DAY 1 – 

• The group meets at Paris Marriott Charles de Gaulle  10:00 am.  5 Alle du Verger, Zone Hoteliere, Roissy en France 95700
• First stop, Amboise. Nestled along the banks of the Loire this scenic village offers something for everyone.  With 2 hours to explore you have a few options… a self guided tour of the Chateau d’ Amboise (which offers one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire valley), a leisurely lunch in one of the numerous cafes,  or opt for a quick sandwich and peruse the shops. The main street is pedestrian only and is flanked by boutiques, small butcher shops, wine shops, patisseries, chocolatiers and restaurants. The bus will wait for you at a central location and depart 3:30pm for our home base.
• Arrive and check in to our chateau in the late-afternoon.
• Welcome Cocktail and Chateau Tour
• Settle In
• Casual Crepe Dinner
• After Dinner Drinks and Itinerary Briefing

DAY 2 – 

• Breakfast at the Chateau
•  Market Day in Saumur Your day will begin provisioning with chef Michael at a local market in one of our favorite little villages. The market is a bustle of activity and it’s always exciting to see what’s in season.  You will enjoy the people watching and an extensive variety of local produce, baked goods, flowers, baskets, fine porcelain, clothing and kitchen utensils.  For lunch a picnic near the river would be fun with some of our favorite specialities from the market: seafood paella, spit-roasted chicken, endless varieties of local cheeses, pastries galore and chocolates (just to name a few).  If you choose something more formal there are dozens of terrific cafe’s. The town of Saumur is rich in architectural heritage with 64 historical monuments and a stunning Chateau.  Your guide will provide a town overview and after lunch you’ll head to the house of Bouvet-Ladubay for a tour / tasting.  Established in 1851 the label became the worlds largest producer of sparkling wine in the 19th century. You’re sure to enjoy their beautiful caves, sunken cathedral and lovely collection of artwork & antique horse drawn carriages.  After the tour a classic visit at The Cadre noire equestrian academy.  Added to the list of UNESCO heritage sites in 2011, the riding school has cultivated great masters of horse riding for generations and draws visitors from around the world.
• Cooking Class at the Chateau with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
• Four Course Dinner at the Chateau, see menu in chart below
• After Dinner Drinks and Itinerary Briefing

DAY 3 – 

• Breakfast at the Chateau 
• Free Day to take a dip in the pool, walk thru the Street Art Parc, set aside some reading time, book a massage, explore the village of Candes – Saint Martin or a walk along the river to the village of Montsoreau.   
• Cooking Class at the Chateau with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
• Four Course Dinner at the Chateau, see menu in chart below
• After Dinner Drinks and Itinerary Briefing

DAY 4 –

• Breakfast at the Chateau
• Excursion to Chateau de Chenonceau, one of our favorite Chateaus in the Loire Valley. Michael especially loves the kitchen here, where they still have a massive antique copper pot collection on display. The Chateau is situated on a small river and was once home to Henry II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers and then Catherine de’ Medici, so it is rich in interesting history. The gardens surrounding the Chateau are beautiful, and the vegetable section is just as beautiful as the floral display.
• After a quick lunch (on your own at Chenonceau) your day will continue on to Tours to view Saint-Gatien cathedral.  Constructed during the 13th & 14th century it is reknown for its remarkable rose stained glass windows and the beautiful craftsmanship of the Middle Ages.  Next you will visit the Musee du Compagnommage which showcases works from 400 masterpiece journeymen of the Loire Valley.  After the museum a guided walking tour thru the historic district of Place Plumereau.
• Cooking Class at the Chateau with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
• Four Course Dinner at the Chateau, see menu in chart below
• After Dinner Drinks and Itinerary Briefing

DAY 5 –

• Breakfast at the Chateau
•  Morning guided visit to Chinon and Chateau de Chinon.  Built in the 12th century to secure the region of Anjou, the castle preserves many of it’s medieval characteristics. Chateau de Chinon has seen many historic events from the death of Lionheart in 1199, a history with the Knights Templar in the 1300’s and a the historic meeting with Charles VII and Joan of Arc. The history continues into the later centuries, a tour you will definitely enjoy.  
• Lunch on your own in the beautiful village of Chinon with some free time for a walk along the river, a visit to the delicious Chocolate shop on the square or some shopping in the quaint boutiques.
• Afternoon scenic Boat Ride along the Loire  river.
• Dinner off property

DAY 6 –

• Breakfast at the Chateau
• We’ll start the morning in Cheverny with a guided tour of Chateau de Cheverney.  Surrounded by 100 hectares of English style gardens planted in the early 1800’s and a kichen garden which was added this century, the entrance to the property is majestic and colorful. This Chateau is especially unique in that it has been inhabited by the same family for over 6 centuries.  Two-thirds of the chateau is open to the public; renown  for it’s richly furnished interior; 5 Flemish tapestries, playrooms with vintage toys, a flower-bedecked chapel, a former Marquise’s wedding dress, royal bedrooms, a luxurious dining room and numerous collections that have passed down thru the generations. Truly unique to this chateau are the kennels which were created in 1850. Home to over 100 tricolor Anglo-French dogs, half English Fox hound and half French  Poitevins, they stay in hunting condition and work twice a week in season.  The daily La Soupe Des Chiens is a crowd-pleaser!  
• Lunch on your own in Cheverny.
• Afternoon an education in French beekeeping and honey production.  Learn the beekeeping secrets. taste the many varieties and understand the specific health benefits linked to each varieties of honey. 
• Cooking Class at the Chateau with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
• Four Course Dinner at the Chateau, see menu in chart below
• After Dinner Drinks and Itinerary Briefing 

DAY 7 –

• Breakfast at the Chateau
• Off to Angers, the gateway to Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO site, rich in culture and history. Located on the banks of the Maine and the Loire Rives, the old town is known for its half timbered houses.  The massive Chateau d’Angers dates from 11th – 13th centuries with a gothic plantagenet style featuring  17 unique towers and the impressive 14th century Apocalypse tapestry, which is the largest tapestry in the world.  The tour continues on to Saint-Maurice cathedral dated to the 12th & 13th centuries.  Lunch on your own in historic Angers.
• Afternoon tour and tasting Cointreau Distillery home of the delicious orange liqueur of the same name.
• Cooking Class at the Chateau with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
• Four Course Dinner – at the Chateau, see menu in chart below
• After Dinner Drinks and Itinerary Briefing

DAY 8 –

• Breakfast at the Chateau
• Depart Chateau at 7:00 a.m. for Paris (book flights after 1pm)