* France - Loire Castles

Arrive in Tours and have lunch. Guided visit with the group of the city by tourist train, with its famous old town and half-timbered houses. Continue to Montlouis for a wine tasting stop. Dinner and overnight.

We head with the group for the château of Villandry. Its famous gardens include the highly ornamental kitchen garden. On then to a workshop specialising in drying and conserving pears. We observe traditional preparation methods and have the chance to taste the so called "Poires Tapées à l'Ancienne", unique to the region.  After lunch we continue with a guided tour of the château d'Ussé. Its multitude of turrets, skylights and chimneys has made it better known as Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Back to the hotel via Azay le Rideau. Dinner and overnight.

Enjoy a visit at your leisure to Chenonceau castle, home to the ladies of the Court during the Renaissance. Lunch. Guided tour with the group of one of the region's unique cave dwellings, built on three levels, and still lived in, where we learn about old quarrying techniques. We also visit a silkworm farm.  On our return we make a stop at a wine cellar for some more wine tasting. Dinner. Overnight.

We set off for Blois, where you are free to explore the town, a favourite of Royals centuries ago, with its steep alleys, the sailors quarter etc.....Lunch