Chambord & Chenonceau Day Trip with Lunch, Amboise

This guided day trip takes you on a scenic journey into the UNESCO-listed landscapes and historic estates of the Loire Valley. You'll start at Château de Chenonceau, renowned for its ties to powerful women and its river-spanning Grand Gallery. Break for a leisurely lunch at the family-owned Château de Villesavin, then continue to the Château de Chambord, famous for its French Renaissance architecture and double-helix staircase. Explore the ornate interiors, admire priceless artworks and antiques, and stroll the extensive gardens while your guide shares fascinating stories of the region's rich history.

Your day begins when you meet your friendly guide at the Tourism Office in Tours at 9 am or in Amboise at 9:30 am. Hop into a comfortable vehicle with the rest of your small group, and set off through the UNESCO-listed countryside of the Vallée de la Loire (Loire Valley) to reach the renowned Château de Chenonceau. Notable for its bridge-like structure over the River Cher, this fairy-tale estate is also famed for its beautifully manicured gardens and its deep connections with powerful women like Catherine de' Medici and Diane de Poitiers. 

As your guide leads you through the ornate interiors, you'll hear fascinating stories of the château's dramatic past and learn why it's known as "Le Château des Dames" (The Castle of the Ladies). Admire artworks by masters like Rubens and Tintoretto, explore the kitchens and the Royal Bedroom, and stroll the long Grand Gallery, which spans the river and played a pivotal role in the French Resistance of World War II. 

Following your visit to Chenonceau, it's time to step off the beaten path and head an hour north to the family-owned Château de Villesavin. Here you'll receive a warm welcome from the owners before sitting down to a delicious meal featuring regional specialties and local wines. Your final stop of the day is just 10 minutes up the road at the Château de Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece considered the most magnificent of the Loire Valley châteaux.

During a guided walk through the interiors, you'll marvel at the ornate architectural features and hear stories from your guide about the vision of King Francis I, who commissioned the palace. Ascend the double helix staircase, said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, and stroll the terraces for sweeping views of the gardens and hunting grounds. As your adventure draws to a close, relax on the scenic transfer back to either Amboise or Tours and enjoy the views as you pass other Loire Valley landmarks like Château d'Amboise and Château de Blois.