Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday

April 18, 2027

Travel/PARIS

We arrive in Paris and transfer to our hotel. In the evening, we will gather for our dinner and our "Welcome Meeting”. Helen Castor will share her vast knowledge and insights on the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, preparing us for an exciting adventure!

(D)

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Day 2 - Monday

April 19, 2027

Angers

Following breakfast, we begin our adventure traveling by train from Paris to Angers (first class of course!) Our *local guide will greet us when we arrive in Angers and provide a coach/walking tour of this beautiful city, including the Château d’Angers, a massive fortress that was the very heart of the County of Anjou ruled by Eleanor and Henry II, and home to the medieval Apocalypse Tapestry!

After an amazing day, we board our coach and head for Tours, our home for the next few days.

(B) Lunch and dinner will be on your own.

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Day 3 - Tuesday

April 20, 2027

Chinon / Fontevraud

Today, we visit the imposing Royal Fortress of Chinon: a cliffside castle with sweeping views over the Vienne River valley and the primary seasonal court and treasury of the Plantagenet monarchs, where Eleanor spent significant time.

Next, we continue our adventure at Fontevraud for a guided tour of the Royal Abbey and Museum containing Eleanor's final sanctuary, retirement retreat, and ultimate burial place adorned with the remarkably preserved gisants (painted tomb effigies) of Eleanor, Henry II, and Richard the Lionheart.

(B) Lunch and dinner will be on your own.

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Day 4 - Wednesday

April 21, 2027

Poitiers

Our adventure continues in Poitiers, Eleanor's birthplace and sovereign home territory, where she ruled in her own right as the fiercely independent Duchess of Aquitaine. It is here that we will visit the Palace of the Counts of Poitiers, Eleanor's primary childhood home and a grand civil palace reflecting the absolute pinnacle of Aquitainian wealth. Be prepared to see the Maubergeon Tower and the spectacular Great Hall that was rebuilt by Eleanor herself!

Next we visit the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre de Poitiers, an imposing early Gothic cathedral with unique Angevin vaulting. We will view the famous 12th-century stained glass Crucifixion Window, which depicts Eleanor and Henry as donor figures at the bottom!

(B) Lunch and dinner are on your own

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Day 5 - Thursday

April 22, 2027

Paris: Sainte-Chapelle / Saint-Denis Basilica

This morning, we return to Paris by train to see the majestic urban locations that defined Eleanor’s early adult life during her dramatic, turbulent first marriage to King Louis VII of France.

We begin with Sainte-Chapelle, a jewel-box royal chapel filled with intense color and light, and walls made entirely of glowing, 13th-century stained glass windows built by her Capetian descendants.

Later, our journey continues with Saint Denis Basilica, the official birthplace of Gothic architecture and the necropolis of French kings. It was here that Eleanor Bhutan attended the historic 1144 consecration of the choir alongside Abbot Suger and King Louis VII.

In the evening, we will gather in our hotel lobby to visit a nearby restaurant for our “Farewell Dinner”.

(B)(D) Lunch is on your own

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Day 6 - Monday

April 23, 2027

Leave for home

In the morning, we leave for Brussels to board our ship, the MS Lafayette for the Tudor History Cruise, or the airport for our return trip home, taking with us connections to new friends and memories of a wonderful adventure!

• *France has very specific laws regarding who is allowed to guide. We are using licensed guides throughout the tour, but Dr. Castor will accompany the group daily and will be available to answer questions and share insights.
  • All payments are refundable in the case of travel restrictions beyond our control.

• Refunds will only be withheld should the trip go forward and a guest still chooses to cancel. For this reason, travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be purchased separately.
  • Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Prices include: accommodation at four star hotel, excursions, and meals as listed in the itinerary.
  • Prices DO NOT include: airfare, optional excursions, and single supplement.

• For optimal tour experience, guests are encouraged to read/revisit books by Helen Castor as listed in her bio.
  • Final payment due on or before January 10, 2027