May 8-14, 2016

Our stay in the Chateau was highlighted by waking up each morning to the birds singing outside our room’s window which over looked the 20 acre lake. All the excursions included sights and locations we would never have been able to find on our own and were delightful additions to our daily schedule. The most memorable meals were the picnics created by our hosts which were held in local parks in beautiful locations. The food was great and the whole experience was a lot of fun. Our excursion for a wine tasting with lunch in a troglodyte cave was the most interesting and one of the most unusual stops of the entire trip. Norm and Dana

Available for up to 10 Adventurers!

Day One—Sunday

We meet you  in the early afternoon at the local rail station and transport you a short way to the Vineyard Manor.
Enjoy a meet-and-greet with homemade hors d’oeuvres and locally produced wines, followed by a tour of the Manor. Then relax  until it is time for a welcome dinner.  (Dinner by “chef” Walter and Artistic Gourmet Adventures)

 

Day Two—Monday

After breakfast, we will visit a local English-speaking wine expert. The day begins with coffee and biscuits, and includes a comprehensive tasting and lunch in the comfort of an old barrel cellar, followed by a leisurely trip along the river in a beautiful wooden boat. Gourmet Dinner at the Manor House.  (Breakfast/Gourmet Lunch/Gourmet Dinner included)

 

Day Three—Tuesday

Morning breakfast at the Manor. We then drive through the French countryside of the Loire for a wonderful picnic.  We then continue on to our destination of Angers, capital of the ancient province of Anjou. You will have the opportunity to explore the city of Angers on your own. Highlights include great shopping, eateries, and the beautiful Castle, home of the Fourteenth Century Apocalypse Tapestry, the largest tapestry in the world. Don’t miss a great opportunity for gift-shopping. Dinner on your own in Angers.  (Breakfast/Gourmet Picnic Lunch provided)

 

Day Four—Wednesday

Awake rested and ready to go. We will enjoy breakfast and head to the village of Beaumont-en-Veron, in the appelation of Chinon. Here we will meet a local representative, sample the local wines, tour a vineyard, then enjoy a scrumptious lunch (prepared by a local chef) dining in a Troglodyte Cave. We then drive on to the beautiful castle town of Chinon, famous for the legend of Joan of Arc. Dinner in Chinon on your own.  (Breakfast/Gourmet Lunch provided)

 

Day Five—Thursday

After a leisurely breakfast, we will get a mid-morning start to Martin de Candre, maker of hundreds of artisinal soaps (savonnerie artisanale), great for gift-giving. After, we will travel a short distance to Fontevraud, home of Fontevraud l’Abbaye, burial place of King Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their son, Richard the Lionheart (also made famous in the modern era by the movie, “The Lion in Winter”). Explore this charming town on your own (tour the Abbey, have lunch in one of several restaurants, from bistro to gastronomique). At day’s end, we make a leisurely drive via the breathtaking Saumur Champigny region, on our way back to the Manor for dinner.  (Breakfast/ Dinner provided)

 

Day Six—Friday

Early breakfast, then visit Chateau de Chenonceau, located in a pretty setting literally on the Cher River. Gourmet Picnic lunch in the Chateau gardens. Arriving back  a Farewell Dinner.  (Breakfast/Picnic Lunch/Dinner provided)

 

Day Seven—Saturday

Breakfast at the Manor, then transportation to Chinon train station for your return home (or your next destination).  (Breakfast)

A fantastic week exploring France’s Loire Valley with Kim and Walter Eagleton leading the way. Each day was very memorable with gourmet food, wine tastings and visits to historic sites. Best of all was our “home”. Who wouldn’t enjoy living in a castle? Ray and Cydney

2016 Adventure

  • $3600 pp single occupancy
    • $200 off! If Adventure Paid in Full by January 1, 2016
  • $3450 pp double occupancy
      • $200 off!  If Adventure Paid in Full by January 1, 2016

     

The Adventure cost covers rail originating at CDG airport or central Paris to and from Chinon rail station, ground transfers to and from the Manor House originating at rail station in Chinon, daily ground transportation by air conditioned van, all breakfasts, most lunches and most dinners, accommodation in our private Vineyard Manor with and wine and soft beverages with meals at the Vineyard Manor.  
  • Tour cost is included.
  • Airfare is not included.  
  • Airport meet and escort by host is available for additional fee of $500 per group.  
  • Travel Insurance is HIGHLY recommended.  
  • Nonrefundable deposit of $750 pp due upon booking.