Loire Valley Tour Itinerary : 6 Day Tour

Best Adventures in Loire Valley

Detailed Day-by-Day Loire Valley Tour Itinerary

Loire Valley Tour Itinerary 6-DAY Outline followed by complete day-by-day details…

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DAY 1 – Tour Begins, 5 Nights Accommodations at friends Guillaume & Julia’s Hotel (NO Hotel Hopping – Unpack once for the entire tour); welcome cocktail as we float down the Loire River on a Traditional “Toue”, a historic boat used for river transport in the Loire Valley, with friend Aurelien, Privately Hosted dinner on a Private Island on the Loire River – D

DAY 2 – Immerse yourself in the unique charm of Chenonceau Castle, followed by a Culinary Experience and Foodie Tasting in friend Chef Damien’s professional kitchen. Enjoy a “Tour de France” Wine & Cheese Tasting, and a delightful Dinner Together – B, D

DAY 3 – Chambord Castle, Late afternoon in Amboise Village, Clos Luce & Da Vinci, Hosted Gourmet Picnic by local Friends both renowned Chefs – B, D

DAY 4 – VIP Winery Tour, Tasting & Discovery at Friends Louisa and Fred’s Winery & Family Home, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, Privately Hosted Lunch at Home, Royal Amboise Castle & Gardens – B, L

DAY 5 – Explore the Royal Blois Castle & Town, and then experience the warmth of a home-cooked meal with Family Friends, “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” Chef Christophe & Angelique. We conclude the tour with a Farewell Dinner at Our Chefs’ Family Home – B, D

DAY 6 – Tour Concludes – B

Day 1 – LOIRE VALLEY TOUR ITINERARY BEGINS – D

• Loire Valley Tour begins – Meet & Greet at St. Pierre des Corps TGV rail station, Tours, France at 2 pm.
• Transfer to Hotel for Check-in for 5 nights.
• Evening Loire Valley River Float with Friend, Aurelien
• Welcome Cocktail & Orientation as we float down the river
• Privately hosted dinner on a private island on the Loire River
• Dinner is Included Today

TOUR BEGINS: Group transfer at 2 pm from St. Pierre des Corps TGV rail station, Tours, France, to the hotel in Amboise.

Check-in at our 4-star Hotel in historic Amboise, for the 6 day/5 night – Loire Valley France Tour Itinerary – (NO HOTEL HOPPING – We Stay in 1 Boutique Hotel Owned by local friends, Guillaume and Julia, for the Entire Tour). This hotel is not just a place to stay, but a part of the local community. Travelers take a TGV (high-speed) train from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport rail station or Gare de Montparnasse rail station in downtown Paris to reach the Saint Pierre des Corps rail station.

LATE AFTERNOON:  Winding our way along the Loire River, our next stop is the port of Chaumont-sur-Loire, where we’ll meet up with local friend Aurelien along the banks of the Loire River. Aurelien welcomes us aboard his traditional wooden, flat-bottom boat, called a “toue,” a uniquely designed boat adapted to the river that has been used for centuries by the local fishermen. We’ll float down the Loire River, taking in the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and unparalleled views of the castles sprinkled along the river banks.

We’ll float peacefully along our route, enjoying a welcome “aperitif” and orientation to the week’s activities before arriving at a private island on the river for a magical, privately hosted dinner. Afterward, we’ll continue downriver, arriving in Amboise village with a breathtaking sunset view of the Royal Castle of Amboise, a sight that will surely leave you in awe.

DINNER:  Privately hosted dinner together this evening prepared by one of our favorite regional chefs on a private island on the Loire River.

Day 2 – Chenonceau Castle & Gardens, Cooking Class with Friend Damien, Wine & Cheese Tasting, Gourmet Dinner Together – B, D

• Morning: Tour of Chenonceau Castle & Gardens
• Afternoon: Cooking Class with Friend Michelin-star Chef Damien
• Evening: “Tour de France” Wine & Cheese Tasting
• Gourmet Cooking Class Dinner
• Breakfast & Dinner are Included Today

MORNING:  We depart to the Castle and Gardens of CHENONCEAU. A castle brought to life by women, this castle represents the most significant accomplishments of royal women during the French Renaissance. Enjoy little-known stories of the most powerful and influential women at the French court, racy stories of queens and their love affairs, royal seduction, secret world of favorites and mistresses, the first-ever fireworks display in France, extravagant parties and deception, and how royal debt led to the negotiation of a marriage to save the castle from being confiscated by the French state.

LUNCH:  Enjoy an independent lunch at a local restaurant in Amboise, known for its charming streets and delicious cuisine.

LATE AFTERNOON & DINNER: Get ready for a hands-on cooking class and demonstration with our friend, Michelin-star Chef Damien, in his professional kitchen. Damien’s experience has taken him on culinary adventures around the world. After traveling extensively, he returned to his native Loire Valley to share his culinary passion and knowledge. The cooking class is not just a demonstration, but a chance for you to get your hands dirty and discover some new recipes. No Experience Necessary!

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE – A “Tour de France” French wine and cheese tasting wraps up our cooking class experience. Embark on a sensory journey as we explore the rich history and production of cheese in France. We’ll taste a variety of cheeses, each with its own unique flavor profile, all accompanied by carefully selected regional wines. This is an experience that will surely pique your curiosity and delight your taste buds.

DINNER: Following class, we toast the evening with a cocktail, followed by a gourmet dinner and recipes prepared in class.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE – A “Tour de France” French wine and cheese tasting wraps up our cooking class experience. Learn details about the history and production of cheese in France. We’ll taste a variety of cheeses accompanied by regional wines.

DINNER: Following class, we toast the evening with a cocktail followed by a gourmet dinner together of recipes prepared in class.

Day 3 – Chambord Castle & Gardens, Amboise Village, Clos Luce, Gourmet Picnic – B, D

• MORNING: Chambord Castle
• LATE AFTERNOON: Enjoy Time back in Amboise to Visit Clos Luce, Former Home of Leonardo da Vinci
• Gourmet picnic prepared by two of the best loved Chefs of the region who I’m happy to call life long friends
• Breakfast and Dinner Included Today

BREAKFAST.

MORNING: We depart to  CHAMBORD Castle, a place steeped in history. You will be introduced to the fascinating past of Chambord Castle and the region as it existed during the reign and presence in the Loire of the House of Valois and early Bourbon kings.  We share stories about two of France’s most influential Kings, Francis I and Louis XIV, their royal lifestyles, contributions, and personal guests at the castle, as well as steamy stories of what went on in the personal lives of the kings, queens, and the French court behind closed doors.

LUNCH:  Independently at Chambord Castle.

Afternoon: FREE TIME on return to Amboise to explore and shop independently at the artisan boutiques, known for their unique handcrafted items and local specialties, such as French made scarves, jewely, handbags and more, and/or visit Le Clos Luce, the final home to Leonardo da Vinci, where you can see recreations of his inventions and the exquisite gardens.

DINNER:  Gourmet picnic dinner prepared by two of the region’s best-loved Chefs, whom I’m happy to call lifelong friends. The menu includes traditional French specialties, all prepared with the finest local ingredients. Christophe has been recommended by his world-renowned friend, French Chef Alain Ducasse. Christophe is also a “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” title holder, current V.P. of the competition, and Culinary coach to “Team France” for the 2025 Bocuse d’Or in which his team won 1st place.

Day 4 –Vip Winery Tour, Tasting & Discovery at Friends Fred & Louisa’s Winery, Privately Hosted Wine Tasting Lunch at Home, Royal Castle of Amboise – B, L

• MORNING: VIP Winery Tour & Tasting at Home with Fred & Louisa
• Privately Hosted Lunch at our Friends’ Family Home, Historical Wine Estate
• AFTERNOON: Tour of Royal Amboise Castle
• Breakfast and Lunch Are Included Today

BREAKFAST.

MORNING: WINERY TOUR, TASTING & PRIVATELY – You are cordially invited to an exclusive tour of our friends Fred and Louisa’s winery. This is a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and witness the labor of love this couple has poured into their passion for wine-making. You will have the privilege of tasting their world-renowned wines and some new-to-market wines they’ve begun producing.

LUNCH: To top off this exclusive experience, we partake of a traditional French aperitif (cocktail) in the sitting room of their family home, an 18th-century chateau, followed by a privately hosted lunch in the family dining room. Fred, a local wine producer, and his wife Louisa welcome us to their family winery and home as personal friends for this exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Their family has been in the wine-making business since 1508, and Fred has spent his childhood learning the wine trade, from growing to vineyard management to production and delivery to market.

AFTERNOON:  CASTLES & GARDENS – Our day concludes with a guided tour of the fairy tale Royal Castle of Amboise. You’ll be led through the grand halls, the lush gardens, and the royal chambers, hearing stories of love, heartbreak, vengeance, gore, and power struggles that echo through its walls. The castle, a spectacular masterpiece, reflects all of the refinements of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It embodies the qualities of a traditional French royal castle. Following our visit, make the most of your time by taking a short stroll through Amboise to visit the famous Clos Luce, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived the last years of his life here as a guest of French King Francis I.

Amboise, a place of strategic importance during the reign of the Valois Kings, holds a special place in history. As we journey through its past, accompanied by intimate stories of the private lives of the French Kings, Queens, and their courts, we discover that there was so much more to royal life than military campaigns and political allegiances. This personal connection to history will surely engage and intrigue you.

DINNER: Independently in Amboise village. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village, savor cocktails at sunset overlooking the Loire River, and indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the many favorite places in Amboise. This evening is designed for you to relax and unwind, soaking in the beauty and tranquility of Amboise.

Read my blog post about Anne de France: More than a Royal Daughter, A Legacy of France’s Most Powerful Woman Despite Never Being Queen (opens in a new window)

Day 5 – Royal Blois Castle & Town, Cooking at Home Culinary Class with Family Friends Christophe & Angelique, Farewell Dinner at Our Chefs’ Family Home – B, D

• Discover the Historic Town of Blois
• Guided Tour Blois Royal Castle
• Early Evening: Dinner prep: Cooking dinner together with Celebrity Chef Friends, a husband and wife team, Christophe and Angelique, at their Family Home
• Breakfast & Dinner are Included Today

BREAKFAST.

MORNING:  Guided tour of BLOIS CASTLE followed by time to explore the castle and historic town at leisure. We’ll share stories about some of the most note-worthy events of French history: the dreadful death of two Queens, two marriages that would forever change the future of France, significant accomplishments by the French monarchy, an assassination, 2 sisters, details of daily life during the Renaissance, more royal obsessions and decrees, and quirky facts about disease, royal marriage and death.

LUNCH: Enjoy an independent lunch at one of the charming local eateries in Blois.

EARLY EVENING & DINNER: Fun, hands-on evening preparing dinner with my lifelong friends, Master Chef Angelique and “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (MOF) and Master Chef Christophe at their family home. Tonight, we cook with two of France’s highest-rated Chefs. Christophe worked with his friend, celebrity Chef Alain Ducasse, to develop Ducasse’s new worldwide culinary project and “Ecole de Cuisine” concept. He is also Vice President of the “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” culinary competition.

Christophe’s wife, Angelique, is a Professeur de Cuisine in the Val de Loire region. Both are passionate about the culinary arts and have received top awards from and along with Alain Ducasse, the late Paul Bocuse, and Joel Robuchon. Christophe is currently featured on gourmet television in France as one of the Loire Valley’s most highly recognized Chefs.

During our dinner preparation, You will have the unique opportunity to learn and prepare a gourmet aperitif and dinner of local Loire Valley recipes together over a glass of wine and social time sharing what French life is genuinely like at home. Enjoy partaking in an “aperitif dinatoire,” as we call it in French, of the gourmet goodies prepared together. You will also learn to prepare the award-winning regional “Tarte Tatin” dessert with Christophe. No Experience Necessary! This evening is designed to appeal to all interest levels, from the beginner to the more experienced, and if cooking isn’t your thing, enjoy local wine as we chat the evening away with our French friends.

DINNER: At home, we toast to a wonderful evening with Christophe and Angelique over cocktails on their garden terrace, followed by a gourmet dinner. Evening, drinks, and dinner at Christophe and Angelique’s family home is a memorable way to celebrate a fun week in the Loire Valley!

Evening, drinks, and dinner at Christophe and Angelique’s family home is a fabulous way to celebrate a fun week together in the Loire Valley!

Read my blog post about The Enigmatic King Henri III: A Tale of Love, Obsession, and the Court of Mignons (opens in a new window)

Day 6 – CONCLUSION OF OUR LOIRE VALLEY TOUR ITINERARY – B

• BREAKFAST.
• Your Loire Valley Tour concludes today after breakfast with a 10 AM group transfer to St. Pierre des Corps TGV Rail Station, Tours, France.
• Earlier and later departures can be organized – Please contact us for details at christy@traveloffthebeatenpath.com.
• Have a group your own group of friends or family, and want to make this tour a private departure? Email us at christy@traveloffthebeatenpath.com for details.
• Download and print our LOIRE VALLEY TOUR DETAILED BROCHURE (Adobe pdf)
  Download and print our LOIRE VALLEY TOUR -SHORT VERSION- BROCHURE (Adobe pdf)
• (B) = Breakfast Included, (L) = Lunch Included, (D) = Dinner Included

Additional Loire Valley Tour Information

• Dietary Requests & Food Allergies — We accommodate ALL dietary requests (including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc) and ALL food allergies (gluten, shellfish, etc) while ensuring an amazing foodie experience for all tour guests with restrictions and/or allergies.
• HOT AIR BALLOONING is NOT part of our Loire Valley tour itinerary. Hot Air Ballooning is available as an optional excursion on one of your free evenings, and we can book it on your behalf. There is an additional fee for the ballooning excursion. We work with a local friend who is a professional, licensed ballooning pilot, and owns his own ballooning excursion company. We’ve been working with him for 15+ years, and he’s the best in the region!
• WALKING RATING – ALL TOUR GUESTS – There is extensive leisure walking daily on this tour. Guests need to be able to walk from our drop off points to castles, through castles during visits, as well as manage standing for short periods of time during story telling at the castles. Guests need to also be able to manage steps and uneven sidewalk terrain throughout the tour at castles and in villages. There are no elevators or escalators available to our groups at the chateaux (castles). This tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues that would impair his/her enjoyment of this experience.

Tours that Don’t Feel Like Tours…

Immerse yourself in local culture spending time with our local French friends in combination with visiting castles, learning the crazy, creepy, and salacious stories of French history, and savoring local wines and exquisite cuisine while staying in one exceptional hotel for our 6 days together in Loire Valley, France…