Chenonceau & Chambord Castles - Private

Drive through the wonderful scenery of the Loire Valley and visit two of the region’s iconic castles

The Loire Valley is one of the jewels of France, an enchanted land where glorious castles and historic wineries mingle with quaint villages and gorgeous parks. This day trip takes you to two of the region's iconic chateaux, uncovering intriguing stories and architectural marvels. First on the itinerary is Chateau de Chambord, the region's largest castle and one of the most beautiful, which isn't surprising since Leonardo Da Vinci is believed to have been involved in its design. King Francois I commissioned it, but the massive construction wasn't finished until Louis XIV's reign. You'll be guided through its highlights, including the famous double spiral staircase, and then you'll have some free time to explore independently. Next on the itinerary is Chateau Chenonceau, also called the "ladies' castle" because it’s the only chateau in the region that was designed and inhabited solely by women. Its history was especially marked by the rivalry between King Henry II’s wife Catherine de Medici, and his mistress Diane de Poitiers. Before taking a peek inside its royal rooms and fantastic collection of paintings by Rubens, Tintoretto, and Van Dyck, you can admire the stunning arched bridge spanning the Cher River, topped with a grand covered gallery.