Loire River Cruise Itinerary
DAY 1 - NANTES
Check-in between 6 and 7pm. Welcome meeting in the evening and introduction to the crew before dinner. Dinner on board followed by an optional cruise along a branch of the Loire, the river Erdre, so named the “most beautiful river in France” by King Francis I.
DAY 2 - NANTES - SAINT-NAZAIRE
After breakfast there is an optional tour of Nantes to discover the narrow streets of the medieval Bouffay quarter, the beautiful Flamboyant-style Cathedral, the île Feydeau and the shopping districts around the Théâtre Graslin and the Passage Pommeraye. Visit the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany built in the late Middle Ages by Duke Francis II and his daughter, Anne of Brittany, to defend the independence of the Duchy of Brittany, then under threat from the Kingdom of France. Return to the ship in Saint-Nazaire for lunch. Dinner on board, followed by an evening of entertainment. Overnight in Saint Nazaire.
DAY 3 -SAINT-NAZAIRE - ANCENIS
After breakfast enjoy cruising towards Ancenis. After lunch there is an optional excursion to visit the famous Muscadet wine region including a stop at the Château Cassemichère (or similar). You will have the opportunity to learn about its historic vineyard, visit the cellars and taste the lovely white wine. Continue to Clisson, a charming medieval city with an Italian feel. Return to the ship for dinner on board. Ovenight in Ancenis.
Day 4 - ANCENIS- BOUCHEMAINE (1) - ANGERS
This morning cruise towards Bouchemaine. After breakfast on board enjoy an optional guided tour to Angers. Visit the 13th century castle and the immense walls of the famous Château d’Angers which contains the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry. Return on board for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner on board followed by an evening of entertainment.
DAY 5 - BOUCHEMAINE
After breakfast there is a full day’s excursion to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley (lunch included). Departure by coach to the beautiful Château d'Azay-le-Rideau; the chateau is a French national monument and possesses all the refinement found in the French Renaissance. Continue to Villandry for lunch. After lunch, enjoy a walk through the lovely gardens surrounding the Château de Villandry. Continue the tour to visit the Château d’Ussé. Rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, this stronghold with fortified towers, turrets and steeples looks like something out of a fairytale. Return on board in Ancenis. Dinner on board is a Gala dinner and evening. Sailing will commence towards Nantes.
DAY 6 - NANTES
Breakfast on board before disembarking at 10am for your transfer and flight home.
Please note: for reasons of navigational safety, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the cruise itinerary, which is beyond Orbital Travel's control.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
There is a comprehensive programme of guided optional excursions which can either be pre-booked or can be booked on board the boat. There is a 5% discount when you pre-book the whole excursions package.
Please contact us for more information on our excursion packages.
**Orbital Travel act as agents for the activity operator/supplier. Please note that the contract for these excursions, tours and activities is between the client and the local suppliers who offer them. Local suppliers are independent of Orbital Travel.**
CRUISE MAP
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