Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/669304
C A N A L S O F E U R O P E BESANCON Day 13: Wednesday 30 August You might want to step off the barge this morning to admire a shining example of Enlightenment architecture at the UNESCO listed Saline-Royale saltworks museum. Our last afternoon of sailing is spent on the River Doubs en route to Besancon, a photogenic gem that epitomises the rural treasures of France and the ideal place to enjoy the Captain's Gala dinner finale. LOIRE VALLEY DISEMBARK MS JEANINE Day 14: Thursday 31 August Bidding 'bisous et au revoir' to fair Jeanine, we're back on dry land, disembarking to transfer to the Loire Valley. The Chateau d'Artigny is our very own for the next three nights and is sure to astound. Built by famous perfumer Francois Coty in the 18th century, this is a shining star in one of France's most notable wine regions. Dinner and a tour of the stately grounds leaves you feeling like Lords and Ladies of the manor. LOIRE VALLEY Day 15: Friday 1 September Peppered with medieval fortresses, fairytale chateaux and of course those abundant vines, there's no wonder the Loire Valley has earned itself UNESCO World Heritage Status. On our full day tour from Villeray to Langeais, Renaissance art meets award winning horticulture and pristine Chateaux. Could there be a more pleasurable setting for sipping some of France's finest wines? A perfect day is rounded off with dinner at the chateau's L'Origan restaurant by award winning Chef Richard Prouteau. LOIRE VALLEY Day 16: Saturday 2 September It's a pleasure to be able to set out again on a degustation discovery through the luscious Loire Valley. Starting in Blois, we follow our palate to Cherverny, where a lavish lunch is accompanied by King Francis I's very own private wines. Our last port of call is Chambord, a place which inspired Louis XIV's favourite black raspberry liqueur – an archaic twist on the version we might drink today. A day of indulgence is topped off with an authentic dinner at a famous family run Domaine – all will be revealed on the day! DEPART PARIS Day 17: Sunday 3 September After our final cafe et croissants we have some time to relax before we catch the train to Paris for our departure. ARRIVE AUSTRALIA Day 18: Monday 4 September You're looking forward to wowing your friends with your improved skills in Italian and French as you return to Australia tonight. Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley Italian Renaissance Pre Tour Option Aboard La Bella Vita ARRIVE VENICE JOIN LA BELLA VITA Sunday 13 August We're immersed in Italian Renaissance culture, cruising the waterways of Italy from the Venetian lagoon aboard La Bella Vita. The first of six glorious nights begins with a chilled prosecco as we glide along Giudecca Canal to disembark and join the locals for their passeggiata. Feel the magic of St Mark's Square before venturing along Venice's back alleys for wine and cicheti. SAN PIETRO IN VOLTA Monday 14 August We welcome the serenity on the tiny island of Mazzorbo, treating our palates to tastings at Venissa, a wine estate ringed by 1727 medieval walls. We return to La Bella Vita for lunch bound for Pellestrina along the Canal of the Orphans, passing lagoon islands dotted with monasteries and churches. TAGLIO DI PO Tuesday 15 August After exploring the fishing town of Choggia and sailing through a nature reserve pink with flamingoes, we wind along to Taglio di Po. An invitation into the stately home which was the muse for Lord Byron's finest poetry is a rare treat as the owners put on a most impressive dinner. San Pietro in Volta Taglio di Po Bosaro Mantua Verona Trevenzuolo Coach La Bella Vita ITALY Venice 52 CAPTAIN'S CHOICE | Europe 2017