A unique 6-night hotel barge cruise through the picturesque Upper Loire Valley to the superb wine-growing regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire, with superb guided excursions
Enjoy wine tastings at illustrious wine cellars and guided tours of authentic French towns, exquisite medieval cities and intriguing historic abbeys. Sample local delicacies including a goats cheese tasting at a traditional goat farm, accompanied, of course, by a chilled glass of crisp Sancerre.
Admire the views over the Loire Valley from the medieval hilltop town of Sancerre, explore the wine centre of Tour de Pouilly-Fumé followed by a wine-tasting, and visit former Cistercian monastery, Fontmorigny Abbey.
6-nights accommodation on 24 passenger Hotel Barge Deborah
Unlimited complimentary onboard beverages, including beer, fine wine, spirits, mineral bottled water, soft drinks specialty coffees and tea
All meals onboard for Superb French Cuisine
Farewell Gala dinner
Shore excursions as mentioned in itinerary with wireless audio system Port Talk
Captain Welcome cocktail Reception Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
Use of barge facilities including bicycles and Jacuzzi
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary Samsung Galaxy Tablet for guests' use
All port fees
Coach transfers to and from Paris
Itinerary
Day 1Paris (France) - Nevers
Arrive in Paris and transfer by coach to hotel barge Deborah. Meet the crew before dinner and enjoy a romantic evening tour of Nevers with lanterns. Moored overnight.
Day 2Nevers - Marseilles-Les-Aubigny
This morning there is a guided tour of Nevers. Visit the Espace Bernadette Soubirous, the final resting place of a girl from Lourdes who claimed to see the Virgin Mary 18 times. In the city centre admire the Ducal Palace and Nevers Cathedral. Visit the pottery quarter and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies. Rejoin the barge and cruise towards Marseilles-les-Aubigny for an evening at leisure. Moored overnight.
Day 3Marseilles-Les-Aubigny - Herry
Travel to Fontmorigny Abbey and admire the magnificent stained-glass windows before continuing to the beautiful village of Apremont-sur-Allier with its floral garden. Rejoin the barge and cruise to Herry. Moored overnight.
Day 4Herry - Menetreol-Sous-Sancerre
Travel to La Charite-sur-Loire and visit the magnificent priory, an important restoration site, before heading to a farm in the heart of the countryside. Later, return to the barge and cruise towards Menetreol-sous-Sancerre to spend time at leisure. Moored overnight.
Day 5Menetreol-sous-Sancerre - Lere
Discover the vineyards of Pouilly-sur-Loire and visit a wine cellar for a tasting. Back on board, cruise towards Lere and perhaps cycle along a section of the EuroVelo 6, a bike route that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. Spend time at leisure this evening. Moored overnight.
Day 6Lere - Briare
Travel to Sancerre, overlooking the beautiful Loire Valley, and follow the Fil d'Ariane, a red line painted on the streets which leads past the town's key sights. Later, visit to a goat farm and enjoy sampling the trademark cheeses and local Sancerre wine. Rejoin the barge and enjoy cruising to Briare, crossing the impressive Briare Aqueduct. Moored overnight.
Day 7Briare - Paris
Disembark after breakfast and transfer by coach to Paris.
Upper Loire Hotel Barge Itinerary - NVB_AIPP/BNV_AIPPThe Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary in the light of conditions.
