Come fall in love with the Loire Valley. This is an exceptional tour for the foodie, the wine lover or anyone with an interest in seeing a few of the iconic chateaux of France.
You will try incredible variations of Vouvray, Chenin blanc, Cabernet Franc and a few other unique varietals in the Loire – from Sauvignon blanc to Gamay. We will try to track down some Melon de Bourgogne. These are ideal food wines.
All the restaurants we visit are family owned. The Loire is the true breadbasket of France. The menus change daily, but you can be assured we will eat and drink like the royalty that has called the Loire home for a millennia.
We love Paris. It is a vibrant, busy city and probably best explored on your own or in very small groups. If you would like to extend your trip or arrive early, we are happy to assist with hotel recommendations and things to see and do. Please plan to arrive in Paris no later than the Sunday before the tour starts.
A day with us: A day on a Tinto Tour consists of a little culture, a wine tasting and either a long leisurely lunch or dinner. Our start time in the morning is generally 10am. We do not visit multiple wineries in a single day.
We will depart from a convenient central Paris location, with easy access out of the city. The drive to Amboise takes approximately three hours.
Along the way, we’ll stop in Orléans for lunch at a family-run restaurant where young chefs Marine and Gauthier will treat us to a fresh, inventive menu perfectly paired with local wines.
After lunch, enjoy a guided visit to Château de Chambord, one of the Loire’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture.
We’ll then arrive in the picturesque town of Amboise, once home to Leonardo da Vinci. After checking in to our hotel, enjoy a free evening to wander its charming streets and soak in the atmosphere.
Staying close to Amboise today, we’ll begin with a guided tour of Château de Chenonceau led by the delightful Maria Massari. This chateau, elegantly spanning the River Cher, is one of the most enchanting in the Loire.
For lunch, we’ll be welcomed by the ever-spirited Aurore at her family’s warm and lively restaurant in Montlouis-sur-Loire.
In the afternoon, we’ll cross the river to Vouvray, where a tasting at family-run winery, Domaine Champalou introduces us to some exceptional expressions of Chenin Blanc.
Today we venture off the beaten path to the charming and less-touristy town of Loches, where we’ll explore the weekly market brimming with local color.
Lunch awaits at the cheerful Au Comptoir, right in the heart of Loches.
In the evening, return to Amboise for a relaxed wine tasting and a touch of local French entertainment at the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.
We will be making our way to the dynamic town of Tours which will be our base for the next three nights. You will enjoy the historic center of Tours and what it has to offer in the evenings.
But first, we’ll enjoy a special stop: Vincent, the Cuisinier de Campagne, will host us in his welcoming countryside home. Expect a memorable lunch crafted with care and warmth, served in his dining room.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Domaine Chevalerie, a standout winery producing expressive Cabernet Francs, a hallmark of the region.
We’ll begin with a quick walk through Les Halles de Tours, the city’s vibrant indoor food market. After gathering ingredients, we’ll head to Caroline’s kitchen, where she and her team will guide us in preparing some classic French dishes.
Lunch will be the delicious reward of our culinary efforts.
Later, enjoy a gentle walking tour of Tours, a perfect way to cap the day.
Today begins with a boat ride on the Loire River from the serene and beautiful village of Candes-Saint-Martin.
We’ll then visit Domaine de la Paleine for a tasting in Montsoreau, sampling wines that express the unique terroir of this part of the valley.
Lunch is at L’Auberge de la Route d’Or, where Chef Loïc, originally from Brittany, delivers simply prepared but superbly flavorful fish dishes.
This morning, we head back to Paris. Drop-offs will be at Charles de Gaulle Airport and a central Paris location.
Important: If flying out today, please book your departure for no earlier than 2:00 PM.
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