3 Days in the Loire Valley

DAY 1: DA VINCI'S MANSION IN AMBOISE

Your chauffeur will pick you up at the train station in Tours and take you to your hotel. Lunch at leisure.

In the early afternoon, your chauffeur guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the Clos Lucé, Da Vinci’s last residence in Amboise, in a fully-equipped V-Class minivan. Let them guide your family through some of the key rooms of the mansion, including Da Vinci’s bedroom, dining room, kitchen and his atelier where he painted some of his masterpieces. Then, proceed to the basement and gardens where some of Da Vinci’s extraordinary inventions are on display. Your children will be able to play with these life size inventions in the garden, and enjoy the fun-filled game booklet given at the start of the visit. After the visit, our chauffeur/guide will drive you back to your hotel.

DAY 2: COOKING CLASS & CHENONCEAU

In the morning, your chauffeur will drive you to the cooking school. Meet your private, experienced chef and start with a visit to a traditional market in the heart of the historical city of Tours to buy the necessary fresh ingredients for today’s child-friendly meal. Then, make your way back to the private cooking school and start cooking. No one will be left out, as everyone will have to participate in this fully hands-on experience. After preparing these delicious local specialties, it will be time to eat them!

In the afternoon, your chauffeur/guide will drive you to the Château de Chenonceau. Let them tell you all about the secrets of this palace built over the Cher River. Learn about the history of the royals that once lived here and explore the many rooms and gardens of this beautiful property. To keep the children engaged and entertained throughout this 2-hour visit, they will each get an exciting game booklet. At the end of the tour, your chauffeur/guide will drive you back to your hotel.

DAY 3: CHAMBORD AND FENCING

In the morning, your chauffeur/guide will drive you to the Château de Chambord. With interesting stories about the castle, its architecture and about the person who ordered its construction, King Francis I, your guide will keep your entire family engaged and entertained throughout the 2-hour tour. Among the many highlights of the castle, you will discover the famous double helix staircase (designed by Leonardo Da Vinci), the grand fireplaces, the beautiful terraces and much more. You’ll even hear how the Mona Lisa ended up hidden here during World War II! Lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, meet your private chauffeur/guide at your hotel and hop aboard a luxurious Van to Chaumont-sur-Loire. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet on a private sailboat. Meet your private, experienced captain and hop on board a charming, traditional wooden boat. Drift down the Loire River from the quaint little city of Chaumont-sur-Loire. All along this relaxing 2-hour cruise, you will see the wild banks of the river. While your children watch the beautiful countryside and enjoy a glass of fruit juice, you will be offered a glass of local wine and a “brunch” comprised of local products. This relaxing activity is the best way to take a break from all the cultural activities and enjoy a lovely family-bonding moment.

At the end of the activity, our chauffeur/guide will drive you to the train station.