The 12-passenger Savoir Faire was built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge. Converted into a hotel barge in 1979, she was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. Her six staterooms offer luxurious accommodation for 12 passengers who are attentively catered for by 6 English-speaking crew. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings. Two spacious decks offer magnificent views of the countryside.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: Cumieres
You are transferred by air-conditioned minivan from Hotel Ampere in Paris at 2 pm and driven directly to the Savoir Faire, moored at Cumieres, 2km from the heart of Epernay. After an introduction to your ship, you are given time to settle in to your cabin before joining your captain and crew for our welcoming champagne reception. There will be time to stroll through the village before coming back on board where your master chef will delight you with the first of many delicious meals.
Day 2, Monday: Cruise Cumieres to Damery
This morning, after breakfast, we visit Reims and its magnificent cathedral. We then join the "Savoir Faire" for lunch and a short cruise to the delightful little town of Damery, with its 13th century church, which was part of a former Benedictine priory. Later this afternoon we visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made Champagne. Dinner aboard.
Day 3, Tuesday: Cruise Damery to Chateau Thierry
You are now entering the true Champagne region. Your hosts have arranged a pre-lunch visit to the world famous cellars of Moet and Chandon for a tour and tasting. We then continue to cruise to Chateau Thierry, were we shall moor for the night. This pretty town offers a promenade along the original walls of the town with views over the Marne valley. This whole area was the scene of American battles in World War I. Nearby is the American Monument. Built in 1929, at an altitude of 660 feet, the monument keeps alive the memory of the American troops who fought in WWI. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield and the American cemetery. Dinner aboard.
Day 4, Wednesday: Cruise Chateau Thierry to La Ferte
Your cruise today will take you through picturesque landscapes so loved by both the French and visitors abroad. Today we have arranged a tour of some of our favorite places and a selection of visits to small family-run vineyards so that you can try their fine selection of champagnes. Our mooring for the night is at La Ferte, which offers beautiful, refreshing promenades along the river. Dinner aboard.
Day 5, Thursday: Cruise La Ferte to Meaux
Today we cruise to Meaux, in the very heart of Brie, famous for its wonderful cheeses of the same name. Nearby, on the route to Soissons, stands a monument that commemorates the 5th September 1914, the extreme point of advance of the German troops and the date of the French counter-attack. We visit Coulomniers, one of the centers of Brie cheese. Your personalized visit to a master cheese maker will enable you to see the cheese-making process first hand and to sample a variety of the world famous Brie cheese, along with wines from his excellent cellar. Dinner aboard.
Day 6, Friday: Meaux to Paris
This morning we leave Meaux and head towards the mighty Seine which will take us into the very heart of Paris. Our cruise will take us past Coupvray, the birthplace of Louis Braille, the inventor of the alphabet for the blind. At St Maur des Fosses we pass through the tunnel, which enables us to bypass the shallow waters of the Marne Loop. Today we visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. The wonderfully-proportioned chateau and its exquisite gardens are the highlight of this visit. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet.
We finish our journey with an exclusive evening cruise through Paris. As the "Savoir Faire" glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower, you will be joined by your captain and his wife for cocktails followed by the farewell "Captains Dinner". Pass beneath the Eiffel Tower and the floodlit bridges. Our final berth for the night is in the Arsenal, a stone's throw from the lively district of the Bastille.
Day 7, Saturday: Departure 9.30 am. After a hearty breakfast, our chauffeurs will drive you to your hotel or airport in Paris.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices:
- Stateroom per person $4,600
- Single supplement $2,300
- Charter 8 passengers whole boat $42,000
- Charter 10 passengers whole boat $44,000
- Charter 12 passengers whole boat $46,000.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Cultural Journey
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