From Tours: Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau & Vouvray Winery

Set out on a captivating journey from Tours to explore the magnificent châteaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley. Explore the region’s rich history and viticulture, from the enchanting Château d’Azay-le-Rideau to the breathtaking gardens of Château de Villandry. Savor exquisite wines at a renowned Vouvray winery, enjoying the unique flavors that define this renowned wine-producing area. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or history buff, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to uncover more of the Loire’s treasures.

Key Points

• This 8.5-hour semi-private tour from Tours visits Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Villandry, and a Vouvray winery, with guided tours and wine tastings.
• The tour is limited to 8 participants and includes transportation, entrance fees, and a minimum of 8 wine tastings.
• Highlights include a guided tour of the 16th-century Renaissance Château d’Azay-le-Rideau and a 75-minute guided experience at a renowned Vouvray winery.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or pregnant women, and there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• The "Reserve now & pay later" option is available, and the tour is conducted in English.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 8.5-hour small group tour from Tours to the Loire Valley is priced at €199.00 per person.

The tour’s group size is limited to 8 participants. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, a "reserve now & pay later" option is available. The tour includes guided visits, free time, and sightseeing at Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Villandry, and a Vouvray winery.

Participants will also enjoy a wine tasting in Amboise and a break at a local bakery.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Tourist Office in Tours Loire Valley, where you will meet their guide at 9:30 AM.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. Visit Château d’Azay-le-Rideau for a guided tour, free time, and sightseeing (1.5 hours).

2. Explore Château de Villandry, including a guided tour, free time, and sightseeing in the gardens (1 hour).

3. Enjoy a 30-minute break at a local bakery, followed by a scenic drive and wine tasting of local varieties in Amboise (30 minutes), and a guided tour, wine tasting, and sightseeing with views at a Vouvray Winery (75 minutes).

Tour Details and Experience

Participants will meet the guide at 9:30 AM at the Tourist Office of Tours, marking the start of the immersive tour through the Loire Valley’s renowned architectural and wine-tasting experiences. The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s highlights, including guided visits to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Villandry, and a Vouvray winery. Guests will also enjoy a scenic drive, a break at a local bakery, and several wine tastings showcasing the valley’s distinctive varietals. Throughout the day, you will learn about the area’s rich history, architecture, and renowned winemaking processes.

| Tour Details | Inclusions | Exclusions | Important Information |

| — | — | — | — |

| Duration: 8.5 hours | Semi-private tour in English | Lunch (free time to buy) | Not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or pregnant women |

| Small group limited to 8 participants | Entrance fees to chateaux and wine estates | Tips and gratuities | Meeting point: Office de Tourisme of Tours |

| Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund | Transportation by minivan | French-speaking guide | What to bring: Comfortable shoes, jacket |

| Reserve now & pay later option available | Minimum 8 glasses of wine tastings | | Not allowed: Pets, oversize luggage, smoking; Children under 4 years not permitted; ticket required for all participants |

Château D’azay-Le-Rideau

After meeting the guide at the designated starting point, the tour moves on to explore the first highlight of the day – the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau.

This 16th-century Renaissance castle, built on an island in the Indre River, delights visitors with its elegant architecture and peaceful gardens.

The guided tour takes guests through the castle’s interior, allowing them to admire the intricate details and learn about its history.

Afterward, participants enjoy free time to stroll through the grounds and take in the scenic views.

Key highlights of the visit include:

1. Guided tour of the château’s interior

2. Free time to explore the castle’s gardens and grounds

3. Learning about the château’s rich history and architectural significance

More Great Tours Nearby

Château De Villandry

After exploring the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, the tour then heads to the Château de Villandry. Visitors enjoy a guided tour, free time, and sightseeing in the gardens. The château’s Renaissance-style gardens are renowned for their elaborate geometric designs and vibrant colors.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Tour Duration | 1 hour |

| Highlights | Guided tour, free time, sightseeing |

| Gardens | Renaissance-style, geometric designs, vibrant colors |

| Cuisine | Opportunity to visit local bakery during the break |

| Wine Tasting | Scenic drive to Amboise for wine tasting of local varieties |

Wine Tasting in Amboise

Next, the tour embarks on a scenic drive to Amboise for a 30-minute wine tasting session.

Participants will sample several local wine varieties, learning about the region’s unique terroir and winemaking processes.

The tasting provides an opportunity to:

1. Discover the distinct flavors and aromas of Amboise’s renowned wines.

2. Understand the impact of geography, climate, and grape varietals on the wine’s character.

3. Gain insights from the expert sommelier about proper wine tasting techniques.

This wine tasting experience complements the tour’s exploration of the Loire Valley’s architectural and culinary heritage.

Vouvray Winery

The tour then proceeds to a renowned Vouvray winery, where you will enjoy a 75-minute guided experience.

They’ll explore the underground caves used for wine production and learn about the winemaking process. Guests will sample a variety of local Vouvray wines, renowned for their dry, off-dry, and sparkling styles.

The winery visit offers scenic views and a chance to appreciate the region’s winemaking heritage.

Afterward, travelers have free time to further discover the winery or the surrounding area before heading back to Tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests are not permitted to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes a stop at a local bakery and wine tastings at the wineries visited, but lunch is not provided and must be purchased separately during the free time.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour offers a set 8.5-hour duration, but doesn’t mention an option to extend it. Participants should inquire with the tour operator about the possibility of adding extra time or activities to the itinerary.

Do I Need to Know French to Enjoy the Tour?

No, you don’t need to know French to enjoy this tour. The tour is conducted in English, and the guide will provide all necessary information and translations during the visits to the châteaux and wineries.

Is There a Discount for Booking Multiple Tours?

The tour operator doesn’t offer discounts for booking multiple tours. However, guests can save by reserving now and paying later, and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Customers can’t customize the itinerary, but they may request additional activities or changes to the existing program. The tour operator will assess the feasibility and provide a quote for the customized experience, if possible.

The Sum Up

This captivating 8.5-hour journey from Tours offers a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, the iconic Château de Villandry, and indulge in a Vouvray winery experience. It’s an ideal adventure for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike, immersing them in the region’s rich heritage and vibrant viticulture.

You can check availability for your dates here: