SAVOIR FAIRE - CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE CRUISE - Epernay to Paris

Sunday, Day 1 Paris to Cumieres
You are transferred by air-conditioned minivan from Hotel Ampere in Paris at 2pm 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.

Monday, Day 2 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.

Tuesday, Day 3 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.

Wednesday, Day 4 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.

Thursday, Day 5 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.

Friday, Day 6 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.

Saturday, Day 7 Paris
After a hearty breakfast, our chauffeurs will drive you to Paris.

NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary is subject to change.

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SAVOIR FAIRE - CLASSIC HOLLAND CRUISE - Amsterdam to Rotterdam

Sunday, Day 1 Amsterdam to Cruquius to Leiden
Your chauffeurs collect you from your Amsterdam hotel at 2.00pm for the short drive to the Savoir Faire, moored at Cruquius. Once aboard your Captain and host welcomes you with a champagne reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. Shortly afterwards we begin our cruise to Leiden, where we shall moor overnight. This evening your chef welcomes you to your table with the first of many delicious offerings. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of what promises to be the first of many memorable occasions.

Monday, Day 2 Leiden to Delft
A peaceful morning cruise along the canals out of Leiden and through the oldest lock in Holland at Leidschendam. After lunch we drive to the world 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 bulbous plants. Afterwards we continue our cruise into Delft.

Tuesday, Day 3 Delft to Gouda
After breakfast we take a walking tour of the Royal Porcelain Factory, where beautiful hand painted ceramics are still made. We then take a stroll around the cobbled streets of Delft before joining the ship to begin your cruise through the busy port of Rotterdam and onto Gouda.

Wednesday, Day 4 Gouda to Uithoorn
This morning your tour guide will escort you through the streets of medieval Gouda, where you will see the most famous of all stained glass windows in Holland. A leisurely stroll through town is a must, with its "Disneyesque"main square and small boutiques. After lunch we cruise through towns clinging to the canal sides to our overnight mooring at Uithoorn.

Thursday, Day 5 Uithoorn to Zaandam
Today we begin our cruise along the winding Amstel River into Amsterdam and then through the very heart of this enchanting city where small canals and unique architecture take you back to a bygone era. You can literally reach out and touch the passers by. Leaving Amsterdam we join the mighty North Sea Canal and head west towards our overnight mooring at Zaandam. After lunch your tour guide drives you to Zaans Schans with its clog maker and working windmills. There's even the first supermarket in Holland.

Friday, Day 6 Zaandam to Haarlem
Our final cruise takes us to Haarlem, a town of exceptional beauty with its main square, once used for jousting and the famous Frans Hals Museum. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful place and to shop around its many boutiques. Tonight we celebrate your company at the Captain's table with mouth watering offerings from your chef.

Saturday, Day 7 Haarlem to Amsterdam
We end the cruise with a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell from your crew, before your chauffeurs take you onward to your Amsterdam hotel or airport.

NOTE:On alternate weeks the cruise will be in reverse direction. All itineraries are subject to change.

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SAVOIR FAIRE - EXTENDED THREE COUNTRY CRUISE - Paris to Holland

Sunday, Day 1 Paris
Guests are met at their hotel in Paris at 12 noon and driven to the Savoir Faire for a Champagne welcome and a cruise through the heart of the city to our overnight mooring at Bougival and visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine. Evening cruise into Paris and we moor in the heart of Paris, beside the Place de la Bastille.

Monday, Day 2
In the morning we visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine. Guests rejoin the Savoir Faire for a cruise up the lovely River Oise.

Tuesday, Day 3
Our cruise today takes us to Compiegne. There are many places to visit, including the train where the World War I Armistice was signed, as well as the Royal Palace. Shops galore!

Wednesday, Day 4
The Savoir Faire begins her climb through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du and over the Vermandois Hills of Picardie through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is splendid and a good towpath allows guests to walk between locks. After lunch, we visit Amiens one of the greatest of all the Gothic cathedrals with its powerful, towering columns.

Thursday, Day 5
We cruise to Tournai, a fortified town with a magnificent square surrounded by half timbered buildings and cafes. Plenty of quaint boutiques.

Friday, Day 6
Our destination today is the internationally popular city of Ghent, with its fine architecture, bustling cafe life and splendid shops.

Saturday, Day 7
Today we visit the beautiful town of Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North." The chef will pack a picnic lunch, so there will be plenty of time to explore the many museums, buy some of the handmade lace or take a boat trip in the small canals that wander through the town. Please note that a buffet style dinner will be served tonight as the chef needs at least one evening off.

Sunday, Day 8
Today we remain moored on the outskirts of the city of Bruges for touring and shopping opportunities.

Monday, Day 9
We catch the flood tide down the winding "Sea Schelde" which takes us to the "diamond"city of Antwerp. Antwerp is the city of Rubens, where we can take a tour of Rubens' house, then a walk in the old quarter of this beautiful Flemish city.

Tuesday, Day 10
Today we cruise through the busy port of Antwerp, across the Belgium/Dutch border towards the charming old fortress harbour of Wilemstad. This town is preserved in its original state, with windmill dykes, an old church and a 15th century arsenal.

Wednesday, Day 11
The Savoir Faire begins her cruise across the Holland's Diep, through Rotterdam and then north towards our overnight mooring at Delft. Today we shall visit the Royal Porcelain Factory.

Thursday, Day 12
We are now on our final leg heading north towards Haarlem. Today we moor at the lakeside village of Oudewetering. Our excursion takes us to Aalsmeer, the largest flower auction in the world.

Friday, Day 13
This morning we cruise takes to our final destination of Haarlem, a medieval town lined with cobbled streets and half timbered houses. The main square (once a venue for jousting contests between courageous knights) lies next to the church of St Bravos which houses the magnificent Muller Organ which Handel and Mozart played when young children.

Saturday, Day 14 Amsterdam
After breakfast guests are driven either to their Amsterdam hotel or to the airport.

NOTE:On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary is subject to change.

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SAVOIR FAIRE - CLASSIC TWO COUNTRY CRUISE - Holland to Belgium

Sunday, Day 1 Amsterdam to Ouderkerk
Guests are met at their hotel in Amsterdam at 2pm (Pickup at Schiphol Airport can also be arranged) and driven to the Savoir Faire for a Champagne welcome and a cruise through the heart of the city to the quaint little town of Ouderkerk. Captains Welcome Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Ouderkerk to Gouda
Morning cruise along the canals to the town of Gouda, famous for its cheese. Afternoon visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs. After we return to the Savoir Faire there will be time for a stroll around Gouda where we will find the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland. Dinner on board

Tuesday, Day 3 Gouda to Wilemstad
A cruise out of Gouda to the river Ijssel and across the Holland’s Diep, part of the Dutch estuaries, to the charming old fortress town of Wilemstad. This town is preserved in its original state, with windmill dykes, an old church and a 15th century arsenal. There will be an optional visit to the famous Delta Project which is one of the greatest feats of water engineering in the world involving damming the great estuaries. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Wilemstad to Antwerp
Today we will leave Holland and cross the border into Belgium and travel to Antwerp. Antwerp is the city of Rubens, where we can take a tour of Rubens' house, then a walk in the old quarter of this beautiful Flemish city. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 4 Antwerp to Ghent
We catch the flood tide up the winding "Sea Schelde" which takes us to the town of Ghent. You will have plenty of time to visit this beautiful town in the afternoon. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Ghent to Bruges
You cannot pass through this part of the world without a visit to the beautiful little town of Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North". The chef will pack a picnic lunch, so there will be plenty of time to explore the many museums, buy some of the handmade lace or take a boat trip in the small canals that wander through the town. Rejoin the Savoir Faire in late afternoon to cruise along the river Schelde to the French/Belgian frontier. Farewell Gala Dinner onboard.

Saturday, Day 7 Bruges to Ghent
Guests who have selected 6 nights will be transferred to Ghent by about 11am

NOTE:On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary is subject to change.

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Savoir Faire - Classic Burgundy Cruise - Ancy le Franc to St Florentin

Sunday, Day 1 Paris to Ancy le Franc
You are met from your Paris hotel at about 2pm for the drive to the "Savoir Faire", moored at Ancy-le-Franc on the Burgundy Canal. Your host and Captain, Chris, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. Before dinner, your tour guide is at hand to introduce you to the local area and tell you about the cruise week ahead. After a well deserved aperitif on deck you are served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your very own master chef.

Monday, Day 2 Ancy le Franc to Lezinnes
Fresh ground coffee and fluffy croissants and pastries straight from the local baker - a delicious breakfast sets us up for our excursion to Fontenay, a marvelous medieval abbey with its cloisters, capitulary hall, dormitories and fish basins full of trout. There’s even a prison. Returning to the Savoir Faire for lunch we start our gentle cruise past the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d'Ancy le Franc, towards the canalside village of Lezinnes where we moor overnight. Today, as with every day of your cruise, there's plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel descends through a series of quaint hand operated locks.

Tuesday, Day 3 Lezinnes to Tanlay
Today we have a real delight in store! Ropes away and onward past sleepy hamlets and cattle grazing by the canal banks. Our cruise today takes us to Tanlay, famous for its beautiful 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau. After lunch we take a short ride to the Chateau of Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance jewel, set in the centre of a large park on the banks of the canal, houses the biggest collection of Renaissance murals in France, making Ancy-le-Franc a direct contender of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense quadrilateral, which is a classified historic monument, holds a rich decor attributed to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th century.

Wednesday, Day 4 Tanlay to Tonnerre
After breakfast we take a short walk to the Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village. The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescoes. After lunch we continue your cruise along the Burgundy Canal. Our cruise this afternoon takes us to Tonnerre, one of the few places along the canal where you will find vineyards. This town is the centre of a small wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing excellent reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne Epineuil". Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne. Situated in the centre of the old town this natural spring, the second deepest in France, has long mystified people and is well worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into a "Lavoire". Also worthy of note is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte of Burgundy.

Thursday, Day 5 Tonnerre to Flogny la Chapelle
A good hearty breakfast sets us up for our morning cruise. This is barging at it's best. Relaxed, gentle on the soul, every bend offering something new. Hop on, hop off - we're going nowhere fast! Feeling left out - why not help us with the locks. Great exercise and the photos will be the envy of your friends. After lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a wine tasting of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. A little cheese, a glass of wine - perfect!

Friday, Day 6 Flogny la Chapelle to St. Florentin
Our cruise this morning takes us to our final destination of St Florentin. After lunch we drive to one of the prettiest towns in France. Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy, is situated in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine. The success of this thriving town is celebrated by architectural jewels such as the ornately painted 15th century Clock Tower, the soaring Gothic cathedrals of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen and an abundance of ornate Renaissance houses bordering tree lined squares. Every street offers a golden opportunity for the aspiring photographer. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy the evening from the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.

Saturday, Day 7 St. Florentin to Paris
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a hearty breakfast. Bags are loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated destination in Paris.

NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.