Savoir Faire

The 12-passenger Savoir Faire was built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge. She was converted into a hotel barge in 1979 and was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. The air conditioned interior is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment, whether for a personal retreat, a gathering at the on board piano or all passengers together enjoying each others company. The saloon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass and decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years. Two spacious sun decks offer magnificent views of the countryside and bikes are provided for those who wish to explore further.

Savoir Faire features six staterooms all of which are air conditioned and have en-suite facilities. Each can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed. All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S. standard power outlets. Internet access is also available. 
 
You will be attentively catered for by six English-speaking crew including the captain, deck hand, master chef, tour guide and two housekeepers.

Below you can find some of the highlights of the cruises we are currently offering on Savoir Faire, along with some examples of the cuisine and fine wines the master chef will present you with on board.

Sunday, Day 1 Haarlem to Zaandam
We meet at a hotel of your choice in Amsterdam city centre at 2pm (Schiphol Airport pickup can also be arranged) and transfer you to the barge moored in the center of Haarlem for a Champagne welcome. We will relax for the afternoon with a cruise to Zaandam, where we will moor for the night and you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.
 

Monday, Day 2 Zaandam to Ouderkerk
After breakfast we will take a short drive to the Zaanse Schans to visit a working windmill, a clog maker and a cheese maker. In the afternoon we will cruise to Amsterdam, through the heart of the city where the small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century and then along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Ouderkerk to Gouda
An early rise and drive to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer. Upon return we will set off for a cruise on the canals to the cheese Mecca of Gouda. After lunch, we will take a drive out to a local cheese farm. Besides cheese, you will find beautiful buildings, excellent shopping and the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Gouda to Delft
A morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and then onto Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery works, where porcelain is still handmade and painted. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this beautiful historic Dutch city. Dinner on board

Thursday, Day 5 Delft to Oude Wetering
A morning cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths, and other beautiful bulbous plants. Dinner on board

Friday, Day 6 Oude Wetering to Haarlem
Morning cruise to Haarlem, a picturesque town and the home of the famous Dutch painter Frans Hals where we will tour its museum. Farewell celebration on board and your last elegant gourmet dinner.

Saturday, Day 7 Haarlem
This will be your last breakfast on board. You will then be driven to either the Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam.

This is a sample itinerary is subject to change.

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