Journeys: Highlights of the Loire Valley & Bordeaux

Journeys: Highlights of the Loire Valley & Bordeaux

• Trip code: 421X022
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Grand châteaux rise above the Loire's quiet waters, their stone halls still echoing with royal history. Wander through fairytale rooms with local historians, taste wines shaped by generations of winemakers, and descend into Saint-Émilion's ancient catacombs. Guided by curiosity and connection, discover a France built on heritage, flavour, and living tradition.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels – 7 nts

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Highlights

Visit inside Château de Cheverny, royal history on the Cher, vineyard roots at Plou et Fils, sailing past Chenonceau, underground Saint-Émilion

Introduction

Grand châteaux rise above the Loire's quiet waters, their stone halls still echoing with royal history. Wander through fairytale rooms with local historians, taste wines shaped by generations of winemakers, and descend into Saint-Émilion's ancient catacombs. Guided by curiosity and connection, discover a France built on heritage, flavour, and living tradition

Meal Budget

Plane USD320-420 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Paris nach Bordeaux

Transport

Private vehicle, train, boat, walking

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Guided Visit of Château de Chenonceau, Chateau de Chenonceau
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. Board a high-speed train from Paris. Riverside village of Amboise. Family-run winery. Guided riverboat for a cruise along the Cher River. Board a train south to Bordeaux. Visit and tasting at Cité du Vin museum. Saint-Émilion, a medieval village perched above ancient limestone hills. Private tour of the wine estate with tasting. Arcachon on the Atlantic coast, and encounter the Dune du Pilat. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 4 Mittagessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Paris

Arrive at any time

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8 Bordeaux

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Paris

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

Day 2 Paris/Loiré

Day 3 Loiré

Day 4 Loiré

Day 5 Loiré/Bordeaux

Day 6 Bordeaux

Day 7 Bordeaux

Day 8 Bordeaux

We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.