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TRIP PRAISE
"Thank you so very much for organizing our trip. You did an outstanding job! Many fond memories of this trip will keep us going for years to come. We really liked everything we did, especially the hot air ballooning, because we had never done it before!" Leo and Sue DeVarenne, Rockford, Michigan (Loire Valley Tour)

"Our trip was so much more than we expected, very personalized and I had such a wonderful time!! Our Guides were exceptionally knowledgeable about the region, French history, cuisine, culture and wine. We met many of our guides' local friends who are prominent chefs and wine producers. I loved everything we did from the cooking class and wine tasting to all the castles we visited and the hot air balloon ride. The week was exciting and fun, and I especially loved meeting all of the Chefs following our dinners." Linda Sites, Los Angeles, CA (Loire Valley Tour)

Welcome to the Loire Valley, the Playground of the French Kings, the Heart and Soul of Historic France!

Why visit France's Loire Valley?

An epicurean heaven, Henry James described the Loire as "the land of Rabelais, of Descartes, of Balzac as well as good dinners and good houses" in A Little Tour in France. By dinners, he was no doubt referring to the Loire Valley region's superlative traditional gourmet and bistro food and elegant Touraine wine. There is still an abundance of good things: fish from the Loire, game from acres of Loire Valley forests, excellent charcuterie from Tours and famed goat cheeses from Chavignol and Saint-Maure-en-Touraine.

The sweetness of life in the Loire Valley has long been renowned. As proof, there have been royal residences and influential Kings in the Loire Valley since the Middle Ages. Charles VII who accorded an army to Joan of Arc in order to expell the English from France spent much of his childhood at Blois Castle. Charles VIII who lived at Amboise Castle, and his cousin, Louis XII who lived at Blois Castle, both married Anne of Brittany, the only woman to be crowned twice Queen of France, in an attempt to annex the Duchy of Brittany into the French Kingdom. Francis I who resided at Blois and Amboise Castles, and hunted at Chambord and Chenonceau Castles officially introduced the Italian Renaissance in France. He brought back many artists and artisans from his Italian campaigns who would transform France's mediaeval landscape into a vibrantly colored tableau of sculpture and exquisite art accompanied by the introduction of elaborate musical entertainment and parties in place of war. Henri II lived at Blois, and raised his family and future Queen Mary Stuart in the Loire Valley, and initiated the campaign to end fighting between the Catholics and Protestants prior to being blungeoned to death during a jausting contest. The first of the Bourbon King's, Henri IV signed the Edict of Nantes in the Loire Valley ending the Wars of Religion. Louis XIII gifted many of the Loire Valley Castles to his brother Gaston d'Orleans, including Blois and Chambord Castles, in order to squelsh his brother's assassination plots against him. Louis XIV took up residence in the Loire Valley at Chambord Castle for a short time in an attempt to flee angry mobs of starving country folk in Paris to preserve the French Monarchy's existence, and invited personalities, such as, Moliere and composer Jean-Baptiste Lully to perform at Chambord Castle.

Whether you choose to join one of our spring, summer or fall tours, our fully escorted, small group, Loire Valley tours offer you, as our guest, an opportunity to discover the cultural wealth of the Loire Valley, its' spectacular history and the exquisite art and architecture of the Loire Valley Castles in combination with fun activities, wine and cheese tasting and culinary excursions that reflect this majestic region.

Special Note: Our Loire Valley Tours include light "leisure walking" at the castles and in villages that is appropriate for ALL travelers.

LOIRE VALLEY Day-by-Day Tour 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. Lunch in Villandry.

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.

LOIRE VALLEY TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

--Full-time services of a professional Off the Beaten Path Expert Historical Guide/Tour Leader who is a wine and culinary expert, and serves as guests liaison during this fully escorted Loire Valley tour program.

--5 nights, Home Based, Deluxe Historical accommodations (NO Hotel Hopping) in a Second Empire Chateau (castle) centrally located to our daily excursions and activities. 4 nights Home Based, Deluxe Historical accommodations for Guests participating in the 5 day/4 night tour.

--Expert commentated tours and all entry fees at the Castles of Chambord, Blois, Amboise, Chenonceau, Villandry, Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire*.

--All fees for expert guests, specialty tours and private tours

--2 Hands-On Recreational Cooking Class with (1) our friends, renowned French Chefs Christophe Quantin (featured on Gourmet TV with Paul Bocuse) and his wife Angelique at their home and (2) with our Friend and Michelin Star Chef Christophe Cosme.

--Interactive evening Wine Tasting Workshop with our local Wine Specialist

--All fees for the cooking class and wine tasting dinner workshop

--Buffet Breakfasts Daily: Buffet Breakfast of freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat and baguette, cereal, fruit, jams, yoghurts, fromage blanc (white creamy cheese similar to yoghurt), fruit compotes, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh juices.

--Gourmet Dinners Daily : Meals include regional "Grand Cru" wines (1/2 bottle per person per meal), teas, coffees and non-alcoholic beverages.

--Fees for hot air ballooning excursion*.

--All gratuities to service personnel and local taxes at the hotel and restaurants.

--Ground transportation during the tour by comfortable minivan

--Roundtrip transfers between Tours Saint Pierre des Corps, TGV rail station and our hotel on tour departure and conclusion day at designated times.

--Limited to 8 guests per tour departure date

--Tour excludes: roundtrip airfare to and from France, roundtrip train fare to and from Tours St. Pierre des Corps rail station, lunches, clos luce entry fee, garden festival entry fee, personal expenses, extras at the hotel, wines and alcoholic beverages ordered beyond the provisions of the tour and anything not specified as included above, optional gratuity to tour guide.

* denotes additional activities for Guests participating in the 6 day/5 night tour

2008 LOIRE VALLEY TOUR PRICES:
--April thru September Tour Dates: US$3,998 pp double/twin occupancy. Single supplement US$484.
--October thru March Tour Dates: US$4,498 pp 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.

LOIRE VALLEY TOUR DATES
2008 Tour Schedule
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

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 the Tour conclusion date at 9 AM at the Tours St. Pierre des Corps Rail Station in Tours, France.