Itinerary – Loire Valley Wine Experience
Loire Valley Wine Experience
Discover the Loire Valley, one of France’s most beautiful regions, in this culinary oenological adventure. Discover stunning chateaux, learn to cook traditional French dishes, and taste a spectacular array of wines. Meet winemakers and tour their centuries-old cellars, set among the verdant hills of the French countryside. Conclude your journey in Paris with dinner and a dazzling show.
Itinerary
Day 1: Paris – Arrival
Meet our group and assistant upon arrival in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, then depart for Amboise. On the way, make a stop at Blois, stretching out along the River Loire. After free time for lunch, we will meet our guide for a visit to Chateau Royal de Blois. Learn about the exciting history of this stunning castle, whose architecture blends flamboyant Gothic and Italian Renaissance in a classical style. Continue to Amboise for a welcome dinner with local wine.
Day 2: Chateau d′Azay le Rideau – Domaine Gouron – Abbey of Fontevraud
Breakfast at hotel. Meet the guide in the morning and depart for Chateau d′Azay le Rideau. A jewel of early French Renaissance architecture, this marvelously graceful white château was built by Gilles Berthelot between 1518 and 1527. Continue to Domaine Gouron, a 28-hectacre family farm nestled among rolling hills in the village of Cravant les Coteaux, with a breathtaking view of the Vienne Valley. In the afternoon, stop by the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. As the last resting place of the Plantagenets, the Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the most important monastic sites in Europe. Upon arrival in Angers, enjoy a welcome French pastry and coffee at the local patisserie.
Day 3: Angers Castle, Apocalypse Tapestry, and Chateau de Chaintres
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, enjoy a guided visit to Angers Castle. A stunning medieval castle whose massive stone ramparts are punctuated by 17 towers, Angers Castle houses the famous 14th-century Apocalypse Tapestry. Afterwards, continue through the scenic Loire Valley and arrive in the Saumur Champigny wine region. We will be greeted by the Chateau de Chaintres team, who will introduce us to the art of winemaking, followed by a wine tasting. Our tour continues with a boat tour on the Loire with dazzling views of the castle and picturesque historic district.
Day 4: Nantes Cooking Class and Muscadet
Breakfast at hotel. Depart early in the morning for a day trip to Nantes. Meet our chef at his/her atelier for a hands-on experience to learn traditional Nantes cooking. After receiving your certificate, your chef will join you for lunch. Then it is time to explore the Muscadet Sevre et Maine region with Melon de Bourgogne grapes. Stop at Chateau-Thebaud for a Muscadet wine exploration and tasting.
Day 5: Domaine de l′Aumonier – Cheverny – Paris
Depart for Domaine de l′Aumonier for a tasting of their fantastic wines, then continue to Chateau de Cheverny, an enchanting estate inhabited by the same family for six centuries. Today, the chateau displays an array of wonderfully preserved interior decor and furniture as well as marvelous gardens. Return to Paris, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with champagne and a Moulin Rouge show to conclude your journey.
Day 6: Paris – Departure
Say au revoir to France and transfer to the airport for the flight home.