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RENAISSANCE BARGE - UPPER & WESTERN BURGUNDY CRUISE (11147) The Renaissance barge cruising along Canal de

Discover the charm and beauty of Upper Loire and Western Burgundy as you cruise along Canal de Briare and the Loire River aboard Renaissance. Both regions are stepped in history, culture Duration and picturesque scenery that will surely charm first-time and returning visitors. 6 nights / Barge Destinations CULTURAL LUXURY France BARGE Travel Departs Paris Highlights

Travel Ends Visit to and guided tour of the 7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, a Paris magnificent Château de Fontainebleau national historic monument

Cruise across the aqueduct at Briare, built Visit , home of the Faience pottery Experiences by Gustave Eiffel over the River Loire Cultural, Luxury

Private wine tasting in Excellent opportunities for walking and biking

Renaissance was built in 1960 in Belgium and used to carry grain and ore. She was converted to a hotel barge in 1997 and now cruises in the waterways of Burgundy and Loire Valley. The elegant, 8-passenger

Renaissance cruises along the scenic Canal de Briare, France’s oldest canal, and the Loire River, the longest river in the country. Renaissance can accommodate up to eight passengers with four spacious suites with en-suite facilities, saloon dining room, relaxing sun deck with spa pool, small library and bicycles.

Renaissance will take you to the heart of upper Loire Valley region and western Burgundy, steeped in history, culture and breathtaking countryside. This classic cruise highlights include Château de Fontainebleau, Château de Ratilly and the charming towns of Gien and Briare. Included On-Board Facilities

6 nights onboard at Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite Maximum of 8 passengers

Crew of 5 (Captain, tour guide, chef and hostesses) 4 suites 8 bicycles Transfers by an air-conditioned minivan Small library of books and maps Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily prepared by your chef Collection of board games Captains farewell dinner on your last night Fishing rods Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages Nordic walking sicks (on request)

Excursions as per itinerary Bose Hi-fi system with an iPod docking station, radion and a selection of CDs Use of barge facilities Guest iPods

Itinerary

Day 1 Paris →

Youare met at your meeting point in Paris** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the spacious Renaissance where a Champagne welcome with canapés awaits you and you meet the Captain and crew. Time enough for a walking tour of the pretty village of Montargis before dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Dinner

CHAMPAGNE WELCOME ABOARD RENAISSANCE Day 2 Montargis →

This morning, embark on your first cruise through the Loire countryside, with great towpath walking and cycling opportunities, to moor at Montbouy. After lunch on board, your visit this afternoon is to the splendid Château de Fontainebleau, a national museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only royal and imperial château to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries and every French royal family has added its own architectural style and features when in residence. To walk through this palace is to walk through the history of France, and we are lucky enough to be accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Day 3 Montbouy → Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses

This morning visit the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the ‘fishermen’s castle’, with its wonderful ornamental and vegetable gardens. Following lunch back on board, enjoy an afternoon cruise to our mooring at the pretty village of Rogny-les- Sept-Ecluses, near its 350-year-old 7 lock-flight, which is well worth visiting on foot. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner RENAISSANCE MOORED IN MONTBOUY

Day 4 Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses → La Gazonne

After a leisurely breakfast of fresh croissants, baguettes and assorted pastries visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery, renowned for its beautifully decorated and vibrant dinnerware, and also explore the town’s bustling market. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon cruise to La Gazonne, a beautiful mooring surrounded by lakes and ponds that provide water for the workings of the Canal de Briare. Dinner ashore at the Michelin-starred Auberge des Templiers in Les Bezards.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ROGNY 7 LOCKS

Day 5 La Gazonne → Briare

A morning cruise to your mooring at the little town of Briare, site of Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct across the River Loire, again with excellent walking and bicycling opportunities. Preview Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000 ton, 662 metre Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896. In the afternoon visit a renowned winery in Sancerre, such as Domaine Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol, for a tour and private tasting. This medieval hilltop village overlooks a vibrant region which has known viticulture since Roman times. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

RENAISSANCE CRUISING THE BRIARE AQUEDUCT

Day 6 Briare → Châtillon-sur-Loire

This morning wander around fruit and vegetable, seafood, cheese and French fashion stalls in the market in Briare before returning to the hotel barge for a short cruise across the aqueduct and lunch on board. This afternoon, visit the delightful Château de Ratilly and its rather spectacular selection of turreted towers, construction of which began in 1270! Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

RATILLY DRIVE Day 7 Châtillon-sur-Loire → Paris

After breakfast, you are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.

Breakfast

Additional information

Official language Local currency French EUR

Optional Extras

Departure dates and pricing:

2021 dates:

4,11,18 April - $10,322pp 25 April - $12,052pp 2,9,16,23,30 May - $12,052pp 6,13,20,27 June - $12,263pp 4,11 July - $12,263pp 18,25 July - $10,684pp 1,8,15,22 August - $10,875pp 29 August - $12,482pp 5,12,19,26 September - $12,482pp 3,10,17,24 October - $11,073pp

2022 dates:

3,10,17,24 April - $11,073pp 1,8,15,22,29 May - $12,709pp 5,12,19,26 June - $12,709pp 3,10 July - $12,709pp 17,24,31 July - $11,073pp 7,14,21 August - $11,073pp 28 August - $12,709pp 4,11,18,25 September - $12,709pp 2 October - $12,709pp 9,16,23 October - $11,073pp

Important notes

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction. Private charter bookings and themed cruises are also available.