| Nymphea |
Rating  : First Class
Number of Passengers: 6
Number of Cabins: 3
Size of Vessel: 81 ft in length
Number of Crew: 3
Cruise Region: Loire Valley
Other Regions Sailed: None
Whole Boat Charters starting at $20,100
Prices (per person) starting at $3,500
Charter Pricing for 4 & 5 Passengers Available
Call Barge TravelPOINTS Today
For More Information or to Book Your Journey
1.800.549.2575
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 Nymphea Cruising Under Château de Chenonceau |
The 6 passenger Nymphea is a classic Dutch vessel with a shallow draft that is ideal for navigating the incredibly beautiful yet
somewhat sandy reaches of the River Cher in the Loire Valley. Her design allows her to be the only barge currently cruising in
this fascinating region of France.
Refitted throughout, her traditional ship interior features a warm classic decor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a
welcoming country house atmosphere. Nymphea is perfect for families and parties of 4-6 who are interested in seeing the many opulent
Royal Châteaux in the 'Valley of the Kings'. You will visit Château de Chenonceau, D'Amboise and Valençay, plus
spectacular gardens, outdoor markets and wine tastings. You'll even visit Leonardo Da Vinci's home!
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.
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Nymphea has three comfortable cabins providing two twin bedded staterooms and one twin or double stateroom.
Each cozy cabin features an en-suite bathroom and plenty of wardrobe space for your travel items.
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- Delicious regional cuisine made from fresh local ingredients
- French wines served with lunch and dinner
- Open bar
- Sundeck with table for al fresco dining
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Touring bicycles
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Sunday - 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 at our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray followed by dinner aboard.
Monday - A morning cruise through two locks takes you to the quaint town of Larcay where Nymphea will moor under the weeping
willows for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to Château de Villandry, with its world-renowned renaissance gardens, then
return to Nymphea for dinner aboard.
Tuesday - After a morning cruise past no less that six private châteaux, Nymphea ties up opposite the hamlet of Vallet,
a cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped around its 18th century mill. From there you'll leave for an excursion by minibus
to Amboise on the banks of the Loire, where you'll visit the Royal Château D’Amboise and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home.
Dinner tonight is enjoyed aboard Nymphea.
Wednesday - While cruising in the morning Nymphea may pull in to the tiny landing stage next to Domaine de Fontenay. A two
minute walk brings you to their courtyard where you can taste their range of Touraine wines as an aperitif before lunch moored at
Blere. In the afternoon Nymphea cruises under the 5 arch bridge of the impressive Château de Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux.
From there we depart by minibus to visit the Château. You'll take dinner tonight in one of the local restaurants specializing
in regional cooking.
Thursday - A morning cruise takes you towards the troglodyte village of Bourre. After lunch you'll enjoy a drive east to
Valencay, one of the most splendid châteaux of the Loire and the home of Napoléon's foreign minister, Talleyrand. Once back
on board Nymphea cruises 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 Nymphea cruises to Montrichard where she moors for the
night and where you'll enjoy another fine dinner on board.
Friday - Following breakfast, a short stroll takes you 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 Château of Foulques Nerra overlooking the medieval
town square. Before lunch you 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, then return
to Nymphea for the farewell Captain's Dinner aboard.
Saturday - After breakfast you'll disembark to St Pierre des Corps Station.
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1.800.549.2575
