Loire Valley, Brittany And Normandy
Please email us at seymourtravels@europe.com if you would like to book a place on one of these unique small group tours
Western Loire Valley, Brittany and Normandy
2 week guided tour - 23rd Sept - 6th Oct and 10th Oct - 23rd Oct
Day 1 - We’ll meet in our comfortable hotel situated in the heart of Fontevraud L’Abbaye. Following a meet and greet we’ll head out into this picturesque village for an orientation followed by a fine dinner together.
Day 2 - After breakfast this morning, your guides will take you into the world famous abbey of Fontevraut. You’ll be given the history and background of this amazing structure and then let loose to explore the buildings, the garden and the gallery. This is a day where you will have chance to get your breath back whilst enjoying the history of the abbey. If you still have the energy we may take a drive out to a vineyard where we can sample some Loire Valley sparkling wines. You’ll be free to enjoy lunch and dinner on your own or with friends, in the village.
Day 3 - Today we want to show you a portion of the Loire valley that excites us. We’ll make the short drive to the chateau at Azay Le Rideau. A chateau famous for its location on its own lake, you’ll be charmed! Lunch can be found in the small village, after which we’ll visit a troglodyte village, where you will have the chance to learn much more about the lifestyle of people in this region….. Lets visit another chateau today…. and onto Villandry. This is a chateau that is known for its astonishing gardens AND at this time of year they are at their very best. You’ll have the chance to explore the gardens and house at your leisure.
Day 4 - This morning we leave the Loire Valley and head into Brittany taking in a little WW2 history on our way at the same time as we enjoy a picnic lunch. Onwards to St Nazaire which is famous for a brutal commando action that took place in the early years of the war, against the U boats and ships that could be moored there…. Lets take a look! Vannes is our final stop today and we’ll check into our hotel in the early evening. An orientation walk will end with us enjoying dinner together.
Day 5 - Today we’l provide a guided walk of this historic Breton town, explaining its Roman, Spanish, Breton and French history to you as we explore. Some free tie is available the afternoon, for you to relax and enjoy this lovely little town with its timbered streets and medieval walls. You’ll be free for lunch and dinner will be enjoyed together.
Day 6 - Suscino… a small chateau set behind the sand dunes and beach is our first destination. was it built for romance or rebellion…you decide which. Then we”ll drive everyone to a sites such as Cairn Petit Mont, Rochefort En Terre and Questembert. These are exciting locations from where we can start to explain the early history of Brittany…. in conjunction with the German occupation of the area.
Day 7 - We’re off to Carnac… more ‘stones’! Visiting the greatest megalithic site in the world, we’ll give you a comprehensive talk and visit. After a picnic lunch amongst the stones, we’ll take you to another location that in a very exceptional way will help you understand our forefathers and the extent of their building practices in the region…. Locmariaquer will reveal some secrets to you. Late afternoon, will find us in another small village called St Anne D’Auray. This will give you an opportunity to learn a little more about the spiritual life of Brittany… and perhaps a little about Brittany and WW1.
Day 8 - Heading up to Dinan, another of our hotel locations, we’ll make a stop in at the American War Cemetery at St James. We find the cemetery at Omaha (on the Normandy Beaches) has become too much of a ‘touristy’ destination and would like to give you the chance to properly feel the emotions and sentiments whilst learning about the fallen of WW2. Its a great location in which to learn about the brave men who fought and now call St James ‘home’. An orientation and walking tour within the olde town of Dinan with a world renowned guide ( Toni Seymour) will leave us no option but to enjoy a fabulous dinner together.
Day 9 - This morning we’ll head up to the Northern coast of Brittany and visit the beautiful port city of St Malo. We’ll provide a walking tour around the city walls and provide a delicious lunch within their confines. This is a very dramatic location in which to learn about corsairs, the allied bombing of the town in WW2 and modern Brittany.
Day 10 - This afternoon We will enjoy a jaunt along the coast and visit Cap frehel and Fort Latte… a lighthouse and a castle. Picnic lunches will be arranged, all washed down with a bottle of cider…of course !
Day 11 - An early start this morning…. Le Mont St Michel is calling! You’ll be able to explore this fortified island and the abbey, at your leisure and for your pleasure. Late afternoon and we’ll be heading into our final hotel destination near Bayeux… a chateau hotel !. Free for dinner tonight and an orientation will be provided.
Day 12 - Today we want to take you to some of the D Day beaches. Our focus will be on the Eastern beaches, Gold Juno and Sword. You’ll see the great Mulberry Harbour lying in the sands of Arromanches as well as the massively fortified German gun emplacements at Longues Sure Mer. Later on this afternoon we’ll visit the historic tapestry at Bayeux and learn about another invasion of another time…The Norman invasion of Britain. This evening we’ll also enjoy a Calvados tasting along with a picnic dinner set in a cider barn in the heart of Normandy.
Day 13 - A brisk walk on Omaha beach awaits… As we explore the American beaches of Utah and Omaha. You’ll hear more tales of heroism and sadness, as you visit some of the places that will be passed on down through history. The bunkers in the dunes of Utah beach will astound you. Having already visited St James, we’d like you to see both the British and Commonwealth cemeteries as well as the German cemetery, in order to get a full view of the horrors that took over this region in 1944. We’ll finish the day enjoying a great dinner together.
Day 14 - This morning we will help you with advice on your transportation needs and after breakfast, wish you a fond farewell… Au Revoir!
Cost of this tour is $5750 per person.
Payment Instructions Can Be Found Here
This tour is for small groups (4-14), accompanied by 1 or 2 guides (for groups of more than 6), travelling in comfortable minibuses (1 or 2 depending on group size), which enable us to get into many places that big buses just can’t. They also provide us with opportunities to ‘dash’ down a country lane to explore something new and unique.… An adventure!
Included: All necessary transportation and admissions whilst you are with us. 13 nights hotel accommodation. All breakfasts, 3 lunches (additional picnics or pub lunches where we think it could enhance the trip) and 4 dinners. Tour guide tipping is discretionary. A tour deposit is required to reserve a place on this tour.