Day 1:Arrival in Blois, famous for its Royal Renaissance Chateau. Blois is a short train ride from Paris and has plenty to offer for your first night: pedestrian streets, 18th century stone bridge, Saint Louis Cathedral, shopping, restaurants. And since you are spending the night in Blois, do not forget to check if there is a Light & Sound show tonight (in English on Wednesdays!). Dinner on your own. Orientation by phone with our office at 6pm.

Mercure Blois Centre

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Blois

The hotel Mercure Blois Centre, completely renovated, is located in the heart of the chateaux of the...

Day 2 After breakfast, we will transfer you to one of the most recognizable Chateaux of France: Chateau of Chambord. You can visit the Chateau, walk around in the park, and then start your hike from Chambord to Bracieux through the forest! Stay in a charming 2* hotel in Bracieux, dinner included. (B,D) 9 km hiking.

Chateau de Chambord: it is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures. One of the architectural highlights is the spectacular double-helix open staircase that is the centerpiece of the castle. The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the castle. There are suggestions that Leonardo da Vinci may have designed the staircase, but this has not been confirmed.

Hotel de la Bonnheure

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Bracieux

Simple but pleasant 2 star hotel located just outside the Chambord forest in the village of Bracieux...

Day 3: Cheverny. This hike will take you to Cheverny, another famous town because of its Chateau. The present Château de Cheverny is an original jewel among the more famous monuments that stretch along the Loire Valley. In fact, Renaissance style did not find its place in Cheverny, which is built in the purest Louis XIII classical style, distinguished by an extraordinarily symmetrical architecture. But Cheverny is primarily known for being an inspiration to Herge, cartoonist and author of Tintin, who drew the castle in his comics as the Chateau de Moulinsart, home to Captain Haddock! Stay in 2* hotel in Cheverny, dinner included at your hotel. (B) 14km

B&B Le Beguinage

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Cheverny

18th century house; located in the heart of the Loire Valley only 2 minutes from Cheverny, 10 minute...

Day 4 - Cheverny to Amboise: In the morning, we will transfer you to Les Montils where you will walk to Chaumont-sur-Loire, a village rich in history and a perfect place for walks along the riverbanks. Each year the International Garden Festival is held in the castle grounds. But Chaumont sur Loire is also known for its feudal castle dominating the valley. After your visit of Chaumont, you have a transfer to Amboise, where you stay tonight. Amboise has a lot to offer and plenty to visit: The Royal Castle, which introduced Italian-style architecture in the 15h and 16th centuries; Clos Luce: last residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where you can see some of his many projects in different fields. Night in a nice and quiet 3* hotel, dinner included. (B,D) 12.5 km

Hotel La Breche

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Amboise

At a distance of 500 yards from the town center in the shadow in the raised garden, this residence d...

Day 5:Amboise visit day or optional loop hike in the countryside. Amboise is a very culturally rich town with enough sites to occupy most of the day; so today we give you the time to enjoy them all! The castle and the Clos Luce are must see sites. You can consider a Sound and Light show during the high summer months at the castle, and also work in some wine tastings at caves located right in Amboise. An optional hike includes the Pagode de Chanteloup just outside of Amboise. Same hotel in Amboise tonight, dinner on your own. (B) 8 km optional hiking.

Hotel La Breche

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Amboise

At a distance of 500 yards from the town center in the shadow in the raised garden, this residence d...

Day 6: Amboise to Chenonceau. Take a scenic walk to the Cher River and the famous Chateau de Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the 16th century on the Cher River, and then improved by Catherine de Medicis. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. It is known as the "Ladies Castle" because of the feud between Diane de Poitiers, Henri II mistress and Catherine de Medicis, his wife. Night and dinner in a 4* hotel with 1* Michelin restaurant! (B,D) 15km

Le Bon Laboureur

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Chenonceaux

Le Bon Laboureur is a charming hotel located just a stone's throw from the Chateau of Chenonceau, th...

Day 7: Departure after breakfast.You can take your time with breakfast. Additional nights can be arranged. Transfer back to Saint Pierre des Corps, Tours TGV station, is on your own. (B)