Meeting Point

Varied, to be adviced at time of booking

Savoir Faire Barge Information

LUXURY MOTOR YACHT CRUISES….
THE 12 PASSENGER Savoir Faire.... features six staterooms. Each can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed. Staterooms 2 through 6 each have a separate toilet and shower. Stateroom 1 has a large bathroom with shower. All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S. standard power outlets. In the public areas, the Savoir Faire is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment -- whether for a personal retreat, a quiet conversation, a small group get-together, or for all passengers to enjoy together. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years

BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY = PARIS - AUXERRE

SUNDAY
(Moored in the heart of Paris at the Port Arsenal, Bastille) Our chauffeurs collect you from Hotel Ampere in Paris at 2pm and escort you to the Savoir Faire, moored at the Port Arsenal, Bastille in the very heart of the city, for a Champagne Welcome. You will have an opportunity to explore the area before we depart for our exclusive evening cruise through Paris past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower. After dinner we continue our cruise through Paris beneath the floodlit Eiffel Tower and illuminated bridges to your overnight mooring. Dinner on board

MONDAY
(Cruise from Paris to Samois) We set off from the Arsenal bright and early to begin your cruise south along the mighty Seine towards Burgundy. Once past the reaches of Paris, the landscape begins to unfold revealing the tranquil beauty so sought after by busy city folk. Your excursion today is to the magnificent chateau of Fontainebleau. Every royal family has added their architectural signature, resulting in an unrivalled display of opulence. Afterwards you will be able to explore the shops and boutiques of Fontainebleau. This evening we shall be moored beneath the hilltop town of Samois, a favorite amongst painters and poets. Opportunity to stroll or cycle along the shaded river bank. Dinner on board

TUESDAY
(Cruise from Samois to Sens) We begin the day with a peaceful cruise along the last stretch of the Seine before joining the river Yonne that takes us south towards Burgundy, the land of Counts and fine wines. This morning there will be opportunities to cycle alongside the river and explore villages close by. After lunch on board, your guide will escort you to the medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show and browse around the boutiques and shops. Provins is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is listed amongst the most interesting towns in France. Dinner on board

WEDNESDAY
(Cruise from Sens to Joigny) This morning we set off along the Yonne towards our overnight mooring at the riverside town of Joigny, where cobbled streets and timbered-framed buildings take you back to a bygone era. After a pleasant cruise through opening landscapes we stop at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne for lunch on board.After lunch we visit Cathedral of St Stephen, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. The beauty of the exterior dominates the main square of Sens. Begun in 1140 AD, this magnificent building houses one of the richest treasuries in France. In addition to this there is a tour of the museum, which is in the 13th Century synodal palace, situated in the former archbishop's residence. It houses a fascinating exhibition of Gallo-Roman mosaics and works of art from the cathedral. Dinner on board.

THURSDAY
(Cruise from Joigny to Gurgy) This morning we set off on our cruise to the riverside hamlet of Gurgy. Today is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to cycle alongside the ship as she glides gently by. After lunch we take a short drive to Chablis, home to some of the greatest wines in Burgundy. We have selected the small family operation of Domaine Laroche for an intimate tour of their cellar. A comprehensive wine tasting rounds off this fascinating visit. Afterwards we drive through the wine village of Irancy and on to St Bris, where we shall visit the 12th Century underground cellars of Bersan and Fils. Dinner on board.

FRIDAY
(Cruise from Gurgy to Auxerre) Our final cruise takes us along the upper reaches of the Yonne to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all river towns, and we arrive in time for lunch, after which you have the option of two visits. The first visit offered is to explore this Auxerre, with the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne dominating the skyline. Behind its apparent simplicity lies one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. Undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in France. The town's magnificent monuments, which include a splendid 15th Century clock tower, all bear witness to a remarkable historical past.

The second visit to choose from is to the world famous hilltop town of Vezelay, forty minutes from Auxerre. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Vezelay has been a place of worship since the Middle Ages and is a rallying point for the pilgrimage of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. It is from here that the second and third crusades were launched, the latter by Richard the Lionheart. Dominating this medieval town is the Basilica Sainte-Madeleine, one of the most impressive churches in France. Streets lined with 15th Century timber-framed buildings house art galleries, boutiques and shops. Quiet parks offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and underground cellars the opportunity to taste the wines from the surrounding vineyards. Later your chauffeurs will escort you back to the "Savoir Faire." This evening, after pre-dinner cocktails, we present our farewell Captain's Dinner. You are joined by your hosts for what promises to be a meal to remember.

SATURDAY
(Departure at 9.30am) After a hearty breakfast you are driven by our chauffeurs to your hotel or airport in Paris.

Note: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and may be changed according to passenger requests and local conditions. The itinerary is in the reverse direction every other cruise week.

SAVOIR FAIRE TULIP CRUISE ITINERARY = HAARLEM TO HAARLEM

SUNDAY
We meet at an Amsterdam hotel in the city centre at 2pm (Schiphol Airport pickup can also be arranged) and transfer 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
After 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. Dinner on board.

TUESDAY
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. Dinner on board.

WEDNESDAY
A morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and then onto Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery works, where porcelain is still handmade and painted. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this beautiful historic Dutch city. Dinner on board

THURSDAY
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 bulbous plants. Dinner on board

FRIDAY
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 your last elegant gourmet dinner.

SATURDAY
This will be your last breakfast on board. You will then be driven to either the Schiphol Airport or your hotel in Amsterdam.

Note: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and may be changed according to passenger

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.