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European Waterways - Savoir Faire - Holland / Belgium / France - 2011 Season

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CRUISING BELGIUM, FRANCE & HOLLAND

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With individual bookings, prices are per person at double occupancy
Single occupancy of double cabins is restricted per cruise, on request with ship’s company

With full charters the itineraries (West, Centre, North) can be switched Full charter price, based on mentioned program. Without fixed program, full charter price available on request

2011 CHARTER DISCOUNTS
Cruise Area
Barge
Discounts
Departure Date
Deposit By
Holland Tulip Cruise
Savoir Faire
25% off charter price for 10 to 12 pax
All July & Aug 2011
25 Feb 2011
Holland Tulip Cruise
Savoir Faire
25% off per cabin*
April 3 & 10
25 Feb 2011

Our vacations are all-inclusive, which means:
* 6 Nights accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin.
* The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide.
* Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. All lunch and evening meals aboard are a gastronomic adventure using local produce.
* A local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges.
* An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus an all day open bar, tea and coffee.
*Daily excursions by chauffeured minivan and inclusive entry fees to castles, vineyards, markets and other local places of interest.
* Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool.
* Return transfers to and from local meeting/drop off point.


Conditions

Our normal Terms & Conditions apply.
Some cruises may require a minimum of 4 passengers booked to guarantee the cruise.
These special offers are subject to availability, apply to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

NOTE: The Savoir Faire Cabin offer aminimum of 3 cabins must be booked.

Click here for Currency Converter


2011 Rates in EUR ( Euros )
ACCOMMODATION REGULAR
Stateroom per person €3,200
Single Supplement €1,200
Charter 10 Whole Boat €31,000
Charter 12 Whole Boat €35,500
13 Night - Stateroom per person €6,000
13 Night - Single supplement €2,800
13 Night - Charter ( up to 12 passengers ) €56,000

Child Discount : €180 discount per child aged 17 years or under

Rates, additional charges and conditions are subject to change, and to
currency fluctuation, without notice - Errors and Omissions Excepted

DEPARTURE DATES (Sunday) RATE ROUTE
April - 3, 10, 17, 24 Regular Amsterdam Tulip Cruise
May - 1, 8 Regular 3 country, 13 nts Cruise
May - 15, 22, 29 Regular Burgundy
June - 5, 12, 19, 26 Regular Burgundy
July - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Regular Burgundy
August - 7, 14 Regular Burgundy
August - 21, 28 Regular Champagne
September - 4, 11 Regular Champagne
September - 18 , 25 Regular Burgundy
October - 2, 9 Regular Burgundy
October - 16, 23 Regular 3 country, 13 nts Cruise

Savoir Faire Barge Information


LUXURY MOTOR YACHT CRUISES….
The 12-passenger Savoir Faire was built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge. She was converted into a hotel barge in 1979 and was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. The air conditioned interior is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment, whether for a personal retreat, a gathering at the on board piano or all passengers together enjoying each others company. The saloon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass and decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years. Two spacious sun decks offer magnificent views of the countryside and bikes are provided for those who wish to explore further.

Savoir Faire features six staterooms all of which are air conditioned and have en-suite facilities. Each can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed. All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S. standard power outlets. Internet access is also available.

You will be attentively catered for by six English-speaking crew including the captain, deck hand, master chef, tour guide and two housekeepers.

Cruise Highlights Cuisine Aboard
  • Evening cruise through Paris beneath the floodlit Eiffel Tower
  • Visit to Reims and its magnificent cathedral Moet and Chandon for a tour and Champagne tasting
  • Visit the Keukenhof gardens and see the Dutch tulips
  • Visit the wine town of Chablis
  • Visit to Fontainebleau where every French monarch from Francois I to Napoleon III left his mark
  • Visit to Coulomniers, one of the centres of Brie Cheese
  • Tour the beautiful Belgian cities of Ghent and Bruges, the "Venice of the North"
Regional Specialities
Braised Beef Fillet in Juniper Berry and Red Wine Jus, Saddle of Lamb with Eggplant Caviar

Wine Cellar
St Emilion Grand Cru, Chasagne-Montrachet les Houilleres, Pomerol, Pouilly Fuisse

Cheese Board
Gouda, Leyden, Maasdam


ITINERARY -

BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY = PARIS - AUXERRE

SUNDAY - Moored in the heart of Paris at the Port Arsenal, Bastille
Our chauffeurs 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 on deck, during which you are introduced to your crew and the ship, you are free to settle into your cabins before we depart for our exclusive pre-dinner cruise through Paris. While aperitifs and canapés are served on the upper deck, the "Savoir Faire" glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower. We then return to our mooring before your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by the master chef.
 
MONDAY - Cruise from Paris to Melun
  We set off from the Arsenal bright and early to begin your cruise south along the mighty Seine towards Burgundy. 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 chateaus begin to appear along the river banks, as we cruise past fishermen patiently sitting beneath the shade of a willow tree.
Your excursion today is to the magnificent chateau of Fontainebleau. Your tour guide escorts you around the chateau, as to walk through Fontainebleau is to walk through the very history of France. Every royal family has added their architectural signature, resulting in an unrivalled display of opulence. Afterwards you will be able to explore the shops and boutiques of Fontainebleau before joining your chauffeurs who will escort you back to the "Savoir Faire". This evening we shall be moored in the thriving market town of Melun. You will have the opportunity to stroll along the river bank and breathe in the fresh air before your candlelit dinner is served.

TUESDAY - Cruise from Melun to Moret-sur-Loing
After a hearty breakfast 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, we cruise to Moret, made famous by the Impressionist painter Sisley. This is a picture postcard town nestled alongside tree lined riverbanks. Once moored, you will have time to enjoy a stroll and pre-dinner cocktail before yet another delicious meal is served.

WEDNESDAY - Cruise from Moret-sur-Loing to Sens
This morning we set off on the final stretch of the river Seine before joining the Yonne towards our overnight mooring in the thriving market town of Sens. After lunch your tour guide will escort you by foot into Sens for a private guided tour of the Cathedral of St Stephen, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. The beauty of the exterior dominates the main square of Sens. Begun in 1140 AD, this magnificent building houses one of the richest treasuries in France. In addition to this there is a tour of the museum, which is in the 13th Century synodal palace, situated in the former archbishop's residence. It houses a fascinating exhibition of Gallo-Roman mosaics and works of art from the cathedral. Afterwards you will have time to explore the charming streets of Sens before strolling back to the "Savoir Faire."
 
THURSDAY - Cruise from Sens to Joigny

A tranquil cruise awaits us after breakfast towards the riverside town of Joigny, where cobbled streets and timbered-framed buildings take you back to a bygone era. Today is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to cycle alongside the ship as she glides gently by. After lunch we take a drive to Chablis, town to some of the greatest wines in Burgundy. We have selected the small family operation of Domaine Laroche for an intimate tour of their cellar and an insightful introduction to the secrets of this ancient art. A comprehensive wine tasting rounds off this fascinating visit. Dinner is served aboard after which you may enjoy a stroll around the lamp lit streets of Joigny.

FRIDAY - Cruise from Gurgy to Auxerre
  Our final cruise takes us along the upper reaches of the Yonne to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all river towns whose skyline is punctuated by church spires and its streets lined with timbered 16th century houses. This afternoon your tour guide is at hand to escort you through this wonderful riverside town, with the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne dominating the skyline. Behind its apparent simplicity lies one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. Undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in France, Auxerre, the capital of Lower Burgundy, is situated in the heart of a wine growing area most famous for its Chablis wine. The town's magnificent monuments, which include a splendid 15th Century clock tower, all bear witness to a remarkable historical past. The centre, which is classified as a protected area, is best visited on foot. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy the best view in town from the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.SATURDAY – Auxerre
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a rather special breakfast. Bags are loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated destination in Paris.
 
All itineraries are subject to change.

Paris to Ghent to Haarlem 13 Night cruise

Sunday
Guests are met at their hotel in Paris at 12 noon (Pickup at CDG Airport can also be arranged) and driven to the Savoir Faire for a Champagne welcome and a cruise through the heart of the city to our overnight mooring at Bougival and visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine. Evening cruise into Paris and we moor in the heart of Paris, beside the Place de la Bastille.

Monday
In the morning we visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine. Guests rejoin the Savoir Faire for a cruise up the lovely River Oise.

Tuesday
Our cruise today takes us to Compiegne. There are many places to visit, including the train where the World War I Armistice was signed, as well as the Royal Palace. Shops galore!

Wednesday
The Savoir Faire begins her climb through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du and over the Vermandois Hills of Picardie through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is splendid and a good towpath allows guests to walk between locks. After lunch, we visit Amiens one of the greatest of all the Gothic cathedrals with its powerful, towering columns.

Thursday
We cruise to Tournai, a fortified town with a magnificent square surrounded by half timbered buildings and cafes. Plenty of quaint boutiques.

Friday
Our destination today is the internationally popular city of Ghent, with its fine architecture, bustling cafe life and splendid shops.

Saturday
Today we visit the beautiful 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. Please note that a buffet style dinner will be served tonight as the chef needs at least one evening off.

Sunday
Today we remain moored on the outskirts of the city of Bruges for touring and shopping opportunities.

Monday
We catch the flood tide down the winding "Sea Schelde" which takes us to the "diamond"city of 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.

Tuesday
Today we cruise through the busy port of Antwerp, across the Belgium/Dutch border towards the charming old fortress harbour of Wilemstad. This town is preserved in its original state, with windmill dykes, an old church and a 15th century arsenal.

Wednesday
The Savoir Faire begins her cruise across the Holland's Diep, through Rotterdam and then north towards our overnight mooring at Delft. Today we shall visit the Royal Porcelain Factory.

Thursday
We are now on our final leg heading north towards Haarlem. Today we moor at the lakeside village of Oudewetering. Our excursion takes us to Aalsmeer, the largest flower auction in the world.

Friday
This morning we cruise takes to our final destination of Haarlem, a medieval town lined with cobbled streets and half timbered houses. The main square (once a venue for jousting contests between courageous knights) lies next to the church of St Bravos which houses the magnificent Muller Organ which Handel and Mozart played when young children.

Saturday
After breakfast guests are driven either to their Amsterdam hotel or to the airport.

Note: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and may be changed according to passenger requests and local conditions. On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction

ITINERARAY - Ancy-le-Franc to Auxerre

SUNDAY: Ancy-le-Franc
Your chauffeur collects you from your Paris hotel at 2.00pm for the drive to the "Savoir Faire", moored at Ancy-le-Franc on the Burgundy Canal. Your host and Captain, Chris, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. After a well deserved aperitif on deck you are served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your very own master chef.
  
MONDAY: Ancy-le-Franc to Tanlay
Fresh ground coffee and fluffy croissants and pastries straight from the local baker - a delicious breakfast sets us up for our gentle cruise past the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d'Ancy le Franc, towards the picturesque village of Tanlay where we moor overnight. There's plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel descends through a series of quaint hand operated locks. After a leisurely lunch we stroll over to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9-hole golf course (advance bookings required). The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescoes. Dinner on board.
  
TUESDAY - Tanlay to Tonnerre
After breakfast we take a short ride to the Chateau of Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance jewel, set in the centre of a large park on the banks of the canal, houses the biggest collection of Renaissance murals in France making Ancy-le-Franc a direct contender of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense quadrilateral, which is a classified historic monument, holds a rich decor attributed to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th century. After lunch we cruise past sleepy hamlets and cattle grazing by the canal banks. Our cruise today takes us to Tonnerre, one of the few places along the canal where you will find vineyards. This town is the centre of a small wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing excellent reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne Epineuil". Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne. Situated in the centre of the old town this natural spring, the second deepest in France, has long mystified people and is well worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into a "Lavoire". The most beautiful reminder of Tonnerre's past is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte of Burgundy. The chapel has a magnificent entombment, a masterpiece of 15th century Burgundian art. Dinner on board
 
WEDNESDAY - Tonnerre to St Florentin
An opportunity to visit the morning market before your cruise along the Burgundy Canal. Today we visit one of the great Cistercian monasteries of France. The Abbey of Pontigny was founded in 1114. Charming and rather understated on the outside, the great spaces of the interior really are something special and not to be missed if you are in northern Burgundy. More recently Pontigny Abbey has also played an important role in French culture - from 1922 to 1939 there was an annual get together of the great European intellectuals of the time at the abbey, including TS Eliot, Thomas Mann and Jean Paul Sartre. Let's not forget the Cistercian monks of Pontigny Abbey, who first planted vines in the Chablis region. Dinner on board.
  
THURSDAY - St Florentin to Gurgy
We begin our cruise along the final stretch of the Burgundy Canal before we join the river Yonne, which winds its way upstream to the riverside town of Auxerre. Locks with sloping walls and electric gates make for stark contrast to those quaint hand operated gates on the Burgundy Canal. Before lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a wine tasting of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. Your chef has prepared a surprise picnic with offerings worthy of a King's table. Great wine, great food and the companionship of friends and loved ones make for the perfect setting. Fully replenished we return to the "Savoir Faire" to continue our cruise to the sleepy riverside hamlet of Gurgy, where we moor overnight. Dinner on board.
 
FRIDAY - Gurgy to Auxerre
Our cruise this morning takes us to our final destination and what is undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in France. Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy, is situated in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine. The success of this thriving town is celebrated by architectural jewels such as the ornately painted 15th century Clock Tower, the soaring Gothic cathedrals of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen and an abundance of ornate Renaissance houses bordering tree lined squares. Every street offers a golden opportunity for the aspiring photographer. After lunch your tour guide is at hand to show you around this delightful town. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy the best view in town from the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.
 
SATURDAY - Auxerre
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a rather special breakfast. Leave the barge by 9.30am and transfer to Paris.
  
Itinerary is subject to change. Please note that cruise week runs in opposite direction on alternate weeks.

ITINERARY - Auxerre to Tanlay-le-Franc

SUNDAY: Auxerre
You are met at your Paris hotel at 2pm for the drive to the "Savoir Faire" moored at Auxerre, undoubtedly one of the prettiest riverside towns in France. Your Captain, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. This evening you are served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your very own master chef.
 
MONDAY - Auxerre to Bassou
After breakfast , a walking tour of Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy. Situated in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine, this thriving town celebrates it's success with architectural jewels such as the ornately painted 15th century Clock Tower, the soaring Gothic cathedrals of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen and an abundance of ornate Renaissance houses bordering tree lined squares. Every street offers a golden opportunity for the aspiring photographer and your tour guide knows all the great spots! After lunch we begin our cruise along the upper reaches of the river Yonne, which winds it's way downstream to our overnight mooring at Bassou. Locks with sloping walls and electric gates make for stark contrast to the quaint hand operated locks we will see on the Burgundy Canal. Dinner on board.
 
TUESDAY - Bassou to St Florentin

We begin our cruise along the final stretch of the river Yonne before we join the famous Burgundy Canal. Before lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a winetasting of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. Your chef has prepared a surprise picnic with offerings worthy of a King's table. Great wine, great food and the companionship of friends and loved ones make for the perfect setting. Fully replenished we return to the "Savoir Faire" to continue our cruise to St Florentin, where we moor overnight. High above the town is the 15th century church and the Priory terrace, with fine panoramic views of the old town. Dinner on board.
 
WEDNESDAY - St Florentin to Tonnerre
  After breakfast visit the morning market with your chauffeur before rejoining your cruise along the Burgundy Canal. Today we visit one of the great Cistercian monasteries of France. The Abbey of Pontigny was founded in 1114. Charming and rather understated on the outside, the great spaces of the interior really are something special and not to be missed if you are in northern Burgundy. More recently Pontigny Abbey has also played an important role in French culture - from 1922 to 1939 there was an annual get together of the great European intellectuals of the time at the abbey, including TS Eliot, Thomas Mann and Jean Paul Sartre. Let's not forget the Cistercian monks of Pontigny Abbey who first planted vines in the Chablis region. Dinner on board.
 
THURSDAY - Tonnerre to Tanlay

  After breakfast you may want to explore Tonnerre, the centre of a small wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing excellent reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne Epineuil". Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne. Situated in the centre of the old town this natural spring, the second deepest in France, has long mystified people and is well worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into a "Lavoire". The most beautiful reminder of Tonnerre's past is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte de Burgundy. The chapel has a magnificent entombment, a masterpiece of 15th century Burgundian art.
 
Later this morning we begin our gentle cruise to Tanlay. Ropes away and onward past sleepy hamlets and cattle grazing by the canal banks. After a leisurely lunch and a little more cruising we stroll over to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9-hole golf course (advance bookings required). The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescos. Afterwards enjoy a promenade along the canal bank, a cool refreshing drink on the upper deck or a leisurely wander into the village before dinner.
 
FRIDAY - Tanlay to Ancy le Franc

  Today we have a real delight in store!  After a hearty breakfast we begin our cruise to Ancy-le-Franc. Once again, plenty of opportunity to walk and cycle between locks as we head for our final destination. Later this afternoon we visit the Palace of Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance jewel, set in the centre of a large park on the banks of the canal, houses the biggest collection of Renaissance murals in France making Ancy-le-Franc a direct contender of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense quadrilateral, which is a classified historic monument, holds a rich decor attributed to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th century. Relax before dinner with a drink on the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.
  
SATURDAY - Auxerre
  Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a rather special breakfast. After all, we wouldn't want you leave hungry! Bags are loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated destination in Paris.

 
On alternate weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. All itineraries are subject to change

SAVOIR FAIRE TULIP CRUISE ITINERARY = HAARLEM TO HAARLEM

SUNDAY
We meet at an Amsterdam hotel in the city centre at 2pm (Schiphol Airport pickup can also be arranged) and transfer to the barge 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.

MONDAY
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. Dinner on board.

TUESDAY
An early rise and drive to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer. Upon return we will set off for a 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. Dinner on board.

WEDNESDAY
A morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and then onto Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery works, where porcelain is still handmade and painted. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this beautiful historic Dutch city. Dinner on board

THURSDAY
A morning cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at 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 bulbous plants. Dinner on board

FRIDAY

Morning cruise 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.

SATURDAY
This will be your last breakfast on board. You will then be driven to either the Schiphol Airport or your hotel in Amsterdam.

Note: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and may be changed according to passenger

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

13 nights, 3 Country Cruise - Holland – Belgium – France

Sunday
Guests are met at their hotel in Amsterdam at 2pm (Pickup at Schiphol Airport can also be arranged) 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. Captains Welcome Dinner onboard.

Monday
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 Savoir Faire there will be time for a stroll around Gouda where we will find the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland.

Tuesday
A cruise out of Gouda to the river Ijssel and across the Holland’s 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.

Wednesday
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.

Thursday

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.

Friday
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.

Saturday.
Guests who have selected 6 nights will be transferred to Brussels Airport or Ghent by about 11am. After clearing customs at the frontier, (a simple formality), the Savoir Faire continues along the river 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.

Sunday
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.

Monday

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.

Tuesday.
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 Savoir Faire for an evening cruise to the river town of Pontoise.

Wednesday.
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 water lily pond and the Japanese bridge that inspired so many of Monet's paintings. Moor for the night in Pontoise.

Thursday

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 and we moor in the heart of Paris, beside the Place de la Concorde.


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