*based on a June departure.
The Loire valley is known as "The Garden of France", and is famed for both its vineyards and for its many beautiful chateaux, dating back to the days when the area was a playground for the medieval nobility of France. Explore the region in style with a five-night stay in Tours, including day trips to medieval Orleans and the famous chateau of Chenonceau.
Day One - London to Tours
A leisurely mid-morning departure on board the Eurostar departure to Paris. Sip champagne and enjoy a complimentary meal as you speed through the Channel Tunnel and the French countryside before arriving at the Gare du Nord, where a taxi driver is waiting to transfer you to the Gare Montparnasse, across town. Continue your high-speed journey by TGV, speeding to Tours in just over an hour and arriving in good time for dinner.
Your hotel for five nights is the Hotel L'Univers – 4*, conveniently situated close to the railway station.
While in Tours
The itinerary includes day return tickets from Tours to the medieval city of Orleans, famous for its magnificent cathedral and its connections with Joan of Arc; and to the small village of Chenonceaux with its iconic chateau constructed as a bridge across the River Cher.
It's up to you when you choose to do these two excursions - and there are plenty of other places within easy reach of Tours by train. The small town of Amboise with its royal residence and Clos Luce manor house where da Vinci died; Blois with its winding, hilly streets and fine chateau or Angers with its imposing medieval castle are all open to your explorations.
Day Six - Tours to Paris
Travel by high-speed TGV back to Paris to finish off your holiday with a short stay in the French capital - on arrival back at the Gare Montparnasse, there will again be a driver to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. With a choice of trains and a short journey time, you can decide whether to give yourself more time in Tours, or make the most of your short stay in Paris.
Your hotel for two nights is the Hotel Franklin Roosevelt – 4*, situated in central Paris, not far from the Champs-Elysees.
Day Seven - free time in Paris
Your time is your own for a day in the City of Light - whether you enjoy shopping, museums, people-watching or sightseeing, you will find plenty to entertain you here!
Day Eight - Paris to London
Choose a departure time to best suit you: leave early and give yourself more time to get home from London, or leave later to maximise your time in Paris - the choice is yours. Whatever you decide, there will be a taxi arranged to meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the Gare du Nord in plenty of time.