Visits & excursions

Customized excursions for accompanying persons and participants.

Guided visit of Tours

Guided visit of Tours on foot

Meet your guide in front of the Convention Centre.

Discover the Archbishop’s Palace (17th and 18th C), with French gardens and a magnificent view of the palace façade. Saint-Gatien’s Cathedral. Built from the 12th to the 16th C, it demonstrates the evolution of the gothic style (introductory visit in the 2-hour tour or detailed in the 3-hour tour).

You will walk down the Rue Colbert with its timbered façades, towards the «Old City of Tours» which has become the liveliest area in the city with its narrow and pedestrian streets and several timbered houses, most of them dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Admire the church of the former abbey of
Saint-Julien and its bell-tower from the 11th century.

You will then reach the famous Place Plumereau that shows a row of timbered houses, through picturesque medieval streets and numerous shops offering rich crafts. Saint-Pierre-le-Puellier (Gallo-roman vestiges), with its stairwells, the Charlemagne Tower.

Your visit will end at Saint-Martin’s Basilica, a magnificent building of the 19th century, and the grave of Saint Martin in the crypt.

DURATION: 2 or 3 hours.

PRICE PER PERSON: 9€ onwards (inclusive of taxes).

Delighful trip on the royal river

Delighful trip on the royal river

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention Centre of Tours. Departure in a tourist bus towards.

Rochecorbon: A charming village situated in the vineyards in Vouvray, reputed for its white wine. Leave Rochecorbon on board a comfortable boat with sheltered seating for a guided cruise on the Loire river.

Surrounded by the beauty of the landscape and the soft light of the Loire, promises of a relaxing moment, you will enjoy the richness of the Kings’ Valley, its isles and birds, and of course, along the river, the limestone cliffs dotted with cave dwellings. (50 minutes).

Then, guided visit of a cellar in Vouvray. Located in the heart of Vouvray’s vineyards AOC, the producers share a love of the terroir, the traditions and the quality. Meticulously selected and bottled, the wines then age in the cellars, along galleries covering a distance of more than 2 km in the tufa. In the deepest gallery, you’ll hear about the secrets involved in producing sparkling wines and making still wines.

Wine tasting: After the tour, you’ll taste wines that will make all your festivities delightful.

PRICE PER PERSON: 39€ ONWARDS (INCLUSIVE OF TAXES).

Excursion possible in the morning or in the afternoon.

DURATION: 4 hours.

INCLUDES: Guide services – transport in a tourist bus.

Commented visit on a boat on the river Loire (around 50 min.) – commented visit and wine tasting in a cave in Vouvray.

The Loire river by bike from Tours to Villandry or Rochecorbon

The Loire river by bike from Tours to Villandry or Rochecorbon

Meet your guide in front of the Convention Centre.

Departure by bike for around 21 km to Villandry or around 10 km to Rochecorbon, following the itinerary «The Loire by bike» from Tours.

Towards Villandry. You will first cycle along the “Lake of the Bergeonnerie” and the green banks of the
«old Cher» towards Villandry. On a newly laid-out towing path, you will reach the Great Mill of Ballan-Miré, built in 1520, a remarkable work on the river Cher, with a huge water wheel; then you will cycle through the charming village of Savonnières, former village of boatmen on the banks of the river Cher, with its barges, traditionalflat-bottomed boats of the 17th century, and boats from the 19th C called «toues». In Villandry, you will visit the castle and its famous gardens.

Towards Rochecorbon.The bucolic ride towards Rochecorbon to enjoy the peaceful grace of the banks of the Loire river, a free and lively river that dug its bed in the soft white limestone. Discover the famous troglodyte caves turned into cellars, and the hillslopes of the Vouvray vineyard where the famous grape variety gives white wines of great quality. Stop at the former Abbey of Marmoutier and visit this site where Saint Martin founded a small hermitage in the 4th C. In Rochecorbon, a small town nestled at the foot of the cliffs dotted with cave dwellings, you will enjoy (from May to September) the festive and friendly atmosphere of the “Guinguette”, a typical French outdoor dancing bar alongside the river.

In both cases. Return to Tours by bike or by your own means. It is possible to do a single trip (the bikes will be brought back to Tours or delivered at the starting point).

A combination with a boat ride is also possible (please consult us).

Excursion advised in the afternoon.

DURATION: around 4 hours.

PRICE PER PERSON (INCLUSIVE OF TAXES): on a basis of 11 to 15 persons: 30€ - On a basis of 16 to 20 persons: 22€ - Additional charge on Sunday: + 5€.

Recovery or delivery of the bikes between Tours and Villandry or Rochecorbon: 50€.

Transfer of the guide taken over if meeting point in Villandry or Rochecorbon: 40/70€.

Le Clos Lucé Parc Léonard Da Vinci, Amboise

Le Clos Lucé Parc Léonard Da Vinci, Amboise

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention CentreDeparture in a tourist bus for Amboise, along the river Loire.Magnificent landscape of the river that flows slowly between the islands of white sand.

Arrive at the Castle Clos-Lucé-Parc Leonard de Vinci in Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life.

Visit in two phases: The castle where you’ll find out about Leonardo’s private life (visit his bedroom, his study, his kitchen and beautiful Renaissance rooms made of bricks and limestone and discover 40 of his beautiful machines). The landscape walkfor a initiatory wander with Leonardo da Vinci and his student. You will operate 20 huge and spectacular machines, listen to some of Leonardo’s thoughts through a several sound points and admire 40 translucent canvases.

Return trip to the Convention Centre.

PRICE PER PERSON:40€ ONWARDS (INCLUSIVE OF TAXES).

The excursion is possible in the morning or in the afternoon.

DURATION: 3 or 4 hours.

INCLUDES: Guide services and transport in a tourist bus for half a day. Entrance to the castle of Clos Lucé-Parc Léonard de Vinci in Amboise.

Castel of Amboise / Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci

Castel of Amboise / Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention Centre. And departure in a tourist bus for Amboise along the river Loire. Enjoy the magnificent views onto the Loire that flows untamed and lively between the light-coloured sandbanks.

Guided visit of the castle of Amboise: This royal fortress gave way to a royal residence under Charles VIII and Francis Ist (end 15th - beginning 16th centuries). The court and many european learned people and artists stayed in Amboise, invited by the kings, just like Leoardo da Vinci whose grave is in the chapel of the castle. This hotspot for French History owns an exceptional collection of gothic and renaissance furniture that reflects the high level of artistic refinement of the first French Renaissance. Leaving the royal lodgings and the massive towers, carry on with your visit in the beautiful panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire.

Guided visit of the castle of Clos Lucé – parc Leonardo da Vinci:in Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life.

Visit in two phases: The castle where you’ll find out about Leonardo’s private life (visit his bedroom, his study, his kitchen and beautiful Renaissance rooms made of bricks and limestone) and discover 40 of his beautiful machines. The landscape walk You will operate 20 huge and spectacular machines, listen to some of Leonardo thoughts through several sound points and admire 40 translucent canvases.

Return trip to the Convention Centre.

PRICE PER PERSONNE: 49€ ONWARDS (INCLUSIVE OF TAXES).

Excursion advised in the afternoon.

DURATION: 4:30 hours.

INCLUDES: Guide services from14:00 to 18:30 - transport in a tourist bus - Entrances to the castle of Clos Lucé-Parc Léonard de Vinci in Amboise and to the royal Castle in Amboise.

The castle of Chenonceau

The castle of Chenonceau

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention Centre of Tours. Departure for Chenonceau in a tourist bus.

Guided visit of the castle de Chenonceau: Built in the 16th century, this masterpiece of the French Renaissance is built on the bed of the river. You will discover the guards room, the chapel, a superb 60-meter long galleryspanning over the Cher River, Francis 1st or Diane de Poitiers’s room and in the upper floors.

You will go through the rooms of Gabrielle d’Estrées, Catherine de Médicis or Louise de Lorraine... Set in the two piers anchored in the bed of the Cher River, the kitchens demonstrate the art and ingenuity of the builders of the Renaissance.

A walk in the French gardens and in the “Potager des Fleurs” will close your visit with a delightful note.

PRICE PER PERSON: 40€ ONWARDS (Taxes included).

This excursion is possible in the morning or in the afternoon.

DURATION: 3:30 hours.

INCLUDES: Guide services - Transport - Entrance tickets for the Castle of Chenonceau.

Villandry castle

Castle of Azay-le-Rideau and the gardens of Villandry

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention Centre and departure in a tourist bus for Azay-le-Rideau.

Guided visit of the castle of Azay-le-Rideau: This masterpiece of the sixteenth century stands on an island designed by the river Indre and is surrounded by a nineteenth-century-romantic floral park. The castle has prestigious historical decorations depicting 4 centuries of history. You will discover the dream life of the castle through the ages, admire the magnificent view of the castle, its mirror on water, enjoy the view from the loggias to the Italian, find your child’s soul during the dreamlike journey «the enchantments
d ‘Azay-le-Rideau», observe the rich furniture and collections from the 16c. to the 19c. from the kitchen to the dining room, plunge into the luxurious atmosphere of the Marquis de Biencourt in the 19c. and, in the attic, contemplate the superb frame of the 16c.

Guided visit of the famous gardens of Villandry: The famous gardens of the castle of Villandry which enclose, like in a case, one of the last great castles built in the Loire Valley at the Renaissance (1536). You will walk in one of the most beautiful gardens of France, on three levels: the water garden in a vast cloister of linden trees;the ornamental decorative garden consisting of the «garden of love», the «garden of music» and the «garden of simple»; the ornamental «kitchen garden», which, on more than 12,500 m², forms a real multi-coloured checkerboard with its nine squares of vegetables and fruit trees planted geometrically.

PRICE PER PERSON: From 43€ onwards (Inclusive of taxes).

This excursion is possible in the morning or in the afternoon.

DURATION: 4:00 or 4:30 hours.

INCLUDES: Guide services - transport - entrance to the Castle of Azay-le-Rideau and the gardens of Villandry.

Amboise castle

Amboise - Clos Lucé - Vouvray (full day)

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention Centre. Departure in a tourist bus towards Amboise by the banks of the river Loire. Magnificent view of the river that flows slowly between the islands of white sand.

Morning : Clos Lucé- parc Leonardo da Vinci, Amboise

The castle: You’ll find out about Leonardo’s private life (visit of his bedroom, his study, his kitchen and beautiful Renaissance rooms made of bricks and limestone) and discover 40 of his beautiful machines.

The landscape walk: You will operate 20 huge and spectacular machines, listen to some of Leonardo thoughts through a several sound points and admire 40 translucent canvases.

Lunch in Amboise in a troglodytique restaurant.

Afternoon: castle of Amboise

Guided visit of the royal fortress that gave way to a royal residence under Charles VIII and Francis 1st (end 15th - beginning 16th centuries). The court and many European learned people and artists stayed in Amboise, invited by the kings, just like Leonardo da Vinci whose grave is in the chapel of the castle. You will continue your visit in the beautiful panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire. Continuation towards Vouvray. Renowned for its white wine since the 1th century, a period during which Saint Martin planted vineyards. Commented visit of a cave in Vouvray.

Wine tasting: To appreciate wines that add a magical touch during festive moments.

PRICE PER PERSON: 90€ ONWARDS (Inclusive of taxes).

INCLUDES: Guide services for the entire day- transport - entrance to the Castle of Amboise and Clos Lucé Lunch - commented visit and wine tasting in a cave in Vouvray.

Azay-le-Rideau castle

Villandry - Azay-le-Rideau - Langeais (full day)

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention Centre. Departure for Villandry in a tourist bus.

Morning: the gardens of the castle of Villandry: Which enclose, like in a case, one of the last great castles built in the val de Loire at the Renaissance (1536). You will walk in one of the most beautiful gardens of france, on three levels:

the water garden in a vast cloister of linden trees;

the ornamental decorative garden consisting of the «garden of love», the «garden of music» and the «garden of simple»;

the ornamental «kitchen garden», which, on more than 12,500 m², forms a real multicolored checkerboard with its nine squares of vegetables and fruit trees planted geometrically.

The castle of Azay-le-Rideau: This masterpiece of architecture of the sixteenth century. Stands on an island designed by the Indre and is surrounded by a nineteenth-century-romantic floral park. The castle has prestigious historical decorations depicting 4 centuries of history. You will discover the dream life of the castle through the ages, admire the magnificent view of the castle in its mirror of water, enjoy the view from the loggias to the Italian, find your child’s soul during the dreamlike journey «the enchantments
d ‘Azay-le-Rideau, observe the rich furniture and collections from the 16c. to the 19c. from the kitchen to the dining room, plunge into the luxurious atmosphere of the Marquis de Biencourt in the 19c. and, in the attic, contemplate the superb frame of the 16c.

Lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Afternoon: guided visit of the castle of Langeais: Built in the early 15th century, this chateau provides a perfect example of a late medieval castle, with a parapet walk and a drawbridge. In 1491, it was the site of the marriage between Louis XI’s son, Charles VIII, and the young Duchess Anne of Brittany – an event which paved the way for the independent Bretons eventual union with France. Its originality lies in its furnishings — furniture, woodwork, fabrics, sculptures, and paintings.

PRICE PER PERSON: 90€ (INCLUSIVE OF TAXES).

INCLUDES: Guide services for the entire day - transport - entrance to the castle of Azay-le-Rideau, the castle of Langais and the Gardens of the Castle of Villandry - Lunch.

Chambord

Chenonceau - Chambord (full day)

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention Centre and departure in a tourist bus for Chenonceau.

Morning: the castle of Chenonceau.

Built in the 16th century, this masterpiece of the French Renaissance, is built on the bed of the river Cher.

You will discover the guardroom, the chapel, a superb 60-meter long gallery spanning over the Cher River,

Francis 1st or Diane de Poitiers’s room and in the upper floors you will go through the rooms of Gabrielle d’Estrées, Catherine de Médicis or Louise de Lorraine...Set in the two piers anchored in the bed of the Cher River, the kitchens demonstrate the art and ingenuity of the builders of the Renaissance. A walk in the French gardens and in the Potager des Fleurs will close your visit on a delightful note. Special 500 years: an exhibition around Catherine de Medicis.

Lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Afternoon the castle of Chambord.

More than five centuries after its construction, it still defies the imagination: 156 meters of facade, 56 meters high, 440 pieces ...You will discover the furnished apartments, a panoramic view from the terraces, the majestic staircase with double revolution attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, a collection of 4,500 objects d’art and tapestries from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Special 500 years: «1519-2019: From utopia to work», an exhibition in 2 stages: drawings, paintings, models, objects and digital tools to relate the construction of the castle and the place of Leonardo da Vinci; virtual transformation projects of Chambord developed by about twenty architectural laboratories of the largest international universities (Chambord, an architectural utopia of the 21st century).

PRICE PER PERSON: 95€ ONWARDS (Inclusive of taxes).

INCLUDES: Guide services - transport - entrance to the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord - Lunch.

Chenonceau

Chenonceau - Vouvray (full day)

Rendezvous with our guide in front of the Convention Centre and departure in a tourist bus for Chenonceau.

Morning: the castle of Chenonceau.

Guided visit of the Castle of Chenonceau. Built in the 16th century, it is a masterpiece of the French Renaissance, built in the bed of the river. There, you will discover the guardsroom, the chapel, a superb 60-meter long gallery spanning over the Cher River, Francis 1st or Diane de Poitiers’s room and in the upper floors you will go through the rooms of Gabrielle d’Estrées, Catherine de Médicis or Louise de Lorraine... Set in the two piers anchored in the bed of the Cher River, the kitchens demonstrate the art and ingenuity of the builders of the Renaissance. A walk in the French gardens and in the Potager des Fleurs will close your visit on a delightful note.

Lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Afternoon: boat cruise on the river Cher: On board a pleasant boat, you will sail along the emerald green banks on the Cher river, winding and romantic river lined with forests and vineyards, towards and beyond the arches of the most sumptuous Renaissance style chateau: the castle of Chenonceau. From the top deck, you will have a beautiful view. Explanation will be given along the cruise.

Guided visit of a cellar in Vouvray: Located in the heart of Vouvray’s vineyards AOC, the producers share a love of the terroir, the traditions and the quality. Meticulously selected and bottled, the wines then age in the cellars, along galleries covering a distance of more than 2 km in the tufa. In the deepest gallery, you’ll hear about the secrets involved in producing sparkling wines and making still wines.

Wine tasting: After the tour, you’ll taste wines that will make all your festivities delightful.

Return trip to the Convention Centre.

PRICE PER PERSON: 90€ ONWARDS (INCLUSIVE OF TAXES).

INCLUDES: Guide services for the day - transport in a tourist bus - entrance to the Castle of Chenonceau- boat cruise on the river Cher - guided visit of a cave in Vouvray - wine tasting - Lunch.

Tours

Tours - Chenonceau - Vouvray (full day)

Rendezvous with our tourist guide in front of the Convention Centre.

Morning: guided visit of tours (by coach and on foot): Discovering the train station and the Town Hall, (19th century), masterworks of the architect Victor Laloux; the quays along the River Loire (listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site); the Royal Chateau and the Saint-Gatien’s Cathedral, built from the 12th to the 16th C, which shows the evolution of the gothic style.

A walk in the old city: The liveliest area in the city, the old city has narrow and pedestrian streets showing several half-timbered houses, most of them dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Discover the famous Place Plumereau that shows a row of timbered houses, the Charlemagne Tower, vestige of the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin; the new Saint-Martin’s Basilica, a magnificent building of the 19th century, with the grave of Saint Martin in the crypt.

Lunch in a prestigious ambiance.

Afternoon :guided visit of the castle of Chenonceau: Built in the 16th century, it is a masterpiece of the French Renaissance, built in the bed of the river. There, you will discover the guardsroom, the chapel, a superb 60-meter long gallery spanning over the Cher River, Francis 1st or Diane de Poitiers’s room and in the upper floors you will go through the rooms of Gabrielle d’Estrées, Catherine de Médicis or Louise de Lorraine...Set in the two piers anchored in the bed of the Cher River, the kitchens demonstrate the art and ingenuity of the builders of the Renaissance. A walk in the French gardens and in the Potager des Fleurs will close your visit on a delightful note.

Guided visit of a cellar in Vouvray: Located in the heart of Vouvray’s vineyards AOC, the producers share a love of the terroir, the traditions and the quality. Meticulously selected and bottled, the wines then age in the cellars, along galleries covering a distance of more than 2 km in the tufa. In the deepest gallery, you’ll hear about the secrets involved in producing sparkling wines and making still wines.

Wine tasting: After the tour, you’ll taste wines that will make all your festivities delightful.

PRICE PER PERSON:87€ ONWARDS (INCLUSIVE OF TAXES).

INCLUDES: Guide services - transport - entrance tickets to the Castle of Chenonceau.

Guided visit and wine tasting in a cellar in Vouvray - Lunch.

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Address

Convention Bureau
Tours Loire Valley

78 - 82 rue Bernard
Palissy 37000 Tours

Tél: (+33) 02 47 70 37 41