Set out on a captivating journey through the enchanting Loire Valley, where history and oenology converge. Explore the stunning Château d’Amboise, the final resting place of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci, before indulging in a delightful 3-course lunch in a charming cave house. The highlight of the day, however, is the wine tasting at a renowned Chinon winery, where you’ll sample a variety of exquisite vintages and learn the intricacies of the winemaking process from an expert guide. This immersive experience promises to ignite your senses and leave you yearning for more.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Paris includes a visit to Château d’Amboise, the burial site of Leonardo da Vinci, and a wine tasting at a renowned Chinon winery.
- The tour features an immersive 1-hour audioguide experience at Château d’Amboise, exploring its gardens, chapel, and breathtaking views of the Loire River.
- Participants will enjoy a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant in an ancient cave house, paired with a welcome glass of Montlouis sparkling wine.
- The small-group tour (up to 6 participants) ensures a personalized experience, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris included.
- The tour is rated 5.0 across 8 reviews, highlighting the knowledgeable guides, excellent food and wine, and overall culture in the picturesque Loire Valley.
Tour Overview
This full-day wine tour from Paris to the Loire Valley typically includes a visit to Ch??teau d’Amboise, the burial site of Leonardo da Vinci.
It’s a small-group tour limited to six participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, although there may be changes during the 2024 Olympics from July 18-26.
Prices start at €399 and vary based on group size.
The tour provides an in-depth look at the historic significance of Ch??teau d’Amboise, with a 1-hour audioguide tour exploring the gardens and chapel.
Lunch is a 3-course regional feast in a local cave house, paired with a welcome glass of Montlouis sparkling wine.
After lunch, the group visits a Chinon winery to sample six wines.
Château D’amboise Exploration
The tour begins with an immersive 1-hour audioguide experience exploring Château d’Amboise, the historic and picturesque castle that served as a gathering place for artists and philosophers.
Visitors will wander the chateau’s gardens and chapel, learning about its fascinating history. The audioguide provides engaging commentary, bringing the castle’s past to life.
Highlights include the grand Royal Logis and the Chapelle Saint-Hubert, where the legendary Leonardo da Vinci is buried.
After the tour, guests can soak in the breathtaking views overlooking the Loire River.
This in-depth introduction to the chateau sets the stage for the upcoming wine tasting and regional lunch experience.
Lunch Experience
After the tour of Château d’Amboise, the tour group enjoys a 3-course meal at a local restaurant located in an ancient mountain cave house. The meal features regional specialties, which the group washes down with a welcome glass of Montlouis sparkling wine. The rustic cave setting provides a unique ambiance as your indulge in the following dishes:
| Course | Menu Item |
|---|---|
| Starter | Mushroom Soup |
| Main | Beef Bourguignon |
| Dessert | Crème Brûlée |
This relaxed lunch gives the group a chance to savor the flavors of the Loire Valley and refuel before their next stop – a wine tasting at a renowned Chinon winery.
Wine Tasting
Following the satisfying lunch, the tour group heads to a renowned Chinon winery for a wine tasting experience.
The expert guide leads them through a tour of the 2.5-acre estate, sharing insights into the winemaking process. Participants then sample six different wines, including a rosé, a white, and four reds.
They learn to appreciate the unique flavors and aromas of each varietal, as the guide provides tasting notes and food pairing suggestions. The relaxed and informative session allows everyone to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Loire Valley’s renowned wines.
With the scenic drive and delightful lunch earlier, the wine tasting completes a well-rounded day of culture in this picturesque region.
Transportation Details
For the comfort of participants, the tour transports them in an air-conditioned mini-van.
Pickup locations include a centralized spot during the Olympic events, and the return transport conveniently delivers guests back to their hotels in Paris.
The small group size ensures a personalized experience throughout the day.
Travelers don’t have to worry about navigating the Loire Valley on their own, as the tour handles all the transportation details.
Whether it’s getting to the first stop at Château d’Amboise or the winery in Chinon, the air-conditioned vehicle provides a relaxing way to take in the scenic countryside views between activities.
Important Information
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and non-alcoholic grape juices are available for those under 18. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour offers several benefits for participants:
- Personalized experience with a small group of up to six people
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, with changes during the Olympics (July 18-26, 2024)
- Guided tours of Château d’Amboise and a local winery
- Opportunity to sample a variety of regional wines, including rosé, white, and red
- Delicious 3-course lunch featuring local specialties and a welcome glass of sparkling wine
Reviews and Feedback
The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a perfect 5.0 rating across 8 reviews. Travelers repeatedly praised the knowledgeable guides who led the experience at a relaxed pace, allowing them to fully enjoy the beauty of the Loire Valley. The excellent food, wine, and scenic drives were highlights, with one reviewer noting the "perfect blend of history, culture, and oenology." Participants also appreciated the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, making for a seamless and enjoyable day trip from Paris.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Guides | Knowledgeable |
| Pace | Relaxed |
| Food & Wine | Excellent |
| Convenience | Appreciated |
Booking and Pricing
Priced from €399.00, the wine tasting tour in the Loire Valley accommodates groups of varying sizes, with the per-person cost decreasing as the group expands.
The tour can be booked for as few as two participants or up to six, allowing for a more personalized experience.
Booking the tour is easy, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price.
Payment can be made securely online, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a small group, this Loire Valley adventure offers an exceptional value for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
- Priced from €399.00 for small groups
- Accommodates 2-6 participants
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off
- Secure online booking
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Wine on the Tour?
No, bringing your own wine is not permitted on this tour. The tour includes wine tastings at a local winery, so you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of regional wines during the experience.
Are the Wines Samples Available for Purchase?
The wines sampled during the tour are available for purchase. Participants can buy bottles of their favorite wines from the Chinon winery to take home and enjoy after the tour.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a casual, relaxed dress code. Guests should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes suitable for exploring the chateau and winery. There’s no need for formal or fancy attire on this wine tasting tour.
Can I Extend My Stay in the Loire Valley?
Yes, you can extend your stay in the Loire Valley. The tour providers offer flexible arrangements to accommodate additional time in the region, allowing you to further explore the castles, wineries, and charming towns at your own pace.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included?
The tour price includes pickup, transportation, guided visits, tastings, and meals. There are no additional fees or taxes to worry about. Any extra services, like extended stays, would incur additional costs not covered by the tour price.
Recap
Enjoy the captivating Loire Valley, where history and wine converge.
Explore the majestic Château d’Amboise, savor a delectable 3-course lunch, and indulge in a guided wine tasting at a renowned Chinon winery.
This enchanting experience offers a delightful taste of the region’s rich culture and renowned vintages.
