Day excursions

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. Program: 9.30am: 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! 9:30am: 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: Free time 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 staircase, 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. 5.30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

We will start our day with the visit of of the Clos Lucé - a royal present from Francis the 1st to Leonardo da Vinci, where he spent his last 3 years of his life. You will enter his privacy as you roam his study, and will discover a large collection of models based on his sketches, as well as his bedchamber where he took his last breath at the age of 67. Our second stop will be the Royal Chateau of Amboise - which was Francis the 1st’s main residence. With its Gothic and Renaissance styles, the chateau will make you fall in love with its panoramic view on the valley. you must not forget about the St. Hubert’s chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci rests in peace. After the lunch break, we will get back to the Cher valley in order to visit the Chateau of Chenonceau, also known as the « Ladies’ Chateau » which was embellished by famous women, such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. This elegant structure built on the river will mesmerise you with its unique Renaissance architecture, furniture and gardens that will make you daydream.

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.