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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting Loire Valley with the "Chateaux of the Loire Walk." This self-guided adventure offers gentle, off-the-beaten-path walking routes through picturesque sunflower fields, lush forests, and sprawling vineyards, all while tracing the serene Loire and Cher rivers. Discover France's most exquisite chateaux, including Blois, Chambord, Amboise, and Chenonceau, each steeped in history and architectural grandeur. Delight in the charm of sleepy wine villages and the regal ambiance of Amboise, with its boutique-lined streets and stunning river views. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including the ivy-clad Auberge du Centre in Chitenay and the historic Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise. With all breakfasts and select evening meals included, savor the region's refined cuisine, featuring local produce and wines. This adventure promises a perfect blend of cultural exploration and leisurely walking, making it an ideal escape for those seeking both relaxation and discovery. ...more ...less
Highlights
Gentle walking through sunflower fields, forests, and vineyards along the Loire and Cher rivers.
Visit France's finest chateaux including Blois, Chambord, Amboise, and Chenonceau.
Explore sleepy wine villages and the regal town of Amboise with its boutique-lined streets.
Marvel at the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau with its iconic arches over the river.
Walk through the Loire's sprawling vineyards with opportunities for wine tasting.
Discover the historical connections of Amboise to the French Royal Family and Leonardo da Vinci.
Visit the Caves des Roches, a vast network of underground caves and tunnels.
Itinerary
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Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.You stay at Hotel Le Monarque
Day 2
:
Blois / Chambord to Chitenay
Location: Chambord
Accommodation Name: Auberge du Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to Chambord, the largest Chateau of the Loire Valley. Then walk through the estate's forest before heading across open countryside via sleepy wine villages. Transfer in the afternoon to your hotel in Chitenay. Dinner is included for the next 2 nights.
You stay at Auberge du Centre (Breakfast and evening meal included)
Day 3
:
At Chitenay
Location: Chitenay
Accommodation Name: Auberge du Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The sleepy wine village of Chitenay is ideally placed to visit many of the Loire's finest chateaux. We particularly recommend picture-postcard Cheverny which has one of the region's largest art collections including a permanent 'Secrets of Moulinsart' exhibition, and also, just 3km further on, lovely little Chateau de Troussay with its rich furnishings collection, elaborately decorated ceilings and attractive landscaped gardens. Enjoy to relax by the pool at the hotel.You stay at Auberge du Centre
Day 4
:
Chitenay to Chenonceaux
Location: Chenonceaux
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Roseraie
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today a 20-minute transfer takes you to Bourre, where you'll begin your walk alongside the River Cher. You have the chance to visit the Caves des Roches - or 'mushroom caves' - on the way, a vast network of underground caves and tunnels which were formerly limestone mines. You'll also pass La Magnanerie de Bourre, the site of traditional cave dwellings and a silk-worm farm. Continue your walk alongside the River Cher to Montrichard, a traditional French town with its own riverside beach and a number of good restaurants to choose from for lunch, before heading along the GR41 to Chenonceaux.You stay at Hotel de la Roseraie
Day 5
:
At Chenonceaux
Location: Chenonceaux
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Roseraie
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you can marvel at the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau, one of the best-known of the Loire chateaux with its iconic arches over the river. This fairytale chateau has seen some famous figures from history, notably Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de'Medici - rivals for Henry II's affections - and Mary, Queen of Scots. The university city of Tours is an easy train ride away, home to a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants, along with popular shopping centres and quirky independent shops in the old quarter.You stat Hotel de la Roseraie
Day 6
:
Chenonceaux to Amboise
Location: Amboise
Accommodation Name: Hotel Clos d'Amboise
Meals Included: Breakfast
We take you from Chenonceaux to Montlouis and from there follow the back roads of the GR3 which run parallel to the River Loire. From Montlouis you'll walk through the Loire's sprawling vineyards, with the chance to stop and taste delicious wines on the way. Continue your walk alongside the Loire and you'll arrive in the bustling market town of Amboise.You stay at Hotel Clos d'Amboise
Day 7
:
At Amboise
Location: Amboise
Accommodation Name: Hotel Clos d'Amboise
Meals Included: Breakfast
Amboise has a charming mediaeval feel, with historical links to the French Royal Family and also connections to Leonardo da Vinci who spent his last few years at Clos Luce, now a museum which houses displays of some of the artist's original work. Da Vinci's tomb is housed in the majestic Chateau d'Amboise which also hosts the impressive Son et Lumiere display. Amboise offers plenty of restaurants and cafes in which to relax and sample the local wines and produce.You stay at Hotel Clos d'Amboise
Day 8
:
Leave Amboise
Location: Amboise
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Amboise after breakfast
What's Included
All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
All breakfasts and 2 evening meals are included in the tour package.
All accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
Transfers for Flight inclusive
Transfers are included for those who have booked the flight-inclusive package.
Luggage transfers between hotels
Luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.
Walking transfers
Walking transfers are included as part of the tour.
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
Visas and vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Single accommodation
Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.
Solo traveller supplement
A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is traveling on a departure date.
Transfers for Land only
Transfers for land-only bookings are available on request at an additional cost.
Opportunities to visit local Chateaux's and wine tasting venues
Opportunities to visit local Chateaux's and wine tasting venues are available but payable locally.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of the Loire Valley with stays at Hotel Le Monarque in Blois, Auberge du Centre in Chitenay, Hotel La Roseraie in Chenonceaux, and Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise in Amboise. Enjoy comfortable rooms, delightful dining options, and relaxing amenities like gardens and pools.
Food
All breakfasts and 2 evening meals are included The Loire prides itself on it's cuisine. It is refined country cooking, not heavy but rich in flavours and textures, drawing on the great garden of the Loire valley. Fruit and vegetables abound. Asparagus, artichokes, button mushrooms, cherries and strawberries from the Loire are transported to kitchens throughout France, which demonstrates the quality of the produce. These all provide delicious accompaniments to the duck, venison and wild boar dishes (all hunted locally) and served in sauces using wines from the local vineyards. Fish also features in abundance. With three wide, gently flowing rivers passing through the region, freshwater fish appear on most menus. 'Sandre' (pikeperch) and breme (bream) are especially popular and are usually served in a beurre blanc sauce - made with shallots, butter, dry white wine and vinegar. The majority of the cheese found in the region is goat's cheese. We suggest trying Selles-sur-Cher from the neighbouring Blesois region. Desserts are often based on the fruit from the local orchards. They include 'tarte tatin', a yummy caramelised upside-down apple pie - the invention of two absent-minded sisters in their attempt to salvage a dessert they had dropped on the floor. The Loire is undoubtedly one of Europe's finest wine producing regions with many of the separate wine areas producing red, white, rose and sparkling wines. Distinctive whites include Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Vouvray and Muscadet; for reds, try Chinin, Bourgueil and Saumur. Anjou is by far the most popular rose. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
This tour includes transfers for flight-inclusive packages, luggage transfers between hotels, and walking transfers. Enjoy the convenience of being transported to key locations, allowing you to focus on the scenic walks and exploration of the Loire Valley.
Check out our Q&As
What type of walking routes can I expect on the Chateaux of the Loire Walk?
The Chateaux of the Loire Walk features gentle, off-the-beaten-track walking on relaxing flat routes through sunflower fields, forests, vineyards, and along the Loire and Cher rivers.
Are there any meals included in the Chateaux of the Loire Walk tour?
Yes, all breakfasts and two evening meals are included in the tour.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Hotel Le Monarque in Blois, Auberge du Centre in Chitenay, Hotel La Roseraie in Chenonceaux, and Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise in Amboise. These accommodations offer amenities like free WiFi, private bathrooms, and some have swimming pools and gardens.
...more ...less
Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.
Can I visit local chateaux and wine tasting venues during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to visit local chateaux and wine tasting venues, but these are payable locally.
What are some of the highlights of the Chateaux of the Loire Walk?
Highlights include visiting France's finest chateaux such as Blois, Chambord, Amboise, and Chenonceau, as well as exploring sleepy wine villages and enjoying the boutique-lined streets and esplanades of regal Amboise.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Reviews of this operator
Jane Holdaway (Google Reviewer)
Had an exceptional holiday with...
24-Mar-2025
Had an exceptional holiday with Exodus during which we travelled extensively around Sri Lanka and got a real taste of the country and the people who live there. The itinerary was packed with interesting trips and activities and all of the hotels were very comfortable. We had an excellent local guide who looked after our group brilliantly and became a friend by the end of the tour. This was not the cheapest tour we looked at but we don't regret a penny spent on it because of the quality and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend Exodus!
...more ...less
Gergana Racheva
Very helpful and prompt service
06-Jan-2023
Very helpful and prompt service.
I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team
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Trustpilot
Tim Hardy
Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast
04-Nov-2021
This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!
...more ...less
paul green (Google Reviewer)
Went on a tour of...
14-Jan-2022
Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year
Paul Green
It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.
08-Oct-2021
This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!
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Roger Wells (Google Reviewer)
We have just returned from...
12-Feb-2025
We have just returned from a 2 week Exodus trip to Egypt, Alexandria to Aswan. We had a great time, enjoyable company, with an excellent guide, Sayed. All worked out as described. The 3 day Red Sea extension was relaxing. Even the train journey, Cairo to Aswan, was a great part of the experience
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Sian Anstey (Google Reviewer)
I have just returned from...
31-Mar-2025
I have just returned from the most fabulous cycling holiday to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It was without doubt the best holiday you could ever wish for. Excellent in every possible way. Thank you Exodus. I just can’t decide which holiday to do next.
...more ...less
Damian Cannon (Google Reviewer)
We've been on several group...
21-Mar-2025
We've been on several group trips with Exodus to destinations such as India and Jordan where we'd rather let some one else do the organising. In all cases these trips have been excellent with wonderful guides and well designed itineraries. We have always returned with happy memories.
In cases where things have gone wrong Exodus have never disappointed us with their service. During one case our plane was diverted at the start and we joined the tour 3 days late. But despite this Exodus organised everything, including a driver, required to let us catch up. Equally during the pandemic our trip was cancelled twice and in the end we decided to take a full refund which Exodus handled properly.
Having just returned from our latest trip we're already considering where we can go next. It's possible that we wouldn't bother to use Exodus in Europe because we can organise everything ourselves but further afield we'll definitely be travelling with Exodus again.
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Mrs Y Morrison
Fabulous company and trip
06-Jan-2023
We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!
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Trustpilot
Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)
I've done 8 trips in...
17-May-2023
I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday.
The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that.
I remain a loyal customer.
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Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 90 days before departure.
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of
25%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 120 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Chateaux of the Loire Walk
8 Days Starting in Blois, France and ending in Amboise, France
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