Sample Itineraries |
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Holland Tulip Cruise Itinerary (Haarlem to Haarlem)
Hotel d'l'Europe, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-8, Amsterdam). After a short drive, you arrive where the barge is moored, in the center of Haarlem, for a champagne welcome. We will relax for the afternoon with a cruise to Zaandam, where we will moor for the night and you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board. Day 2: After breakfast we will take a short drive to the Zaanse Schans to visit a working windmill, a clog maker and a cheese maker. In the afternoon we will cruise to Amsterdam, through the heart of the city where the small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century and then along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk. Day 3: This morning we start early with an excursion right after breakfast to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer. On our return, we will cruise on the canals to the cheese Mecca of Gouda. After lunch, we will take a drive out to a local cheese farm. Besides cheese, you will find beautiful buildings, excellent shopping and the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland. Day 4: Our day begins with a morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and then on to Delft. We'll have the chance to visit the Delft Pottery works, where porcelain is still handmade and painted. You are free to spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this delightful ancient Dutch city. Day 5: This morning we will cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. After luncheon, on board, we will board our minivan for an excursion to the 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 bulbs. Day 6: Our morning cruise is to Haarlem, a picturesque town and the home of the famous Dutch painter Frans Hals where we will tour its museum. Farewell celebration on board and your last elegant gourmet dinner. Day 7: After breakfast you are driven to your Amsterdam hotel or the airport in Amsterdam.
‘Champagne Cruise’ Itinerary (Epernay to Paris, or reverse)
DAY 1: SUNDAY (Cumieres) You are transferred by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel or airport and driven directly to the Savoir Faire before joining your captain and crew for our welcoming champagne reception. There will be time to stroll through the village before coming back on board where your master chef will delight you with the first of many delicious meals. DAY 2: MONDAY (Cruise Cumieres to Damery) This morning, after breakfast, we visit Reims and its magnificent cathedral. We then join the Savoir Faire for lunch and a short cruise to the delightful little town of Damery, with its 13th century church, which was part of a former Benedictine priory. Later this afternoon we visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made champagne. Dinner aboard. DAY 3: TUESDAY (Cruise Damery to Chateau Thierry) You are now entering the true Champagne region. Your hosts have arranged a pre-lunch visit to the world famous cellars of Moet and Chandon for a tour and tasting. We then continue to cruise to Chateau Thierry, were we shall moor for the night. This pretty town offers a promenade along the original walls of the town with views over the Marne valley. This whole area was the scene of American battles in World War I. Nearby is the American Monument. Built in 1929, at an altitude of 660 feet, the monument keeps alive the memory of the American troops who fought in WW1. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield and the American cemetery. Dinner aboard. DAY 4: WEDNESDAY (Cruise Chateau Thierry to La Ferte) Your cruise today will take you through picturesque landscapes so loved by both the French and visitors abroad. Today we have arranged a tour of some of our favorite places and a selection of visits to small family-run vineyards so that you can try their fine selection of champagnes. Our mooring for the night is at La Ferte, which offers beautiful, refreshing promenades along the river. Dinner aboard. DAY 5: THURSDAY (Cruise La Ferte to Meaux) Today we cruise to Meaux, in the very heart of Brie, famous for its wonderful cheeses of the same name. Nearby, on the route to Soissons, stands a monument that commemorates the 5th September 1914, the extreme point of advance of the German troops and the date of the French counter-attack. We visit Coulomniers, one of the centers of Brie cheese. Your personalized visit to a master cheese maker will enable you to see the cheese-making process first hand and to sample a variety of the world famous Brie cheese, along with wines from his excellent cellar. Dinner aboard. DAY 6: FRIDAY (Meaux to Paris) This morning we leave Meaux and head towards the mighty Seine which will take us into the very heart of Paris. Our cruise will take us past Coupvray, the birthplace of Louis Braille, the inventor of the alphabet for the blind. At St Maur des Fosses we pass through the tunnel, which enables us to bypass the shallow waters of the Marne Loop. Today we visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. The wonderfully-proportioned chateau and its exquisite gardens are the highlight of this visit. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau's construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed, 18,000 workmen called in. Famous architects, painters and landscapers were called in 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 Versailles. We finish our journey with an exclusive evening cruise through Paris. As the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower, you will be joined by your captain and his wife for cocktails followed by the farewell "Captains Dinner". Paris by night is referred to as the "City of Lights" and is one of the greatest sights to behold anywhere in the world. As we pass beneath the Eiffel Tower and the floodlit bridges, you can see from our panoramic observation deck why this capital has been the focus of so many creative artists and authors. The very essence of Paris comes flooding down to the banks of the Seine, overwhelming the senses and firing the imagination. Our final berth for the night is in the Arsenal, a stone's throw from the lively district of the Bastille. Day 7: SATURDAY (Departure 9.30am) After a hearty breakfast, our chauffeurs will drive you to your hotel or airport in Paris.
‘Burgundy Cruise’ Itinerary (Paris to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, or reverse)
Our drivers collect you from your designated meeting point in Paris and escort you to the “Savoir Faire” moored at the Port Arsenal, Bastille, in the very heart of the city. It is here that your adventure begins. 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. You will have a brief opportunity to explore the area before we depart for our exclusive evening cruise through Paris. While cocktails are served the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery, and the symbolic Eiffel Tower. You will then be served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your personal master chef. After dinner we continue our cruise back through floodlit Paris to your overnight mooring. DAY 2: Monday - Paris to Melun We set off from the Arsenal bright and early to begin your cruise south along the mighty Seine towards Melun. Once past the reaches of Paris, the landscape begins to unfold revealing the tranquil beauty so sought after by busy city folk. Luxury villas and chateaux begin to appear along the riverbanks, as we cruise past fishermen patiently sitting beneath the shade of willow trees. 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 unrivalled 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. DAY 3: Tuesday - Melun to Moret-sur-Loing We begin the day with a peaceful cruise along the final stretch of the Seine towards Northern Burgundy, the land of Counts and fine wines. After lunch on board, your guide will escort you to the medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show, 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. Once back on board you will have time to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before yet another delicious meal is served. DAY 4: Wednesday – Moret-sur-Loing to Labrosse Lock After breakfast your tour guide will drive you to the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte (setting for the recent re-make of 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. Return to the “Savoir Faire” for a late lunch and the beginning of your cruise along the river Seine. We shall later join the meandering River Yonne and make our way to our overnight mooring above the lock of Labrosse. Enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful setting. Weather permitting, your chef will happily prepare a stupendous “Savoir Faire BBQ” DAY 5: Thursday – Labrosse to Sens 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 Sens. The importance of this waterway is evident by the presence of commercial barges - some of which may join us in the locks! After lunch your tour guide is available to accompany 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". 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. DAY 6: Friday – Sens to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne This morning we cruise towards our final destination of Villeneuve-sur Yonne. Before lunch your tour guide is available to escort you around Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, which was founded in 1163 by Louis VII of France to protect the kingdom of France at the boundary of the Champagne region. 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 Émile Peynot. The city was governed from 1927 till 1935 by the infamous mayor Marcel Pétiot, 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 lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you will first see a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside before enjoying a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a wine tasting of their various fine vintages. You then return to the "Savoir Faire" to celebrate your last evening aboard. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime. DAY 7: Saturday - departure 9.30am We end the cruise with a nourishing breakfast and fond farewell from your crew, before your chauffeurs take you onward to Paris. Please note that although this route is mainly river cruising, there are ample opportunities for walking and biking. The barge is used to catering to this request and the crew are happy to assist where ever and whenever possible. Each day’s mooring also provides ideal walks either in town or along the river bank.
The 'Three Country Cruise’ (between Paris and Amsterdam, and reverse)
Day 1. Guests are met at their hotel in Amsterdam at 1:30pm 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. Day 2. 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 barge there will be time for a stroll around Gouda where we will find the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland. Day 3. A cruise out of Gouda to the river Ijssel and across the Holland 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. Day 4. 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. Day 5. 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. Day 6. 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. Day 7. After clearing customs at the frontier, (a simple formality), the Savoir Faire continues along the 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. Day 8. 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. Day 9. 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. Day 10. 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 barge for an evening cruise to the river town of Pontoise. Day 11. 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 waterlily pond and the Japanese bridge that inspired so many of Monet's paintings. Moor for the night in Pontoise. Day 12. 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. The last evening is spent moored in the heart of Paris, beside the Place de la Concorde. Day 13. After breakfast guests are driven either to their Paris hotel or to the airport. PLEASE NOTE – ALL ITINERARIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS IS A SAMPLE CRUISE ITINERARY AND IS PROVIDED AS A GUIDE ONLY. |
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