A self-driven tour from Paris to the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, A comfortable automatic SUV, Suggestions, Guided small-group day-tour of Loire Valley Chateaus (Chambord, Chenonceau and the Caves Ambacia wine tasting), Entrance tickets for Chaumont sur Loire Chateau & International Gardens Festival, Royal Chateau of Amboise, The Clos Lucé, Guided walking-tour in Bordeaux, Grand cru tour and fine wine tasting in Saint Emilion, three nights in a charming guest house in Chaumont-sur-Loire and three nights in a 4* hotel in Bordeaux - with breakfasts.

Itinerary

Day 1: Paris, then on the road to the Loire Valley

A car for 7-days to be picked-up at the rental agency in Paris

Hit the french roads in a comfortable Nissan automatic SUV (or similar) with A/C and GPS included!

Welcome to the Loire Valley!

The Loire Valley has the undisputed reputation of containing the most beautiful of the French castles: Chenonceau, Chambord and Azay le Rideau among them. While here, too, it only makes sense to take time to experience its other great aspects, such as the "terroir" of the Loire: the local wines (Vouvray or Chinon) and  cheeses (Sainte Maure de Touraine or Selles sur Cher).

Check in at La Jacquière, the charming guest house in Chaumont-sur-Loire for three nights with breakfasts and parking included.

Visit of Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire, Chateau & International Gardens Festival.

Since 1992, the International Garden Festival has provided a unique panorama of landscape design from all over the world. Both a source of ideas and a nursery for talent, the Festival gives an extra boost to the artform of The Garden and gains the interest of both the public and those in the profession. 

Day 2: A small-group guided day-tour of the Loire Valley castles.

Pick-up is at 9:30 AM at the Amboise Tourist Office.

Guided Tour of the Chateau of Chenonceau

The unique architecture of the Chateau of Chenonceau makes it one of the most exquisite chateaus in the Loire Valley. Nicknamed "The Ladies Chateau", the castle of  is associated with prominent French women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. The magnificent Renaissance Gardens around it make it even more spectacular.

Transport to Amboise for lunch, preceded by...

Les Caves Ambacia, the Loire Valley Wine Experience!

A sensorial visit and "Vintages Odyssey" followed by a guided wine tasting with a sommelier (extra cost for additional wines).

Lunch at your leisure in Amboise...

Transport to Chambord.

Guided tour of the Chateau of Chambord

A drive to the Estate of Chambord, a national game preserve - as large as the city of Paris! The Chateau de Chambord (guided tour) is itself a unique monument due to its architecture and proportions. Leonardo da Vinci very likely took part in the conception of the project. With more than 400 rooms and its double-spiral staircase, the Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley.

Drop-off is at 6:00 PM at the Amboise Tourist Office.

Hot-Air Balloon flight (optional)

Have you ever dreamed of Jules Verne’s adventures ?

We offer an unforgettable experience to discover the Loire Valley and its Chateaus, getting a bird’s eye view on board a modern version of the Montgolfier Brothers’ invention. The departure of the balloon takes place at either sunrise or sunset. 

The take-off point is chosen by the pilots according to the wind direction that day -  be it Chaumont sur Loire, Amboise or Chenonceaux.

Passengers are encouraged to participate in the hot-air balloon's set-up. A safety briefing with the pilots follows. Then take off for a flight of about 60 to 90 minutes.  Very special moments guaranteed!

Our hot-air balloon flights over the Loire Valley Chateaux are 100% refundable in case of bad weather conditions. From November to March a supplement may apply depending on the number of passengers booked. 

Day 3: A day to wander in Amboise

Visit of Royal Chateau of Amboise

The Royal Chateau of Amboise introduced Italian style to the Loire Valley. It was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Residence of Kings Charles VIII and François I, it offers breathtaking views of the Loire river. In its splendid gardens the gothic chapel shelters the grave of Leonardo da Vinci.

Visit of Clos Luce, Leonardo da Vinci's last residence

The residence where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. King François I invited him and made him his First Architect and Engineer. The end of the visit features Leonardo’s greatest inventions such as the helicopter and the tank.

Day 4: The lovely drive to Bordeaux.

Check-out and depart for Bordeaux.

Welcome to Bordeaux!

Bordeaux, a city renowned for so many good things: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's described as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble”. It is also classified as a “City of Art and History”, and last but not least, the Wine Capitol of the World!

Check in at the Hotel Majestic**** in Bordeaux for three nights - with breakfasts and parking.

Day 5: A day at leisure to enjoy Bordeaux

A guided walking-tour in Bordeaux

Enjoy your day with a walking-tour of the city. We suggest you visit Place de la Bourse, Cathédrale Saint-André, La Cité du vin, Museum of Aquitaine... You will love it! 

Day 6: A day at your leisure to discover Saint Emilion

Suggestion:

Discover Saint Emilion with its Underground Church, Les Cordeliers, La tour du Roy, and tasting rooms! Don't miss it!

Grand cru tour and fine wine tasting in Saint Emilion

Day 7: Check-out and departure for Bordeaux

Check-out is after the fine breakfast.

Departure, then drop-off the car at the rental agency in Bordeaux - Saint Jean train station.

Accommodations

Loire Valley: La Jacquière, a charming guest house in Chaumont-sur-Loire for three nights

Come live the history of France, discover the architecture of the 400 castles of the Region, and the gastronomy and wines of the Loire. Located in a quiet area very close to the city centre and the entrance of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, this guest house offers a variety of rooms for two, three or four people.

Bordeaux: Hotel Majestic**** in Bordeaux for three nights.

The Hotel Majestic welcomes you in an XVIII-century building, sitting between the Grand Theatre and the Place des Quinconces.

This package includes

Please note that this package is based on a double occupancy room

• Three nights in a charming guest house in Chaumont-sur-Loire - breakfasts and parking included
• Three nights in a 4* hotel in Bordeaux - breakfasts and parking included
• A comfortable automatic SUV - with A/C and GPS included
• A guided small-group day-tour of Loire Valley chateaus (Chambord, Chenonceau & Caves Ambacia tour & wine tasting)
• Entrance ticket for the Chaumont sur Loire Chateau & International Gardens Festival, Royal Chateau of Amboise and The Clos Lucé
• A guided walking-tour in Bordeaux
• The Grand Cru tour and fine wine tasting in Saint Emilion

This package does not include

• A ticket for the Hot-Air Balloon Tour (235 Euros per person)
• Other meals and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Other visits not listed
• Guide appreciation gratuity
  

Additional information

• Providers are subject to change according to their availability at the time of reservation. Should this arise, we will offer you a parallel alternative at the same high standard.