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Gardens & Chateaux of the Loire Valley
Date: Thursday 17th - Monday 21st June, 2010
Cost: €950 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. We visit some of the most famous gardens and chateaux in this beautiful area of France.
Thursday, June 17th
Meet Iain MacDonald at
Dublin Airport for our
morning Ryanair flight to
Tours. Transfer by coach
to visit one of the most famous gardens of the Loire Valley - Chateau de Villandry, a unique garden in the renaissance style with its spectacular ornamental vegetable garden and water gardens. The on to our hotel where we dine together as a
group. www.hotel-univers.fr
Friday, June 18th
Our first visit is to Chateau de Rivau – encircling a 15th century turreted castle, the contempory gardens are inspired by legend and folklore. Free time in Chinon before our visit to Chateau de la Chatonniere - nine themed gardens are arranged around a small Renaissance castle, each with their own charm.
Saturday, June 19th
Today we visit Chateau d’Amboise where Italianate gardens surround the fortress overlooking the Loire. Free time in Amboise to lunch and visit the home of Leonardo da Vinci. In the afternoon we go to Chaumont for a visit to the renowned International Garden Festival.
Sunday, June 20th
Two more wonderful gardens today. In the morning a visit to Chateau de Chenonceau which boasts two magnificent gardens in the French style, dedicated to Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. After lunch we travel to Chateau Valmer overlooking the Vouvray vineyards for a guided tour by the owner of the formal terraces display flowers, roses, fruit, vegetables, statuary and fountains. We finish the day with wine tasting at Vouvray.Farewell dinner together in hotel.
Monday, June 21st
After a leisurely breakfast , we check out of the hotel and depart for the airport. Arrive back in Dublin at 13.00hrs.
Iain MacDonald, a qualified, experienced gardener and plantsman, 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: 26th February, 2010 |
Cost includes flights, all private coach transfers, garden entrances, guides, bed & breakfast. Dinner in hotel on first and last evening.
COST: €950.00 per person sharing
Single Supplement: €240.00
Triple rooms available on request.
Deposit: €300.00 – Payable to Bay Garden Tours.
Itinerary subject to change
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