Châteaux of the Loire tour

The ferry crossing from any of our UK ports is a relaxing way to begin a few days of sightseeing that will include pretty countryside and villages along with superb wines and cuisine to tempt you.

This tour has been carefully designed to let you to take in some of the Loire Valley's finest châteaux including stunning Chenonceau that literally sits on the river Cher, medieval Loches and its impressive dungeons and Chinon which is world famous for its vineyards.

You will also have the opportunity to visit Leonardo da Vinci's home Clos Lucé near Amboise and Fontevraud l'Abbaye, which is rich in history, architecture and culture. A must see is the town of Saumur, dominated by its superb château overlooking the Loire river. Home to the National Riding Centre it also produces delicious, sparkling wines – take a guided tour around the cellars where you can take part in some tastings too.

In Angers, visit its château which houses the famous Apocalypse Tapestry - 100 yards long and nearly 18 feet tall it depicts the internal struggle between good and evil with battle scenes featuring angels and beasts.

You can combine any of our car and motorcycle tours, or you can even plan your very own itinerary from scratch using any of our hotels in France. Perhaps you just want to add a few nights to one of these routes? Anything is possible - just ask!

• 2 nights in Bléré

• 2 nights in Fontevraud l'Abbaye

Tours can start on any day from any town on the itinerary but must follow the route in either direction. Approximate tour distances are calculated from the first to the last location. Should any location be unavailable we'll advise alternatives.

Route planning

For route planning you may wish to visit Google Maps, viamichelin.com or theaa.com.

Hotel directions

With your travel documents you will find an information sheet for each hotel which has been booked for you giving directions together with some further details.

Arrival

Unless stated, you will be expected to arrive at each of the hotels pre-booked for you by 6pm each day. This should allow you time to have a fairly leisurely drive between hotel stops but if you find you will be arriving later than this please ring and advise the hotelier so that your room is held for you.

Extra charges

Details of which meals are included at your hotels are shown on your travel documentation and on these pages. All additional meals, drinks, phone calls etc must be paid for prior to departure from the hotel.