VIP LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES TOUR (2 Days)

DAY 1

After one and a half hour, you will leave the highway for your first destination: CHAMBORD, the largest chateau in the Loire valley, that is one of the jewels of the French Renaissance architecture and that blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Italian structures.

Built by King Francois 1er during over 20 years (he spent only 42 days living there), Chambord houses an architectural highlight: the spectacular double-helix open staircase, designed by Leonardo da Vinci and illuminated by a sort of lighthouse at the highest point of the chateau in its center.

You guide will take you for a private visit of the chateau (ground floor apartment, Royal apartment of the Sun King, Queen's chamber, King Francois 1st apartment, the Royal chapel, the amazing top terrace and the surroundings.

After leaving Chambord, on the way, you will head to your second "highlight" of the day: the chateau de BLOIS located in the center of the city.

Built from the 13th to the 17th century (different styles and influences) around the main courtyard, the chateau was the residence of several French Kings over different centuries. It was also the place where Joan of Arc was blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before departing with her army to deliver Orleans from the English.

Before having a private guided visit of the chateau, your guide will take you for a very nice lunch in a small local restaurant in the old town to enjoy some of the specialties of the region.

After the visit of the chateau, you will drive for an hour along the Loire River towards AMBOISE a fascinating medieval town with its timbered 500 year old houses, its narrow streets and local shops where you will enjoy walking along , admiring the Royal chateau , built on a promontory overlooking the Loire , that became the favorite residence of the French Kings in the 16th century. Then to end this day, you will enjoy a WINE TASTING (not included) in this region famous for wines such as : CHINON, GAMAY, VOUVRAY, CABERNET, etc.

After the tasting, your guide will leave you at your hotel for the night.

DAY 2

After breakfast, you will start your day with the private guided visit of AMBOISE Castle whose impressive location on the cliff, over looking the LOIRE River, will leave you breathless.

Then your private tour guide will take you for your second guided visit of the day : LE CLOS LUCE.
The mansion where genius LEONARDO DA VINCI lived and worked, as a guest of King François 1er, the three last years of his life (visit of the mansion, Leonardo's bedroom, study, chapel...and marvelous garden and park with a display of some of the most impressive inventions of the Master).

It is time now for a LUNCH break in a small traditional restaurant of the region.

Then your guide will take you to CHENONCEAU Castle that spans over the River Cher and that you will approach by a striking tree lined avenue .

Chenonceaux's history is entwined with that of 9 women that left their marks there (it is known as the Chateau of the Dames): Catherine Briconnet, the initial builder, Diane de Poitiers, King Henri II's mistress, Catherine of Medicis, the "black" queen, Mary, Queen of Scots, Gabrielle d'Estrees, King Henry IV' s favorite, Louise de Lorraine, the mourning widow, Mme Dupin, Voltaire's and Rousseau's friend and Mme Pelouze that restored the chateau to its 16C glory.

Your guide will take you for a private guided visit of the chateau (the Guards Room, the chapel, Diane de Poitier's bedroom, the Green study and library, the Grand Gallery, Francois Ier's bedroom, the Sun King's living room, Catherine's and Louise's bedrooms and the vaulted kitchens) and the gardens.
.

After your visit , your guide will bring you back to your hotel or apartment in Paris.

Meals and hotels not included, Entrance Fees included

Extra charge for a pick up and/or a drop off outside Paris