THE BARGE: Constructed in 1921 as a freight barge carrying beer Converted into a hotel barge in 1985 Measures 81 ft. long by 14 ft. wide Three (3) onboard cabin accommodations Six (6) passenger capacity Onboard climate control One (1) 220V generators Maximum speed of 12 km/hr Carries 4 tons of fresh water and 3 tons of fuel PERSONNEL: Three (3) crew members consisting of Chef, Housekeeper, and Captain. Generally British, this crew speaks both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Upper Salon Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: HI FI system with CD player Six (6) mountain bikes (21 speed) Board games Small library of books Binoculars for birdwatching MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Nymphea has a gangway from the bank of the river with a handrail and six (6) wide steps. The top deck has rails all the way around. Stairways have one (1) handrail. There are seven (7) steps from the main deck down to the Chenonceau stateroom and another set of seven (7) steps from the main deck down to the salon/dining area. There are no steps from the salon to the other cabins, and the crew will assist in any way they can. If you would like to hire a wheelchair so that it is available on your arrival, please specify at the time of booking. The nominal hire charge should be paid directly to the Captain on arrival. The well-planned accommodation of Nymphea offers a choice of three air-conditioned twin/double staterooms with full en-suite facilities.

CABINS: There are three (3) staterooms on board Nymphea, named Chenonceau, Chambord, and Cheverny. STATEROOM SIZE: All cabins are very similar in size and are equally comfortable. The size listed below for each cabin includes bathroom area. Chenonceau - Approx. 91 sq. ft. Chambord - Approx. 75 sq. ft. Cheverny - Approx. 65 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Chenonceau can be configured as a twin or a double while Chambord and Cheverny can be configured as twin only. Chambord's beds will be foot to foot while Cheverny's will be in an "L" shape. The bed sizes are: Twin - 2 ft. 6 in. X 6 ft. Double - 6 ft. X 5 ft. BATHROOMS: All bathrooms have shower, toilet, and wash basin, and come stocked with towels, washing gel, hand soap, and shampoo. AMENITIES: Climate Control, Hairdryer, Built-in Closets, Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Chambord    Chenonceau

SALON/DINING ROOM: The Salon/Dining Room provides a comfortable 200 sq. ft. and features: Built-in seating Coffee table Fully-stocked bar with cupboard & refrigerator Mahogany dining table seating seven (7) people The Salon/Dining Room is dressed in mahogany paneling and brass light fittings, all covered by a hardwood ceiling. The floor is also of hardwood and the stained-glass windows create a warm environment. This salon is on the same level as the cabins. UPPER SALON: The Upper Salon is a modest 48 sq. ft. and has comfortable seating and larger windows for greater viewing capacity. ON DECK: The Sun Deck is a spacious 200 sq. ft. open-air gathering area with beautiful deck furniture which consists of: 6 reclining chairs 1 parasol The Sun Deck is perfect for sun bathing and enjoying the beautiful scenery as you slowly wind through the canals of France. OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). An air-conditioned, 7-seater VW Sharan minibus is also available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

The spectacular Loire Valley and its main tributary, the River Cher, have carried cargo and passengers for over 2000 years, since pre-Roman times. The Valley of the Kings is a timeless region of spectacular beauty and grace. The proximity of such a wealth of gorgeous architecture makes Nymphea's cruise a unique travel experience.   Click below for Sample Itinerary: Azay-Nitray

Highlights: Cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau Visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and see the silkworm nursery Excursion to the Château D'Amboise Private wine tastings at Montrichard, Civray or Domaine de Fontenay Chateau visits to Valencay or Blois Experience the colorful street markets

Nymphea is owned and operated by the U.K based "European Waterways" cruise company, known to provide crew that have always taken pride in their work, attention to detail, creativity and service, key words which are the cornerstones of the company's group of vessels. Crew members are selected from within the hotel barge industry and from outside. The majority are either English or French. Nymphea's highly professional crew of three is comprised of Chef and Housekeeper, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more!

Cuisine on board Nymphea is French. All meals are composed of fresh ingredients and typically feature a different selection of regional cheeses and wines daily. Non-alcoholic beverages, regular or decaffeinated tea & coffee, and whole or low-fat milk are offered with all meals. There are no assigned seats for meals in the dining room and dress is casual. The Captain's Dinner on the last night of the cruise requires slightly formal attire. Regional specialties Filet Mignon de Veau à la Bière et Moutarde, Selle d'Agneau au Romarin, Saumon et Friture Wine cellar St Nicolas de Bourgueil, L'Alliance des Generations, Sancerre, Vouvray Cheese board Valençay, St Maure de Touraine, Selles sur Cher SPECIAL FOOD REQUIREMENTS: Special food requirements (such as vegetarian or allergies) are catered to if requested in advance (if possible, please specify requirements at least 8 weeks prior to departure).

Click here for 2011 DATES/RATES

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Nymphea
Transfers from Tours to barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
Open bar
All escorted excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Tours & return
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

	GOLF Four days of golf at 18-hole courses in the Loire Valley is what the Golf Cruise on board Nymphea offers its guests.  Find out more
	CYCLING Once aboard the Nymphea you will understand what a wonderful week this will be for you. Biking through Chateaux country is incredibly beautiful and charming. Find out more!
	FAMILY Mazes, play areas and costumed tours are sure to delight children on this family-oriented cruise itinerary, but it's not all fun and games for the children alone. Find out more!
	HONEYMOON This week-long cruise in the Loire Valley features stops at gorgeous chateaux and wine tastings in charming locations. Find out more!