8th - 14th OCT 2024 - Fully Booked
'Was not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love- that makes life and nature harmonize."
-GEORGE ELIOT
If ever there was a thought to lift our spirits, it must be that. Hard to believe this lush and rural location is just a few hours outside of Paris. A part of the world disproportionately blessed with riches - the Loire Valley is a lush green land of gently undulating countryside interspersed with charming towns and magnificent, storybook castles.
Undoubtedly an exceptional place to visit in the Fall - it has been said that autumn in the valley of the Loire is something that everyone should experience at least once - the Loire Valley, after all, is known as The Garden of France. To journey around the chateaux of the Loire Valley is to step into an enchanted, fairytale land where castles rise majestically and dense dark forests create the backdrop. Stunningly elegant gardens surround the magnificent Renaissance monuments, and three wide, gently flowing rivers pass through this magical region.
We might reasonably expect the early morning fog to shroud the landscape in soft, white autumnal haze.
We have based ourselves in the heart of the Loire Valley with easy access to all the locations we are hoping to visit.
The region is known for its fine food and Tours is indisputably a town of culture and gastronomy.
A wealth of regional and artisanal products awaits those in need of a little retail therapy. The creative vibe is pervasive - and contemporary design and crafts are well represented amongst the more traditional attractions.
Accommodation options are plentiful in this region. We have opted for the Château de la Bourdaisière.
Château de la Bourdaisière is a 15th-century castle offering spacious and refined bed and breakfast rooms and apartments, as well as an on-site restaurant and bar. A large heated seasonal outdoor swimming-pool is also available at the property.
Château De La Bourdaisière is set in a 140-acre park located in the heart of the Loire Valley between Tours and Amboise
PRICING:
SINGLE STANDARD ROOM - £4,750 (NON FYV £4,995)
SINGLE SUPERIOR ROOM - £4,995 (NON FYV £5,250)
DEPOSIT DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING - 20%
Partner rate (non photographing) £2,995 (maximum two)
Includes £10 carbon offsetting fee. This is a voluntary contribution. Please advise us if you would rather opt-out and we will cover your contribution.
INCLUDES:
Six nights single room accommodation at the Château de la Bourdaisière
Breakfast
Evening meals with wine or beer (when taken with Doug and Valda)
Pick up from Tours main station, around 13:30 on the 8th Oct
Transport around the Loire Valley area in air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees to museums, gardens and galleries.
Tips for baggage handlers, drivers, porters etc
Tuition from Doug and Valda
Follow up review session on Zoom
EXCLUDES
Travel to Tours for pick up on the 8th and drop off at the station on the 14th, insurance, meals (apart from those listed),
Fitness level - moderate. Gentle walking.
Average temperature High 19°, Low 10°C (66°F / 50°F)
