At a glance

Trip Summary

On day three, check out of your hotel and meet your guide and begin your journey to the UNESCO Classified appellation of Saint-Emilion.  The wines of Saint-Emilion are predominantly made from the Merlot grape and over the course of your tastings at two carefully selected Châteaux, you will discover the singularities of these softer wines.  During both days, you will learn all about the fascinating wine-making process from press to bottle, and each tour will conclude with a tasting of the Château’s wine. There will be a maximum of sixteen guests on the tour and each Château that you visit will be a Cru Classé estate.

After an enjoyable morning, you will be dropped back into Bordeaux, where you will have free time to enjoy a light lunch before boarding a train to Tours in the Loire Valley. The journey time is approximately two hours. Upon your arrival in Tours, check into your room at the 4* Oceania L’Univers. The evening is yours to spend as you wish, and the city of Tours, has lots to offer.  Vieux Tours, the original medieval district is worth a visit, to view the well-preserved half-timbered buildings, bustling squares and gothic-style cathedral.  Perhaps stop to have dinner in one of the tempting brasseries?  We are always happy to provide recommendations!

On day four, meet your guide at a central point in Tours, to begin your fully transported morning tour. The Loire Valley is famous for its magnificent historical Châteaux and today you will visit the elegant Château de Villandry. Step inside the opulent interior of the Château and walk through its myriad of gardens. You will then be taken to a charming family-owned local Château. Following this a delicious aperitif with local wine and a local delicacy will be served. You will be taken back to Tours, where you will have some free time to enjoy a bite to eat or simply wander around the town itself.   A pre-paid taxi will then take you to a highly respected Cave, producing sparkling Vouvray as well as a whole range of still and sweet wines. On this private tour, you will be guided through the cellars which have been hollowed out of the cliff face and learn how the wine is made, from vine to glass. Finish the experience with a tasting of five wines, accompanied by local specialities. After your tour, your taxi will take you back to your hotel, where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

On day five, after a leisurely breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your homeward journey.

Region Map

Outline Itinerary

Wine tasting in France- Day Three

• After breakfast, you will be taken on a fully transported half day tour in Saint-Emilion and enjoy tastings at two Châteaux.
• You will be taken back to Bordeaux, where you will have free time before boarding your pre-booked train to Tours.
• On arrival in Tours, check into the 4* Oceania L’Univers.
• The evening is at leisure.

Wine tasting in France- Day Four

• After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide at a central departure point for a half day, fully guided and transported tour to the Château de Villandry followed by a second visit to a local family-owned property and a French aperitif in your charming surroundings.
• You will be taken back to Tours at the end of the tour and you will be given some free time to have some lunch or explore at your leisure.
• A pre-booked and pre-paid taxi will take you to a top Vouvray winery, for a tour and tasting, alongside local delicacies.
• At the end of the tasting, your taxi will take you back to your hotel, where the evening is yours to enjoy.

Wine tasting in France- Day Five

• After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, check out and begin your homeward journey.

(ii) The outline itinerary is indicative and is subject to minor changes depending on supplier availability. Availability cannot be guaranteed until we have received a confirmed booking, together with the deposit payment (or payment in full where the dates of travel are in less than 60 days). If the named accommodation / visits are not available, we will endeavour to find suitable alternatives of a similar grade; this may be subject to a supplement or a rebate depending on the price available.

Package Prices

• These prices are per person and based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
• These are realistic guide prices, based on travel in standard season (usually April to the end of October). Discounts often apply for travel out of season (usually November to the end of March) or if there are more than two of you travelling together. Please let us know your preferred travel dates for a definitive price.
• Although we propose specific hotels as part of our standard packages, we enjoy excellent relationships and preferential rates at the majority of the hotels in each of our featured destinations. Therefore if you would prefer to stay in a different hotel, this can be arranged. Please contact us for the relevant supplements/discounts.
• Other room grades are available at most of the hotels that we work with. Just let us know which hotel you prefer and we will send you the relevant supplements for the various room grades.
• Single supplements and extra night prices are available upon request.
• This package has been priced based on Monday to Saturday rail fares. Please bear in mind that rail travel on a Sunday can sometimes incur a supplement.

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