July 6-12, 2026: Tour to The Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley, France

July 6th to July 12th, 2026

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Come fall in love with the Loire Valley. This is an exceptional tour for the foodie, the wine lover or anyone with an interest in seeing a few of the iconic chateaux of France.

You will try incredible variations of Vouvray, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and a few other unique varietals in the Loire – from Sauvignon Blanc to Gamay. We will try to track down some Melon de Bourgogne. These are ideal food wines.

All the restaurants we visit are family owned. The Loire is the true breadbasket of France. The menus change daily, but you can be assured we will eat and drink like the royalty that has called the Loire home for a millennia.

A day on a Tinto Tour consists of a little culture, a wine tasting and either a long leisurely lunch or dinner. Our start time in the morning is generally 10am. We do not visit multiple wineries in a single day.

Cost per person: $3,950 (based on double occupancy)

Single travelers more than welcome. If you prefer a single room, additional charge is $700.

6 Nights in the Loire Valley, Pick up and drop off in Paris.

Limited to 20 participants.

This trip includes:

• Accommodations in two four-star hotels

• Breakfast daily

• Daily lunch or dinner (includes pre-dinner drink, food, wine, gratuity)

• Wine tastings – all, generally including tapas or light bites

• Transportation – all

• Admission, entrance fees and gratuities – all

Does not include:

• Airfare

• Trip insurance, if applicable

READY TO SIGN UP? QUESTIONS? Contact your Tinto Store Manager!

HILLTOP:  Mary King  757.422.1000

CHESAPEAKE:  Braden Soika  757.204.4647

STRAWBRIDGE:  Jessica Miller  757.301.3535

OYSTER POINT CITY CENTER:  Shaina Daniel  757.223.1175

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Arriving Early or Extending Your Stay

We love Paris. It is a vibrant, busy city and probably best explored on your own or in very small groups.

If you would like to extend your trip or arrive early, we are happy to assist with hotel recommendations and things to see and do. Please plan to arrive in Paris no later than the Sunday before the tour starts.

Current Itinerary

(subject to change)

Day 1 – Monday: Heading to the Loire, via Orleans

We will depart from a convenient central Paris location, with easy access out of the city.

The drive to Tours takes approximately three hours.

Along the way, we’ll stop in Orléans for lunch at a family-run restaurant where young chefs Marine and Gauthier will treat us to a fresh, inventive menu perfectly paired with local wines.

After lunch, enjoy a guided visit to Château de Chambord, one of the Loire’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture.

We’ll then arrive in the dynamic town of Tours, which will be our base for the next three

nights. You will enjoy the historic center of Tours and what it has to offer in the evenings.

Day 2 – Tuesday: Domaine Chevalerie and home cooking with Vincent

Today we head west into the heart of the Loire to the area of Bourgueil and St. Nicholas de Bourgueil. We will visit the Caslot family at Domaine Chevalerie, a standout winery producing expressive Cabernet Francs, a hallmark of the region.

We will then have lunch at Vincent, the Cuisinier de Campagne. Vincent runs a small

restaurant and farm together with his wife. They will host us in his welcoming countryside home. Expect a memorable lunch crafted with care and warmth, served in his dining room.

Day 3 – Wednesday: A market tour and a French cooking class in Tours

We’ll begin with a quick walk through Les Halles de Tours, the city’s vibrant indoor food market. After gathering ingredients, we’ll head to Caroline’s kitchen, where she and her

team will guide us in preparing some classic French dishes.

Lunch will be the delicious reward of our culinary efforts.

We will then be joined by our dear friend Jen Michel who will guide us through a tasting of the incredible variety of wines the Loire is known for.

Day 4 – Thursday: A river boat cruise on our way to Tours

Today we will leave Tours and make our way to the quaint town of Amboise.

But first we will enjoy by a boat ride on the Loire River from the serene and beautiful

village of Candes-Saint-Martin.

We’ll then visit Domaine de la Paleine for a tasting in Montsoreau, sampling wines that

express the unique terroir of this part of the valley.

Lunch is at L’Auberge de la Route d’Or, where Chef Loïc, originally from Brittany,

delivers simply prepared but superbly flavorful fish dishes.

We’ll later arrive in the picturesque town of Amboise, once home to Leonardo da Vinci.

After checking in to our hotel, enjoy a free evening to wander its charming streets and

soak in the atmosphere.

Day 5 – Friday: Vouvray and our favorite Chateau

Staying close to Amboise today, we’ll begin with a guided tour of Château de Chenonceau led by the delightful Maria Massari. This chateau, elegantly spanning the River Cher, is one of the most enchanting in the Loire.

For lunch, we’ll be welcomed by the ever-spirited Aurore at her family’s warm and lively

restaurant in Montlouis-sur-Loire.

In the afternoon, we’ll cross the river to Vouvray, where a tasting at family-run winery,

Domaine Champalou introduces us to some exceptional expressions of Chenin Blanc.

In the evening, return to Amboise for a relaxed wine tasting and a touch of local French

entertainment at the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.

Day 6 – Saturday: Touraine and off the beaten path today

Today we venture off the beaten path to the charming and less-touristy town of Loches, where we’ll explore the weekly market brimming with local color.

Lunch awaits at the cheerful Au Comptoir, right in the heart of Loches.

Enjoy the pace and scale of the town on Amboise, where friendly cafés and restaurants line the street with a view to the chateau of Amboise.

Day 7 – Sunday: Bon voyage

This morning, we head back to Paris. Drop-offs will be at Charles de Gaulle Airport and a central Paris location.

Important: If flying out this day from Paris, please book your flight for no earlier than 2:00 PM.