Christmas time in the land of castles

Experience Christmas in a different way – during the Advent season, some of the well-known castles of the Loire Valley have come up with something very special for their visitors and surprise with festive displays. Decorated Christmas trees adorn the courtyards, the fire crackles in the fireplace of the castles, and creative Christmas decorations make the royal chambers shine with a special glow. Experience the festive atmosphere in the land of castles!

Day 1 | Arrival in Tours

Departure in the morning and drive to Tours in the Loire Valley. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 | Château Trilogy in Amboise

The Château of Amboise overlooks the river and invites visitors to explore its royal chambers, especially during the Advent season when they shine in festive splendor and create a pre-Christmas atmosphere. The private royal castle Château Gaillard, which had completely fallen into oblivion in the 20th century, has been restored to its former Renaissance glory by Marc Lelandais, the current owner. Even in winter, the gardens, designed as Italian Renaissance gardens from the 15th century, are worth a visit. Enjoy a mulled wine and a light lunch to warm up and prepare for the next castle visit. In the afternoon, you will visit Château Clos-Lucé, the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Afterwards, stroll through the festively illuminated Amboise and enjoy a delicious piece of cake and a hot drink at a chocolatier. In the evening, dinner at your hotel continues the delightful experience.

Day 3 | Chenonceau, Chaumont-sur-Loire, and Delicious Delights

In the morning, the famous water castle Chenonceau is on the agenda! Almost exclusively women shaped its history, which is why it is also known as the Château of Ladies. During the Advent season, enchanting Christmas decorations adorn the interior of the castle, making the visit a special experience. For lunch, you will visit a winemaker near Chenonceaux – with tasting and delicious winemaker's meal. In the afternoon, let yourself be enchanted by a nostalgic Christmas atmosphere at Château Chaumont-sur-Loire, reminiscent of the grand aristocratic receptions of the Belle Époque. To conclude the day, you will be welcomed at a rock cellar restaurant for dinner in a special ambiance.

Day 4 | Azay-le-Rideau and Château de Villandry

The facade of the Renaissance Château of Azay-le-Rideau is reflected in the waters of the Indre River. It captivates from the outside, and the excitement continues inside, as this castle has also been adorned in a special way for Christmas. After your individual lunch break in Azay-le-Rideau, let yourself be enchanted by Château de Villandry, known for its magnificent architecture and garden art. Back in Tours, you have time to stroll through the Christmas market before ending the day with dinner at a restaurant in Tours.

Day 5 | Royal Châteaux of Chambord and Blois

The day continues majestically, starting with the royal Château of Chambord. In the afternoon, you will visit the royal Château of Blois. Renaissance wings, majestic spiral staircases, artistic facades, and galleries: both inside and out, Château de Blois is a feast for the eyes. For dinner, you will return to Tours.

Day 6 | Return Journey

With beautiful memories of this pre-Christmas trip and looking forward to the upcoming Christmas celebration, you return to your homeland. Perhaps with a decoration idea or two for your home?

• Travel in a modern coach with 5-star comfort and footrests
• 5x overnight stays including breakfast buffet at the 4-star Novotel Tours Centre Gare hotel in Tours (local category)
• 3x 3-course dinner in the hotel restaurant
• 1x 3-course dinner including aperitif, ¼ l wine, and coffee at the restaurant La Cave aux Fouées on day 3
• 1x 3-course dinner at the restaurant Le Turon in Tours
• 4x full-day guided tours from/to Tours
• Admission including Histopad to the castle
  of Amboise, the gardens, and the chapel in Amboise
• Admission to Château Gaillard in Amboise
• Guided tour in the garden and Château Gaillard in Amboise
• Lunch snack at Château Gaillard in
  Amboise
• Mulled wine tasting at Château Gaillard in Amboise
• Admission to the Château and Park Leonardo da Vinci of Clos Lucé in Amboise
• Gourmet break at the Chocolaterie Bigot with a hot drink and cake specialty “Nougat de Tours” in Amboise
• Admission to the Château of Chenonceau, the gardens, and galleries with German accompanying document
• Visit to the winemaker Père Auguste with tasting and lunch snack
• Admissions: Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire with castle park, Château Azay-Le-Rideau including German accompanying sheet, Château Villandry and the gardens, Château and gardens of Chambord including German accompanying sheet, Château in Blois
• 1 complimentary drink per travel day
• Audio guides for the entire duration of the trip
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

The modern city hotel with 105 rooms is located in the center of Tours, next to the city train station. The old town of Tours is quickly reachable on foot. The rooms feature a bathtub or shower, toilet, hairdryer, TV, air conditioning, and minibar.