Highlights of the Loire Valley
Château de Chenonceau ©ImagesdeMarc
Château du Rivau © Château du Rivau
Chateau Chenonceau ©leonard de serres
River Cher Cruise
The Loire Valley is the land of stunning châteaux, fine wines and spectacular scenery. We’ve put together a fabulous itinerary to take in some of the finest parts of the region, including wine tasting and lunch at Château du Rivau and a visit to the dramatic Château de Chenonceau which spans the River Cher.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Tours & Château du Rivau
Today we travel to the nearby capital of the region, Tours, where we have free time at leisure to explore this delightful town. With its impressive old town by the river, beautiful, tree-lined squares with half-timbered houses, narrow winding streets, churches and excellent shopping, there is plenty to enjoy. We then make our way to the Château du Rivau where we enjoy lunch and a guided tour. We have some time to enjoy the wonderful gardens at leisure, followed by a tasting of 3 wines.
Day 3 Amboise
We enjoy a day at leisure in Amboise today, exploring the charming town where our hotel is based. We can wander the small streets of the town centre and marvel at the Troglodyte cave dwellings that have been turned into houses and wine cellars. We may like to try some local wine and visit the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, or the Château d’Amboise, a residence for French kings from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Day 4 River Cher Cruise & Château de Chenonceau
We make our way to Chisseaux this morning and board our relaxing River Cher cruise. Sit back and admire the flora and fauna on this circular cruise, discovering the history of the river, its dams and surrounding vineyards. We also view perhaps the most impressive of all the châteaux, Chenonceau, from the water. With a dramatic history of intrigue, the Château de Chenonceau is possibly most famous for its connection with the French royal family and Catherine de Medici. Its dramatic position spanning the River Cher also makes it one of the most iconic locations in France. After our cruise, we enjoy entrance to the château and its gardens.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
HOW ABOUT?
Other fantastic châteaux that can be visited in the area include:
• Chaumont - The chateau hosts the International Garden Festival each summer with each year following different themes
• Chambord - One of the largest château in the whole of France, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci
• Azay-le-Rideau - This Renaissance style château is famous for its romantic grounds
• Villandry - This château is famous for its 6 unique gardens.
Many of the châteaux run superb events in August, so this is an ideal month to travel to this region!
HOW ABOUT?
Why not plan your visit to incorporate the fabulous Son et Lumière (sound and light) show that takes place in the courtyard of the Royal Château de Blois every evening during summer? Special effects and projections light up the architecturally beautiful façades of the château as the history of France comes to life in this unique 360-degree audio visual spectacle. Ask your Account Manager for details.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Tours & Château du Rivau
Today we travel to the nearby capital of the region, Tours, where we have free time at leisure to explore this delightful town. With its impressive old town by the river, beautiful, tree-lined squares with half-timbered houses, narrow winding streets, churches and excellent shopping, there is plenty to enjoy. We then make our way to the Château du Rivau where we enjoy lunch and a guided tour. We have some time to enjoy the wonderful gardens at leisure, followed by a tasting of 3 wines.
Day 3 Amboise
We enjoy a day at leisure in Amboise today, exploring the charming town where our hotel is based. We can wander the small streets of the town centre and marvel at the Troglodyte cave dwellings that have been turned into houses and wine cellars. We may like to try some local wine and visit the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, or the Château d’Amboise, a residence for French kings from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Day 4 River Cher Cruise & Château de Chenonceau
We make our way to Chisseaux this morning and board our relaxing River Cher cruise. Sit back and admire the flora and fauna on this circular cruise, discovering the history of the river, its dams and surrounding vineyards. We also view perhaps the most impressive of all the châteaux, Chenonceau, from the water. With a dramatic history of intrigue, the Château de Chenonceau is possibly most famous for its connection with the French royal family and Catherine de Medici. Its dramatic position spanning the River Cher also makes it one of the most iconic locations in France. After our cruise, we enjoy entrance to the château and its gardens.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
HOW ABOUT?
Other fantastic châteaux that can be visited in the area include:
• Chaumont - The chateau hosts the International Garden Festival each summer with each year following different themes
• Chambord - One of the largest château in the whole of France, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci
• Azay-le-Rideau - This Renaissance style château is famous for its romantic grounds
• Villandry - This château is famous for its 6 unique gardens.
Many of the châteaux run superb events in August, so this is an ideal month to travel to this region!
HOW ABOUT?
Why not plan your visit to incorporate the fabulous Son et Lumière (sound and light) show that takes place in the courtyard of the Royal Château de Blois every evening during summer? Special effects and projections light up the architecturally beautiful façades of the château as the history of France comes to life in this unique 360-degree audio visual spectacle. Ask your Account Manager for details.
Novotel Amboise
Amboise, Loire Valley
This 4 star hotel is located on the outskirts of the riverside town of Amboise in an elevated, tranquil setting. From the hotel’s terrace you can enjoy impressive views of Château d’Amboise and the beautiful Loire countryside. All 121 bedrooms are of a good size with modern facilities including air-conditioning, TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. A buffet dinner for groups is taken in a meeting room close to the hotel bar with views to the countryside. From the outdoor terrace and outdoor swimming pool, you can enjoy stunning views of the nearby town.
• Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Outdoor swimming pool • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Novotel Amboise
Amboise, Loire Valley
4 Nights Half Board
Inclusions
• Return short sea crossing
• Entrance & guided tour of Château du Rivau
• Lunch & wine tasting at Château du Rivau
• Circular cruise on the River Cher
• Entrance to Château de Chenonceau
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
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