Tour the Palaces & Châteaux of Paris & the Loire Valley - 12 Days

Highlights

• Get a taste of Paris with an evening dinner cruise on the Seine
• Skip the lines for a behind-the-scenes look at Versailles
• Look out over the Loire River from the UNESCO-listed Château d'Amboise
• Climb the Château de Chambord's grand double staircase 
• Sip Loire Valley wines at a vineyard outside Saumur

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Free Time to Explore

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in Paris, otherwise known as the "City of Lights." This thriving capital blends far-reaching history with modern vibes, featuring ancient architecture alongside chic cafés, world-class museums, and high-end shopping. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel, after which you're free to step out and see some of the sights.

Start your self-guided tour with a walk along the banks of the Seine, or head to Canal Saint-Martin, a nearly 3-mile (4.6 km) canal that connects the Canal de l'Ourcq to the Seine. Here, you'll find art galleries and quiet parks, as well as cafés if you'd like to grab a bite. You can also go shopping at stores such as Lafayette and Printemps, featuring top local designers, and small boutiques offering high-quality wares. Art lovers may also want to check out some of Paris' smaller museums, as the city has one of the most impressive art collections in the world. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant then relax at your hotel.

Day 2: Day Trip to Château de Chantilly

Today's excursion takes you to Château de Chantilly, a historic castle located approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of Paris. In the morning, head to the station and board a train to Chantilly, meeting your guide on arrival and heading to the château. You'll visit the two buildings that make up the estate: the Petit Château, built for French noble Anne de Montmorency in the 1500s, and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the late 1800s.

Take some time to browse the on-site Musée Condé, whose vast collection of antique art is second only to the Louvre art. Featuring the collection of the Duke d'Aumale, you'll find more than 550 paintings by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Ingres, and Delacroix. After the museum, continue into the nearly 300-acre (115 ha) park that makes up the grounds. Enjoy a picnic lunch or visit the park's restaurant, Hamlet, then end the day strolling through the park's gardens. Return to Paris by train in the late afternoon. 

Day 3: Morning Tour of Versailles, Dinner Cruise on the Seine

Step back to the times of kings and queens today on a visit to the Palace and Park of Versailles. In the morning, meet your private guide and take a quick train ride to Versailles, where you'll exit the station and walk to the palace. This former royal residence, once the hunting pavilion of Louis XIII, was transformed into an opulent and decadent testament to France's "Le Grand Siècle" (The Great Century) by Louis XIV. You'll have the opportunity to see some of the 2,300 rooms that make up the palace, as well as the surrounding gardens. 

Your guide will whisk you past the waiting visitor queues and take you on an exclusive private tour that showcases the grandeur of the king and queen's apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Gardens à la Française. View the Gallery of Great Battles, the many art collections, and the garden's endless fountains and groves. Return to Paris in time to do more sightseeing on your own or catch a nap back at the hotel.

Later, see Paris by night with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Just before sunset, board your vessel and meet your captain. Sip a glass of bubbly as the cityscape passes by, taking in sights such as the Musée du Louvre, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and the illuminated Eiffel Tower. Delight in a delectable menu of French specialties, crafted by a renowned chef and offering a memorable gastronomic experience. 

Day 4: Day Trip to Compiegne, Fondation Napoléon & Château de Pierrefonds

This morning, board the train for Compiègne, a small town that sits on the Oise River in northern France. After an hour's journey, arrive and meet your guide for a day tour of this charming region. You'll start at Château de Compiègne, a lavish 18th-century castle built for built for Louis XV and later restored by none other than Napoleon.

Visit the Fondation Napoléon, where you'll learn more about the history of the Napoleonic periods, then end with a guided tour of Château de Pierrefonds. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle fell to ruin until it was rebuilt by Napoleon in the 1800s. See the fortified walls, bridges, and sites such as the Courtyard of Honor, chapel, and the Hall of the Preuses. Return to Paris by train, where the rest of your day is free. 

Day 5: Train to Amboise & the Loire Valley

Check out of your Paris hotel and head to the train station this morning, making the 2.5-hour journey to the city of Amboise, located within the famed Loire Valley. Once you've arrived and checked into your hotel, spend some time getting to know this beautiful locale. Start with a stroll to the town center, where you can see Maison du Clos Lucé, a former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and learn about the years he spent in Amboise. If you happen to arrive on a weekend, you'll find local markets selling fresh produce and other goods. 

The UNESCO-listed Château d'Amboise is also a must-see. Built above the river and featuring a large stretch of gardens, this fortress boasts an expansive collection of furniture, illustrating the artistic refinement of the early French Renaissance. Each room showcases important episodes in the history of France, and you'll find astonishing architecture such as the Minimes and Heurtault Towers. Step out into the Jardin d'Orient to stroll beautifully manicured avenues, and keep an eye out for the more than 80 species of birds that call the gardens home. 

Day 6: E-Bike Tour of Château de Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau 

The day starts in the town of Tours, where you'll embark on an e-bike tour of some of the region's most notable landmarks. Meet your guide and after a safety and equipment briefing, start your ride. E-bikes are the perfect mode of transportation for nearly any fitness level, as you can make use of the bike's engine for long uphills or if you tire, and a great way to see more of the countryside.

Follow your guide across the Cher River and through the village of Savonnières, arriving at the Château de Villandry, a jewel of French heritage built during the Renaissance. Walk through the main rooms as your guide shares more about the castle's history, and explore the stunning grounds, which include a vegetable garden, labyrinth, and water garden.

Make your way to the Indre Valley next and the village of Azay-le-Rideau. Have lunch here, then saddle back up and ride to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. Built in the 12th century as a fortress to protect the roads between Tours and Chinon, the castle features Italian Renaissance architecture and appears to float directly above the Indre River. Ride back along the river, then take the train back to Amboise for the afternoon.

Day 7: Tour the Loire Valley's Châteaux: Chambord & Chaumont

After breakfast, you'll be picked up by your private driver and drive to Château de Chambord, one of the Loire Valley's most popular destinations. Built in the 1500s as a hunting lodge for Francis I, this castle is a beautiful example of French Renaissance architecture. Explore the double spiral staircase (which two people can go up or down without ever meeting) and learn about the royal hunts that took place within the vast grounds. Go through five centuries of history in just a few hours as you wander through furnished 18th-century apartments and see breathtaking views from the terraces.

Stop for lunch, then continue along the Loire Valley wine route, which takes you past miles of vineyards. Stop for a tasting if you like, then head to the Château de Chaumont. Built on the site of a former fortress, this incredible castle has evolved greatly over time, influenced by Queen Catherine de Medicis, wife to King Henry II, as well as Henry's mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Learn about its intriguing history as you visit the rooms, halls, and grounds, then return to your hotel in time for dinner. 

Day 8: Train to Saumur, Self-Guided City Tour

Your next destination is the town of Saumur, located in western France on the banks of the Loire River. This historic town is known for its lively squares and shopping districts, winding streets, and the imposing Château de Saumur. After the two-hour train journey from Amboise, get settled in your hotel then step out for a self-guided city tour.

Start with a visit to Place Saint-Pierre, a central spot where you'll find the Eglise Saint-Pierre. Dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, the church has beautiful stained glass windows. For more of French history, the Calvary Museum has excellent exhibits of France's military background throughout the ages, or visit the Armor Museum where hundreds of tanks are housed. Stop by sites such as the Maison du Roi (House of the King), built in the 15th century and housing various kings and queens over the years, or see elegant 17th-century mansions like Maison des Anges.

Save the best for last with the medieval fortress of Château de Saumur. Originally built in the 10th century to protect against Norman attacks, it also served as the residence for the town's governors and was used as a prison in the 17th and 18th centuries. Walk the fortified walls and lovingly restored interior, and visit the on-site museum for archaeological finds, ceramics, and tapestries. End the day with dinner at a local café and a sunset walk along the river. 

Day 9: Cave Villages of Souzay-Champigny, Vineyard Tour & Tasting, Train to Angers

Head just outside Saumar today for a guided tour of the otherworldly cave villages of Souzay-Champigny. This series of medieval caves and tunnels, otherwise known as troglodyte houses, date back to the Middle Ages and stretch from one end of the village to the other in a vast network. Visit the hillside dwellings, walk through underground streets, and see houses tucked into nooks and crannies. 

Your guide will share more about the caves, how they were used, and the people who once occupied them, leaving you with a better understanding of this important slice of history. On the way back, stop at a vineyard to meet the winemakers and tour the winery, enjoying a tasting of local varietals. This afternoon, a short train ride takes you to Angers, the former capital of Anjou and now known for its horticultural contributions. Relax at your hotel tonight or take a stroll around town to find a perfect spot for dinner.

Day 10: Tour Anjou's Châteaux: Brissac & Serrant 

More historic châteaux are on the agenda today as you meet your guide and venture into the Anjou countryside. Start at the Château de Brissac, the tallest castle in France. Occupied since the Middle Ages, you'll see rooms decorated with an exceptional collection of antique furniture, as well as the Versailles Chapel, a grand library, and the Empire Bedroom, once visited by Napoleon and Josephine. You'll also find a series of well-preserved tapestries dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. 

Have lunch nearby, then visit Château de Serrant, a Renaissance estate not far from the city of Angers. Built under Louis XIV, this still-occupied castle contains one of the largest collections of furniture, antiques, and art in the country. You'll have the chance to admire rare furnishings, see family portraits that span centuries, and walk through rooms that include kitchens, a library with more than 12,000 books, and a grand salon. 

Day 11: Tour Historic Angers & Château d'Angers, Train to Paris

Your final full day in France takes you on a quest to uncover the secrets and stories of medieval Angers. Meet your guide and start with a visit to Château d'Angers. The current structure was built in the ninth century atop the site of a strategic Roman fortress, but its coveted position overlooking the Maine River has been occupied since Neolithic times. Once home to the Dukes of Anjou, the castle also contains the important Apocalypse Tapestry, a more than 300-foot (100 m) piece listed on UNESCO's Memory of the World register.

Explore the fortress, stroll the grounds, and see the impressive 17 towers, then make your way into town, where you'll visit local landmarks that include the 11th-century Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers, the Botanical Garden, and the the former convent of La Baumette. Come away with a better understanding of the rich heritage of this region as your expert guide regales you with the legends, tales, and intrigue that make up Angers' history. Later in the day, you'll return to Paris via train for a final night in the city.

Day 12: Depart Paris

It's time to say au revoir to France. At the appointed time, your driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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