FRANCE, THE LOIRE VALLEY & ITS ROYAL CHATEAUX ITINERARY: 

Day 1 - We will meet you in Paris at 9:00 a.m. for transfer to the Loire Valley. Arrive in time for an elegant lunch at the Domaine de Beauvois, a beautifully restored manor house dating from the 15th century and home during our Loire program. Late afternoon balloon adventure drifting slowly through the pretty countryside with its meadows, vineyards and concentration of Royal chateaux. Evening dinner party at our lovely hotel.

Day 2 - After breakfast we’ll visit one of the Loire’s most famous chateaux, 16th century Chateau Chenonceau. This romantic architectural masterpiece and gardens spans the River Cher and is filled with period pieces and magnificent art. Lunch at Chateau D'Artigny, the magnificent former home of perfume magnate Coty. Visit Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci with furnishings of his time and models of his inventions. Late afternoon balloon adventure, landing at twilight, with dinner prepared by our own chef in an 11th century fortress.

Day 3 - Morning visit to Chateau Villandry, the last great Renaissance chateau built in the Loire Valley. Its 16th century gardens were restored to their original glory in the early 1900’s, resplendent with fountains, lawns, reflecting pool, and topiary, flower and kitchen gardens. Visit the friendly goats at a cheese farm en-route to lunch at Chateau Beaulieu, then visit Chateau Azay le Rideau, which appears to float gracefully on the Indre River. Late afternoon balloon adventure through the chateau country followed by dinner in a medieval setting.

Day 4 - Morning visit to the brilliantly restored Chateau Langeais, a true Middle Ages fortress dating from 1465. An excellent example of period military architecture with richly decorated apartments, its 10th century stone tower is the oldest existing “keep” in France. Enjoy lunch at the Michelin two-star inn of chef Jean Bardet and early afternoon at Place Plumereau, Tours’ delightful medieval quarter filled with cafes, boutiques and galleries. Late afternoon balloon adventure, with twilight landing and dinner in the candle lit chambers of 11th century Cinq-Mars-la -Pile.

Day 5 - Morning visit to the fairytale castle of d’Usse with its turrets, towers, and chimneys that inspired the writing of Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. Morning departure for Paris with lunch enroute, arriving mid-afternoon.


OPTIONAL, ALL-INCLUSIVE NORMANDY EXTENSION - Days 5-9
Buddy Bombard hosts you on our comprehensive private excursion to Normandy, including transfers, 3 nights at Normandy's exquisite 14th century Chateau de Colombieres, luxury overnight in Paris, all meals of excellent cuisine, the Normandy beaches, cemetery and museum, visit to Malcolm Forbes's Chateau Balleroy and balloon museum, Mont St. Michel abbey and grounds, Honfleur, and Giverny.
Trip ends in Paris on Day 9.

Reservations and Deposits
Early reservations are essential. A deposit of 20% will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Call toll-free 1-877-306-5595

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