The Eiffel Tower
Caption: The Eiffel Tower
Caption: Tours in the evening

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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: Loire Valley Extravagance with Paris City Stay
European Collection
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Flight information: Please arrange your flights to arrive Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris [CDG] on Day 1 and to depart on Day 7 NO EARLIER than 4pm
Pickup location: Charles de Gaulle Airport [CDG]

Overview

May 2027

Experience the heart of France on this unforgettable journey, starting in the romantic city of Paris before travelling south to the enchanting Loire Valley.

Spend your first night in a historic city-centre hotel in Paris for a snapshot of this beautiful city, before travelling together to the charming town of Tours for the next 5 nights. Here you'll discover a region renowned for its fairy-tale castles, picturesque vineyards, and rich French heritage. Explore magnificent châteaux at Azay and Amboise, stroll through beautiful riverside villages, and enjoy guided visits and tasting at one of the Loire's finest wineries. Combining culture, history, gastronomy, and stunning scenery, this holiday offers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery in one of France's most captivating regions.

The Big Journey Company’s new European Collection integrates excellent dining, the flexibility of premium self-catering accommodations, and immersive excursions led by expert Tour Directors to deliver an uncompromisingly high standard of travel.

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Welcome to France
DAY 2 - Orleans and Tours, The Loire Valley
DAY 3 - Explore Tours & Petanque
DAY 4 - Chateau Ambroise & Wine Tasting
DAY 5 - Azay Les Rideaux & traditional craft workshop
DAY 6 - Loire River Cruise
DAY 7 - Farewell Loire Valley & France
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome to France

Welcome to France's capital city of Paris. On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, there will be three scheduled transfers to the hotel in town.

After you are checked in to the hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities. This evening we will meet together to meet your tour director and hear more about the upcoming tour.

Included meals: Welcome Dinner 
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Paris Republique hotel or similar 

DAY 2 - Orleans and Tours, The Loire Valley

After a panoramic city tour of Paris, we begin making our way to our base for the rest of this holidays in Tours, in the Loire Valley.

We will make a stop in the Orleans for a short walking tour and lunch together. With an elegant French character, Orléans offers an authentic taste of central France and it will give us our fist sight of the Loire river in this World Heritage protected landscape.

Included meals: Lunch 
Accommodation: Hotel City Residences, Tours or similar 

DAY 3 - Explore Tours & Petanque

Today we will enjoy a walking exploration of Tours, learning about  local specialties, artisans, markets, and iconic spots in Tours. 

We will enjoy lunch together today before a little time at leisure in the town of Tours. Then we will meet at the local club to enjoy a game of petanque together before returning to the resort for an evening at leisure. 

Included meals: Lunch 
Accommodation: Hotel City Residences, Tours or similar 

DAY 4 - Chateau Ambroise & Wine Tasting

Today we discover Amboise - Royal city and Castle. Originally built in the 11th centrury as a fortress, the Royal Château of Amboise commands a magnificent view of the Loire River. Reconstructed by King Charles VIII of France, it introduced the Italian renaissane to this area of France. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the castle’s chapel.
During an unforgettable visit, you’ll discover all the secrets of this sumptuous building, which ranks among the jewels of the Loire Valley castles!

Today we enjoy a light lunch together before a full sensory experience at a local winery, wine tasting with our own sommelier.

Included meals: Light lunch & wine tasting with local delicacies. 
Accommodation: Hotel City Residences, Tours or similar 

DAY 5 - Azay Les Rideaux & traditional craft workshop

Often regarded as the most picturesque château in the Loire Valley, Azay-le-Rideau appears to float upon the tranquil waters of the River Indre. This exquisite Renaissance masterpiece combines elegant architecture, romantic gardens, and breathtaking reflections, creating one of France's most enchanting castle experiences. 

The village here is compact and easy to explore on foot, with charming streets lined with white tufa-stone houses, traditional cafés, bakeries, and small shops. You will enjoy some time to wander at will and find lunch here today. Another highlight of the day will be attending a local craft workshop to produce our own mini-masterpieces in wicker.

Accommodation: Hotel City Residences, Tours or similar 

DAY 6 - Loire River Cruise

This morning we will enjoy a river cruise together, learing more about the wildlife and countryside of the river Loire before a free afternoon to follow your own interests, commence packing and to prepare for dinner together this evening. 

Included meals: Farewell Dinner 
Accommodation: Hotel City Residences, Tours or similar 

DAY 7 - Farewell Loire Valley & France

All good things must come to an end, and today is that time. We will depart Tours together for Charles de Gaulle airport.

Please make sure that your flights depart NO EARLIER than 4pm today. Thank you. 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Airport transfers included (subject to arriving/departing at the designated airport and staying at the tour hotel on the official tour dates)
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • All transfers/touring and excursions in air-conditioned deluxe motor vehicles.
  • All entrances/guides (English speaking) and visits as indicated in the programme.
  • Services of a Big Journey Company Tour Director throughout (subject to minimum numbers being reached)

What's not included

  • Return flights to/from Charles de Gaulle Airport, PAris [CDG]
  • Airport transfers outside the tour dates or scheudled times or to/from stations
  • Visas, travel or medical insurance
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above
  • Any food and beverage not detailed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to non-stipulated attractions
  • Any optional activities offered
  • Gratuities

Important information

  • Please note, flights to/from France are not included in this package. The Big Journey Company would be happy to provide a quotation for your flights - please contact us for further details
  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Check in is after 2pm and check out is before 11am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable and final payments are due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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