Charming Châteaus of the Loire Valley

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris, then onwards in First Class to Tours and our hotel for six nights, the Oceania L'Univers, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

This morning, we visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, a unique Renaissance castle with an extraordinary collection of furniture, tapestries, and paintings. We have time to wander through the château, discover the grand rooms, and explore the glorious gardens including the Italian maze and the Flower Garden with over one hundred varieties of "cutting flowers". Afterwards, we enjoy a wine tasting under the beautiful, vaulted ceiling of the château's historic wine cellar, the Cave des Dômes, before returning to Tours for our evening meal together at a local restaurant.

DAY 3

After breakfast this morning, we travel by rail to Blois to visit the historic Château Royal de Blois for a fantastic panorama of French architecture with each façade reflecting a grand architectural style. We will learn of the illustrious historical figures and events that have taken place here and take time to explore the Fine Arts Museum which showcases the collections of the château. This afternoon, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Château Chambord, arguably the most spectacular château in France, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and architect Francois I. We will wander through the interiors and admire the stunning gardens before returning to Tours for an evening at leisure.

DAY 4

Today, we enjoy a full day at leisure in Tours to relax in the hotel's fantastic leisure facilities, explore this historic city with its cobbled streets and half-timbered wooden houses, or discover quaint cafés and boutique shops.

DAY 5

Today, we journey through the countryside to visit the elegant Château de Villandry, built on the banks of the Loire and renowned for its spectacular gardens. We will explore these timeless gardens from the medieval garden to the Renaissance and the contemporary including the Water Garden, the Maze, and the Love Garden. This afternoon, we take our lunch together and visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a jewel of the Loire Valley with its gothic outline, elaborately decorated interior, and innovative staircase before returning to Tours for an evening at leisure.

DAY 6

This morning, we travel to Amboise to visit the charming Château du Clos Lucé for a guided tour through history at the home of Leonardo da Vinci with time to discover the surrounding parkland and gardens that were inspired by his work. Afterwards, we visit a local vineyard for a fascinating tour and tasting before returning to Tours in time for our final evening meal together.

DAY 7

We bid farewell to Tours and to France, returning by rail to Paris, where we will join the Eurostar Plus service to London St Pancras.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner