The Loire Valley is as rich in legend as it is in beauty and you will realise that, fortunately, little has changed over the centuries. Talk to a cheesemaker and find out why his is the most famous goat's cheese in France. Wind your way through the narrow streets of a centuries-old village, perhaps discovering hidden shops with hand-painted pottery, or stumble across an open market on your own
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
Day 1
Moulin de Nitray
You are met at 4.30 pm at St Pierre des Corps TGV railway station and are transferred to Nymphea where a champagne welcome awaits you at our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner aboard.
Day 2
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.
Day 3
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.
Day 4
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 brings 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 5 arch bridge of the impressive Château 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
Day 5
Chisseaux to Montrichard
A morning cruise takes us towards the troglodyte village of Bourré. 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 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. 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 mediaeval 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.
Day 7
Nitray to Tours
After breakfast disembark, and return to Tours or St Pierre des Corps Station arriving there at 9.30am.
PRICES FROM
From $3800.00 per person in double occupancy
FACTS
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
2010 Departures: Sep 19, Sep 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24
2011 Departures: June 26, Jul 3, Jul 10, Jul 17, Jul 24, Jul 31, Aug 7, Aug 14, Aug 21, Aug 28, Sep 4, Sep 11, Sep 18, Sep 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16
Type of services: Chauffeured and guided sightseeing.
Highlights: Excursion to the Château D'Amboise; Cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau; Visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and see the silkworm nursery; Private tastings at Montrichard and Civray; Château visit to Valençay or Blois; Experience the colourful street markets; Optional Hot air Ballooning.
Travel documents: Please visit our “Visa Info” page to inquire if you need a travel visa for this tour. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain proper travel documents for this tour..
.
Inclusions: All meals catered for by an on board Master Chef, all good regional wines served throughout the cruise, open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, and use of all barge facilities such as bicycles. .
Not included: International and domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
Maupin Journeys
Print Version
I
want to receive more information
