10-Day Small Group Normandy, Loire Valley & Bordeaux Package - 5* Hotel

Pick up at Bayeux train station and transfer to your hotel for check in. 

Discover Bayeux on your own.

Depending on your time of arrival and after your hotel check-in, discover the historic town of Bayeux on your own. Take some time to wander through the city and admire the Gothic Cathedral and medieval town.

Bayeux is also home to the world famous UNESCO listed tapestry and time permitting a visit to the museum that houses the precious item will certainly be a highlight of your stay. Night at your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel.

9.00am Pick up at a centrally located meeting point in Bayeux: Place du Québec

A full day visit to the Key Beaches, sites & museums linked to D-Day.

Today, depart for a full day tour starting in Bayeux and dedicated to the most important sites linked to D-Day. Our shared tours from Bayeux all depart from Place du Quebec meeting point and all our normandy d-day landing beaches guided tours take place on board premium air conditioned vehicles.

First stop will be in Sainte Mere Eglise

On the morning of June 6, 1944, also known as the longest day, thousands of soldiers from the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in an attempt to liberate France and the continent from the German occupation. This marked the beginning of a fierce and deadly battle against surprised but well-trained Nazi troops.

Among the allied troops, the Americans landed on two different beaches, later named Utah and Omaha. First, head towards Sainte Mère Eglise, heart of the drop zone for the 82nd Airborne U.S. forces.

Indeed, the D-Day landings did not only happen from the sea! Airborne divisions and paratroopers rained on this village, and one of them famously got caught in the tower of the church. The village is also home to the airborne museum that can be visited during one of our private tours from Bayeux.

Reach the Utah beach landing area

Then, your Normandy battlefield tour will take you to Utah beach, the second beach where the American troops landed. Again, listen to your guide as he reveals the historical facts of the landings and how the troops were able to storm the beaches in this area.

It is here that the 101st airborne pathfinders were dropped the night before d day invasion. Your guide will also take you to the US military cemetery where you can pay your respects to the ones who fell during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy that followed.

Visit stunning Pointe du Hoc

Also located in the American sector, head to the Pointe du Hoc, a breathtaking cliff offering lunar landscapes, stunning bomb craters and a magnificent viewpoint over the English Channel. Given the toughness of the operation, the Pointe du Hoc was given to Rangers to land upon.

The battle site, dotted with German bunkers was rough, as the Pointe du Hoc had been built as a key point of the Atlantic Wall. It was the highest point between Utah beach and Omaha beach and provided a great observation spot to notice any unfriendly arrivals from the sea. You can still see an artillery gun battery there and feel as if it was still 1944.

Followed by Omaha landing beach

This Normandy battlefield tour will also take you to Omaha beach, where the deadliest of the landings took place. Even though bombings occurred before the landing itself, they failed to neutralise the German positions in that sector.

In addition, troops and amphibian vehicles were disembarked too far from the shore, leading to an absolute failure and thousands of men being killed under heat German fire. The assault on this beach was perfectly depicted in the opening scenes of the Saving Private Ryan movie.

Learn more about the landing and the following days as your tour guide explains all the events that took place on the beach and how the battle raged and evolved inland.

End the tour at the Normandy American Cemetery of Colleville sur Mer

If time permits, your guide will also make a stop at the Omaha Beach American Cemetery and memorial in Colleville sur mer where you will have some time to pay homage to the fallen. Depending on the timing of the day you might also have the opportunity to enter the visitor center.

This shared tour will have you picked up in the morning in a central location in Bayeux. At lunch time, your English-speaking guide will point out the best places to eat depending on the location you are at.

After a complete day of visiting the most important sites linked with D-Day, return to your hotel in Bayeux.

5.00pm return to Bayeux. Night at your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel.

8.30am Pick up at a centrally located point in Bayeux: Place Québec

A trip to one of France’s most iconic monuments.

The Unesco World Heritage Listed, Remarkable Gothic Jewel Mont Saint Michel is an island off the coast of Normandy, in the English Channel, and is one of the best Normandy tours you can choose. It is located about 1 kilometer from the shore and sits in a bay that sees some of the biggest tides in Europe. A few years ago, it was linked to the mainland by a bridge that gets flooded during high tides a few times a year only.

The first church was built on the mount in 709 at the request of Archange Michael. A couple of hundred years later, a small group of Benedictines settled there permanently and the church was enlarged. The first monastery was carved in the rock in the 11th century and gradually got bigger and bigger over the following centuries. In the medieval time, it quickly became an important destination for pilgrims, just like Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Visit the Benedictine Abbey with your guide

The construction of the mont saint michel abbey as we know it nowadays was finished in the 13th and 14th centuries, and the grand chancel was replaced in the 15th century. Those hundreds of years of architectural prowesses have left us with a magnificent monument, now referred to as the “Wonder of the Western World”. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

During your day trip to Mont St Michel, our friendly English-speaking driver / guide will take you from Bayeux to the Mont Saint Michel, which you will access via a shuttle and the bridge in accordance with local requirements. While on the road, make sure to take it all in and observe the beauty of the Normandy coastline.

Our Mont Saint Michel tour will then take you to the abbey itself, at the very top of the mount. Follow your guide on a walking tour. The history of its construction will be explained in detail and while you are there, make sure to snap some pictures of the amazing views on the surrounding bay!

Mont Saint Michel is also a lively small town

After the visit of the abbey, enjoy some free time to explore the town at your own pace and bring back some souvenirs for friends and family. Your guide will also suggest some great restaurants for lunch, suitable for all budgets.

If you want to indulge, the Mère Poulard restaurant is probably the most famous on the mount. It gained its reputation thanks to its unique omelette soufflée recipe. It is well worth a visit and a must-try when on a Mont Saint Michel day tour but keep in mind you will need a large amount of time as the restaurant is so popular with visitors.

4.30pm return to Bayeux. 

Overnight at your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel and  transfer from your hotel in Bayeux to your hotel in Tours.

Tours, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, offers a charming mix of history, culture, and nature. Stroll through the medieval streets of Vieux-Tours to admire half-timbered houses and vibrant cafés. Visit the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral, known for its striking Gothic and Renaissance architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts to see artworks from Renaissance to modern times and relax in its elegant French garden. Walk along the scenic banks of the Loire River, enjoying the views, parks, and islands like Île Aucard. Don’t miss the Botanical Garden, a peaceful spot with diverse plant collections and a small animal park.

Pick-up at a centrally meeting point in Tours

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey through Loire Valley Chateaux: Expert Guided Tour

Join us for a remarkable day as we pick you up in front of the Tourism Office in Tours, ready to explore the enchanting Loire Valley and its renowned castles. Meet your knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide, an expert in local history, especially the Loire Valley chateaux.

Once acquainted, your guide will provide an overview of the day's program and itinerary. Step into our comfortable, premium air-conditioned vehicle and embark on the captivating Loire Valley Chateau Route.

Morning visit of Chenonceau Castle

This morning, tour to the magnificent Chateau de Chenonceau, nestled in the breathtaking Loire Valley. Known as the "Chateau des Dames," this iconic bridge spanning the Cher River enchants visitors with its rich history and Renaissance gardens, once graced by remarkable female figures such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.

Originally dating back to the 13th century, the Chateau suffered destruction by fire before being rebuilt and eventually acquired by King Francis I to settle a debt. Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henri II, made her mark on the Chateau, transforming it and adding the arched bridge that gracefully traverses the River Cher. However, upon the king's demise, ownership shifted to Catherine de Medici, who expelled Diane de Poitiers.

During Catherine de Medici's tenure, the Chateau underwent extensive renovations and embellishments, and became renowned for hosting lavish nighttime festivities. In 1560, the first fireworks display in France dazzled the skies above this very site.

Following Catherine de Medici's passing, the Chateau changed hands multiple times, including ownership by Louise Dupin, famed for hosting a prominent literary salon frequented by luminaries like Voltaire, Montesquieu, Buffon, and Marivaux. The esteemed philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau served as Louise Dupin's secretary and tutored her son.

In more recent history, the castle was acquired in 1913 by the Menier family, renowned chocolatiers, who continue to cherish and preserve the Chateau de Chenonceau to this day.

Upon your arrival at Chenonceau castle, immerse yourself in a guided tour that unveils a captivating collection of furniture, tapestries, and paintings, including masterpieces by Rubens, Tintoretto, Van Loo, Murillo, Veronese, Poussin, Van Dyck, and more. Explore the castle's highlights, such as Diane de Poitiers' bedroom, the Green Study, the Gallery, and the kitchens. After the guided visit, you'll have free time to wander through the enchanting gardens.

Free time for lunch (at own expense). After your morning visit, youg guide will suggest a local restaurant for lunch. 

Afternoon Guided Exploration of Chambord Castle

After lunch, venture to Château de Chambord, our second stop on this Loire Valley castle tour. Regarded as one of the most magnificent chateaux in the region, Chambord awaits your discovery. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately one hour, arriving at the breathtaking Château de Chambord. This UNESCO World Heritage site has captivated visitors for centuries.

Nestled in the heart of the Sologne region, Chateau de Chambord was commissioned by King Francis I (François Ier) in the early 16th century as a hunting lodge. It was never intended as a permanent residence, but rather a grand showcase of the king's power, designed to impress foreign visitors and ambassadors. The castle's architecture exemplifies the Italian Renaissance style favored during that era.

The castle features a central keep with four imposing bastion towers at each corner. With over 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, Chambord is a testament to architectural grandeur. Its central axis boasts the famous double helix staircase, believed to be inspired by the ingenious mind of Leonardo da Vinci. Ascending three floors, the two helices never intersect, with natural light illuminating their ascent from a lighthouse-like structure atop the castle. 

Don't miss the ornate roof, a distinctive feature that sets Château de Chambord apart. Take a stroll along the top level, marveling at the meticulous masonry work and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Interestingly, King Francis I never witnessed the completion of the castle. It was under the reign of King Louis XIV (the Sun King) that Château de Chambord reached its full splendor. Maintaining such a colossal structure proved challenging over the years, and after passing through various private hands, the French State became the sole owner in 1930.

Upon arrival, follow your expert guide on a captivating tour of the castle. Lasting approximately 1.5 hours, the tour will lead you through the main rooms, unveil the iconic double spiral staircase, and ascend to the terraces for breathtaking vistas. Afterward, enjoy some free time to further explore the wonders of Château de Chambord at your own pace.

As the tour concludes, we'll return to Tours, leaving you with lasting memories of the remarkable Chateau de Chenonceau & Chambord and their storied past.

Drop-off at a centrally meeting point in Tours. Night at your hotel.

09.00 am Pickup in front of Tours Tourist Office

Indulge in fabulous wines of the Loire Valley on this small group shared Loire Valley Wine Tour day trip from Tours. Visit vineyards, local wineries and taste Loire valley red & white wines. Stop for lunch in Chinon.

Join us for an unforgettable Loire Valley wine tour, starting with convenient pick-up at the centrally located Tours Tourism Office. Situated in the heart of the city near the train station, the office is easily accessible from all major hotels in the city center, just a short 10-minute walk away.

Meet your expert English-speaking driver/guide, a connoisseur of Loire Valley wines, who will be readily identifiable with a sign displaying the tour name and the distinctive Ophorus logo. Our guides also wear individual badges for easy recognition.

Upon meeting your guide, they will provide a comprehensive overview of the day's program and itinerary. Step aboard our comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, equipped with an onboard P/A system ensuring everyone can hear the guide's commentary, even from the back of the vehicle. 

Morning Wine Tasting in the Bourgueil Wine Region

The Loire Valley is renowned not only for its splendid Renaissance castles but also for its exceptional wines. Begin the day by immersing yourself in the town of Bourgueil, nestled amidst picturesque vineyards that produce wines typical of the region. The diverse soils lend the wines a delicate and fruity flavor, making them enjoyable in their youth or after aging, depending on the vintage.

Accompanied by your guide, visit a traditional winery where you'll gain insight into the entire wine production process, from grape to bottle. Indulge in a tasting session, savoring a selection of wines crafted by the winery. Should you find a favorite, you'll have the opportunity to purchase a bottle to commemorate your experience.

Explore Chinon and Delight in Local Cuisine

Next, our Loire Valley shared tour will take you to the charming town of Chinon, famous for its well-preserved medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance architecture. Dominating the landscape is the Chinon Castle, comprised of three interconnected castles. This historic site once served as the residence of Henry II of England, witnessed the death of Richard the Lionheart, and saw Joan of Arc's persuasive efforts to rally Charles VII against the English invasion.

Accompanied by your private guide, you'll embark on a captivating exploration of Chino, delving into its rich history and captivating tales. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the charming streets, and if you wish, take time to browse local shops. Your guide will recommend the best places to indulge in local specialties for a delightful lunch experience (at own expense).

Afternoon Wine Tasting in the Chinon Wine Region

Venture into the scenic Chinon wine region, known for its exceptional red wines of varying qualities. Visit a charming winery run by a passionate French couple, and gain insights into the winemaking process specific to Chinon and the Loire Valley.

As you savor the wines, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding vineyards. Should you desire, you'll have the opportunity to purchase some exquisite red Loire Valley wines directly from the winemaker.

Conclude your wine-filled day with a comfortable journey back to Tours, where our drop-off service will mark the end of this unforgettable Loire Valley wine tour. Book your place now and embark on a delightful journey through the captivating vineyards and historical wonders of Bourgueil and Chinon. Please note that the wine regions visited can be switched depending on availability.

05.00pm Drop-off in front of Tours Tourist Office. Night at your hotel.

Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel in Tours to your final destination, your hotel in Bordeaux.

Enjoy some free time to discover the lively city of Bordeaux!

Bordeaux is classified "City of Art and History" and has been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble".

It is home to one of Europe's biggest 18th century architectural urban areas and stands out as one of the first French cities to have entered an era of urbanism and metropolitan big scale projects, with the team Gabriel father and son, architects for King Louis XV, under the supervision of two Governors, first Nicolas-François Dupré de Saint-Maur then the Marquis de Tourny.

Breakfast at your hotel.

9.30am Pick up at the Tourist Office of Bordeaux

Morning - Drive along the Chateau Road, visit a first Winery

On this highly recommended full day small group tour in the Medoc, you'll discover one of France's most admired wine-growing regions. Beginners and seasoned wine connoisseurs alike will find plenty to love on this guided wine tasting tour of Medoc led by local expert wine guides. Drawing on local knowledge and a real love of wine, our tour guides will fill you in on this unique and beautiful region, and you'll discover what make Medoc wines so special.

Your first stop will be at a winery located along the Castle Road. This small winding road, also known as the D2, is lined with some of the most prestigious wineries of the Medoc including Chateau Palmer, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour and many others. It crosses through the different appellations that make up the Medoc such as Margaux, Saint Julien, Pauillac and Saint Estephe.

Upon arrival at the winery, start your tour with a visit of the property. Then, you will be taken to the technical installations so that you may understand the whole wine making process. After the visit, it will be time to experience your first commented wine tasting session. This will be a chance to gain an excellent understanding of the wines produced here, whether as an introduction to wines or to expand on your existing knowledge..

Unlike other wine tasting sessions that you might have followed around the world, the tastings in Bordeaux are very refined. The amount of wine poured is not what many would expect but here it is all about elegance, fruit, quality, aromas and flavors rather than quantity. If you want to further your wine experience, it is always possible to buy some bottles at the winery.

Reach the town of Pauillac for lunch

After your first visit, your drive will continue and if time permits your driver/guide will probably stop along the way for great photo opportunities. The number of Wine Estates that can be seen along the famous wine route is also a perfect element of commentary for your guide who will explain the historic facts behind the building of some many estates in this area.

As you arrive in Pauillac, it will be time for lunch (at own expense). Your guide will point out the different options but please note that due to strict timing for the winery visits, we suggest that you opt for a light lunch that will not be time consuming.

Afternoon - Visit & Wine Tasting sessions in 2 Wineries

After lunch, it will be time to slowly make our way back towards Bordeaux. Along the way, we will stop in two different carefully selected wineries so that your full day wine tour from Bordeaux to the Medoc is complete. On a typical day, we will include different appellations. This is an important aspect of the tour as the wines in France are based on the importance of the terroir (a combination of the soil, the climate and the expertise of the winemaker).

Another interesting aspect that can be approached during your winery visits is the is the way Bordeaux wines are traded. There are 300 trading houses (or maisons de négoce) which, for several centuries, have been a major financial and economic force known by the name of “Place de Bordeaux".

Wine trading began in Bordeaux around the 11th century with the development of business between Bordeaux and England. At the time, practically all of the wines were bought in bulk at the estate then aged in the cellars owned by the négociants who were then in charge of selling them.

Today, their principal role is selling selected crus and producing wine: négociants blend, age and sell wines under their own brand names, providing consumers with a guarantee of know-how, and retailers with a guarantee of regular supply.

After the visit and wine tasting session in the two wineries of the afternoon, it will be time to return to Bordeaux and that will be the end of our services.

5.30pm return to Bordeaux. Night at your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel.

9.30am Pick up at the Tourist Office of Bordeaux

Morning - Visit and commented wine tastings in 2 wineries

Depart for your small group St Emilion wine tour. It covers a full day of visits starting in the morning with a scenic drive from Bordeaux through the vineyards and rolling hills of the St Emilion wine producing region located on the right bank. Before visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of Saint Emilion village, the wine tour kicks off in the surrounding countryside with a visit and wine tasting session in 2 Classified Growth Chateaus of the right bank.

Not included in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines, saint émilion wines have their own system that included top rated Premier Grand Cru Classé wines such as Château Cheval Blanc, Chateau Ausone, Chateau Pavie or Chateau Angelus. Petrus is not classified as it is a winery located in the Pomerol appellation and the wines there do not have a classification. All wineries visited during our tours are at least Grand Cru classified.

After a short driver of about an hour, reach your first stop at a selected Grand Cru Winery. All winery tours in Bordeaux include the visit of the technical installations first. This is where a local guide of the winery will go through all the wine making process so that you can better understand how from a complex blending of different grape varieties and storage in oak barrels the local wineries obtain one of the world's most delicious wines.

A second Chateau is on your program this morning. Again, after the visit of the property and the installations, you will participate in a commented tasting of the Chateau wines. All our Bordeaux wine tastings are commented by the local guide of the winery. However, your driver/guide who will be with you throughout the day is also there to answer any questions that you might have.

All our driver/guides have great knowledge about wines and they will be happy to share any basic or more technical information concerning French or Bordeaux Wines. Whether you have questions about history, technique, flavors, aromas, food & wine pairings don't hesitate to ask them anything that relates to wine to make this day a very special one.

Then arrive in the village of Saint Emilion

After the morning guided visits and wine tastings at Classified Growth Château, move on with your English-speaking driver tour guide to the gorgeous village of Saint Emilion itself. The village of Saint Emilion is named after a monk who left his region of origin and settled down in the area hundreds of years ago. The village is a rare example of a largely intact medieval town whose geography has not been modified over the centuries.

Here, you will enjoy a short walking tour taking in important historical sites like the Romanesque cloister and the monolithic church carved into the limestone cliffs (also known as the underground monuments – not included in the tour). Following the village tour, enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

This is also the time for a relaxing lunch in the village. Saint Emilion offers a very large selection of restaurants and snacks. Depending on your budget, your guide will be able to suggest the best possible option for your meal. Please note however that due to strict timing for the winery visits, we suggest that you opt for a light lunch that will not be time consuming. This is also a great option if you really want to take some time to stroll through the narrow streets and discover the village on your own.

Afternoon - After the village, experience a final Winery visit

Leave Saint Emilion village to visit and wine taste in another Classified Growth Chateau. Again, it will be time to discover another property of the right bank. Since our goal is to have you discover the different types of wineries that are present in Saint Emilion, we usually select very different Chateaus during the day. Our winery selection includes some very progressive ones that have decided to invest in the latest technology to help them craft the best possible Bordeaux wines.

Other wineries are family owned and have kept their wine making process as traditional as possible, using techniques that have been passed on from generation to generation. Some wineries are quite large, while others produce wine on no more than 12 acres.

This final visit can also be a great opportunity for you to find out about the unique way in which most of the Bordeaux wines are sold and the secret world of the 'Negociants'. After the visit, experience a commented wine tasting session of the Chateau wines and then it will be time to return to Bordeaux.

5.30pm arrive in Bordeaux. Night at your hotel.

Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel in Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport or Train Station. End of our services.