The Loire Valley, a Royal Legacy

Departing the hotel after breakfast, we journey to Nantes, where we join The MS Loire Princesse, for our river cruise, with a comfort break en route. We have time to settle into our cabins before meeting the crew and enjoying a welcome cocktail. Setting sail this evening, we cruise towards Saint-Nazaire.

Enjoy your time in Saint-Nazaire a popular seaside town and port city with international connections from the transatlantic ocean liners and ships that set off from its shores to the artists responsible for the incredible art installations, sculptures, and murals that decorate the city. It is renowned for its significant shipbuilding industry and its pivotal role in maritime history and during World War II. Relax on board the ship, or if you wish, organise an optional excursion to visit the 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. (This excursion must be booked in advance direct with us) In the evening enjoy your time on the ship, or if you wish experience the optional excursion of a boat tour on the Erdre, one of the most beautiful rivers in France.

Enjoy your time in Nantes, a beautiful city that was once the long-held historical capital of Brittany and is today a vibrant hub for the creative arts. Filled with a stunning range of architecture from the past and a wealth of surprising, fascinating and unusual works of modern art from the present, Nantes today, is a city well-known as a space where culture and the arts flourish. Explore the city, relax on board the ship or organise if you wish one of the many optional excursions, including Nantes, the Machines de l’Île, secret courtyards and covered passageways, and a helicopter ride over the Loire, along with the classic guided tours and wine routes.

This morning, we cruise to Bouchemaine, explore this Tranquil Loire Valley village offering serene riverside beauty, authentic wine experiences, and the nearby Château d'Angers for a dose of history. Enjoy leisurely walks and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Or if you wish, relax on the ship, enjoying a glass of wine whilst admiring the views, or book an optional excursion. Tonight, enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Today enjoy your time in Chalonnes-sur- Loire, relax on the boat or organise if you wish an optional full day excursion to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Chalonnes-sur-Loire is a charming riverside town in western France, nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its stunning panoramic views of the Loire River, rich wine culture, and historical heritage, this picturesque town offers a delightful escape for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and history buffs alike, with its vineyard-draped hills, peaceful riverbanks, and welcoming atmosphere, it is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Later, we return to Ancenis for our festive gala evening and then our ship will cruise to Nantes during the night.

Following breakfast, we disembark the ship at 10am and bid farewell to the crew. We re-join the coach and journey to our overnight hotel, for dinner, bed & breakfast.

Departing the hotel after breakfast we journey to Calais for our Eurotunnel crossing. On arrival in Folkstone, we continue our journey, to arrive home early evening.