Loire Valley châteaux for groups: Chambord, Chenonceau and the Cadre Noir of Saumur

Day 1 : Journey to Blois

• Early-morning departure from the location of your choice.
• Drive to the Loire Valley, with regular stops along the way.
• Arrival in Blois in the late afternoon and a first walk through the old town.
• Check-in at a hotel in the Blois area.
• Dinner in the hotel restaurant (on request).

Day 2 : Chambord and Cheverny

• Visit to the Château de Chambord, the Renaissance masterpiece commissioned by Francis I.
• Guided tour of the Château de Chambord (on request).
• In the afternoon, the Château de Cheverny, its furnished interiors and its kennels.
• Return to the hotel.
• Dinner in the hotel restaurant (on request).

Day 3 : Blois and Amboise

• Visit to the Royal Château of Blois and its Francis I staircase.
• Drive to Amboise and visit to the Royal Château, overlooking the Loire.
• Visit to the Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and its park.
• Return to the hotel.
• Group dinner in a restaurant in the centre of Blois (on request).

Day 4 : Chenonceau

• Visit to the Château de Chenonceau, built over the Cher, and its gardens.
• Group lunch in a local restaurant (on request).
• In the afternoon, drive to Tours and check-in at a hotel in the Tours area.
• A first walk through Old Tours and on Place Plumereau.
• Dinner in the hotel restaurant (on request).

Day 5 : Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau

• Visit to the gardens of Villandry and their ornamental kitchen garden.
• In the afternoon, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, set on the Indre.
• Return to the hotel.
• Dinner in the hotel restaurant (on request).

Day 6 : Saumur

• Drive to Saumur, along the Loire.
• Visit to the French National Riding School and a Cadre Noir presentation (on request).
• Discovery of the Château de Saumur, overlooking the town.
• Visit to troglodyte cellars carved into the tuffeau stone, with a tasting of Saumur wines (on request).
• Return to the hotel.
• Dinner in the hotel restaurant (on request).

Day 7 : Tours and Vouvray

• Guided walking tour of Tours: Saint-Gatien Cathedral, Old Tours and the banks of the Loire (on request).
• Free time in the centre.
• In the afternoon, Vouvray and its hillside vineyards.
• Visit to a wine cellar and tasting of Vouvray wines (on request).
• Farewell group dinner (on request).

Day 8 : Return

• Return journey in the morning, with stops along the way.
• Arrival back in your region in the evening.