Europe

* specializing in France & Italy *

Europe’s cultural mosaic offers something for everyone – historic and artistic masterpieces, mesmerizing architecture, extraordinary cities and charming villages, a variety of cuisines, and remarkable geographic diversity. Whether a first-time visit to a previously uncharted territory or a many-times-over return visit, discover anew the thrill and enchantment of Europe with insider-access experiences.

Initiate your own independent odyssey by selecting destinations, cities, and regions you wish to explore. We will then connect the dots by designing an exciting and unique itinerary that encompasses your personal passions and interests. You will be escorted point-to-point by guides whose expertise enlightens and delights. Or you may opt to travel with a congenial like-minded group of old friends or new acquaintances. Whether the royal capitals and tsarist palaces of the north or the Mediterranean flavors and playgrounds of the south, embrace Europe’s magic with family and friends.

Celebrate Summer!

Celebrate the Countryside!

Setting out on a canal and river cruising adventure, opens up a world of possibilities, with endless opportunities to relax and explore.

> While on board, inspiring culinary opportunities abound. Each morning, your crew offers a tempting spread of locally sourced pastries, fresh fruit and jam. Lunch – often served on deck – comes complete with colorful salads, silky pátés, quiches, cheeses and wine pairings. In the evening, a selection of specially chosen fine wines complements gourmet cuisine.

> During your journey, you may take a gentle pedal – or stroll – along scenic towpaths. While on land, you may venture into a nearby town or village, afterward rejoining your floating hotel at another lock along the cruise route.

> Explore both iconic and less-frequented sites, far from throngs of tourists. It might be a local truffle farm and lavender distillery in the south of France, or perhaps a winery in Chablis, which you will tour with its owner.

> A personal guide will introduce you to renowned local vineyards, architecture and activities.

> For added privacy and flexibility, consider a private charter, in which you and your group of family or friends hire the entire vessel for the duration of the river cruise, with sightseeing activities especially tailored to your interests.

> Extend your stay with a custom itinerary pre- and/or post-cruise.

These featured barges are stylish, comfortable, and carefully selected for their innovative chefs and attentive crews. They are available to book 'per cabin' or by private charter, and each plies a distinct route through Provence, the South of France, Burgundy or the Upper Loire. While there are others from which to choose, here are a few of our favorites:

La Belle Époque - Burgundy Canal

Limited to 12 guests
Days: 7 | All meals B-L-D included
Departures April thru October
Save 10% on Select Departures.

Elegant La Belle Époque travels through Burgundy on a delightful itinerary between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay, visiting Abbaye de Fontenay and Château d'Ancy-le-Franc, and pausing for a private wine tasting in the fertile Chablis region. Also visit hilltop Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, where Chocolat was filmed, as well as Noyers-sur-Serein on market day.

Itinerary

Day 1: SUNDAY
Meet in Paris for transfer to La Belle Époque, moored at Venarey-les-Laumes. After a welcome reception, enjoy dinner on board.

Day 2: MONDAY
Visit Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, where the movie Chocolat was filmed, continuing to ancient site of Alesia. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Montbard.

Day 3: TUESDAY
Cruise to Ravières, passing the 18th-century Forges de Buffon where the great naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon harnessed the waters of the Armançon River to power the local water mills. Visit 12th-century Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its peaceful gardens and beautiful cloisters.

Day 4: WEDNESDAY
Explore the colorful market at medieval Noyers this morning. The village, nestled in a loop of the River Serein, has many picturesque half-timbered houses and ancient cobbled streets. Return to La Belle Époque for a lazy afternoon cruise past grazing white Charolais cattle and an evening dinner ashore.

Day 5: THURSDAY
There are good opportunities for walking or cycling along the towpath during the morning cruise to Tanlay. Visit historic Château d'Ancy-le-Franc, dating from the 16th century. Rejoin the barge for dinner on board.

Day 6: FRIDAY
Visit the vineyards and town of Chablis today for a private tasting at Domaine Servan, known for its Premier and Grand Cru wines. Then cruise to Tanlay for a gala farewell dinner to celebrate the week.

Day 7: SATURDAY
Disembark after breakfast for your transfer back to Paris, where your journey ends.

Meanderer - Canal de Briare & Canal Latéral à la Loire

Limited to 6 guests
Days: 7 | All meals B-L-D included
Departures April thru October
> Save up to $5,000 on Select Charter departures.
> 20% PROMOTIONAL DISCOUNT for SELECT DEPARTURES
Above promotions apply to NEW Charter bookings ONLY. Not combinable with other promotions.

Stylish Meanderer cruises the Upper Loire, offering a heated spa pool from which its six guests can savor the historic countryside. Tour the spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty. Explore the market town of Montargis and view the abandoned seven-lock staircase at Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses. Cross over the Loire River on the extraordinary Briare Aqueduct and visit Gien, known for its faïence earthenware.

Complimentary Paris Hotel
2 Nights in a Luxury Boutique Hotel on the Left Bank are included for ALL available weeks. This Special Offer applies to charters as well as single cabin bookings and can be used before or after the cruise (both nights) or before and after the cruise (one night each).
This promotion applies to any open date in our 2016 calendar (except September 2016). The hotel will be selected by Meanderer and confirmed upon the receipt of deposit. All hotels are deluxe, 4-star properties.

Itinerary

Day 1: SUNDAY
Meet in Paris and privately transfer to Meanderer, moored in the picturesque village of Montbouy. Enjoy a welcome reception and early evening cruise to the village of Montcresson and back. Relax on deck and watch life pass by onshore before gathering for your first dinner on board.

Day 2: MONDAY
This morning, cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses to view its historic 17th-century, seven-level staircase of locks, considered to this day a marvel of engineering. After lunch, visit the magnificent Château de Sully or the spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty. You may also opt to visit the Baroque Château Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Day 3: TUESDAY
Disembark in Montargis to explore this busy market town, capital of its region. People-watch or shop for souvenirs as well as the exquisitely packaged confectionery from the famous Mazet praline shop. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise through the six locks that replaced the "staircase” at Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses. Moor overnight at La Gazonne in the middle of a magnificent nature preserve.

Day 4: WEDNESDAY
Today, explore the splendid 16th-century Château de Saint-Fargeau and learn its surprising history. Alternatively, set out on an excursion to Guédelon, a 25-year project to recreate a medieval-era castle using only the kinds of materials, tools and techniques available in the 13th century. This afternoon, cruise through some of the most beautiful and rural parts of the canal to the spectacular town of Briare, on the bank of the Loire River, to the entrance to the extraordinary Briare Aqueduct (Port Canal), which carries the Canal Latéral à la Loire over the Loire River.

Day 5: THURSDAY
Cruise over the amazing Pont Canal to visit the town of Gien — its many attractions include the famous Faïence Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Château de Gien. Drive to the beautiful private Château La Bussière, with its 18th-century gardens. You also have the option to visit Vézelay, site of the 11th-century Vézelay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6: FRIDAY
This morning, continue along the Canal Latéral à la Loire on the way to your journey’s final mooring in the charming town of Léré. Enjoy the passing scenery as fields and pastures slowly give way to vineyard-covered hills. This afternoon, disembark for an excursion to the world-famous wine region of Sancerre to sample local wines and explore its lovely hilltop village. Visit La Charité-sur-Loire, surrounded on all sides by the Loire River and enjoy the option to visit two wineries: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Celebrate the conclusion of your relaxing week of cruising with a special farewell dinner on board Meanderer this evening.

Day 7: SATURDAY
After breakfast on board today, transfer back to Paris.

Belmond Napoléon - Rhône River

Limited to 12 guests
Days: 7 | All meals B-L-D included
Departures April thru October
Save 25% on Select Charter departures.

Luxurious Belmond Napoleon offers guests three decks, with a hot tub for watching life pass by along the Rhône River. Enjoy a diverse itinerary that offers views of sleepy vineyards, Roman ruins, medieval towns, olive groves and the sun-drenched landscapes often depicted in the paintings of Vincent van Gogh. Experience Pont du Gard, a lavender distillery, a truffle farm and Côtes du Rhône wine.

Itinerary

Day 1: SUNDAY
Meet in Paris and transfer to the rail station for the train to Valence. Join Belmond Napoléon, moored at Tain l’Hermitage, where a welcome reception awaits. Later, attend a wine tasting at Mr. Ferraton's winery and enjoy dinner on board the barge.

Day 2: MONDAY
After breakfast, relax on deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by. At Viviers, your overnight mooring, take a walking tour through town and, time permitting, enjoy a game of pétanque with the crew.

Day 3: TUESDAY
In the fortified medieval market town of Nyons, the olive producing capital of France, visit an 18th-century mill and a lavender distillery. After lunch in Grignan, learn about truffles at a local farm and taste the area’s famous “black diamonds,” the world’s most expensive mushrooms. Rejoin Belmond Napoléon and cruise to St-Etienne des Sorts.

Day 4: WEDNESDAY
Taste the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe today, followed by a leisurely lunch on board. Cruise to Avignon, where you embark on an excursion to Pont du Gard, part of an ancient Roman aqueduct that is three levels and stands almost 165 feet high.

Day 5: THURSDAY
A guided walking tour in Avignon includes the Palace of the Popes and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. After lunch on board, Belmond Napoléon cruises to Arles during the afternoon for an excursion to the cliff-top village of les Baux-de-Provence.

Day 6: FRIDAY
Embark on a walking tour of Arles, where Vincent van Gogh once lived, and cruise to Avignon during lunch. Later, visit St-Rémy, the birthplace of Nostradamus, and enjoy an olive oil tasting at a traditional 18th-century Provençal bastide (country house). A gala farewell dinner awaits back on board.

Day 7: SATURDAY
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Avignon’s rail station for the train to Paris, where your journey ends.

Enchanté - Canal du Midi

Limited to 8 guests
Days: 7 | All meals B-L-D included
Departures April thru October
Save 10% on private charters or independent bookings on Select departures.

Enchante cruises the picturesque, tree-lined Canal du Midi in the South of France. Tastefully furnished, she boasts a spacious salon and a demonstration kitchen, where guests can watch as the onboard chef prepares gourmet meals. Onshore, explore the memorable walled city of Carcassonne, partake of wine and olive oil tastings and absorbing the beauty of Lagrasse, where you enjoy lunch at an auberge (inn) overlooking Corbières' idyllic, vineyard-covered hills.

Itinerary

Day 1: SUNDAY
Meet in Narbonne, where you are escorted to Enchanté for your Canal du Midi cruise. A welcome reception awaits, followed by dinner on board.

Day 2: MONDAY
Explore Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, Carcassonne has 52 watchtowers, a portcullis and an extraordinary repertoire of defenses that made it resilient to the many armies that tried to storm it. This afternoon, cruise the 330-year-old Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Marseillette, the overnight mooring, with time to explore the town before dinner.

Day 3: TUESDAY
This morning, Enchanté descends the trademark locks of the canal, offering good opportunities for walking or biking on the towpath. After lunch, visit Château Saint Jacques d'Albas for an informative tour and tasting of the local Corbières vintages.

Day 4: WEDNESDAY
An excursion this morning takes you to an eighth-century Benedictine abbey nestled in the village of Lagrasse. Awarded the title of “most beautiful village in France,” Lagrasse is home to many artisans who have set up workshops in the medieval center. Sample local cuisine when you have lunch in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières. This afternoon, cruise to picturesque Bassanel.

Day 5: THURSDAY
Cruise past scenic vineyards and pine trees en route to the charming village of Le Somail, where you may want to wander through the old bookstore. This afternoon, visit L'Oulibo, a cooperative olive press, where you can sample the famous Lucques olive oil. Continue to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois.

Day 6: FRIDAY
Narbonne was once home to the Visigoth monarchs. Explore this bustling canal-side town, stopping at the Archbishop's Palace and the indoor market. You have time to shop or just enjoy the relaxed ambience. This afternoon, cruise the series of locks and narrow bridges of the Canal de la Robine, built after the Canal du Midi to link Narbonne with the Mediterranean. Cycle ahead and explore the village of Sallèles d’Aude, the final mooring point of your journey. Later, attend a farewell dinner on board.

Day 7: SATURDAY
After breakfast, transfer to Narbonne, where your journey ends.

Magna Carta - River Thames

Limited to 8 guests
Days: 7 | All meals B-L-D included
Departures April thru October
Save 10% on Select private charters or independent bookings - Book Early!

The River Thames runs throughout the tapestry of English history, and your cruise aboard Magna Carta meanders past riverside towns and royal palaces, with stops at incomparable Windsor Castle, Tudor-style Dorney Court for a private tour, and lush Cliveden Estate and Gardens - home of the Astors. Visit a builder and restorer of wooden boats before continuing to Christ Church College in Oxford.

Itinerary

Day 1: SUNDAY
Meet in London for a traditional English cream tea before transferring to Magna Carta, moored at Hampton Court. After a welcome reception and captain’s welcome, sit down to a gourmet dinner on board.

Day 2: MONDAY
Visit Hampton Court Palace, built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century. Wander through the 60 acres of beautiful riverside gardens with their famous maze before an afternoon cruise to Bell Weir Lock at Runnymede.

Day 3: TUESDAY
This morning, you may use the fitness and spa facilities at the adjacent luxury hotel. In the afternoon, visit Windsor Castle, built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and still inhabited by the modern-day Royal Family.

Day 4: WEDNESDAY
Cruise to Boveney Lock for a private tour of Dorney Court, which has been owned by the Palmer Family for 450 years. It has provided a lovely setting for films such as Poirot and The Other Boleyn Girl. After lunch, Magna Carta has special permission to moor at Cliveden Reach. Once home to Waldorf and Nancy Astor, the estate has enjoyed a glittering history as a hub for society events.

Day 5: THURSDAY
At Cookham this morning, visit Stanley Spencer's gallery with time to walk in the village he loved and frequently painted. Then enjoy a leisurely cruise along the historic river to Hurley-on-Thames.

Day 6: FRIDAY
At Hurley-on-Thames today, observe traditional craftsmen at work in Peter Freebody’s boatyard, a fixture on the Thames for more than 300 years. Explore the 11th-century village, perhaps visiting the public bar at Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country. After an early lunch, take a drive to Oxford, one of England's oldest university towns. Tour Christ Church, Oxford's grandest college, before returning to Magna Carta for a gala farewell dinner to end the memorable week.

Day 7: SATURDAY
After breakfast, transfer back to London where your journey ends.

in collaboration/A&K/Belmond

Customize Your Journey

Explore these suggestions. Then personalize your own itinerary. Select your dates, choose additional destinations, modify hotel selections, add activities, tours, and anything else on your list. The choice is yours! We will prepare your ideal custom-designed journey with pricing based upon your travel dates and the number of persons in your party.

Meals as indicated: B = breakfast L = lunch D = dinner

212.757.5858 | 954.766.8899

New York 212-757-5858Florida 954-766-8899

Europe

Celebrate Summer!

Customize Your Journey

New York 212-757-5858
Florida 954-766-8899