Cruise the royal River Loire on paddlewheeler Loire Princesse on this 5-night cruise from Nantes. See the highlights of the Loire valley region including Saint Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine and Angers.
A choice of optional excursions allow you to tailor your cruise. In Nantes, there is the option to visit The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a gallery which recreates the imaginary world of famous writer Jules Verne or explore the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in Nantes. There is also the chance to visit the shipyard of Saint-Nazaire and immerse yourself in the history of the ocean-liner at the wonderful Escal'Atlantic museum.
Journey to the Muscadet Wine Region and perhaps discover the lovely medieval town of Clisson before enjoying a delicious wine-tasting or even get a birds-eye view of the Loire with an optional helicopter trip. Stroll through the historic districts of Angers and see the famous Apocalypse tapestry. Alternatively, perhaps tour the magnificent Brissac Castle, the highest castle in France with its impressive wine cellars before enjoying guided tours of the castles of Ussé, Azay-le-Rideau and the gardens of Villandry during a full day optional excursion to the chateaux of the Loire.
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Royal Legacy of the Loire - NSN_PP
Day 1 - Nantes
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.
Day 2 - Saint-Nazaire - Nantes
This morning features an optional excursion to Saint-Nazaire begining with a visit to Escal’Atlantic, which traces the history of Norman and French ocean liners and then visit the actual Saint-Nazaire shipyard. Once the birthplace of the most outstanding French transatlantic liners, it is now the construction site for modern, elegant cruise ships. Each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport in order to book the excursion and gain access to the shipyard).
In the evening, there is an optional boat tour on the Erdre, one of the most beautiful rivers in France.
Day 3 - Nantes
This morning, choose between two optional excursions: a guided tour of Nantes and the remarkable Castle of the Dukes of Brittany or alternatively, explore Machines de l'Île with its secret courtyards and covered passageways. This afternoon, you will have the opportunity to join a optional guided tour Saint-Nazaire and learn about the history of the ocean liner experience at the Escal'Atlantic museum before visiting one of the largest shipyards in Europe; Saint-Nazaire shipyard. Rejoin the ship in Saint-Nazaire and enjoy an evening of dancing. (Passport must be produced to gain access to the shipyard).
Day 4 - Nantes - Chalonnes-Sur-Loire - Angers
Cruise towards Bouchemaine this morning before joining one of the optional shore excursions. Enjoy a guided tour of Angers exploring its fascinating historic districts and visit the famous Apocalypse tapestry. Alternatively, tour the magnificent Brissac Castle and enjoy a wine tasting in the impressive wine cellars. This evening, enjoy entertainment on board the ship.
Day 5 - Chalonnes-Sur-Loire - The Chateaux of the Loire Valley - Ancenis
Spend the full day on an optional excursion discovering the Castles of the Loire Valley which are built a small island in the middle of the Indre River. Return to the ship for the wonderful gala dinner before the ship sets sail for Nantes.
Day 6 - Nantes
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast before disembarking at 10am.
The Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary in the light of tidal and other conditions.