Have questions? We're here.
Nymphea Chateau dAmboise

European Canal Cruises

Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Nymphea
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal France trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
The Nymphea is the ideal vessel for navigating the beautiful sandy beaches of the River Cher in the Loire Valley. Very few other vessels are able to cruise this magical waterway.  You will even get to cruise through the arches of probably the most-photographed château in the Loire Valley, Château de Chenonceau – not once, but twice – a rare privilege afforded to very few boats! 
Nymphea Chateau du Clos LuceNymphea Chateau de VillandryNymphea Fresh VegetablesNymphea Chateau GardenNymphea Chateau dAmboise
Highlights
  • Visit the Century-old Chateaus in Central France
  • Experience their locally-produced wine at Touraine
  • Visit Leonardo Da Vinci's home at Chateau du Clos Luce
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Moulin de Nitray | Embark

Guests are met near Tours and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to hotel barge Nymphea where the crew and a Champagne Welcome await you at your mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. 

Day 2: Moulin de Nitray to Larcay

A morning cruise through two locks takes you to the quaint town of Larcay where you moor under the weeping willows for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to Château de Villandry, the last of the great Renaissance châteaux to be built on the banks of the Loire. The château is world-renowned for its amazing array of ornamental, water, vegetable and herb gardens.

Day 3: Larcay to Vallet

After a morning cruise past no less than six private châteaux, you tie up opposite the hamlet of Vallet, a cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped around its 18th century mill. From there you drive to Amboise on the banks of the Loire, where you visit the Royal Château d’Amboise, a royal residence of the Kings of France for 200 years. You also get to visit Château du Clos Lucé nearby, Leonardo Da Vinci’s home for the last 3 years of his life.

Day 4: Vallet to Chissay-en-Touraine

Whilst cruising in the morning you may pull in to the tiny landing stage next to Domaine de Fontenay. A two-minute walk brings you to the courtyard where you can taste their range of Touraine wines as an aperitif before lunch. In the afternoon you cruise under the 5-arch bridge of the impressive Château de Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux. From there you take a short drive in the air-conditioned minibus to visit Chenonceau, often called ‘the ladies château’, after those such as Henry II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who added the bridge over the River Cher and the beautiful gardens. Upon your return, you cruise upstream to Chissay-en-Touraine and have dinner in one of the local restaurants specializing in Loire regional cooking.

Day 5: Chissy-en-Touraine to Montrichard

A morning cruise takes you towards the troglodyte village of Bourré and we moor near one of the more unusual dwellings, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which has been in turn a wine cellar, a quarry for the tuffeau stone, and lastly, a silkworm nursery. After lunch drive to Valencay, one of the most splendid châteaux of the Loire. We then cruise to Montrichard where we moor for the night.

Day 6: Montrichard to Moulin de Nitray

Following breakfast, a short stroll takes you to the heart of Montrichard and into one of the largest street markets in Touraine. You also explore the 11th century château overlooking the medieval town square. Before lunch you can visit the local vineyard of the Meriau family, to taste the regional Touraine vintages. In the afternoon, you can enjoy another passage under Chenonceau and arrive at the hamlet of Nitray in time to visit the château and rose garden. Enjoy an aperitif from their vineyards before the Captain’s Farewell.

Day 7: Moulin de Nitray | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the drop-off point near Tours.

Ship/Hotel

Nymphea

Nymphea
Nymphea Upper Salon
Nymphea, Exterior

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,190 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Nymphea Chenonceau
Stateroom
Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.

Notes

  • Cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau
  • Visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and see the silkworm nursery
  • Excursion to the Château d’Amboise and Château du Clos Lucé
  • Private wine tastings at Montrichard and the Domaine de Fontenay
  • Visit to Château de Villandry and its magnificent gardens
  • Colourful street markets
  • Optional hot air ballooning
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Good regional wines served throughout the cruise
  • Complimentary use of bicycles
  • Guided sightseeing
  • An open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Local transfers to your barge
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport or Visa fees

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

Top France Travel Destinations

France Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in France

France Trips by Duration

France Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By