An Art of Living tour with Sara Monick
OCTOBER 8-14, 2006
In a beautiful countryside setting on the banks of the River Indre, the lovely, historic chateau-hotel Le Domaine de la Tortiniére was the site of my first tour twenty years ago. I think it’s cause for celebration and I hope you will join me as I return to this charming spot to celebrate this special anniversary. This family owned hotel has been guided by the Olivereau family since its conception. When I began taking groups there the very charming Denise Olivereau was at the helm. She was a delight to work with. Today, her son Xavier and his wife Anne will warmly welcome us for our week of discovery of the cuisine, culture, history, and the sheer beauty of France’s legendary Chateau Country. The area was known as the playground of the kings. It will be our playground for a lovely week this fall. It’s truly magical.
Sunday, October 8, 2006 (D)
The minute you pass through the gates of Le Domaine de la Tortiniére and enter the park covered with wild cyclamen you will feel at home. We will congregate here to begin our discovery of the region. We will join the Olivereau’s for aperitif before dinner in the Orangerie where we will sample the cuisine of Chef David Chartier.
Monday, October 9, 2006 (B/L/D)
We’re in the kitchen with chef this morning as we learn some of his culinary secrets. After a lunch of our new recipes we’ll head to the river Cher and my favorite chateau, Chenonceau. Our guide will reveal the history of the royal family members whose lives formed this stunning place as we visit its elegant interiors and appreciate its architecture and beautiful natural setting. The floral arrangements alone are worth a visit and we’ll hope to visit the atelier where they are created. Back to Tortinière for dinner.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 (B/L/D)
The city of Tours and the manufacture of silk have been closely tied since the 15th century. The Jean-Roze company has been producing the finest of silk fabrics since the 17th. We have the good fortune of visiting them today where we will learn about their history and the magnificent work that continues today. Lunch will be at the charming L’Epicerie Gourmande where we will enjoy both their delicious cuisine and taste some of the wonderful wines for which the region is so justly renowned. The top chateau garden award goes to Villandry as you will see for yourself during our guided tour there. Another delicious dinner at “our chateau”.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 (B/D)
Chef Chartier will accompany us to the market in Tours today where he will help us to determine how to shop for the best ingredients. We’ll have lunch on our own. There are many choices. The cities of Minneapolis and Tours are Sister Cities and we have been invited by “La Ville de Tours” to have a guided tour of this very important city. Those who enjoy antiques will not want to miss the shops of Rue de la Scelerie. This evening’s dinner is in Saché at the Michelin starred L’Auberge du XIIème. Yes, that is a Calder in the town square!
Thursday, October 12, 2006 (B/L/D)
Le Chateau de la Bourdaisière is a 15th century beauty that was recently renovated by the Princes de Broglie. Louis- Albert is one of Paris’s most famed gardeners, who here cultivates 400 types of tomatoes in the chateau's potager. They have also created a very handsome line of garden accessories under the name Prince Jardiner that will require our presence in the boutique. On to the royal town of Amboise for a light lunch. Depending on the weather we will either take a “toue” boat ride on the Loire or take cover in the chateau. Tonight we have been invited for a cocktail by the city of Tours followed by dinner at the restaurant Jean Bardet which boasts 2 Michelin stars.
Friday, October 13, 2006 (B/L/D)
Artisans attract our attention this morning. Agnès His creates stunning ceramic jewelry and decorative arts pieces. We will visit the atelier before learning how the beautiful reed baskets are made at La Coopérative de Vannerie. Lunch will be at a private chateau. Back to Tortinière for cocktails with the Olivereau family before our farewell dinner.
Saturday, October 14, 2006 (B)
After breakfast we say au revoir to our friends at Tortinière.
Cost: $3295 based on sharing a room. Exclusive occupancy supplement: $325
Deposit: $800 per person with the balance due July 1, 2006
Included: Fully escorted by Sara Monick; 6 nights accommodations; 6 continental breakfast daily; 4 lunches; 6dinners; sightseeing and private visits as described. Limited to 12 participants.
Not Included: Airfare; transportation to hotel from airport on arrival or departure; alcoholic beverages except wines as specified and any other items of a personal nature.
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