Explore the Castles of the Loire Valley over 4 days

ARRIVAL TRANSFER FROM TOURS TRAIN STATION

Pick up in Tours or Saint Pierre des Corps Train Station. Transfer to your centrally located hotel in Tours and check in. Night at your hotel.

CHENONCEAU CASTLE, AMBOISE CASTLE & CLOS LUCE VISITS

Breakfast at your hotel 9.30am Pick up at your hotel.

A comprehensive guided Tour of the ‘Chateau des Dames’ Because it was marked by many women throughout history, Chenonceau Castle has earned the title of being the Women’s Castle. Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici or Louise de Lorraine are just some of the women that have contributed in making Chenonceau one of the most exquisite Chateaus of France. Spanning the River Cher, the castle is a delight to all visitors as it is very difficult not to be impressed by its breathtaking landscape & architecture. On the exterior part, the Chateau is surrounded by numerous gardens. You will surely take some time to wander along the “floating parterre”, created in the Renaissance and that has remained unchanged since the time of Diane de Poitiers. Another unique attraction is the Maze that was desired by Catherine de Medici, planted with around 2,000 yew trees and that covers more than a hectare in Size. Inside, follow your guide as you tour this incredible monument. As you listen to the tales, history and intrigues that took place in the Chateau, highlights of the tour will include the visit of the Five Queens’ Chamber, name given in the memory of Catherine de Medici’s two daughters and three daughters in law, but also Diane de Poitiers Bedroom, the Gallery - a 60 meter long ballroom, Louis XIV’s drawing room showcasing a portrait of the “Sun King” and much more.

Enjoy a fun & informative Wine Tasting session around the Wines of Vouvray Daniel, enologist, welcomes you in his cellar, former tuff stone quarries, for a small group tour followed by a wine tasting session. Here, you will discover a large range of vintages, from 1947 to our days. Based on Chenin Blanc grape variety, Vouvray is a mineral wine produced with a high acidity level that gives it a great aging capacity. Vouvray is also famous for producing local sparkling wines. After the tasting session it will be time for you to have lunch and your guide will be happy to make suggestions according to your wishes.

Take a leap back in time as you visit Renaissance Royal Castle of Amboise Strategically located over the Loire Valley, the building of Amboise Castle dates to the 11th C. The Golden era of the Castle spans through Renaissance times when both King Charles VIII and Francis I decided to make important reconstructions. The castle is also very famous for having been a major stop for numerous academics and artists and most notably Leonardo Da Vinci. As you follow your guide for a comprehensive tour of the Chateau, you will understand the Political and Artistic importance it played during Renaissance times. Highlights of the tour include the visit of the different towers and underground passage, the Lys Hallway as well as the ramparts. After the visit, enjoy some time to explore on your own.

End the day with the visit of Leonardo da Vinci's ultimate residence Your final visit will be at Chateau Clos de Lucé. Bought in 1490 by Charles VIII, the Chateau became the summer residence of the Kings of France and even the childhood home of King Francis I. Without a doubt, the most important date for Clos Luce is 1516. This is the time when King Francis I and Louise de Savoie invite Leonardo to visit Amboise. Named “Premier Painter, Engineer and Architect of the King” the Master is offered to stay at Chateau Clos Lucé, located at a short distance from Chateau d’Amboise. Here, Leonardo will spend the last 3 years of his life as a guest receiving a generous pension free of any specific responsibilities. He frequently meets with the King and it is said that he possibly designed the famous double-helix staircase of Chateau de Chambord and completed major artworks while in Amboise. Let your guide take you to all the main attractions that this castle has to offer. After a visit of Leonardo’s bedroom, office, reception room and kitchen, the highlight of the tour will certainly be the visit of the underground rooms where you will admire detailed recreations of de Vinci’s inventions. After, enjoy some time in the gardens before returning to Tours.

5.30pm Drop off at Tour and night at your hotel.

BLOIS, CHEVERNY & CHAMBORD CASTLE VISITS

Breakfast at your hotel. 9.30am Pick up at your hotel

Make an appointment with French History as you visit Château de Blois The Royal Chateau of Blois is without a doubt one of the most impressive Loire Valley castles. Residence of 7 Kings and 10 Queens, the Chateau is a perfect summary of Court life during the Renaissance times. What makes the Chateau so unique is that the four grand wings were built during four distinct periods of Architecture: Gothic (13th C.), Flamboyant Gothic (1498-1501), early Renaissance (1515-1520) and Classical (1600’s). Begin the tour of the Castle with your guide and visit some of the most fascinating rooms of the Chateau such as the King’s room where tapestries, carved furniture and silverworks are exhibited and underscore the power of the sovereign and the wealth of the kingdom. Another highlight of your day tour is the visit of the Council Chamber that was the theatre of the major drama of Blois: The Assassination of the Duke of Guise! After the visit of the Chateau, we will head to a winery located in the heart of Loire Valley Wine Country.

Participate in a unique Visit & Wine Tasting “Cheverny” appellation produces elegant red wines from pinot noir and gamay as well as fruity white wines from chardonnay and sauvignon. You will enjoy this moment to taste a wine for real connoisseurs: the “Cour Cheverny Appellation”, a stunning white wine made from a grape called Romorantin, imported by King François I into the Loire Valley.

Visit the Chateau that Inspired Marlinspike Hall in the Adventures of Tintin Chateau du Cheverny has but slightly changed since its construction in the early 1600’s. The architecture of the castle presents an immaculate picture of symmetry, peace & aristocratic good life. The interior of the Chateau, that you will discover with your guide, exhibits a range of fine artworks by artists such as Titian, Rigaud or Jean Clouet. The king’s bedroom as well as the dining room are most exquisite as is the large collection of weaponry that can be seen in the ‘Salle des Armes’. After the visit of the Chateau it will be time to head for the final visit of the day, Château de Chambord.

End the day with the visit of the Most Grandiose Renaissance Castle of the Loire Instantly recognizable because of its very distinctive French Renaissance Architecture, spectacular Chateau de Chambord stands out from all the other Chateaus of the Loire Valley. By far the largest of all the Chateaus, it is composed of 440 rooms, a fireplace for every day of the year, a surrounding wall that is 20 miles long & the River Loire was probably diverted to make space for the building. Enter the Chateau with your professional tour guide and discover the open double spiral staircase supposedly designed or at least inspired by 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. After the visit, return to Tours.

5.30pm Drop off in Tour and night at your hotel.

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.