France – The Loire Valley
FRANCE – THE LOIRE VALLEY (SEPTEMBER 2017)
If you have a love of food and wine join us on this gastronomical adventure which takes you through the villages and vineyards of The Loire Valley. Join ‘foodie’ expert Barbara Barde and Sommelier Tom LeRoy and discover this culinary-rich region.
1. DAY 1 WELCOME TO PARIS
Airport transfers depart from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your hotel in the heart of Paris at 8:30am, 11:00am and 1:30pm. Relax and settle in or venture out and start exploring this great capital. This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine at a local bistro.
Hotel: Pullman Paris Bercy
Welcome Reception and Dinner, Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
2. DAY 2 PARIS – NANTES
Travel west from Paris on to the charming fishing village of Le Croisic where you will enjoy a delicious lunch of local seafood specialties accompanied by the Muscadet wines of the coastal Loire region. Continue to our hotel in Nantes.
Hotel: Mercure Central, Nantes
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
3. DAY 3 NANTES
This morning we explore the Chateau Des Ducs de Bretagne, an incredible castle that served as the Breton residence of the kings of France. Then enjoy a walking tour through the old city of Bouffay, the ancient medieval quarter of Nantes. Stroll through the town’s character-laced lanes up to the superb Gothic Cathedral of St. Paul and St. Peter. Walk through the Isle of Feydeau and view the architectural remnants of the maritime traders’ opulent 18th century lifestyle. The day concludes with a visit to the winery Chateau La Cassemichere for an incredible tour and tasting of the region’s famed varietal, Muscadet.
Hotel: Mercure Central, Nantes
Buffet Breakfast
4. DAY 4 NANTES – ANGER EXCURSION – MONTBAZON
Enjoy a countryside drive through the picturesque heart of the Loire Valley. On arrival in Angers meet our local expert at the town’s imposing medieval castle Chateau d’Angers. Enjoy a tour of the incredible castle grounds and walk along the fortress walls. Later visit the Musee Cointreau for an exploration of the world renowned French aperitif before continuing to our hotel in Montbazon.
Hotel: Chateau d’Artigny Hotel, Montbazon
Buffet Breakfast
5. DAY 5 SAUMUR EXCURSION
Discover the secret world of mushrooms at the Musée du Champignon in the village of St. Hilaure. A fascinating tour through an underground cave exhibits the many cultivation methods of mushrooms indigenous to the Saumur region. Continue your remarkable exploration of life beneath the surface with a fantastic subterranean lunch at the Cathredrales de la Saulaie. We visit a local winery in Saumur dedicated to sustainable viticulture and taste the product of the winemaker’s devotion to beautiful grapes. The rest of the day is yours to relax in the hotel’s magnificent grounds and perhaps enjoy a game of tennis, swim or a hike in the woods.
Hotel: Chateau d’Artigny Hotel, Montbazon
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
6. DAY 6 CHINON EXCURSION
On the way to Chinon visit the family owned Frederic Mobileau Vigneron winery and learn the art of perfecting the balance of tradition and modernity in wine making. Explore the beautiful medieval commune Chinon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a local expert. Whilst in Chinon visit the Couly-Duthier winery, famous for their renowned vintages that are only served at the most prestigious tables in France. Return to your hotel.
Hotel: Chateau d’Artigny Hotel, Montbazon
Buffet Breakfast
7. DAY 7 MONTBAZON – TOURS – COUR-CHEVERNY
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour through the local markets. Enjoy some free time, followed by a visit to local family-run winery in the heart of the Loire Valley. Learn all about the family’s passion for wines while you explore their traditional underground cellars within the limestone hills of Rochecorbon. On to our quaint hotel in Cour-Cheverny, home for three nights and including a delicious dinner each evening of classical dishes prepared in the traditional French style.
Hotel: Relais de Trois Chateaux Hotel, Cour-Cheverny
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
8. DAY 8 CHÂTEAU DE CHENONCEAU
Today you are introduced to the splendour and luxury of French court life with a visit to Château de Chenonceau. Set on elegant arches spanning the River Cher, it is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in existence. A local expert recounts tales of King Henri II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, as you tour the home she loved, but from which she was driven by the vengeful Queen, Catherine de Medici. One of the jewels of the French Renaissance, admire the rich decor, stroll beneath the trees of the boardwalk and the formal gardens where roses and clipped lavender are laid out in typical French style. Enjoy an unforgettable cruise along the calm waters of the River Cher before returning to our Hotel.
Hotel: Relais de Trois Chateaux Hotel, Cour-Cheverny
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
9. DAY 9 EXPLORING SANCERRE
Today we visit the charming town of Sancerre to explore the cobbled alleyways lined with 17th century houses. At the nearby Chevrerie la Brissauderie we’ll be introduced to the “crottin de Chavignol” goat cheeses that, along with Sancerre wine, are the area’s most famous product. Along the town’s “route de vin” we’ll visit a renowned local winery to learn about and sample the region’s celebrated Sancerre white, made from sauvignon blanc grapes which thrive in the hot, dry climate. Our day in Sancerre ends with a visit to the Maison des Sancerre Museum of Wine for a fantastic and highly entertaining introduction to the art of winemaking. Return to the hotel.
Hotel: Relais de Trois Chateaux Hotel, Cour-Cheverny
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
10. DAY 10 RETURN TO PARIS
Return to the French capital where your local guide introduces you to all the fabulous sights! Take in the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the vast Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysées and Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe. Your sightseeing tour concludes with a photo stop of the Eiffel Tower. The City of Light really lives up to its name when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory – for that special touch of excitement and glamour why not experience of one of the world famous cabaret shows?
Hotel: Pullman Paris Bercy
Buffet Breakfast
11. DAY 11 PARIS
Today, stroll the streets of Paris with a local gastronomic expert and explore authentic French food culture. Visit local gourmet delicatessens, patisseries, and incredible speciality food stalls. The rest of the day is at leisure. For your final night, enjoy a Celebration Dinner of authentic seasonal dishes at a trendy Parisian restaurant with good wine and great company!
Hotel: Pullman Paris Bercy
Buffet Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
12. DAY 12 AU REVOIR PARIS
Your tour concludes after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 & 10:00
Buffet Breakfast