DAY 2: Paris to the Loire Valley & Montbazon, FRANCE
This morning, depart Paris for the Loire Valley, with its numerous
châteaux, historic cities and villages; it displays magnificent
architecture in an exceptional cultural landscape of great beauty. Stop
in Orleans, capital of the Loire Valley, and birthplace of Joan of Arc.
Explore this small and photogenic city by the Loire River. This
afternoon continue your drive to the Chateau de Chambord, the largest
and most dramatic chateau of the Loire Valley, recognizable because of
its distinctive French Renaissance architecture. Enjoy a tour of this
elaborate home; take the twin, intertwining spiraling staircases up, and
mysteriously while you are ascending you will not encounter those
descending. Next, it is a short drive to Montbazon, arriving by late
afternoon. Spend the next two nights in one of the most desirable
châteaux in France. ►Suggested hotel: Hotel Château D’Artigny, Montbazon
DAY 3: The Loire Valley & Wineries, FRANCE
Today, take a morning drive to the village of Amboise to visit the
Manoir du Clos Lucé, where Leonard Da Vinci spent the last three years
of his life. Now a museum, it reflects the prestigious history of the
region and includes forty models of the various machines designed by da
Vinci. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci apartments and see the exceptional
collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture, plus the imposing
horsemen’s tower. Stoll in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking
the Loire River. Continue your drive in the mid-afternoon, and discover
the most beautiful 10th century wine cellars at the Domaine Marc Brédif.
Explore the passages containing more than one millions bottles of
Vouvray; learn the history of this famous cellar and taste a range of
its famous wines. Return to your chateau hotel by late afternoon. ►Suggested hotel: Hotel Château D’Artigny, Montbazon
DAY 4: Loire Valley Sightseeing – Tours & Chenonceau, FRANCE
This morning, drive to the city of Tours for a guided tour through the
Old City, what was the ancient village of Chateauneuf. Stroll along the
picturesque narrow medieval streets, with their numerous 15th and 16th
century timber-framed façade houses, and discover a wealth of arts and
crafts. Admire the architecture of the Place Plumereau, Saint-Pierre-le-Puellier
Garden, the 15th century Pierre Dupuy Mansion and the of stair towers in
the rue de la Rôtisserie. Your tour ends with a visit of the beautiful
19th century Saint-Martin Basilica, which contains Saint Martin's tomb.
This afternoon, your driver-guide takes you to Chenonceau, to tour the
Château de Chenonceau, the masterpiece of the Val de Loire. Built on the
banks of the Cher River, the opulence of its Renaissance architecture is
reflected beautifully in the water. Explore the lovely gardens, arched
river bridge, collections of Renaissance furniture, exquisite tapestries
and masterpieces - accumulated by Catherine de Medici and Dianne de
Poitiers, and other Renaissance women of note. Return to your historic
chateau by later afternoon. ►Suggested hotel: Hotel Château D’Artigny, Montbazon
DAY 5: Loire to Bordeaux Valley, FRANCE
This morning depart for a scenic day’s drive to Bordeaux. Stop in
Cognac, where you will learn all about cognac and the techniques of this
special wine-making (available only from April to October). Continue on
to the city of Bordeaux, a metropolitan port city, on the Garonne River,
and one of the world’s major wine industry centers. Also a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Bordeaux abounds with art and history, and prides itself
on the preservation of its cultural heritage, as well as it numerous
17th and 18th century private mansions. Enjoy a tour through Old
Bordeaux, and discover the main landmarks, including the Church St
Michel, the four city gates, the elegant Place des Quinconces and the
Grand Théâtre, the city's cultural symbol. Completed in 1780, it is one
of the last grand 18th century theaters remaining in the world. Stay the
next three nights at an elegant hotel reminiscent of a private mansion.
Some suggested Bordeaux hotels (in alphabetical order): Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa (V) Hotel Regent Grand, Bordeaux ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 6: Bordeaux Sightseeing – Chateaux & Wineries, FRANCE
This morning you are at leisure in Bordeaux; your hotel is adjacent to
the colorful historic center of the city making independent exploration
easy. This afternoon, travel out to the Medoc region, visiting a variety
of memorable wine-centric chateaux. Stop at the Chateau Beychevelle,
whose elegant classical architecture makes it a jewel in the crown of
the Medoc. This is a prestigious Cru Classé chateau, whose character was
forged by three centuries of history. Next, delight in a special wine
experience at Chateau Lynch-Bages, a 15th century Grand Cru Classé of
the Medoc Region. The Lynch-Bages estate is located just outside the
city of Pauillac, on one of the most beautiful outcrops in the
appellation. ►For Bordeaux hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 7: Arcachon excursion, FRANCE
Today, drive 35 miles south to explore Arcachon on the Atlantic coast.
This city is famous for the Arcachon villa, or "Arcachonnaises", its
unique take on the Victorian architectural style. At its south, Atlantic
Ocean side, is Arcachon Bay, crowned by Europe's largest sand dune, the
Dune de Pyla (Dune du Pilat) - nearly 2 miles long, over a mile wide,
and 350 feet high. See scenic Le Cap-Ferret, with only sand dunes and
pine trees, it is a favorite stop for the Arcachon Bay fishermen. Visit
the local oyster village, with its typical narrow streets, and taste
oysters presented around a glass of white wine. Return to Bordeaux in
the afternoon to enjoy your last night in France. ►For Bordeaux hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 8: Depart Bordeaux, FRANCE
Today you are taken to the airport for your departing flight home or on
to your next destination.