Bienvenue a la Val de Loire! Welcome to the Loire Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of France. This area has been attracting visitors for centuries, and was a favorite spot among French royalty and nobility in the 1500s, resulting in the dozens of magnificent castles that are scattered throughout the area, several of which you will become very familiar with on our tour! Amboise makes for the perfect location to start your culinary adventure. Enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring the town’s chateau. We will give a variety of options for you to choose from to explore on your first day before meeting for a group dinner in the evening.

Sunday is market day in Amboise, and you will experience market life to its fullest as we walk around trying various specialties and delicacies that vendors from the nearby towns are selling. From chocolate to cheese to charcuterie, bakers to butchers, the quantity and quality of food will amaze you! Your guides will explain a bit about the various products while you sample and enjoy. After a tour of tastiness and a delicious lunch, you can choose to either explore the surrounding countryside by bike, visit Château du Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci’s home, now a museum highlighting his many inventions and accomplishments), or visit the town on your own.

Is there a better way to start the day than a hot air balloon ride, admiring the majesty of the chateaux, vineyards, and forests below?! This optional activity will be an experience you will never forget! After ballooning, we leave Amboise and head a short distance to the nearby Cher River. Along the way we will stop at a winery to learn about French wines and why Loire wines are some of the best. Visit the vineyards and cellars, speak with the vintners, and sample a variety to see which is your favorite. After a fun and relaxing afternoon, we continue to a chateau where we will stay for the next two nights. Charles de Gaulle used to frequent here, and you may even be able to stay in his room. In the evening, Chef O will be preparing one of her phenomenal French feasts. You can help as much or as little as you want, whether it’s simply pouring wine or being a sous chef, but creating a delicious meal is very rewarding!

Today we visit Château de Chenonceau- one of the most iconic châteaux in the Loire. Chenonceau stretches over the River Cher. Take a tour of the castle and learn about it’s fascinating history involving the wife and mistress of King Henry II. Admire the centuries old Renaissance/medieval paintings and furniture as well as the stately gardens. For those desiring a more active vacation, you can explore the surrounding area by bike or gain a unique perspective as you paddle around and under the château in a canoe! In the afternoon, we return to our own château for the evening for another exciting cooking lesson with Chef O.

Brunch on a Wednesday? Why not! Crepes, croissants, and quiche are all iconic French breakfast items, and you can make requests for any specific dishes you want to learn. We bid adieu to our beloved chateau as we continue our tour to Chambord- the largest château in the Loire and one of the most opulent. The overwhelmingly beautiful castle was barely ever lived in, but rather was used mostly as a hunting lodge. Between the stunning interior and 15 miles of paths in the château’s gardens, there is no shortage of sightseeing to do here! We all share one last dinner together to reminisce over the amazing week.

Au revoir! The tour is over and you can explore more of France- ask us for suggestions! Our top recommendation: head to Greece to join our Greek Isles Sailing trip that starts a few days later!