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La Vie de Chateau
June 27- July 3 2016
Day 1 : Arrival, Royal castle of Amboise, Introduction to the Loire Valley wines
Arrival in the Loire valley at Saint Pierre des Corps train station.
Private transfer and check in at your private small Chateau.
Private guided visit of the Royal Castle of Amboise and walking city tour of the charming little town, with its medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance properties.
Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, the truly royal castle introduced the Italian style and taste into the Loire Valley.
Aperitif at your chateau with a welcome speech and an introduction to the Loire Valley wines made by our wine specialist.
Dinner at your Chateau prepared by the Chef.
Night at your sumptuous privatized Chateau near Amboise.
This wonderful private castle built in the 17th century is located very close to Amboise, not far from the Lamasse stream. In the middle of a peaceful park of thirty hectares and entirely restored in 2007-2008, the chateau is prepared to receive guests who are spending a pleasurable stay in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Day 2 : Castles of Villandry, Bourgueil and Chinon wineyard and wineries with wine tastings
Private guided visit of the Castle of Villandry and its magnificent gardens. Villandry undoubtedly owes its reputation to its superb terraced gardens which encase it as if in a jewelry box.
After lunch in a typical French cuisine restaurant, we will cross the magnificent vineyards of Chinon and Bourgueil, with a stop at 2 wineries for tasting of some of the best red wines that Chinon and Bourgueil appellations have to offer.
Dinner in a gourmet restaurant.
Day 3 : Castle of Chenonceau, privatized boat ride with wine tasting on board, balloon ride.
This morning, we will lead you to the Castle of Chenonceau, a supreme example of Renaissance architecture and the icon of the Loire Valley, also known as ‘The Ladies’ Château’. The beautiful site was chosen for the waters of the river Cher, which lull the rooms with their gentle murmur. Inside, you will discover magnificent furniture. Then, have a pleasant walk around the two lovely gardens, designed by Diane of Poitiers and Catherine of Medici.
Lunch in the semi-gastronomic restaurant within the grounds of the castle and continue with an unusual 1 hour privatized boat cruise on the Cher river to pass under the arches of Chenonceau castle !
Wine tasting of some exquisite local wines (Appellation Touraine and Chenonceau) on the boat as well as an explanation of our guide about the local wildlife.
Early dinner before a unique Balloon ride over our most beautiful Loire valley chateaux, starting directly from the park of your Chateau.
Flights are early in the morning or late at the evening (around 6:00 am and 7:30 pm in June) in order to have the best weather conditions (clear sky, not too much wind).
However, please note that the Balloon rides are subject to the weather conditions and can be cancelled at any time (in which case it will be rescheduled or fully reimbursed).
Day 4 : White wine day with Vouvray and Montlouis (Chenin blanc) and Sancerre wines (Sauvignon blanc). Wine and cheese tasting, yoga or free time.
Enjoy a gentle drive to the beautiful lush and green Vallée de la Brenne. You will enjoy the view of some of the most prestigious “demeures” of the region and your guide will describe to you and explain everything there is to know about a very much alive concept in the Touraine area: the “Troglodytes” (excavation sites of limestone used to build castles, manor houses and many others, today reconverted in wine cellars, houses, mushroom farms, silk worm farms…).
Stop in the Chenin Blanc vineyards for an explanation of our local methods.
Private guided visit of a spectacular “troglodyte” wine cellar and wine tasting of Vouvray top rated fine wines.
Lunch and visit of a private wine cellar located in an elegant private property, which only opens its gates to RiverLoire. Wine and cheese tasting, with Sancerre and old millesimes from Vouvray, as well as a typical experience: the local wine bottling with your personalized label as a memory of this tour !
Back at your chateau midafternoon, for a class with a yoga instructor, or just to relax and enjoy the swimming pool.
Dinner in a gourmet restaurant.
Day 5 : (Preferably a Friday) : shopping with your Chef at the local food market, cooking lesson, Visit of a Mushroom cave and of a goat farm, yoga or free time.
Visit to the local market with your Chef to buy all the food you will need for your cooking lesson and for the dinner your Chef will prepare with you.
Lunch and visit of Troglodyte Mushroom caves in the small village of Bourré.
Beautiful drive through picturesque villages and stop for the visit of a goat farm.
Class with your yoga instructor.
Free time to enjoy the facilities of the castle.
Dinner at your Chateau.
Day 6 : Biking day and yoga or free time.
Time to take your bikes to start your 20 km ride, accompanied by you private guide, along the Loire river that will lead you to the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire dominating the Loire river, which is a balance between feudal and Renaissance architecture. The strategic position of the Château offers a wonderful view on the valley.
Lunch within the grounds of the castle.
A gentle ride will take you back to Amboise, crossing fields and small villages.
Class with your yoga instructor.
Free time to enjoy the facilities of the castle or to stroll in Amboise.
Dinner in a gourmet restaurant.
Day 7 : (Preferably a Sunday) 2nd cooking class with the Chef, rowing boat on the river, Tours city.
Local market with your Chef to buy all the food you will need for your cooking lesson and for the dinner your Chef will prepare with you.
After lunch, take your rowing boats and enjoy unique views from the river. A great moment of fun.
Short visit of Tours, capital of the Loire valley and its Fine Arts Museum. City of Art and History, Tours is the original home of the French language and “art de vivre” and is a land of harmony and proportion. Rich with history and a well preserved heritage, Tours is a city of captivating charm.
Free time to enjoy the old streets of the town, especially ‘Rue de la Scellerie’ with its antiques and art galleries.
Dinner at your Chateau.