3 nights in Tours

Thursday 21 June

We leaves for Caen from Portsmouth at 2315h with a welcome pre-dinner cocktail arranged on board. Afterwards you are free to take dinner if you wish. Overnight cabin accommodation is reserved for you.

Friday 22 June

Leaving Caen we travel through Normandy on scenic routes to the Sarthe. After a lunch stop at the historic Hotel de France at la Chartre, rich with Le Mans racing memories, we finish our drive south to Tours and our hotel where we stay for three nights. It is in the historic centre of Tours, close to the Cathedral and has secure covered parking.  The evening is free to enjoy as you wish.

Saturday 23 June

Starting on the banks of the river today we follow a charming route uncovering the scenic variety and the historic past of the Touraine region as we go.

A fantastic cross-section of vintage and classic cars take part in the rally and you will see some of the more hidden Loire Chateaux in magnificent settings and pass some prestigious wineries along the peaceful banks of the Loire and Cher rivers. A lunch is included at a chateau and the day ends with a fine Gala dinner starting at 2030h.

Sunday 24 June

Today’s demonstrations and activities all take place in the city centre and close to our hotel. There are displays of cars, your own included, and a series of demonstrations around the short circuit in themed groups according to age and type of vehicle. If your vehicle is pre-1970 you can take part. It is not racing, but very enjoyable for all who enter. There is an autojumble and trade village and all the cafes and bars have a motoring theme. This evening we have organised a farewell dinner at restaurant in Tours.

Monday 25 June

Depart from Tours after breakfast for Caen. We propose the 1700h crossing  to Portsmouth for those returning to the UK today. If you would like to take the overnight crossing do please tell us. There will be a supplement for this option.

Hotel

Hotel Central * * *

Our hotel is in the centre of Tours with secure private parking.  The racing on Sunday is just a short distance away on foot.

Loire Valley Extension
25 - 28 June 2007

An extra three nights in Tours offered in response to a complaint that this weekend is over all too quickly! A chance to really get to know the Loire valley, enjoying more good roads, meals and excellent company.

Monday 25 June

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Tours with visits to the Museum of the Tour de France and then the museum of the wines of Touraine. Drive out to lunch at a picturesque riverside inn. After lunch we will visit the Chateau de Villandry, last of the great Renaissance castles with exceptional gardens. Follow our route to an ancient producer of a local spirit in a troglodyte setting. Tonight is a free evenin

Tuesday 26 June

An excllent driving route today includes a visit of the most beautiful of the Loire chateaux at Azay-le-Rideau, with lunch there. Following lunch you visit a unique museum of over 3000 extraordinary machines including cars, agricultural machinery and weapons, located in a fantastic setting. We will end the afternoon with a visit to a wine chateau, producing excellent AC wines. The evening is free to enjoy as you wish.

Wednesday 27 June

Today we drive in the direction of Amboise and visit Leonardo da Vinci’s chateau with working models of many of his avant-garde inventions.The fabulous Chinese Pagoda will give us a panoramic view of the chateau. We will also visit the royal chateau at Amboise and have lunch at a riverside restaurant there.Afterwards we rendez-vous at Montlouis for a wine tasting at one of the top producers.Back in Tours we will tonight enjoy a farewell dinner.

Thursday 28 June

After breakfast drive north either to Caen for the return ferry at 1700h to Portsmouth.