Discover The Loire Valley

Leaving Paris this morning from a centrally located hotel, we stop to visit the incredible Chateau of Chambord. One of the most famous of the Loire Castles, this is also the largest, with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces! Two of the major highlights of this chateau are the incredible skyline of towers and turrets, and the famous “Da Vinci” spiral staircase.
In the Loire Valley we will be staying in a lovely charming manor house hotel close to the town of Amboise. Each evening except for one, we dine in the delightful hotel restaurant. (B, D)

In 1429, Joan of Arc came to the great Chateau at Chinon to encourage Charles VII to take the French throne. We visit La Chapelle Sainte-Radegonde in Chinon, a trogolodyte cave in the hill above the township. This fascinating site was first settled by a famous hermit in the 6thC who was visited by Queen Radegonde fleeing her brutal husband Clothaire King of France. This cave-like chapel contains the hermit John's tomb, a small cemetery from the Dark Ages and most importantly some recently discovered exquisite frescoes, done by a contemporary artist of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and depicting her capture by her husband Henry Plantagenet.

We will also have time to wander the ancient cobbled streets as there are some wonderful hidden corners to discover on your own. This afternoon, we learn the captivating story of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitane, as we visit the beautiful C12th Abbey of Fontevraud, where these two famous figures lay at rest. (B)

This morning we visit the picturesque morning market in the cobblestone streets of the charming riverside town of Montrichard. Next, we explore the village of Chenonceaux and the magnificent Chateau of Chenonceau, where the castle spans the River Cher in picture postcard splendour. We discover its fascinating history including the relationship between Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici and the King of France!
The “Orangerie” restaurant is located in the original orangerie of the castle and is now an excellent restaurant, in a truly unique setting. We will enjoy lunch there today, including some delicious local wines. (B, L, D)

Today a visit to Vendome, which is one of France’s most scenic towns, built over a group of islands in the Loire, its bridges, water gates and old stone buildings forming a delightful tableau. This village has become a popular weekend retreat for discerning Parisiens, and you will discover why as we explore the museum, the abbey church, a 13th century water gate and wash house, and ruined chateau. There are also some delightful shops and cafes.

We return to Amboise via the town of Montlouis-sur-Loire, where we visit our favourite winery.

This evening we enjoy a really special and unique dinner at the Clos Lucé. Built originally in the C12th, this chateau was home to Leonardo da Vinci and the residence where he completed the Mona Lisa, under the patronage of King Francois I. The king granted him a pension of 700 golden ecus a year, and Leonardo was "free to think, dream, and work". Our dinner is a special “Renaissance” celebration cooked over the wood fire ovens. (B, D)

The chateau of Villandry is renowned for its wonderful 10 acre Italian Renaissance style garden. Dating back to 1530, the gardens are immaculately maintained and the Four Seasons of Villandry slide show gives you a view of how the gardens change throughout the year.

After our visit to Villandry we return home via “Le Choiseul”. Le Choiseul is luxury hotel in an 18th-century residence set within Italianate terraced gardens overlooking the River Loire, and nestled below the ramparts of the great Château d'Amboise in the Loire Valley. We are going to enjoy a gourmet lunch in the stunning restaurant overlooking the river. (B, L, D)

Today we return to Paris and on the way, we stop in the tiny village of Briare, to see the amazing Briare bridge-canal designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1896, and the pretty town of Gien, which is world-renowned for its pottery and ceramics – we visit the factory shop and museum. The tour ends when we drop you back at our pick-up point – a centrally located Paris hotel.

• Two nights’ accommodation in Paris in centrally located 4 star hotels
• Welcome drinks at your Paris hotel
• Transfer to the Loire Valley by private air conditioned coach
• 5 nights’ accommodation charming 3 star hotel near Amboise
• Breakfast each day
• Dinner four nights at hotel restaurant
• Special theme dinner at “Clos Luce”, Leonardo Da Vinci’s historic manor home
• Lunch at the « Orangerie », Château of Chenonceau, including wine
• Lunch at “Le Choiseul” restaurant
• Wine tasting at Montlouis-sur-Loire
• Day tours each day in private air conditioned coach
• Entries to Chateaux, museums & monuments
• The full time services of your professional tour director, including history, local lore and comprehensive information about each location we visit on the tour.