the loire valley - Insight Vacations

THE LOIRE VALLEY
A Magical Journey of Food, Wine and History
12 DAYS • DEPARTING 27 SEP 2015
insightvacations.com
ONE
DEPARTURE
ONLY
BOOK
NOW
The Loire Valley
MEET YOUR
EXPERTS!
A Magical Journey of Food, Wine and History
Indulge your love of food and wine on this gastronomical adventure
through the villages and vineyards of The Loire Valley. Discover this
culinary-rich region with your “foodie” expert Barbara Barde and your
personal Sommelier Tom LeRoy.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:
BARBARA BARDE
Insight Vacations, Tour Director
Barbara is an award winning television
producer, with over 600 titles to her
credit. She began appreciating and
collecting wine almost 20 years ago
and is known for her impressive cellar.
She is also a “foodie”, always on the
lookout for an amazing recipe, new
ingredients, or a restaurant that no
one has heard of. Barbara is also a
passionate traveller and has spent the
last several summers leading tours with
Insight Vacations and other companies.
She will be your Tour Director.
TOM LEROY
Wine Sommelier
Wine Sommelier Tom LeRoy is a
criminal lawyer in Toronto who began
collecting and appreciating wine
fifteen years ago. A true aficionado
of wine, he has recently obtained a
wine specialist certificate from George
Brown College and was also certified
as a Wine Sommelier by the Court
of Master Sommeliers. Tom is also a
member of the Canadian Association
of Professional Sommeliers.
DAY 1: SUN 27 SEP 2015
Welcome to Paris
Pullman Montparnasse, Paris
Airport transfers depart from Charles de
Gaulle Airport to your hotel in the heart of
Paris at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. Relax and
settle in or venture out and start exploring
this great capital. This evening join your
Tour Director and fellow travellers for a
Welcome Reception and the opportunity to
mingle and get to know each other over a
pleasant evening of dinner and wine at a
local bistro. (WD)
DAY 2: MON 28 SEP 2015
Paris – Nantes
Radisson Blu Nantes
Today we travel west from Paris to the
medieval village of Guérande at the
mouth of the river Loire. Join your local
expert to explore the ramparts of the town
and beauty of the natural salt marshes
that the area is famous for. Continue
on to the charming fishing village of Le
Croisic where you will savour delicious
local specialties as you lunch by the sea. In
the afternoon enjoy a guided visit to the
Musée des Marais Salants where you
will uncover the history of salt mining and
learn the meticulous craft of harvesting
Fleur de sel. This afternoon enjoy a scenic
drive through La Baule, a stunning
century–old seaside resort featuring
beautiful villas, luxury hotels and casino.
Enjoy a sunset walk on the vast stretch of
beach before you continue on to your hotel
in Nantes. The evening is yours at leisure.
(BB, L)
DAY 3: TUE 29 SEP 2015
Nantes sightseeing
Radisson Blu Nantes
Join your local expert on a walking tour
through the old city of Bouffay, the
ancient medieval quarter of Nantes. Stroll
through the town’s character laced lanes
up to the superb Gothic Cathedral of St.
Paul and St. Peter. Enjoy a tour of the
Chateau Des Ducs de Bretagne, an
incredible castle that served as the Breton
residence of the kings of France. Continue
your walk through the Isle of Feydeau and
view the architectural remnants of the
maritime traders’ opulent 18th century
lifestyle. Spend the afternoon visiting
two exquisite wineries Chateau La
Cassemichere and Chereau Carre
for an incredible tour and tasting of the
region’s varietal, Muscadet. (BB)
DAY4: WED 30 SEP 2015
Nante – Angers
Mercure Angers Centre
Enjoy a picturesque countryside drive
through the heart of the Loire Valley to
arrive in Angers, meet our local expert at
the medieval castle Chateau d’Angers.
Enjoy a tour of the incredible castle
grounds and walk along the fortress walls.
In the afternoon visit Louis de Grenelle
and discover the unique setting of this
winery twelve meters beneath the cobble
stone streets of Saumur. Learn the art of
sustainable viticulture while you taste the
product of the winemaker’s devotion to
beautiful grapes. The rest of the day is at
leisure; perhaps visit the Musee Cointreau
for an exploration of the famed
French aperitif? (BB)
DAY 5: THU 1 OCT 2015
Saumur Excursion
Mercure Angers Centre
Discover the fascinating secret world
of mushrooms at the Musée du
Champignon in the village of St.
Hilaure. Your fascinating tour through
an underground cave exhibits the many
cultivation methods of mushrooms
indigenous to the Saumur region. Onto
Doue-La-Fontaine to enjoy a Troglodyte
tour of the area’s unique cave dwellings.
Continue your remarkable exploration of
life beneath the surface with a fantastic
lunch at the Cathredrales de la
Saulaie. Later we visit the impressive
Abbaye de Fontevraud considered
one of the greatest monastic cities in Europe.
Take in a scenic drive on our return to
Angers; the rest of day is at leisure. (BB, L)
DAY 6: FRI 2 OCT 2015
Angers – Chinon – Cour-Cheverny
Relais de Trois Chateaux Hotel,
Cour-heverny
On the way to Chinon visit the family owned
Frederic Mobileau Vigneron winery
and learn the art of perfecting the balance of
tradition and modernity in wine making. Whilst
in Chinon visit the Couly-Duthier winery,
famous for their renowned vintages that are
only served at the most prestigious tables in
France. In the afternoon explore the beautiful
medieval commune, a UNESCO World Heritage
site, with your local guide. Continue on to
our quaint hotel in Cour-Cheverny for a
delicious dinner where you will savour classical
dishes prepared in the traditional French style.
(BB, D)
12 DAY regional journey • Loire valley, france
PARIS
( Day 1, 10-12)
Loire Valley
ANGERS
Chartres
COUR-CHEVERNY
(Day 4 & 5)
(Day 6 & 7)
Chinon
Saumur
DAY 7: SAT 3 OCT 2015
Local Excursions
Relais de Trois Chateaux Hotel,
Cour-heverny
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour
through the local markets. Enjoy some free
time, followed by a visit to local winery
Chateau Gardrelle in the heart of the Loire
Valley. Learn all about this family’s passion
for wines while you explore their traditional
underground cellars within the limestone hills
of Rochecorbon. In the afternoon continue on
to the Caves Producteurs de Vouvray,
discover the delicate tannins of the Chenin
Varietal. After your intimate wine tasting
enjoy a pleasant walk through the vineyard
amongst the lush wild vines. Continue back to
your hotel to enjoy a delicious seasonal feast
prepared with only the finest local produce
and game. (BB, D)
mistress, Diane de Poitiers, as you tour the
home she loved, but from which she was driven
by the vengeful Queen, Catherine de Medici.
One of the jewels of the French Renaissance,
admire the rich decor, stroll beneath the trees
of the board walk and the formal gardens
where roses and clipped lavender are laid out
in typical French style. As your day draws to a
close enjoy an unforgettable cruise through the
calm waters of the River Cher. Continue on to
our hotel in Bourges where the rest of the day
is at leisure. (BB)
DAY 8: SUN 4 OCT 2015
Cour-Cheverny - Bourges
Mecure Hotel, Bourges
Today you are introduced to the splendour
and luxury of French court life with a visit to
Château de Chenonceau. Set on elegant
arches spanning the River Cher, it is said to be
one of the most beautiful buildings in existence.
A local expert recounts tales of King Henri II’s
DAY 9: MON 5 OCT 2015
Exploring Sancerre
Mecure Hotel, Bourges
Today explore Sancerre, a region famous
for specializing in 100% Sauvignon Blanc
wines, enjoy an opportunity to visit a local
winery to taste the stunning varietals of this
region. This afternoon enjoy lunch together at
a typical restaurant in this picturesque region
Tours
Guerande
Le Croisic
NANTES
(Day 2 & 3)
BOURGES
(Day 8 & 9)
of the Loire Valley. After lunch, continue on to
Chèvrerie de Chamons to sample some of
their delicious goat cheeses. Return to Bourges
where the evening is at leisure. (BB, L)
DAY 10: TUE 6 OCT 2015
Bourges – Paris
Pullman Montparnasse, Paris
Start the day with an incredible visit to a
towering French medieval catholic church,
Chartres Cathedral. Once inside you
can marvel at the intricate French gothic
architecture and beautiful stained glass rose
window, which floods the cathedral with
colour and light. Return to the French capital
where your local guide introduces you to all
the fabulous sights! Take in the Notre Dame
Cathedral, the Louvre, the vast Place de la
Concorde, Champs Elysées and Napoleon’s Arc
de Triomphe. Your sightseeing tour concludes
with a photo stop of the Eiffel Tower. The City
of Light really lives up to its name when the
monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up
in all their glory - for that special touch of
excitement and glamour why not experience of
one of the world famous cabaret shows? (BB)
DAY 11: WED 7 OCT 2015
Paris
Pullman Montparnasse, Paris
Today, stroll the streets of Paris and explore
authentic French food culture with your local
expert. Visit local gourmet delicatessens,
patisseries, and incredible speciality food stalls.
The rest of the day is at leisure. For your final
night, enjoy a Celebration Dinner of seasonal
produce at a trendy Parisian restaurant with
good wine and great company! (BB, D)
DAY 12: THU 8 OCT 2015
Au revoir Paris!
Your tour concludes after breakfast. Departure
transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at
08:00 & 11:00. (BB)
Meal Key: (BB) = Buffet Breakfast,
(D) = Dinner, (L) = Lunch,
(WD) = Welcome Dinner
INCLUDED SIGNATURE EVENTS
= Experiences,
= Dining
PARIS: See the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Place de la
Concorde, Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Visit
local gourmet delicatessens & incredible speciality food stalls
with your local expert on your food market tour.
CHARTRES: Inside magnificent Chartres Cathedral, marvel
at the stained-glass windows, considered the finest glass in
France.
GUÉRANDE: Join your local expert to explore the ramparts of
the town and beauty of the natural salt marshes.
BATZ-SU-MER: Visit the Musée des Marais Salants.
L A BAULE: Take in a scenic drive along the coast and view the
beautiful villas, luxury hotels and casino.
NANTES: Join your local expert on a walking tour through
the old city of Bouffay, the ancient medieval quarter. Explore
the Chateau Des Ducs de Bretagne, and visit two exquisite
wineries for tastings of the region’s varietal, Muscadet.
ANGERS: Visit the Chateau d’Angers home of the largest
medieval tapestry.
SAUMUR EXCURSION: Visit the Maison Louis de Grenelle to
sample the timeless classics; Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and
Cabernet Franc. Visit the Musée du Champignon & enjoy a
Troglodyte tour of the unique cave dwellings.
CHINON: Explore the beautiful medieval commune, a
UNESCO World Heritage site, with your local guide. Visit
family owned Frederic Mobileau Vigneron known for offering
multi-faceted wines.
CHENONCEAU: Visit the beautiful Château Chenonceau, a
jewel spanning the River Cher on elegant arches. Enjoy a
relaxing cruise on the Loire River.
SANCERRE: Visit a local winery and learn about the local
cheeses of the region from master cheese makers.
LE CROISIC: Delight your taste buds with a seafood lunch
including beautifully paired wine by the sea.
DOUE-LA-FONTAINE: Lunch at the unique underground
Cathredrales de la Saulaie.
INCLUDED SIGNATURE DINING
•
•
•
•
11 Buffet Breakfasts
1 Welcome Reception and Dinner
3 Lunches
2 Hotel Dinners and 1 Celebration Dinner
INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES
• 11 nights in First Class hotel accommodation as indicated.
• Your knowledgeable, experienced Insight Tour Director is a
‘travelling concierge’ who will take care of every detail.
• Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s luxury 40 seat motorcoach
with extended leg room and on-board restroom.
• Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during
visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local
expert’s fascinating insights and commentaries.
• Baggage handling everywhere - with seamless and prompt
delivery to your door at every hotel.
• Hotel and restaurant tips included. Plus we include all taxes and
porterage charges at hotels.
• Insight Flourishes - from time to time, your Tour Director will
enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food
or beverages unique to the destination.
• Airport transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 12.
12 DAY TOUR PRICE
$5,267 per person twin share
Single Supplement: $1,593 per person
PASSENGER CONDITIONS:
What’s included in the tour price: Coach touring, airport transfers, hotel accommodation, Tour Director, meals and
sightseeing are included as detailed in the attached itinerary. For further details and important information regarding the
above, please refer to the conditions page of Insight’s Europe, Britain, Eastern Mediterranean & Morocco brochure.
*Tips & Taxes: All tips are included for services on tour provided by dining-room waiters, chambermaids and
porters at hotels.
What’s Not Included: Airfares to and from Paris, airport taxes and charges imposed by third parties, passports and
applicable visa fees, laundry, phone calls, items of a personal nature, beverages, meals and sightseeing not detailed
on the itinerary, tips and gratuities to the Tour Director, coaches drivers and local city guides, excess baggage, optional
experiences and travel insurance. Please note that travel insurance is highly recommended. Please see your Travel
Agent for further details.
Deposit: A deposit of AUD$200 per person is required within 7 days of booking.
Final Payment: Required to your travel agent no later than 70 days prior to departure.
Price: The advertised price is in Australian dollars. No surcharges in regards to cost or currency fluctuations will be
made once deposit is received. This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or
levies imposed by any government or its agencies.
Discounts: Only the Frequent Traveller Discount is applicable. No other discounts are available on this tour.
Gold Seal Protection does not apply to this tour.
Cancellation Fees:
More than 70 days loss of deposit
Between 69 and 30 days 38.5%
Between 29 and 08 days 55%
Between 07 and day of departure 100%
Amendments: A fee of $35 may apply to any change made to your booking once confirmed.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the tour has commenced or in respect of any tours,
accommodation, meals or any other services not utilised.
Itinerary Changes & Tour Cancellation: Insight Vacations reserves the right to vary itineraries should
circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements,
or circumstances beyond its control. The advertised tour requires minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met
Insight Vacations reserves the right to alter or reschedule arrangements.
Hotels: The hotels listed on the itinerary are confirmed, although subject to change for reasons beyond our control.
Rooming Arrangements: Please note that single accommodation is usually limited at most hotels and cannot be
guaranteed. Occupying a single room either by choice or circumstance is subject to the applicable supplement.
Tour Membership: Any person aged 5 years or more is eligible, though if under 18 years of age must be accompanied
by an adult. The Tour Director may, at his or her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any tour if he or she
deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and we shall have no further liability.
Porterage: For one suitcase on tour is included in the tour price and at arrival or departure from each tour hotel.
Due to limited coach capacity this single bag should have a weight not exceeding 30kg (66lbs) and dimensions
not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Charges will be levied in the event these limits are
exceeded and our promise to transport you as indicated may be invalidated. Note: Airlines may restrict check-in
baggage to 20kgs per person.
Documentation: Approximately 2 weeks prior to departure from Australia, documentation will be received by your
travel agent including a tour itinerary, a full Hotel list, an Optional Experience list, Insight baggage labels & ticket wallet.
Holidays & Changes: During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing
tours and shopping may be limited. In such instances, and whenever possible, slight itinerary adjustments are made
by Insight Vacations to minimise inconvenience to our passengers. If, however you feel your enjoyment might be
diminished by such minor limitations please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a specific
departure. Similarly, holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week
for scheduled highlight dinners, sightseeing or other activities. Due to the unreliability of domestic air scheduling,
religious festivals, and other unforseen circumstances, the itineraries, hotels or order of sightseeing may change at
short notice.
Pre or post tour accommodation: Is subject to availability. If not available, an alternative may be offered.
Booking Terms and Conditions: These conditions incorporate the basis upon which bookings are accepted by
your Travel Agent and Insight Vacations. By making a booking you are agreeing to these terms & conditions. Insight
is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or re-scheduling
of any tour departure. For further information about Insight Vacations and our responsibility to you, please refer to
Insight’s Europe, Britain, Eastern Mediterranean & Morocco brochure. These conditions must be carefully studied prior
to making the commitment of paying the deposit as they must be referred to. Additional terms and conditions may be
applicable to this tour and will be advised as they become known. IV4032
Bookings & Enquiries
Please contact Insight Vacations on
1300 237 886 or see your travel agent