Experience the picturesque Loire valley as you gently cruise upstream on your luxury river barge. Enjoy exclusive guided daily excursions visiting castles, pretty villages, vineyards and tours highlighting the local art, culture and history.

Thanks to its scale, the barge can comfortably accommodate eight people in four spacious enasuite cabins which can be booked on an exclusive charter basis or a cabin only basis.

With your own private crew, including a chef who delights in nothing more than creating some fantastic regional dishes for your gourmet meals on board, to your attentive and knowledgeable guide, you will be well looked after from start to finish.

Before boarding your river barge, enjoy time in the majestic city of Dijon in the heart of Burgundy and spend time discoering the world famous vineyards and sites such as the Hospice of Beaune. After your barge, continue with your adventure in the Loire valley to see more of this beautiful land while staying in a regal chateau-hotel.

The barge is available on a charter basis (for up to 8 people) as well as a cabin only basis (subject to availability) from April - October.

Dijon is the capital of the Côte-d'Or department, and the historical capital of the province of Burgundy. It boasts a large number of churches and cathedrals, including St. Bénigne, Notre-Dame, St. Étienne, and St. Michel. Among the more interesting of Dijon's sights is the Ducal Palace, the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne or "Palace of the Dukes and the States of Burgundy", which is one of only a few remaining examples of the Capetian period in the region.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Enjoy the fast speed train TGV ride from Paris to Dijon. The duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 mins.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

The Sofitel La Cloche Hotel (4*) is ideally located in the centre of the city, near all the shopping streets and a couple of minutes walk from the old part of town. It is a modern hotel within a classic building. The pleasantly decorated, medium-sized lobby, opens up onto a cozy bar. This is an excellent property offering a high standard of comfort and services and with a very good location. Hotel facilities include; porterage (7am - 8.30pm), 2 elevators, parking (must be reserved prior to arrival), baby sitting services, laundry and disability facilities.

Overnight at Sofitel La Cloche (4*).

Spend the day in the company of a local Expert Guide who will introduce you to the wines of Burgundy as well as some of the wonderful sites such as the Hospice of Beaune and the Clos Vogeout castle. After being picked up in your hotel, you'll shortly arrive in the centre of the village of Gevrey Chambertin, in the heart of the northern half of the Cote d'Or, the Cote de Nuits. This part of the wine region is known for its hearty, "masculine" tannic red wines, As you make your way with many stops, slowly southwards, your guide will help demystify Burgundian wines, with fun, easy explanations for the sometimes confusing appellation system. You'll see great examples in front of you to help the explanation: amongst others, Grand Cru vineyards such as Le Chambertin, and the more feminine, Le Musigny of the village Chambolle-Musigny, the famous monopoly the Clos de Tart in Morey-St-Denis, to name but a few. With the famous vineyards right in front of you, your guide will explain and answer all your questions.

You will see the famous Chateau de Clos Vougeot, a massive and beautiful 12th century building, built by the Cistercian monks when they needed a cuverie to make their excellent wines for mass. If you wish to go in for a look you may take a short tour - the monumental and unique wine presses (it took the strength of 8 monks just to turn them!) are worth the stop alone. After a taste of some of these wines, the explorations continue to the most renowned vineyards of them all: the Vineyard of the Grand Cru Romanee Conti. Surrounded by almost equally impressive Grand Cru brothers and sisters, your guide will help you understand what the fame is based on, before you continue to Nuits St. Georges and lunch.

After your lunch (your guide will help you decide if you prefer simple bistro or cafe, gourmet restaurant, or even a fun wine tasting lunch in a Domain) it is on to Beaune where you will enjoy a private tour of the Hospices de Beaune - a medieval hospital built by Nicolas Rolin, the Chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy, for the poor, to secure himself a spot in heaven. The beautiful Hospices has an incredibly rich history and is inextricably linked with the region's wines. To finish the day, you'll be driven down to the Cote de Beaune, to see Pommard and then the famous Chardonnay - white wines - of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, before returning to your hotel at the end of the day.

Overnight at Sofitel La Cloche (4*).

The small town of Plagny is in Nièvre in the Burgundy region of France.

Spend a few hours discovering the beauty and sites of Dijon on a self guided walking tour. The rue de la Liberté forms the spine of the town, running east from the wide, attractive place Darcy and the eighteenth-century triumphal arch of Porte Guillaume, once a city gate, past the palace of the dukes of Burgundy on the semicircular place de la Libération. From this elegant, classical square, Rue Rameau continues directly east to Place du Théâtre, from where Rue Vaillant leads on to the church of St Michel. Be sure to check out the lavish town houses in the streets behind the palace: rue Verrerie, rue Vannerie, rue des Forges, rue Chaudronnière (look out for no. 28, Maison des Cariatides). Particularly fine are the Renaissance Hôtel de Vogüé, 12 rue de la Chouette, and at no. 34, the Hôtel Chambellan (1490), housing one of Dijon's tourist offices. Take a look in the cobbled alleys by the Tour St-Nicholas, off rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau. Also in this quarter in the angle between rue de la Chouette and rue de la Préfecture, is the church of Notre-Dame, built in the early thirteenth century in the Burgundian Gothic style. Outside on rue de la Chouette, make your way to rue de la Musette passing just south of the market square and the covered Halles. The whole area is full of sumptuous displays of food and attractive cafés and restaurants. The market operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, and all day on Saturday and is well worth a visit.

Sit back and relax on your private transfer between Dijon and Plagny.

Board the luxurious Hirondelle river-barge moored at Plagny on the Canal Latéral à la Loire this afternoon and prepare yourself for a wonderful river adventure! A champagne reception is followed by an evening cruise on the canal and over the spectacular canal bridge of Le Guétin, where the canal crosses the river Loire offering fabulous views.

Enjoy your first dining experience on board the boat. Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise and the five-course candlelit dinners are a special treat. The table d’hôte menus on board are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialties and wines picked to compliment the dinner. Throughout your cruise, the menu typically includes some of the on board chef’s original recipes as well as regional specialties and seasonal delicacies unique to the area.

The Hirondelle was constructed as a 27 metre cargo barge at Hoogerand in the Netherlands in 1928 and was originally named Vios. She was later lengthened to 38,50 metres, in order to increase her tonnage and hence her cargo capacity. This, combined with her 5.05 metre beam, now makes her the largest size of barge able to fit in to the canal locks.Tastefully decorated in soft country shades, the Hirondelle has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere that is perfectly in tune with the scenery outside. Thanks to its scale, the barge can comfortably accommodate eight people. There are four spacious cabins, each featuring double or twin beds, with decorative wallpaper and matching bed linens and en suite bathrooms with showers. All of the accommodation features large windows well above the water line that perfectly frame the picturesque French landscape.

Overnight at Orient Express Hirondelle.

Marseilles les Aubigny is a small port town on the Loire lateral canal which possesses the ruins of a feudal castle, museum and XX church.

This morning, in the company of your guide you will take a short drive to Apremont - one of the most beautiful villages in France, where you can visit the private Château and gardens.

On your return to the boat, a delicious lunch will be waiting for you. Lunches typically include regional fare such as pâtés, cheeses, cold meats, tarts, terrines and salad.

The large windows, well above the water line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of the of Burgundy and Franche-Comté: renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque villages. The large picture windows and sizeable skylights flood the bright, airy lounge with natural sunlight, making it the ideal spot to relax and read up on the next destination on your itinerary. On the sun deck, you can watch the day fade into evening, sipping a chilled glass of champagne, before settling down for your gourmet meal in the dining room. Inside the barge contains a large lounge, with a partitioned dining table where you can enjoy the exquisitely prepared four course dinners bathed in candle light.

This afternoon, take in a walking tour of Nevers. Narrow winding streets lead from the quay through the town where there are numerous old houses of the 14th to the 17th centuries. Among the ecclesiastical buildings the most important is the Cathédrale of Saint Cyr-Sainte Julitte, dedicated to Saint Quiricus and Saint Julietta, which is a combination of two buildings, and possesses two apses.

Enjoy dinner on board this evening.

Enjoy an after dinner drink on the deck or perhaps curl up on a comfortable chair in the lounge after dinner this evening before turning in for the night.

Overnight at Orient Express Hirondelle .

The village of Menetreol is located in a winegrowing and farming area situated by the banks of the rivers Vauvise and Loire and the Loire lateral canal.  The Sauvignon blanc grapes grown here are used for Sancerre AOC wines.

Enjoy a morning visit to La Charité-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque art, and a renowned resting place for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a walking tour of the remains of the 10th century religious site and see the charming 'House of the dwarf!'.

Relax on deck as you have a feast of regional goodies for lunch!

This afternoon, the barge continues cruising from La Charité to tonight's mooring at Ménétréol. From Menetreol you will be taken to visit a goat's cheese farm for a tour and tasting of their excellent goat's cheese.

Take in the tranquility of your surroundings this evening before sitting down to a gourmet dinner with great accompanying wines.

Sleep tight!

Overnight at Orient Express Hirondelle .

Chatillon sur Loire is a small town located on the Loire river.  Its name originates from “Castillo”, a small fortress which was built in the 10th century on the hill where the church now stands. Throughout the middle ages, Chatillon sur Loire was fought over by the Abbey of Fleury and the courts of Sancerre.

Watch the world go by and take in the changing landscapes as you sit on deck during the morning cruise today.

Take a drive to the charming town of Chavignol, where most of the famous Sancerre and Pouilly fumé wines are produced. We see the vineyards and have a tasting with one of the local wine-makers.

We then drive up to Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop where we Lunch at the restaurant 'La Tour', followed by a stroll around the town, and the chance to take photos of the surrounding vineyards.

Enjoy another gourmet dinner on board this evening.

After a dinner this evening, make your way to your comfortable cabin for a good nights sleep.

Overnight at Orient Express Hirondelle .

the small town of Ouzouer sur Loire enjoys a priviliged position betweenthe Loire and the forests of Orleans.

This morning relax as you continue cruising on the canal towards Ouzouer.

Lunch will be served on board once again today.

After lunch we drive to the picturesque town of Gien, famous throughout France for its colourful pottery and imposing 15th century chateau. We visit a faïence factory in the town, followed by an excursion to the Château of La Bussière with its imposing setting and medicinal gardens.

Sample some regional cuisine tonight as you have dinner on board the barge.

Rogny les Sept Ecluses is located some 50 km (31 mi) west of Auxerre and is crossed by the Loing and the Briare Canal.

On your last day of cruising, the barge traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe connecting the Canal Latéral à la Loire to the Canal de Briare, built by the famous engineer Eiffel.

Lunch will be served on board once again today.

After lunch we leave the barge for our final excursion to the pretty town of Saint Fargeau with a history spanning a thousand years. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing for the farewell gala dinner on board.

Celebrate the end of your barging experience in style this evening as you sit down to a gourmet affair.

Sleep well tonight - your final night aboard!

Overnight at Orient Express Hirondelle .

Today a small market town, Amboise was once home of the French royal court. The city is famous for the Clos Lucé manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived (and ultimately died) at the invitation of Francis I of France, whose Château d'Amboise dominates the town.

After breakfast this morning, you can bid your crew farewell before disembarking the barge.

You will be transferred from Rogny les Sept Exluses to Amboise in the heart of castle country in the Loire valley. The journey typically takes approximately 2.5 hours.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Enjoy dinner at leisure in Amboise. Here are some suggestions; Brasserie de l'Hôtel de Ville, 3 rue François 1er. Daily 10am-3pm and 7-9:30pm. Reservations recommended. In the town's historic core, a short walk from the château, this bustling Paris-style brasserie attracts local office workers and art lovers visiting the historic sites during the day, and boisterous groups of friends at night. Cuisine is traditional French. If you feel like a casual pizza, you may like to try la Florentine, 50, Place Michel Debre which is housed in one of the oldest houses of Amboise. You can sit outside and have a great view of the castle or enjoy the nice interior.

Le Choiseul (4*) comprising of three delightful manor houses dating from the 15th and 18th century, overlooking the River Loire, Le Choiseul sits at the foot of Château d’Amboise. Close to most of the Loire Valley’s finest châteaux, the hotel has pretty terraced gardens bordered by Troglodyte caves, stunning river views and the choice of two exciting restaurants.The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Antiques and attractive classic furnishings can be found throughout the rooms which are bright and light. Wander around the delightful gardens and admire the Italian sculptures, before retiring to the terrace for a glass of Vouvray Moelleux. Explore historic Amboise or take a river cruise. Return for gourmet cuisine either in the renowned formal restaurant or in Le Bistrot 36 where you can enjoy innovative youthful creations for lunch. During summer, watch a ‘Son et Lumière’ show at Château d’Amboise.

Overnight at Le Choiseul (4*).

Consider having a Professional English speaking Guide join you for either a half or a full day as you explore the castles and sites of the Loire valley. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this service to your itinerary.

Outside of the many castles in the area, you may be interested in any of the following activities:  a buggy ride to discover the vineyards of the Tours region, a hot-air Balloon ride to enjoy wonderful aerial views of the Loire Valley, a cruise on the Loire river onboard a traditional boat. A sound and light show is performaed throughout July and August at the Amboise castle whihc is a summer highlight of the town.

Overnight at Le Choiseul (4*).

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Avail of a private train station transfer between Amboise and St Pierre des Corps.

Take the train from the Loire (St Pierre des Corps) to Paris today. There are usually plenty of trains throughout the day including a certain of fast trains. The trip duration is typically between one hour (fast speed train) and two and a half hours (regional train).

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).