download - The Wayfarers

France
Robert Mark Appleton
Robert Mark Appleton
Highlights
• The Abbey of Fontevraud and two
private castles
• Wine-tasting in a troglodyte cave
• Play boules with local villagers
• Fine cuisine of Val de Loire
• Sunset Dinner on a traditional Loire
boat
Itinerary
Sunday
Rendezvous in Saumur for the short journey to
our hotel for our Introductory Talk and aperitif in
the Hotel, followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Overnight: Saumur, Hotel Anne d’Anjou or
Hotel Le Prieuré
Monday
A gentle walk along the river to the Basilica of
Cunault. We lunch in an ancient limestone cave,
where we are served traditional “fouées” before
visiting the mushroom and snail farm. We
continue on the riverbank to a tasting of sparkling
wine or Saumur Brut.
Overnight: Saumur, Hotel Anne d’Anjou or
Hotel Le Prieuré
Tuesday
We walk through fields and woods to the castle of
Breze for a picnic lunch and to visit the mysterious
underground passageways. We stroll through
forests and vineyards to a wine-tasting in a
troglodyte cave.
Overnight: Saumur, Hotel Anne d’Anjou or
Hotel Le Prieuré
Wednesday
In Saumur, we visit the Cavalry Museum, tracing
the history of the French cavalry from 1445 to
present-day tanks. We continue beside the Loire
and through vineyards to the pretty village of
Montsoreau. We dine on board a traditional
'gabarre' on the Loire.
Overnight: Montsoreau, Hotel La Marine de Loire
Thursday
We visit the magnificent 12th century
Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, final
resting place of Richard the Lion-
Heart. After lunch in the village, we
walk back to Montsoreau to play the
ancient game of Boules de Fort with
the local villagers. Dinner in a
gourmet restaurant.
Overnight: Montsoreau, Hotel La
Marine de Loire
Friday
A gentle hike beside the River
Vienne, and a traditional boat ride on
it, bring us to the medieval city of
Chinon, where we explore the
massive medieval fortress. In the
The Loire -
River of the Kings
afternoon, a visit to the charming gardens of
Château du Rivau before returning to our
stunning Château de Marçay, with time for a
relaxing swim in the lovely hotel pool, before
our Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Marçay, Château de Marçay
Saturday
The Wayfarers will provide a transfer to the
station in Tours.
Optional Opportunities
Canoeing/Kayaking
Biking
Swimming
Horseback Riding
Laura Depta Peal
Arrival: Saumur Rail
Station
Departure: Tours Rail Station
US$ 4,195 per person
(US$ 3,985 Wayfarers’ Friends)
(US$ 595 Single Supplement)
26
Terrain: Orchards, vineyards
and woodlands, some hills.
9-11 miles walking per day.
For more details: www.thewayfarers.com
Trip Length: 6 nights
2013 Dates:
May 26 - June 1,
September 29 - October 5