Excursion A loire valley châteaux and wine heritage overland journey tour at St Malo

Discover why the exquisite Loire Valley is renowned for its spectacular natural and architectural heritage during this immersive, two-night overland excursion. Tour the spectacular Amboise Castle and Clos Lucet, mansion of Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy lunch at Les Caves Ambacia, home of Amboise’s 15th-century royal cellars. At Château de Chenonceau Castle, one of the crowned jewels of the Loire Valley, tour the estate and gardens. The next day, explore Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, then head for lunch at a local bistro in Blois and a tour of the Royal Castle of Blois. A two-night stay at the elegant, 5-star Sources de Cheverny and farewell dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant, Le Favori, round out your Loire Valley experience in grand style. Your introduction to the most beautiful château estates and gardens in the region ends with a picturesque train-ride from St. Pierre des Corps (Tours) to Bordeaux, via the Loire Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural abundance of châteaux and the cradle of French Royal history.

02MIDBOD-A Loire Valley Châteaux and Wine Heritage Overland Journey

Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights

Departs from: Saint Malo at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Re-join ship: Bordeaux at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for France. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency for France is the Euro. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (a shopping stop is not planned during this programme).

Discover why the exquisite Loire Valley is renowned for its spectacular natural and architectural heritage during this immersive, two-night overland excursion.

DAY ONE – Saint Malo/ Cheverny

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and and depart for the scenic, approximately five-hour drive to the the town of Amboise, with one-two comfort stops en route.

Amboise, located along the Loire River, and home of the luxurious Amboise Castle

Arrive at the town of Amboise, located along the Loire River. Perched above the city and overlooking the river, Amboise Castle was the residence of French kings from the 15th century to the 19th century, and its destiny is inextricably linked to the history of France. Numerous literary figures and artists were invited here, including Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb is preserved at the château. Thus, this Royal château is the expression of French-style luxury.

Enjoy a walk through its 15th-century royal cellars and lunch at Les Caves Ambacia

Next, a visit is made to Les Caves Ambacia, home of Amboise’s 15th-century royal cellars. Located in the heart of Touraine, Les Caves Ambacia was founded in 1874. Upon arrival at its scenic, cliff-side location, learn about the history and heritage of Les Caves Ambacia during a walk through the cellars, then proceed for a delightful lunch at the onsite restaurant.

Stroll through the town of Amboise and tour Clos Lucet, mansion of Leonardo da Vinci

Upon arrival in Amboise, take a guided stroll through the town, with its charming streets and serene atmosphere, then continue on to Clos Lucet, mansion of Leonardo da Vinci. It was here that da Vinci spent the last years of his life. During your unforgettable guided tour of Clos Lucet, explore the heart of da Vinci’s life and work.

Transfer to the spectacular Chenonceau Castle

Re-board your coach and transfer to the Château de Chenonceau (Chenonceau Castle). One of the crowned jewels of the Loire Valley and most photographed buildings in the world, Chenonceau Castle is easily recognisable by its graceful arches panning the Cher River and beautiful, airy gardens.

About the Chenonceau Castle

The history of Chenonceau Castle is defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, restored, and saved it. The first château was a medieval château dating from the 12th century and 13th century, of which only the dungeon remains. The château in its current form features unique architecture and a river-crossing structure built between 1513 and 1517. Chenonceau is also known as the ’Château des Dames’ (Ladies Castle). Catherine de Medicis fell in love with Chenonceau, and forced the Duchess Diane de Poitiers to deed the castle to her in 1560. Catherine’s son, Francis II, married Mary Queen of Scots there in 1568.

Take a guided walking tour of the Chenonceau Castle & Gardens

Upon arrival at Chenonceau Castle, take a guided walking tour of this spectacular Château and its beautiful, airy gardens.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner

Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer to the charming Sources de Cheverny, a beautiful, 5-star hotel surrounded by vineyards. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Prestige Room at the Sources de Cheverny Hotel – Cheverny

DAY TWO – Cheverny

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Domaine de Chambord.

About the Chambord Castle

Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire Valley, and located in the heart of an estate the size of Paris. Thanks to its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture, Chambord is amongst the nation’s most recognisable monuments. The castle was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francis I, who maintained his royal residences at the Royal Castle of Blois and Amboise. Chambord Castle itself is an especially unique monument due to its architecture and proportions. With more than 400 rooms and its double spiral staircase, it’s easy to see why guests are so enchanted by this exceptional castle.

Transfer to the town of Blois for lunch at a local bistro

Following a narrated and guided tour of Chambord Castle, re-board your coach and head to the town of Blois. Upon arrival, proceed for lunch at a local bistro.

Tour the Royal Castle of Blois, a fascinating panorama of French history and architecture

After lunch, take a guided tour of the Royal Castle of Blois. This historic monument offers a fascinating panorama of the architecture and history of France, as it embodies four major epochs. Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to your hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-star Le Favori restaurant

This evening, head to Le Favori, a Michelin-star restaurant located in your hotel, to indulge your palate with the sumptuous cuisine of Chef Frédéric Calmels.

Overnight accommodations in a Prestige Room at the Sources de Cheverny Hotel – Cheverny

DAY THREE – Cheverny/Bordeaux

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to Tours.

St. Pierre des Corps (Tours), Train-Ride to Bordeaux

In St. Pierre des Corps (Tours), board your fast TGV train for the picturesque, approximately two-hour ride towards Bordeaux. Conclude your journey with the short transfer from Bordeaux train station to your ship repositioned in Bordeaux city center.

Please note: This Overland Experience requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2.7 miles (about 4.4 kilometres), at times over uneven, gravel, cobblestone, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the train, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, non-slip, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, sunglasses with a strap, a weatherproof jacket, raingear, an umbrella, a small backpack for land visits (for cameras, bottled water, etc.), camera, medications, binoculars, and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship; bring some casual-elegant attire for hotel dinners. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must carry their passports and ship’s ID at all times. The tour sequence, timings and itinerary may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

Two-night stay in a Prestige Room at the Hotel Sources de Cheverny – Cheverny

Two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners

Scheduled train-ride: St. Pierre des Corps-Bordeaux via the Loire Valley

All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.