Breakfast at your hotel9.30am Pick up at your hotel.A comprehensive guided Tour of the ‘Chateau des Dames’Because it was marked by many women throughout history, Chenonceau Castle has earned the title of being the Women’s Castle. Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici or Louise de Lorraine are just some of...
Breakfast at your hotel
9.30am Pick up at your hotel.
A comprehensive guided Tour of the ‘Chateau des Dames’
Because it was marked by many women throughout history, Chenonceau Castle has earned the title of being the Women’s Castle. Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici or Louise de Lorraine are just some of the women that have contributed in making Chenonceau one of the most exquisite Chateaus of France.
Spanning the River Cher, the castle is a delight to all visitors as it is very difficult not to be impressed by its breathtaking landscape & architecture. On the exterior part, the Chateau is surrounded by numerous gardens. You will surely take some time to wander along the “floating parterre”, created in the Renaissance and that has remained unchanged since the time of Diane de Poitiers.
Another unique attraction is the Maze that was desired by Catherine de Medici, planted with around 2,000 yew trees and that covers more than a hectare in Size.
Inside, follow your guide as you tour this incredible monument. As you listen to the tales, history and intrigues that took place in the Chateau, highlights of the tour will include the visit of the Five Queens’ Chamber, name given in the memory of Catherine de Medici’s two daughters and three daughters in law; but also Diane de Poitiers Bedroom, the Gallery - a 60 meter long ballroom, Louis XIV’s drawing room showcasing a portrait of the “Sun King” and much more.
Enjoy a fun & informative Wine Tasting session around the Wines of Vouvray
Daniel, enologist, welcomes you in his cellar, former tuff stone quarries, for a small group tour followed by a wine tasting session. Here, you will discover a large range of vintages, from 1947 to our days. Based on Chenin Blanc grape variety, Vouvray is a mineral wine produced with a high acidity level that gives it a great aging capacity.
Vouvray is also famous for producing local sparkling wines. After the tasting session it will be time for you to have lunch and your guide will be happy to make suggestions according to your wishes.
Take a leap back in time as you visit Renaissance Royal Castle of Amboise
Strategically located over the Loire Valley, the building of Amboise Castle dates to the 11th C. The Golden era of the Castle spans through Renaissance times when both King Charles VIII and Francis I decided to make important reconstructions. The castle is also very famous for having been a major stop for numerous academics and artists and most notably Leonardo Da Vinci.
As you follow your guide for a comprehensive tour of the Chateau, you will understand the Political and Artistic importance it played during Renaissance times. Highlights of the tour include the visit of the different towers and underground passage, the Lys Hallway as well as the ramparts. After the visit, enjoy some time to explore on your own.
End the day with the visit of Leonardo da Vinci's ultimate residence
Your final visit will be at Chateau Clos de Lucé. Bought in 1490 by Charles VIII, the Chateau became the summer residence of the Kings of France and even the childhood home of King Francis I. Without a doubt, the most important date for Clos Luce is 1516. This is the time when King Francis I and Louise de Savoie invite Leonardo to visit Amboise. Named “Premier Painter, Engineer and Architect of the King” the Master is offered to stay at Chateau Clos Lucé, located at a short distance from Chateau d’Amboise.
Here, Leonardo will spend the last 3 years of his life as a guest receiving a generous pension free of any specific responsibilities. He frequently meets with the King and it is said that he possibly designed the famous double-helix staircase of Chateau de Chambord and completed major artworks while in Amboise.
Let your guide take you to all the main attractions that this castle has to offer. After a visit of Leonardo’s bedroom, office, reception room and kitchen, the highlight of the tour will certainly be the visit of the underground rooms where you will admire detailed recreations of de Vinci’s inventions. After, enjoy some time in the gardens before returning to Tours.
5.30pm Drop off in Tour and night at your hotel.