Beauty in Loire Valley
Itinerary
Day 1Welcome to France! Upon arrival at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle International Airport, meet your guide and relax during your transfer to Orleans, located in the heart of the beautiful Loire wine country. Welcome to the Loire! Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure after your journey to the heart of France. You may wish to dine inside the hotel restaurant or stretch your legs and dine at a local café this evening. A welcome bottle of wine will be waiting your arrival in your room. Day 2This morning look forward to the sights of Orleans including the fabulous Cathedral of St. Croix, the home of Joan of Arc, Hotel Groslot and the surrounding landmarks. Next, enjoy lunch and free time at Place Martoi. Your day continues with more amazing sights. Finally, you will be served a typical French dinner in a quaint restaurant located on Rue de Bourgogne. Day 3Enjoy a beautifully scenic ride to taste the stunning sweet wines of Sancerre. Be sure to take photos of this beautiful village that sits high upon a hill. You will also discover Foie Gras, goat cheese and other savory foods that pair so well with the liquid gold grape juice of Sancerre. Part of your day will include touring underground wine caves. Then settle in for a relaxing return trip to Orleans. Day 4Pack your bags as your Loire Valley wine tour continues. Your first stop will be at the Chateau de Chambord, the most remarkable Renaissance Castle in France. You will also visit Chateau Beauregard, do some wine tasting in Cheverny and enjoy delicious chocolates and French pastries at the House of Bigot. This evening, you will check into a magnificent mansion near the heart of the Loire Valley in the city of Tours. Day 5Today you will see the sights and sip the white wine of Vouvray. Look forward to an incredible winery lunch, and visits to both Chenonceau and Amboise Castles before an evening historical tour of Tours and an incredible dinner. Day 6Your France journey continues with a wine tasting conducted deep in the underground cellars of a top Cabernet France producer. Then you will check into an amazing country Chateau in Chinon and visit another famous wine producer before closing the day. | Day 7Get ready to sleuth you way through a garden maze at the Villandry Castle this morning before today’s wine tasting. Remember, the Loire Valley is full of history and antiquities. The Joan of Arc Museum tour is incredibly fascinating and reminds visitors of the depth of history in this remarkable valley. Free time this afternoon is available to wander specialty shops in this quaint village. Bring along reading material for a break in a park next to a fountain while sharing a snack with traveling friends. This evening is a perfect opportunity for enjoying another delicious meal at your Chateau property. Day 8Today you will tour the Fontevraud Abbey and taste the wines of Saumur and Anjou. A wine paired lunch will be served in the garden of another beautiful Loire Valley Chateau complete with a variety of “still and sparkling” wine. Then it’s off to Angers, where you will find another gorgeous Chateau property awaiting your arrival. Day 9See the Cathedral of Saint Maurice, the Angers Castle and visit a Cointreau Distillery during your tour today. Your day will also include a wine tasting in Anjou. Close the day with a hands-on cooking class at your Chateau this evening. Day 10Travel to Nantes where you can visit The Machines de I’lle. See Le Grand Elephant, the old hangars and other works of Jules Verne who was inspired by the ultimate Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci. Nantes is known for stylish fashion shops, interesting art galleries, museums and other attractions in France’s “Most Livable City.” Day 11Sip the rare white wines of Muscadet today and enjoy your last wine paired lunch. This evening, you will learn how to cook fresh local seafood dishes that pair nicely with the amazing wines of the region. This will be a grand farewell event! Day 12Today begins with a transfer to Paris to begin your returning flight home. |
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