'Elisabeth' Cruise in Belgium

Saturday, Day 1 Namur

Pick up in Brussels to arrive the barge moored in Namur about 2:30 pm. After getting settled on board, we have a guided tour of the Citadel of Namur, a dominating stone fortress and the oldest permanent settlement in the Benelux dating back to the Roman era, which sits at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse Rivers. Return to the barge for a short cruise around Namur and dinner on board.
 

Sunday, Day 2 Namur to Dinant

We start our cruise this morning down the sparkling Meuse River to the little village of Dinant with its towering cliffs jutting up from the banks of the river. Our excursion today is to the Abbey of Maredsous, a lovely Benedictine monastery built in 1872. After touring the spectacular buildings, we'll enjoy a tasting of the beer and world famous cheese made at the Abbey. Return to the barge for an aperitif and dinner on board.
 

Monday, Day 3 Dinant to Freyr to Givet

After breakfast, we will visit a vineyard with a wine tasting. The vineyard owner Jeanette will explain how they produce marvelous wines and offer tastes of their entire production of wines. In the afternoon we will enjoy lunch while cruising to the lovely town of Freyr with its magnificent limestone cliffs. We will visit Freyr Castle, the former summerhouse of the Duke de Beaufort-Spontin, which dates back to the middle ages. The castle welcomes you into its harmonious premises which were furnished by the 20 generations who have lived there. You will learn the history of the castle and its wonderful surroundings of terraced gardens, fountains and 300 year old orange trees. Our afternoon cruise takes us to the quaint old French village of Givet on the border of Belgian and France. Givet castle, built in the 16c, is situated on a steep hill dominating the river and town below. Dinner on board.
 

Tuesday, Day 4 Givet to Fumay

This morning we set off to explore the famous and breathtaking caves of Han sur Lesse with its immense chambers...a site for all ages to enjoy. The cave is exceptional in beauty with its huge galleries, sculpted by the river Lesse which passes through it. It richly deserves its 3 stars in the Michelin green guide. At 1pm we return to the MS Elisabeth for lunch and cruise through a quarter mile tunnel to the town of Fumay. Dinner on board.
 

Wednesday, Day 5 Fumay to Monthermé

Today we enjoy a peaceful cruise, with opportunities to walk or bike, through unspoiled nature in the heart of the Ardennes forest to the charming village of Monthermé. Situated on the banks of the meandering Meuse River, the village has beautiful architectural and historical heritage. We will visit the Roman Church Saint Leger which was originally constructed in the 12th century. Dinner on board.
 

Thursday, Day 6 Monthermé to Charleville-Mezieres

Our morning cruise takes us to Charleville-Mezieres, the Capital of the French Ardennes, a charming and artsy city on the banks of the Meuse River. Our excursion this afternoon takes us by van to Bastogne the scene of the last major German offensive campaign of World War II. We enjoy our final dinner on board.
 

Friday, Day 7 Charleville-Mezieres

After breakfast this morning, before our 10am departure for Brussels, we will have a short visit to the Ducal Palace, (twin sister to La Place des Vosges in Paris) the museum of the famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud who is known for his influence on modern literature and arts.