Barge Cruise: La Nouvelle Etoile
Cruise In Holland, Belgium, Champagne, and Alsace in France, and in Germany Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge LA NOUVELLE ETOILE
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger La Nouvelle Etoile sets a new standard for elegance and sophisticated technology in barge cruising, with four spacious cabins boasting internet access with flat-screen monitors, satellite television and video. Each cabin has a luxuious en-suite bathroom with double sinks and an oversized shower. The barge is one of the few that is wheelchair accessible, with a wide gangplank, elevator to the cabins, and a cabin with a wheelchair accessible bathroom. A state-of-the-art exercise room and hot tub on the upper deck are also available for your use.
The owners-hosts on board, Bill and Lisa Desmond, will ensure that everything is perfect for your cruise. Their meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout -- from the selection of the linens to the fresh flowers and fruit in each suite. The warm, elegant teak interiors, subtle color schemes and pleasant furnishings invite you to relax and enjoy. On deck, comfortable patio furniture in the shade or sun lets you float through the countryside.
In the spring La Nouvelle Etoile cruises in Holland on its Amsterdam area tulip cruise, visiting the famous Keukenhof Gardens with its flower displays and cruising on the canals in Amsterdam and nearby countryside. In May it cruises from Holland to Belgium, to the beautiful town of Bruges, the "Venice of the North." This cruise is followed by a 12-day cruise from Bruges to Paris including a visit to Claude Monet's home in Giverny and a cruise on the Seine River past the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. In June, La Nouvelle Etoile cruises in Champagne, in Alsace in late July and August, and in Germany on the beautiful Mosel River to visit castles, quaint villages and wine makers in September and October.
The tours are designed to let you do what interests you most. Go for a morning walk, bicycle along the towpath, jog in the countryside or simply enjoy the luxury by sunbathing on the deck, as the barge slips down the lazy river. Pursue your interest in art at fine local museums or visit architectural marvels dating back to the Renaissance or Roman times. The possibilities, like the memories you return home with, are endless.
Imagine dining on exquisite gourmet cuisine, drinking fine wines of exceptional vintage from top local vineyards while sitting at a table replete with elegant Wedgwood china, Christofle silver and the finest crystal. On La Nouvelle Etoile, each meal is an event, carefully planned and prepared as an extraordinary culinary experience. The kitchen procures the finest local foods and freshest produce that are seasoned with herbs grown on board. Your Chef is happy to personalize your meals to meet any special requirements or specific dietary needs.
We have stayed on board and visited the barge several times and can attest to the fact that this barge provides an outstanding cruise in all respects, no matter which of its many cruise routes you pick.
Features
- Size of barge: 128 ft by 17 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
- Crew: 5
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Large salon with picture windows and comfortable sofas, upright piano. Dining area with dining table seating 8. Elevator to lower deck.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with Jacuzzi, chairs, dining table for alfresco dining, and retractable cover for shade. Wheelchair-accessible gangplank.
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Four cabins on lower deck (Cabin 4 is wheelchair accessible, with accessible bathroom and shower). All over 200 sq ft with large windows, two twin beds or queen bed and ensuite bathroom with shower. Telephone and computer in cabins with DVD-video, flat-screen satellite TV, and internet access. Self laundry (washer and dryer) on lower deck.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned mini-bus
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Gangplank is wide enough for wheelchairs. Elevator to lower cabin level. One step down from deck into salon. One wheelchair accessible cabin/bathroom.
- Bicycles: Four 8-speed bikes and 4 electric bikes
- Small Exercise Room: with treadmill, stationary bike and free weights
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
La Nouvelle Etoile's Deck Plan
| LA NOUVELLE ETOILE 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | REGULAR Apr 4 thru May 22 Jun 6 thru Oct 16 |
BRUGES-PARIS 12 DAYS May 23 thru Jun 5 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$8,630 |
$14,400 |
| Single Occupancy Cabin |
$12,945 |
$21,600 |
| Charter for 8 |
$65,000 |
$110,000 |
| LA NOUVELLE ETOILE 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | REGULAR Apr 3 thru May 21 Jun 5 thru Oct 15 |
BRUGES -PARIS 12 DAYS May 22 thru Jun 4 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$8,630 |
$14,400 |
| Single Occupancy Cabin |
$12,945 |
$21,600 |
| Charter for 8 |
$65,000 |
$110,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days, 6 nights in a cabin with ensuite bathroom (12 days, 11 nights for Bruges-Paris cruise)
- Transfers from pickup and drop point in Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels/Bruges, Strasbourg, or Frankfurt (depending on cruise route) to the barge and return
- All meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- Open bar and wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Europe (Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels/Bruges or Frankfurt) and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
La Nouvelle Etoile 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 28 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| Apr 4 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| Apr 11 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| Apr 18 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| Apr 25 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| May 2 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| May 9 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| May 16 | Amsterdam-Bruges | Regular |
| May 23 | Bruges-Paris |
Bruges-Paris 12 Days |
| May 30 | Bruges-Paris |
Bruges-Paris 12 Days |
| Jun 6 | Transition week | Not cruising |
| Jun 13 | Paris-Epernay | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Epernay-Paris | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Paris-Epernay | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Epernay-Paris | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Transition week | Not cruising |
| Jul 18 | Transition week | Not cruising |
| Jul 25 | Nancy-Strasbourg | Regular |
| Aug 1 | Strasbourg-Nancy | Regular |
| Aug 8 | Nancy-Strasbourg | Regular |
| Aug 15 | Strasbourg-Nancy | Regular |
| Aug 22 | Transition week | Not cruising |
| Aug 29 | Remich-Koblenz | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Koblenz-Remich | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Remich-Koblenz | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Koblenz-Remich | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Remich-Koblenz | Regular |
| Oct 3 | Koblenz-Remich | Regular |
| Oct 10 | Remich-Koblenz | Regular |
|
La Nouvelle Etoile 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 3 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| Apr 10 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| Apr 17 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| Apr 24 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| May 1 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| May 8 | Haarlem-Haarlem | Regular |
| May 15 | Amsterdam-Bruges | Regular |
| May 22 | Bruges-Paris |
Bruges-Paris 12 Days |
| May 29 | Bruges-Paris |
Bruges-Paris 12 Days |
| Jun 5 | Paris-Epernay | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Paris-Epernay | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Epernay-Paris | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Paris-Epernay | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Epernay-Paris | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Paris-Nancy | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Paris-Nancy | Regular |
| Jul 24 | Nancy-Strasbourg | Regular |
| Jul 31 | Strasbourg-Nancy | Regular |
| Aug 7 | Nancy-Strasbourg | Regular |
| Aug 14 | Strasbourg-Nancy | Regular |
| Aug 21 | Nancy-Remich | Regular |
| Aug 28 | Remich-Koblenz | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Koblenz-Remich | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Remich-Koblenz | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Koblenz-Remich | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Remich-Koblenz | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Koblenz-Remich | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Remich-Koblenz | Regular |
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
NOUVELLE ETOILE'S ITINERARIES
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Holland: Amsterdam Tulip Cruise
Haarlem to Haarlem Spring 2023
Holland: Amsterdam Tulip Cruise
Haarlem to Haarlem Spring 2023
Haarlem, Saint Bavo's Cathedral
Zaanse Schans Village
Gouda Cheese
Famous Delft Pottery
Keukenhoff Gardens
Sunday
After your pick-up by our driver you will be taken to La Nouvelle Etoile which will be moored in the center of Haarlem, only about 20 minutes from Amsterdam. Haarlem is quite a charming and cosmopolitan city full of historical beauty. St. Bavo's Cathedral in the main square is where both Mozart and Handel played on the magnificent Muller organ. You are welcomed on board with a champagne reception. There is time to relax as you cruise this afternoon to Zaandam before your first gourmet dinner on board.
Monday
Wake up to an elegant breakfast and then take an excursion to the reconstructed historic village of Zaanse Schans with its working windmills, clog makers, cheese farm and mustard mill. Everything the Dutch are known for can be found in this quaint village. This afternoon we cruise through the heart of Amsterdam where the small canals and architecture take you back to a previous century. Continue cruising along the Amstel River to Ulthoorn where we will moor for the night.
Tuesday
A leisurely cruise to Gouda, famous for its cheese, pipes and candles. After lunch, visit a local cheese farm. Later, explore Gouda's gorgeous architecture, excellent shopping and also the most beautiful stained glass windows in Holland. These remarkable windows in St. John's church date back to the 15th century.
Wednesday
This morning's cruise is to Rotterdam, the world's largest port, stopping at a vodka distillery en route. Ketel One is the oldest distillery in Holland still owned by the same family. Then we continue to Delft. Delft is a beautiful town with many historic connections including being one of the starting chambers of the Dutch East India Company and the birthplace of artist Jan Vermeer. The day's visit also includes a tour of a Delft factory to learn how this world famous pottery is made. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this delightful and historic Dutch city.
Thursday
This morning we cruise through the canals past Leiden, a charming University town. It is also where many of the Pilgrims lived before they ventured to the New World. Cross the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre showcase for the Dutch floral industry. From late March to mid-May visitors are treated to an ever changing display of spring flowers beginning with narcissus followed by hyacinths and tulips a few weeks later.
Friday
An early morning visit brings you to the world's largest flower auction in Aalsmeer, where some 10 billion flowers are sold every year. Return to La Nouvelle for a cruise to Haarlem with an optional visit to the Cruquius Museum along the way. The Cruquius pumping station is a beautiful neo-Gothic building built in 1846. This draining station contains a Cruquius steam engine, with a cylinder having the largest diameter in the world; almost 144 inches! Visit the picturesque town of Haarlem and the Frans Hals Museum which has an internationally well known collection of Old Masters and works representative of the Dutch Golden Age. Tonight enjoy a gala farewell dinner on board.
Saturday
This will be your last wonderful breakfast on board and then you will be taken to either your hotel or the airport depending on your travel plans.
Note: This is a sample cruise itinerary and it is subject to change.
After your pick-up by our driver you will be taken to La Nouvelle Etoile which will be moored in the center of Haarlem, only about 20 minutes from Amsterdam. Haarlem is quite a charming and cosmopolitan city full of historical beauty. St. Bavo's Cathedral in the main square is where both Mozart and Handel played on the magnificent Muller organ. You are welcomed on board with a champagne reception. There is time to relax as you cruise this afternoon to Zaandam before your first gourmet dinner on board.
Monday
Wake up to an elegant breakfast and then take an excursion to the reconstructed historic village of Zaanse Schans with its working windmills, clog makers, cheese farm and mustard mill. Everything the Dutch are known for can be found in this quaint village. This afternoon we cruise through the heart of Amsterdam where the small canals and architecture take you back to a previous century. Continue cruising along the Amstel River to Ulthoorn where we will moor for the night.
Tuesday
A leisurely cruise to Gouda, famous for its cheese, pipes and candles. After lunch, visit a local cheese farm. Later, explore Gouda's gorgeous architecture, excellent shopping and also the most beautiful stained glass windows in Holland. These remarkable windows in St. John's church date back to the 15th century.
Wednesday
This morning's cruise is to Rotterdam, the world's largest port, stopping at a vodka distillery en route. Ketel One is the oldest distillery in Holland still owned by the same family. Then we continue to Delft. Delft is a beautiful town with many historic connections including being one of the starting chambers of the Dutch East India Company and the birthplace of artist Jan Vermeer. The day's visit also includes a tour of a Delft factory to learn how this world famous pottery is made. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this delightful and historic Dutch city.
Thursday
This morning we cruise through the canals past Leiden, a charming University town. It is also where many of the Pilgrims lived before they ventured to the New World. Cross the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre showcase for the Dutch floral industry. From late March to mid-May visitors are treated to an ever changing display of spring flowers beginning with narcissus followed by hyacinths and tulips a few weeks later.
Friday
An early morning visit brings you to the world's largest flower auction in Aalsmeer, where some 10 billion flowers are sold every year. Return to La Nouvelle for a cruise to Haarlem with an optional visit to the Cruquius Museum along the way. The Cruquius pumping station is a beautiful neo-Gothic building built in 1846. This draining station contains a Cruquius steam engine, with a cylinder having the largest diameter in the world; almost 144 inches! Visit the picturesque town of Haarlem and the Frans Hals Museum which has an internationally well known collection of Old Masters and works representative of the Dutch Golden Age. Tonight enjoy a gala farewell dinner on board.
Saturday
This will be your last wonderful breakfast on board and then you will be taken to either your hotel or the airport depending on your travel plans.
Note: This is a sample cruise itinerary and it is subject to change.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Belgium to France:
Two Country Cruise (12 Days)
Bruges to Paris 2023
Belgium to France:
Two Country Cruise (12 Days)
Bruges to Paris 2023
Bruges
Ghent
Vermandois Hills and Village
Compiegne, Chateau Pierrefonds
Claude Monet's Japanese Bridge in Giverny
Chateau de Malmaison
You will be met by our driver at your hotel and be driven to La Nouvelle Etoile which will be moored in the the beautiful little town of Bruges, known as the 'Venice of the North'. After a wonderful champagne welcome we will take you into Bruges for a city tour on one of the little canal boats. Upon return to La Nouvelle Etoile you will have time to relax and get ready for your first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday
This morning you can join a guided walking tour of Bruges with a local guide. Return to the barge for lunch. After lunch, you will have some free time in Bruges. Late afternoon cruise to Ghent.
Tuesday
After breakfast your guide will take you into Ghent. Visit the cathedral with fabulous painting 'The Mystic Lamb', painted by the Van Eck brothers. Return to the barge for a cruise up the River Schelde to the town of Oudenaarde where we will moor for the night.
Wednesday
A morning cruise further up the River Schelde will take us to the ancient town of Tournai with its famous 'Pont des Trous' (Bridge with holes). This afternoon you can stroll around Tournai or take an optional drive to Waterloo.
Thursday
We continue along the Schelde through the town of Valenciennes to the junction of Canal du Nord at the little French village of Arleux. We will drive to Valenciennes along the way to visit the Museum of Fine Arts.
Friday
We begin our climb over the Vermandois Hills of Picardy through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is spectacular rural France at its best. There is a great towpath for the barge along the canal that allows you to have a leisurely walk if you wish. After lunch, there will be a trip to Amiens to visit what must be one of the greatest of all Gothic cathedrals with its powerful towering spires and columns.
Saturday
After breakfast you can visit the War Museum in Peronne. Upon return, we will continue our journey on the canal du Nord. There will be plenty of opportunities to walk or bike while the barge travels from lock to lock. The cruise now continues along the Canal du Nord as it drops down into the valley of the Somme River before climbing over another watershed.
Sunday
Today we will cruise down to the Oise River valley to moor in the riverside town of Compiegne. There are many places to visit, including the train where the World War I Armistice was signed, as well as the Royal Palace.
Monday
We are now cruising down the Oise River Valley where we stop at the village of Auvers sur Oise. This charming village is a Van Gogh scene. Here is where he lived and painted most of his last and most important paintings, and where he stayed in a small room above a local cafe. We will have an afternoon walk around the town and visit the cemetery where Vincent and his brother are buried.
Tuesday
We will take a picnic lunch, complete with deck chairs and tables, and we are off on a day excursion to Giverny to visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet, probably the most famous of all the Impressionist painters. The gardens will be at their most beautiful at this time of year where we will see the famous 'Lily Pond' and the 'Japanese Bridge' that inspired so many of his paintings. We will moor for the night in Conflans, which is the junction of the Oise and Seine Rivers.
Wednesday
In the morning we will cruise to Bougival and visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon. We will see its many lavishly decorated rooms furnished by Josephine. We will rejoin La Nouvelle Etoile for an evening cruise up the floodlit Seine past the Eiffel Tower and into the 'Port d'Arsenal' adjacent to the Bastille for a farewell dinner on board.
Thursday
After your last elegant breakfast on board you will be driven to either your hotel or the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change at the Captain's discretion.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Champagne: Seine River, Marne River Cruise
Paris to Epernay 2023
Champagne: Seine River, Marne River Cruise
Paris to Epernay 2023
Château Vaux le Vicomte
Cemetery of Belleau Wood
Champagne Vineyards
Epernay Village
Sunday - Paris - Welcome Aboard!
After being met by our driver you will be taken to La Nouvelle Etoile, which will be moored in the heart of Paris, for a wonderful champagne welcome. You will have the afternoon to relax as we sail down the Seine past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. We will moor the first night in the Port d'Arsenal near the Bastille, where you will enjoy the first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday - Paris to Meaux
A morning cruise out of Paris onto the Marne River where we will have lunch and then visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. We will rejoin the barge in Meaux in time to stroll around the town and visit the cathedral.
Tuesday - Meaux to Courtaron
Morning cruise from Meaux to Courtaron with an afternoon visit to Coulommiers, one of the centers of Brie cheese making. You will enjoy a tasting of the various Brie cheeses with a master cheese maker, along with wines from his excellent cellar.
Wednesday - Courtaron to Chateau Thierry
We are now in Champagne and on our way to Charly-sur-Marne. Stop to enjoy the wonderful champagne of a small family vineyard before an afternoon cruise to Chateau Thierry, the scene of American battles during World War I. There will be an optional trip to visit Belleau Wood Battlefield.
Thursday - Chateau Thierry to Damery
The Marne River takes us through vine-covered hills dotted with small wine villages to the delightful little town of Damery. Here we will visit the vast cellars of Moet Chandon and a private tasting of the champagne.
Friday - Damery to Epernay
We leave the Marne River for a small canal leading to Epernay. We will visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made champagne. Afternoon drive to Reims Cathedral and then back to La Nouvelle for your last gourmet dinner on board and a farewell party.
Saturday - Transfer to Paris hotel or airport
After your last elegant breakfast on board you will be taken to either your hotel or the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change if deemed necessary by the Captain.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Alsace Lorraine: Canal de la Marne au Rhin Cruise
Nancy to Strasbourg 2023
Alsace Lorraine: Canal de la Marne au Rhin Cruise
Nancy to Strasbourg 2023
Alsace Vineyards
Panache Cruising in Lutzelbourg
Chateau de Rohan a Saverne
Strasbourg Cathedral
Sunday - Nancy to Laneuville
After being met by our driver you will be taken to La Nouvelle which will be moored in Nancy. After a wonderful champagne welcome we will set off for a short late afternoon cruise to Laneuville. Tonight, you will enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday - Laneuville to Lagarde
We will cruise during breakfast and then drive to Nancy for a walking tour of the city beginning at the elegant Place Stanislas. Flanked by handsome Baroque palaces and enclosed by ornate gold and wrought iron entry gates, the square is considered one of the grandest in all of France. The Art Nouveau movement originated in Nancy. We may visit the Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy to see its fine collection. Return to La Nouvelle Etoile for a leisure afternoon cruise to Lagarde.
Tuesday - Lagarde to Sarrebourg
After a morning cruise past tidy farms and pasturelands we will drive to one of the local Cristalleries where fine crystal is still blown by hand. Then continue Sarrebourg to have a look at the famous Chagal windows.
Wednesday - Sarrebourg to Lutzelbourg
Each day we travel on the canal we have been gradually climbing to the crest of the Vosges Mountains. After navigating two tunnels carved into the mountaintop, we will encounter the Inclined Plane at Arzviller. This unique lock allows a barge to glide effortlessly up or down the mountainside using a system of weights and balances. We continue the cruise through the Zorn Valley where the surrounding hilltops are dotted with ruins of feudal castles. Our overnight stay will be in Lutzelbourg.
Thursday - Lutzelbourg to Saverne
This morning we wind our way through the heart of Saverne, past the regal 18th century Bishop’s Palace. From Saverne we will take an afternoon drive along the Route du Vin d’Alsace to the old fortified town of Obernai where we will visit the Market Square and the 14th century ramparts that surround the city. We will stop along the way at a vineyard to taste some of the best Alsacian wines.
Friday - Saverne to Strasbourg
Today we will finish the cruise in Hochfelden just outside of Strasbourg. Our afternoon tour of Strasbourg includes the folk museum and the 11th century gothic cathedral, leaving enough time to stroll around to explore the fine shops. Returning to the barge late in the afternoon you will enjoy your last gourmet dinner on board.
Saturday - Transfer to hotel, train station or airport
After an elegant breakfast you will be driven to either your hotel, train station or the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change. It runs in reverse direction on alternate weeks.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Germany: Mosel River Cruise
Koblenz to Remich 2023
Germany: Mosel River Cruise
Koblenz to Remich 2023
Burg Eltz Castle
Village of Zell
Bernkastel
Saint Peter's Cathedral, Trier
Sunday
After being met by our driver we will take to La Nouvelle that will moored in the heart of Koblenz for a wonderful champagne welcome. There will be a short late afternoon cruise to Winningen, one of the oldest and largest wine growing villages in the area where we will stop and you will experience the first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday
A morning cruise guides us through the lowest part of the Mosel River up to the charming town of Cochem. In the early afternoon we will drive you to the castle of Burg Eltz, also called the 'Queen of the German Castles' as it is one of the few that was not destroyed by the French King Louis XIV in 1689. A guided tour takes us through this fascinating 12th century castle. We return to La Nouvelle in Cochem in time to stroll through this delightful little village.
Tuesday
After breakfast we will take a leisurely cruise past numerous vineyards in beautiful scenery to Zell, one of the most beautiful towns on the Mosel and is famous for its wines. Visit the cellars of Dr Josef Weiss, just outside of town for our first wine tasting.
Wednesday
Cruising up this very picturesque part of the Mosel we reach Bernkastel, another famous wine village. Here you will find the 'crème de la crème' of Mosel wines. In the afternoon visit the private cellars of Pauli Bergweiler for a sampling of his superb wines. Finish our day with a stroll around the village of Bernkastel.
Thursday
This morning we will cruise to the oldest town in Germany, Trier. Trier will take you back to the old Roman times from hundreds of years before Christ. Visit the Porta Nigra, part of the old town wall and the magnificent St. Peters Cathedral, or stroll the old town to shop or browse.
Friday
This morning we will cruise our last part on the Mosel into Luxembourg to the small village of Remich. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit the nearby capital of Luxembourg. Tonight, our owner-hosts on board, Bill and Lisa Desmond, will join you for a farewell dinner on board.
Saturday
After your last elegant breakfast on board you will be taken to either your hotel or the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change if deemed necessary by the Captain.
Dining Aboard La Nouvelle Etoile:
Sample Menu
BREAKFAST
- Fresh fruit
- Cereals
- Yogurt
- Eggs and pancakes cooked to order
- Fresh juices, tea and coffee
- Selection of village-baked pastries, croissants and breads
LUNCH
- Salads
- Quiches
- Pates
- Breads
- Fresh fruit
- Cheeses
- Desserts
DINNER
- Fresh foie gras grilled with grapes in wine sauce
- Rack of lamb in herb and pine nut crust
- Panache of fresh vegetables
- Rosemary potatoes
- Stuffed zucchini flowers
- Warm goat cheese and Bleu d'Auvergne cheese on toast on a bed of crispy
salad
- Sticky toffee pudding with creme anglais and strawberries
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Domaine Henri Bourgeois, Pouilly Fumé; Château Davenay, Montagney; Domaine Laroche, Chablis Premier Cru; Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils, Santenay; Château La Rose Trintaudon, Haut Médoc
Passenger Comments:
An extraordinarily wonderful experience. Meals and wines were over the top, absolutely outstanding. Excursions were excellent, well planned and executed. Staff were extraordinarily great.....each and every one. Friendly, professional, efficient, attentive to our every question or need. They made it the great experience it was. I highly praise and recommend each of them. Thanks for a wonderful experience.
S.W. KY USA
A five star experience! The five staff were superior and very very nice and welcoming throughout. wines? The meals and wines were unbelievably top rate. Chef was better than any Michelin 2-star. The high points were the staff and food! Plus great friends. All a perfect combination!
B.&.E.M., CA, USA
Excellent trip. The best of the 4 barge trips we have taken. The service was excellent. The best we have experienced. Superb meals. Again, consistently the best we have had probably anywhere. Our high points were the food and the beautiful scenery along the Mosel.
J & G. K. CA, USA
This is my 5th barge trip!!! Very comparable. Love the individual attention! 1200+ photos of amazing, relaxing holiday! I documented every meal and every course: treat for eyes, mouth and nose! Franck (tour guide) is amazing and so " simpatico. " Very knowledgeable, charming, gives detailed accurate directions, arranged many personal touches.
M.F., TX, USA
LINKS to La Nouvelle Etoile Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023