Loire Valley, Cognac and Bordeaux tour
(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
This private tour has been specifically designed for wine enthusiasts and discerning gastronomes. The tour will give you the opportunity to experience France’s best wines and to travel the length and breadth of the Loire Valley, Bordeaux and Saint Emilion. You will also be able to explore the streets of the town of Cognac and taste its famous eau-de-vie.
The trip starts in the Loire Valley, a region renowned for its numerous châteaux and gardens, combined with top quality wine and gastronomy. You will enjoy an introduction to the history and culture of the Loire Valley in Amboise, cradle of the Renaissance. You will visit the châteaux of Chenonceau and Chaumont-sur-Loire, ranked amongst the most elegant and prestigious of the region. You will continue your tour around the Renaissance châteaux and gardens at Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry. To finish your journey around the Loire Valley in style, you will enjoy a unique wine related experience. A tasting of the region’s best wine and cheese are included in the itinerary.
The trip continues in the fantastic town of Cognac, birthplace of King Francis I, where the architecture of the old town with its narrow streets and old houses will charm you. Coming to Cognac is synonymous with the wonderful moment in which you will discover the aromas of its famous eau-de-vie. You won’t miss the opportunity to taste the prestigious ‘Grands Crus’ of Cognac. A local producer will share his passion and production secrets with you.
This memorable tour culminates in Bordeaux, an 18th century architectural jewel. Rich in history, this town is recognised internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is world renowned for the finesse of its wines. You will have the chance to travel the route of the châteaux of Medoc, from Margaux to Sainte Estephe, passing by Pauillac and you will be able to explore the famous Saint-Emilion and its first class ‘Grand Crus’. You will be able to enjoy a completely private experience, discovering vineyards and prestigious AOC wines.
This tour will provide privileged and authentic experiences of the most reputed French wines within the unique context of their natural and architectural patrimony.
All our tours are private and depart daily. They can be fully customised, lengthened or shortened according to the number of participants and to suit individual interests and schedules.
DAY 1: AMBOISE
Arrival in Amboise. Lunch in a well-renowned patisserie in Amboise. Half day private tour of Amboise with a visit to the Royal Château of Amboise and the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, with a private English speaking guide. Dinner in a restaurant with local specialities and the night in Amboise.
DAY 2: LOIRE VALLEY CHATEAUX
Full day private tour of the Château de Chenonceau, also called the “Castle of the Ladies”, and the elegant Château de Chaumont, with a private English speaking guide. Wine tasting of Loire Valley white wines in a local wine cellar. Dinner in Amboise.
DAY 3: GARDENS AND WINE, A TRULY LOCAL EXPERIENCE
Full day private tour of the Renaissance Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and Château de Villandry and its outstanding gardens followed by a unique cheese and wine tasting, with a private English speaking guide. Dinner and night in Amboise.
DAY 4: COGNAC
High speed 1st class train transfer to the Cognac region. Half day private tour of the beautiful city of Cognac, with a private English speaking guide. Dinner and night at a luxury guest house in the very heart of Cognac.
DAY 5: COGNAC
Full day private wine tour in the region with cognac tastings and a meeting with a local producer and distiller. Time for relaxation in Cognac. Gourmet dinner in Cognac and night at the luxury guest house.
DAY 6: BORDEAUX AND THE CHATEAUX DU MEDOC
High speed 1st class train transfer to Bordeaux. You will appreciate a full day private wine tour in the region with a private English speaking guide. Dinner in Bordeaux and night in a 5* hotel in Bordeaux.
DAY 7: ST EMILION
Full day private wine tour in the charming city of St Emilion to discover the vineyards, complete with wine tastings. Dinner and night at the hotel in Bordeaux.
DAY 8: END OF THE TOUR
High speed 1st class train transfer to Paris.
This tour starts in the Loire Valley and finishes in Bordeaux and can easily be combined with several days in Paris or with touring elsewhere in France.
ACCOMMODATION
- 3 Nights in a 4* hotel in Amboise in a junior suite.
- 2 Nights in a luxury guest mansion.
- 2 Nights in a 5* hotel in Bordeaux in a superior room.
COST
- From € 4 890,00 per person (based on double occupancy).
INCLUSIONS
- 7 Nights accommodation.
- Breakfast daily.
- 6 Dinners (drinks not included).
- 3 Lunches (with drinks included).
- 4 Full day private tours with a private English speaking guide and transportation included.
- 3 Half day private tours with a private English speaking guide and transportation included.
- The high speed 1st class train tickets from Paris and back.
- All entrances fees.
- Our local assistance.
- Fees and taxes.
