Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Mannheim to Reims
Mannheim to ReimsIncluded Activities
- Evening walk to Reims Cathedral
- Introduction to French royal coronation ceremonies
Landmarks Reims Cathedral 
- Day 2
Orléans and Blois
Orléans and Blois- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Orléans following Joan of Arc's historical sites
- Visit to Blois Castle - residence of the Valois kings
- Discussion of architectural transformation from fortifications to palaces
Landmarks Orléans Blois Castle - Day 3
Tours
Tours- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tours city center
- Visit to local markets with regional products
- Walking tour of Place Plumereau and old quarters
- Visit to St. Gatien's Cathedral
- Presentation on the "Vive la Loire vivante!" citizens' project
Landmarks St. Gatien's Cathedral Place Plumereau - Day 4
Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Ussé, and Villandry
Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Ussé, and Villandry- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Azay-le-Rideau Castle
- Exploration of Chinon castle ruins and medieval town
- Visit to Villandry Castle and Renaissance terraced gardens
Optional Activities
- View of Ussé Castle (Sleeping Beauty Castle) from coach
Landmarks Azay-le-Rideau Castle Chinon Castle Ussé Castle Villandry Castle 
- Day 5
Chenonceau, Amboise, and Vouvray
Chenonceau, Amboise, and Vouvray- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Chenonceau Castle and gardens
- Visit to Le Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci residence) in Amboise
- View of Amboise Castle
- Wine tasting in Vouvray
Landmarks Chenonceau Castle Le Clos Lucé Amboise Castle - Day 6
Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire
Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Chambord Castle
- View of the double spiral staircase at Chambord
- Visit to Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle
- Exploration of Chaumont-sur-Loire park and Festival International des Jardins garden installations
Landmarks Chambord Castle Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle 
- Day 7
Tours - Vaux-le-Vicomte - Troyes
Tours - Vaux-le-Vicomte - Troyes- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner together in Troyes)
Included Activities
- Visit Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Explore Vaux-le-Vicomte gardens
Landmarks Vaux-le-Vicomte Troyes - Day 8
Troyes to Mannheim
Troyes to Mannheim- Meals
- Breakfast
