Loire Valley Chateau Luxury Break

Fly from Stansted to Tours where you will pick up your car for the start of your romantic Loire valley Chateau Luxury break. Drive to Chateau de la Barre arriving for afternoon tea.

Time at leisure to explore the Chateau and it’s wonderful gardens prior to your evening Champagne reception and candlelight dinner in the 17th century dining room hosted by the Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay using their family silver, embroidered linen and antique crystal.

Continue your special weekend break today with a 1 hr drive to visit Leonardo da Vinci House in Amboise. The 15th century manor was given to Leonardo da Vinci by François I in 1516. At the house you will see many fascinating models of his various ideas. (Entry fee not included)

Stroll through Leonardo da Vinci's park to his priory where a Renaissance feast will be served to you for lunch, in costumes, exactly as if you were in 1530.

A 10 min drive will take you to Chenonceau castle. Built over the river Cher reflecting its unique beauty Chenonceau is the Loire's most beautiful Chateau. It is not only remarkable for its architecture and history but also for the fine quality of its collections: Renaissance to 18th century furniture, a vast ensemble of 16th century tapestries and a great number of master paintings by Le Primatice, Rubens, Tintoretto, Rigaud, Nattier, Van Loo and others. (Entry fee not included)

Late afternoon enjoy a wine and cheese tasting (5 wines with 5 cheeses) in a 10th century vaulted cellar. Afterwards in the early evening, take a 1 hr balloon ride departing from Amboise over the Loire valley marvelling at the exceptional Chateaux and beautiful countryside. On arrival back at your luxury Loire Valley Chateau de la Barre enjoy a light supper.

After breakfast drive to the little village of Ponce, with its artisanal glass blower and ceramist and the Renaissance manor house of Ronsard. Afterwards move on to the airport for flight home after your luxury weekend short break.