-min.jpg&w=0&h=0 "Chateau Clos Luce Amboise")
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting Loire Valley, a region renowned for its stunning châteaux and lush gardens. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, starting with a scenic Eurostar and TGV journey from London to the heart of France. Stay at the elegant Grand Hotel de Tours and explore the medieval city of Tours with a guided walking tour. Discover the architectural marvels of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Villandry, each with its own unique charm. Visit the historic towns of Amboise and Saumur, where you'll enjoy a sparkling wine tasting. Marvel at the grandeur of Fontevraud Abbey and the picturesque Château Azay Le Rideau. With a dedicated tour manager and comfortable coach travel, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in one of France's most beautiful regions. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and onwards to St Pierre des Corps by TGV.
Location: Paris, St Pierre des Corps
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel de Tours
On arrival, transfer by coach to the Grand Hotel de Tours. Evening welcome drink at the hotel.
Day 2:Morning guided walking tour of Tours.
Location: Tours
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel de Tours
Meals Included: Breakfast
Riverside Tours is the regional capital of the Loire and a beautiful medieval city. Our guided walking tour will take in most of the main sights including the heart of the city, the Place Plumereau, Romanesque Tour Charlemagne and Cathédrale St-Gatien. A free afternoon might include a visit to the Musées des Beaux Arts or Compagnonnage or the Hotel Goulin, the finest Renaissance building in the city.
Day 3:Full day tour to the Chateau de Chambord and Blois.
Location: Chateau de Chambord, Blois
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel de Tours
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Loire’s largest building, Chambord’s design was probably initiated by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1537 and was the brainchild of the extravagant Francois I who suggested diverting the River Loire to flow directly in front of his chateau. This 440-room edifice was finally completed by Louis XIV in 1685. The lovely riverside town of Blois is dominated by its chateau, which was the primary royal residence until Henri IV moved the court to Paris in 1598. It is renowned for its extravagant staircase, dating back to 1515 and a masterpiece of French Reniassance design.
Day 4:Full day tour to Fontevraud Abbey and Saumur with afternoon tasting of sparkling wine.
Location: Fontevraud Abbey, Saumur
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel de Tours
Meals Included: Breakfast
Founded in 1101, the Abbaye de Fontevraud is a remarkable self-contained complex of ecclesiastical buildings that include amazing Romanesque kitchens, beautiful cloisters, superb paintings and effigies and a grand refectory. The charming small town of Saumur, famed for its sparkling wines, is great for exploring on foot. Highlights here include its storybook chateau, dating from the 14th century, Eglise St-Pierre, Gothic town hall and atmospheric old town. We will enjoy a tasting of its famous sparkling wine whilst here and learn about its production.
Day 5:Full day tour to Chateau de Chenonceau and Amboise
Location: Chateau de Chenonceau, Amboise
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel de Tours
Meals Included: Breakfast
. Perhaps the most distinctive of all the Loire chateaux, Chenonceau extends over the River Cher with a 60-metre gallery, whose elegant proportions are reflected in the languid water. Described by Flaubert as “floating on air and water,” it was built as a romantic pleasure palace by a series of aristocratic women and boasts formal gardens and grandiose interiors as well as beautifully proportioned and elegant architectural features. The town of Amboise not only boasts a royal chateau but is also where Leonardo da Vinci lived from 1516 until his death in 1519. We will visit the Chateau d'Amboise where d a Vinci's tomb is preserved in the chateau's chapel. The chateau also offers spectacular views of the Loire landscape from its balconies, roof and terraced gardens.
Day 6:Full day tour to Chateau de Villandry and Chateau Azay Le Rideau.
Location: Chateau de Villandry, Chateau Azay Le Rideau
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel de Tours
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Chateau de Villandry is an elegant chateau that boasts superb gardens that include the world’s largest ornamental kitchen garden, where flowers and vegetables are grown in strictly geometric patterns, herb garden and the stunning Garden of Love that depicts four types of love: tragic, adulterous, tender and passionate. This afternoon we will visit the Chateau Azay Le Rideau, built on an island in the Indre River under the patronage of King Francis the First. A subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian décor, it is an icon of the new art of building in the Loire Valley in the 16 th century.
Day 7:
Location: St Pierre des Corps, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer by coach to St Pierre des Corps Station to catch the return TGV to Paris. At Paris, board the return Eurostar to St Pancras.
What's Included
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Return Eurostar and TGV from St Pancras to St Pierre des Corps via Paris
This tour includes return travel on the Eurostar and TGV from St Pancras to St Pierre des Corps via Paris.
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Welcome drink at the hotel
A welcome drink will be provided at the hotel upon arrival.
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Full coach touring as detailed in the itinerary conducted by tour manager
Full coach touring as detailed in the itinerary will be conducted by a tour manager.
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Tour manager throughout
A tour manager will be available throughout the duration of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Double for sole use supplement
The supplement for double room for sole use is not included.
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Standard Premier/1st Class upgrade on Eurostar/TGV
Upgrades to Standard Premier/1st Class on Eurostar/TGV are not included.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those specifically stated in the itinerary are not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and continue to St Pierre des Corps by TGV. The tour includes full coach touring as per the itinerary, conducted by a tour manager, with a return TGV to Paris and Eurostar back to St Pancras.
Accommodation
The four-star Mercure Blois Centre Hotel is centrally located in Blois, ideal for exploring the Loire Valley. It features a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, and well-appointed bedrooms with modern amenities such as private bath/shower, TV, hairdryer, air-conditioning, and wifi.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Loire Valley Tour?
The tour includes six nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Grand Hotel de Tours, based on shared occupancy of a twin room. The hotel offers modern amenities including private bath/shower, TV, hairdryer, air-conditioning, and wifi.
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Is there a tour manager available throughout the Loire Valley Tour?
Yes, a tour manager will be available throughout the duration of the tour to conduct full coach touring as detailed in the itinerary.
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What is included in the transportation for the Loire Valley Tour?
Transportation includes travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and onwards to St Pierre des Corps by TGV. There is also full coach touring as detailed in the itinerary, and a return TGV to Paris followed by Eurostar back to St Pancras.
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Will there be any wine tasting during the tour?
Yes, there will be an afternoon tasting of sparkling wine during the full day tour to Fontevraud Abbey and Saumur.
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What are some of the highlights of the guided walking tour in Tours?
The guided walking tour in Tours will include visits to the Place Plumereau, Romanesque Tour Charlemagne, and Cathédrale St-Gatien. There is also an opportunity to visit the Musées des Beaux Arts or Compagnonnage or the Hotel Goulin in the free afternoon.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Loire Valley by Rail Tour
7 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Paris, St Pierre des Corps, Tours, Chateau de Chambord, Blois, Fontevraud Abbey, Saumur, Chateau de Chenonceau, Amboise, Chateau de Villandry, Chateau Azay Le Rideau ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 35
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
