Springtime in the Loire Valley, France--not to be missed!
France
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Apr 24 - Apr 28, 2023
The SPECTACULAR LOIRE VALLEY!! 5 days and 4 nights in this wonderful section of France. Walking through castles where recorded history occurred sometimes 800 years ago! The people, the gardens, the chateaux, the history and art, the food, the wine, and the cheese made our vacation the perfect escape from the normal stressors of life.
I am an experienced traveler, but this was my first time using a travel agent/tour company. I am so happy that my first experience with a travel agent arranging all the details of a trip was so positive! I gave Lise (our specialist) a budget, a list of places that were a "must see" for us, and some preferences for our trip and she put together an itinerary that we could adjust and tweak. After some back and forth, we landed on an itinerary and price; a trip that we were so looking forward to!! And it did NOT disappoint! All I had to keep track of was a folder of printed vouchers because EVERYTHING was taken care of. Every detail from the TGV, transfer taxi to hotel, hotel, small group guided days (which included the "skip the line" chateaux tours, lunches (or free time to lunch), driver, and winery tours), transfer back to rail station, and TGV back to Paris, was arranged for us--all we had to do was show up and enjoy!
Lise and the Kimkim team remained in contact with us prior to the trip offering guides and suggestions. During the trip, they remained in contact over email and even gave us phone numbers in Europe to call in the event of emergency or inconvenience that might need assistance. We did not need to contact them, but it was reassuring to have just in case.
Our guides Marion, Camilla, and Aurelia each provided wonderful days touring amazing Chateaux, gardens, wineries, and offered little extras (history details, suggestions for how to get the most out of the day, restaurant recommendations, and little known places to check out) that made the trip extra special.
The highlight of the trip was the lunch we were so fortunate to have at Chateau Villesavin. A privately owned chateau where the Madame greeted us and, after a home cooked meal we all enjoyed in an 18th century room, allowed us to roam the grounds and certain rooms of this lesser known, but beautiful, chateau tucked into the gorgeous Loire valley countryside.
If you want to walk the narrow cobblestone streets of medieval towns, tread the paths formerly walked by the Kings and Queens of very old France and Leonardo DaVinci, and encounter the most incredible gardens and flowers we have EVER seen...then the Loire Valley in Spring is for you. To make it all easy, accessible, and affordable---I highly recommend Lise and the kimkim team.
Hotel Review
This is a small boutique hotel with the service and amenities of a large hotel, and the charm and personal touch of a bed and breakfast. The breakfast each morning was excellent. The room, amazing view, and large modern bathroom made it the perfect central place to enjoy the Eastern Loire Valley and all of its charms. The staff was so nice and eager to accommodate to ensure comfort and enjoyment.
Activity Reviews
Experience the genius of DaVinci in the place where he spent the last years of his life. Marvel at his inventions and artwork that might be previously unknown to you.
Marion did a wonderful job taking to these sites providing background and history to bring these Chateaux to life. The lunch at Villesavin was so special.
These Chateaux are incredible. The gardens at Villandry are once-in-a-lifetime amazing. The winery tours were interesting and fun to learn and experience the Vouvray wines of the Loire Valley.
We experienced the Chateau Royal de Blois and Chaumont sur Loire during this privately guided trip and it was a truly unique day!
