The châteaux are legendary, the landscape is spectacular, and the wine is beyond comparison. In the Loire Valley and Bordeaux region of France, you will delight in exquisite landscapes while sampling some of the world’s finest wines. You’ll visit the Loire’s fairy-tale castles of Chambord and Chenonceau, the historic cities of Amboise and Chinon, and the prestigious wineries of Chinon and Vouvray appellations. Then you’ll tour the elegant city of Bordeaux, the UNESCO village of Saint-Émilion and the surrounding Médoc vineyards with stops at world-famous wineries. This luxurious Bordeaux and Loire Valley wine tour also includes relaxing by a beautiful beach and leisurely gourmet meals.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • See the elegant Loire Valley castles of Chambord and Chenonceau
  • Guided tour of the historic city of Amboise and the Château d’Amboise
  • Sample the finest Vouvray white wines at a prestigious wine château
  • Visit a winery in Chinon for a tasting of this famous wine appellation
  • Private visits to renowned wineries in Cognac, Médoc and Saint-Émilion
  • Relax in the pristine nature site of Arcachon Basin on the Atlantic Coast
  • Private tour of the Château Margaux winery

TRIP AT A GLANCE

(Day 1): Paris – Arrive in Paris and Transfer to the Loire Valley

(Day 2): Amboise – Guided Tour of Amboise and Loire River Boating Excursion

(Day 3): Chinon – Wine-Tasting in Chinon and Tour of Chenonceau Castle

(Day 4): Bordeaux – Travel to Bordeaux with a Stop at a Cognac Winery

(Day 5): Bordeaux – Sightseeing in Bordeaux and Visit the Village of Saint-Émilion

(Day 6): Bassin d’Arcachon – Visit Pristine Beaches & Quaint Villages in Bassin d’Arcachon

(Day 7): Médoc – Wine Tour with Visits to Prestigious Châteaux in the Médoc

(Day 8): Bordeaux – Departure from Bordeaux

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

From the elegant châteaux to the perfectly manicured vineyards, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux region are especially appealing to wine connoisseurs. These two areas epitomize the beauty and culture that draws visitors to France. Both regions have beautiful historical monuments and an impressive winemaking heritage. Embark on the finest luxury France tours, where you’ll see the charming villages and lovely vineyards of the Loire Valley and the Médoc, and enjoy stops at famous wine appellations: Chinon, Vouvray, Saint-Émilion and Margaux. The Bordeaux and Loire Valley wine tour even includes a winery visit in Cognac to sample this fine liqueur.

This customizable vacation takes you on private tours of prestigious wineries, many of which are not normally open to the public. You’ll have a chance to taste exceptional quality wines from several different regions while your guide educates you about the winemaking process, each appellation’s characteristics and the best recent vintages. In the Loire Valley wine regions of Chinon and Vouvray, you’ll sample crisp and refreshing white wines made from Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. In the Bordeaux regions of Margaux and Saint-Émilion, you’ll discover the legendary red wine blends made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. These full-bodied, aromatic wines are crafted to age for decades and will make a wonderful addition to your wine collection.

ACTIVITIES

  • Architecture Tours / Historical Sites / History & Archaeology Tours / Landmarks / Local Food / Food & Wine / Gourmet Dining / Leisure / Beaches / Photography / Small Towns / Villages / Wine Tasting & Wine Tours

THEMES

  • Leisure / Food & Wine / Photography / Wellness & Retreat

FEATURES

  • Leisure / Spectacular Scenery / Unique Accommodations