Aurora

Join the beautiful ship Aurora for a fascinating river cruise between Compiegne and Bougival. Taking in the sights along the beautiful river Oise and the 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: Compiegne

We will meet you at either your hotel or the airport in Paris, for our transfer on our private bus to Aurora, moored in Compiegne on the River Oise. 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 town before our first sumptuous dinner aboard.

Monday: Compiegne to Pont-Ste-Maxence

Enjoy your first gourmet breakfast while Aurora begins her cruise. 

Today's excursion choices

The Chateau de Compiegne

This neo-classical Palace was the main residence of the French Kings and Emperors. Napoleon Ist restored the chateau to welcome his 2nd wife Marie Louise. It was also to become the favourite residence of Napoleon III and Eugenie.  The chateau takes us back to a bygone age and is splendidly furnished.

Rethondes

This french village is connected with the Armistice signings of November 11th, 1914 and June 22nd, 1940. Discover the history of the Compiegne Wagon, which was sadly destroyed towards the end of the second world war.

The Fortress of Pierrefonds

Situated in the heart of the Compiegne forest in a lovely village, this magnificent castle dates from 1407 when it was built for Duke Louis of Orleans. After being dismantled in the 16th century, the fortress was perfectly restored in the 19th century under the rule of Napoleon III, by the architect Eugène Violette le Duc to recreate a fabulous example of Gothic medieval architecture.

Aurora will continue cruising to Pont Ste Maxence, where we moor for the night. Surrounded by beautiful forests, while parts of this town were destroyed in the second world war, researchers have found proof of pre-historique occupation of this area. During Roman times, Pont Ste Maxence became an important trade route between Paris and the north of France, with wheat and wine being the primary commodities transported via the rivers. Sand and wood were also destined for Paris for building works.

Today's town has a population of just 12,000 and includes some fine architecture, including the local town hall with its slate spire. Take a bike ride or stroll into the ancient town. Perhaps you will discover the Roman road or simply relax onboard. In the evening, why not take a walk through the historical centre before enjoying Dinner on board?  

Tuesday: Pont-Ste-Maxence to St-Leu-d’Esserent

Today we can continue our discovery of the l'Oise and offer a choice of excursions:

Visit Senlis to step back 2000 years!

See the arenas where gladiators fought, the ancient wall of Augsutomagus dating back to the 3rd century and undoubtedly one of the best of these walls preserved in France. The magnificent romantic medieval town with many old cobbled streets and picturesque houses is full of surprises.  The Cathedral of Notre Dame has a magnificent 78m high spire; St Vincents Abbey, founded by Anne of Kyiv in 1060 and St Maurice's Priory dating from the 13th century, show the importance that religion has played in the town.  The ancient fortifications and towers date from the 13th and 16th centuries.   Visit the Museum of Archeology and Museum of the history of the town to discover more about the rich history of the area and to see works by Séraphine. It is no wonder that the monarchs of the early french dynasties chose to live in this beautiful town, close to Chantilly Forest. 

The Abbey of Royaumont

Built-in 1235 by the Cistercians monks,  the impressive cloister and remaining buildings give a good idea of the prosperity of the monks in the middle-age period.  The Abbey was dissolved during the French Revolution.  The first world war brought love and service back to the Abbey when a voluntary military hospital cared for soldiers wounded during the Battle of the Somme.

Our evening mooring is at the foot of the beautiful church, overlooking the Oise River, giving us a picture-postcard view for our dinner aboard.

Wednesday: St-Leu-d’Esserent to L’Isle-Adam

Our cruise today will take us to the charming, picturesque village of L'Isle-Adam, a firm favourite for Parisians wishing to escape the capital for a peaceful weekend.
On our excursion menu...

The Chateau de Chantilly

Step back in history as we explore the Petit Chateau dating from 1560.  The Grand Chateau was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s.  We explore the chateau discovering one of the largest fine art collections in France specializing in french painting and book illuminations of the 15th & 16th centuries, a fabulous library and chapel,  while outside, the beautiful gardens and the Great Stables are equally impressive.
The Chateau saw the premiere of a Moliere play in 1659 so it is fitting that it has more recently been used as a movie set and concert venue!

Meru

Alternatively, we may visit the museum of Nacre and Tablature in Meru, and discover the way buttons and dominos used to be manufactured in older times.

Upon arrival at L'Isle d'Adam, you may wish to explore the town, including St Martin's Church, the Museum Louis-Senlecq displaying the art and the history of the district, the Center of Art Jacques-Henri-Lartigue the famous photographer; and the Chinese Pavilion of Cassan, remaining from the 18th century English-Chinese garden.

Thursday: L’Isle-Adam to Conflans-St.Honorine

Today is another day of choices.  Do you prefer to bathe in the works of the impressionist, or to discover the history of one of France's oldest liquors?

Auvers-sur-Oise

For the art lovers, we offer a trip to Auvers-sur-Oise, a pleasant village where many impressionists were inspired, including Renoir, Monet, Pissaro and Cezanne. The highlight of the day will be a visit to the house of Van Gogh, where the famous painter lived and died. The chateau-museum includes exhibits to show the décor and life in Paris during this fascinating period.

For those preferring to discover more about Absinthe, the Museum of Absinthe reveals the history of this famous 19th-century liquor.

Friday: Conflans-Sainte Honorine to Bougival on the River Seine

This morning we enjoy our final cruising, along the Seine River to Bougival.  Take time to admire the views, including the fine houses perched along the river.
After lunch, you are invited to choose between two excursions:

The Chateau de Malmaison

Josephine de Beauharnais bought this beautiful palace built west of Paris while her husband, General Napoleon Bonaparte was busy fighting in the Egyptian Campaigns.  A woman of excellent taste, she decorated the house and created beautiful gardens, including a heated Orangery, a huge greenhouse and a truly magnificent Rose Garden, with over 250 varieties.  While Napoleon was quite annoyed by the extravagance and cost, Malmaison was to become one of their favourite homes.  We will discover the story behind Napoleon and his wife Josephine through the many personal items on display in the house.

While the marriage ended in divorce, Josephine lived in the house until she died in 1814.  Napoleon then took up residence for his final year before being exiled.
As well as a home, Malmaison was a seat of the French government for two years. The Civil Code was conceived here, along with the Legion of Honour.
While the exotic animals and birds, including kangaroos, emus, black swans, zebras, sheep, gazelles, ostriches, chamois, a seal, antelopes and llamas that Josephine imported are long gone, the stunning house and garden remain, despite having been pillaged and ransacked at various times. More information about Chateau de Malmaison.

Whistle-stop tour of central Paris

Visit the "City of Lights" in half a day – Enjoy a quick tour of Paris in the minibus with brief stops at the main sights: the Eiffel tower, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur basilica.

Saturday

Breakfast on board and morning return to Paris by private van. 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!

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 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 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 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.