2-day Private Top 6 Loire Valley Castles from Paris Mercedes

This 2-day private tour from Paris offers a focused exploration of the most important castles in the Loire Valley, including Château de Chambord and Château d’Amboise, with tickets, hotel pick-up, and accommodations included. Prices are tiered, with options between 3-star and 4-star Chateau-Hotels, making it adaptable to different preferences and budgets. The fully guided experience guarantees departures, so travelers can plan confidently, knowing they will see six key castles over a well-paced itinerary.

A standout feature is the inclusion of a wine tasting at a longstanding family vineyard, along with visits to Leonardo da Vinci’s Château Clos Luce, where the master artist spent his final years. The tour is ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and wine, though it requires a full two-day commitment given the extensive itinerary. The guide’s expertise and the convenient Mercedes vehicles make the trip comfortable and informative.

Key Points

• Two-day private tour focusing on six major Loire Valley castles from Paris
• Includes guided visits, tickets, hotel accommodations, and wine tasting
• Travel in Mercedes E220/E300 or minivans, with professional guide-driver
• Choice of 3-star or 4-star hotel stays in Amboise
• The tour offers a comprehensive look at castles like Chambord, Chenonceau, and Blois, plus Da Vinci’s Château Clos Luce
• Suitable for history, architecture, and wine enthusiasts seeking a well-organized experience

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Departing from Paris: Convenient Hotel Pick-up and Transport

The tour begins early from Paris, with a pick-up at 07:30 from your hotel. The private Mercedes vehicle takes travelers on a 2.5-hour drive across 180 km of highway to the Loire Valley. The transport setup ensures a smooth start, with bottled water provided, so guests can relax and enjoy the scenic ride to the first stop.

Traveling in business class Mercedes or minivans accommodates groups of 2-7 people comfortably. The focus on private, guided transport keeps the pacing relaxed and allows for personalized commentary from the guide throughout the journey.

Château de Chambord: The First Grand Stop

Upon arrival around 10:00, visitors explore the Château de Chambord, one of the most famous castles in the Loire. The guide explains the French Renaissance architecture and the history behind its construction. Known for its distinctive spire and expansive grounds, Chambord offers plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate its scale.

The visit lasts until about 11:45, giving enough time to absorb the impressive structure without feeling rushed. The guide’s expertise adds depth to the experience, highlighting the castle’s significance and unique features.

Wine Tasting at a Historic Family Vineyard

Following Chambord, the tour visits a local family vineyard with centuries of tradition. Between 12:45 and 13:30, guests enjoy a wine tasting session, where they learn about wine making and sample wines with explanations from the vineyard staff. This stop offers a genuine taste of the region’s wine heritage, adding a flavorful dimension to the castle-focused day.

Exploring Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci’s Château Clos Luce

From 13:45 to 15:00, there is free time to lunch in Amboise, with restaurant reservations available upon request. The town’s charming streets provide a perfect setting for a relaxed meal before continuing the day’s exploration.

The afternoon features skip-the-line access to Château d’Amboise, where the guide introduces the history of this 15th-century royal residence. Using a Histopad, visitors explore each room with detailed explanations, making the visit engaging and educational.

Later, from 16:30 to 18:00, the tour visits Château Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years. The castle’s park and exhibits showcase da Vinci’s inventions and artworks, offering a fascinating glimpse into his final chapter.

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Day 2: From Chenonceau to Blois

The second day starts at 08:30 with a short drive to Château de Chenonceau, arriving around 09:00. Known as the “Ladies’ Castle”, Chenonceau is famous for its feminine history and stunning architecture spanning the River Cher. Visitors have about two hours to explore the castle and surrounding gardens, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

Next, at 11:30, the group reaches Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 15th by Charles I d’Amboise. Historically, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici are connected to this castle, which has a storied past involving royal inheritance and elegance. Guests have time to enjoy the castle’s architecture and grounds until 13:00.

Lunch and the Château de Blois

By 13:30, the tour arrives in Blois city, where guests can have lunch at a recommended local restaurant (reservations available). The Château de Blois, a former residence of French kings, is the final highlight. The visit runs from 15:00 to 17:00, revealing the castle’s architectural diversity and historical significance, including visits by figures like Joan of Arc.

Return to Paris: End of the Journey

After a full day of castle exploration, the group departs around 17:00, heading back to Paris. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, bringing travelers back to their hotels between 20:30 and 21:00.

The Value of This Loire Valley Tour

This tour combines the convenience of private transportation, guided visits with skip-the-line tickets, and hotel accommodation. The inclusion of wine tasting and Leonardo da Vinci’s Château Clos Luce makes it especially enriching for those interested in art, history, and local traditions.

The tiered pricing offers flexibility with 3-star or 4-star hotel options, ensuring comfort without sacrificing authenticity. The guaranteed departures and full-day itinerary make it a reliable choice for a comprehensive Loire experience.

Strengths and Considerations

The knowledgeable guides and well-organized schedule stand out, especially for first-time visitors. The wine tasting adds an authentic regional touch, and the skip-the-line access at key castles saves time and hassle.

One consideration is the full two-day length, which requires a good level of energy and interest in castles and history. The tour does not include meals or drinks, so guests should plan accordingly. The choice between 3-star and 4-star hotels allows for some customization in comfort level.

Who Would Most Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits history buffs, architecture lovers, and wine enthusiasts looking for a comfortable, guided exploration of the Loire Valley’s top castles. It is ideal for those wanting a structured itinerary with all logistics handled, leaving the planning to experienced guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers hotel accommodations, guided visits, entrance tickets to six castles, wine tasting, transportation in Mercedes vehicles, guide-driver, and all fees and taxes.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. Guests have free time for lunch in Amboise and Blois, and reservations can be made on request.

What types of hotels are available?
Guests can choose between 3-star and 4-star Chateau-Hotels** in Amboise. The tour includes one overnight stay.

How long is the drive from Paris?
The drive from Paris to the Loire Valley takes approximately 2.5 hours each way.

What castles are visited on this tour?
The tour visits Château de Chambord, Château d’Amboise, Château Clos Luce, Château de Chenonceau, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, and Château de Blois.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the data does not specify age restrictions, the full-day castle visits and walking may be more suitable for older children or teenagers.

What is the guide’s role during the tour?
The guide provides historical explanations, skip-the-line access, and recommendations for dining and sightseeing, ensuring a smooth experience.

Can I customize the hotel or itinerary?
The tour offers a choice of hotel level, but the itinerary is fixed. Customization is not mentioned in the available details.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done through the provider’s page, with guaranteed departure dates and tiered pricing options.

What sets this tour apart from others?
This private, fully guided experience with hotel stay, wine tasting, and skip-the-line tickets offers a comprehensive, hassle-free way to experience the Loire’s highlights.

This detailed review highlights the strengths of the 2-day private Loire Valley castles tour, emphasizing its organized, immersive experience and value-added features like wine tasting and Leonardo da Vinci’s castle. It remains a strong option for those wishing to explore the region comfortably and efficiently.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby