Day 1 : Fly to Paris

We board our trans-Atlantic flight to Paris.

Day 2 : Fontainebleau

In Paris, our French guide meets us at the airport to take us to the Loire Valley and give insight into the local culture. On our way to the village of Amboise, we refresh ourselves with an included light lunch before exploring the beautiful Chateau de Fontainebleau. This UNESCO World Heritage Site began as a hunting lodge for Louis VII. Francois I and Napoleon greatly influenced what we see today. Here, along with the restored rooms, you will be able to explore exhibits dedicated to Napoleon. Later this afternoon we travel to Amboise located on the banks of the Loire River. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner at the Novotel Amboise, where we will stay for the next four nights.

Day 3 : Amboise

Today we explore the village of Amboise in-depth. In the morning, we visit Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. Walk through rooms recreated to the period when Leonardo was in residence. Many replicas of his inventions are scattered throughout the house and gardens. After our explorations, we enjoy a Renaissance lunch with all the trimmings. This afternoon, a local guide takes us on a short walking tour through the winding village streets. The afternoon is yours to explore the streets of Amboise, walk up to the castle, or stroll along the river.

Day 4 : Villesavin & Chambord

Our day starts with a visit to Chateau Villesavin, the 16th-century estate of Jean le Breton, entrusted by Francois I for the building of Chambord. Learn what it takes to maintain this intact estate including a beautiful restored chapel. Also located on the property is a wedding museum displaying wedding traditions in France during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Next, we visit Chateau de Chambord. It was built as a hunting lodge for Francois I. Walk through gorgeous formal gardens, see a double-helix staircase reputedly designed by the brilliant Leonardo da Vinci, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Then we experience an amazing show of falconry and horsemanship before journeying back to the hotel.

Day 5 : Chenonceau, Mushroom Caves & Local Cheese

A morning visit brings us to picturesque Chateau de Chenonceau, beautifully spanning the River Cher. Learn about the rich history of this property from its Renaissance origins to a hospital during WWI and escape route between Nazi occupied territory and Vichy France during WWII. We stop for lunch in a restaurant with true local flavor before visiting a mushroom cave to see how mushrooms are grown for sale in local markets. There are over 1,000 varieties of French cheese, each region boasting their local varieties. At the small cheese producer, Fromagerie Moreau, we learn how they make their cheese and have an opportunity to taste some cheeses paired with local wines. This evening we relax and enjoy dinner on our own.

Day 6 : Le Mans Car Museum & Chartres Cathedral

Today we bid farewell to our home in Amboise and travel back to Paris. On the way, we visit the Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. View Bentleys, Ferraris, Fords, Porsches and more while learning about this world-famous automobile race. As we draw closer to Paris, a stop to visit Chartres Cathedral is sure to astound you. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Chartres Cathedral is an example of high French Gothic architecture complete with soaring spires, flying buttresses, and an impressive rose window. Late afternoon, we arrive at our Paris hotel for a restful night at leisure.

Day 7 : Paris

After a full breakfast buffet, the day is yours to explore this beautiful city. Our French guide will offer a city tour or you may explore on your own. Your Tour Director is available to assist in planning your day making it truly memorable. This evening, we enjoy a beautiful dinner cruise on the Seine River and take in the “City of Lights” ablaze in all her glory!

Day 8 : Fly Home

We fly home with memories to cherish from our time in Chateau Country.