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Gardens & Chateaux of the Loire Valley
Date: Wednesday 3rd - Monday 8th September, 2008
Cost: €1100 per person sharing
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE
Itinerary:
This tour is based in the city of Tours, capital of the Loire Valley – with a reputation for culture, civilisation and
refinement. We are based in the beautiful 4* Hotel de l’Univers, the most famous and best hotel in the city centre.
Situated in the Place Jean-Jaures, with its fountains and flowers, the hotel is known for its impressive frieze in the large
reception area depicting illustrious guests who have stayed there since 1846.
Wednesday, 3rd September
Meet Iain MacDonald at Dublin Airport
for our mid morning Ryanair flight to
Nantes. Transfer by coach to our hotel
where there is time to unpack and
relax before dining together as a group
in the hotel. www.hotel-univers.fr
Thursday, 4th September
Our first visit is to Château de la
Chatonnière – nine themed gardens are arranged around a small Renaissance
castle, each with their own charm. Then
on to Château du Rivau – encircling
a 15th century turreted castle, the
contempory gardens are inspired by
legend and folklore. Evening free to
sample local cuisine.
Friday, 5th September
Two more wonderful gardens today.
In the morning a visit to Château
de Chenonceau which boasts two
magnificent gardens in the French
style, dedicated to Diane de Poitiers
and Catherine de Médicis. Then on to Château de la Bourdaisière, where the
large kitchen garden is planted with a
wide array of vegetables, fruits and herbs
and, most especially, 600 varieties of
tomatoes – a range of tomato products
is available in their shop! Evening free to
explore the restaurants of Tours.
Saturday, 6th September
After breakfast we travel to Château
de Valmer overlooking the Vouvray
vineyards. The formal terraces display
flowers, roses, fruit, vegetables, statuary
and fountains. Next stop is Château
d’Amboise where Italianate gardens
surround the fortress overlooking the
Loire. Final garden of the day is Château
de Beauregard, within whose walls, covered with roses and clematis, are
a series of exuberant colour themed
gardens. Evening free.
Sunday, 7th September
Free morning to explore the old
quarter of Tours or visit the cathedral. In the afternoon, we visit one of the
most famous gardens of the Loire Valley – Château de Villandry, a unique
garden in the renaissance style with
its spectacular ornamental vegetable
garden and water gardens. Later we
visit Prieuré de Saint Cosme, where
a series of small gardens are linked by
roses and dedicated to the medieval
poet Pierre de Ronsard who lived here
for 20 years. Dine together in hotel as
a group on this final evening.
Monday, 8th September
Check out of hotel and depart after
breakfast by coach for our flight to Dublin arriving at 14.25.
Iain MacDonald, a qualified
and experienced gardener and
guide, escorts this tour. He will
be available at all times to help
and advise you.
Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)
| FINAL BOOKING
DATE: 30th March, 2008 |
Cost includes flights, all private
coach transfers, gardens, guides,
Bed and breakfast in hotel with
dinner on first and last evening.
COST: €1100.00 per person sharing
Single Supplement: €280.00. Triple rooms available
Deposit: €200.00 – Payable to 'Bay Garden Tours'.
Itinerary subject to change
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