Day 1:  Loire Valley for 4 nights

Pick up car in Paris at CDG airport

2 bedroom apartment, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Domaine de Beauvois*****

This former 17th-century mansion, now a stunning 4-star hotel, is situated in the Loire Valley, near Tours, and sits in a 40-hectare park with and outdoor swimming pool.

The Domaine De Beauvois features elegant guestrooms, classic in both style and décor. They present comfortable living spaces with cosy interiors. All rooms are equipped with modern en suite facilities and free Wi-Fi internet access.

Enjoy Lunch and dinner in a spacious dining room with an impressive fireplace, or 2 smaller dining rooms, each decorated in a Louis XIII and Louis XV style. During summer meals can be served on the terrace.  The combination of its vibrant surroundings and a host of facilities, the Domaine De Beauvois is the perfect choice for a romantic or luxurious break from the everyday hustle and bustle.

http://www.grandesetapes.com/chateau-hotel-beauvois-loire

Day 2

Biking Tour self drive to Amboise via the Vouvray or Montlouis vineyards (includes bike, helmet & map) – 15km

Your bikes will be delivered to the Chateau

Head for Amboise on the right bank on the Loire you reach the hilly vineyards of Vouvray. You can stop and taste the famous « crémant de Vouvray », a sparkling wine and learn the art of vinification or On the left bank you take the cyclepath « Loire à vélo » through the vineyards of Montlouis’ white wine.

Visit Amboise before heading back to your hotel

Amboise – Nestling on the left bank of the Loire, Amboise has kept traces of its royal past.
In summer the town’s majestic Château with its terraces overlooking the Loire Valley is cleverly illuminated. Today remains only a quarter of the original castle. The gothic chapel takes in the alleged tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.  During the wine fair in Easter, the aromas of various grape varieties float through the amazing tunnel of the Château, ideal for this kind of event.
Amboise and its shopping streets have always charmed visitors.
This town of character played host to Leonardo da Vinci, invited by François I to Château du Clos Lucé. Even today the genius of the famous inventor haunts this Château, where around 40 of his fabulous machines are displayed

Clos Lucé in Amboise – For the last four years of his life, till 1519, Leonardo da Vinci lived in this pink-brick manor house of the Clos Luce under the patronage of Francois 1st. An exhibition in the manor shows us a Leonardo more designer and engineer than painter. Big miniatures  from his designs include a flying machine, a tank and a turning bridge.

Day 3

Market and cooking class with transportation included

Pick up at 4 pm

Stroll with your guide through an authentic market in a village

Then head to the banks of the Loire Valley to explore the world of the caves.

Then prepare a meal with a French family and have dinner

Return to hotel around 10 pm

Day 4

Day at leisure

Optional Half day Canoeing or Kayaking Itinerary:

Montrichard to Chenonceau Castle (3 hours)

Depart from the beach of Montrichard. Transfer back to Montrichard from Chenonceau is included in the price of the rental

Montrichard’s position on the river Cher has not only allowed it to become the bustling market town you see today but also to adapt to the needs of today’s tourists by the creation of it own ‘beach’ on the riverbank, this with the towns traditional French charm and lifestyle make it a very attractive location for holiday makers wishing to explore the delights of the Loire Valley. On approaching the town the dominant feature is the keep (donjon) of what was once a much bigger fortress –destroyed by the English. This  now houses the town museum. The town has a charming tourist office which along with other timbered houses make walking around a pleasure.

Chateau de Chenonceau – Built in the 16th century , the castle of Chenonceau is famous for its location along the edge of the Cher river and its spectacular architecture .. known as the “Château des Dames”, Chenonceau  was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, and successively embellished by Diane de Poitiers then Catherine de Medici. Chenonceau was protected from the hardship of the revolution by Madame Dupin.

Day 5

Drop off car in Paris

Chateau de Chambord, the grandiose palace of François the First featuring a double-turn spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. You’ll tour Chambord’s suite of François the First, the Chapel, the apartments of Louis XIV, and terraces with a magnificent panorama over the vast estate and its many pavilions and slate-roof towers.