Ancient Castles of the Loire Valley, France - A Guided Walking Tour

May 31 - June 7, 2021

NEW - Special small group size limited to 10 participants

Trip Leader - Philippe Apchin | Assistant Leader - Deirdre Butler

Discover the magnificent Loire Valley and visit the world famous Castles of the Loire. Located in the center of France, with their turrets and flamboyant renaissance architecture reflected in the waters of the rivers, the castles and their intricate gardens provide some of the most beautiful classic images of France. Once the favorite hunting grounds of royalty, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscapes.

The unique scenery of the Loire also includes attractive vineyards, orchards and pastures. Standards of cooking are consistently high, the area is renowned for its refined country cuisine, rich in flavors and textures and inspired by the products of the Loire Valley.

The Loire Valley is blessed with gentle weather for walking. In the Spring, temperatures average 59 – 68 F. Walking from town to town is mostly on flat terrain, through attractive vineyards, on peaceful forest tracks, quiet country roads and paths alongside the rivers Loire, Cher and Vienne, with the occasional short ascent to the ridges overlooking the rivers.

Click here - Detailed Trip Itinerary

What’s Included:

• Accommodation (double-occupancy with en suite bath) in a 4 star Hotel in the center of Tours.

• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

• Services of a professional trip leader and highly knowledgeable local guide.

• Entrance fees to Fontevraud Abbey, the Castles of Chenonceau, Clos Luce, Chambord, Villandry et Langeais, and Tours Cathedral.

• Boat tour on the Loire.

• Wine tasting in Saumur.

• Gratuities for local service providers.

• On-trip transportation by train, bus and private taxi.

• All hikes.

• Your leader will provide 4 trip newsletters prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your adventure.

What’s Not Included:

• International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip.

• Beverages with meals.

• Travel insurance.

• Tips for trip leaders are at your discretion.

The hikes on this trip range from 5 to 9 miles, on generally flat terrain. This trip is also suitable for non hikers as nearly all destinations are easily accessible via public transport, daily hiking is about 4 hours and there is also much to see and do in Tours.