Often called the “Garden of France”, the Loire Valley is a region of great beauty and contrasts – historic towns, rolling green hills, vineyards and, of course, the magnificent châteaux rising majestically out of the enchanting landscape. This is a region of France to savour and you can enjoy it at an unhurried pace. A charming selection of visits has been made to give you the flavours, sights and sounds which epitomise the area - some are iconic, while others are best-kept secrets! But you won't only see the wonderful châteaux – you will have plenty of time to enjoy the villages, the delectable countryside and, naturally, the local wines and cuisine! So relax and escape to this very special place. Highlights include wine tasting in the Loire, a wine and food tasting session at a private chateau, a gourmet meal in Chinon, staying in a magnificent chateau in the Loire, seeing a unique Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, and exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Small group tours depart on Thursdays, typically twice a month from May 24 until September 27 2012 and are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 participants. In general, the maximum group size is 16.

Consider adding additional days to your trip with the services of a private guide and/or driver to see more of the country - your time on either side of your small group tour can be customized to suit your needs (and private guided tours can be added throughout your small group experience as desired).

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

There are so many things to do and see in Paris it is hard to know where to start! Within the city you can choose from any number of private guided tours - of neighbourhoods or places of interest such as the Louvre or with a focus on architecture. Consider a few hours with a personal shopper, or a guided tour in a vintage car through one of the neighbourhoods. If you are interested in doing something further afield consider a day trip to Chatres, Giverny (known because of Monet's paintings), Versailles, Normandy or Burgundy. A fun way to spend an afternoon is by hot air balloon - this is possible to do in the Parisian countryside. Please ask your Sale Advisor if you are interested in any of these optional tours and activities.

Paris takes on a different hue at night and, with many of the magnificent buildings aglow which make it is possibly the best time to admire the beauty of the city. There are plenty of options to choose from for evening entertainment including an early evening wine tasting in a beautiful, airy Parisian loft of a French sommelier located close to the lively Marais district, a dinner cruise, a cabaret show, dinner in the Eiffel tower followed by a night-time cruise, or an evening tour of the city with many of the historical buildings aglow.

The Elysees Ceramic (3*) hotel is situated in one of the huge avenues branching out from the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs Elysees is a mere 5 minute stroll away, and all kinds of public transport is close-at-hand. It is an exceptional Parisian house, with a unique "art nouveau" facade, sculpted in painted ceramic blocks. The architecture is indeed impressive. It is large in size, and very tastefully decorated in an authentic Parisian style. Wooden panels on the walls, flowery draped curtains and quality furniture give a touch of elegance to a cosy atmosphere. This 3-star first-class property is in an excellent location, where guests can find comfort, with a touch of luxury, and good services.

Overnight at Elysees Ceramic (3*).

Discover Paris in a truly original and personalised manner aboard your very own 2CV. The 2CV, the quintessential symbol of the “French touch”, thanks to its convertible, soft top roof offers a magnificent panoramic view. You will be driven by a knowledgeable, English speaking chauffeur, and discover the most famous, beautiful and elegant monuments of Paris. The capacity of the 2CV vehicles is 3. If there are more in your group additional cars will be arranged so you can travel in convoy. (Includes hotel pick up and drop off in central Paris).

Enjoy your 2 days Museum Pass, where you have access to 22 museums, 24 historical monuments, 15 art galleries, 3 tourist attractions, 1 cruise and special offers in shops and restaurants.

Enjoy dinner at leisure. Here are a few suggestions; In the Latin Quarter (5th): Le Petit Pontoise bistro, 9 Rue Pontoise (Metro: Maubert Mutualite) Tel: 0143292520.This restaurant is nestled in a discreet and quite street, 10 minutes walk from Notre Dame Cathedral. Reservation for the dinner is recommended. By the Arc de Triomph and Parc Monceau (17th): Chez Les Anges, Paris, 54 Boulevard de La Tour-Maubourg (Metro: La Tour-Maubourg). Tel: 01 47 05 89 86. Cool jazz on the sound system, a sunny veranda, and a cool, modern bar. This is pure market cuisine, the daily changing menu punctuated by fabulous wild fish, wild mushrooms, and seasonal game. Closed Sat. & Sun. In the Trocadero area (16th): Astrance, Paris. 4 Rue Beethoven (Metro: Passy). Tel: 01 40 50 84 40. For fashionable foodies, a meal at this small, split-level dining room with silver-painted walls on a quiet residential street near the Trocadero is guaranteed Nirvana. Book a month in advance. Closed Sat. Sun. & Mon.

Overnight at Elysees Ceramic (3*).

Meet your small group and guide at 8h30 at the Hotel Elysees Ceramic in Paris and depart for your Palaces and Chateaux of the Loire tour.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Paris behind, soon you will be in another world as you arrive in Chartres, a beautiful town with some pretty medieval timber-framed buildings. Here you can see the magnificent Gothic cathedral, perhaps the best example to be found anywhere in the world. One of the greatest architectural achievements ever, it is almost perfectly preserved in its original design and details, and you will be in awe of its marvellous stonework and exquisite 12th and 13th century stained-glass windows - a true masterpiece.

En route to Chinon in the heart of the Loire, enjoy a stop at the fascinating Clos Lucé, a shrine to Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life here. The famous artist and inventor was enticed here by the art-loving François I, who offered him a comfortable residence in which he was “free to think, dream and work”. Leonardo brought with him the “Mona Lisa”, which explains why this most famous of paintings resides in Paris and not in Rome. Gain a real insight into Leonardo and his life and see, amongst many interesting exhibits, the chapel with frescoes painted by his pupils.

The final stop before reaching today's destination is a real treat as you visit a private chateau for a food and wine taster session with a local host to learn more about local cooking techniques and wines in the region.

Continue to the delightful town of Chinon, standing above the River Vienne and dominated by its Castle, which overlooks the delightful medieval streets below. Henry Plantagenet lived here before he became King Henry II of England, it was here that Joan of Arc begged the Dauphin of France to oust the English and it is quite possible that Richard the Lionheart died here.

You have time to explore this attractive town of Chinon before heading out for the first group dinner together.

The two star Hotel Diderot is like arriving at a friend’s house with the charm of an authentic dwelling-place built in the fifteenth century and modified in the eighteenth century. It's just a few hundred metres from the town centre, the medieval quarter and the chateau. Rest, and have sweet dreams in the soft light of the Val de Loire, and in the morning, try the home made jams for a delicious start to the day. In winter, breakfast is served in front of a roaring log fire, and on warm sunny days, it is served on the terrace in the shade of the banana and olive trees.

Overnight at Hotel Diderot (B) or similar.

This morning you will be brought to the lovely town of Angers, the capital of the ancient realm of Anjou. The Château d’Angers, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in France, houses the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, including the priceless “Apocalypse Tapestry”, dating from the 1300s and depicting biblical scenes of the end of the world. There is the option to visit the castle if you are interested (entrance not included).

 In the tiny settlement of Turquant, you'll get to sample some of the lesser-known but delicious wines of the region. And if time permits, go back in time to explore some of the ancient and fascinating troglodyte dwellings for which the area is famous.

The magnificent Abbey of Fontevraud will no doubt be one of the highlights of the day. One of the largest monastic complexes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was first established in 1099 and had, unusually, both a nunnery and a monastery under the command of an abbess. The abbey contains the tombstone effigies of Henry II and his son, Richard the Lionheart, as well as that of his infamous wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine – brilliant, beautiful and the wife of two kings!

You might go back in time to explore some of the ancient and fascinating troglodyte dwellings for which the area is famous. From here you will be transferred to Saumur, a lovely town sitting astride the Loire, dominated by its famous little fairy-tale castle and home to some world-famous wineries. You will have some free time here for you to do a little shopping, to wander around the pretty town, or to simply enjoy life from a pavement cafe. From here you head back to the hotel for a leisurely evening.

Overnight at Hotel Diderot (B) or similar.

Today is all about the majestic castles of the Loire valley, and you will get to visit three of the most regal of them; Chateau de Villandry, Azay le Rideau and Chateau de Chenenceau. Enjoy a visit of the imposing Château de Villandry, and explore the elegant and extensive gardens, its crowning glory, which include an arbour of grape vines leading to a great parterre, a Garden of Love and a beautifully-designed vegetable garden.

Next on the agenda today is a vist of the charming Azay-le-Rideau – a hidden gem of a château which will delight you. Amble through the gardens of this stunning little renaissance château, as you admire the undimmed brilliance of the architecture and watch the famous reflections in the water-courses. Less ostentatious than many in the region, this château is a masterpiece of architecture.

The final port of call today is the ever-popular and evocative Château de Chenonceau, whose beautiful arches span the River Loire – such an iconic image. Known once as the “Castle of Women”, the château owes much of its charm to the influence over the centuries of such ladies as Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of royalty, and Catherine de Medici. Visit the castle, remarkable for its architecture and the fine quality of its collections, and delight in the Italianate grounds.

Overnight at Chateau du Breuil or similar.

A real highlight awaits today - the Château de Cheverny. The castle is a jewel among the more famous monuments stretching along the Loire Valley. You will love this 17th century gem which is, almost uniquely, still privately-owned by the descendants of the original owners. It would not be unusual to brush shoulders with members of the family! Built of a special stone which becomes perfectly white over time, your memories of this beautiful hidden jewel will stay with you for many years to come.

In contrast to the Chateau de Cheverny is the mighty Château de Chambord, the largest and most prestigious of all the Renaissance châteaux. Sumptuous and extravagant and surrounded by forests, it was originally built as a royal hunting lodge of magnificent proportions, with almost one hundred rooms open to view as well as the extensive parkland, including a game reserve. It is said that the Loire river was even diverted to create a little more space for its construction! This colossal and imposing structure will not fail to impress.

Overnight at Chateau du Breuil or similar.

As you make your way back towards the capital today, you first take a look around the pretty little town of Beaugency, where in 1152 the marriage of Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine was annulled, allowing her to marry Henry II of England. In addition Joan of Arc liberated the town as she made her way to Orléans in her efforts to oust the English, and there is a statue of her in the town to commemorate this event. Of great strategic importance during the Hundred Years War, the town has a lot of history and charm, and you'll have time to explore before moving on.

As Paris draws closer, a final stop is made at the wonderful Palace of Fontainebleau, once a medieval royal hunting lodge but later transformed by François I in the 16th century into a beautiful and imposing palace.

Your Small group tour comes to an end on your return to Paris and the Hotel Elysees Ceramic for approximately 5.30pm.

Overnight at Elysees Ceramic (3*).

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).