The Experience
Just south of Paris, the Loire Valley is known for its stunning châteaux and verdant landscapes. Visit Château de Chenonceau and wander an archetypal potager (kitchen garden) in Villandry. Day 1: Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours), France / Onzain
When you arrive at the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours) train station, you are met by your driver and transferred by private car to your delightful Onzain hotel, putting you in the heart of the Loire Valley,™s château country.
Domaine des Hauts de Loire
Day 2: Châteaux of the Loire Valley
Head out with your driver-guide to visit the Château de Chenonceau, once owned by Catherine de Medici. It is one of the best-known châteaux of the Loire region and boasts beautiful white spires, towers and arches that form the Pont de Diane over the River Cher. Continue to Amboise and Clos Lucé, a handsome Renaissance manor where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. The museum contains working models of some of da Vinci,™s inventions. This afternoon, explore the grand Château de Chambord. When King François I moved into Chambord, his entourage of attendants was so large that it took 12,000 horses to transport them.
Domaine des Hauts de Loire | Meals: B
Day 3: Loire Valley/Tours
This morning, travel to Azay-le-Rideau to visit the 16th-century château and its enchanting private park. Wander through the famous gardens at Villandry that reflect 16th-century aristocratic style. Villandry is best known for having France,™s archetypal potager, a kitchen garden with numerous latticework gloriettes (gazebos). Afterward, return to Tours where you may wish to explore the medieval Old Town graced with half-timbered buildings and La Place Plumereau, a busy square with pubs and restaurants.
Domaine des Hauts de Loire | Meals: B
Day 4: Onzain / Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours)
You are transferred privately to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps(Tours) rail station for your departure.
Meals: B
