Day One
7:00 am
Departure from Paris Direct pickup from your hotel or accommodation anywhere in Paris. Coffee and croissants stop on the way.
Château Chambord
Architectural Masterpiece Chambord is a radically unique work and one of the jewels of human heritage. Discover extraordinary architecture imagined by King Francis I and imbued with the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci. Chambord is perhaps the architectural equivalent of the Mona Lisa in painting.
Château Chenonceau
Renaissance Masterpiece A guided tour of this iconic château defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, and restored it. View an extraordinary collection of furniture, tapestries, and paintings. The Flower Garden is an unmissable highlight.
Lunch
Traditional Loire Lunch Traditional regional lunch or sandwiches in the van (decided on the day together).
Château Amboise
Royal Residence This royal château expresses French-style luxury. From its balconies, roofs, and terraced gardens, enjoy panoramic Loire Valley views that kings once savored. Leonardo da Vinci's tomb is preserved here.
Vouvray Vineyards
Wine Tasting The Vouvray appellation stretches across 8 villages east of Tours. The majestic Loire River acts as a natural temperature regulator. Vouvray produces around 110,000 hectoliters annually (60% sparkling, 40% still wines) from 180 wine growers.
Scenic Stops
Loire Valley Countryside Multiple short stops while driving through picturesque Loire Valley villages. Sightseeing, panoramic views, and historical stories shared by your expert guide.
~5:00 pm
Fontevraud Abbey Arrive at your overnight accommodation: the Royal Fontevraud Abbey, dating back to 1101. Part of the abbey is converted into a luxury hotel with a gastronomic restaurant. As a guest, you can visit and walk the old corridors of the abbey anytime during the day and night.
Day Two
Morning
Château de Brézé & Wine Tasting Considered one of the most intriguing castles of the Loire, partly due to its underground fortress and village cut directly into chalky stone. Discover the castle's history and understand the bond French kings had with it. Enjoy a wine tasting of wines produced on the premises.
Saumur
Scenic Riverside Town Saumur is a very scenic place with its magnificent turreted château overlooking the Loire Valley. The third most extensive winegrowing region of France, Anjou has nearly 20,000 hectares of vines with 32 appellations including Saumur Champigny and Cabernet d'Anjou. Optional: visit the Tank Museum with its impressive collection including a working German King Tiger Tank.
Lunch
Traditional Lunch Traditional lunch at Villandry Castle (cooking from its own garden produce) or sandwiches in the van (decided on the day).
Château Azay-le-Rideau
Island Château The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was built on an island in the Indre River under King Francis I's patronage. A subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian décor, it is an icon of 16th-century Loire Valley architecture.
Optional Activities
Flexible Itinerary Visit other castles or interesting activities in the region depending on your interests and available time. Options can be decided on the day after discussing with your guide.
~4:30 pm
Return to Paris Direct drop-off at your Paris accommodation. Arrival 7–8 pm depending on traffic. Refreshment stop on the way back.
