Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Day 1 – Saumur

Board our private executive coach at your designated pick up points – take the cross Channel ferry from your preferred port – continue to the 3* Best Western Hotel Adagio in Saumur – dinner in the hotel.

Day 2 – Guided tour of Tours, Château de Saumur & wine tasting

Guided tour of the medieval quarter of Tours, a showcase of Gothic architecture including the stunning Cathedral St-Gatien – continue to Château de Saumur, built during the 14th century for the Ducs d’Anjou – tour and tasting at the nearby Gratien & Meyer Wine Cellars.

Day 3 – Châteaux d’Amboise & de Chenonceau

The impressive Renaissance Château d’Amboise houses the Chapel St Hubert, resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, and the Clos Luce where Da Vinci spent the last four years of his life – Château de Chenonceau is perhaps the most elegant of all châteaux in the Loire Valley and renowned for the arches that carry it across the water.

Day 4 – Abbaye de Fontevraud & Château de Villandry

Abbaye de Fontevraud is the 12th century resting place of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lion Heart – visit Château de Villandry with its famous 16th century three tiered gardens comprising a pond, and decorative and kitchen gardens.

Day 5 – Angers, Château d’Angers & Musée des Beaux Arts

Visit Angers, the capital from which Plantagenet kings ruled England and half of France – guided tour of Château d’Angers, dating back to 1230 and home to the largest known medieval tapestry, the Apocalypse Tapestry – guided tour of the Musée des Beaux Arts d’Angers, housed inside the beautiful late 15th century Logis Barrault, the house of the King's Treasurer Olivier Barrault.

Day 6 – Monet’s Garden

Depending on the location of your preferred port, visit Monet’s Garden at Giverny where Monet came repeatedly through his life, letting his imagination rove amid the complex interplay of light and water to paint his magnificent Waterlillies series – continue for our Channel crossing back to the UK and then return to our original departure points with comfort stops en route.