Rugby World Cup, prepare the ground in Touraine!

22 September - Beer tasting around Ireland
Enjoy a selection of Irish beers and local Touraine beers to compare flavors. To accompany the tasting, discover Irish cheeses from France Fromages and chocolates from the Bellanger chocolate factory! The tasting is conducted in French and English by oenologist Alexis Caraux. The event is part of the Rugby World Cup. The city of Tours is the training base for the Irish team.

This 2.5 hour twilight excursion is an invitation to let go and to (re)connect with the natural environment. It is a real moment of suspension during which we are carried by the current and the lights offered by the sunset. 
In between listening for seagulls on the sand, dusk is also the ideal time to spot this discreet and little-known animal: the European beaver! So...think of your binoculars! 
To complete this walk, we strongly encourage you to bring a picnic, to share (or not) with the other passengers!

And if you go out of the ordinary for a half-day with family or friends ? Take the wheel of one of our 2CVs and admire the Loire Valley in an unusual way! Set off on the roads of Touraine to (re)discover its landscapes, its heritage and its gastronomy. Take advantage of our road books which will guide you between emblematic sites and unusual places.

Since 2016, VinoLoire is a reference in Loire Valley wine tours starting from Tours city. As a wine professional for more than 20 years, Vincent will guide you with passion and will share his knowledge.
This wine tour is a great introduction to the Loire Valley wines with a visit in the Vouvray vineyard and an extensive tasting of a variety of Loire valley wines (Chinon, Touraine, Bourgueil, ...) 
 
Program
9:00 am: Pick up at the tourist office of Tours. Transport in a confortable minivan.
 
Visit in Vouvray vineyard

• First stop in the heart of  the vineyard : geography, first approach of the vine-grower work, ...
• Visit of the rock-hewn cellar belonging to the family for several generations 
• Taste different white wines typical from Vouvray  (Dry, Half dry,  Sparkling )
• Wine and food pairing with local cheeses

• Larger winery visit
• Tasting of a range of Montlouis wines
• Taste also a selection of red wines from the Loire Valley (Chinon, Bourgueil, Touraine …)
• Other local food pairing (Cheeses, Rillons, Rillettes, …)

During this half day wine-tour you will be introduced to the diversity of the Loire Valley wines guided by Vincent (VinoLoire expert who works in the local wine industry for more than 20 years).
This tour include two very different wineries to understand the winemaking process, to explore outstanding cellars and caves and to taste an extensive range of wines representative of the Touraine region.

Program:
1:30 pm: Pick up in Tours, transport in a comfortable minivan.

Visit in Touraine vineyard

• First stop in the organic vineyard: geography, first approach of the vine-grower work, ...
• Visit of the modern winery and the cellar
• Taste some different wines and grape varieties representing the Loire Valley diversity (Rosé, Red Dry & Half dry white, Sparkling)

• Visit in an original organic estate
• Discovery of a very original cellar dug by the wine grower himself during 30 years!
• Large tasting of his organic wines
• Local product tasting (Cheeses, rillettes, …)

 Guided wine-tour to discover the exceptional diversity of Loire Valley wines with a local passionate guide from VinoLoire Wine tour company. This day tour include visits in great vineyards but also a gastronomic Pic-Nic in the vineyard (or at the winery) made from local products in a farm to table spirit. 

9:00 am: Departure from the tourist office in Tours. Transport in a comfy and fully equipped Mercedes minivan.

Visit in Vouvray vineyard

• Start your day with a first stop in the vineyard to learn about the vine-grower work
• Visit of an impressive rock hewn cellar used to age sparkling wine called “Méthode traditionnelle”
• Taste a large range of white and sparkling wines from a family estate in Vouvray
• This first will be paired with local cheeses (goat, sheep, cow cheeses, ...)

• Visit a second winery working organically 
• Enjoy the visit of this very different family estate
• Learn more about Bourgueil red wines and the different style of Cabernet Franc produce in this area

• Enjoy your Pic Nic in the heart of the vineyard (or at the winery) 
• Meal prepared by a Chef using only local products : “Farm to table” style lunch
• Other wines from Bourgueil are included
• On your way, discover the quaint town of Chinon 

• Explore an outstanding underground cellar
• Very unique place made with "passion and heart"
• Taste a range of organic red and rosé wines from Chinon
• Wine tasting could be paired with other local products (charcuteries, rillons, ...)

Let’s go for a full-day excursion to discover:

IN THE MORNING

THE CHATEAU OF AMBOISE: built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries on the orders of Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I, the Chateau of Amboise was one of the first truly “royal” residences. It is a prestigious example of combined Gothic and Renaissance architecture with Saint Hubert chapel where Leonardo da Vinci rests.

THE CLOS LUCE - PARC LEONARDO DA VINCI in Amboise: last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Visit of the castle, its 40 fabulous machines and the landscaped course.

Lunch in a restaurant in Amboise.

IN THE AFTERNOON

THE CHATEAU OF CHENONCEAU: built in the sixteenth century, one of the purest early French Renaissance style works, constructed on the foundations of an ancient fortified water mill in the river bed itself.

This excursion is available from February to November.
Depending on the programming of the minibuses, the program is likely to be modified.
For people travelling alone, please contact us for confirmation of the excursion depending on the filling of the minibus.
 

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. One of the highlights will definitely be a restful lunch away from tourist groups in a beautiful privately-owned chateau still inhabited by the family.
 
Program: 
9:00am: Departure from Tours. Meet your friendly guide in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours (just in front of the train station). 
 
Everybody's here? Let’s start the day!
 
9:00am: Start in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours, and get into our minivan, off to Chenonceau!
 
Next step is Château de Chenonceau! On the way, get a good look at lovely privately owned châteaux but also other must-see castles of Loire Valley such as: Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise, Montrichard...
 
Chenonceau: this is the most visited historical monument in France after Château de Versailles. Admire this stunning chateau and its unique gallery, built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived there: "Catherine de Médicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". Once inside, take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned chateau, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements. The kitchens, the Queen bedroom, the Gallery... your tour guide will show you all the beautiful rooms of this incredible place.
 
Lunch will take place off the beaten path. You will enjoy a typical French lunch in a lovely private château of Loire Valley, built by Jean le Breton! Start with the visit of this unique familly Château, meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and lovely surroundings of this haven of piece. After the visit, hosted by the French Countess who lives there permanently, indulge in the nice and cozy atmosphere with tasty food and local Loire Valley wine. This experience will make you feel like the owner of the place!
 
More than a chateau, this work of art is a glorious historical place that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience. He will tell you everything about the history of the castle, built by the famous King François 1er. Unforgettable!
 
Once inside, your guide will select for you the most emblematic rooms to visit: the double helix straircase, the chapel, the terrace...He will also share with you memorable anecdotes and point at hidden details of interest and breathtaking views of the château. So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance!
 
After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will advise you some spots to get a impressive view of the chateau. A spectacular day you will never forget.

6:30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours.

An all-inclusive two-day-break to discover the most prestigious chateaux of the Loire Valley, beautiful gardens “à la française” and enjoy the way of life in the Loire Valley.

An unforgettable all-inclusive three-day-holiday to discover the most prestigious chateaux of the Loire Valley, beautiful gardens “à la française” and enjoy the way of life in the Loire Valley.