Aurora luxury barge cruises

With a rich culture and history, there are numerous reasons to visit Holland in the Spring time.

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.

Schiedam to Scheidam

Sunday:
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 world's largest working windmills, a glass museum, a chocolate art factory, a historic harbour, and Jenever (Dutch Gin) distilleries.  Aurora will be moored below the Nolet distillery, the most famous one.  Take time to explore the town and to enjoy a Gin tasting before dinner on board.
Alternatively, visit Euromaste, the cubic houses and the market hall in Rotterdam.

Cruise from Schiedam to Leiden, via Rotterdam and Delft

Monday:

While enjoying your first gourmet breakfast aboard Aurora, we begin our cruise while admiring the skyline of Rotterdam and take a turn right under Euromast – the highest viewpoint of Holland.
We pass through the “Parksluis” lock and arrive on the quiet, small river Schie, which leads us to the 16th-century town of Delft with its world-famous Delft Blue ware.
We can visit a Royal Delft tableware factory to learn first-hand from the artisans how this world-famous porcelain is made. You will have free time during the afternoon to explore Delft further – so you can individually visit the Nieuwe Kerk (with the tomb of William of Orange and other royals as they rest in peace), Oude Kerk, Vermeer centre (for the admirers of the famous painter), the Town hall and the eastern Gate.
OR Enjoy a trip to the Hague to visit the Mauritshuis (with works by Rembrandt or Vermeer), Binnenhof (the Parliament and government buildings) or the Peace Palace
OR visit Madurodam – a miniature Holland depiction with replicas of historically significant buildings
The barge continues cruising to tonight’s mooring destination in the town of Leiden – home to one of the oldest universities in the country and the birthplace of the famous Rembrandt Van Rijn.
Leiden is an ancient and impressive historical city (city rights since 1266), full of charm and character, perfect for those who like to cycle, or simply stroll the banks of the pretty tree- lined canals. In the evening you can take a stroll through the historic centre with many churches, historic city gates and courts, almshouses and mills and many museums (Stedelijk-municipal, Boerhaave- science and medicine, Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde- ethnological, Naturalis-national natural).

Dinner aboard.

Cruise from Leiden to Haarlem

Tuesday:
Upon leaving the university town of Leiden, we cruise on past some beautiful lakes and colourful flower fields towards the historical, cosmopolitan and truly picturesque city of Haarlem, dating back to the 13th Century.
Haarlem is home to the Frans Hals Museum, which we can visit, a portrait gallery founded in 1862 with its vast collection of Old Masters.  Other highlights include many great buildings, such as the late Gothic masterpiece St. Bavo’s Cathedral on the main square, graced by the fact that both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Müller organ there. 
Step back in time as you come face to face with the 13th-century town hall, the magnificent Butchers’ hall (Vleeshal) built by Lieven de Key and the Fish auction hall (Vishal). Or experience the atmosphere of the many historic courts. You will have some free time visiting a fine selection of boutique shops.
Complete this day with an evening walk along the quiet canals and picturesque arched bridges to the market square with its café terraces, the perfect spot for some people-watching.

Alternatively, we can visit Keukenhof. This afternoon marks a cruise highlight if flowers are your passion, with a walk through the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Known as
The garden of Europe, the largest display of flowers in the world, with more than 100 acres filled with over 7 million flowering bulbs, numerous varieties of tulips and hyacinths. We
stroll through 32 hectares of gloriously breathtaking waves of colour and immerse in the heady scents during this unforgettable excursion.

Dinner on board.

Cruise from Haarlem to Amsterdam via Zaandam/Zaanse Schans

Wednesday:
Our morning cruise is taken up as we head north up the Spaarne towards the region of Zaandam with its traditional Dutch green ‘dollhouse’ architecture. We will cruise on towards Amsterdam, through the heart and the very centre of the city; we pass 10 lifting bridges and numerous canal houseboats where the small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century.
In the afternoon,  we tour Zaanse Schans, an open-air conservation area and museum, giving you a vivid impression of the Dutch way of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. This historical area consists of authentic houses and windmills, an historic shipyard, pewter factory, a cheese and dairy farm and an age-old grocery store dating back to the 1900‘s.
In Zaanse Schans is possible to visit six working windmills, a clog maker and a cheese maker and a mustard mill – everything that the Dutch are famous for can be encountered here in this tiny village!  A real treat and an ‘absolute' must for anyone traveling to Holland, Zaanse Schans is one of Holland’s top tourist.
Dinner on board.

Cruise from Schans to Alphen aan den Rijn

Thursday:
From the outskirts of Amsterdam, we sail through a big lake past the Schiphol airport, pastures and cute Dutch villages towards the picturesque Oude Wetering. We then head along through the beautiful lake area to our mooring for the night in the Alphen aan den Rijn.
Options for today:
a) Amsterdam: a quick tour with pointing out some of the city highlights plus a visit of one of the numerous musuems (Rijksmuseum, van Gogh museum, Diamond museum or Anne Frank’s house)
b) Volendam and/or Marken: visit of the traditional fishing villages, where one can admire the original atmosphere retaining its wooden houses. In Marken there is a cheese factory and a clog-making workshop. In Volendam, the old world-famous village, one can admire and soak up the past traditional folk costumes casually worn by the locals in the maze of narrow streets, wooden houses and little canals. A blast from the past!

Cruise from Alphen aan den Rijn to Schiedam, via Gouda

Friday:

Today, our hotel barge will set off for a last breakfast cruise to the nearby quaint medieval town of Gouda, or the Mecca of cheese and the smoking pipes.
The large 123m tall, fascinating Gothic church of Sint Janskerk in Gouda is known especially for its magnificent stained glass windows, for which it has been placed on the UNESCO list of Dutch monuments – so don’t forget to admire it!
There will be time to explore Gouda’s beauty, the picture-perfect town hall and square plus the Waag where the famous Gouda cheese has been weighed since 1668. Take a peek
inside one of the cheese shops!
We return to Aurora for cocktails and our Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Schiedam

Saturday:
After your last plentiful breakfast, it's time to say a sad farewell to join the return drive to the designated drop-off point (airport or hotel of your choice)

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 city's highlights.  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 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 who 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 the 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 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 and the train carriage where the World War 1 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 offer us 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 into 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 captain and crew bid you farewell. Bags are loaded after breakfast for your drop-off in Paris.

Enjoy a fabulous 2-week cruise from  Belgium to France for a trip to remember

Day 1: Brugge
We will pick you up in Bruges or in Brussels and bring you to our lovely barge moored in the beautiful little town of Bruges, known as the “Venice of the North”. After some welcome reception of petits fours and champagne, you will have time for a guided walking visit of the centre or to explore some museums and magnificent squares and maybe buy some of the handmade lace or take a boat trip on the small canals which meander through this picturesque town for a unique view of the Flemish architecture. Visiting the famous Belfry, Quay of the Rosary, Historium Museum, Burg Square or St. Boniface Bridge is possible. Cocktails and first dinner aboard.

Day 2: Brugge to Ghent
After breakfast, we will start our first sailing east of Brugge, which will take us to the gorgeous town of Ghent. Here you get to spend some time to visit the magnificent cathedral which houses “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”, the fabulous and famous painting by the Van Eyck brothers, or take a walk through this wonderful town at your leisure and explore the local boutiques. The city of Ghent is proud of its rich past, and its position at the junction of the Leie and Schelde rivers has ensured the town’s success as a trading port. Ghent is much more than just a museum town. This lively city, with its numerous squares and cosy pubs, is an excellent mixture of medieval edifices, stylish shopping streets, splendid mansions, working-class quarters from the beginning of the 20th century, and busy little squares where people eat out till the wee hours on a sultry summer night. Delightful dinner on board.

Day 3: Ghent to Oudenaarde
Beautiful, peaceful sailing on the Scheldt River into the Flemish Ardennes and the lovable town of Oudenaarde, renowned for its tapestries. After lunch, we get to visit the spectacular center of the town, full of patrician houses, including the Gothic town hall ( one of the most beautiful in Flanders with its UNESCO-inscribed belfry), the cloth hall Mou Museum with the tapestry display, or the beer brewery Brouwerij Liefmans. 

Day 4: Oudenaarde to Tournai
There's plenty of time to relax this morning as we cruise gently up the River Schelde past sleepy hamlets and beautiful rolling landscapes until we arrive at Tournai ( known as Doornik in Flemish), an ancient Belgian town and the birthplace of Clovis I (founder of the Merovingian dynasty).  The aged and fascinating clock tower/belfry on the wonderful square and a magnificent Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with its five solemn square towers (two world heritage sites) are not to be missed. Tournai’s belfry dates from around 1188, making it the oldest belfry in Belgium. You can observe the big ships navigate through the gate of the old Watergate. Also not to be missed is the famous “ Pont des Trous” (Bridge with holes), which was used to collect tolls on the rivers in the old times. In 1940, the entire town was destroyed in a German air raid, but restoration has been very successful.  Dinner aboard.

Day 5: Tournai to Arleux 
Today, we move further into France along the river through Valenciennes and to the junction with the Canal du Nord.  Many barges pass through the little French village of Arleux on their way to the south of France. We'll take some time to visit the town of Cambrai, home to the famous confectionary, the Betise de Cambrai sweet.  'Betise' means nonsense or mistake,e and legend goes that these sweets (mint candies) were invented by accident by the son of a confectioner named Afchain. They make a good gift! Possibility to visit modern art Matisse Museum / or a lace museum/ or a brewery. Dinner on board. 

Day 6: Arleux to Peronne
A day of contrasts awaits!
This morning, your Captain will pilot Aurora over the Vermandois Hills of Picardy through many deep locks and tunnels on Canal du Nord. This canal was constructed to replace the neighbouring and smaller Canal St.Quentin, which was built to transport coal from the mines strewn around the Picardy region.  This is no mean feat, and the scenery is spectacular, too!  The well-maintained towpath invites you to walk or cycle along through the rural landscape. 
After lunch, we leave the countryside behind to visit the town of Amiens, “Venice of the North,” to see one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, with towering spires, magnificent columns, and the tallest nave in France. In Musee de Picardie, we can visit recreated prehistoric dwellings or local artefacts.
Dinner aboard.

Day 7: Peronne to Noyon
After the climb yesterday, we will descend towards the Valley of the Somme, revealing landscapes not normally seen by tourists. Again, there are great opportunities for cycling. After breakfast, we will visit the war museum in Peronne, dedicated to First World War history and set on the premises of the medieval castle. We will then take an afternoon cruise to our overnight destination. Dinner will be aboard.

Day 8: Noyon to Compiegne
Our cruise today brings us to the Oise River valley. We will moor in the busy waterside town of Compiegne. There is much to see here, including the Royal Palace—a neoclassical chateau and a royal residence lavishly redecorated at Napoleon’s request—a huge town square, and the train carriage where the WWI Armistice was signed to end the First World War. There is also the possibility of hiking or biking in the gorgeous forest full of ponds and sweet hamlets. Dinner aboard.

Day 9: Compiegne to St-Leu-d’Esserent
The morning cruise will continue through the peaceful and bucolic settings of the Oise until we reach our destination for the night, nestled at the foot of a beautiful church overlooking the river. During our afternoon tour, we will visit Senlis, a magnificent romantic medieval town with many old cobbled streets and picturesque houses (Cathedral Notre-Dame, ancient fortifications and towers dating from the 13th/16th cent., Museum of Archeology and Museum of the history of the town. You can admire and visit the ancient walls, one of the best preserved in France.

Day 10: St-Leu-d’Esserent to Isle Adam
After breakfast, we continue our cruise through the beautiful Oise Valley.  We will moor in Isle Adam, a favourite weekend getaway for many Parisians. Our afternoon will be spent on the premises of Chateau de Chantilly, one of the most magnificent French sites. You get to visit the Chateau and its rich Collections of many famous masterpieces ( only surpassed by the Louvre), the Apartments of Le Grand Conde, the Park & vegetable garden, and the Great Stables. Chateau de Chantilly contains one of the largest fine art collections focusing on paintings and book illuminations from the 15th & 16th centuries; the town is also famous for being the capital of whipped cream. Another delicious dinner on board awaits us this evening.

Day 11: Isle Adam to Conflans
Today, we get immersed in an arty theme with an afternoon excursion to a pleasant village where many impressionist painters gathered in their day, Auvers sur Oise. This is where Van Gogh was inspired to produce many of his last and most important paintings.  He stayed in a small room above the local café.  An afternoon walking tour may inspire you too and include all the highlights such as the Van Gogh house, the Absinthe museum, the atelier of Charles Daubigny and more!  We'll finish the tour at the cemetery where both Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo are buried. Our barge Aurora will be moored at Conflans this evening, at the junction of the River Seine and the Oise.  Many bargees retire here, and numerous house barges are alongside the quays.  Dinner aboard.

Day 12: Conflans via Bougival to Paris
We slip away from Conflans at dawn to cruise along the mighty River Seine to Bouvigal, where we'll visit the home of Napoleon at Malmaison in the morning, lavishly decorated by Josephine.  Lunch is on board, and then we continue our cruise to Paris, past the iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame cathedral, to moor in the heart of Paris.
This evening, spent in such a romantic setting, provides the perfect time to reflect on your time onboard Aurora.

Day 13: Paris
Enjoy a special hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to Aurora, her Captain, and the crew. After breakfast, your bags will be loaded to transfer you to your drop-off point in Paris.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary that may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Enjoy our brand new route for 2026: In the footsteps of Impressionism and Royal Palaces
Join the beautiful ship Aurora for a fascinating river cruise between Compiegne and Bougival. Taking in the sights along the beautiful river Seine, each day will be a fabulous mixture of relaxation and exploration, with a range of potential excursions for you, our guests, to choose from.
Welcome aboard!

Sunday: Paris - St Mammes

We will meet you at either your hotel or the airport in Paris, for our transfer on our private bus to Aurora, moored in St Mammes, a royal town famous for its barley sugar, fortified gates, superb Renaissance facades and the church of Notre Dame. Enjoy a Champagne reception including petit-fours on either the stunning front deck or in the bar alongside the open fire.  

There is time for a walk around the medieval town and to visit the house of Alfred Sisley, a 19th-century English artist associated with the Impressionist movement. Many of his works include images of landscapes and buildings from the town and the banks of the Loing and Seine. Immortalised in his work, many of these picturesque spots remain today.  Sisely and his wife are buried in the local cemetery. 
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner aboard.

Monday: St Mammes to Melun

Enjoy your first gourmet breakfast before setting off for a fascinating tour of the Chateau of Fontainebleau, with its magnificent gardens.  Dating from the 16th century, the chateau was established by Francois 1, and was the home of many French kings, including Napoleon, each of whom stamped his mark on the buildings to suit his particular style.   There will be time to visit the town around the castle for some souvenir shopping. 

After lunch on board, we set sail along the River Seine.  Relax on deck as the bucolic scenery plays out before you along the river banks, until we reach our mooring in Melun.
Along the way, we will see both pleasure and working boats, a testament to the long history of the river, as we pass the Chateau de Rosa Bonheur in Thomery, and the village of Samois-sur-Seine, where the gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt lived..  
Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Melun to Evry

After a leisurely breakfast, we visit Barbizon, a charming village set in the Forest of Fontainebleau.
Barbizon found fame in the 19th century through the works of art created by landscape impressionist painters who were members of the Barbizon school. This group of artists decided to paint from nature, leaving their studios behind to work in situ, like their English precursors, John Constable and Turner.
We may visit the Auberge Ganne, now open as a museum, where many artists once lived, including Theodore Rousseau.
The Barbizon art movement contributed to the advancement of the Realism movement and included artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Sisley, who all found inspiration in this picturesque village. You can stroll through the cobbled streets and push the door of small shops and art galleries.
Return to the Aurora for cocktails and dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Evry to Paris

After breakfast on the front deck,  we will take a drive to the sumptuous Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte, with its intriguing history.
This privately-owned estate is one of the most spectacular palaces in France, featuring magnificent gardens.
The chateau was designed by Le Vau, the widely celebrated King’s Principal architect, who was a great ambassador of Italianate style, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity. 
Financed and built by Nicholas Fouquet, finance minister of Louis XIV, its opulence drew the king’s envy and led to Fouquet’s imprisonment for life. His arrest inspired the famous story “ The Man in the Iron Mask” and the creation of Versailles in retaliation.
After our tour, we return on board Aurora moored in Evry, and we will spend the afternoon cruising to Paris.  Time to relax on board and admire the passing scenery before dinner on board.

Thursday: Paris to Bougival

Our morning cruise takes us through the City of Lights, the most romantic city in the world.  We will enjoy unique views of several famous historical landmarks, including the Louvre, the Museum d'Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais and the Eiffel Tower, to name but a few.  When we leave Paris, there are many beautiful houses along the river to admire.
We will arrive in Bougival in the early afternoon, ready for lunch, after which we will leave Aurora for our afternoon's excursions to the Chateau de Malmaison, a beautiful palace built west of Paris in a splendid, lush setting.  Discover the romantic story of Napoleon and his wife Josephine through personal artefacts in this beautiful chateau, which was to become the seat of government where the Civil Code and Legion of Honour were decided upon.
We return to Aurora for dinner.

Friday:  Bougival to Conflans St Honorine

During the last and final cruise, we sail past St Germain-en-Laye and Maisons Lafitte suburbs and many beautiful villas along the river Seine until we reach our final destination of the cruise, Conflans St Honorine.  This quaint village is situated on the confluence of the rivers Oise and Seine.  Here, there are numerous retired working barges, once used to transport wood and other goods to the capital city.
After lunch, we shall visit nearby Auvers-sur-Oise. In this pleasant village, many of the impressionist painters used to come for inspiration and to work, including Renoir, Monet, Pissarro & Cezanne. Admire Van Gogh's house, the Auberge Ravoux, where the famous painter lived and died. 
The chateau-museum has been specially designed to show the décor and Life in Paris in the time of the Impressionists, and takes us right back to that simpler time. We can also visit the Museum of Absinthe, the famous liquor of the 19th century,  or Maison-Atelier de Daubigny, a French historical monument.
After an interesting afternoon, we return to Aurora for cocktails and our Captain's Farewell dinner.

Saturday

After your last plentiful breakfast, it's time to say a sad farewell to join the return drive to Paris. Au-revoir!

Excursions are tailor-made to fit your interests. Your charter: your choice!