Tours, France, is a city that truly embodies the best of the Loire Valley — rich in history, stunning architecture, and delicious wines. Its strategic location makes it a perfect base for exploring the region’s famous châteaux, vineyards, and scenic landscapes. What sets Tours apart is its lively atmosphere combined with authentic local experiences, like visiting private castles, tasting world-class wines, or floating high above the vineyards in a hot-air balloon. We especially love the comprehensive Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle because it combines top sights with a delicious meal away from the crowds — perfect for those wanting a well-rounded day.
If you’re planning your trip, know that Tours offers a wide variety of experiences: classic castle tours, wine tastings, adventure activities like Segway rides, and even hot-air balloon rides. Whether you’re a history lover, a wine connoisseur, or an adventure seeker, the options listed below will help you make the most of your stay.
Quick Overview: The list below features some of the best tours in and around Tours, including full-day trips to iconic castles like Chambord and Chenonceau, intimate wine tastings in Vouvray, and fun activities such as Segway explorations of Amboise. We highlight tours that are well-reviewed, unique in experience, and offer good value for money. From private castle visits to scenic balloon rides, there’s something to match different interests and travel styles.
1. Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle
At number 1 on our list, this 9.5-hour tour combines visiting two of the most renowned castles in the Loire Valley: Chambord and Chenonceau. The experience includes a guided tour of each château, with plenty of insights into their architecture, gardens, and the royal stories woven into their walls. What makes this tour stand out is the visit to a private family-owned château for lunch, offering a peaceful escape from tourist crowds. This tour has a perfect rating of 5.0 from 337 reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides, especially Camille, for making history come alive.
The tour also features little-known panoramic viewpoints that reveal the region’s beauty. Considering the price of around $272, it offers excellent value for a full day of exploration, guided narration, and a gourmet French meal in an exclusive setting. It’s ideal for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a deep dive into the Loire’s remarkable castles.
Bottom Line: A full, immersive day that balances sightseeing with relaxation and gourmet food, perfect for travelers who want it all — castles, stories, and good food.
2. Morning – Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing, Vouvray
For lovers of wine and local flavors, this 3.5-hour wine tour in Vouvray is a standout. It’s a guided visit to two wineries, including the Domaine Le Capitaine and Cave de Vouvray, where you’ll explore vineyards, underground cellars, and production lines. The highlight is sampling at least 5 wines, including sparkling and still whites, combined with local cheeses and charcuterie.
This tour is praised for its personalized approach — capped at 12 people, so you’ll get plenty of expert insight from the regional wine specialist. The cost of around $145 makes it a great value, especially considering the quality of tastings and the intimate setting. Guests love the informative commentary on soils and vine work, making it perfect for those eager to deepen their wine knowledge.
Bottom Line: A perfect half-day experience for wine lovers wanting a hands-on understanding of Vouvray wines, with tastings and food pairings that satisfy both palate and curiosity.
3. Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise
This full-day tour offers a comprehensive visit to Chambord and Chenonceau, departing from either Tours or Amboise. For about 8 hours, you’ll enjoy guided visits to each UNESCO-listed château, with plenty of time to explore gardens and interiors. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, with guides sharing fascinating stories about the royal residents and architectural features.
Guests praise guide Chloe for her knowledge and enthusiasm, making the castles’ stories engaging. The tour includes round-trip transport, which takes away the hassle of self-driving. At $226, it provides excellent value – especially considering the skip-the-line access and detailed commentary.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice if you want a hassle-free, in-depth look at two of the Loire’s most iconic castles with personal attention and local insights.
4. Tour of a Vineyard, Winery & Cellar with Wine Tasting in Vouvray, Loire Valley
For a more intimate experience, this 3-hour small-group vineyard tour takes you behind the scenes of a family-run winery in Vouvray. You’ll walk through the vineyards, winery, and rock-hewn cellar, learning how local wines are made. The tasting of 6 Loire wines, paired with delicate local bites, makes this a memorable tasting session.
Rated highly for its personalized attention (max 12 people) and passionate guide, it offers excellent value at around $63. Guests particularly appreciate the insight into the wine-making process and the chance to taste a variety of wines in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a deep, hands-on wine experience in a cozy, family setting, especially if you enjoy detailed explanations paired with tastings.
5. Amboise Discovery Segway 45mn
Looking for a fun twist on sightseeing? This 45-minute Segway tour in Amboise offers an easy way to uncover the hidden stories and lesser-known corners of the town. After a quick 15-minute training, you’ll glide to sites like the Château d’Amboise and other historic landmarks.
Rated 5.0 out of 5, travelers praise the friendly guide Nicolas for making the experience accessible, even for first-timers. The tour is ideal for travelers seeking a light, active, and engaging way to explore, especially since it’s only an hour long.
Bottom Line: A lively, convenient activity that offers a different perspective of Amboise while being accessible to most fitness levels.
6. Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau
One of the most spectacular ways to see the Loire is from above. This 3-4 hour experience includes a hot-air balloon flight over the UNESCO-listed landscapes, with options for sunrise or sunset flights. The guided flight offers breathtaking views of castles, vineyards, and forests, with a toast of Champagne or sparkling grape juice upon landing.
Rated 4.5 from 247 reviews, guests love the professionalism of the pilot and the seamless logistics. The tour includes hotel pick-up, which makes it easy to schedule. The only caution is that the physical demands and weather dependency mean it’s best to book early in good weather months.
Bottom Line: An unforgettable splurge for those who want a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Loire’s landscapes from the air.
7. Chateau Gaillard Royal Domain Admission Ticket
If you’re craving a less crowded, more authentic castle experience, Chateau Gaillard offers a charming visit, recently restored with art and period furniture. In about 2-3 hours, you can explore the Renaissance gardens and see original art pieces like Titian and Rembrandt in the castle.
Rated 4.5 out of 5, visitors appreciate the atmosphere and the free guided tour in French. The cost of around $23 makes it an affordable addition to your Loire itinerary. The site also boasts the first orange trees in France, which adds a tasty and historical twist.
Bottom Line: A hidden gem for those interested in a quieter, authentic château with art and botanical highlights.
8. Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley
This 1 hour 15-minute visit takes you into caves carved from limestone in the 16th century, now hosting a wine collection since 1874. Led by a sommelier, you’ll taste three exceptional wines, learning about their history and production while exploring the limestone cave tunnels.
Rated 4.5 from 180 reviews, visitors love the informative tour and delicious tastings paired with local cheese and meats. The under-100-dollar price point makes it an accessible way to experience Loire wines in an atmospheric setting.
Bottom Line: An ideal quick dive into Loire wine culture, with a dash of history and extensive tastings.
9. Loire Valley Half Day: Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau from Tours
This 4-hour tour explores two distinctive castles: the jewel of the Loire, Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry, famous for its elaborate gardens. Guided by an expert, you’ll walk through Azay’s interiors and Villandry’s maze and water gardens.
Rated 5.0 from 39 reviews, travelers emphasize the knowledgeable guide and the perfect balance of castle visits and garden exploration. The price of about $132 makes it a solid choice for a quick yet comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Great for first-time visitors wanting a taste of both architecture and horticultural artistry in a condensed timeframe.
10. Loire Valley Day from Amboise: Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Winery
This 9-hour tour combines two castles and a winery in one day, starting from Amboise. The guided visits include Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, and a Vouvray wine tasting. The tour is capped at eight people, ensuring a personal touch.
Guests praise the friendly guides like Keith and Linda, and the good balance of sightseeing and leisure. For around $228, it offers a full day of diverse experiences, suitable for those who want variety.
Bottom Line: A full, varied day suited for travelers looking to combine castles, gardens, and wine tasting with minimal hassle.
11. Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise
This 9-hour full-day trip covers two castles, a wine cave, and comprehensive guided tours. It’s perfect for travelers who want a complete experience with skip-the-line access and small-group intimacy.
Rated 4.5 from 125 reviews, visitors point out the expert guide and the ample time at each site. The wine tasting at Caves Ambacia is a highlight, and the tour’s price of about $273 is quite reasonable considering the itinerary.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one package for visitors who want to see major castles and enjoy regional wines without rushing.
12. Day Tour to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles
This 8-hour guided tour takes you to two of the Loire’s most iconic castles. With small group size and flexible timing, it’s ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace. The guide offers engaging narratives that make historical details come alive.
Rated 5.0 out of 5, reviewers commend the driver’s skill, the well-organized schedule, and the personalized experience. Priced at $172, it’s a budget-friendly way to visit both castles in one day.
Bottom Line: A reliable, well-reviewed tour for those who want to see iconic castles with minimal fuss.
13. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours pickup from Amboise or Tours
This full or half-day wine tour offers personalized pickup from your hotel. It visits three wineries, including AOC Touraine, Vouvray, and Touraine vineyards, with tastings of Whites, Reds, Rosés, and Sparkling wines.
Rated 5.0 from 25 reviews, guests love the expert guidance and the chance to buy wine for shipment. The full-day option (about 7 hours) includes a picnic lunch, making it a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with wine tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine aficionados seeking a comprehensive, flexible experience with easy pickup options.
14. Loire Valley Day from Tours: Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Winery
This 9-hour day trip hits all the high points: two castles, gardens, and a vineyard visit. With a comfortable minivan and an entertaining guide, you’ll explore Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, and finish with a wine tasting in Vouvray.
Rated 5.0 from 23 reviews, travelers highlight the well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guide. Priced at $230, it’s a strong choice for those wanting a comprehensive, no-hassle day.
Bottom Line: An excellent all-rounder for travelers wanting a mix of architecture, horticulture, and wine.
15. Loire Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Tours: Vouvray Wine Tasting
Finally, this 4.5-hour Vouvray wine tasting is perfect if you want to focus solely on Loire wines. You’ll visit underground caves, meet a local winemaker, and taste various whites and sparkling wines.
Rated 4.5 from 54 reviews, visitors enjoy the hands-on experience and the expert guidance. At around $115, it’s a good option for wine enthusiasts who prefer a shorter, focused tour.
Bottom Line: A specialized tasting experience that immerses you in Vouvray’s renowned wines in a relaxed setting.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Tours
When selecting your ideal tour, think about your main interests and how much time you want to spend. If castles are your priority, the full-day excursions like Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau or the Chateaux of Chenonceau and Chambord give you comprehensive experiences. For wine lovers, the Vouvray wine tastings or full vineyard tours are ideal, especially if you want to explore Loire’s viticulture.
Active travelers might enjoy the Amboise Segway tour, giving you a fun way to explore. If a once-in-a-lifetime view appeals, consider the hot-air balloon ride; just remember it’s weather-dependent and best booked early.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours like the full-day castle trips or hot-air balloon rides, to ensure availability.
To sum it up, Tours offers a rich tapestry of experiences tailored to every interest. For a deep dive into the Loire castles, the full-day castle tours provide a hassle-free journey. Wine enthusiasts will find delight in the Vouvray tastings, while adventure seekers can soar above the region in a hot-air balloon. Whatever your style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences.