You will be picked up from your hotel in Paris at 0630h (06:30am). In an air conditioned minivan and accompanied by an English-speaking guide you will travel to the Loire Valley, a picturesque region dotted with Renaissance chateaux and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have expert guide with you throughout the day who will bring to life the history of the Chateaux which you visit.
The day starts with a visit of the Clos Lucé in Amboise. Manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived and invited by the king of France "Francois 1" in 1516. In these days, the Clos Lucé is a museum that reflects the prestigious history and includes forty models of the various machines designed by Leonardo. Here, you will see all his inventions.
After the lunch (drink included), your next stop is Chenonceau Castle. Known as the Château des Dames or Ladies Castle, Chenonceau is a fairy tale castle with moats, turrets, a drawbridge and towers. Lying on the banks of the river Cher, it has extensive gardens planted by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. Later, Madame Dupin’s goodwill with the peasantry saved it from the revolutionaries in the 18th century. Spend time exploring the castle at your leisure.
Next, you will visit Chambord Castle. One of the largest of the Loire Valley castles, it was built by François I as a base for hunting game in the Sologne forests. See the double-helix staircase of this Renaissance chateau, attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci. Spend time exploring the castle at your leisure.
Return to your hotel in Paris in the minivan, arriving at around 1845h (06:45pm).