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Use this form to send us all information concerning your travel to France, our team will get back to you rapidly and send you a personalized quoteAmboise
Private Loire Valley Package: 4 Days of Castles, Wine & Amboise Comfort
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multi-day tours
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Cultural
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04 days
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Small Groups ( 2~6 )
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Relaxed
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Multi-languages
English Français
- Highlights
- Program
- Gallery
- Accommodation
- Know before
- Meeting point
- Inc. / Exc.
- FAQ
Contact-us
Highlights
- The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See marvelous Castles such as Chateau de Chambord & Chenonceau
- Loire Valley wine tour in Chinon & Bourgueil vineyards
- English speaking Guides, local Experts of the Loire Valley
- Tour can be fully customized to suit your interests
Program & Itinerary
Experience the beauty of the Loire Valley with our exclusive private package, expertly crafted by our travel specialists to combine visits to the region’s stunning Renaissance castles and renowned local vineyards.
Over two days, enjoy private tours with your certified English-speaking driver/guide, visiting the iconic Châteaux de Chambord and Chenonceau, while also indulging in wine tastings in the celebrated Chinon and Bourgueil appellations.
Each day, you will be conveniently picked up and dropped off at your accommodation, ensuring a seamless experience. Our professional guide offers flexibility in the itinerary, ensuring you discover the very best of this enchanting region of France, tailored to your preferences.
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day 1
PRIVATE ARRIVAL TRANSFER FROM TOURS TRAIN STATION
Pick up in Tours or Saint Pierre des Corps Train Station. Transfer to your centrally located hotel in Amboise and check in. Night at your hotel.Pick up in Tours or Saint Pierre des Corps Train Station. Transfer to your centrally located hotel in Amboise and check in. Night at your hotel.Read moreRead less -
day 2
PRIVATE FULL DAY TOUR TO LOIRE VALLEY CHATEAUX OF CHENONCEAU & CHAMBORD
Breakfast at your hotel9.30am Pick up at your hotel.First Visit Chenonceau CastleThe “Chateau des Dames”, bridge built across the Cher, is famous for the great feminine figures who lived in it (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici) and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens.The original Château dates back to...Breakfast at your hotel
9.30am Pick up at your hotel.
First Visit Chenonceau Castle
The “Chateau des Dames”, bridge built across the Cher, is famous for the great feminine figures who lived in it (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici) and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens.
The original Château dates back to the 13th century but was later torched and rebuilt to be finally taken by King Francis I as a debt. The next most important owner was Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II, who transformed the building and added the arched bridge that spans over the River Cher. After the kings death, the Chateau became the property of Catherine de Medici who expelled Diane de Poitiers.
During her time at the Château as owner, Catherine de Medici spent large amounts of money for renovation and embellishments and was known to house spectacular night time parties. It is here that in 1560, the first ever fireworks took place in France.
After the death of Catherine de Medici, the Château passed into several hands including that of Louise Dupin famous for hosting a literary salon that was attended by some of the most famous figures of the time including Voltaire, Montesquieu, Buffon or Marivaux. Famous philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau was Louise Dupin's secretary and tutored her son.
In more recent history, the castle was bought in 1913 by Henri Menier whose family was famous as chocolate makers and the Chateau de Chenonceau is still in their possession today.
After your arrival at Chenonceau castle, begin your guided tour. Chenonceau is home to an outstanding collection of furniture, tapestries and paintings that included artworks from Rubens, Tintoretto, Van Loo, Murillo, Veronese, Poussin, Van Dyck and many more.
Also, during your tour, you will visit the highlights of the castle including Diane de Poitiers' bedroom, the Green Study, the Gallery and the kitchens.
After your morning visit, reach the lovely small town of Amboise and visit the Ambacia caves. Here, you will follow a sensorial track that will highlight the terroirs, the appellations and aromas families linked with Loire Valley Wines. Tour the premises, the cellars and retrace the 500 year old journey of Loire Valley wine making. Finally, enjoy a commented wine tasting session with an expert sommelier that will introduce you to 5 Loire Valley Wines paired with delicious local food.
Free time for lunch (at own expense)
Lunch at leisure, your guide will recommend nice restaurants for you to discover the Loire Valley gastronomy.
Afternoon Guided tour of Chateau Chambord
The Castle of Chambord is considered as one of the most beautiful Chateaux of the Loire Valley. After a short drive of about 1 hour, reach the stunning Château de Chambord. Listed since 1981 as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chambord is without a doubt one of the most fascinating Loire Valley Castle to visit.
Located in the heart of the Sologne region of France, Chateau de Chambord was the desire of King Francis 1 (François 1er) who ordered the construction in the early 16th century. Built as a hunting lodge, the castle was not designed to be a permanent residence for the King who only stayed within the castle a few weeks every year. The architecture of the Château is a good example of the Italian Renaissance style that was prized at the time and Château de Chambord was in fact built to impress foreign visitors and ambassadors and demonstrate the power of the young king of France.
The Castle is laid out around a central keep that includes for massive bastion towers at each corner. All in all, Chambord is home to more than 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases. The plan of the castle has for central axis the famous double helix staircase that was presumably inspired by the work of the great genius Leonardo da Vinci. The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the chateau. Another highlight of the visit is the ornate roof that makes the Chateau so recognizable. When you reach the top level of the Chateau, you can walk between the towers and admire the enormous attention to detail in the masonry work.
King Francis 1 never actually saw the castle finished and it wasn't until the reign of the King Louis XIV (the Sun King) that the building was actually completed. The shear size of Château de Chambord makes it a difficult place to maintain and after being owned by different persons close to royalty, it is finally preempted by the French State who becomes the sole owner as of 1930.
Upon arrival, follow your guide for a guided walking tour of the Castle. The tour will last around 1 hour and your guide will lead you through the main rooms, will show you the famous double spiral staircase and you take you to the top of the Castle to the terraces where you will have a great view of the surrounding area. After the visit, you will have some free time to discover the Castle of Chambord on your own.
5.30pm Drop off in Tour and night at your hotel.Read moreRead less -
day 3
PRIVATE LOIRE VALLEY WINE TOUR IN BOURGUEIL & CHINON VINEYARDS
Breakfast at your hotel.9.30am Pick up at your hotelFull day Loire Valley Wine TourThis morning, we will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Tours. Meet your English speaking driver/guide - who is an Expert in Loire Valley Wines. Once you have met your guide, she/he...Breakfast at your hotel.
9.30am Pick up at your hotel
Full day Loire Valley Wine Tour
This morning, we will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Tours. Meet your English speaking driver/guide - who is an Expert in Loire Valley Wines. Once you have met your guide, she/he will go over the program and itinerary of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to the Loire Valley wine producing region.
All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system which means that everyone will hear the guides commentary during driving time, even if you are seated in the back of the van! Also, we have bottled water at your disposal and you can use our free wifi as you travel from one destination to another.
Morning wine tasting tour in the Bourgueil wine region
The Loire Valley is not only famous for its Renaissance castles, but also for its wines. To kickstart the day, this Loire Valley wine tour will first take you to the town of Bourgueil. Indeed, this charming small town is surrounded by vineyards producing wines typical from the region. Here, the diversity of soils gives the wines a delicate and fruity taste. Wines from the Loire Valley can be consumed young or aged depending on the vintage.
Your guide will take you to a traditional winery, where you will learn about wine production from the grape to the bottle. After the tour, you will be able to taste different wines produced by the winery and, if you wish, you will be able to buy your favorite one to bring it back home.
Stop in Chinon for a visit & lunch (at own expense)
After that, this Loire Valley tour will take you to Chinon, a picturesque town with preserved medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance town houses. Chinon is dominated by its castle, which is actually made of three castles. The Chinon castle used to be the residence of Henry II of England. Other historic events taking place in the Chinon castle were the death of Richard the Lionheart, as well as Joan of Arc persuading Charles VII to fight the English invasion of France.
You will have the privilege to visit the town accompanied by your private guide who will tell you about the history of Chinon and its castle in greater details. You will have time to stroll the streets and stop for shopping at any time you want. At lunch time, your guide will indicate the best places to try some local specialties in Chinon.
Afternoon wine tasting tour in the Chinon wine region
Around this area, you will mainly find red wines from different qualities. Head to a winery for a visit and wine tasting session. While you are there, take some time to fully appreciate the beautiful view over the vineyards around you. You will also have a chance to buy some red Loire Valley wine from the winemaker.
After your visit and tasting, it will be time to head back to Tours where we will drop you off.Read moreRead less -
day 4
PRIVATE DEPARTURE TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO TOURS TRAIN STATION
Breakfast at your hotel and return transfer to the train station of Tours or Saint Pierre des Corps.End of our services.Breakfast at your hotel and return transfer to the train station of Tours or Saint Pierre des Corps.
End of our services.Read moreRead less
Gallery
Accommodation
Hotel Le Pavillon des Lys (or similar)
The Hotel Pavillon de Lys is a charming and comfortable 4 star hotel, located in the heart of the Royal City of Amboise.
A former mansion, built in 1703, it was transformed into a 4 star boutique hotel in 2004. Made up of 7 stylish en-suite rooms and 2 large deluxe suites, located between the ground floor and the 2nd floor, either, with a view of the castle or the cottage garden.
Know before you book
- Tour available all year round
- Tour is operated in English, other languages on request
- Prices are per person - based on the number of travelers
- Tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Base 8 people 930€
Meeting point
Departure
Return
Included / excluded
Included
- Arrival/departure transfer from Tours to Amboise
- 3-night accommodation in 4* Hotel in Amboise
- Breakfast from day 2 to 4
- Expert English-speaking driver/guide
- Visit Chambord & Chenonceau Loire Valley Castles
- Visit vineyards of Chinon & Bourgueil (wine tasting included)
- Travel in premium A/C vehicles
Excluded
- Meals and Drinks unless specified
- Personal insurance and expenses
- Tasting fees or Entrance unless specified
- Gratuities for the guide
FAQ
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What type of vehicles are used during your Loire Valley private tours?
Our company uses only premium cars or minivans for all our private tours in France. All vehicles include individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg room. -
Who conducts your private tours in the Loire Valley?
All our tours are conducted by English speaking local guides, experts in the destination where they are based. Most of them are fully licensed guides that are authorized to make commentaries in museums, monuments and historical city centers. In the wine regions, most of them hold the WSET level 2 in wines & sprits or are professional sommeliers. Finally, we are proud to mention that we work essentially with our own in-house guides. -
Should I stay in Tours or Amboise on this Loire Valley private package?
Tours is a mid sized city, whereas Amboise is one of those charming small towns of France. Both make for great departing points to visit the Loire Valley Castles or Loire Valley vineyards.
Tours
The city of Tours is a pleasant town to stay in. Like all cities of France, it offers a wide range of attractions and sightseeing opportunities. It also possesses a large number of bars & restaurants for those of you wishing to experience local delicacies or wish to have a drink in the evening. Since Tours has a large University, the student population is important and the evening ambiance can be quite festive.
Amboise
This charming small town is famous for its castle that overlooks the Loire River. The population is less than 15 000 but in the summer months of July & August this can be multiplied by 2 due to the high number of French or foreign tourists that stay in town. Since this is a small town, the number of sightseeing options are not as important as in Tours and the number of restaurants is more limited. The town tends to ' fall asleep' past 9.00pm.
Your choice will really depend on the time of the year you are traveling and what exactly you would like to do on your evenings. If you want to travel far from the crowds then avoid Amboise in the summer months, Tours will be much more accessible with all the students having left and most French on holiday. If you want to visit major landmarks and have a large choice of activities and dining options, then Tours should be your choice. -
What can we expect on this Loire Valley private package?
This package highlights some of the most famous Renaissance Castles of the Loire Valley. Your guide is an Expert of the Loire Valley and you will be able to take in all the rich history this region has to offer. Your tour includes the visit of Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois, Amboise, Clos Lucé and Cheverny including the entrance tickets. This means that you will not have to wait in line! -
Can we modify the program of this private Loire Valley package?
Yes, absolutely. As this is a private tour just for you and your party, you can modify the program and adapt it to your wishes. Contact our team of travel experts and let them know what you would like to modify and they will do the rest. We will need to have a final program established before the 1st day of your tour.
Then, once your tour begins, you can also adapt the itinerary of the day directly with your guide. Please note however that if you decide not to take part in an activity or visit that was included on your tour, the fees of the activity will not be refunded. -
Can we choose which Loire Valley Castles we will visit during private travel package?
Yes, absolutely. We have included the visits of our selection of Loire Valley Castles in this program but if you would like to include some specific Castles just reach out to our team of travel experts and they will do the rest. They will re-design the tour and adapt it to your wishes including the Castles that you have required to visit. -
Are lunches included on this Loire Valley private small group package?
In general, we never include lunch on our private packages unless there is a local restaurant we believe that it would enhance your experience in the region you are visiting. The tour will stop in an area where there will be different options. You can can also ask your guide on each morning to give you some recommendations for the day.
It is possible for us, if you wish, to include lunch during your days of touring with us. Just reach out to our team of travel experts and they will do the rest. We will pre-book local restaurants adapted to your budget and that highlight the local cuisine. -
Is this private Loire Valley small group private tour only available in English?
No, we have guides that speak fluently other languages. If you would like a private tour in another language don't hesitate to get back to us and we will let you know if your language is available in the region you are visiting.
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