Day excursions

We will start our day by visiting Villandry, known for its French gardens that makes it one of the most beautiful garden in France. It is divided in 3 patios: the 1st one is a mix of vegetables, fruit trees and vines, the 2nd one is made of sculpted bushes, and the last one is a water garden. After the lunch break in Villandry, we will cross over the Loire river to go to the Chateau of Langeais, the oldest forteress of the Loire Valley with its 10th century donjon (keep). Its main facade still has medieval characteristics yet, its opposite part has been renovated in the 16th century, which gives it a Renaissance charm. In 1491, Charles the 7th and Anne of Brittany’s marriage signed the annexation of the Duchy to French kingdom. A collection of tapestry, furniture and objects from the 15th century awaits you there. We will finish our day with the visit of the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, its elegant facades are like a jewel trapped between sky and river. You will discover its 500 years old framework, as well as furniture and tapestries from different periods, in the living rooms.

The day will begin with a visit to Château de Chenonceau, a historic gem spanning the Cher River, surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. You will then have free time for lunch on the way (not include) The highlight of the day will be exploring the Château de Villandry and, above all, its gardens, among the most renowned and admired in France. Our team will accompany you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. After this fascinating day, Val de Loire Travel will return you to your departure point (your accomodation or the Tourist Office).

VinoLoire has been offering tours of the Loire Valley vineyards since 2016. Your professional guide will share their knowledge of wine, give you a personal tour of the cellars and answer all your questions about wine. This full day in the vineyards of Touraine is an excellent introduction to the exceptional diversity of Loire Valley wines, with visits to three wine estates. The package also includes a gourmet picnic at one of the estates, prepared by a top chef using ultra-local produce or produce from the estate itself. Program 9:00 am: Pick up at the tourist office of Tours. Transport in a comfortable minivan. Visit a Family Wine Estate in Vouvray First stop in a vineyard in Vouvray : introduction to ‘terroir’ and making wine Visit of a rock-hewn cellar (several kilometers long) Tasting of different white wines typical from Vouvray (dry, half-dry, sparkling…) Pairing with local cheeses Visit a Bourgueil Wine Estate, including lunch Visit around the estate and vineyards Tasting of a wide range of white, red, sparkling wines from different terroirs Gastronomic 3-course pic-nic “farm to table” style lunch, with a 0 kilometer philosophy of a green Michelin starred chef A Great and Unique Visit in Chinon Visit an organic wine estate Discover a very original cellar dug by the winemaker himself over 30 years! Large tasting of red wines Pairing with local charcuteries (rillettes, saucisson sec…) Around 6:00 pm: Drop off at the tourist office.

Discover Loire Valley on a guided tour from Tours. Visit Château du Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and explore Château Royal d'Amboise. 9:30 am: Departure from Tours. Meet your friendly guide in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours (directly across from the train station). If you are staying in Amboise, you can join the group at the first chateau visited in Amboise, please contact us to arrange your booking. Everybody's here? Let’s start the day! :) The first stop of the day is Château du Clos Lucé! This charming manor house is famous for being the final residence of the great Leonardo da Vinci. At the invitation of King Francis I, the Italian genius spent the last three years of his life here, dreaming and designing. With your guide, you will step into Leonardo’s private world: visit his workshops, the bedroom where he passed away, and the kitchen where his meals were prepared. After exploring the house, stroll through the Da Vinci Park. It’s a true open-air museum where you can operate full-scale working models of his most incredible inventions. After this dive into genius, we head to the heart of the picturesque town of Amboise. You will enjoy free time for lunch. (Lunch is not included. You can choose from the many charming creperies, local bistros, or bakeries in the historic center. Your guide will be happy to share their favorite "local gems"! In the afternoon, you will visit Château Royal d'Amboise, a site that embodies the grandeur of the French Renaissance. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Loire River, this palace was the residence of several French Kings. Your guide will bring the palace's history to life with captivating stories of court life, royal intrigues, and scandals. You will visit the most emblematic rooms, including the council chamber and the impressive cavalier towers. Before leaving, your guide will take you to the castle's Mediterranean gardens for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Loire Valley - the perfect spot for a souvenir photo of your day in France! 3:30 pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours.