Loire Fairytale Christmas Castles
Follow in the footsteps of the Medici and Leonardo da Vinci during Advent. The wintry gardens of the Loire are charmingly decorated, and enchanting light installations create a spectacle of colour on the castle façades. The treasures of the Renaissance feel like a fairytale world without end. Let yourself be enchanted!
Dates and prices
Day 1: Switzerland - Blois
Journey via Basel and through Burgundy to Blois. Blois delights with its charming old town and is considered an ideal starting point for discovering the famous Loire châteaux.
Day 2: Clos Lucé and Chenonceau
Drive to Amboise to the Christmas-decorated manor house "Clos Lucé" of Leonardo da Vinci, where lunch awaits you. Next comes the famous moated château of Chenonceau, which seems to float above the River Cher on five elegant arches. Catherine de' Medici contributed to the château's special elegance through the alterations she commissioned. Dinner in an impressive rock cellar.
Day 3: Cheverny - Chambord
Today you follow in the footsteps of kings and, along an avenue of lavishly decorated Christmas trees, first reach Château de Cheverny. It has been privately owned for many centuries and welcomes you with a magnificently decorated park. You can then look forward to a sweet visit: you will discover how chocolate is made at the Max Vauché chocolate factory, including a tasting.
Shortly afterwards you arrive at Château de Chambord, which impresses with its festively illuminated façade. The largest château on the Loire, with its countless staircases and rooms, is said to be based on plans by Leonardo da Vinci. In contrast to the uniform Chambord, it presents itself like a pattern book of French architectural history, but also of politics, scandals, intrigues and love stories.
Day 4: Blois - Switzerland
Return journey to Switzerland.
Included
- Travel by Deluxe coach
- Accommodation, based on double room
- HB (dinner/breakfast)
- Entrance fees for Cheverny, Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos Lucé
- Guided tour of the Max Vauché chocolate factory incl. tasting
- 1 lunch
Hotels
The 4* Hotel Mercure Blois Centre (official national rating) welcomes you in an ideal location close to the old town of Blois and the famous châteaux of the Loire. The modern hotel combines stylish surroundings with a relaxed atmosphere and, with its restaurant, bar and spa area, provides the perfect setting for a pleasant stay.
The comfortably furnished rooms have bath or shower/WC, hairdryer, TV, Wi-Fi, safe and a coffee/tea station. The hotel also offers a fitness room, indoor pool, and sauna and spa area. A hotel of equivalent standard will be provided if unavailable.
