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The Loire Valley & Bordeaux

Châteaux, Wine & the French Art of Living Well over 8 days, 7 nights

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France’s storybook châteaux, world-class wines, and timeless culinary traditions.

Experience the romance, flavors, and elegance of France on this 8-day journey through the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Begin in the Loire, where you’ll stay at a charming château and explore fairytale castles like Chambord, savor lunch at a family-run estate, and enjoy a gourmet tasting tour of Tours. Stroll through a medieval town that pulses with history and gastronomy. Then travel by train to Bordeaux—one of the world’s most celebrated wine capitals. There, uncover the medieval streets of Saint-Émilion, taste wines at Grand Cru Classé estates, and indulge in regional specialties. A pastry-making workshop introduces you to Bordeaux’s iconic cannelés, while guided walking tours bring the city’s past and present to life. With curated meals, expert-led tastings, and elegant accommodations, this is the ultimate French escape for wine lovers and culture seekers alike.

  • When May 14 2026 - May 21 2026
  • Duration 8 days
  • Price $5,400 per person
  • Availability Limited spots

What's Included

  • 8 days, 7 nights
  • 3 nights at the 4-star Château de Belmont, in Tours (or similar)
  • 4 nights at the 4-star Hôtel Majestic in Bordeaux (or similar)
  • Welcome Dinner in Tours, with wine
  • 18 meals, including multi-course meals with wine
  • Full-time tour leader and wine host
  • Private bus transportation with dedicated driver
  • Train tickets between Tours and Bordeaux, 1st class TGV
  • Arrival day and Departure day transfers
  • Full-time expert local tour guide
  • 4 winery visits , including two chateaux in Bordeaux, wine tastings included
  • Guided walking tours in Tours, and Bordeaux
  • Château de Chambord guided castle tour
  • Gourmet tastes of Tours experience, with sweet & salty tasting stops
  • Private pastry making class in Bordeaux
  • Farewell Dinner in Bordeaux, with wine

Your Itinerary

Schedule a call

Arrive in France and travel from Paris to the Loire Valley, settling into your elegant château hotel. Meet your guide and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner featuring regional wines. A relaxing start to your French journey!

Accommodation Château de Belmont, in Tours Included Meals Welcome Dinner

Discover the architectural grandeur of Château de Chambord, a Renaissance masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a guided tour and a gourmet lunch with wine. Return to Tours for an evening at leisure to dine as you wish.

Accommodation Château de Belmont, in Tours Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Savor the charm of medieval Tours on a guided tasting walk featuring local sweet and savory specialties. After a group lunch downtown, the afternoon is yours to explore cafés, markets, and riverfront promenades before dining independently.

Accommodation Château de Belmont, in Tours Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, board the high-speed TGV train to Bordeaux. Settle into your city-center hotel and enjoy a delightful welcome dinner celebrating Bordeaux cuisine and wines.

Accommodation Hôtel Majestic in Bordeaux Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Venture into Saint-Émilion, the heart of Bordeaux’s winemaking heritage. Tour the medieval village, visit a family-run estate, and enjoy a picnic lunch with Grand Cru Classé wines. Return to Bordeaux for a relaxed evening on your own.

Accommodation Hôtel Majestic in Bordeaux Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Bordeaux on a guided walking tour of its UNESCO-listed city center. After a leisurely lunch, join a hands-on pastry workshop to master the art of baking Bordeaux’s famous cannelés. Dinner is at your leisure.

Accommodation Hôtel Majestic in Bordeaux Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel along the famed Route des Châteaux, visiting two outstanding estates—one a Grand Cru Classé, the other a charming family winery. Savor a scenic picnic lunch among the vines. Conclude your French adventure with a festive farewell dinner.

Accommodation Hôtel Majestic in Bordeaux Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, bid farewell to Bordeaux and transfer to the TGV station for onward travel to Paris or your next destination. Bon voyage!

Included Meals Breakfast

Your Organizer Discovering great wines, one glass at a time.

At Crush Wine Experiences, our mission is to introduce you to your favorite craft winery or distillery.

Grandeur of the French Renaissance Château de Chambord

  • Marvel at the architectural masterpiece commissioned by King François I, featuring the legendary double-helix staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Wander through lavish halls, grand terraces, and manicured grounds that embody the opulence of 16th-century royal life.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forest and estate — the largest enclosed park in Europe — a stunning showcase of nature and nobility intertwined.

Flavors and Traditions of the Loire Valley The City of Tours

  • Experience a guided exploration of Tours, a medieval gem where cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and lively markets reveal the city’s rich heritage.
  • Along the way, enjoy a series of sweet and savory tastings that showcase the best of local gastronomy — from artisanal cheeses to delicate pastries.
  • Conclude with a leisurely two-course lunch at a downtown restaurant, perfectly paired with a glass of Loire Valley wine.

Elegance, Wine, and Riverfront Charm The City of Bordeaux

  • Discover the timeless allure of Bordeaux, a city where grand 18th-century architecture meets a thriving contemporary culture.
  • Stroll along the Garonne River and through UNESCO-listed streets lined with elegant squares, cafés, and boutiques.
  • Savor the essence of Bordeaux’s world-famous wine heritage in its vibrant bars and bistros, where every glass tells the story of the region’s deep connection to the vine.

Grand Cru Wines and Timeless Terroir Saint-Émilion

  • Journey into the heart of Bordeaux’s Right Bank to discover the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by rolling vineyards.
  • Visit prestigious Grand Cru Classé estates and family-run châteaux to learn the secrets behind the region’s world-renowned Merlot- and Cabernet Franc–based wines.
  • Savor guided tastings that celebrate the artistry, tradition, and terroir that make Saint-Émilion one of the most cherished names in the world of wine.

A Sweet Taste of French Tradition Bordeaux & Pastry Workshop

  • Spend an afternoon immersed in the sweet side of Bordeaux during a hands-on pastry workshop led by a professional French chef.
  • Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home baker, you’ll learn the secrets behind crafting delicate French confections — from mixing and folding to finishing with finesse.
  • It’s a deliciously interactive way to experience Bordeaux’s culinary artistry and bring home a taste of France’s famed pâtisserie tradition.

The Legendary Route des Châteaux Médoc

  • Embark on a scenic journey through Bordeaux’s storied Médoc wine country, following the famed Route des Châteaux past grand estates and sun-drenched vineyards.
  • Visit two exceptional wineries — a prestigious 1855 Grand Cru Classé and a welcoming family-run château — for intimate tastings that showcase the elegance and depth of Bordeaux’s wines.
  • Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch among the vines, then return to the city for a festive farewell dinner, raising a final toast to an unforgettable journey.

Meet Our Expert Sommelier & Tour Leader

Sam Kimball is not just a sommelier; he’s a storyteller. With years of experience and a deep passion for wines from the South of France, he’ll introduce you to the art and science of wine tasting. From elegant Provence wines and rich Bandol to the refreshing Picpoul de Pinet and aromatic Clairette, you’ll taste the diversity of the region’s wine heritage on this tour.

 

 

 

Talk with Sam

Pricing

Double Occupancy Private Room $5,300 p/person

Includes:
  • 4 Star Hotels
  • Transportation
  • Local Expert City Guides
  • Winery Visits and Tastings
  • Cooking Class
  • 13 meals

Single Occupancy Private Room $6,100 p/person

Includes:
  • 4 Star Hotels
  • Transportation
  • Local Expert City Guides
  • Winery Visits and Tastings
  • Cooking Class
  • 13 meals
Boutique, intimate tour experience, limited to 16 guests + 2 hosts

Châteaux, Wine & the French Art of Living Well Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France

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