Day 1: London to Tours
We travel on a late morning Eurostar service to Paris, where we change onto our onward TGV to St. Pierre des Corps. From here we transfer to Tours, famous for its rich historic and architectural heritage and for briefly being the capital of France in the 15th century. We check in to our home for the next four nights, the 3* Hotel Mercure Tours, and enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (D)
Day 2: Amboise
Today we visit the charming town of Amboise, filled with picturesque half-timbered houses and dominated by the centuries-old Château Amboise perched above the town. Perhaps take some time to explore the castle and wander through the fully furnished apartments where Mary, Queen of Scots was brought up, admiring the stunning views over the surrounding countryside from the windows. The huge spiral ramp at the Chateau’s original entrance is very impressive, as is the intricately-carved Chapel of Saint-Hubert, the final resting place of painter and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. The Renaissance genius spent the last three years of his life in Clos Lucé, a luxurious manor house with wonderful gardens which today has been restored and is open to the public. Visitors can marvel at giant working models of his inventions and huge translucent panels which depict sketches and details from his paintings. (B)
Day 3: Château de Chenonceau
After breakfast we set off together by rail to visit the renowned Château de Chenonceau, arguably the loveliest of all the great castles, whose arches span the pretty River Cher and whose façade is reflected in the rippling water which flows beneath it. The château has much to offer visitors, renowned not only for its architecture and history but also for its Renaissance furniture, tapestries and paintings. Beautifully-manicured lawns edged with rare plants and rambling roses surround the castle, and verdant parks stretch out in all directions. Take a stroll through the maze, which has been rebuilt exactly as it was in times past, or wander around the recently restored 16th century farm on the estate. (B)
Day 4: At leisure in Tours
Today is free to explore the delightful city of Tours, a UNESCO World Heritage site set on the banks of the Loire. Its original medieval district, le Vieux Tours, is full of beautifully-preserved half-timbered buildings built around the atmospheric Place Plumereau, a bustling squar e lined with cafés, boutiques and galleries. The Cathedral St Gatien,
begun in 1239 and not completed until 250 years later, is also well worth a visit, both for its impressive Gothic façade and its original 13th century stained-glass windows. Near the cathedral, in the garden of the ancient Archbishop’s Palace, now the Musée des Beaux-Arts, is a huge cedar tree reputedly planted by Napoleon. (B,D)
Day 5: Homeward bound
We are transferred by coach to St. Pierre des Corps, where we catch our TGV service to Paris and join the Eurostar to St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotel
Ideally located in the heart of Tours, the 3* Hotel Mercure Tours is close to both the town centre and the station. All rooms are equipped with satellite television, air conditioning, hairdryer, minibar and telephone. The hotel has a bar.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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