Trip Summary: starting at $6,895 per person (based on double occupancy)
14 Days | Mid-September | Small Group (Maximum 6 Guests)
September 11–25, 2028

Day 1 – Bienvenue à Paris

Arrive in Paris and settle into your boutique hotel. Meet your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner as you begin your unforgettable journey through the castles of France.

Day 2 – Palace of Versailles

Spend the day exploring the magnificent Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Apartments, and the spectacular gardens before returning to Paris for an evening at leisure.

Day 3 – Château de Pierrefonds & First-Class Rail to the Loire Valley

Travel north to the fairy-tale Château de Pierrefonds before boarding first-class rail to Tours, the gateway to the Loire Valley, where you'll spend the next several days discovering France's most celebrated châteaux.

Day 4 – Château de Chambord

Visit the largest château in the Loire Valley and marvel at its grand architecture, double-helix staircase, and expansive royal grounds. Enjoy time to explore the charming surrounding countryside.

Day 5 – Château de Chenonceau & Loire Valley Wine

Discover the elegant Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the River Cher, followed by a leisurely afternoon featuring a Loire Valley wine tasting and regional culinary specialties.

Day 6 – Royal Amboise & Leonardo da Vinci

Explore the royal residence of Château d'Amboise and visit Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, where his remarkable inventions and legacy come to life.

Day 7 – Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau

Admire the world-famous ornamental gardens of Château de Villandry before visiting the romantic Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, beautifully reflected in the waters of the Indre River.

Day 8 – Château de Saumur

Journey through the heart of the Loire Valley to the hilltop Château de Saumur. Enjoy picturesque vineyards, historic streets, and the rich equestrian heritage of this charming riverside town.

Day 9 – Château d'Angers

Explore the impressive medieval fortress of Angers and view the remarkable Apocalypse Tapestry before enjoying free time to discover the city's cafés, boutiques, and riverside promenades.

Day 10 – Through the Normandy Countryside

Travel through Normandy's rolling countryside, stopping in picturesque villages and local markets while sampling regional cheeses, cider, and traditional French specialties.

Day 11 – Mont-Saint-Michel

Experience one of France's most iconic landmarks as you explore the breathtaking island abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, wandering its medieval streets and taking in unforgettable coastal views.

Day 12 – Return to Paris

Travel back toward Paris by first-class rail, with opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery of northern France before spending a relaxing evening in the City of Light.

Day 13 – Paris at Your Leisure

Enjoy a full day to experience Paris your way. Visit world-renowned museums, stroll along the Seine, explore charming neighborhoods, or simply relax at a sidewalk café before gathering for a memorable farewell dinner.

Day 14 – Au Revoir, France

After breakfast, bid farewell to France as you transfer to the airport with unforgettable memories of royal palaces, medieval castles, beautiful gardens, exceptional cuisine, and the timeless charm of the French countryside.

What's not included
 

• International airfare to and from Paris

• Passport, visa (if required), and entry fees

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

• Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary

• Alcoholic beverages, except where included during tastings

• Optional excursions and activities

• Personal expenses (shopping, laundry, spa services, room service, etc.)

• Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff

• Airport porterage and baggage handling (unless noted)

• Items of a personal nature

• Medical expenses or emergency evacuation costs

• Transportation outside the scheduled itinerary during personal free time