ITINERARY
Based on our guests' favourite visits over recent years, our classic Loire Valley tour lets you experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the region. The itinerary is as follows:
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Day 1
If you are arriving by train, we collect you from Port Boulet - our local station - in the afternoon. After settling you into your accommodation, we will share a drink to chat about the next few days before you head out to a local restaurant for your first Loire Valley dinner.
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Day 2
After breakfast, we will head for Langeais. The medieval chateau here is richly furnished and still has a working drawbridge. After your visit, we'll travel on to Amboise where you will have time for lunch and to explore the town. We'll finish your day at Chateau Chenonceau, built over the river Cher and known as the ladies chateau.
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Day 3
This morning we’ll visit a troglodyte village where we will take you on a private guided tour for you to learn the fascinating history of cave-dwellers in the Loire Valley. Then we'll travel to Azay le Rideau; here you'll have time to enjoy lunch andvisit the newly renovated chateau. To finish the day, you'll visit Villandry - famous for its magnificent gardens.
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Day 4
Today we'll start at a local weekly market; browse the stalls for delicious local produce and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this traditional Loire Valley event. Then to the medieval town of Chinon - you'll explore the town and the fortress, which Joan of Arc visited in 1429. After lunch we'll take you on a private winery visit, then we'll end the day with a tour of Candes St Martin, one of the prettiest villages in France.
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Day 5
This morning's first stop is Fontevraud l'Abbaye where will visit the Abbey - the final resting place of Richard the Lionheart - and centuries of history. Then we'll move onto Saumur, where you will have time to explore the town and have lunch. After lunch we'll visit Maison Combier, the oldest working distillery in the Loire Valley. To round off the day, we will take you on a private tour to see the production of Loire Valley sparkling wine and also a tasting.
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Day 6 - departure after breakfast with transportation (if required) to Port Boulet station for your onward journey.
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The itinerary may change slightly to the above depending on the time of year of your visit and the days of your tour – for example we will visit the market on the days they take place locally!
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If your holiday plans mean you don't have time to enjoy the full Loire Valley tour, check out our short tour options. Or if you have special interests and would like to alter the itinerary, our tailor-made tours could be right for you.