Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure chateaux de la loire tour at Bordeaux

An UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural abundance of châteaux, the exquisite Loire Valley is renowned for its spectacular natural and architectural heritage, and as the cradle of French Royal history. Discover why during a two-night journey to the most beautiful château estates and gardens in the region. After disembarking the ship, a picturesque train-ride takes you to St. Pierre des Corps (Tours). En route, pass through the Loire Valley. Upon arrival in Tours, visit Château Villandry. One of the last great chateaux, it was built on the banks of the Loire during the Renaissance. Following your guided tour, head for a stop at Amboise Castle, perched over the city and River Loire, and take in stunning views from its balconies, roofs and terraced gardens. Afterward, explore the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci during a visit to Clos Lucet, his former mansion, then head for dinner and an overnight stay at the Château d'Artigny, a 4-star hotel in Montbazon, The next day, explore the Loire Valley. Take a guided estate and gardens tour at the Château de Chenonceau, then proceed for lunch at l'Orangerie, the estate's gastronomic restaurant. After lunch, visit the other main masterpiece of the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord, for a guided tour of its splendid castle and gardens. After dinner and an overnight stay at the Château d'Artigny, your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Three with a drive back to the port in Saint-Malo. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

02MIDBOD-A Mid-Voyage Land Adventure Chateaux de La Loire

Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days

Departs from: Bordeaux on the 1^st July at approximately 10am

Re-join ship: Saint-Malo on the 3^rd July at approximately 1pm

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

LOCAL CURRENCY

Only Euros are accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited.

Discover the cradle of French Royal history through visits to the exquisite Château estates and gardens of the Loire Valley during this unforgettable, three-day, two-night overland adventure from Bordeaux to Saint-Malo.

DAY ONE - Wednesday, July 1, 2020 - Bordeaux/St. Pierre des Corps (Tours)/Loire Valley/Montbazon

Bordeaux, Train-Ride to St. Pierre des Corps (Tours)

After collecting your packed lunch and disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to the Bordeaux Train Station. Upon arrival, walk towards the quay and board your TGV train for the picturesque, approximately two-hour ride towards St. Pierre des Corps (Tours), with lunch on board the train. En route, pass through the Loire Valley, a region renowned for its spectacular natural and architectural heritage. Its cultural abundance of châteaux has earned the Loire Valley its designation as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Château de Villandry

Upon arrival in Tours, board a coach for the drive to the Château de Villandry, is one of the last great chateaux built on the banks of the Loire during the Renaissance. The Château de Villandry has the distinctive feature of never being the residence of a king, but of Jean Le Breton, Minister of Finance for François Ist.

Château and Gardens Tour

When he arrived at Villandry in 1532, Jean Le Breton drew on his exceptional architectural experience acquired on a large number of sites, including the Château of Chambord, which he supervised and directed on behalf of the Crown over many years. At the foot of the château, overlooking the River Cher, gardens were laid whose splendour already earned the estate a reputation outside the Loire Valley. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of these exquisite gardens.

Amboise City and Castle

Next, re-board your coach and head to the town of Amboise, located along the River Loire. Perched above the city and overlooking the river, Amboise Castle was residence of French kings from the 15th century to the 19th century, and its destiny is inextricably linked to the history of France. Numerous literary figures and artists were invited here, including Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb is preserved at the château. Thus, this Royal château is the expression of French-style luxury.

Amboise Castle Tour, Clos Lucet Mansion Tour

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Amboise Castle. From its balconies, roofs and terraced gardens, enjoy the same breath-taking panoramic vistas of the Loire landscape enjoyed by kings of old. Leaving Amboise Castle, a short transfer brings you to the nearby Clos Lucet, mansion of Leonardo da Vinci. During your unforgettable guided tour, explore the heart of da Vinci's life and work. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and transfer to your hotel, the 5-star, 18th-century-styled Chateau d'Artigny, another impressive castle testimony of the Loire Valley. After check-in, the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

A three-course dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight in a Deluxe Room at the Hotel Château d'Artigny - Montbazon.

DAY TWO - Thursday, July 2, 2020 - Montbazon/Loire Valley

Loire Valley, Château de Chenonceau

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for a visit to the crowned jewels of the Loire Valley, Château de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chambord. The history of the Château de Chenonceau is defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, restored and saved it. The first château was a medieval château dating from the 12th century and 13th century, of which only the dungeon remains. The château in its current form, unique architecture and river-crossing structure was built between 1513 and 1517.

Château de Chenonceau, Estate and Gardens Tour, Lunch, l'Orangerie Restaurant

Upon arrival at the Château de Chenonceau, take a guided walking tour of the Château and gardens. Following your tour, proceed for lunch at l'Orangerie, the estate's gastronomic restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and head to the other main masterpiece of the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord.

Château de Chambord, Castle and Gardens Tour

Upon arrival, see this magical captivating atmosphere unfold, and explore 500 years of French history during a guided walking tour of the Chambord Castle and its beautiful gardens. Highlights include a captivating, wondrous forest, 16th-century architecture inspired by François I, and a French formal garden added by King Louis XIV. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the hotel.

A three-course dinner is served at the hotel.

Overnight in a Deluxe Room at the Hotel Chateau d'Artigny - Montbazon.

DAY THREE - Friday, July 3, 2020 - Montbazon/Saint-Malo

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, depart for the scenic, approximately five-hour coach transfer to the port of Saint-Malo, with one-two comfort stops en route. Upon arrival at the pier in Saint-Malo, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the train, and at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable, smart-casual clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, and a camera from the ship. Casual-elegant attire is required for hotel dinners. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• Two-night stay in a Deluxe Room at the Hotel Chateau d'Artigny - Montbazon
• Scheduled TGV train-ride: Bordeaux/Pierre des Corps (Tours)
• Two breakfasts, two lunches (Day 1 packed lunch) and two dinners with drinks
• All port, parking and entrance fees
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.