Day Trips

From Tours or Amboise: Chambord & Chenonceau Day Trip with Lunch

Spend a full day between Tours or Amboise and the Loire Valley, with minivan travel and time to explore Chambord and Chenonceau without planning stress.

An expert local guide in English leads your small group of up to 8, sharing stories and handling entry so you can focus on the castles, not the logistics.

At Château de Chambord, see the grand double staircase, wander through royal rooms, and look out over the vast former hunting estate from its terraces.

At Château de Chenonceau, cross the arches over the river, admire richly furnished rooms, and enjoy views of the famous gardens shaped by powerful women.

Choose to depart from Tours or Amboise, with options that include lunch.

Guided tour of Chambord and Chenonceau

Private bus or minivan transport (demand based)

Expert local guide in English

Small group tour, up to 8

Departure from Tours or Amboise (as per option selected)

Lunch included (as per option selected)

TOTAL DURATION9 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
Start point
2 starting points available
37 min by a/c bus
38 km
1. Chenonceau Castle
Tickets included
1 hr 30 min
Explore the “Ladies’ Château,” spanning the River Cher, with your guide. Don’t miss the fragrant gardens, ornate queen’s rooms, and river views from the Grand Gallery—as you hear stories of Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers.
1 hr by a/c bus
58.6 km
2. Local Bakery Stop
1 hr
3. Chambord Castle
Tickets included
1 hr 30 min
55 min by a/c bus
50 km
End point
2 ending points available
TOTAL DURATION9 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
Start point
2 starting points available
37 min by a/c bus
38 km
1. Chenonceau Castle
Tickets included
2 hr
Explore the “Ladies’ Château,” spanning the River Cher, with your guide. Don’t miss the fragrant gardens, ornate queen’s rooms, and river views from the Grand Gallery—as you hear stories of Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers.
48 min by a/c bus
46.7 km
2. Château de Villesavin
1 hr 30 min
12 min by a/c bus
11.7 km
3. Chambord Castle
Tickets included
2 hr
55 min by a/c bus
50 km
End point
2 ending points available

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into the timeless elegance of the Loire Valley on a full-day journey filled with Renaissance masterpieces, a château-hosted lunch, and unforgettable countryside views.

Getting started

Begin your experience in Tours or Amboise, where you’ll board a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and meet your expert guide. As you travel through the Loire Valley, your guide will share fascinating stories and historical context to enrich the day. Upon arrival at each stop, tickets will be arranged for you, and any required ID checks will be handled smoothly for a hassle-free visit.

What to expect

Your day begins at Chenonceau Castle, a French Renaissance gem famed for its elegant arches spanning the Cher River and its legacy shaped by influential women. Explore the château’s remarkable interiors, stroll through the gardens of Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers, walk along the gallery bridge over the river, and see the Marques Tower, a surviving remnant of the medieval fortress that once stood here. Next, enjoy lunch at the Chateau of Villesavin, where you’ll be welcomed into a privately owned Loire Valley castle for an intimate meal hosted by a French Countess. Learn about the château’s 16th-century origins, savor a homemade lunch paired with regional specialties and local wines, and take in the peaceful charm of its gardens. The final stop is Chambord Castle, a grand symbol of French Renaissance ambition known for its immense scale and architectural brilliance. Marvel at its richly decorated interiors, climb the iconic double-helix staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, and admire panoramic views across the vast Chambord estate before returning comfortably to Tours or Amboise.

Features

Comfortable round-trip transport: Travel in an air-conditioned minivan from Tours or Amboise with seamless logistics throughout the day.

Expert-guided Loire Valley experience: Enjoy engaging commentary and historical insights from your guide as you travel between each château.

Chenonceau Castle: Discover a riverside Renaissance masterpiece, elegant royal gardens, and one of the Loire Valley’s most distinctive château settings.

Lunch: Savor a homemade meal with Loire Valley wines at Chateau of Villesavin, hosted in an intimate and refined setting.

Chambord: Admire the castle’s monumental scale, its famous double-helix staircase, and sweeping terrace views over the estate.

Accessibility

Chambord Castle

The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible; the upper floors have elevators.

Guide dogs are allowed through the entire estate.

Chenonceau Castle

The castle, restrooms, restaurants, shops, and gardens are wheelchair-accessible.

Guide dogs are allowed throughout the estate.

Additional information

Chambord Castle

There is low connectivity within the castle; download your tickets in advance.

Pets are not allowed inside the castle, gardens, and stables; they are in the park, on a leash.

Since this is a historic site, certain rooms are exceptionally closed to visitors.

Autumns and winters are exceptionally cold inside the castle. Plan accordingly.

Chenonceau Castle

Leashed dogs are allowed in the gardens and small dogs should be carried.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.