Itinerary

Day 1 : Champagne Family estates

Pick-up is at 9:30 AM at the Reims Centre Train Station forecourt.

Tour and Champagne tasting at a Family Grower.

More than 4 000 family wine makers contribute to the prestige of Champagne and maintain the Tradition on from generation to generation, for one aim: the true expression of Champagne. Visit of the production’ site followed by a tasting of several cuvées.

Sightseeing of the city of Reims: Grandes Maisons de Champagne, Cathedral...

We'll drive through the bustling streets of Reims to show you some famous Champagne Houses, the beautiful City Center and its imposing Cathedral, and point out places like the Royal Square, the majestic City Hall, Roman Oratory Ruins and THE widest standing Roman Arch in the world! On the Unesco World Heritage List, the 13th-Century Notre-Dame de Reims is one of Europe's most important Gothic structures - and is where most of the Kings of France were coronated through the ages.

Hautvillers sightseeing.

On the way to Epernay, we take you to the Marne River Valley, we'll pause in picture-perfect vineyards then go meet a prestigious personality of the area: Dom Pérignon, Champagne Wine's Spiritual Father. He contributed heavily to the fame of Champagne and is now buried in the church of the former Benedictine Abbey, in the charming hillside village of Hautvillers. We'll pay our respects there before heading down the meticulously manicured slopes into Epernay for lunch.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a convivial lunch at a local restaurant including a starter, a main course, a glass of Champagne and a coffee.

Sightseeing of Avenue de Champagne in Epernay.

Located in the beating heart of Epernay, the town internationally known as the "Capital of Champagne", its stunning main street features a half-mile long exhibition of opulent mansions housing some of the most illustrious "Maisons de Champagne": Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouet, Pol Roger, Mercier, etc. Not to mention the miles and miles of naturally climate-controlled champagne production and storage tunnels deep below the pavement!

Tour and Champagne Tasting at a second family estate.

Before returning to Reims, you will experiment another family estate. Visit of the production’ site followed by a tasting of several cuvées.

Drop off at hotel at 5:30AM.

Check in at Hotel de la Paix**** for two nights B&B.

Day 2 :  Reims Cathedral, Veuve Clicquot, Tour & tasting at a family domain, lunch included

  
Pick-up: 9:10 AM at your hotel

Sightseeing of Reims, city of coronations.

Your day will start by sightseeing the vibrant City Centre, a place full of charm, layers of unique history and regional culinary delights.

Guided tour and tasting at world famous Grande Maison de Champagne Veuve Clicquot (Visit included with 4 glasses of Champagne).

House founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot that became famous thanks to Madam Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin. You will learn about this visionary young widow who built an empire, and became a legend in her time “la Grande Dame of the Champagne region". For a while, take a dip into the heart of this House, its heritage, its savoir-faire. And discover its unique chalk-cellars and the making-process of Champagne.

Guided tour of the Cathedral of Reims.

A Unesco World Heritage Site, the 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of Europe's most important Gothic structures. You will be captivated by the enormity, the hypnotizing stained glass windows and the exceptionally rich statuary (there are over 2300 figures - and among them the famous Smiling Angel). Here King Clovis was baptized late in the Fifth Century AD, giving birth to the Kingdom of the Franks and started a lasting tradition: between 1027 and 1825 all but two Kings of France were coronated here!

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a convivial lunch at a local restaurant including a starter, a main course, a glass of Champagne and a coffee.

Reims Mountain Grand Cru Vineyards.

Then we'll leave the city and drive through the Grand Cru vineyards on the Mountain of Reims, where the Scenic Route of Champagne winds its way between fields of barley, vinyards, forests and picturesque villages such as Verzy, Verzenay and Mailly. Realm of the Pinot Noir varietal, the Mountain of Reims is known for its special "terroir" that gives Champagne much of its power and character. We'll take a tranquil, picturesque pause in such a vineyard to take it all in with our own five senses.

Champagne Tasting & Cellar Tours at a Champagne Grower's Family Domain.

In the heart of the Champagne’s Vineyards, you will be welcomed at a beautiful Champagne Grower's Family Estate. More that 4000 family winemakers contribute to the prestige of Champagne, keeping the Tradition alive from generation to generation with a common goal: the true expression of Champagne. The lovely afternoon will finish with another tasting of different Champagne wines. After heartfelt thank-yous and goodbyes we'll gently return you to the city of Reims.

Drop off is at 5:30 PM at your hotel.

Day 3 : Transfer from Champagne to Loire Valley

• Check-out after breakfast
• Taxi transfer from your hotel to Reims Champagne-Ardenne train station
• TGV transfer from Reims Champagne-Ardenne TGV train station to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station
• Taxi Transfer from Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station to your hotel****
• Check-in at your hotel l'Univers**** for three nitghs B&B

Day 4: Chenonceau & Chambord

Pick up: 8: 45 AM at your hotel

Guided tour of the Chateau of Chenonceau.

The unique architecture of the Chateau of Chenonceau makes it one of the most exquisite Chateaux in the Loire Valley. Nicknamed "The Ladies Chateau", the castle of Chenonceau is related to important French women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. The magnificent Renaissance Gardens around it make it even more spectacular.

Transfer to Amboise for the lunch.

Les Caves Ambacia, the Loire Valley Wine Experience!

Enjoy an exclusive and convivial tasting of Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny wines, King François the 1st 's favourite wines, at a local winery. Then wines of the domain and terroir specialities.

We highly recommend to have lunch at Caves Ambacia.

Caves Ambacia welcomes you in its restaurant "l'Oppidum" where you will discover typcial Loire Valley products such as Cheeses, Delicatessen and Fishes.

You will be delighted by the view on the Loire River!

(non-contractual picture)

Or Lunch at leisure in Amboise.

Transfer to Chambord.

Guided tour of the Chateau of Chambord.

Drive to the Estate of Chambord, whose national game reserve as large as the city of Paris! The Chateau de Chambord (guided tour) is a unique monument as defined by its architecture and proportions. Leonardo da Vinci likely took part in its conception. With more than 400 rooms and the double spiral staircase, Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley.

Drop-off is at 06:00 PM at your hotel.

Day 5: Private tour to 3 Chateaus OR to 2 Chateaus and a winery

Pick-up at 09:00 AM at your hotel

Guided tour to Chateaux to be chosen between:

  - Blois

  - Cheverny

  - Beauregard

  - Chaumont-sur-Loire

  - Amboise

  - Clos Lucé

  - Villandry Gardens

  - Azay-le-Rideau

  - Langeais

  - Chinon

  - Ussé

  - Islette

Once you made your confirmation, we will be happy to discuss with you which program is possible to do according to your envies !

Note:  Please note that according to the area, not every chateaus are possible to visit on the same day.

Lunch at your leisure.

Drop-off around 06:00 PM at your hotel.

Day 6: Checkout and end of our services 

Accommodations 

Champagne: (Four-Star) Hotel de la Paix**** in Reims for three nights.

In the heart of Reims, the delightful capital of the Champagne region, you’ll find Best Western's pride, the Hôtel de la Paix. This island of calm is a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and a host of charming shops. Between old masonry & and new design, the Hotel de la Paix welcomes you with 169 well-appointed, air-conditioned modern rooms.

Hotel may change according to their availability. Should a provider be unavailable we will offer alternatives of the same standard.

Loire Valley: The (Four-Star) Hotel l'Univers in Tours for two nights.

The Hotel l'Univers**** is set in a fashionable shopping area one kilometer from the Old Town. This hotel has been the most prestigious address in Tours since 1846 and many notables of Europe and the New World have stayed here. The celebrated portrait gallery only underlines its rich and historic past, while continuing to offer all the comfort of a grand hotel established in the best traditions of hospitality and elegance “à la Française”.

Hotel may change according to their availability. Should a provider be unavailable we will offer alternatives of the same standard.

This tour includes

• Transportation in a comfortable full options minivan
• Semi-private English speaking escort guide
• 3 nights in a hotel**** in Reims and 2 breakfasts
• Entrance fees and tastings at Pommery and at a family estate
• Avenue des Champagne tour, Dom Perignon with Hauvillers stop
• Tour of Reims Cathedral
• Sightseeing of Reims Grandes Maisons de Champagne
• Entrance fees and tastings at Veuve Clicquot and at a family a estate
• 2 nights in a hotel**** in Tours B&B
• Entrance tickets and guided tour of the Chateaux in the Loire Valley
• 1 tour and wine tasting at a cellar cave in the Loire Valley
• TGV transfer from Champagne to Loire Valley
• Two local private transfers by taxi

This tour does not include

• Personal expenses
• Extras
• Other meals and drinks

Additional information

• Day Tours available from Monday to Sunday