Loire Valley France         

Western Loire Valley, France     6 days 

This beautiful region of France has long held an appeal for British visitors. The gentle scenery, fine wines and good food combined with its history, much of it entwined with our own, draws tourists from all over the world and we have had a group or two in the area for several years. This year we will once again be based in Saumur and our programme sets out to show you an interesting part of this Department with the emphasis on first class sightseeing and a look at some of the wines to be found here as well as sampling the cuisine. We have persuaded the affable John Russell to lead this tour.

We set off on the first day and travel to Portsmouth to catch the overnight ferry to Caen. A cabin is provided.

On arrival in France on the second day we head southwards to Angers and to the riverside village of Bouchemain where we will have lunch on the banks of the river at the Auberge de la Marine overlooking the River Loire. In the mid-afternoon we have a tasting at the Chateau des Fesles after which we continue along the river to Saumur where we check in to the Hotel Adagio for four nights. Evening free.

On the third day we make a short drive across Saumur to the Cadre Noir, home of the French Army Riding School, where we will have a tour and visit of the establishment. From here we travel to Gratien-Meyer to sample their sparkling wine and have a snack lunch on the terrace overlooking the river. In the mid-afternoon we travel to Montsoreau to visit the troglodyte caves where the mushrooms grow. Dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast on the fourth day we drive to St Nicolas de Bourgeuil to sample some excellent reds at Domaine des Vallettes and afterwards we drive into the famous old town of Chinon for sightseeing. In the early afternoon we visit Fontevraud Abbey. Our final stop today will be at St Cyr en Bourg to sample the wines at the Cave des Vignerons de Saumur. Dinner at the hotel this evening.

On the fifth day we drive west towards Angers and have a morning tasting at Domaine du Closel followed by lunch at the chateau. In the afternoon we continue our journey northwards to Caen.

We catch the overnight sailing from Ouistreham and a cabin is provided.

We reach Portsmouth on the sixth day at 0630 and the coach then returns to the original pick up points.

(Cost includes: all travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin both ways; four nights 3* hotel accommodation with breakfast and lunch or dinner each day; all excursions as detailed; all entrances; Tour Escort)

Departure dates

Dates	Price
September 5th	£595

Single supplement £145

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Pick up points:
Plymouth – Newton Abbot – Exeter-Bridport - Portsmouth