The Loire Valley is part of one of the great river systems of Europe.  It is straddled by old towns and bordered by imposing castles.  No longer needing elaborate fortifications, the Kings and Queens of France built palaces here in the style of enlarged manor houses.  They were designed for all the functions of a court and for leisure pursuits in the parks and forests.  We stay in a charming hotel in Chenonceaux and view the range of great buildings from the fortified castles to the great pleasure palaces, including the magnificent Renaissance gardens at Villandry.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Travel from Waterloo to Tours and transfer to our charming hotel in Chenonceaux.

Day 2 – Today we explore the Château of Chenonceau, which stretches across the River Cher, combining in a picture of water, green trees and gardens.  Built in 1513, Henri II gave it to Diane de Poitiers in 1547. Later, Catherine de Medici, forced Diane to relinquish it.

Day 3 – We visit Blois, a royal residence from 1498.  The external Renaissance staircase was built to the design of Leonardo da Vinci. 

We visit the Chateau de Chambord, with fine Renaissance decoration, and a great staircase. We also visit the Chateau de Cheverny, constructed to later exacting classical standards, a building of symmetrical and harmonious beauty.

Day 4 – We visit Azay le Rideau.  Its Mediaeval turrets are purely symbolic and incorporated into the design of the building. We continue to Villandry, where the gardens are the most complete example in France of the formal Renaissance style.

Day 5 – We visit the Château at Amboise.  It has a magnificent Flamboyant chapel, built by Flemish master craftsmen. We continue to Tours for the return to London.

The Loire Valley Cultural Tour
Price: £995 per person
Single Supplement: £140
Deposit: £200 per person

Price Includes:  4 nights half board acommodation at the charming Hotel du Bon Labourer in Chenonceaux, and a full itinerary of visits accompanied by a Prospect Tour Leader.

Travel: Travel to Tours is not included.  We can book your trains or flights for you and will search for the best price available at that time. All trains or flights booked by us must be paid for at the time of booking.

Suggested Eurostar and TGV timings.