursion to the Château D'Amboise
Private tastings at Montrichard and Civray
Château visit to Valençay or Blois
Experience the colorful street markets
Optional Hot air Ballooning
2008 Itinerary
Sunday Day 1 - AZAY SUR CHER TO MOULIN DE NITRAY
You are met at 4.30 pm 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
Monday, Day 2 - MOULIN DE NITRAY TO BLÉRÉ
A morning cruise through two locks takes us to the quaint town of Bléré where we moor for lunch. Afternoon excursion to Chateau D'Amboise and the Clos Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Dinner aboard
Tuesday, Day 3 - BLÉRÉ TO CHISSAY EN TOURAINE
A short stroll over the bridge to admire the colourful street market in Bléré. Morning cruise to Civray de Touraine where an optional short cycle ride takes us to Les Caves de Père 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
Wednesday, 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, Musée de la Résistance and cosmopolitan shopping streets, or the Chateau de ValenVay, with its renowned gardens. Dinner ashore in a local hostelry
Thursday, Day 5 - ST AIGNAN TO MONTRICHARD
After a chance to stroll the old centre of St Aignan, we cruise downstream to the hamlet of Bourreé. 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
Friday, 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 mediaeval 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
Saturday, Day 7
After breakfast disembark and transfer by minibus to St Pierre des Corps Station in time for the 09.30 TGV to Paris.
2008 Departure Dates
Departure Dates (Sunday)
Season
May 11,18,25
Regular
June 1,8,15,22,29
Regular
July 6,13,20,27
Regular
August 3,10,17,24,31
Regular
September 7,14,21,28
Regular
October 5,12,19
Regular
2008 Cruise Rates
Accomodation
Regular Season
Suite per person
$3,500
Single supplement
$1,500
Charter 4 passengers whole boat
$17,700
Charter 5 passengers whole boat
$18,900
Charter 6 passengers whole boat
$20,100
Contact us for special pricing
Contact us now to book this cruise or for more information Contact
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks or insurance.
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise line and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
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