Compare From the Capital to Castle Country: Paris and the Loire Valley by Road Scholar vs Paris to Bordeaux, a private wine tour in France by Paris-Toujours

Day 1: In Transit to Program

In Flight

Day 2: Arrive Paris, Check In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Les Jardins du Marais

Activity note: Hotel check in available from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: After arriving at the hotel, check in and get your room, then take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax. A notice will be posted with the time and location of our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures including contact numbers for key staff, and answer any questions you may have. In addition to the Group Leader, our program will be staffed with a resident instructor who is also an official licensed guide and who will provide most of the lectures and on-site commentary during field trips. Another outstanding benefit of this program is included tickets for museums and the Paris Mètro. The Group Leader will explain how to use them and how to get around in Paris. This is a Road Scholar FLEX program. Our FLEX programs are designed for participants who want high-level Road Scholar instruction, a few group activities, and who are capable and comfortable setting out on their own for a significant part of the day/night. There will be several hours each day of educational content, a number of meals on your own (excluded from the program cost) to enjoy what you like, and substantial free time for personal independent exploration. The Group Leader will often be available during free time to accompany informal excursions, activities, or meals that have been excluded from the program cost. You are welcome to join if you like, with any associated costs on your own. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a welcome dinner including a 3-course plated meal plus a glass of wine. In France, meals are accompanied by complimentary bread (“pain”) and water (“eau” or “l’eau”), so you need not ask for them.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3: The Cluny Museum, Saint Denis Basilica, Paris City Excursion

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Les Jardins du Marais

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles, even and uneven terrain; travel via Paris Métro, accessed by climbing up/down flights of stairs and walking through pedestrian tunnels; elevators/escalators not available in most stations; standing for up to 2 hours; expect crowded conditions; getting on/off motorcoach; depending on the time of year you may or may not see the lights of Paris during our final activity.

Breakfast: At the hotel, buffet offers hot and cold choices plus juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Via Métro to we will head to the Cluny Museum — the Musée national du Moyen Âge (National Museum of the Middle Ages) — with the instructor who will provide expert commentary. Constructed on the remnants of a 3rd century Roman Baths, the museum is housed in the city’s finest remaining example of medieval architecture, the townhouse for the abbots of Cluny (Hôtel de Cluny). The collection features priceless medieval treasures such as tapestries including the 15th century La Dame à la Licorne (Lady and the Unicorn), sculptures dating back to the 7th century, illuminated manuscripts, and a wealth of works in gold, ivory, and stained glass.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: We continue with a field trip via motorcoach to the Basilica of Saint Denis to learn about the legend of this Saint and the famous burial site for French royalty and nobility, comparable to Westminster Abbey in London. The design and construction of this basilica was first mentioned in 754 and records show it was completed in 1144. It is believed to be the first Gothic church. Saint Denis is the final resting place of all but three kings of France from the 10th century until the French Revolution. What could be found of the bodies of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were moved from a mass grave to the Basilica after the restoration of the monarchy in 1814.

Dinner: At a nearby restaurant, enjoy a 3-course plated meal and beverage.

Evening: En route back to the hotel via motorcoach, enjoy a “city lights” excursion to see some of the magnificent Paris monuments and sights illuminated at night. Please not that depending on the time of year, you may or may not see the lights of Paris.

Day 4: Transfer to Tours, Château de Malmaison, Château de Chambord

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hôtel Oceania L'Univers Tours

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 171 miles (about 3.5 hours) with several stops; walking up to 2 miles on even terrain, stairs and cobble stones.

Breakfast: At the hotel, buffet.

Morning: Via motorcoach, we will go to the Château de Malmaison, the home of Napoleon and Joséphine de Beauharnais, later the Empress Joséphine. Led by an expert, we will learn the history of Malmaison and its residents. Joséphine bought the manor while Napoleon was fighting his campaign in Egypt. He was enraged when he found out she had bought such an expensive home, especially one that needed extensive work. Joséphine aimed to create one of the most beautiful and unique gardens in Europe. For more than a decade, she worked on the garden planting oranges, pineapples, and ordering the construction of a greenhouse. With the planting of her rose garden, the garden grew in fame throughout Europe for its 250 varieties from around the world. After she and Napoleon were divorced, he gave her the property with a handsome financial settlement — and the right still to be called Empress. She died there in 1814. A final Napoleonic footnote, the ex-Emperor returned here briefly after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo before being exiled. We will also visit the city of Malmaison, and the church where Joséphine is buried.

Lunch: En route to Chambord, this meal is on your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: We will continue to learn about the royal history of the Loire Valley as we journey to Chambord. Situated along the banks of the Loire River, this 310 square mile valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is an architectural wonder, with more than 300 châteaux built predominantly during the French Renaissance. Growing out of 10th century castle fortifications, French monarchs built their castles in the valley and were soon followed by the nobility. The finest architects and landscapers blended the grandeur of the châteaux into the surrounding fields of this abundantly fertile valley.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a 3-course plated meal with beverage.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5: Château de Chenonceau, da Vinci at Clos Lucé

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hôtel Oceania L'Univers Tours

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 45 miles (about 1 hour 4 minutes) will several stops; walking up to 2 miles on gravel and cobblestone paths; some stairs may be unavoidable; standing up to 2 hours on even ground.

Breakfast: At the hotel, our French-style buffet offers hot and cold choices plus juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will depart via motorcoach to the Château de Chenonceau. Built on the foundation of an old mill in the early 16th century, this château is one of the most well-known in the Loire Valley. It has a long and complicated history with many owners, most famously Catherine de’ Medici, who made it her favorite residence and added rooms and gardens. Due to its unique structure, the Château managed to escape destruction during the French Revolution by being the only bridge across the river for several miles.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Amboise.

Afternoon: Enjoy free time for personal independent exploration in charming Amboise, a small market town that was once the home of the royal court. We will continue our Loire Valley exploration at Clos Lucé, a small château in Amboise, with a local expert. This château was home to Leonardo da Vinci for the last years of his life following an invitation from King Francis I in 1516, who offered it to him as a place to live and work. Restored inside and out to its appearance during Renaissance times, it serves as a museum displaying forty machines of da Vinci’s design, the chapel, and the gardens as they were in the 16th century.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, use restaurant tickets (meal vouchers) to choose what you would like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6: Cooking Class, Explore Tours

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hôtel Oceania L'Univers Tours

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; standing for up to 2 hours on even and uneven ground.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Free time to relax or explore Tours on your own.

Lunch: In a hands-on cooking class, hone your culinary skills then savor the dishes you help prepare.

Afternoon: Free time. For participants who would like to structure their free time, they may join the Group Leader and explore the historic city center on foot, visiting the Quartier Plumereau and the Basilica St. Martin.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7: Fontevraud Abbey, Gardens of Villandry

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hôtel Oceania L'Univers Tours

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; walking up to 2 miles; standing for up to 2 hours; uneven and even ground.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach for a field trip to Fontevraud Abbey led by a local expert. The Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud (Royal Abbey of Fontevraud) was founded in 1110 for a newly created order, headed by an abbess. Its many benefactors included King Henry II of England and his wife, the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine. Thanks to these royal benefactors, the Abbey serves as a royal necropolis for the Plantagenet dynasty. During the French Revolution, the graves were vandalized but have now been restored. After the Revolution, the Abbey became a prison for more than 150 years, holding up to 2,000 prisoners. The Abbey now serves as a cultural center and museum where the public can view the cloister and the octagonal byzantine kitchens, originally a salmon smokehouse littered with pointy chimneys and fish-scale slating.

Lunch: At a restaurant in the center of Saumur, enjoy a 3-course plated meal.

Afternoon: We will continue to explore Saumur with a walk around the fortified town in the shadow of the Château de Saumur, situated high upon the hill before returning to the motorcoach and heading to Villandy. We will enjoy a stroll through the famous gardens of the Château de Villandry. Unusual for the Loire Valley, this chateau and its gardens were the home and pet project of a commoner — albeit one who was powerful and influential — Jean le Breton, the finance minister of King Francois I. The chateau le Breton had built replaced a medieval fortress. Its gardens became famous for their complex symmetrical beauty and have been restored to their original 15th century appearance.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8: Chartres Cathedral, Blois, Transfer to Paris

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Oceania Paris Roissy CDG

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 192 miles (about 4 hours) with several stops; walking up to 2 miles; standing for up to 2 hours; even surfaces, gravel paths, stairs.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and ride to Blois. With its oldest rooms dating from the 13th century, the Chateau de Blois encompasses architectural styles ranging from Gothic to classical. Home to several French kings, including François I and Henri IV, the chateau is comprised of over 500 rooms. Abandoned by the start of the French Revolution, the Chateau de Blois was designated a historic monument in 1845.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Chartres, enjoy a 2-course plated meal featuring local cuisine.

Afternoon: We will visit Chartres. Founded as a small market town by the Romans, it became an intellectual and spiritual center under Bishop Fulbert for nearly 300 years until the 13th century. During this time, the Royal Gateway of the Chartres Cathedral was constructed and is preserved by the main façade. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is one of the most impressive in all of France, notable for its Gothic art, 9 sculpted gates, and one of the finest examples of stained glass windows.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a 3-course plated meal with beverage and share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Say your farewells and prepare for departure in the morning.

Day 9: Program Concludes

Meals: Breakfast

Activity note: Hotel check-out is by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location.

Breakfast: At the hotel, buffet offering hot and cold choices plus juice, coffee, tea, water. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Arrival and private transfer

On arrival at the airport welcome and transfer to your charming boutique hotel in the center of Paris. Free time to relax and wander in the lively streets around your hotel before starting your wine tour in France.

Day 2: Discover the islands of Paris

After breakfast, meet your private guide for an introduction of Paris with a walking tour on the Islands (Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis). Your guide will introduce Paris’ history while walking in front of many famous monuments. You will start with the Ile de La Cité where the Sainte-Chapelle was built to protect the relics of the Christ and the gothic jewel from the 12th century, Notre-Dame Cathedral now under a massive reconstruction work. You will then continue to the Ile Saint Louis, where the French aristocracy used to live in private mansions in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Day 3: Gourmet lunch and wine tastings

Free time in the morning to discover the covered passages and the Palais Royal. For lunch you are expected in the Galerie Vivienne, in a Parisian institution for a unique wine tasting paired with regional produces. You will be welcomed by your personal sommelier and you will have an introduction to the French wines. You will also be able to focus on a specific wine region such as Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhone Valley if you are a connoisseur and ask all you have ever wanted to know about wine. A great introduction to your wine tour in France !

Day 4: The Palace of Versailles

After breakfast, your driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel for a private visit of the famous Versailles castle. The Palace of Versailles was the residence of three kings of France: Louis XIV, XV, and XVI, from 1682 to 1789. Your guide will accompany you throughout the morning as you discover the majesty of the Palace of Versailles in the King’s appartments and its spectacular gardens and groves. Free time in the afternoon to bike ride around the gardens or relax on a rowing boat on the King’s Great Canal.

Day 5: Welcome to the Loire Valley

After breakfast you will be transferred to the train station and you will take the high-speed train from Paris to the Loire Valley, a great way to see the French countryside. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel you will spend the afternoon discovering the charming and royal town of Amboise. You could discover the Royal castle of Amboise and even the Clos Lucé, where Leonardo Da Vinci used to live at the end of his life.

Day 6: A day to Chenonceau and Chambord castles

Discover the Loire-Valley culture by visiting the most famous castles with your private guide. In the morning you will visit Chenonceau castle. The unique architecture of the Chateau of Chenonceau built on the Cher river makes it a must-see in the region. In the afternoon you will be driven to the Estate of Chambord, a national reserve as large as the town of Paris. With more than 400 rooms and its double spiral staircase, Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley.

Day 7: Organic Touraine wine tour

After breakfast, meet your driver-guide at your hotel for a private organic wine tour in the Touraine area. Your guide will take you to a selection of small winemakers of Bourgueil, Vouvray and Chinon appellations, producing organic or biodynamic wines. After a gourmet lunch you will discover another part of the Loire Valley for two other wine tastings. A wine tour in France needs to cover this small but innovative region.

Late afternoon, transfer to your hot air balloon ride over the Loire lush countryside. After a training session, the ballon will take off for a ride over the Loire valley and its castles. Enjoy this slow transportation, fly in the air at sunset and be amazed by the nature and remarkable castles and villages.

Day 8: Train to Bordeaux

During the day you will be transferred to the train station and you will take the high-speed train to Bordeaux. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel you will spend your afternoon discovering the city of Bordeaux.

Day 9: Stroll and wine in Bordeaux

After breakfast you will be picked up by your professional wine guide for a private wine tour in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol appellations. Start with Saint Emilion charming medieval village famous for its impressive collection of historical sites and monuments such as the monolithic church. You will then have tastings at famous Chateaux or family-run estates to understand the local specifities and cepages as well as the grading system of the Crus. A intense and tasty day through an area that is a must for a wine tour in France.

Day 10: Free day to relax

Relaxing free day at your leisure to discover this lively city. If you are a true foodie, enjoy walking around Bordeaux city center to eat different specialties like a canelé or visit the Cité du Vin opened in 2016 to share the heritage of the Bordeaux region wine culture.

Day 11: Train back to Paris

In the morning, you will take the train to Paris and then be transferred to airport or train station.