Paris, Loire Valley and Bordeaux Itinerary

Paris, Loire Valley and Bordeaux
Duration: 9 days
Highlights: Paris, Chartres, Onzain, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, St Emilion
Discover the highlights of Paris, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, including visits to private chateaux and homes.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Paris
Upon arrival at Paris Airport you will be welcomed to France by your local representative and transferred to your hotel where you will be assisted with check-in procedures.
Overnight: Le Meurice
Day 2 - Paris
Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Paris beginning with a walk to the world famous Louvre Museum. The Louvre is housed in a magnificent building which was originally built for
use as a royal palace for King Francis I. The main entrance is now covered by a large glass, steel rod and cable pyramid designed by the American architect I. M. Pei. It is
home to one of the most important art collections in the Western world, spanning the period from remotest antiquity, through to about 1850.
This afternoon continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Marais, one of Paris's most historic districts. This area houses many former residences of aristocratic families
which have now been restored and converted into museums. Here you will find the famous Place des Vosges, lined with pink brick and covered arcades. You will have the
opportunity to visit the Musée Carnavalet, which documents the history of Paris.
Overnight: Le Meurice
Day 3 - Paris
Today you will be met at your hotel by a Paris restaurant critic and food expert who will spend the morning with you pointing you to some of the best food suppliers in Paris.
Your day will include a glimpse at the life of a dedicated chocolatier who trained with the very best before opening his own boutique or a tour of a cheese cellar beneath one
of the city's true fromageries, shops that age cheeses on the premises before selling them in peak condition.
of the city's true fromageries, shops that age cheeses on the premises before selling them in peak condition.
This afternoon is at leisure for you to explore independently.
Overnight: Le Meurice
Day 4 - Paris - Chartres - Onzain
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Onzain. You will drive to the Loire Valley via Chartres where you will see the magnificent Gothic cathedral with its
world famous stained glass windows.
Overnight: Domaine des Hauts de Loire
Day 5 - Loire Valley
This morning you will set off on a full day of sightseeing in the Loire Valley by private vehicle.
Visit the Chateau de Chenonceau that straddles the river and one of the best-known chateaux of the Loire region. Continuing on to Amboise you will visit the Clos Lucé, a
handsome Renaissance manor where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life. The museum contains working models of some of da Vinci's inventions.
This afternoon you will visit the largest of the Loire chateaux, the Chateau de Chambord.
Overnight: Domaine des Hauts de Loire
Day 6 - Onzain - Bordeaux
Today you will be transferred to St Pierre des Corps rail station to board your train to Bordeaux. You will be confirmed in first class seats on the TGV.
Upon arrival at Bordeaux rail station, you will be met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa
Day 7 - Bordeaux
Today meet your local English-speaking guide and private vehicle for a morning sightseeing tour of Bordeaux. The city is set against a backdrop of neoclassical architecture,
wide avenues and pretty parks. You will visit the riverfront esplanade, the Cathedral and the Musée d’Aquitaine, presenting the history of Bordeaux and the surrounding area.
Our local Bordeaux host will then invite you into her typically Bordelaise home to share a southwestern French meal accompanied by local wine. Talk about the French way of
life and, in particular, the Bordeaux region. After lunch you will be transferred back to your hotel.
The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Overnight: Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa
Day 8 - St. Emilion
Enjoy a full day tour in and around St. Emilion, a medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for the production of fine wines locally.
You will visit the Eglise Monolithe, one of France’s largest underground churches, and the 13th century ramparts which encircle the village. You will also visit some of the
local vineyards such as Château Franc-Mayne or Clos La Madeleine.
Overnight: Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa
Day 9 - Depart Bordeaux
Today you will be privately transferred to Bordeaux Airport for your journey home.