tsgirl
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 29, 1999
- Messages
- 238
Day 6 began with the coach departing at 8:45. There were incredible pain au chocolats on the breakfast buffet. Make sure to check your room bill before leaving, as we were charged for the mini bar when we hadn't used it. The charge was removed, but it is important to address this while there. Also, all hotels (so far) have had both safes and mini bars in the room. On a different note, only the first had hair conditioner in the bathroom, so bring some if you need it.
We had about a 45 minute drive to Chateau Chenonceaux. While at the chateau, we toured a few rooms with our "regular" guides. There was a little free time afterwards to visit the gardens and/or gift shop. Everything on this trip has seemed a bit rushed. It would have been a magical touch if ABD had surprised us with row boat rides (at Chenonceaux) and some extra free time to fully experience everything at most of our stops. What has been somewhat lacking has been those special touches that separate ABD from the average tour company. Helen, our phenomenal guide in Normandy, the visit to the Apple orchard (which we were late for because of the delayed lunch) and the surprise treat of crepes were some terrific "magical" touches. Our guides are truly exceptional, but they need to follow the planned itinerary. They gifted us all beautiful tins of cookies while on the bus, which was fantastic, but more changes are needed which are not within their control. The trip either needs to be longer or it needs to omit a stop. For example, we spent 2 nights in Deauville but never had a chance to enjoy either the town or the hotel. There has been a lot of time on the bus.
After Chenonceaux, we drove to chateau Le Clos Luce, which was the home of Leonardo da Vinci.
We again had a rushed visit, with no unique touches. Because of the change in the original itinerary (as I mentioned earlier, Chenonceaux was originally the day before), we were given sandwiches for lunch (with chips and a drink). We got to choose the type of sandwich days earlier (tuna, chicken, ham and cheese, or egg--cheese-tomato). I thought they were just average. To be fair, my daughter loved her sandwich. Most of the food has been average. We were then given apple tarts (which were practically frozen) for dessert. Lunch was disappointing. This would have been a great opportunity to do a lunch of traditional Croque Monsieur sandwiches (grilled ham and cheese with a white sauce) and fries.
The gardens were really fun and interesting, with a lot of interactive exhibits. How great would it have been to have an actor (dressed as Da Vinci) come and explore the garden and its exhibits with us!
At the conclusion of this stop, we boarded the bus for the 3 hour ride to Paris. Before our arrival at the hotel, we stopped at the Trocadero for photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background. This was wonderful.
Even though I have made some suggestions, I am still a huge fan of ABD. I know this trip is new and ABD will tweak it until it is just right. We just needed more time, so that they could add some magic and remove some of the rushing.
Upon arrival in Paris, we settled into our hotel, The Napoleon, which is charming and conveniently located. There is free wifi in the lobby. You just need to request the code from the front desk. Our guides offered an optional tour of the area and hotel, and then the evening is on your own. We made a trek to a restaurant about 3 miles away. It was worth it: a small bistro named Josephine Chez Dumonet. We walked the whole 3 miles back and enjoyed Paris by night.
We had about a 45 minute drive to Chateau Chenonceaux. While at the chateau, we toured a few rooms with our "regular" guides. There was a little free time afterwards to visit the gardens and/or gift shop. Everything on this trip has seemed a bit rushed. It would have been a magical touch if ABD had surprised us with row boat rides (at Chenonceaux) and some extra free time to fully experience everything at most of our stops. What has been somewhat lacking has been those special touches that separate ABD from the average tour company. Helen, our phenomenal guide in Normandy, the visit to the Apple orchard (which we were late for because of the delayed lunch) and the surprise treat of crepes were some terrific "magical" touches. Our guides are truly exceptional, but they need to follow the planned itinerary. They gifted us all beautiful tins of cookies while on the bus, which was fantastic, but more changes are needed which are not within their control. The trip either needs to be longer or it needs to omit a stop. For example, we spent 2 nights in Deauville but never had a chance to enjoy either the town or the hotel. There has been a lot of time on the bus.
After Chenonceaux, we drove to chateau Le Clos Luce, which was the home of Leonardo da Vinci.
We again had a rushed visit, with no unique touches. Because of the change in the original itinerary (as I mentioned earlier, Chenonceaux was originally the day before), we were given sandwiches for lunch (with chips and a drink). We got to choose the type of sandwich days earlier (tuna, chicken, ham and cheese, or egg--cheese-tomato). I thought they were just average. To be fair, my daughter loved her sandwich. Most of the food has been average. We were then given apple tarts (which were practically frozen) for dessert. Lunch was disappointing. This would have been a great opportunity to do a lunch of traditional Croque Monsieur sandwiches (grilled ham and cheese with a white sauce) and fries.
The gardens were really fun and interesting, with a lot of interactive exhibits. How great would it have been to have an actor (dressed as Da Vinci) come and explore the garden and its exhibits with us!
At the conclusion of this stop, we boarded the bus for the 3 hour ride to Paris. Before our arrival at the hotel, we stopped at the Trocadero for photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background. This was wonderful.
Even though I have made some suggestions, I am still a huge fan of ABD. I know this trip is new and ABD will tweak it until it is just right. We just needed more time, so that they could add some magic and remove some of the rushing.
Upon arrival in Paris, we settled into our hotel, The Napoleon, which is charming and conveniently located. There is free wifi in the lobby. You just need to request the code from the front desk. Our guides offered an optional tour of the area and hotel, and then the evening is on your own. We made a trek to a restaurant about 3 miles away. It was worth it: a small bistro named Josephine Chez Dumonet. We walked the whole 3 miles back and enjoyed Paris by night.
)
