 |
 |
|
An Extraordinary Escape to the Loire Valley
The Details - 6 days/5 nights
TRIP PRAISE
"Just a short note to say thanks for everything you did on the tour, we really enjoyed ourselves again. We feel very fortunate to have "discovered" your tours, they are definitely the best group tours we have ever been on. We had a great time, it was especially neat to spend so much time with Christophe & Angelique." Bill & Laurie Crimando, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI (2003 Burgundy Tour, Loire Valley Tour, Bordeaux Tour)
|
|
|
|
|
MORE INFORMATION
|
|
2008 LOIRE VALLEY TOUR PRICES:
--April thru September Tour Dates: US$3,998 per person double/twin occupancy. Single supplement US$484.
--October thru March Tour Dates: US$4,498 per person double/twin occupancy. Single supplement US$899.
--Also available as a 5 day/4 night tour: US$3,398 pp double/twin occupancy. Single supplement US$354.
Click here to read everything that is included in the tour price.
2008 LOIRE VALLEY TOUR DATES:
April 21-26 - SOLD OUT
June 17-22 - SOLD OUT
June 23-28 - SOLD OUT
July 1-6 - SOLD OUT
July 7-12
August 3-8
September 9-14
October 10-15
November 18-23
Want to print out all of the trip details at once? Click here to print complete Loire Valley Tour Information (in html format) or click here to download the Adobe pdf file of this same information.
Check out photos of our Loire Valley Chateau Hotel
|
|
|
LOIRE VALLEY DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
|
|
Day 1
Group Pick-Up at 4:15 PM at St. Pierre des Corps Rail Station, Hotel Check-in, Wine Tasting Workshop and Dinner with our local Wine Specialist - D
"Meet and greet" by your tour guide at 4:15 PM at St. Pierre des Corps TGV Rail Station. We transfer as a group to our historical 2nd Empire Chateau Hotel, Chateau des Tertres, for our cultural and gourmet adventure in the heart of the LOIRE VALLEY. Enjoy a warm welcome from our Chateau hosts Bernard & Christine with a glass of Touraine wine or another refreshing beverage while settling into your room. Borrow a bike and ride about as you wish, enjoy a walk into the local village or simply relax on the garden terrace.
 Dinner: A Gourmet extravaganza, tasting dinner of regional dishes with wine pairings during our evening wine tasting workshop, "Introduction to and Appreciation of Touraine Wines". Chef Angelique prepares a multi-course dinner for us in her home that reflects her husband Christophe's and her family's traditional Touraine recipes, a real treat for us to enjoy recipes and dishes that have been passed from generation to generation over several centuries. Under Christophe's expert and professional instruction, we will learn about Touraine grape varieties, the harvest in the Loire Valley, vinification and of course, we will taste the finest wines produced in the Touraine, a welcomed surprise and pleasure for our guests, since Touraine wines are not as well known as the Touraine's Bordeaux and Burgundy counterparts. Angelique also has a couple of gourmet surprises produced by her father to share with us at the end of our interactive wine evening.
|
|
Day 2
Discovering Blois Market, Blois Castle and Historic Town, Chambord Castle, Cheverny Castle, Dinner in a 13th century castle - B, D
 Buffet breakfast. Morning: Prior to our visit of the historic town of Blois and it's royal castle, we'll introduce you to the French tradition of shopping at the weekly open market. From local artisan products to French linens, paintings, clothes, food, artwork and locally made jewelry, the market brings an unparalleled livelihood to villages and towns of the region. Take time to explore the market and shop. Afterwards, a commentated tour of the history of Blois Castle followed by time to explore at leisure. We'll share stories about some of the most note worthy events of French history, important accomplishments by the French monarchy, details of the rigors of daily life during the Renaissance and quirky facts about royal marriages and deaths. Lunch in Blois.
 Afternoon: Expert commentated tour of the Castle of Chambord. An architectural masterpiece, thought to have been the masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci, yet never proven, you will hear stories about two of France's most influential Kings, Francis I and Louis XIV, their royal lifestyles and personal guests at the castle, as well as stories of Louis XIII's brother, Gaston d'Orleans.
 Following our tour at Chambord, we visit the Chateau of Cheverny followed by time to explore at leisure. An original jewel among the most famous castles of the Loire Valley, the Castle of Cheverny was built during the reign of Louis XIII in the classical style. The castle boasts a distinguished symmetrical architecture that began to appear in France in the early 17th century. Its delicate features also stand out through the perfect whiteness of the stones, quarried from Bourre in the Cher Valley. This stone not only comes out white, but also hardens over time. Regarding the owner, time for stories of ownership, fraud to the state, the castle as a gift to royal mistresses and the castle's hunting reputation.
 DINNER: Gourmet dinner this evening at a Michelin star restaurant in a 13th century castle overloooking the Loire River that has also been rated and recommended by Alain Ducasse.
|
|
Day 3
Amboise Open Market, Amboise Royal Chateau (castle) and Historic Village, Chenonceau Castle & Gardens, Cooking Class with our Friend and Michelin Star Chef Christophe Cosme - B, D
 Buffet breakfast. Morning: Prior to our visit at the royal castle of Amboise, there will be time this morning to explore Amboise's weekly open market. Again, from local artisan products to French linens, paintings, clothes, food, artwork and locally made jewelry, the market brings an unparalleled livelihood to Amboise, and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture at its' busiest time of the week. Afterwards: An expert commentated tour of the Chateau of Amboise followed by time to explore at leisure. Today's visit includes stories of royal accidents, more stories of some of France's most important historical events, an attempted kidnapping, as well as royal love affairs and the death of royal guest, Leonardo da Vinci. Lunch in historic Amboise village.
 Afternoon: Tour of the Castle of Chenonceau: A commentated tour of the Chateau & gardens of Chenonceau - a castle shaped by women, this castle represents the greatest accomplishments of royal women during the Middle Ages and French Renaissance. Enjoy stories of Queens and their courts, royal love affairs, parties and deception and how royal debt nearly led this castle to being confiscated by the French state.
 Late Afternoon and Dinner: Recreational culinary class this evening with our friend and Michelin Star Chef, Christophe Cosme, who had the great pleasure of working with Bernard Loiseau and Christian Willer before venturing out into the culinary world on his own, and opening his gem of a restaurant in the late 1990's. Under Loiseau and Willer, Christophe learned the importance of quality ingredients, which awaken ones senses and bring out the unique flavours of the local "terroir". Christophe welcomes us to prepare gourmet Loire Valley recipes with him in his professional kitchen at his restaurant situated along the Loire River. Afterwards, we'll enjoy an evening cocktail together followed by a gourmet feast of the recipes prepared during cooking class.
|
|
Day 4
Castles & Villages South of Tours: Langeais Castle, Azay-le-Rideau Castle and Villandry Castle & Gardens, Culinary Class with 2 of France's Highest Rated Master Chefs at Their Home - B, D
 Buffet breakfast. Morning: Winding our way along the Vienne & Loire, the feudal fortress of Chateau de Langeais reflects a perfect example of military gothic style built by French King Louis XI. Enjoy a commentated visit at the chateau of Langeais followed by time to explore at leisure. Learn about one of the most important royal marriages that would forever change the future of France, and imagine life in the 15th century with the castle's abundant collection of period furniture.
 Next stop, we visit the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau situated along the banks of the Indre River. One of the earliest of the Renaissance period castles, here you'll witness a masterpiece built during the early years of Francois I's reign that reflects the charm of a traditional French medieval chateau and the majesty of an Italian Renaissance palace surrounded by a 19th century English-like park. Lunch in Azay-le-Rideau.
 Afternoon: A commentated tour of the Chateau de Villandry followed by time to explore the Renaissance Gardens at leisure. Learn about the numerous owners of the castle and how after the castle's gardens were left in ruin for centuries, one man discovered a very important document in order to re-create the original Francis I Renaissance gardens. The unique Renaissance gardens of Villandry are among the most fascinating gardens of France and of the World. Villandry's Ornamental Gardens, Water Garden, Herb Garden and kitchen Garden have an international fame.
 Evening and Dinner: Recreational, hands-on culinary class with two of France's highest rated Master Chefs, a husband and wife team, Christophe and Angelique, one who is Director of the Val de Loire Culinary Arts school and the other who is a Professeur de Cuisine in the Val de Loire region and who have received top awards from and along with Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse and Joel Robuchon. Christophe is currently being featured on gourmet television in France as one of the Loire Valley's most highly recognized and talented Chefs. We will prepare cocktail treats and a full three course gourmet dinner to include an appetizer, main course and dessert. Following cooking class, we'll enjoy cocktails with our Chefs followed by a gourmet dinner of the recipes prepared together during cooking class accompanied by Mesland Organic wines at our Chef's home.
|
|
Day 5 - For Guests participating in the 6 day/5 night tour...
Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle, International Garden Festival at Chaumont, Hot Air Ballooning over the Loire Castles - B, D
 Breakfast. Morning: Guided tour of the Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle once owned by the wife of Henri II. Here you'll hear stories about the King's mistress, his untimely death and the Queen's vengeance. Afterwards, you're invited to experience one of the region's most important expositions of the year, The International Garden Festival. The festival bears witness to talent from across the globe; artists who create and design individual gardens under a single theme that changes annually. Lunch independently in Chaumont at the Garden Festival or in the village. Evening and dinner: Gourmet French picnic and hot air ballooning over the Loire Valley Castles. One of the most spectacular ways to see the castles, it's also one of our guests favorite way to conclude their exclusive "insider" experience in the Loire.
OR
Day 5
Tour Conclusion for Guests participating in the 5 day/4 night tour - B
Buffet breakfast. Arrival at the Saint Pierre des Corps rail station at 9 am.
Day 6
Tour Conclusion for guests participating in the 6 day/5 night tour - B
Buffet breakfast. Trip concludes today with a 9 am arrival to Tours: St. Pierre des Corps Rail Station.
Special Note: Our Loire Valley Tours include light "leisure walking" at the castles and in villages that is appropriate for ALL travelers.
|
|
|
|
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 20% Moderate, 80% Easy (leisure walking at the castles and in local villages)
TOUR BEGINS:
Group pick-up : Your guide meets you and the other Guests of the group on Tour start date at 4:15 PM at the Tours St. Pierre des Corps Rail Station in Tours, France. To reach the meeting location for the Tour, travelers take the TGV (high speed train) either directly from the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Saint Pierre des Corps rail station or from the Gare de Montparnasse in downtown Paris to the Saint Pierre des Corps rail station. Travel time is approximately 1 hour from downtown Paris and 1 hour 45 minutes from the airport.
TOUR ENDS:
Group drop-off : Your Guide drops your group off on Tour end date at 9 AM at St. Pierre des Corps Rail Station in Tours, France.
Return to the Loire Valley Tour Summary Page
Book a Loire Valley Extraordinary Escape Tour Now
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
