Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 – Saumur

Board our private executive coach at your designated pick up points – take the cross Channel ferry from your preferred port – continue to the 3* Best Western Hotel Adagio in Saumur – dinner in the hotel.

Day 2 – Guided tour of Tours, Château de Saumur & wine tasting

Guided tour of the medieval quarter of Tours, a showcase of Gothic architecture including the stunning Cathedral St-Gatien – continue to Château de Saumur, built during the 14th century for the Ducs d’Anjou – tour and tasting at the nearby Gratien & Meyer Wine Cellars.

Day 3 – Châteaux d’Amboise & de Chenonceau

The impressive Renaissance Château d’Amboise houses the Chapel St Hubert, resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, and the Clos Luce where Da Vinci spent the last four years of his life – Château de Chenonceau is perhaps the most elegant of all châteaux in the Loire Valley and renowned for the arches that carry it across the water.

Day 4 – Abbaye de Fontevraud & Château de Villandry

Abbaye de Fontevraud is the 12th century resting place of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lion Heart – visit Château de Villandry with its famous 16th century three tiered gardens comprising a pond, and decorative and kitchen gardens.

Day 5 – Angers, Château d’Angers & Musée des Beaux Arts

Visit Angers, the capital from which Plantagenet kings ruled England and half of France – guided tour of Château d’Angers, dating back to 1230 and home to the largest known medieval tapestry, the Apocalypse Tapestry – guided tour of the Musée des Beaux Arts d’Angers, housed inside the beautiful late 15th century Logis Barrault, the house of the King's Treasurer Olivier Barrault.

Day 6 – Monet’s Garden

Depending on the location of your preferred port, visit Monet’s Garden at Giverny where Monet came repeatedly through his life, letting his imagination rove amid the complex interplay of light and water to paint his magnificent Waterlillies series – continue for our Channel crossing back to the UK and then return to our original departure points with comfort stops en route.

Tour Features

All excursions & guided tours included

Welcome dinner

Professional local guide in France

Executive coach throughout

Return Channel ferry crossings

One free place per 10 paying passengers

Saumur

Tours - guided tour

Château de Saumur

Gratien & Meyer wine cellars

Château d’Amboise

Château de Chenonceau

Abbaye de Fontevraud

Château de Villandry

Angers 

Château d’Angers - guided tour

Musée des Beaux Arts d'Angers - guided tour

Monet’s Garden at Giverny

Hotel

Five nights at the 3* Best Western Hotel Adagio in Saumur. Situated on a delightful island on the Loire, facilities include a bar and all rooms are en suite. Dinner is included the first night and the remaining nights are on bed and breakfast basis.

Tailor-make this tour

TAILOR MAKE YOUR GROUP TOUR

Here are some more suggested places of interest:

  • Château Brissac - acquired in 1502 by René de Cossé, first Lord of Brissac, and still the residence of the 13th Duke of Brissac, offers walks under imposing century old trees, along the riverbanks of the Aubance
  • Château d’Azay-le-Rideau - one of the earliest of the Italianate style Renaissance châteaux of the Loire
  • La Cave aux Sculptures - Protestant stonemasons in the 16th century Wars of Religion carved more than 400 figures into the walls, floors and ceilings
  • Château du Plessis-Bourre - unaltered since 1468, the château was built by Jean Bourre, a friend and treasurer to Louis XI and Charles VIII

Tour Reviews

Reviews for Châteaux of the Loire Valley

We are all back safe and sound from our tour to the Loire Valley. It was a great success and all went very smoothly. The mix of visits was just right. Terence was delightful. An experienced and knowledgeable tour manager. Everyone who went on the trip has been buzzing with how much they enjoyed it. A great success. Many thanks.

GL-W, Shanklin May 2019

Call us on
020 7064 4970
to tailor this tour
for your group

Tailor make your group tour

Remember this itinerary is just our suggestion. Tailor make this tour exclusively for your group to suit your members’ budget or preferences. You could:

  • travel by Eurostar to Paris and then by coach to Tours
  • stay at a 4* hotel
  • on half board basis throughout
  • with fewer or different excursions
  • for more (or fewer) days
  • include different excursions – see ‘Tailor-make this tour’ tab for suggestions
  • bring a specialist lecturer
  • include all entrance fees & gratuities

Call us on
020 7064 4970
to tailor make the perfect tour
for your group