CRUISE THE LOIRE VALLEY - Theatrical Adventures

CRUISE THE LOIRE VALLEY

DISCOVER THE CHÂTEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY · April 5th 2027 - April 10th 2027

We’re delighted to reveal another brand-new voyage for Theatrical Adventures – and a very special one, too!

The MS Loire Princesse is a distinctive and elegant paddle ship, specially built to navigate the Loire – France’s last wild river – and the only passenger cruise ship capable of sailing its waters. Carrying just 70 guests, this premium vessel offers an intimate and distinctive experience, with stylish cabins, panoramic lounges, and top deck cabins feature private terraces to sit on and watch the world go by.

A highlight of the journey is a day spent discovering the stunning châteaux of the Loire Valley, including lunch in Villandry and time to explore the beautiful gardens of the Château de Villandry.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be France without a wine tasting or two along the way!

This promises to be a unique and fascinating journey along with our usual fantastic nightly entertainment. We very much look forward to welcoming you onboard.

Itinerary

Day 1: 5 April 2027 Nantes

·
Guests are met at Nantes airport by one of your cruise directors, who will be on hand to assist with transfers to the ship. Boarding begins from 6:00 p.m., with time to settle into your cabin. This evening, join us in the Lounge Bar for a Welcome Cocktail and an introduction to the crew before dinner.
Following dinner, enjoy our first onboard concert from our resident soloists. The ship will then set sail towards Saint-Nazaire.

Day 2: 6 April 2027 Saint-Nazaire

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This morning, join a guided excursion in Saint-Nazaire. Visit Escal’Atlantic, an immersive experience tracing the history of great ocean liners, before continuing to the renowned Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of Europe’s largest and most impressive shipbuilding sites.
We return to the ship and spend a relaxing afternoon cruising towards Nantes.
After dinner, enjoy an evening performance from our onboard soloists.

Day 3: 7 April 2027 Nantes & Clisson

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This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Nantes, returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, travel to La Chapelle-Heulin to visit Château Cassemichère (or similar), where you will explore the vineyards, cellars and sample local wines. Continue to Clisson, a charming medieval town with distinctive Italian influences.
After dinner, enjoy an evening performance from our onboard soloists.

Day 4: 8 April 2027 Loire Valley Châteaux

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The Loire Valley is celebrated worldwide for its magnificent châteaux, set among rolling countryside, vineyards and historic gardens. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, beautifully positioned on an island in the Indre River, is a fine example of early French Renaissance architecture. Château de Villandry is renowned for its harmonious formal gardens, arranged across three levels and considered among the finest in France. Together they offer an unforgettable journey through centuries of architectural refinement and French elegance.

Day 5: 9 April 2027 Angers & Ancenis

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Discover the historic city of Angers, capital of Anjou. Visit the imposing Château d’Angers and view the remarkable Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the most significant medieval tapestry collections in the world.
Continue with a tour of the cathedral district, where Romanesque and Gothic influences combine.
Return to the ship and cruise towards Ancenis in the afternoon.
This evening, join us for the Gala Dinner.
After dinner, enjoy a final evening performance from our onboard soloists.

Day 6: 10 April 2027 Departures

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Disembark after a final breakfast onboard and make your onward journey home.

What's included

  • All meals from dinner on on the first evening, through to breakfast on the final morning
  • Beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • All listed excursions
  • Nightly entertainment

What's not included

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Transfers to or from the ship
  • Any excursions listed as ‘optional’
1

Nantes

Nantes, the historic capital of the Loire-Atlantique region, sits where the Loire meets the Atlantic. Once a major Atlantic port and a centre of the French shipbuilding industry, today it is a vibrant, creative city renowned for its blend of medieval architecture, elegant 18th-century quarters and bold contemporary art. Visitors can explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the imaginative Machines of the Isle of Nantes and the city's lively café culture.

2

Saint-Nazaire

Saint-Nazaire stands at the mouth of the Loire estuary and is one of Europe's most significant shipbuilding cities. Its history as a transatlantic port is brought to life at Escal'Atlantic, an immersive museum that traces the golden age of the great ocean liners. The renowned Saint-Nazaire shipyard remains one of the largest and most impressive in Europe, where some of the world's most famous cruise vessels have been built.

3

Clisson

Clisson is a charming medieval town with a distinctly Italian character, the result of a 19th-century reconstruction inspired by Tuscan architecture. Set at the confluence of the Sèvre Nantaise and Moine rivers, it is surrounded by vineyards producing the celebrated Muscadet wines. Visitors can wander its picturesque streets, explore the ruins of its medieval château and discover its unusual blend of French and Italian Renaissance influences.

4

Loire Valley Châteaux

The Loire Valley is celebrated worldwide for its magnificent châteaux, set among rolling countryside, vineyards and historic gardens. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, beautifully positioned on an island in the Indre River, is a fine example of early French Renaissance architecture. Château de Villandry is renowned for its harmonious formal gardens, arranged across three levels and considered among the finest in France. Together they offer an unforgettable journey through centuries of architectural refinement and French elegance.

5

Angers

Angers, the historic capital of Anjou, is a graceful city with a remarkable medieval heritage. At its heart stands the imposing Château d'Angers, home to the Apocalypse Tapestry — one of the largest and most significant medieval tapestry collections in the world. The cathedral district reveals a striking combination of Romanesque and Gothic influences, while the surrounding streets, squares and gardens reflect the elegance of a city long associated with the Plantagenet kings.

1 - Nantes
2 - Saint-Nazaire
3 - Clisson
4 - Loire Valley Châteaux
5 - Angers

MS Loire Princesse

Map of the deck plan
Legend for the deck plan

At a Glance

This cruise sails along the Loire between Nantes and Angers, with visits to Saint-Nazaire, Clisson, the Loire Valley châteaux at Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry, and the city of Ancenis.

All the excursions are included in the cost of the trip, as are all your meals from dinner on the first day, through to breakfast on the final day.

Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.

Two wine tasting excursions are included along the way.

We will always employ English speaking tour guides and personal supply listening devices to ensure you can hear it all. If you struggle with mobility, you can join a designated tour group that takes a gentler pace.

You will be joined onboard by Theatrical Adventures directors along with our soloists and musical director.

Excursions

All excursions listed below are included in the price of your cruise:

  • Saint-Nazaire: Escal’Atlantic and the Saint-Nazaire Shipyard
  • Guided Tour of Nantes
  • Château Cassemichère (or similar): Vineyard and Wine Tasting
  • Clisson
  • Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
  • Villandry: Lunch and Gardens of Château de Villandry
  • Angers: Château d’Angers and the Apocalypse Tapestry

Onboard

The MS Loire Princesse is a distinctive paddle ship, specially built to navigate the Loire — France’s last wild river — and the only passenger cruise vessel capable of sailing its waters. Carrying just 70 guests, it offers a premium, intimate cruising experience.

The ship is arranged across two decks, with stylish cabins on both the Top Deck and Bottom Deck. Top Deck cabins feature private terraces — perfect for sitting and watching the river drift past. All cabins include full en-suite shower rooms, satellite TV, telephone, mini safe and personal air-conditioning and heating.

Onboard you’ll find a panoramic Lounge Bar, where pre-dinner cocktails and evening entertainment take place, and the Restaurant on the Bottom Deck, where all meals are served.