Escorted

Gourmet

Bike

Loire Valley

7 nights; full board chambre d'hôte & 2* hotels; £695; single supplement £145

Dates & Prices 2000/2001 Fri 21 Apr - Fri 28 Apr 2000 Fri 26 May - Fri 2 Jun 2000 Fri 21 Jul - Fri 28 Jul 2000 Fri 25 Aug - Fri 1 Sep 2000 Fri 22 Sep - Fri 29 Sep 2000 Fri 11 May - Fri 18 May 2001 From Saumur £695 Single supplement £145 Ferry Dover - Calais from £70 Train UK - Saumur from £159 Flights UK - Nantes from £159

Near Saumur, the wide and placid Loire flows through the 'Garden of France'. We walk here along footpaths and farm tracks, through woods, gardens and pastures. We pass some of the oldest chateaux on the Loire, explore abbeys, churches and prehistoric dolmen. In caves hewn out of the white tufa we taste some of the grand wines of Saumur, including méthode champenoise red and white sparkling wines, and local Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Gamay. Delicacies include sumptious freshwater fish, succulent hams, pâtés and terrines, a broad selection of game, and delicious goats cheese.