LEONARDO DA VINCI'S RENAISSANCE EASTER 1530...2010

Celebrate an authentic Renaissance Easter in Leonardo da Vinci’s Priory, combined with a stay at Château de La Barre, the ancestral and elegant home of Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay, Loire Valley.

GOOD FRIDAY, 2 APRIL:
Champagne welcome, followed by a tour of the château, then a cheese and vintage wine tasting supper in the billiard room, in front of the monumental XIVth century fireplace...

SATURDAY, 3 APRIL, Renaissance Day:
Drive past the Royal Palace of Amboise to Leonardo da Vinci’s home, where you will be introduced to the unique culinary art of the Renaissance, with a costumed lunch feast under the direction of masterchef Sieur Sausin, exactly as if you were in 1530. In the afternoon, visit Chenonceau Castle before returning to Chateau de La Barre for a glass of cognac by the fireside of the Salon Rose, under the ancestral portraits.

EASTER SUNDAY, 4 APRIL, Middle Ages to XVIIIth century:
Attend mass in the magestic Cathedral St Julien, then visit the Sunday market in the old city of Le Mans, home of the Plantagenet kings and stage set to numerous films, with many chic little boutiques and alluring cafés. Alternatively, discover the small and picturesque Little Loir Valley, with its Renaissance Château of La Possonnière, home of court poet Ronsard, the troglodyte village of Trôo, the romanesque chapels of Montoire and

Lavardin with their XIIIth century frescoes, and the tulips of the Garden of Sasnières, the most “English of French gardens”.

Return to Château de La Barre for a festive Easter dinner with all the family silver and crystal in the prestigeous XVIIIth century dining room.

EASTER MONDAY, 5 APRIL:
Depart after breakfast with a special present from the château...

PRICE:
790 euros to 970 per person (depending upon room chosen), includes:

• 3 nights accommodation in the elegant rooms of Château de La Barre.
• Champagne welcome and tour of the château.
• Chocolates, tulips and portwine in each room.
• Cheese and vintage wine tasting dinner on day of arrival.
• Renaissance Gala Lunch at Leonardo da Vinci’s home, all drinks included.
• Festive Easter Dinner at Château de La Barre, all drinks included.
• Daily English breakfast and afternoon tea.
• Special surprise present upon departure.
• Assistance with all visits, maps, travel arrangements, rental car and airport transfers if needed.
• Chauffeured car daily and airport/train pickups available for an extra 540 - 660 euros daily, depending on km and time.
• Extra night possible for an extra 210 - 330 euros, depending upon room chosen (breakfast included).