Aurora

Canal and river cruising in Holland is a relaxing experience.  Step aboard Aurora for a week of carefree cruising.
We offer a choice of excursions most days so that should you have visited Holland before, you will still enjoy the trip.
Golf and cycling charters are available: Please ask for the itinerary if of interest.

Sunday: Schiedam to Amsterdam
We will meet you at either your hotel or the airport, for our transfer to Aurora, moored in the fascinating town of Schiedam, on the outskirts of Rotterdam.    Schiedam boasts six of the largest working windmills in the world, along with a glass museum, a chocolate art factory, a historic harbour and Jenever (Dutch Gin) distilleries.  Aurora will be moored beneath the Nolet distillery, the most famous one.  Take time to explore the town and to enjoy a Gin tasting before dinner on board.

Monday: Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden
Enjoy your first gourmet breakfast while Aurora begins her cruise.  Admire the Rotterdam skyline as we bear right under Euromast, the highest viewpoint in Holland.  Passing through the Parksluis lock, we join the peaceful river Schie, which leads to the beautiful 16th-century town of Delft, world-famous for its beautiful blue pottery.
For a close-up experience, we visit a Delftware factory close to our mooring to learn from the artisans how the porcelain is made.
After lunch, there will be free time to explore the streets and sites of Delft: You may like to visit the Nieuwe Kerk, to see the tomb of William of Orange and other royals, or perhaps the Vermeer Centre to see his famous works.
As an alternative to visiting the Delft factory, we offer a visit to Hague where you can see the works of Rembrandt or Vermeer at Mauritshuis, and visit the Parliament buildings at BInnenhof, or the Peace Palace.
Or, you could visit Madurodam, with replicas of historically significant buildings in a miniature Holland.

Aurora will continue cruising to Leiden, where we moor for the night.   This is an ancient, impressive historical visit, and the birthplace of Rembrandt Van Rijn, and home to one of the oldest universities in Holland.  Take a bike ride or stroll along the banks of the pretty tree-lined canals, or simply relax onboard.   In the evening, why not take a walk through the historic centre?  There are numerous churches, historic city gates, almshouses, mills and museums to see.

Tuesday: Haarlem
Today is we can continue our discovery of the beautiful Dutch architecture and art, or immerse ourselves in the flower gardens
As we leave Leiden, we cruise past stunning lakes and colourful flower fields towards Haarlem, a rich city dating back to the 13th century.  The Frans Hals Museum, founded in 1862, is home to a vast collection of Old Masters.  The town is full of beautiful buildings such as the Gothic St Bavo's cathedral on the main square, where Handel and Mozart both played the organ.  The 13th-century town hall, the Butcher's Hall (Vleeshal) and the Fish auction hall take us back to a simpler but busy time in the city.  Enjoy some free time to explore the boutiques.
Alternatively, nature-lovers will adore the Keukenhof gardens.   This Garden of Europe is home to over 7 million flowering bulbs over a 100-acre site!  We stroll through 37 hectares of stunning waves of colour and scents during this wonderful excursion.
Should you prefer, we can offer an excursion to the Frans Hals portrait gallery.

Wednesday: Zaandam / Zaanse Schans
After a busy day yesterday, there is plenty of time to relax today during our morning cruise past fields of tulips as we head north on the Spaarne to the region named Zaandam, with its traditional Dutch green 'dollhouse' architecture.  After lunch, we will tour Zaanse Schans, a conservation area and museum which presents the Dutch way of life in the 17th & 18th centuries.  This historical area includes authentic houses and windmills, an ancient shipyard, a pewter factory, a dairy farm and cheese producer, and a produce store from the 1900s, all typical of the Dutch way of life.
The tiny village of Zaanse Schans is full of surprises including 6 working windmills, a clog maker, a cheese producer and a mustard mill. 

Thursday: Amsterdam /Alphen aan den Rijn
Prepare for a busy day!  This morning we cruise to Amsterdam, through the heart of the city, passing 10 lifting bridges and numerous houseboats.  The small canals and architecture take up back in time again before we had to the beautiful lakes which lead us to our peaceful mooring for the night in the Alphen aan den Rijn.
Our excursion options today include a quick tour of Amsterdam pin-pointing the city highlights, plus a visit to one of the numerous museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Diamond museum or Anne Frank House)
Alternatively, we can visit the traditional fishing villages of Volendam and/or Marken, to see in the original wooden house, a cheese factory and a clog-making workshop in Marken, or the wooden houses, little canal and traditional folk costumes being worn by the locals in Volendam.  

Friday: Aalsmeer / Gouda
There is a treat in store this morning for very early-risers: Visit the colourful Aalsmeer Flower Auction, where an incredible 17 million cut flowers from all over the world are traded each day.  Upon returning to the barge, we set off on a breakfast cruise to the nearby medieval town of Gouda, famous for its cheese and pipes. 
The Gothic church of Saint Jaanskerk houses magnificent stained glass windows (UNESCO listed) and is 123m tall!  Take the time to explore the picture-perfect town hall and Town Square and the Waag where cheese has been weighed since 1668. 

Saturday: Return to Schiedam
After your last plentiful breakfast, it's time to say a sad farewell to join the return drive to Schiedam. Tot ziens!

Cycling and Golfing charters are available upon request.

Enjoy a fabulous 2-week cruise from Holland, through Belgium and into France for a trip to remember

Day 1: Rotterdam
Guests will be met in Amsterdam from a pre-arranged meeting point in the early afternoon (airport or hotel) before joining the Aurora moored in nearby Schiedam. It's time to meet the crew, settle in and enjoy a Champagne reception aboard before we visit the highlights of the city.  Dinner board.

Day 2: Rotterdam to Willemstad
Our cruise begins!  After breakfast, there is a chance to visit the ancient distillery of Ketel One, home to one of the most prestigious vodkas in the world, before we cruise through the busy port of Rotterdam and onwards to Dordrecht.    After lunch, there is time to explore Dordrecht, the oldest town in Holland.  Aurora then continues her journey across the Hollandse Diep, part of the Dutch estuaries, to the charming fortress town of Willemstad where we moor for the night.  Dinner on board.

Day 3: Willemstad to Antwerpen
We wave goodbye to Holland today passing through the town of Tholens and the impressive Kreekrak lock), crossing the border into Belgium.  The bustling port of Antwerpen is our destination, from where we take a tour of the city, known as the city of Rubens. A visit to Ruben's home gives us an insight to his work, before a stroll around the old quarters of this beautiful Flemish city, before returning to Aurora for dinner.

Day 4: Antwerpen to Ghent
After breakfast this morning we catch the flood tide up the 'Sea Schelde', a winding river leading to the gorgeous town of Ghent.  We will visit the towering cathedral which houses the fabulous artwork "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", painted by the Van Eyck brothers.  You may wish to take a leisurely walk through the town to explore the architecture and local boutiques.

Day 5: Ghent to Bruges  (a road trip)
After a hearty breakfast, it's time to set off on a road trip to the small town of Bruges. There is plenty to see and do here including many museums and magnificent squares where it's a pleasure to sit and enjoy a beer or local delicacies, and to admire the Flemish architecture.  You may wish to buy some handmade lace here, or take a boat trip on the small canals which give the town its nickname, the "Venice of the North". 

Day 6: Ghent to Oudenaarde
Today we continue our cruise.  Enjoy the view and wildlife as we cruise on the peaceful River Schelde, into the Flemish Ardennes region.  Today's mooring is in the town of  Oudenaarde, renowned for its tapestries.  After lunch on board, step back in time as we visit the spectacular town centre with its Gothic town hall, Patrician houses, the Mou Museum with its incredible tapestry displays, and the Brouwerij Liefmans brewery for those that enjoy beer.

Day 7: Oudenaarde to Tournai
We're halfway through our cruise, so take a lazy morning to relax as we continue cruising along the River Schelde through beautiful countryside dotted with small hamlets.   We arrived at Tournai, the birthplace of Clovis I, founder of the Merovingian dynasty).  This ancient Belgian town has much to see including a fascinating clock tower and belfry on the town square, and a majestic Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with 5 solemn, square towers.  This is a world heritage site.  Tournai is a French-speaking town though in Belgium, so today is a good day to tune your ear ready for tomorrow!

Day 8: Tournai to Arleux
Today we cruise along the river and cross the border into France, through the town of Valenciennes and to the junction with the Canal du Nord in the village of Arleux. Many barges pass through this Canal each year as they venture to the south of France for the summer months.  The town of Cambrai, famous for its confectionary named the 'Betise de Cambrai', is close by so we will take a visit. Betise means nonsense or mistake: The boiled sweet was supposedly created by accident by the son of a sweet maker experimenting! 
In the town, you may wish to purchase some Betise, or perhaps visit the modern art Matisse Museum, the lace museum or a brewery.  

Day 9: Arleux to an overnight mooring
Today is going to be hard work for the Captain as he pilots Aurora over the Vermandois HIlls of Picardy: Deep locks and several tunnels on the Canal du Nord make this an interesting journey. While the Captain toils, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery from the deck or take a walk or cycle along the well-maintained towpath through this rural area.
After lunch,  we will take a tour of the town of Amiens, renowned for its incredible cathedral: Huge towering spires, magnificent columns and the tallest nave in France make this the most impressive Gothic cathedral in the country.  This afternoon, you may also choose to visit the Musee de Picardie, a natural history museum that recreates pre-historic dwellings and exhibits local artefacts.

Day 10: Overnight mooring to Peronne
After working so hard to climb yesterday, today the Captain will bring us safely down towards the Valley of the Somme, revealing vistas that many tourists do not see.  Take time to walk or cycle as we move along towards Peronne.   In the afternoon, we visit the war museum in Peronne, set in a medieval castle.

Day 11: Peronne to Compiegne
Today Aurora cruises to the Oise River valley, where we will moor in the waterside town of Compiegne.  Here we can see the neoclassical chateau, the Royal Palace, with the royal residence lavishly redecorated under the instructions of Napoleon.  There is an immense town square to visit, along with the train carriage where the WWI Armistice was signed to end the First World War.   Guests are welcome to walk or cycle in the beautiful forest with numerous ponds and ancient hamlets.

Day 12: Compiegne to Auvers-sur-Oise
Today's cruise through the Oise River Valley and our mooring at Auvers-sur-Oise provide us with some stunning views, which were the inspiration for many artists including Vincent Van Gogh.  He stayed in a small room above the local café while creating some of his last and most important works.   Perhaps after a walk around the town, you will feel inspired too.  Our walking tour ends at the cemetery where both Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo are buried.  Theo was a  Dutch art dealer and it was thanks to his emotional and financial support that Vincent was able to devote all his time to his paintings. 

Day 13: Auvers-sur-Oise to Conflans
Art remains on the menu today as we take a day excursion to Giverny to visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet, immortalized in his most famous paintings.  The most famous of the Impressionist painters, Monet took his inspiration from Japanese art and the gardens to create his iconic art.  Within the house, you will discover more about his work and influences through fascinating exhibits, while the gardens will remain etched in your mind for many years to come.
After lunch in a local auberge, we will return to Aurora.  This evening we moor in the Conflans at the junction of the River Seine and the Oise.  Many bargees retire here: Take a stroll to admire their beautiful barges along the quayside.

Day 14: Conflans to Paris
Early risers may witness a glorious sunrise as Aurora moves away from Conflans at dawn, to begin cruising on the River Seine.  Arriving at Bougival, we will visit the home of Napoleon at Malmaison.  Decorated by Josephine, his Empress, it provides an insight to a bygone age.  After lunch on board, we continue our journey towards Paris, where you will be treated to a unique view when passing the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame cathedral to our mooring in the heart of this most romantic of cities.
What a fabulous place to look back over your time aboard Aurora.

Day 15: Paris
The last of your breakfasts will be an especially hearty one before the Captin and crew bid you farewell.  Bags are loaded after breakfast for your drop off in Paris.

The following itinerary can be adapted to accommodate a Golf Charter if required.  (see footer)

Sunday: Paris to Samois-sur-Seine
Guests are met at a hotel in Paris and then travel by private coach to Samois-sur-Seine, to board Aurora.
A welcome Champagne reception is the perfect introduction to your cruise, before a short walk through the village before dinner.

Monday: Cruise to Montereau
A range of excursions are possible today:

• Chateau of Fontainebleau, famous palace and preferred hunting ground of the French Kings
• Garden-Museum of Antoine Bourdelle, famous sculptor,  situated in an old Briare far
• Barbizon, where the Ecole de Fontainebleau painting movement began; see the Auberge Gannes where the artist lived, along with many art galleries in the village
• Moret-sur-Loing, a medieval town favourites by the Impressionists including Sisley; visit the Candy Museum of the Nuns of Mort and the Grance Bateliere, house of Clemenceau, named Pere de la Victoire, the statement during WWI

Tuesday: Cruise to Courlon-sur-Yonne
Today we continue our historical adventure by visiting the Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte, one of France's most beautiful palaces, built for Fouquet, the Finance Minister of Louis XIV.  Discover the fascinating story which lead to Fouquet's arrest, which inspired the story 'The Man with the Iron Mask'
Alternatively, we can visit Provins, a magnificent medieval town in the Champagne region.  The 12th and 13th-century fortifications and typical wooden houses transport us back to a former age.  Free time for shopping.

Wednesday: Cruise and mooring in the Center of Sens
Today we visit the cathedral of Saint Etienne and the Synodal Palace in the heart of Sens.  There is a unique collection of Religious Art, a private art collection of the Bishops who lived here in times past.   In the cellar, there is an impressive Gallo-Roman archaeological treasure to be admired.
Sens is a great place for souvenir shopping!

Thursday: Cruise to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
No trip to the region would be complete without a visit to Chablis.  Today we take an extended visit and wine-tasting tour of this most famous Chardonnay village, called the Golden Gate of Burgundy.  You will be charmed by the narrow streets and houses dating from the 14th century, and enjoy a Picnic with an unforgettable view.  
A must for all wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Friday: Cruise to Joigny
You will fall under the charm of Joigny, a picturesque town with stunning townhouses, churches and monuments nestled along the first vineyards of Burgundy.
After lunch, we will visit nearby Auxerre, renowned for its numerous religious buildings.  This medieval city is characterised by timber houses, spires, an impressive 15th-century clock tower and a magnificent cathedral.  You may like to visit the underground Crypt too.  Enjoy the cobbled pedestrian streets in the old town and the open Market.

Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast, return to Paris by private coach.

GOLF Options:
Monday: Golf de Fontainebleau,  Green fee 18 holes: 120€- 150€  OR Golf de Cely-en-Bieère,  Green fee 18 holes: From 49€
Tuesday: Golf de Montereau, Green fee 9 holes from 31€; 18 holes: 44€
Wednesday: Golf de Senonais,  Green fee 9 holes: 29€; 18 holes: 30€  OR Golf de Vangouard,  Green fee 9 holes: 58€; 18 holes: 74€
Thursday: Golf de Roncemay, Green fee 9 holes: 44€; 18 holes: 59€ 
Friday: Golf de Roncemay, Green fee 9 holes: 44€; 18 holes: 59€