The Loire Valley & Bordeaux Countryside : May 20 - 30, 2026
Discover the city of Tours, the castles of the Loire Valley, historic Bordeaux, its stunning vineyards and the French countryside !
Experience a meticulously curated journey to the lush Loire Valley and the heart of the Bordeaux region, designed to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Discover the history, art and traditions of two of France’s most beloved regions, explore historic chateaux, world-renowned vineyards, and iconic cities while indulging in authentic French cuisine and culture.
Enjoy the tranquility of the French countryside, while staying in two charming villages in the heart of France.
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Tours and Minneapolis signing the Sister City Agreement as you discover this bijou.
“Look at light and admire its beauty.
Close your eyes, and then look again:
What you saw is no longer there,
and what you will see later has not yet come to be”
Day 1 | Wednesday, May 20: Arrivée et Château Azay-le-Rideau
Travelers will meet at the train station in Tours centre-ville where a private coach will accompany the group to the hotel in the village of Azay-le-Rideau. After checking in and freshening up, walk to Château Azay-le-Rideau for a tour, followed by a group dinner near the hotel.
Day 2 | Thursday, May 21: Tours, the Sister City of Minneapolis
A guided walking tour of Tours, its historic town and Basilica, followed by a group lunch and free time to explore the numerous museums, visit the lush gardens, or do some shopping on your own before our coach takes us back to Azay-le-Rideau for dinner on your own.
Day 3 | Friday, May 22: Chenonceau & Clos Lucé
Discover the castles of Chenonceau, which was home to Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, and Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci created many of his inventions with lunch at the Orangerie. Stop for a wine tasting on route back to Azay-le-Rideau for a free evening.
Day 4 | Saturday, May 23: Cuisine & Villandry
In the morning, enjoy a cooking class in Tours to prepare lunch. Then, spend the afternoon visiting Château de Villandry and its renowned gardens. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner of local products and flavors to end our time in the Val de Loire.
Day 5 | Sunday, May 24: Destination Bordeaux
Travel by TGV (train à grande vitesse) to Bordeaux where our hosts will meet us at the train station before transferring to the tranquil countryside. A welcoming dinner awaits, featuring a traditional magret de canard (or vegetarian option) prepared in the Chateau’s stone fireplace.
Day 6 | Monday, May 25: Biodynamic Vineyard Lunch at Château La Corne
An exclusive visit to Château La Corne includes a private tour, a wine tasting with Steve Laurence, and a gourmet lunch amidst the vineyards.
Day 7 | Tuesday, May 26: Day Trip to Arcachon Bay
Travel to Arcachon Bay to climb the Dune du Pilat for panoramic views. The day's highlight is a fresh oysters and shrimp lunch at a seaside oyster cabane for those who enjoy shellfish.
Day 8 | Wednesday, May 27: City of Bordeaux Exploration
A walking tour of Bordeaux city with Julien is followed by free time for lunch and an afternoon visit to the renowned Cité du Vin, a modern wine museum.
Day 9 | Thursday, May 28: Bergerac & Wine Tasting
Explore the historic old town and market square of Bergerac before a visit and tasting at a nearby vineyard.
Day 10 | Friday, May 29: Market Day, Toulouse Lautrec & Farewell Dinner
A bustling morning at the Marché de Langon on the Garonne River leads to a group lunch. The afternoon includes a visit to the home of artist Toulouse Lautrec, followed by a special farewell dinner.
Day 11 | Saturday, May 30: Le Depart
After enjoying breakfast in Auros, Julien and Megan will take us to Bordeaux as our travelers make their journey home or on to their next destination.
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Double accomodations, shared with a second traveler $4,900
Single accomodations $5,900
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Hotel and Bed & Breakfast: Ten nights, double occupancy; all rooms are non-smoking and have private baths. The first 4 nights will be at a four star hotel in Azay-le-Rideau, remaining nights will be at a Bed & Breakfast in Auros.
Single accommodations are available upon request, please see details and rates listed.
All breakfasts, six lunches and seven group dinners.
Transportation : Train ticket from Tours to Bordeaux; all other inter-city transportation by air-conditioned coach.
Tours with licensed English-speaking guiding services .
All entrance fees for visits mentioned in the itinerary.
All applicable taxes and service charges.
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Flights and transportation from your point of origin and the trip’s starting point or your return.
Trip insurance.
Meals and beverages as noted in the day-by-day itinerary.