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CroisiCruise: NSN_PP
6 Days
Nantes | Saint-Nazaire | Nantes | Ancenis | Chalonnes-Sur-Loire - The Châteaux of the Loire Valley | Ancenis | Nantes
Embark on a cruise on the Royal Loire River whose beauty is legendary. Visit Nantes and The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a gallery that recreates the imaginary world of the famous writer Jules Verne. Discover Saint-Nazaire and admire its shipyard and the Escal'Atlantic which immerses you in the world of steamships from the beginnings of their gigantic construction to life on board. Soak up the magical castles of the Loire such as Brissac, the highest castle in France whose monumental facades rise up from its large landscaped park.
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- Gala dinner and evening : Welcome cocktail
- All meals included : Refined European cuisine, with table service for lunch & dinner
- Drinks included : With meals
- Open bar : Including Cocktails, Mocktails, Regional wines, Beer, Spirits & Soft drinks (excluding premium list)
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Headsets included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
- Prepaid Classic Sightseeing package
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- EXCLUSIVE TO CROISIEUROPE the Loire from above(2)
- Full-day excursion to the castles of the Loire Valley: guided tours of the castles of Ussé, Azay-le-Rideau and the gardens of Villandry
- Wine-tasting in the cellars of the Brissac castle(4)
- The Saint-Nazaire shipyard, embodiment of French pride
- The wine route of the Muscadet through the vineyards of the Nantes region
- Cruise on board a paddle steamer
- Itinerary
- Important Information
Day 1: Nantes - Saint Nazaire
Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, you will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. The ship will sail towards Saint-Nazaire.
Day 2: Saint-Nazaire - Nantes
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed for both packages: tour of Saint Nazaire, a town on the sea. Visit Escal'Atlantic, a museum that explores the historic ocean liner experience, and the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in Europe (must be pre-booked before departure. Each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport in order to gain access to the shipyard).
In the evening, join an excursion for both packages: board a local boat for a cruise on the Erdre River, one of the most beautiful in France.
Day 3: Nantes
This morning, join the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Nantes and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
DISCOVERY: Nantes, the Machines de l'Île(3), secret courtyards and covered passageways.
This afternoon, join the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: The Muscadet Wine Route and Clisson, a charming medieval town. Pass through many of the villages attesting to the region's vigorous wine culture. Continue toward La Chapelle Heulin and stop at the Château Cassemichère (or similar site). This exceptional site invites you to discover its history-filled vineyards, visit its cellars and taste the dry, light, fruity and aromatic wine. Your next stop will be Clisson, a charming medieval city with 15th century ruins and an Italian flair.
DISCOVERY: Helicopter ride(2), the Loire from above (this excursion must be booked in advance). An unforgettable experience! Catch a bird's eye view of Ancenis, its hills and castle, the 14th-century tower in Oudon, the châteaux de Clermont and de la Turmelière, etc.
(2) Subject to availability and favourable weather conditions
(3) The Machines de I'lle re closed on Mondays, it will be replaced by the classic excursion
Day 4: Nantes - Chalonnes-Sur-Loire - Angers(1)
This morning cruise towards Chalonnes-Sur-Loire. Join the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour to visit the historical sections of Angers and see the legendary Apocalypse Tapestry(4). Capital of the Anjou region, Angers has many artistic and historic treasures and has become famous as much for its rich heritage as for its modernity and excellent quality of life. Visit the Château d'Angers, which dominates the old town, and admire the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry(4), one of the most important collections of medieval tapestries in the world. Finish up with a tour of the cathedral area, combining Roman art ruins and rich Gothic-style architecture.
DISCOVERY: Tour of the Château de Brissac and wine tasting(4). Leave by coach for the Château de Brissac and visit the seven-story, 204-room splendid residence. The castle's spectacular decorations and the breathtaking Belle Époque theater are definitely not to be missed! At the end of our tour, discover the castle cellars and enjoy a wine tasting.
Tonight, there will be an evening of entertainment onboard.
(4) The Apocalypse Tapestry is closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and 11th, and December 25th.
(4) The Château de Brissac is closed on Tuesdays, replaced by the Château de Serrant
Day 5: Chalonnes-Sur-Loire - The Chãteaux Of The Loire Valley - Ancenis
Today will be dedicated to an offered full day’s excursion to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Departure by coach towards the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Built on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the structure as it stands today was erected during the reign of Francis I by a wealthy financier, Gilles Berthelot, who sought to combine Italian innovations with French architectural art. Listed as a historic monument, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau embodies all the refinement of an early French Renaissance château. Continuation to Villandry for lunch.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the gardens of the Château de Villandry: spread over three levels, they combine aesthetics, diversity, and harmony. Then, visit the Château de Villandry. Through its furniture, décor, and atmosphere, it stands as a living testament to French heritage. The estate of Villandry has evolved over the centuries. Acquired by Jean Le Breton, it transitioned from a medieval fortress to a residence enriched with Renaissance elements. In the 18th century, the Marquis de Castellane transformed it into a comfortable and luminous place, reflecting the art of living of the time. In the 19th century, it was saved by Joachim Carvallo and Ann Coleman, who restored it to its Renaissance state. Today, Henri Carvallo continues this legacy by combining preservation with the enhancement of the site.
Return to Ancenis for a festive gala evening on board. Your ship will cruise to Nantes during the night.
Day 6: Nantes
One last buffet breakfast before disembarking at 10:00 a.m. End of our services.
INCLUSIONS:
- Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
- Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists)
- Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
- Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
- Welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner
- Onboard entertainment
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees
- Prepaid classic sightseeing package
EXCLUSIONS:
- Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Optional excursions (must be reserved and paid for on board or at travel agency)
- Transfers/travel to and from departure/arrival points
- Personal expenses.
The cruise schedule may vary according to tides and arrival times at ports of call may be subject to change. For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.