Discover one of France's most enchanting regions on this immersive 7-night wine and cultural tour through the Loire Valley, renowned for its Renaissance châteaux, picturesque villages, and world-class wines. This thoughtfully curated itinerary blends rich history with authentic local experiences—from exploring iconic castles and strolling through exquisite formal gardens to playing casino games with winemakers and enjoying a private cooking class with a local chef.
The journey takes you beyond the typical tourist path, offering unique encounters like a lunch in one of the region’s remarkable troglodyte caves—limestone dwellings carved into the cliffs—and intimate wine tastings at family-owned domaines. Accommodations include a serene former monastery and a boutique hotel voted the "9th best small hotel in France", both offering exceptional comfort and character. With all transportation, lodging, meals, and activities included, you can fully relax and enjoy the pace of slow, authentic travel.
$2195 per person / May 9 - 12, 2026
Begin your journey with a 3-night Champagne extension, offering exclusive access to one of France’s most celebrated wine regions. Enjoy private tastings, cellar tours, and multi-course Champagne-paired meals at top estates and châteaux, as you learn about the Méthode Champenoise.
Explore the historic heart of Champagne as you stroll along the famed Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, tour the UNESCO-listed chalk cellars, and visit the magnificent Reims Cathedral. In the village of Hautvillers, pay your respects at the tomb of Dom Pérignon, the monk credited with shaping Champagne as we know it. Along the way, learn how Champagne is made—from vineyard to bottle—and taste some of the region’s most exceptional bubbles. A sparkling start to your wine adventure in France.
(details at the end of the Loire itinerary)
$2295 per person / May 19 - 22
Extend your travels with a 3-night Paris stay that blends cultural landmarks, unforgettable dining, and world class art. From famous museums to sunset views from the Eiffel Tower, this extension offers an exciting finale to your stay in France.
Enjoy a Seine River dinner cruise, a guided visit to one of Paris’s iconic museums, and a sunset dinner inside the Eiffel Tower. Choose to add an optional hands-on pastry class or a guided viennoiserie tasting tour in a historic Paris neighborhood. Spend time in the countryside exploring Monet’s gardens in Giverny, where the artist’s lily ponds and flower beds bring his paintings to life, the perfect finale to your French wine and culture adventure.
Guests will be greeted at Charles de Gaulle Airport for a private transfer to the boutique accommodations in the Loire Valley.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel—Fontevraud Abbaye, a tranquil and beautifully restored boutique hotel set within the walls of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the most impressive monastic complexes in Europe. Once a thriving spiritual center housing monks, nuns, and later prisoners, it now serves as a tranquil cultural site and the burial place of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, and Richard the Lionheart.
The afternoon is yours to rest, tour Fontevraud Abbey, walk the cloisters, visit the gardens and art exhibitions, and settle in at your own pace.
Gather together for a welcome aperitif at the Abbey’s wine bar.
Dinner: Walk just outside the abbey gates for dinner in a quaint local bistro, La Croix Blanche, known for its regional dishes and cozy atmosphere. Enjoy Loire Valley wines alongside comforting fare like mushroom pie, farmhouse chicken in a cream sauce, fresh mussels, or steak tartare.
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Château de Villandry, one of the Loire Valley’s most exquisite gardens. Completed in the early 16th century, this elegant château is the last of the great Renaissance castles built along the Loire and is best known for its extraordinary gardens.
Enjoy a private guided tour of the château’s refined interiors, once the home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, followed by a guided tour of the gardens.
Meander through six distinct garden spaces, including the meticulously designed ornamental gardens, the lush kitchen garden, the tranquil water garden, and the contemplative herb and sun gardens. Each is arranged with geometric precision and symbolic meaning, offering both visual delight and peaceful places to rest along the way.
Benches, shaded paths, and wide walkways make this a perfect cultural outing for all activity levels.
Savor a leisurely garden-side lunch just steps from the château. Dine at La Doulce Terrasse, a charming onsite bistro offering seasonal dishes made with local produce inspired by the kitchen gardens—perfect for enjoying the view and soaking in the peaceful setting.
Step into an authentic Loire Valley experience at the beautiful Château de Minière. Dating to the 15th century, Château de Minière was originally established as a working agricultural estate, and later built into a chateau. Today, the domaine has been restored into a contemporary organic winery, which has been women-led for over 200 years.
The visit begins with a guided walk through the estate’s vineyards to explore the limestone soils that define Bourgueil’s Cabernet Franc. Continue with a seated tasting of the château’s elegant, terroir-driven cuvées, paired with your choice of artisanal local cheeses or a curated chocolate selection (group's choice), highlighting the versatility and structure of the wines in a refined yet approachable setting.
Return to Fontevraud-l’Abbaye in the early evening with time to rest or stroll through the local village before dinner.
Dinner: Enjoy a gourmet multi-course dinner at Fontevraud Le Restaurant, a Michelin-starred restaurant just steps from your room, featuring inventive cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients from the surrounding region. Each course is paired with a local wine!
Following breakfast, head to the beautiful town of Candes-Saint-Martin, named of of France's most beautiful villages, and board a food and wine tasting cruise with Chateau Petite Thouars.
Enjoy a relaxing ride along the river while sipping local wines and sampling pastries and Viennoiserie.
Learn about the Loire’s unique past from your guide as you float past troglodyte dwellings and limestone cliffs bathed in golden afternoon light.
Following the boat tour, delve deeper—literally—into the region’s past with a visit to a troglodyte cave restaurant. Troglodyte caves were once home to much of the local population and are spread throughout the valley.
Step into an atmospheric troglodyte cave and savor traditional Loire cuisine, including “fouées” (puffed wood-fired bread served with rillettes, cheeses, mushrooms, and local spreads). The experience is rustic, convivial, and truly regional.
Following lunch, tour the incredible Château de Brézé, one of the most fascinating castles in the Loire Valley.
Private Tour: Discover its extraordinary troglodyte fortress—one of Europe’s deepest dry moats—and underground galleries that were once home to a self-contained subterranean world of kitchens, stables, and wine presses.
Estate Wine Tasting: Conclude your visit with a tasting of the estate’s Saumur AOC and Saumur-Champigny wines, highlighting the limestone-rich terroir that defines this part of the valley.
On the return to Fontevraud, time permitting, stop off for a wine tasting at Amirault Vignerons to taste some Cremant de Loire (sparkling wine from the Loire).
Dine at L'Essential, a charming Michelin-recommended riverside restaurant known for its fresh, local Loire cuisine and inviting setting. Savor a menu of regional specialties paired expertly with Loire Valley wines before returning to your hotel at Fontevraud for a restful night.
After breakfast, set out for Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, one of the Loire Valley’s most graceful Renaissance castles.
Built on an island in the Indre River, the château reflects magically in the water—one of the earliest examples of French Renaissance architecture.
Walk the grounds, stopping for photos, before heading inside to explore the chateau. Enjoy an audio tour of the château’s elegant interiors learning the history of Azay-Le-Ridau.
Stroll into the village and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a locally owned bistro known for traditional French cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Dishes often feature specialties such as freshwater fish, chèvre, or produce from the surrounding farms Choose from a menu including a starter, main course, and dessert, paired with local wine.
Travel west to Chinon, a medieval town famous for its half-timbered buildings, royal fortress, and Cabernet Franc wines.
Visit the legendary Fortress of Chinon, a hilltop stronghold overlooking the Vienne River with deep ties to French royalty and Joan of Arc. During your guided tour, explore the castle’s rich history and its centuries-old connection to winemaking.
Just outside the castle, stop for a wine tasting of some of the most highly rated wines in the region at Couily-Dutheil.
Time permitting, the group can stop for an optional wine tasting at Chateau de la Grille, a stunning estate surrounded vineyards, known for its expressive Cabernet Franc and welcoming tasting experience..
Stroll through one of France's "most beautiful villages", Montsoreau, before walking to dinner at nearby Michelin-recomended restaurant Ververt featuring exquisite regional cuisine and an extensive wine list, before returning to the Abbey.
If travelers prefer, dinner can be served at the Abbey - "dinner picnic baskets" prepared by the Michelin rated restaurant can be ordered (and they are fantastic).
After breakfast, check-out and depart Fontevraud Abbey.
Journey east to Amboise, once a favored residence of French royalty. Begin with a private guided tour of the Château Royal d’Amboise, perched above the Loire River and offering sweeping views of the valley.
Learn about the castle’s Renaissance transformation under Charles VIII and Francis I, and visit the chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried—a quiet and moving highlight of the château.
Enjoy a seasonal lunch at a charming brasserie in the heart of Amboise. Expect regional cuisine using fresh local produce, with Loire Valley wines.
Take time to walk through the charming streets of Amboise and take in the shops, on your way to Da Vinci's home.
After lunch, stroll to nearby Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. A tour of the home and gardens brings to life the genius of the Renaissance master, with time to explore his preserved workshop, furnished living quarters, and gardens filled with interactive models of his inventions. Guests may also enjoy a quiet moment in the serene park or stop at the museum gift shop.
Check into your hotel, the Au Charme Rabelaisien, a refined boutique inn with castle views, just steps from Leonardo da Vinci's home. This welcoming hotel is an 18th century property located in the heart of Amboise, with easy access to the cobblestone streets and charming shops and wine bars of Amboise—an ideal base for the next three nights.
For dinner in Amboise, enjoy an exceptional meal at Les Arpents, a contemporary French bistro just steps from the Château Royal. This highly regarded restaurant has earned a Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2025 Michelin Guide, recognizing its excellent quality and good value cooking — a notable honor that highlights both the creativity of the cuisine and the overall dining experience.
Expect refined preparations — such as roasted scallops with delicate accompaniments or beautifully balanced spring vegetables — all presented with clarity and flavor that wine lovers and food lovers alike appreciate. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service make Les Arpents a delicious end to a day in Amboise.
Following a delicious breakfast at the hotel, head over to the famous Chenonceau castle
Gracefully spanning the River Cher, Château de Chenonceau is one of the most iconic and enchanting castles in the Loire Valley. Known as the “Ladies’ Château” for the powerful women who shaped its history—including Catherine de’ Medici—Chenonceau blends Renaissance elegance with a rich legacy of art, architecture, and intrigue.
Visitors can explore the lavishly furnished rooms, admire original tapestries and paintings, and walk through the long gallery that stretches dramatically over the river.
Stroll through two magnificent formal gardens or wander the paths of the surrounding park. The estate also includes a 16th-century farm, a flower workshop, a wine cellar, and a wine tasting room.
Enjoy a three-course meal at L’Orangerie, the château’s elegant restaurant housed in the original royal stables. The menu features dishes inspired by the château gardens, paired with local Loire wines.
Relax over a dinner at a popular locals favorite l'Epicerie. Housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings dating from the 14th century, the restaurant combines the charm of exposed beams and old stone with friendly, contemporary service that emphasizes regional flavors and traditional French cuisine.
The menu features generous, well-crafted dishes made from local ingredients, paired beautifully with wines from the Loire Valley. Guests frequently praise its warm atmosphere, attentive service, and terrace seating with views of the château, a perfect way to spend the evening following a day of wine and castles.
Begin your day at the remarkable Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a striking medieval fortress turned Renaissance château, perched above the Loire River. Best known today for its International Garden Festival, held annually from late spring to autumn, the estate hosts a world-renowned exhibition of contemporary landscape design, with over 20 themed gardens created by leading designers from around the globe.
Experience a private guided tour of the château, tour its richly decorated interiors, including the grand spiral staircase, elaborately furnished salons, and private apartments, all offering a glimpse into aristocratic life across the centuries..
Housed in an elegant plant-filled greenhouse, Le Grand Velum is an absolute must for the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire’s many epicurean visitors: a true workshop of gastronomic creation where culinary creator François-Xavier Bogard conjures up innovative menus in line with the International Garden Festival’s themes.
Spend the afternoon at a relaxed pace:
Guests may choose to attend a seasonal garden workshop or botanical demonstration (depending on availability).
Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Loire River, taking in views of the château and the surrounding countryside.
There’s also time to explore the contemporary art exhibitions spread throughout the estate’s grounds and historic outbuildings.
In the afternoon, take part in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. Learn to prepare classic Loire dishes—such as pâté en croûte or Tarte Tatin—and enjoy your creation for dinner alongside a pairing of regional wine.
The class includes the creation of a starter, main course, and dessert, all with technical instruction to help you recreate your meal at home. The chef will take his time, allowing the group to enjoy a hands on activity, with a relaxed meal at the end.
Following the cooking class and meal, enjoy time on your own to stroll the shops and prepare for the morning return to Paris.
Check out of our Loire Valley hotel and return to Paris, via private shuttle, where you will spend three nights in the world’s most romantic city.
On your drive back to Paris, enjoy a bonus stop at Château de Fontainebleau, one of France’s most historically significant royal residences and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike many French châteaux, Fontainebleau was continuously inhabited by monarchs from the 12th through the 19th centuries, including François I, Louis XVI, and Napoleon Bonaparte. The château reflects this layered history through its blend of medieval, Renaissance, and classical architecture.
During your visit, explore the grand State Apartments, the richly decorated Galerie François I, and Napoleon’s Throne Room, along with beautifully preserved private chambers. Time permitting, enjoy a brief stroll through the formal gardens and parkland surrounding the palace.
Break for lunch at Monument Café, located within the château grounds. This casual yet well-regarded restaurant offers a seasonal buffet-style selection of French dishes and desserts, providing a convenient midday break before continuing on to Paris.
Once we arrive in Paris, settle into your boutique hotel, located in the central Saint Germain district, within walking district to Seine, the Notre Dame, and the Louvre.
Rest or enjoy time on your own to explore the Saint Germain neighborhood of Paris or stroll the shops along the Seine.
Hop on board for an iconic boat cruise along the Seine, beginning with a glass of Champagne and followed by dinner with exceptional wine included. Enjoy the view of the Paris skyline en route to the Eiffel Tower and back.
Following breakfast at the hotel, choose between the following activities:
The Louvre – Home to some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre offers an unparalleled journey through centuries of art, from ancient civilizations to 19th-century Europe. Its grand galleries and former royal palace setting make it a must-see for any art or history lover.
Musée d'Orsay – Housed in a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d'Orsay features the finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world. See works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Renoir in an elegant, light-filled space that brings 19th-century art to life.
Croissant & Breakfast Pastries class at La Cuisine de Paris. During this fun, three-hour class, learn to master classic French pastries including croissants, pain au chocolat, pain aux raisins, and other breakfast favorites—tasting included (Supplemental cost for this activity).
Macaron-making class at La Cuisine de Paris., where you’ll perfect the art of these colorful, delicate French confections. (Supplemental cost for this activity).
A Parisian food tour or Viennoiseries tour, discovering the best bakeries, patisseries, and cafés in Paris while sampling delicious pastries, cheeses, and charcuterie. (Supplemental cost for this activity).
In the afternoon, stroll to the newly renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral for a visit of one of the most iconic monuments in France. A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, the cathedral was constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries and has stood at the heart of Paris for more than 850 years.
Optional Tower Tour: For those who are up for it, enjoy a brand new tour experience in the Notre Dame Towers offering a rare opportunity to ascend the cathedral’s towers for breathtaking panoramic views over Paris. Climb the narrow spiral staircase to the upper gallery, where you will stand beside the legendary gargoyles and chimeras overlooking the Seine.
Note - the stair climb can take 30 minutes and is quite an ascent!
From this elevated vantage point, take in sweeping views of the Île de la Cité, the riverbanks, and landmarks stretching across the city skyline. This unforgettable experience provides both architectural insight and one of the most memorable perspectives in Paris.
Sunset dinner inside the Eiffel Tower: Visit the infamous. Eiffel Tour before enjoying a gourmet, multi-course dinner with breathtaking panoramic views of Paris as the sun sets. This unforgettable evening combines French cuisine with spectacular views of the City of Light.
Step into the world of Claude Monet with a peaceful excursion to the village of Giverny, where the Impressionist master lived and painted for over 40 years.
Scenic drive to Giverny (approximately 1.5 hours), passing through the lush Normandy countryside.
Guided tour of Monet’s House, preserved with original furnishings and filled with Japanese prints the artist collected.
Stroll through the Clos Normand, Monet’s vibrant flower garden, a carefully planned riot of color and texture.
Explore the Water Garden, where weeping willows, lily ponds, and the Japanese bridge bring Monet’s paintings to life.
Optional visit to the Musée des Impressionnismes, showcasing rotating exhibits and the legacy of Impressionist art.
Free time to explore the village, visit the gift shop, or enjoy a light lunch at a local café before returning to Paris in the afternoon
Wrap up your Paris stay with a stylish and memorable dinner on your own at one of the city’s most charming bistros. Reservations can be provided at the following restaurants - please let me know.
Café Julien – The iconic Art Nouveau bistro featured in Emily in Paris. Known for its vintage charm, excellent French classics, and romantic ambiance.
Le Procope – Established in 1686, this is the oldest café in Paris, once frequented by Voltaire and Rousseau. Elegant interiors and traditional French cuisine in a historic setting.
Les Deux Magots – A legendary literary café with sidewalk seating and refined French fare, perfect for people-watching and soaking in Left Bank charm.
Check out of the hotel for your transfers back to Charles de Gaulle airport and your return home.
For those staying on in Paris, check into your hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, just minutes from the Seine, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame!
Depart your Paris hotel by private shuttle for a comfortable drive (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes) into the heart of the Champagne region. As vineyards give way to Reims’ elegant boulevards and Gothic architecture, you’ll arrive in the historic capital of Champagne
Hotel Check-in Upon arriving to Reims check into your hotel, ideally located in central Reims on a vibrant street lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and a familiar Starbucks for a quick refresh before heading to lunch.
Lunch is served at Brasserie Le Jardin, the relaxed yet refined brasserie set within the elegant parkland of Domaine Les Crayères in Parc Les Crayères. Surrounded by mature trees and manicured gardens, the restaurant offers a tranquil setting just outside central Reims. The restaurant offers a Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded menu featuring locally sourced dishes such as grilled meats, fresh seafood, and inventive starters, complemented by a thoughtfully curated Champagne list.
Following lunch, stop for a visit of the Notre-Dame de Reims, the magnificent Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned for nearly 1,000 years. Built in the 13th century and celebrated for its harmonious architecture, luminous stained glass, and over 2,000 sculpted figures, the cathedral is one of the masterpieces of medieval Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The group will reconvene for a visit to the well-known Mumm Champagne house in the late afternoon. Founded in 1827, G.H. Mumm is one of Champagne’s most internationally recognized houses, known for its iconic red sash, Cordon Rouge.
During your guided cellar tour, you will explore part of the extensive network of chalk galleries beneath Reims while learning about the house’s Pinot Noir–driven style and its emphasis on structure and vibrancy.
The visit concludes with a tasting of signature cuvées, offering a compelling contrast in scale, blending philosophy, and expression when compared to the morning house.
Enjoy a festive welcome dinner at Little Georgette. Tonight's restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored former fire station at the foot of the Reims Cathedral , within walking distance of the hotel. This stylish restaurant features traditional French dishes in a contemporary bistro, known for its warm ambiance and seasonal, market-driven cuisine.
After breakfast, depart for a full day of sightseeing, beginning with a beautiful drive through the Champagne countryside toward Épernay.
Your first pause is in Hautvillers, a charming hillside village with sweeping vineyard views. Visit the Abbaye Saint-Pierre / Église Saint-Sindulphe, where Dom Pierre Pérignon is buried, and take a few quiet moments to appreciate the place most closely associated with Champagne’s origin story.
As cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers in the 17th century, Dom Pérignon played a pivotal role in refining blending techniques that shaped what would become Champagne. The surrounding vineyard landscapes are part of the UNESCO-listed Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars.
Continue to Épernay for a visit to Domaine Comtesse Lafond, housed in an elegant château at the beginning of the Avenue de Champagne. Owned by the de Ladoucette family, the estate reflects a legacy of fine wine production dating back centuries and was recently featured in the Netflix series Champagne Problems, bringing renewed international attention to its striking architecture and historic setting.
The visit is designed around tasting three Champagne vintages in several distinct spaces across the estate, beginning in the “Cave Comtesse” cellar (often starting with their Extra-Brut). Their signature visits pair a guided walk-through of the property with a tasting that can extend into the château setting—an elegant, heritage-rich contrast to the larger Avenue houses.
Lunch is at La Grillade Gourmande, a MICHELIN Guide–listed favorite in Épernay known for high-quality ingredients and confident cooking, including dishes prepared over embers and classic French plates served in a lively, welcoming setting (with a garden that’s especially enjoyable in warmer months).
After lunch, enjoy time to stroll along Épernay’s famed Avenue de Champagne, home to the region’s most prestigious Champagne houses, with elegant 19th-century façades lining the iconic boulevard. Step into famous boutiques such as Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët, or choose a cultural stop at Épernay’s Musée du vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie régionale (Château Perrier), which explores the region’s story through extensive collections spanning geology, archaeology, and Champagne heritage.
Conclude the afternoon at Champagne Mercier, celebrated for its immersive cellar visit. As the tour begins, descend by panoramic elevator into the expansive chalk cellars carved deep beneath the town. There, you’ll board a small train for a guided tour through the 18 kilometers of underground galleries, learning about the house’s history, cellar construction, and winemaking process. After the tour, enjoy a tasting of Mercier’s signature cuvées.
Enjoy dinner at L'Atelier, a chef-driven bistronomic gem in the heart of Reims. Located just steps from the cathedral, the restaurant highlights innovative French cuisine infused with contemporary flair. The multi-course menu is thoughtfully balanced and can be paired with a curated selection of Champagne and wines from the surrounding region.
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, step into the historic world of GH Martel, one of Reims historic Champagne houses.
Experience Highlights:
Guided tour of traditional chalk cellars beneath the city
Detailed explanation of the méthode traditionnelle: pressing, fermentation, blending, secondary fermentation in bottle, riddling, and disgorgement
Insight into the importance of terroir and the three principal grape varieties — Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
Tasting of selected cuvées showcasing the house’s style and aging philosophy.
Depending on the mood, stop in for a savory crepe followed by sweet crepes at local Creperie Louise.
If the group is in the mood for meats, salads or sandwiches, pause for lunch at Le Tablier.
After lunch, meet your guide at the city center for a guided walking tour of Reims, highlighting its rich history and gastronomic gems offered throughout the town center.
Visit the stunning Porte Mars, the largest Roman triumphal arch still standing in the world, dating to the 3rd century. This remarkable monument offers a glimpse into Reims’ origins as the Roman city of Durocortorum.
Continue through the city toward Les Halles du Boulingrin, the striking 1920s covered market known for its Art Deco concrete arches and role in the daily life of Rémois residents.
Along the way, enjoy tastings that bring Reims’ gastronomic traditions to life, including the iconic pink biscuits from Maison Fossier, established in 1756 and traditionally dipped into Champagne. Taste fine local truffles and end with a glass of Champagne.
Gather in the late afternoon for a guided tour of Champagne Pommery, one of the region’s most iconic houses. Explore the majestic château, view striking contemporary art installations, and descend into the vast UNESCO-listed chalk cellars, carved out centuries ago to store Champagne in perfect aging conditions.
After the tour, enjoy a Champagne tasting and aperitif in the elegant Cellar Carnot.
The evening continues with a gourmet dinner at the château, where you’ll savor four elegant courses—starter, main, cheese, and dessert—paired with a full bottle of Champagne.
Return to the hotel for a restful night in Reims before heading to the Loire Valley for your tour of the stunning Renaissance castles.