Pick-up at Tours Tourist Office

The day begins with a comfortable minivan pick-up in the centre of Tours.

Château de Chenonceau

One of the most exquisite châteaux in the Loire Valley, Chenonceau is known as 'The Ladies' Château' for its connection to Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Its unique architecture spans the River Cher, and the Renaissance gardens surrounding it are spectacular in any season.

Transfer to Amboise — Caves Ambacia

Transfer to Amboise for a wine tasting at Caves Ambacia, the Loire Valley Wine Experience. Enjoy an exclusive tasting of Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny wines — King François I's favourite — followed by terroir specialities. Lunch is recommended at Caves Ambacia's restaurant L'Oppidum, with views over the Loire River, or at leisure in Amboise.

Château de Chambord

Set within a national game reserve as large as the city of Paris, Château de Chambord is extraordinary in both scale and ambition. With more than 400 rooms and a celebrated double spiral staircase, the château was conceived with the involvement of Leonardo da Vinci and remains one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture.

Drop-off and check-in at Hotel l'Univers****

Arrival at the hotel in the heart of Tours.

Pick-up at hotel

Private minivan pick-up at Hotel l'Univers.

Three châteaux of your choice

Choose from Blois, Cheverny, Amboise, Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci's last home), Villandry Gardens, Azay-le-Rideau, or Langeais. The guide will confirm which combination works best on the day based on location and preferences.

Lunch at leisure

Time to explore independently — the Loire Valley villages have excellent local restaurants.

Drop-off at hotel

Return to Hotel l'Univers for the evening.

Check-out after breakfast

Breakfast at Hotel l'Univers, then check-out.

Private taxi to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station

A private transfer from the hotel to the TGV station, a short distance from Tours city centre.

TGV to Reims

High-speed train from Saint-Pierre-des-Corps to Reims Champagne-Ardenne TGV station, with a private transfer connection via Paris if required.

Private transfer to hotel in Reims

Arrival transfer from Reims TGV station to the hotel.

Check-in at Hôtel de la Paix****

Three nights bed and breakfast in the heart of Reims, a short walk from the Cathedral.

Pick-up at hotel

Comfortable minivan pick-up from Hôtel de la Paix.

Reims city overview

A drive through the city to see the famous Champagne Houses, the beautiful city centre, Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, the Royal Square, the majestic City Hall, Roman Oratory Ruins, and the widest standing Roman arch in the world. The 13th-century Cathedral — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is where most Kings of France were coronated.

First family Champagne estate — tour and tasting

More than 4,000 family winemakers contribute to the prestige of Champagne, keeping tradition alive from generation to generation. A visit to the production site is followed by a tasting of several cuvées.

Hautvillers — the village of Dom Pérignon

En route to Epernay, a stop in the picture-perfect hilltop village of Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon — Champagne's spiritual father — is buried in the former Benedictine Abbey church. From the village, the terraced vineyards fall away toward Epernay.

Avenue de Champagne, Epernay

The centrepiece of Epernay, the 'Capital of Champagne' — a half-mile boulevard lined with the opulent mansions of the world's great Champagne houses: Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, Mercier, and more. Beneath the street, miles of naturally climate-controlled cellars store millions of bottles.

Lunch at a local restaurant

A convivial lunch in Epernay, with a main course included (additional drinks and courses at own expense).

Second and third family Champagne estates

Two further visits to independent family grower estates, each with a tour of the production facility and a tasting of several cuvées.

Drop-off at hotel

Return to Hôtel de la Paix for the evening.

Pick-up at hotel

Minivan pick-up from Hôtel de la Paix.

Sightseeing in Reims city centre

A morning exploration of the vibrant city centre — full of charm, layered history, and regional culinary highlights.

Veuve Clicquot — guided tour and tasting

Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot and made famous by Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin — 'la Grande Dame de la Champagne' — Veuve Clicquot is one of the world's most recognised Champagne houses. The visit includes a guided tour of the historic chalk cellars and production facilities, followed by a tasting of four glasses of Champagne.

Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the 13th-century Cathedral of Reims is one of Europe's great Gothic structures — and the place where nearly every King of France was crowned between 1027 and 1825. Over 2,300 figures adorn the exterior, including the celebrated Smiling Angel.

Lunch at leisure in Reims

Time to explore the city's restaurants and markets independently.

Mountain of Reims Grand Cru vineyards

A scenic drive through the Grand Cru vineyards of the Mountain of Reims, along the Scenic Route of Champagne — through barley fields, forests, and the picturesque villages of Verzy, Verzenay, and Mailly. This is Pinot Noir country, and the terroir here gives Champagne much of its power and character.

Champagne grower estate — tasting and cellar tour

A final visit to a family Champagne estate in the heart of the vineyards. A fitting end to the journey — a warm welcome, a cellar tour, and a tasting of several cuvées.

Drop-off at hotel

Return to Hôtel de la Paix for the final evening.

Breakfast and check-out

Final breakfast at Hôtel de la Paix before departure. Onward travel arrangements are independent.