Embark on a cruise on the Loire River and discover the Regal Heritage of the Loire Valley. Visit Nantes and The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a gallery that recreates the imaginary world of the famous writer Jules Verne. Discover Saint-Nazaire and admire its shipyard and the Escal’Atlantic which immerses you in the world of steamships from the beginnings of their gigantic construction to life on board. Soak up the magical castles of the Loire such as Brissac, the highest castle in France whose monumental facades rise up from its large landscaped park.
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A driver will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at the pier so you may board the ship.
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. The ship will sail towards Saint-Nazaire.
This morning, join us for an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: Saint-Nazaire, a seaside town. We’ll begin our visit with Escal’Atlantic, which traces the history of Norman and French ocean liners. We’ll then visit the actual Saint-Nazaire shipyard as it is today. Once the birthplace of the most outstanding French transatlantic liners, it is now the construction site for modern, elegant cruise ships. While following a tour designed especially for understanding the complexity of constructing these veritable floating palaces, you’ll discover the immensity of this site (267 acres), the stunning logistics, and the high technology put in place to build the ships (This excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency. Each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport in order to book the excursion and gain access to the shipyard).
In the evening, join us on an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: A boat tour on the Erdre, one of the most beautiful rivers in France.
This morning, join us for the optional excursions proposed:
– CLASSIC: Guided tour of Nantes and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
– DISCOVERY: Nantes, the Machines de l’Île(3), secret courtyards and covered passageways.
This afternoon, join us for the optional excursions proposed:
– CLASSIC: The Muscadet Wine Route and the medieval village of Clisson. We’ll pass through many of the villages attesting to the region’s vigorous wine culture. We’ll continue toward La Chapelle Heulin and stop at the Château Cassemichère (or similar site). This exceptional site invites you to discover its history-filled vineyards, visit its cellars and taste the dry, light, fruity and aromatic wine. Our next stop will be Clisson, a charming medieval city with 15th century ruins and an Italian flair.
– DISCOVERY: Soar over the Loire in a helicopter (you must register for this excursion at your travel agency before your departure).(2) An unforgettable experience! Catch a bird’s eye view of Ancenis, its hills and castle, the 14th-century tower in Oudon, the châteaux de Clermont and de la Turmelière, etc.
We’ll cruise to Bouchemaine. Optional excursions proposed:
– CLASSIC: Visit the historical sections of Angers and see the legendary Apocalypse Tapestry(4). Capital of the Anjou region, Angers has many artistic and historic treasures and has become famous as much for its rich heritage as for its modernity and excellent quality of life. We’ll visit the Château d’Angers, which dominates the old town, and admire the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry(4), one of the most important collections of medieval tapestries in the world. And we’ll finish up with a tour of the cathedral area, combining Roman art ruins and rich Gothic-style architecture.
– DISCOVERY: Tour of the Château de Brissac and wine tasting (4). We’ll leave by coach for the Château de Brissac and visit the seven-story, 204-room splendid residence. The castle’s spectacular decorations and the breathtaking Belle Époque theater are definitely not to be missed! At the end of our tour, we’ll discover the castle cellars and enjoy a wine tasting.
Tonight, join us for an evening of entertainment.
Today will be dedicated to an offered full day’s excursion to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley. We’ll leave by coach for the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Built on a small island in the middle of the Indre River, the château as it is seen today was built under Francis I by Gilles Berthelot. The castle is a French National Monument and possesses all the refinement found in the French Renaissance. We’ll continue to Villandry for lunch. Walk off your great meal with a stroll through the beautiful gardens at the Château de Villandry. Spread out over three levels, they are impressive and a great way to relax and enjoy the beginning of your afternoon. Afterward, we’ll continue our tour and visit the Château d’Ussé. Rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, this stronghold with fortified towers, turrets, and steeples looks like something out of a fairytale. The castle is still inhabited today and takes visitors back to a time of legends and fairytales. It is thought to have inspired Charles Perrault when writing “Sleeping Beauty.” We’ll return to Ancenis for our festive gala evening. Our ship will cruise to Nantes during the night.
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast before disembarking at 10:00 a.m.
A driver will pick you up and drop you off at your local hotel to rest before your departure flight.
Overnight at 3* hotel
After breakfast, a driver will pick you up at your local hotel and drop you off at the airport.
