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Gardens of the Loire Valley and Seine Cruise

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11 days From $4,295 $3,895 per person
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Experience the elegance of France as we explore iconic châteaux in the Loire Valley and cruise the Seine, discovering the country's charming towns and rich history

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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2025 Tour code: SIR25

About the tour

Explore some of the best-loved châteaux of the verdant Loire Valley, and the manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived, then cruise the Seine, discovering the gems of Paris, Rouen and Honfleur.

From our base in Tours, explore the iconic Château de Chenonceau, Leonardo da Vinci's Clos Lucé, and the historic Château de Chaumont. Then, we board the prestigious MS Amadeus Diamond for a leisurely cruise down the Seine. From the quaint charm of Auvers sur Oise to medieval Rouen, each port of call offers a glimpse into France's rich art, history, and natural beauty. Our vacation ends in Paris, where the City of Light impresses with its iconic landmarks and timeless elegance. Whether strolling along the Seine or marveling at the grandeur of Versailles, every moment is infused with the elegance of France on this enchanting experience.

Unforgettable Experiences

Château de Chenonceau & Château de Chaumont
Château de Chenonceau & Château de Chaumont
Marvel at Renaissance architecture spanning the River Cher as we explore Château de Chenonceau and experience history and horticulture amid Château de Chaumont’s majestic towers and landscaped grounds.
Clos Lucé in Amboise, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci
Clos Lucé in Amboise, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci
Wander through the charming estate where Da Vinci lived, worked, and pondered his revolutionary ideas, and explore the lush gardens that inspired his creativity.
Medieval treasures in Rouen
Medieval treasures in Rouen
Explore the medieval city of Rouen on a guided tour, visiting the Museum of Fine Arts with its collections from the Renaissance to the present age, and the Rouen Cathedral - the inspiration behind Claude Monet's painting.
Art and history in Honfleur
Art and history in Honfleur
Explore the charming streets and picturesque harbour of this port town that has a blend of history, artistry, and maritime splendour and whose quaint beauty inspired the brushstrokes of Monet.
Fascinating Normandy
Fascinating Normandy
Discover the landmarks of this historic region on a full-day sightseeing tour with breathtaking coastal vistas and charming countryside. We also visit the famous Château Gaillard and the peaceful Monet's Garden.
Discover enchanting Paris or the opulent Palace of Versailles
Discover enchanting Paris or the opulent Palace of Versailles
Discover the celebrated monuments, museums, and architecture of Paris on a guided tour of the French capital city. Alternatively, choose to explore the impressive grounds of the Palace of Versailles.
Auvers sur Oise, the painter’s village
Auvers sur Oise, the painter’s village
Step into this enchanting village for a guided tour and see the weathered windmills that stand sentinel atop rolling hills, the tranquil riverbanks and the humble cottages that inspired Vincent Van Gogh.
The majestic Etretat Cliffs
The majestic Etretat Cliffs
Experience this natural wonder, where waves crash against towering limestone arches. Carved by centuries of erosion, these natural sculptures create a sense of awe.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Medieval Tours

After making your way independently to St Pancras station in London, we meet the group and then leave for Paris on the Eurostar. Next, we change for the rail service to Tours, a medieval town on the banks of the River Loire, perfectly situated for exploring the castles of the Loire Valley. We check in to our hotel for the next three nights.

Day 2 - Exploring the Château de Chenonceau and Leonardo da Vinci's Clos Lucé

Today begins with an excursion to the iconic Château de Chenonceau. The Château elegantly spans the River Cher and is a fine example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. After exploring the château and its picturesque fountain gardens, we travel by coach to the town of Amboise, former home of Leonardo da Vinci, who died here in 1519. We visit his former manor house, Clos Lucé, which is filled with some of his fascinating inventions. You are free to explore this delightful manor house and walk in the footsteps of the master himself, who was so inspired by his scenic surroundings.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - History and beauty at Château de Chaumont

From our hotel in Tours, we make our way by coach to nearby Château de Chaumont. First constructed in 1000 AD, the original castle was razed to the ground by Louis XI and rebuilt in the 15th century with the turrets and gateways we see today. Set on the banks of the Loire River, the grounds were transformed into an ornamental garden with extensive landscaping and rustic features in the late 1800s. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of the gardens, followed by free time to look around. Experience French history as you wander through majestic halls adorned with stunning artwork. Explore the meticulously manicured gardens, each a testament to the artistry of landscape design with vibrant flower beds, manicured lawns, and ornate sculptures. From the terraced gardens offering panoramic views to the serene water features, each corner evokes a sense of tranquility and elegance.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - To Paris where we board our excellent ship

Following breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to the train station for the return rail journey to Paris. Then it's time to meet our floating hotel for the next six nights, the MS Renoir, and the rest of our cruise family. 

On the morning of Day 5 we enjoy a guided tour of the splendid French capital. We see many of the major attractions such as Place de la République, the Grand Boulevards, Opera House, Place de la Madeleine, Place Vendôme, and the Louvre. After lunch aboard you have some free time to sight-see independently. We set sail in the evening for a cruise along the Seine, admiring the illuminated attractions we see along the way (weather permitting). 

Includes
  • Day 4 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Discovering van Gogh's inspiration in Auvers sur Oise

Waking up in Conflans St Honorine, at the confluence of the rivers Oise and Seine, an inspirational excursion awaits this morning. After breakfast, we make our way to quaint Auvers sur Oise, a picturesque commune in France, renowned for its scenic charm and artistic heritage. Narrow lanes with shuttered homes lead our exploration through the tranquil landscapes that have been immortalized by Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces.

In the village, we discover timeless cottages, rustic windmills, and verdant fields that inspired the works of renowned impressionist artists such as Charles-François Daubigny, Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro, and of course, Van Gogh, whose final resting place is here. Back onboard later this afternoon, we begin a gentle overnight sail.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Exploring Rouen, the jewel of Normandy

This morning we dock in Rouen, the former capital of Normandy. Here we enjoy a guided tour which follows more of the Impressionists' footsteps. This medieval city is home to the Museum of Fine Arts and a vast collection of Impressionist compositions. We visit Rouen Cathedral, which was depicted in an oil painting by Claude Monet. His series of over 30 paintings show the building at different times of the day. We also experience the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its magnificent 16th century stained-glass windows. Later this afternoon, we continue our cruise along the picturesque Seine valley.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Honfleur's artistry and the majestic Etretat Cliffs

The harbor of Le Havre is our convenient base for two lovely excursions this morning. The first is a trip to the charming port town of Honfleur, on the southern bank of the Seine Estuary. The Calvados region of France is famous for its apple brandy and Honfleur sits on the historic port and marina - the 'Vieux Bassin'.

After lunch, we enjoy the breathtaking natural wonder of the Etretat Cliffs. Carved by centuries of wind and sea erosion, these majestic limestone cliffs stand tall, adorned with dramatic arches and towering needle-like formations. Their iconic beauty has inspired countless artists, including Claude Monet. While here, marvel at stunning panoramic views of the English Channel and awe-inspiring landscapes along the rugged coastline of northern France. Onboard our superb ship this evening, we're treated to music performances of French ballads from local chanson singers.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Normandy's legacy and beauty

We set sail this morning bound for Caudebec en Caux. Arriving later this afternoon, you can choose to stay and relax onboard in our new surroundings or join a trip getting to know this historic region of France on a guided tour. Wandering narrow cobblestone streets, flanked by ancient stone buildings, explore a blend of diverse traditions and historic landmarks, including the nearby harbor that played a pivotal role in the liberation of Western Europe after D-Day and the city of Arromanches with its remnants of World War II Mulberries, offering a poignant glimpse into history. After dinner onboard this evening, we experience another relaxing overnight cruise.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - The ruins of Château Gaillard and idyllic Monet’s Garden

Docking in Les Andelys this morning, we visit Château Gaillard. This medieval fortress was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Discover its imposing ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the Seine River before we continue our cruise, pausing in Vernon to experience Monet's Garden. This area of nature and artistry is reminiscent of impressionist canvases with vivid hues bursting from flower beds while Japanese arched bridges frame ponds adorned with water lilies.

After lunch back onboard, we spend the rest of our day sailing delightful river landscapes enroute to Paris. Relax on the sun deck with a refreshing drink as we enjoy our final cruise along the Seine passing rolling countryside, punctuated by quaint villages and rustic farmhouses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Enchanting Paris or stately Versailles

We wake up this morning in the French capital and enjoy a guided tour. Our explorations through the City of Light take us to its most iconic landmarks, each one bearing witness to centuries of artistry, innovation, and grandeur.

Witness the elegant silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, wander through Champs-Élysées - one of the world's most famous commercial streets, and venture up Montmartre - the highest hill in northern Paris - and visit the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on its summit.

Alternatively, you could visit the opulent Palace of Versailles, once home to French monarchs. Marvel at its grandeur, graced with intricate architecture and magnificent artworks, wander through the ornate Hall of Mirrors, reflecting centuries of splendor, and stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens, embellished with fountains and sculptures. This afternoon you're at leisure in Paris to immerse in Parisian culture before our final night onboard.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Homeward bound

After a final breakfast together, we bid farewell to our delightful crew and disembark this morning. On our return Eurostar journey back to London, think back over our blend of experiences, from the quaint streets of Auvers sur Oise, reminiscent of Van Gogh's artistry, to the historic marvels on our Rouen walking tour. Honfleur's picturesque harbor, the majestic cliffs of Etretat, and the poignant sights of Normandy stirred the soul while Château Gaillard echoed with tales of medieval splendor and Monet's Garden bloomed with vibrant colors. The timeless streets of Paris were the perfect end to our cruise filled with tranquil Seine scenery.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Train

Eurostar

Ship

MS Amadeus Diamond

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