Cruise on the beautiful Loire, the longest river in France, with visits to World Heritage Sites and the famous Loire Valley chateaux
Discover the highlights of the region, from the maritime traditions of thriving Nantes and the exciting Saint Nazaire shipyard, to the ancient renaissance and medieval town of Angers, capital of the Anjou region.
Explore the 'valley of the kings', famous for its hundreds of fairytale chateaux and gourmet traditions of world-renowned wines and mouth-watering food.
The magical chateaux of Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and Ussé offer a tantalising glimpse of medieval life, with optional wine tastings available at vineyards along the route.
E176 Operated by CroisiEurope
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NHN_PP: Royal River Loire Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 - Nantes (France)
Embark paddlewheeler ship Loire Princesse in Nantes from 6pm. Enjoy a Welcome Cocktail and meet your crew, before dinner and a welcome party on board. Begin cruising towards Saint-Nazaire.
Day 2 - Saint Nazaire - Nantes
After breakfast, there is an optional tour of Saint Nazaire. Visit of Escal’Atlantic and the Saint Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in Europe. (This excursion must be pre-booked in advance and each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport or identity card in order to gain access to the shipyard). Alternatively, take an optional guided tour of Guerande, a fortified medieval village, or optional hike. This afternoon, cruise towards Nantes. On arrival, there is an optional cruise on the Erdre River.
Day 3 - Nantes - Ancenis
After breakfast there is an optional tour of Nantes and the Castle of Dukes of Brittany. Alternatively, perhaps discover the Machines de Ille, an artistic project which is a cross between the imaginations of Jules Verne and Leonardo de Vinci. Cruise towards Ancenis this afternoon.
Day 4 - Ancenis - Bouchemaine
Today, there is an optional excursion along the Muscadet Wine Route, passing through several picturesque villages. Alternatively, take an exciting optional excursion with a helicopter ride to see the Loire from above (must be pre-booked and subject to flight conditions). Continue cruising to Bouchemaine.
Day 5 - Bouchemaine - Angers
After breakfast, take an optional tour to Angers, capital of the Anjou region and famous for its rich heritage or visit Chateaux de Brissac and the castle cellars with a wine-tasting session. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, perhaps take an optional tour to the Cadre Noir and the town of Saumur (must be pre-booked in advance). Moor overnight in Bouchemaine.
Day 6 - Bouchemaine
Today is spent visiting the castles of the Loire Valley. Travel by coach to the well-preserved Renaissance castle at Azay-le-Rideau, built on an island in the Indre River. before continuing to the chateau of Villandry for lunch. Enjoy a stroll through the castle's gardens laid out on three levels. Visit the magnificent chateau of Ussé with its fortified towers, turrets and steeples, before returning to the ship for dinner. Moor overnight.
Day 7 - Bouchemaine - Ancenis - Nantes
Bouchemaine is the starting point for the optional excursion along the Angevine Corniche. Enjoy spectacular views of the river as you travel by coach along the Loire Angevine levee road. This afternoon cruise the Loire towards Nantes and enjoy a festive gala dinner.
Day 8 - Nantes
After breakfast, disembark Loire Princesse.
The Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary in the light of tidal and other conditions