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Rome, Florence & Venice Special

Napoleon

*7 DAYS - 6 NIGHTS*

The Napoleon is a luxurious 12 passenger river barge that can be booked on an individual or charter basis. There are 6 sizeable staterooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. There is a large salon beautifully appointed with fine furniture and French Provencal fabrics, a separate dining room. On the upper deck, there is a Jacuzzi, stationary cycles and a dining table and chairs under a canopy for al fresco dining. The Napoleon, one of Europe's finest vessels, cruises along the Saone through Burgundy and the Rhone through Provence. Experience the sun-drenched landscapes that inspired Van Gogh and Cezanne and visit the monuments of the Roman Empire. Enjoy fabulous sites such as the famous roman aqueduct at the Pont du Gard, wine tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, smell the fragrant lavender fields and visit picturesque villages all from the comfort of your floating home! The Napoleon can be booked individually or chartered to cruise between St. Jean and Lyon, Tain l'Hermitage and Arles.

Departures on Sunday, April to October

Reservations must be paid within 72 hours.
All prices are per person, double occupancy

Price Includes:

Luxury accommodations for 6 nights
Gourmet meals onboard
Fine wines and beverages
All excursions and entry fees
Use of bicycles and tennis equipment onboard

Not included:

First Class transfers by TGV between Paris and the barge
Gratuities
Optional hot air ballooning

Tain l'Hermitage to Arles

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday - Paris to Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon

Depart Paris Gare de Lyon in the afternoon on the TGV train. On arrival at Valence you are met by our representative guide who transfers you to Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon where you board the barge. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening enjoy a wine tasting before your first delicious dinner on board.

Monday - Cruise to Viviers.

Shortly after today's bread and croissants have been bought from the local bakery the boat sets off and cruises to Viviers. Relax on the top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by. Your guide has wine tasting on the agenda. Returning to the boat, continue your cruise and moor for the evening in Viviers, a charming medieval town. A walking tour of Viviers is a delight.

Tuesday - Visit Chateau de Grignan. Cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts.

Today your guide takes you to visit the Château de Grignan where the daughter of Madame de Sevigne resided. The collection of letters by the marquise de Sevigne to her daughter is considered a masterpiece of literature. A light lunch is taken at a local restaurant before the afternoon visit to a local truffle farm. Back on board you continue your cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts.

Wednesday - Visit Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Cruise to Avignon. Visit Pont du Gard.

This morning's excursion is to Château la Nerthe for a tasting of the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The afternoon cruise to Avignon is spectacular. Cruise past Le Pont St. Benezet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) to the evening's mooring at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Take an afternoon excursion to the Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzes to Nimes.

Thursday - Tour of Avignon. Cruise to Arles. Visit les Baux.

Accompanying the chef to Avignon's market for breakfast is a great opportunity to sample the produce before the market is really open for business. Following this is a walking tour of the walled city which includes a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. Return to the boat where lunch awaits. The barge cruises to Arles for this evening's mooring. This afternoon's visit is to the cliff-top village of Les Baux.

Friday - Visit Arles. Cruise to Vallabregues. Visit St Remy.

After breakfast your guide takes you on a walking tour of Arles, best known in modern times because Van Gogh spent much of his time painting here between 1888 and 1890. A late lunch is followed by a cruise to Vallabregues. Later that afternoon you visit the lovely town of St Remy also synonymous with Van Gogh and the birthplace of the famous French physician/astrologer Nostradamus. Meanwhile the chef is preparing a gala feast for the farewell dinner.

Saturday - Avignon - Paris

After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Avignon TGV station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you are met by our representative to assist you with your luggage.

This itinerary may also be taken in reverse. Details of all other Napoleon itineraries are available on request.

Price Per Charter: May/June/Sept All other Dates

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter
$53,999 - 8 passengers
$56,999 - 9 passengers
$59,999 - 10 passengers
$62,999 - 11 passengers
$65,999 - 12 passengers

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