paris & the Loire valley
3. A TAPESTRY OF SIGHTS, PARIS TO ANGERS It’s all aboard the high-speed TGV train for a ride out to Angers at the western end of the Loire Valley for Culturious insider discoveries. First up is a visit to the moated Château Angers to get a close look at the 77-piece Apocalypse Tapestry – priceless yes, with a colorful history as an orange tree canopy and a damage-control covering for a French church that’s equally priceless. Half-timbered homes were once in style in the 15th century; see them on a walk through town, then head out to your own lovely château overlooking the Loire River. This is what the French like to call douceur de vivre – and we do too! Meals BD
4. A BIKE RIDE TO A COUNTRY CASTLE
The best way to explore the country lanes of Loire Valley villages is by bike. Pedal to Breze for a visit to the privately owned Castle of Breze; if you’re game, challenge yourself to a stroll down in a labyrinthine tunnel system that dates back to the Middle Ages. Come up for lunch and a stop at the National Equestrian Center, more evidence of the “good life” here in the Loire Valley, before indulging your own Culturious interests in Saumur. Meals BL
5. OF CHAMPIGNONS, BOATS & GILDED ARTS Mushrooms are a staple of French cuisine; learn more about them on an optional visit this morning to the Musée de Champignons. Lunch at a small café gives you the energy you need for this afternoon’s hike along the “windmill road” to vineyards inspired by amazing views! The art of living in the Loire Valley continues with an insider visit to a restoration artists’ studio where their work, literally, is dressed in gold! Our sunset dinner cruise aboard a typical Loire boat celebrates the golden light – and wines – of the valley. Meals BLD
6. RIVER CANOEING & CHÂTEAUX GARDENS Can you canoe? Try it as we glide along the Vienne River near Chinon, a great way to immerse in the region’s tranquil landscapes and to discover firsthand why so many of the landed gentry built their châteaux here. See two of them today as you tour Château Chinon and visit the gardens of Château du Villandry, en route to your 17th-century manor house in Luynes for a two-night stay. Weather permitting, soar over the beautiful Loire River in a hot air balloon, available this evening at an additional cost of $299 per person. Tonight you’re on your own in the cathedral city of Tours – have dinner as you please. Meals B
7. VINES TO WINES IN VOUVRAY
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Amboise, seeing where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days. We’re spending our last afternoon in France at a wine tasting, cave walk and winery tour! Learn the time-honored secrets of making sparkling wine at a renowned Vouvray vineyard, where your discoveries will be enriched with a memorable real-life taste of joie de vivre. Ce soir, bid adieu to our Paris and Loire Valley adventure at our farewell dinner, bursting with the regional flavors and fun. Meals BD
8. JOURNEY HOME Tour ends: Paris. Take a morning train ride aboard the TGV to Paris where a transfer is included to the Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in. Meals B
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825 Paris FRANCE FRANCE
WESTERN LOIRE
Angers
Montreuil-Bellay Cunault
Luynes Saumur Tours Chinon Amboise Villandry VALLEY LOIRE
ÎLE-DE- FRANCE
8 DAYS FROM $3,990 PLUS AIRFARE
(7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 4 Dinners) BEGINS PARIS
Apr 24 May 1, 15, 22, 29 Jun 12, 19, 26 Aug 21, 28 Sep 11, 18 Oct 2, 9
Go to
www.culturious.com for up-to-the-minute space availability. Additional dates may become available as these sell out.
PRICE PER PERSON
Double $3990 Single $4823 Triple $3829 Group Size: 24
Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride: $299 per person
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Ask about our private group departures, additional hotel nights before or after your tour and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Product at
www.culturious.com
Some days include easy walking, hiking and biking and beginner canoeing. The pace is up to you – take part or take a pass – either way you’ll enjoy your journey.
You may be required to sign Tauck’s liability waiver for participation in certain activities.
FINE HOTELS / GREAT LOCATIONS Night 1,2
Hôtel Vernet
Night 3,4,5 Le Prieuré Night 6,7
Paris Cunault Domaine de Beauvois Luynes
www.tauck.com 17
TGV High Speed Train
Loire River
NEW!
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