THE MAGNIFICENT LOIRE

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Departure dates throughout the year
From 4 day durations
Return executive coach travel
Return short chanel crossings
From 3 nights half board accommodation in the Loire region

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 The coach will depart from your local pick up point/s and travel to take the short channel crossing to Calais. You will continue your journey in France to the Loire region where you will arrive in time to settle in before dinner in the hotel this evening.

Day 2. Today your first excursion is to Chateau Amboise. This beautiful chateau was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and the authentically royal château was the first to introduce the Italian style to the Loire Valley. Built for defence purposes on a promontory overlooking the Loire River, the chateau began life in the 12th century. Expanded and improved over time, in the mid 1400’s, it was seized by King Charles VII, after it’s owner was convicted of plotting the assassination of the king. Once in Royal hands, the chateau became a favourite of French kings during the 15th and 16th centuries, some using it to house their wives and children while they lived with their mistresses in another chateau. As a guest of King Francois I, Leonardo da Vinci came to Chateau d’Amboise and would live and work in the nearby Clos Lunce where he is buried. King Henri II and his wife, Catherine de Medici, raised their children in Chateau Amboise along with Mary Stuart, the child Queen of Scotland who had been promised in marriage to the future French King Francois II. Today, the descendants of King Louis-Philippe repair and maintain the chateau through a foundation.

Day 3. After breakfast we will depart for our full day tour to the town and Chateau de Chenonceau. Built on the river Cher, where the unique beauty of its architecture reflects in the water, the Château de Chenonceau is the Val de Loire’s finial. Château des Dames as recorded in the French history books, Chenonceau owes a large part of its charm to women: it was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, then made even more attractive by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, and saved from the rigours of the French Revolution by Mrs Dupin. The lovely surroundings, the formal garden and the park surrounding it add to the impression of delicate grace emanating from the castle. Chenonceau is not only remarkable for its architecture and history but also for the fine quality of its collections : Renaissance furniture, a vast ensemble of 16th & 17th century tapestries and a great number of masterpieces. We have also included a cruise today which will give you a chance to relax and enjoy some of the most picturesque scenery in the region. We return to Tours your hotel in time for you to relax before dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 Today we are starting the day with a combined coach and guided walking tour of the city of Tours! The home of the French language, an ancient ‘Gallo-Roman’ city and once the capital of the kingdom of France. The history of the city dates back to the 1st century AD and developed throughout the centuries. Tours was once the main link from France to Spain and it’s artistic and architectural heritage has remained to this day. A restoration order saved much of the ancient and dilapidated old city and this has saved some of the oldest timbered buildings in the region. Around this area has sprung up a café society and a wonderful atmosphere can be enjoyed by visitors. There will be free time following your guided tour to purchase lunch locally before we continue onto the wine lovers favourite, an included visit to Vouvray and the Chateau Moncontour Winery, which is one of the oldest in the Loire Valley and was built around the 4th century. Of course you will have the opportunity to taste some of the produce during your visit before we make our way back to the hotel in time to freshen up for your pre-bookable optional evening meal at the Le Cave restaurant in Montlouis sur Loire. In the heart of Touraine, in surprising yet warm surroundings, the troglodytic restaurant "La Cave" is located literally in a ‘cave’. This high restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience and an unbeatable atmosphere with it’s high arched ceiling and subtle lights. (Alternatively dinner can be taken at the hotel this evening)

Day 5 After breakfast we will depart for one of the most spectacular chateaux in the world, Chambord. The name Chambord comes from Camboritos, which in Gallic means "the ford on the curve". A few miles away from Blois, in a landscape of forests, ponds and brooks, the château of young King François 1st was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The plan of the château is based around a square residence flanked with round towers, a traditional form of keep and a symbol of feudal power. Since the early twentieth century, the clarity and geometrical power of the palace has been interpreted as evidence of the involvement of Leonardo da Vinci, working for François 1st in the Loire Valley since 1516. There will be free time for lunch - payable locally - before we move on to the town of Blois, which was sadly damaged during the second world war. However, the town centre retains much of the architecture and atmosphere that made Blois popular with many of the kings of France. The Royal Residence in Blois was the home to French Kings and Queens for more than four centuries, (entrance payable locally). We return to Tours later in the day so that you can freshen up before dinner at the hotel tonight.

Day 6 Sadly we must leave the Loire region and return to the UK making comfort stops en-route and arriving back at your original departure point later this evening. .

PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS

Price on application
Single room supplements & minimum numbers apply

HOW TO BOOK

Choose a departure date
Call Simply Groups

WE WILL DO THE REST