Day 1 : Paris
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2 : Paris/Loiré
Board a high-speed train from Paris, watching the urban landscape fade into rolling green countryside as you speed toward the Loire Valley. Transfer to the historic river town of Blois for an orientation walk past half-timbered houses and royal plazas, stopping for lunch at a local bistro. Continue to Château de Cheverny for a self-guided walk through furnished rooms untouched by time, seasonal gardens in full bloom, and kennels still home to the château's working hounds. Arrive at your hotel with a free evening to enjoy at your own pace.
Train
Paris - St-Pierre-des-Corps Railway Station 1h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
St-Pierre-des-Corps Railway Station - Blois 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk
Blois 0h45m
Set off alongside your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through Blois, a royal city perched gracefully above the Loire River. Thread through charming, narrow medieval lanes past half-timbered houses and historic stone mansions.
Private Vehicle
Blois - Cheverny 0h15m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Self-guided Visit at Château de Cheverny
Cheverny 1h30m
Wander freely through classical rooms filled with lavish period furnishings and exquisite detail, gaining an intimate glimpse into traditional French aristocratic life. Outside, explore sprawling seasonal gardens, pass by the active hunting hound kennels, and admire the distinctive façade that served as the architectural inspiration for Marlinspike Hall in the classic Tintin comic books.
Private Vehicle
Cheverny - Loiré 0h45m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 3 : Loiré
Begin the day in the riverside village of Amboise, following your National Geographic Expedition Leader along historic lanes lined with stone cottages and cozy bakeries. Next, head to Château de Chenonceau, an estate that stretches across the river Cher on a series of stone arches. Meet a local historian for a tour through grand arched galleries, rich Renaissance tapestries, and manicured gardens, learning about the women whose ambition and influence shaped its royal past. Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening, with freedom to seek out a local spot for dinner.
Private Vehicle
Loiré - Amboise
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk
Amboise 1h30m
Join your Expedition Leader for a morning orientation walk through the riverside village of Amboise. Follow historic lanes lined with stone cottages and cozy bakeries, getting comfortably oriented with the town's local charm, boutique shops, and scenic views along the Loire River before enjoying free time for lunch on your own.
Free time:
Amboise Morning
Enjoy free time for lunch and to explore Amboise with your Expedition Leader.
Private Vehicle
Amboise - Chateau de Chenonceau 0h9m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Visit of Château de Chenonceau
Chateau de Chenonceau 1h30m
Spanning the waters of the River Cher at Château de Chenonceau, one of the French Renaissance’s most iconic architectural wonders! Known as the "Ladies' Château" for the visionary royal women who shaped its design and legacy, this fairy-tale estate bridges history, nature, and art. On a guided visit, explore grand halls hung with vibrant period tapestries, step into historic underground kitchens, and stroll through meticulously manicured Renaissance gardens.
Private Vehicle
Chateau de Chenonceau - Loiré 0h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 4 : Loiré
Spend the morning at a family-run winery where the owners welcome you into their vineyards. Walk among the vines, learn about soil health and traditional harvest methods, and taste regional vintages over lunch. Afterward, head to Chisseaux to board a guided riverboat for a cruise along the Cher River, gliding beneath the arches of Château de Chenonceau. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon for a quiet evening and optional dinner with your group.
Private Vehicle
Loiré - Chargé 0h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Wine Tasting in the Heart of the Loire Valley
Chargé 1h30m
Discover 15 generations of winemaking heritage at a local winery in the Loire Valley. Explore ancient troglodyte cellars to learn how sparkling Crémant de Loire is crafted, sample estate wines, and enjoy a relaxed local lunch featuring authentic regional cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread.
Private Vehicle
Chargé - Chisseaux 0h15m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cruise on the River Cher
Chisseaux 1h
Glide along the tranquil Cher River aboard a scenic riverboat, passing directly beneath the grand, stone arches of Château de Chenonceau. As lush riverbanks unfurl, your river guide weaves together the region's rich tapestry—from centuries of royal heritage and vibrant native wildlife to the celebrated, sun-drenched vineyards of La Touraine.
Private Vehicle
Chisseaux - Loiré 0h15m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 5 : Loiré/Bordeaux
Board a train south to Bordeaux, a vibrant hub of culture, architecture, and gastronomy. Upon arrival, join your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through wide pedestrian squares and past impressive limestone facades. Pause for lunch at Café Joyeux, a non-profit café dedicated to employing individuals with intellectual disabilities. Afterwards, head to the Cité du Vin museum, moving through its interactive exhibits before stepping out onto the Belvedere for a glass of wine and 360-degree city views.
Private Vehicle
Loiré - Tours 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Train
Tours - Bordeaux 2h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation Walk Led by Expedition Leader
Bordeaux 0h30m - 1h
Join your Expedition Leader on an engaging orientation walk through Bordeaux's historic center. Navigate UNESCO-listed streets, admire grand 18th-century architecture, stroll along the scenic Garonne River promenade, and uncover hidden local squares while getting your bearings in this magnificent city.
Cite du Vin Museum Visit and Wine Tasting
Bordeaux 1h
Explore global winemaking culture through interactive exhibits at Bordeaux’s iconic La Cité du Vin. Afterwards, ascend to the eighth-floor Belvedere to enjoy a glass of wine paired with breathtaking 360-degree views across the skyline and Garonne River.
Free time:
Bordeaux Afternoon
Enjoy free time to explore Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city along the Garonne River, renowned for its grand 18th-century architecture, world-famous wine heritage, and vibrant local neighborhoods.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 6 : Bordeaux
After breakfast, set off to Saint-Émilion, a medieval village perched above ancient limestone hills. Step beneath the cobblestone streets with a local guide for an underground tour of the monolithic church and dark catacombs carved into the rock. Break for lunch on your own before continuing to a winery. Here, join a private tour of the estate and its stone-vaulted cellars, sampling regional Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion wines before returning to Bordeaux for a free evening.
Private Vehicle
Bordeaux - Saint-Émilion 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Tour of Saint Emilion's Monolithic Church and its Catacombs
Saint-Émilion 3h
Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage medieval village renowned for both its world-class vineyards and its extraordinary underground history. Carved directly into limestone hills, its centerpiece is Europe's largest subterranean church, accessible only with a local guide keyholder.
Free time:
Saint-Émillon Afternoon
Exploring Saint-Émilion on your own gives you the freedom to wander at your own pace through steep medieval lanes and along scenic vineyard paths. This UNESCO-listed village is ideal for independent discovery.
Wine Tasting in Bordeaux Region
Saint-Émillon 1h30m
Venture beyond the medieval walls of Saint-Émilion into the rolling, vine-covered hills of the surrounding countryside. Here, prestigious Grand Cru estates welcome travelers to explore centuries of winemaking tradition. Step inside a historic cellar to discover how local winemakers blend Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes to craft world-renowned wines, then enjoy a wine tasting.
Private Vehicle
Saint-Émillon - Bordeaux 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 7 : Bordeaux
Travel west to Arcachon on the Atlantic coast to encounter the Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune. Climb to the top alongside your Expedition Leader for sweeping views over deep pine forests and ocean waves. Later, head into seaside Arcachon for an orientation walk along the waterfront promenade and an included lunch. Return to Bordeaux for a final evening together, gathering for an optional dinner featuring regional specialties.
Private Vehicle
Bordeaux - Arcachon 1h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit Dune du Pilat
Arcachon 1h
Ascend Europe’s tallest sand dune alongside your Expedition Leader to take in spectacular vistas from over 100 meters high. Climb the ridge stairs to the crest of Dune du Pilat for panoramic views spanning lush maritime pine forests, the Atlantic Ocean, and the shifting sandbanks of Banc d'Arguin.
Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk
Arcachon 0h30m - 0h45m
An orientation walk of Arcachon led by your Expedition Leader introduces you to this famous seaside resort on France's Atlantic coast. Along the way, discover 19th-century eccentric villas, regional oyster-farming traditions, and the unique microclimate that made Arcachon a famous health retreat.
Private Vehicle
Arcachon - Bordeaux 1h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 8 : Bordeaux
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
