Discover regal estates and fine wines in the glamorous Garden of France
  • Discover the Loire Valley highlights on foot, including picturesque vineyards and palaces
  • Tour several lavish châteaux, including Leonardo da Vinci’s magnificent Chenonceau
  • Explore celebrated vineyards to meet the producers and sample their drinks at source
  • Meet members of the Loire wine brotherhoods, practically unrivalled in their knowledge of the local wines
  • Stay in a Renaissance-style château and 17th-century country manor house

Immerse yourself in the history and regal character of the Loire Valley with the accommodation on this trip, which is split between a historic château and a manor house. 



Tours: Château de la Bourdaisière (nights 1-3) 







This Renaissance-style château outside the city has extensive grounds comprising landscaped gardens, a large orchard with more than 100 fruit tree varieties, and a dahlia garden created by renowned landscape architect Louis Benech. The 26 stately rooms and apartments were renovated by owner Prince Louis Albert de Broglie (aka the Prince Gardener), while other hotel amenities include a large, heated swimming pool and tennis courts. 



Beaumont-en-Véron: Manoir de la Giraudière (nights 4-6) 







Stay in a 17th-century manor house just 3.7mi (6km) from Chinon and its medieval fortress. Situated within a Regional Nature Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and overlooking a vineyard, the hotel has 24 rooms with period furniture plus an outside seating space where the group can gather. It‘s also about a five-minute walk along country lanes to the Vienne River, where bird life flourishes and a peaceful moment or two can be enjoyed.