Do You Dream of Visiting the Magnificent Castles of the Loire Valley in the Spring?

Follow in the carriage paths of French royalty when they escaped Paris to the lush countryside of the Loire Valley to live in splendor in their plentiful collection of glorious Chateaux along the river. Experience their lifestyles (and their stories) first-hand by visiting for yourself the perfectly preserved palaces and gardens of their royal playground.

Yes, you can make this trip independently. Use this book as your silent guide, like a good friend who has taken you under his wing to make your trip experience rich, remarkable, and trouble-free. Avoid sacrificing your freedom to tour groups, with their restricted schedules and "back to the bus."

Be at liberty to travel against the crowds, explore at your own pace and have the full experience... To lunch on the terrace of the Orangery on the grounds of Chenonceau... To watch the lights of Amboise Castle from a table at Le Shaker on a tiny island in the Loire... To shop the Sunday Market... To experience a few wine tastings...

You will stay in charming Amboise and venture out from there by train to five of the most exquisite of the valley chateaux: Amboise, Blois, Chenonceau, Chaumont and Chambord. You will dine under the stars, across from the castle wall... And marvel at models of Da Vinci's inventions at his mansion home for the final years of his life, gifted to him by his friend and admirer, the 16th-century Renaissance King, Françoise I.

With the detailed "Day Pages" in this Great Trip Guide, you will know what to do and why, how to do it and when. Your trip will go smoothly every step of the way, with all the detailed trip logistics and smart travel tips you'll need, while preserving your independence and freedom to explore. You will know how much your trip will cost (and how to come up with the money). And you will know enough French (15 essential phrases) to get you started making connections with the charming locals you will meet along the way.

Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens. Immerse yourself in the glories and excesses, beauty and charm of this magnificent royal playground south of Paris.

Note: If you have more time, combine this trip with "Your Great 5-Day Trip to Paris."

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