Tours is a fantastic place for exploring the Loire Valley, especially if you enjoy discovering local wines or historic châteaux. With its compact size, easy logistics, and authentic experiences, Tours makes a perfect base for day trips and guided tours. One of our favorite options is the Morning Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing in Vouvray; it combines expert-led tastings with regional foods, making it ideal for wine lovers wanting to learn while enjoying delicious local cheeses. For a more intimate look at vineyards, the Vouvray Vineyard & Winery Tour offers a small-group experience that emphasizes hands-on learning and local charm. And if you’re into exploring history along with wine, the Caves Ambacia Tour in Amboise combines a fascinating underground cellar visit with wine tastings. For those wanting a full day soaking in Loire’s castles, the Château de Chenonceau and Chambord Day Tour is perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts. Now, let’s break down what each experience offers.
1. Morning – Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing, Vouvray
This tour is a standout for its detailed focus on two local wine estates and its engaging approach to learning about terroir, grape varietals, and regional cuisine. For about $145, you get roughly three and a half hours of guided exploration, starting at the Tourist Office in Tours. Your host, a regional wine expert, will lead you through Domaine Le Capitaine, where you’ll explore a vineyard and underground cellar, tasting a minimum of five sparkling and still white wines paired with local cheeses. The second stop, Cave de Vouvray, offers a large range tasting of Touraine wines, including reds, with charcuterie.
The guide’s commentary is tailored to your level of wine knowledge, making it friendly for novices but still interesting for those more experienced. The reviews highlight Alycea and Pierre for their knowledge and enthusiasm, with visitors praising the insightful explanations about soils and vine work. This experience is perfect if you want a comprehensive taste of the Loire’s wine culture without a full-day commitment.
Bottom line: A highly-rated, immersive introduction to Loire wines and regional food, ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet informative experience.
2. Tour of a Vineyard, Winery & Cellar with Wine Tasting in Vouvray
At around $62, this small-group tour offers a personalized grape-to-wine experience in a family-run Vouvray vineyard. With just 12 guests, the atmosphere is informal but packed with detail. The tour includes walking through the vineyards, learning about soil types and grape varieties, and exploring the rock-hewn cellar where the wine is stored and aged. Afterward, you’ll sample six Loire wines, paired with local delicacies, in a setting that emphasizes authenticity and connection.
Miriam, the guide, is praised for her passion and depth of knowledge. Reviewers love the long, hilly walk through the vines and the generous tastings. The focus on local food accompaniments makes the tasting more than just about wine—it’s about understanding the whole terroir. This tour suits those who prefer a smaller, more intimate setting and want to learn the ins and outs of winemaking without rushing.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for wine enthusiasts who want an engaging, personalized experience with local charm and great value.
3. Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise
If underground caves fascinate you, this tour in Amboise offers a sensorial journey through 150 years of wine history in carved-out 16th-century caves. For only around $33, you get about 75 minutes of exploration, including a sommelier-led tasting of three exceptional wines. The caves were historically used by wine merchants since 1874, and now they serve as a unique setting for tasting and learning about Loire wines.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable, entertaining guide and the educational focus of the experience. The pairing with local cheese and meats enhances the tasting, and the opportunity to buy wines from the shop adds a nice touch. The tour is suitable for those interested in history, sensory experiences, and tasting special wines in a historic environment.
Bottom line: A short but powerful way to learn about Loire wine tradition while enjoying a fascinating underground setting.
4. Day Tour to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles
This full-day tour is perfect for those who want to combine history, architecture, and beautiful scenery. For $172, you’ll spend around eight hours exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites: the elegant Château de Chenonceau and the sprawling Château de Chambord. The tour includes guided visits of both castles, with ample free time for lunch and exploration.
The guides earn high praise for their knowledge and ability to avoid crowds, especially during busy periods. Both castles are stunning, with Chenonceau’s famous gallery spanning the river and Chambord’s massive, ornate façade. The tour’s logistics are well-managed, allowing you to see the highlights comfortably without feeling rushed.
This tour is best for history buffs and those interested in French royal architecture. It’s a longer day with good value considering transportation, guide, and entry fees included.
Bottom line: A comprehensive and convenient way to see two of the Loire Valley’s most iconic castles in a day.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Tours
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time availability, and specific interests. If you’re passionate about wines and regional foods, the Morning Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing offers a full sensory experience. For a more personalized, hands-on look at vineyards, the Vouvray Vineyard & Winery Tour is perfect. If history and underground cellars appeal, don’t miss the Caves Ambacia Experience. And for a full day combining castles and history, the Château de Chenonceau and Chambord Tour is ideal.
Think about your fitness level—some tours involve walking through vineyards or castles— and decide whether you prefer small-group intimacy or larger guided excursions. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, as these tours tend to fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
From immersive wine tastings and cellar explorations to castles fit for royalty, the Tours area offers diverse ways to experience the Loire Valley. For wine aficionados, the Loire Valley Wine Tours and vineyard visits deliver depth and authenticity. Meanwhile, history lovers will appreciate the full-day castle tour that combines grand architecture with scenic beauty.
Whether you’re after a relaxed half-day or a comprehensive castle tour, remember to book early and pick what suits your interests best. These experiences showcase the best of what Tours has to offer—rich flavors, stunning views, and unforgettable stories.