Loire Valley Castles Experience
New
Begin in Paris and end back in Paris on a relaxed 2–day Loire Valley escape. Travelling by comfortable minivan, you’ll explore grand châteaux and sample Loire wines at a family winery. Expect to see Chambord’s dramatic skyline and ingenious double–spiral staircase, wander Amboise with skip–the–queue entry to its royal château and Leonardo da Vinci’s chapel, and step into Clos Lucé with its park of inventive models. On day two, you’ll visit elegant Chenonceau spanning the River Cher, continue to Chaumont–sur–Loire, and round things off in Blois. Friendly guiding, scenic drives and time for leisurely lunches keep the pace easy – ideal for culture and countryside lovers.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
2 daysHotel Rating
3 star hotels or chateauStarts
ParisEnds
ParisMinimum Age
6 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in France that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
FranceMeals Included
Breakfast: 1Passengers
$5,610.00
$2,805.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris to Château de Chambord & Château d’Amboise
We collect you from your independently booked hotel in Paris city centre or the suburbs, or from the airport or railway station. We then travel about 180 km on the motorway in a comfortable, air–conditioned Mercedes minivan – roughly 2.5 hours – as our guide shares background on French history and the Loire Valley châteaux.
At around 10:00 we arrive at the Château de Chambord, where our guide outlines its history and construction. Built between 1519 and 1547 under Francis I, Chambord is the largest château in the Loire, with 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases, including the celebrated double–spiral staircase that may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Next, we visit a long–established family winery for a guided tasting of at least seven local wines, with an introduction to traditional winemaking.
We continue to Amboise at around 13:30 and you have free time for lunch – there are many restaurants and cafés, and we can help with a table reservation if you wish.
Later, we enjoy skip–the–line entry to the Château d’Amboise with a guide and Histopad. Once the 15th–century residence of King Charles VIII, it illustrates the shift from Gothic to Renaissance style. We visit the chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried and trace the château’s royal history.
Our final stop is Clos Lucé with the Parc Leonardo da Vinci, where Leonardo spent the last three years of his life and which was listed among Time magazine’s 100 extraordinary destinations to explore in 2021. Afterwards, you have free time in Amboise, where you spend the night.
Day 2 - Château de Chenonceau, Château de Chaumont‑sur‑Loire & Blois
We depart from your hotel in Amboise for the Château de Chenonceau – a drive of around 30 minutes. We explore this celebrated “ladies’ castle”, noted for its Renaissance arches over the River Cher and its connection to Catherine de Medici, and we allow time to wander the grounds and take photos.
At around 11:00, we continue to the Château de Chaumont–sur–Loire to visit this historic site, founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 15th by Charles I d’Amboise, later protected as a monument historique. In 1559, Catherine de Medici exchanged Chenonceau with Diane de Poitiers for Chaumont, where Diane spent her final years.
Our final stop is Blois. You have free time for lunch in the city – we can reserve a table on request – before we visit the Royal Château of Blois. We then return to Paris, arriving at approximately 20:00 for drop off at your hotel.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
'Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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