Gardens & Châteaux Of The Loire Valley By Rail
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGEFCL
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Rail
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
5-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Paris. We then join the TGV to Tours. On arrival, we meet our coach and transfer to our hotel in the centre of Blois. Relax and enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks this evening.
Meals - Dinner
Day 2 - Blois with Guided Walking Tour & Château de Chambord
Blois is a charming town in the heart of the Loire Valley, famous for its magnificent castles and rich cultural heritage. This morning, we embark on a walking tour in the company of a local guide where you can admire the royal Château de Blois, a masterpiece of French architecture (entrance not included). We also explore the old town, where you can find quaint houses, cosy cafés, and historical monuments. There’s free time to explore Blois before we join our coach and travel to the Château de Chambord for an afternoon visit.
The Loire’s largest building, Chambord is a symbol of King Francois I's power, who transformed this ancient hunting ground into one of the most beautiful châteaux.
We return to our hotel where you have a free evening to eat in one of the many restaurants in Blois.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 3 - Tours with Guided Walking Tour & Château de Villandry
This morning, we travel by coach to Tours and meet our local guide for a walking tour. This beautiful medieval city is the regional capital of the Loire and boasts half-timbered houses and a grand cathedral. Our included walking tour will take in most of the main sights including the Place Plumereau, Romanesque Tour Charlemagne and Cathédrale St-Gatien.
After some free time, we continue to the beautiful Château de Villandry, which has been inhabited since the Renaissance. It is one of the most magnificent castles ever built on the banks of the Loire and is a unique example of Renaissance architecture. It boasts superb gardens that include the world’s largest ornamental kitchen garden, a wonderful herb garden and the stunning Garden of Love. The 18th-century interior features a collection of old Spanish paintings and an Arabian ceiling.
After our visit, we return to the hotel by coach.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 4 - Amboise & Château de Chenonceau
After breakfast, we travel by coach to the town of Amboise, which not only boasts a royal château but is also where Leonardo da Vinci lived from 1516 until his death in 1519. You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace.
From here, we continue by coach to Château de Chenonceau, perhaps the most distinctive of all the Loire chateaux. It is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture which spans the Cher River. Learn about the influential women who resided here, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, and discover the treasures inside, such as the room of Five Queens and the living room of Louis XIV.
This evening is free for you to dine out at leisure.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
After breakfast, we transfer by coach to Tours and join the TGV to Paris. From here, we journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International. After arriving in London, you will make your own way home.
Meals - Breakfast