08.50am Meet your guide in front of Tours Tourism Office
We will come and pick you up at the dedicated meeting point in Tours
09.00am - Depart from the Tourism office of Tours
10.00am - Visit & Wine tasting at 1st Loire Valley winery, taste local red, white or rosé wines
11.30 am - Walking tour of Chinon with your guide
12.30pm - Free time for personal discovery & lunch (at own expense)
3.00pm - Visit & Wine tasting at 2nd Loire Valley winery, taste more local red, white or rosé wines
5.00pm - Drop off at Tourism office in Tours
Meet your English speaking driver/guide - who is an Expert in Loire Valley Wines
Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide who will be waiting with a sign bearing the name of the tour and with the Ophorus logo on it. Also, all our guides have a nominative badge so that it will be easy for you to recognize them.
Once you have met your guide, he will go over the program and itinerary of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to the Loire Valley wine producing region.
All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system which means that everyone will hear the guides commentary during driving time, even if you are seated in the back of the van! Also, we have bottled water at your disposal and you can use our free wifi as you travel from one destination to another.
Morning wine tasting tour in the Bourgueil wine region
The Loire Valley is not only famous for its Renaissance castles, but also for its wines. To kickstart the day, this Loire Valley wine tour will first take you to the town of Bourgueil. Indeed, this charming small town is surrounded by vineyards producing wines typical from the region. Here, the diversity of soils gives the wines a delicate and fruity taste. Wines from the Loire Valley can be consumed young or aged depending on the vintage.
Your guide will take you to a traditional winery, where you will learn about wine production from the grape to the bottle. After the tour, you will be able to taste different wines produced by the winery and, if you wish, you will be able to buy your favorite one to bring it back home.
Stop in Chinon for a visit & lunch
After that, this Loire Valley shared tour will take you to Chinon, a picturesque town with preserved medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance town houses. Chinon is dominated by its castle, which is actually made of three castles. The Chinon castle used to be the residence of Henry II of England. Other historic events taking place in the Chinon castle were the death of Richard the Lionheart, as well as Joan of Arc persuading Charles VII to fight the English invasion of France.
You will have the privilege to visit the town accompanied by your private guide who will tell you about the history of Chinon and its castle in greater details. You will have time to stroll the streets and stop for shopping at any time you want. At lunch time, your guide will indicate the best places to try some local specialties in Chinon.
Afternoon wine tasting tour in the Chinon wine region
Around this area, you will mainly find red wines from different qualities. Head to a winery managed by a lovely French couple who will show the process of wine-making in Chinon in the Loire Valley. While you are there, take some time to fully appreciate the beautiful view over the vineyards around you. You will also have a chance to buy some red Loire Valley wine from the winemaker.
After your visit and tasting, it will be time to head back to Tours where we will drop you off.
