Wonderful Escape to the Loire Valley - French Side Travel

Wonderful Escape to the Loire Valley

5 Days | History & Culture, Honeymoons & Romance

Luxury Tour: Châteaux, Gourmet, and Hot Air Balloon

Excellence| From $8,899 pp

This luxury tour of the Loire Valley mixes the must-sees with gourmet stops. Visit the unmissable Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. Visit the royal town of Amboise. Enjoy a horseback ride and a candlelight meal. The trips highlights, a hot air balloon ride. Seeing the "Valley of Kings" from a different perspective makes for an unforgettable experience.

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Day 1: Loire Valley

Private transfer to your hotel

A private driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a luxury vehicle.

Arrival at your accommodation

After the check-in, you will have the rest of the day to visit the surroundings.

front of chambord castle loire chateaux tours

Day 2: Chenonceau - Amboise

Full-Day Private Driving Tour to Château de Chenonceau, city of Amboise with a wine-tasting

Experience the Chenonceau and Amboise area with a driver-guide in a luxury vehicle.

Your first stop is for a guided visit to Chenonceau. The château’s unique architecture makes it one of the Loire Valley’s most memorable castles and one of France’s most-visited sites. It spans the Cher River and is nicknamed the Château des Dames or the Women’s Castle for two powerful women who once lived there, Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers. The magnificent Renaissance gardens are not to be missed.

You continue your journey in the royal town of Amboise, nestled along the banks of the Loire River. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming streets and take time for lunch at your own pace.

The day’s final stop is at a winery to sample some wines.

Day 3: Huisseau-sur-Cosson - Chambord

Driver at disposal for the day (8H)

Private tour of Chateau des Grotteaux

In the park, on the right bank of the Cosson River, the presence of the Grotteaux menhir bears witness to a very ancient human presence. The current château was built in 1620 by Guillaume Ribier on even older foundations, as evidenced by the beautiful vaulted cellars.

Located in the heart of a prestigious wine region, this hidden gem of Sologne welcomes you for an exclusive private tour. Accompanied by the owner, you will dive into the fascinating history of the estate and uncover the best-kept secrets of the Loire Valley.

You will explore the listed English-style park, the château’s fully furnished rooms, as well as its secret passageways. The tour will end in style with a glass of champagne.

Bike through the domain of Chambord

Private guided visit of Chateau de Chambord after the opening hours with access behind closed doors

Chambord is the major castle in the Loire Valley and one of the most visited monuments in France. It was constructed as a hunting quarter for King Francis I and is enclosed by a vast territory with forests and fields. The pomp of the castle is spectacular, made in the Gothic style, and the interior is decorated in the style of the Early Italian Renaissance.

In this private tour, your guide will highlight the history of the château during the 16th century, allowing you to perceive the scope and significance of this architecturally extravagant monument symbolizing royal power and glory. The tour includes the discovery of the monarchical lodgings of François I and allows you the privilege of ascending and descending concealed staircases providing access to areas usually closed to visitors (lofts and mezzanine).

The exceptional interlude is prolonged with a glass of champagne served at the end of the visit.

Day 4: Amboise - Rochecorbon

Private Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Châteaux

You will be picked up at your hotel early in the morning or the (late) afternoon to get you to the châteaux at sunrise or sundown. The time and location of takeoff depend upon wind conditions. You’ll get to see the crew prepare and inflate the balloon before taking off to enjoy the view over the Loire Valley. It makes for a magical experience that is simultaneously relaxing and exhilarating.

Start with a safety briefing before your one-hour flight. When you land, you can help the crew fold the balloon before a flight graduation ceremony with a glass of sparkling drink.

After the trip, you’ll be dropped back off at your hotel.

Enjoy a private visit and Vertical tasting in a reknown Domaine of Loire Valley

Explore and experience as you indulge yourself in a vertical tasting session in the troglodyte cellars in Rochecorbon.

You can try and sip on various types of classic wines like Réserve Privée Vigne Blanche, Vouvray Classic, Vouvray Grande Année, and the Vouvray collection of the 1950’s period. During your tasting session, you will be offered a regional gourmet platter made with cheeses and charcuterie.

100-year-old precious wines are also available that are carefully preserved and prepared with finesse and elegance.

Suggestion for the afternoon: Visit Amboise, the Royal City

An old, long stone bridge overlooking the romantic Loire River leads into the idyllic royal city of Amboise.

Elegant Amboise, the childhood home of Charles VIII and final resting place of the incomparable Leonardo da Vinci, is gorgeously situated on the southern bank of the Loire, guarded by a soaring château.

Go for a stroll through Amboise or along the lovely riverbank after seeing the château. The town has well-preserved Renaissance architecture and half-timbered townhouses dating back to the 15th century. Amboise is also the location of Leonardo da Vinci’s last home, the Château du Clos Lucé.

You may want to take a relaxing break on one of the many café terraces and soak up the beauty or dine in a gastronomic restaurant.

The Farmers Markets offer a large choice of produce and local specialties.

Amboise is a convivial base for exploring the Loire countryside and nearby châteaux.

Castle in Loire Valley, France

Day 5: Paris

Private transferto the train station or the airport

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination in a luxury vehicle.

End of Our Service

Your journey with us has come to an end. We hope to see you soon!

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About this Trip

    • Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
    • This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
    • Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

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Unique Experiences | Private Transportation (luxury vehicles) | Private Tours | Top Licensed Guides | Meet & Greet | Fine Dining | Luxury 5* Accommodation (hotels, villa rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

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