Paris – Loire-valley – Reims
dream destinations of northern and western France
Following a brief visit to Paris, the French Capital, you will proceed to the romatic valley of the Loire and discover the picturesque city of Touraine. You will visit the wonderful Castles of the Loire Valley and also the outstanding artistry of the flower gardens of Viliandry. It goes without saying that a wine tasting in one of the typical vineyards is a must. On this trip you will also have time to relax or even perhaps to take a trip on your own initiative. The final destination of this unique tour will be the city of Reims with its world famous cathedral which is a UNESCO cultural monument.
Day 1 - 03-07-2008
Departure in the morning from Cologne, via Aachen, Lüttich and Namur to Paris. After check-in at the hotel you will set out on a boat trip on the Seine. Allow the magic of this unique city to inspire you. Later on you will walk through Montmartre (arriving by cable car). Here you will find the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, one of the most famous landmarks of Paris. Dinner will be served in the Cremaillière in the picturesque Place du Tertre. Walking back to the hotel, you will pass the old windmill, the ateliers of Picasso and the House of Dalida. Overnight stay.
Day 2 - 04-07-2008
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel you will once again take a sight-seeing tour, stopping at the Tower of Montparnasse. This will be followed by your departure for Tours. Arrival at the hotel in Tours is scheduled for 5 p.m. Following check-in, dinner will be served in the restaurant of the hotel. The remainder of the evening is free. Overnight stay.
Day 3 - 05-07-2008
Following breakfast, your guide will invite you to discover the medaeval town of Tours. Among the many sights, you will visit St. Martins Basilica and the Place Plumereau. During the afternoon you will again have sufficient time to further discover the city on your own initiative. Later on, dinner will be served in the restaurant of the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 4 - 06-07-2008
No doubt one of the highlights of your trip, this day starts with a visit to the Cathedral of Tours, well-known for the richness of its decorations and outstanding number of glass paintings. You will then travel to Chenonceaux and the impressive moated castle of Ch̢teau de Dames Рthe castle of the 6 ladies. During the middle ages it was a place where numerous large festivals were held. A majestic avenue of plane-trees leads you to the bridge of the castle. All rooms in the castle are beautifully furnished and decorated, the rooms on the ground floor with gobelin-carpets. For lunch you will visit the wine presser Le P̬re Auguste, a very charming family enterprise. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting and excellent food served on tastefully decorated tables. Return to the hotel during the afternoon with still enough time for a stroll through the city. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay
Day 5 - 07-07-2008
This morning your first visit will be to the very impressive Castle Chambord. It has no less than 440 rooms and is regarded as an early version of Versailles. The huge double staircase here is particularly beautiful. During the afternoon you will reach the picturesque little town of Blois which is situated on two hills. It is dominated by a view of the famous castle and the cathedral of the capital of the regions of Loir and Cher. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 6 - 08-07-2008
Today you will say good-bye to Western France and start on the second last part of your journey – to Reims. In Reims you will visit the world-famous cathedral and take a tour of the city. The cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece and is therefore, quite rightly, part of the UNESCO Heritage of World Culture. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 7 - 09-07-2008
Every journey must end some day so, after breakfast you will begin the return journey, through Luxemburg, to Cologne. Arrival late afternoon in Cologne.
The following Services are included
- Journey in a comfortable long distance coach with armchairs, board bar, board WC, DVD-Player and/or Video-Equipment, Microphone
- English speaking, qualified tour guide from/to Cologne
- 6 Overnight stays in comfortable 3-stars hotels including buffet breakfast
- Accommodation in double rooms with bathroom or shower and WC
- 2 hours city-tour and approx. 1 hour guided walking-tour through Paris
- 6 three course-dinners
- Guided walking-tour through Tours
- Full day excursion to Villandry, Ussé and Fontevraud
- Excursion to Chenonceaux
- Day-Trip to the Castle Chambord and to Blois
- 1 Lunch with wine tasting inclusive at the wine growing estate ”Le Père Auguste”
- Day-Trip to Angers and Rochemanier (cave-village)
- Guided tour through Reims
- Mandatory Insolvency Insurance Voucher
Minimum number of participants: 20 P.
Price per person in a double-room: EUR 999.00
Supplement for single-room: EUR 212.00
Entry-tickets Package: EUR 60.00
(incl. cable car to Sacre Coeur, Villandry, Castle of Ussé, Abbey Fontevraud, Moated Château de Chenonceau with famous waxworks. Castle Chambord, Castle of Blois).
This Tour is exclusivly for attendands of the Shock 2008 conference. Please register at mosblech@airseareisebuero.de.