Itinerary
- Day 1
Blois
You'll arrive in Blois and have your evening free to settle in. The pedestrian streets are nice for wandering around, and there's the 18th-century stone bridge if you want to take a walk. Saint Louis Cathedral is worth seeing if you're into that sort of thing. For dinner, there are local restaurants throughout town. If it's Wednesday and you're interested, check whether the Light and Sound show is running in English that night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Château Royal de Blois
- Walk pedestrian streets of Blois
- Cross 18th-century stone bridge
- Visit Saint Louis Cathedral
- Light and Sound show (when available; in English on Wednesdays)
- Shopping and dining in Blois
Landmarks/POIs Château Royal de Blois Saint Louis Cathedral - Day 2
Blois to Bracieux
After meeting your local guide at the hotel for an orientation, you'll transfer to Château de Chambord. Once there, you'll walk through the castle and its park, checking out the famous double-helix staircase (possibly designed by Leonardo da Vinci). Later you'll hike through the forest from Chambord to Bracieux. By evening you'll be settled in a charming hotel in Bracieux.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation meeting with local guide at hotel
- Visit Château de Chambord
- Walk in Château de Chambord park
- Hike from Chambord to Bracieux through the forest
Landmarks/POIs Château de Chambord - Day 3
Bracieux to Ouchamps
This morning you'll hike to Cheverny, a town built around Château de Cheverny. The castle features Louis XIII style architecture with its distinctive symmetrical design. It's known from Hergé's Tintin comics, where it appeared as Château de Moulinsart. After exploring the area, you'll transfer at 3pm to your hotel in Ouchamps.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Cheverny
- Visit Château de Cheverny
Landmarks/POIs Château de Cheverny - Day 4
Ouchamps to Amboise
You'll start with a morning hike from the hotel through Chaumont-sur-Loire, a historic village with nice walks along the riverbanks. Next you'll visit Chaumont castle, which rises over the valley and hosts the annual International Garden Festival. Then it's a transfer to Amboise for the evening. There you can walk through the Royal Castle with its Italian-style architecture from the 15th-16th centuries, and visit Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last residence.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike through Chaumont-sur-Loire village
- Visit Chaumont castle
- Walk along Loire riverbanks
Optional Activities
- Visit Royal Castle of Amboise
- Visit Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci's last residence)
Landmarks/POIs Château de Chaumont Royal Castle of Amboise Clos Lucé - Day 5
Amboise
You have two hiking options today to explore Amboise more fully. You'll spend time discovering the town's attractions on your own schedule. The Royal Castle is there with its Italian-style architecture from the 15th-16th centuries, and Clos Lucé is where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. At Clos Lucé you can see his inventions and projects.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking route 1 in Amboise
- Hiking route 2 in Amboise
- Visit Royal Castle of Amboise
- Visit Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci's last residence)
Landmarks/POIs Royal Castle of Amboise Clos Lucé - Day 6
Amboise to Chenonceau
You'll walk through the forest of Amboise and past farm villages, then head toward the Cher River and Château de Chenonceau. Built by Henry II in the 16th century and later enhanced by Catherine de Medici, this castle sits directly over the river. After exploring, you'll return for a gourmet dinner at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Gourmet dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Walk through forest of Amboise
- Walk through farm villages
- Visit Château de Chenonceau
- Gourmet dinner at hotel
Landmarks/POIs Château de Chenonceau - Day 7
Departure
You'll leave after breakfast at your own pace. Transfer back to Saint Pierre des Corps and Tours TGV station is on your own. If you'd like to stay longer, additional nights can be arranged.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Arrange additional nights in the region
