'LA NOUVELLE ETOILE'

Sunday, Day 1
After your pick-up by our driver you will be taken to the barge moored in the center of Haarlem for a champagne welcome. We will relax for the afternoon with a cruise to Zaandam, where we will moor for the night and you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2
After an elegant breakfast we will take a short drive to the Zaanse Schans to visit a working windmill, a clog maker and a cheese maker. In the afternoon we will cruise to Amsterdam, through the heart of the city where the small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century and then along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk.

Tuesday, Day 3
An early rise and drive to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer. Upon return we will set off for a cruise on the canals to the cheese Mecca of Gouda. After lunch, we will take a drive out to a local cheese farm. Besides cheese, you will find beautiful buildings, excellent shopping and the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland.

Wednesday, Day 4
A morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and then onto Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery works, where porclain is still handmade and painted. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this beautiful ancient Dutch city.

Thursday, Day 5
A morning cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and other beautiful bulbs.

Friday, Day 6
Morning cruise to Haarlem, a picturesque town and the home of the famous Dutch painter Frans Hals where we will tour its museum. Farewell celebration on board and the last delightful gourmet dinner.

Saturday, Day 7
This will be your last wonderful breakfast on board. You will then be driven to either the airport or your hotel in Amsterdam.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change

SUNDAY
You will be met by our driver at your hotel and driven to La Nouvelle Etoile, which will be moored in the quaint town of Haarlem where there will be a wonderful Champagne welcome. There will be time to relax and then take a short walking tour of Haarlem. Upon return, La Nouvelle Etoile will set off for a short cocktail cruise through Haarlem and moor for the night near Cruiquius. Tonight will be your first of many gourmet meals on board.

MONDAY
After an early elegant breakfast we will drive to the colourful flower auction in Aalsmeer, and then return for a morning cruise along the canals to Lisse where you will be taken after lunch to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs. Meanwhile, the La Nouvelle Etoile has continued cruising to Delft and before returning to the barge, we will take you for a visit to the Delft Pottery Works where the world famous pottery is still handmade and painted. Dinner on board.

TUESDAY
We leave Delft and cruise to Rotterdam. In the morning you will have time to visit the ancient distillery of Ketel One where one of the most prestigious vodkas in the world is made. Upon returning to the barge we will continue cruising through the busy port of Rotterdam and then across the Hollandsch Diep, part of the Dutch estuaries, to the charming old fortress town of Willemstad. Dinner on board.

WEDNESDAY
Today we will leave Holland and cross the border into Belgium and cruise to Antwerp. Antwerp is the city of Rubens where we take a tour of Rubens’ home and then walk in the old quarter of this beautiful Flemish city. Dinner on board.

THURSDAY
We can catch the flood tide up the winding “Sea Schelde” which takes us to the town of Ghent. Here you can look at the “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” the famous painting by the Van Eyck brothers or just stroll through this wonderful town in the afternoon. Dinner on board.

FRIDAY
This morning we will cruise to the beautiful little town of Bruges, known as the “Venice of the North”. We will have ample time to explore the many museums and maybe buy some of the handmade lace, or take a boat trip on the small canals that wander through the town. Tonight you will be joined by Jan and Diana for a Farewell Captain’s Dinner.

SATURDAY
After your last elegant breakfast on board you will be driven to either your hotel or the airport.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change

SUNDAY:
You will be met by our driver at your hotel and be driven to La Nouvelle Etoile which will be moored in the beautiful little town of Bruges, known as the “Venice of the North”. After a wonderful Champagne Welcome, we will take you into Bruges for a city tour on one of the little canal boats. Upon return to La Nouvelle Etoile you will have time to relax and get ready for your first, of many, gourmet meals on board.

MONDAY:
This morning you can join a guided walking tour of Bruges with a local guide, then return to the barge for lunch. After lunch, you will have some free time in Bruges. Late afternoon cruise to Ghent.

TUESDAY:
After breakfast, your guide will take you into Ghent. Visit the cathedral with the fabulous painting "The Adoration of the Mystic lamb “painted by the van Eyck brothers. Return to the barge for a cruise up the River Schelde to the town of Oudenaarde where we will moor for the night.

WEDNESDAY:
A morning cruise further up the Schelde will take us to the ancient town of Tournay with its famous "Pont des Trous" (Bridge with Holes), used to collect tolls on the rivers in the old times. This afternoon you can stroll around Tournay or take an optional drive to Waterloo.

THURSDAY:
We continue along the Schelde through the town of Valenciennes to the junction of the Canal du Nord at the little French village of Arleux. We will drive to Valenciennes along the way to visit the Museum of Fine Arts.

FRIDAY:
We begin our climb over the Vermandois Hills of Picardie through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is spectacular rural France at its best. There is a great towpath for the barge along the canal that allows you to have a leisurely walk if you wish. After lunch, there will be a trip to Amiens to visit what must be one of the greatest of all Gothic cathedrals with its powerful towering spires and columns. .

SATURDAY:
After breakfast you can visit the war museum in Peronne. Upon return, we will continue on the Canal du Nord. There will be plenty of opportunities to walk or bike while the barge travels from lock to lock. The cruise now continues along the Canal du Nord as it drops down into the valley of the Somme River before climbing over another watershed.

SUNDAY:
Today we will cruise down to the Oise River valley to moor in the riverside town of Compiegne. There are many places to visit, including the train where the World War I armistice was signed, as well as the Royal Palace.

MONDAY:
We are now cruising down the Oise River valley where we stop at the village of Auvers sur Oise. This charming village is a van Gogh scene. Here is where he lived and painted most of his last, and most important paintings where he stayed in a small room above a local café. We will have an afternoon walk around the town and visit the cemetery where Vincent and is brother are buried.

TUESDAY:
We will take a full picnic lunch with deck chairs and tables, to go on a day excursion to Giverny to visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet, probably the most famous of all the Impressionist painters. The gardens will be at their most beautiful at this time of year where we will see the famous lily pond and the Japanese bridge that inspired so many of his paintings. We will moor for the night in Conflans, which is the junction of the Oise and Seine Rivers.

WEDNESDAY:
In the morning we will cruise to Bougival and visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon. We will see its many lavishly decorated rooms furnished by Josephine. We will rejoin La Nouvelle Etoile for an evening cruise up the floodlit River Seine past the Eiffel Tower and into the "Port d'Arsenal" adjacent to the Bastille for a farewell dinner on board.

THURSDAY:
After your last elegant breakfast on board you will be driven to either your hotel or the airport.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

SUNDAY
You are met in Paris and driven to La Nouvelle Etoile moored in the heart of Paris for a wonderful Champagne welcome. The afternoon will be taken up with your relaxing while we cruise past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. We will moor for the night in the Latin Quarter where you will have your first of many gourmet meals on board.

MONDAY
Scenic cruise out of Paris to Samois sur Seine. After lunch we will drive to Chateau of Fontainebleau. Here we will walk through Fontainebleau, which is to walk through the history of France. Every royal family has added its own architectural signature. We then go on to the charming village of Moret, where the impressionist Sisley painted and then re-join La Nouvelle for the evening. Dinner on board.

TUESDAY
A morning cruise on the upper part of the Seine to Montereau, where the smaller river Yonne meets us. After lunch we will take a drive out to the medieval town of Provins, also called the “City of Roses”. Here we will watch the magnificent show of the birds of prey and then return to the barge moored in a beautiful country setting along the banks of the Yonne. Dinner on board.

WEDNESDAY
A pleasant cruise along the Yonne River to the town of Sens, the oldest town in France. We will visit one of the first great Gothic cathedrals, a magnificent building that dominates the square. Time to shop and visit the museum or just stroll around the town. Dinner on board.

THURSDAY
Winding up on the Yonne we reach the pretty riverside town of Joigny. The beautiful narrow cobbled streets winding their way up to wonderful churches perched on top of the hillside, that take you back to another era. In the afternoon we will take a drive out to Chablis where we will select one of the small family operated wineries for an intimate tour of the vineyards and cellars. Dinner on board.

FRIDAY
Cruise along the upper reaches of the Yonne River to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all the river towns in France whose skyline is punctuated by church spires and its streets lined with timbered 16th century homes. Time for shopping, visiting the old port or the 15th century clock tower. Here we will have our last gourmet dinner on board that will also be a farewell party.

SATURDAY
After your last elegant breakfast you will be driven to either your hotel, train station or the airport in Paris by about midday.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternative weeks.

Sunday
You’re met by our driver at your Paris hotel and driven to La Nouvelle Etoile moored in St. Mammes in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest. After a Champagne welcome you can take a stroll though the medieval walled town of Moret-sur Loing, known to many as the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley. Tonight you can enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.

Monday
Today, we begin our cruise into the upper Loire region. Affectionately known as the “Garden of Paris”, this little known region gently reveals its secrets. After lunch, we visit the Palace of Fontainebleau. To walk through this palace is to walk through the history of France. Every royal family has added its own architectural style. On our drive back to the barge it may be possible to visit the artist community of Barbizon. We will moor for the night in Nemours.

Tuesday
Today, we will have a full day cruise on the canal to Montargis with plenty of opportunity to bike or walk along the side of the canal. After lunch we will visit Montargis also called “Little Venice of the Gatinais” because of its numerous canals. Visit one off the many museums or shop at the famous Mazet Praline shop with its exquisitely packaged delicacies.

Wednesday
After breakfast, we will set off for a leisure cruise to the charming village of Chatillon Coligny. This afternoon, we will take a drive out to the splendid 16th century Chateau Fargeau. The chateau is over a thousand years old and the most important history place of Puisaye Forterre. In the evening there is time to stroll around the ramparts surrounded village of Chatillon-Colligny.

Thursday
Continuing our cruise up-hill we will reach Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses. (The seven locks of Rogny). This “staircase” of seven locks was build in 1648 and an impressive tribute to the engineers of the past. After another gorgeous lunch we will take a short drive out to the beautiful town of Gien, build on the river banks of the Loire. Gien is famous for its faïence earthenware and we will visit the faïence factory and museum.

Friday
After passing the locks of Rogny, we have reached the highest summit of the canal and we will now start to descent down towards the river Loire. In Briare, we will cross the Loire valley on a canal Bridge. This magnificent structure was designed by Gustav Eiffel in 1890. This afternoon we will take the opportunity to drive out to the Sancerre wine region to sample some of this delicious wine and maybe taste some of the local Crottin de Chavignol cheese on our way back to the ship. Tonight will be your farewell dinner on board.

Saturday
After your last elegant breakfast you will be driven back to your hotel in Paris.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternative weeks.

Sunday, Day 1
You are met in Paris and transferred by private minibus to the barge moored in the heart of Paris for a wonderful Champagne welcome. Time to relax as we cruise past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Moor the night in the Latin Quarter where you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2
Morning cruise when we depart Paris and cruise onto the River Marne. Our visit this afternoon to the splendid Renaissance-style Chateaux Vaux le Vicomte, which inspired Versailles, with exquisite décor and period furniture, manicured formal gardens and a collection of 19th century horse drawn carriages. Rejoin the barge in Meaux in time to stroll around and visit the cathedral. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3
Morning cruise from Meaux to La Ferte and an afternoon visit to Coulommiers, one of the centers of Brie cheese-making. You will enjoy a tasting of the various Brie's of a master cheese maker, along with wines from his excellent cellar. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4
We are now in Champagne and on our way to Charly-sur-Marne. Stop to enjoy the wonderful Champagne of a small family vineyard before an afternoon cruise to Chateau Thierry, the scene of American battles in World War I. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5
Our cruise this morning along the Marne takes us through covered hills dotted with small wine villages to the delightful little town of Damery. Afternoon visit to the cellars of Moet et Chandon for a private wine tasting. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6
We leave the River Marne for a small canal leading to Epernay. Visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made Champagne. Afternoon drive to Reims Cathedral. Wonderful farewell celebration and your last gourmet dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7
After your last great breakfast on board you will be driven to either the airport or your hotel in Paris.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternative weeks.

Sunday, Day 1
After pick-up in Nancy by our driver you will be driven to La Nouvelle Etoile moored in the heart of Nancy for a wonderful champagne welcome. We will then take a leisurely late afternoon cruise at sunset before the locks close and you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2
We will enjoy a morning cruise to Einville and then to Nancy for a walking tour of the city beginning at the elegant “Place Stanislas”. Flanked by handsome Baroque palaces and enclosed by ornate gold and wrought iron entry gates, the square is considered one of the grandest in all of France. The Art Nouveau movement originated in Nancy, and you may choose to visit the Ecole de Nancy to see its fine collection.

Tuesday, Day 3
After a morning cruise past tidy farms and pasturelands, we will drive to the privately owned Chateau de Fleville. This graceful Renaissance residence adjoins a 14th century castle keep. The interiors are richly furnished with 18th century antiques. We then return to La Nouvelle moored in the peaceful village of Schneckenbush for the night.

Wednesday, Day 4
Each day we travel on the canal we have been gradually climbing to the crest of the Vosges Mountains. After navigating two tunnels carved into the mountaintop, we will encounter the Inclined Plane at Arzviller. This unique lock allows a barge to glide effortlessly up or down the mountainside using a sophisticated system of weights and balances. A short drive along the way will take us to the Christallerig of Harz village where fine crystal is still hand blown. We continue the cruise through the Zorn Valley where the surrounding hilltops are dotted with ruins of feudal castles. Our overnight stay will be in Lutzelbourg.

Thursday, Day 5
We wind through the heart of Saverne, past the regal 18th century Bishop’s Palace. From Saverne, we will take an afternoon drive along the Route du Vin d’ Alsace to the old fortified town of Obernai where we will visit the Marker Square and the 14th century ramparts that surround the city. Stop along the way at Winegrower to taste some of the best Alcasian wines.

Friday, Day 6
Today we will finish the cruise in the busy port of Strasbourg. Our afternoon tour of Strasbourg includes the folk museum and the 11th century gothic cathedral, leaving enough time to stroll around to explore the fine shops. Returning to the barge we will celebrate our cruise with a lovely farewell dinner.

Saturday, Day 7
After your wonderful breakfast on board you will be driven to the airport or your hotel in Strasburg.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternative weeks.

SUNDAY, Day 1
After being met by our driver we will take you to La Nouvelle Etoile, moored in the heart of Koblenz, for a wonderful Champagne Welcome. There will be a short late afternoon cruise to Winningen, one of the oldest and largest wine growing villages in the area where we will stop and you will experience the first of many gourmet meals on board.

MONDAY, Day 2
A morning cruise guides us through the lowest part of the River Moselle up to the charming town of Cochem. In the early afternoon we will drive you to the castle of Burg Eltz, also called the “Queen of the German Castles” as it is one of the few that were not destroyed by King Louis XIV in 1689. A guided tour takes us through this fascinating 12th century castle. We return to La Nouvelle Etoile in Cochem in time to stroll through this delightful little village. Dinner aboard.

TUESDAY, Day 3
After breakfast we will take a leisurely cruise past numerous vineyards set in beautiful scenery to Zell. This is one of the most beautiful towns on the Moselle at the heart of the ‘Zeller Land’ wine growing community and is renowned for its excellent wines. We visit the cellars of Dr Josef Weiss just outside of town for our first wine tasting. Return to the barge for dinner aboard.

WEDNESDAY, Day 4
Cruising up this very picturesque part of the Moselle we reach Bernkastel, another famous wine village. Here you will find the “crème de la crème” of Mosel wines. In the afternoon visit the private cellars of Pauli Bergweiler for a sampling of his superb wines. Finish our day with a stroll around the village of Bernkastel. Dinner aboard.

THURSDAY, Day 5
This morning we will cruise to Trier, the oldest town in Germany and dating back to the old Roman times, hundreds of years before Christ. Visit the Porta Nigra, part of the old town wall and the magnificent St. Peters Cathedral, or stroll around the old town with its delightful shops. Dinner aboard.

FRIDAY, Day 6
This morning we will cruise our last stretch of the Moselle into Luxembourg and to the small village of Remich. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit the nearby capital of Luxembourg. Tonight, Captain Jan Meijer and his wife Diana will join you for a farewell dinner aboard.

SATURDAY, Day 7
After your last elegant breakfast on board you will be driven to either the meeting point hotel or to the local airport for your onward travel.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.