This tour offers a multi-day discovery of historic churches and half a dozen chateaus across the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley with a licensed and experienced driver-guide. On the first day of this private tour, guests will meet their guide at the hotel and drive to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres, a fine example of French Gothic art that is more than 800 years old. Next, they will enjoy a guided exploration of the impressive Chateau Chambord and Chateau de Blois, two of the Loire Valley’s finest chateaus. These excellent examples of French Renaissance architecture sit surrounded by beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, they can continue their exploration at the idyllic medieval town of Amboise. The second day begins at the stately Chateau de Villandry, known for its impeccable gardens. Guests will then enjoy a private tour of the 12th-century Fontevraud Abbey, the final resting place of Richard the Lionheart. This monastery is also one of the few that housed both nuns and priests. The morning of the last day will be devoted to two more private guided tours of splendid chateaus. The cliffside Chateau d’Amboise was once a preferred royal residence and sits overlooking the Loire River. Adjacent to it lies the Chateau du Clos Luce, where the multi-faceted Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked during the final years of his life. Afterwards, guests will also visit the 16th-century Chateau de Chenonceau set along the river Cher. At the end of the tour, they will be dropped off at their hotel or at a previously agreed upon location.

Duration:
3 days

Start Time:
7am

Inclusions:
Transportation, sights as listed in the description, and fully licensed English-speaking driver-guide. This is subject to change depending on the day of the tour.

Exclusions:
Accommodation, meals, entrance fees, wine tastings, and gratuities.

Meeting point:
Hotel lobby upon prior arrangement

Ending point:
Hotel or location agreed upon with the driver

Important Information:
– This tour is provided on a reserved basis prior to departure.
– Customized itinerary can be discussed with the guide.
– Photo stops and breaks are at guests’ convenience.
– During the winter months, castles that are closed for the season will be replaced by those that are open.