Tours in Tours offer a rich variety of ways to explore the Loire Valley’s famed castles, vineyards, and charming towns. Whether you’re into fairy-tale castles, wine tasting, or unique adventures like hot-air balloon rides, Tours has something for every traveler. We particularly like the Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle for its comprehensive experience and insider access; it’s perfect for those wanting a full day immersed in history and architecture. For wine lovers, the Morning – Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing, Vouvray combines learning about terroir with tasting some of the finest local wines. And if you’re after a bit of fun and scenery, the Amboise Discovery Segway offers a lively way to see the town’s highlights with ease.
Below, we’ve rounded up the 15 best tours in Tours, covering everything from castle visits and wine tastings to hot-air balloon adventures. Each tour offers its own unique charm, so you can pick the one that best fits your interests, schedule, and travel style.
1. Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle
This top-rated day trip (rated 5.0/5 from 337 reviews) combines visits to Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, two of the most iconic Loire castles. The tour includes guided visits, special panoramic viewpoints, and a chance to hear amusing anecdotes about French royalty. What sets this tour apart is the lunch at a private family-owned château, away from crowds, offering a more personal experience.
For around $272, you get a 9.5-hour journey full of Renaissance architecture, lush gardens, and insider stories. Reviewers praise Camille’s guiding style, the well-chosen castles, and the relaxing lunch. It’s ideal for history buffs, architecture fans, and anyone wanting a day of full immersion in Loire’s castle culture.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one, small-group tour offering detailed insights, beautiful scenery, and private dining that’s perfect for a first-timer or anyone passionate about castles.
2. Morning – Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing, Vouvray
At number 2, this 3.5-hour tour (rated 5.0/5 from 169 reviews) is tailored for wine lovers eager to explore Loire’s viticulture. It features visits to two local wine estates, including Domaine Le Capitaine, where you’ll walk through vineyards, underground caves, and taste at least five wines, paired with local cheeses. Then, at Cave de Vouvray, sample reds and whites, with commentary on soils and vine work.
Guided by a regional wine expert, this experience feels personal, with a cap of 12 people ensuring plenty of time for questions. It’s a great choice for those wanting to understand the terroir behind Loire wines without spending a full day. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides and superb tastings.
Bottom Line: A focused, intimate introduction to Loire wines, perfect for newcomers or anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of local varieties.
3. Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise
This full-day (8-hour) tour (rated 5.0/5 from 74 reviews) hits the highlights of the Loire Valley with visits to Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. It departs from Tours or Amboise, making it flexible for different base locations. The guided visits include detailed commentary, and the round-trip transport is air-conditioned for comfort.
Guests love the seamless logistics, their passionate guides, and the opportunity to see two iconic castles in one day without hassle. With a price of about $226, you get a comprehensive experience with plenty of photo opportunities and historical insights.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, hassle-free way to see two of the Loire’s most famous castles with a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transport.
4. Tour of a Vineyard, Winery & Cellar with Wine Tasting in Vouvray, Loire Valley
This 3-hour, small-group tour (rated 5.0/5 from 74 reviews) offers an inside look at a family-run Vouvray vineyard. You’ll walk through the vines, explore the winery, and visit a rock-hewn cellar while learning about the winemaking process. The highlight is tasting six Loire wines with local accompaniments, in a setting that invites conversation and discovery.
Cap at 12 guests, this tour delivers personalized attention and deepens your understanding of terroir and wine production. Guests praise the passion of the guide and the quality of tastings.
Bottom Line: An intimate, educational, and flavorful experience for wine enthusiasts wanting to understand Loire wines from grape to glass.
5. Amboise Discovery Segway 45mn
A fun way to explore Amboise, this 45-minute guided Segway tour (rated 5.0/5 from 70 reviews) introduces you to the town’s highlights and hidden stories. After a quick 15-minute training, you’ll glide through streets and past key landmarks, discovering unusual heritage stories.
Perfect for those seeking an active, lighthearted experience, it’s suitable for beginners thanks to the easy instructions. Reviewers love Nicolas’ friendly guidance and the chance to see the town in a memorable way.
Bottom Line: A lively, quick introduction to Amboise, ideal for travelers who want a fun, interactive way to see the sights.
6. Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau
For about $302, this 3-4 hour hot-air balloon experience (rated 4.5/5 from 247 reviews) offers breathtaking aerial views of the Loire Valley’s vineyards, forests, and castles. The flight lasts about an hour, with options for sunrise or sunset, and includes hotel pickup and transfer.
Guests describe the experience as “magical,” emphasizing the professional pilot and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the region. Keep in mind physical constraints as getting in and out of the basket can be a challenge.
Bottom Line: An unforgettable way to see the Loire’s landscape from above, best suited for adventure seekers and romantics.
7. Chateau Gaillard Royal Domain Admission Ticket
This affordable ticket ($23) grants access to Château Gaillard, a Renaissance-inspired castle with its first orange trees and beautiful gardens. The self-guided tour (with a free French guide) covers art pieces, Italian collections, and the history of French royal gardening.
Rated 4.5/5 from 242 reviews, visitors enjoy the manageable size, the peaceful gardens, and the chance to see the first orange trees in France. It’s a great choice for a relaxed, cultural visit that feels authentic and less commercial.
Bottom Line: An economical yet enriching visit to a lesser-known Loire château with beautiful gardens and historical significance.
8. Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley
This 1 hour 15-minute tour (rated 4.5/5 from 180 reviews) takes you into 16th-century caves carved by early cave dwellers, now serving as wine cellars. Led by a sommelier, you’ll taste three exceptional wines and learn about 150 years of wine history.
Guests appreciate the hands-on experience and the opportunity to buy bottles for shipping worldwide. It also features a local deli or bistro with Loire views for lunch afterward.
Bottom Line: A short yet in-depth wine tasting experience, ideal for those curious about the region’s vinicultural heritage.
9. Loire Valley Half Day : Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau from Tours
This 4-hour tour (rated 5.0/5 from 39 reviews) includes visits to Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry, focusing on their gardens and architecture. The guide walks you through the medieval château and the renowned gardens of Villandry, with a chance to explore the maze and water features.
Guests praise the passionate guides and the balance of guided visits and free time. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see different styles of Loire castles.
Bottom Line: A compact tour emphasizing gardens and architecture, suited for garden lovers and history fans alike.
10. Loire Valley Day from Amboise : Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Winery
This full-day tour (rated 5.0/5 from 33 reviews) features two castles, a winery visit, and tasting. After exploring Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry, you’ll go to a Vouvray estate for an in-depth wine tasting and a relaxed lunch.
Guests love the flexible pacing, the knowledgeable guide, and the chance to see a mix of castles and wines in one day. It’s excellent for travelers who want variety without rushing.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive day combining castle visits and wine tasting, ideal for those with a full day available and a curiosity for both.
11. Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise
Rated 4.5/5 from 125 reviews, this full-day tour covers Château de Chenonceau, Chambord, and the Caves Ambacia. You skip queues at the castles and enjoy guided wine tastings. The round-trip transport is comfortable, and the small group makes for a personalized experience.
Guests highlight the smooth logistics, interesting cave tour, and the chance to sample regional wines. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting to see three highlights in one day, with a focus on practicality and fun.
Bottom Line: A balanced, all-in-one experience that blends castles, wine, and scenery in a day.
12. Day Tour to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles
This 8-hour, small-group tour (rated 5.0/5 from 30 reviews) allows you to see both Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord with guided visits and free time for lunch. Starting at Chenonceau, you’ll explore its elegant galleries, then head to Chambord to marvel at its size and architecture.
Reviewers enjoy the personal touch from the guide and the manageable pace. It’s perfect for visitors who want to cover both castles comfortably in a day.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, well-paced tour for those eager to see the two most famous Loire castles with expert guidance.
13. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours pickup from Amboise or Tours
This full-day tour (rated 5.0/5 from 25 reviews) takes you to three notable vineyards, including Vouvray, with visits to caves and cellars. You’ll taste over 15 wines, learn about grape varieties, and enjoy a picnic lunch at one vineyard or a traditional meal depending on your package.
Guests rave about the guide’s knowledge and the chance to buy wines for shipping worldwide. It’s a perfect choice for serious wine enthusiasts wanting depth and variety.
Bottom Line: An immersive day into Loire’s wine scene, suitable for connoisseurs and curious tasters alike.
14. Loire Valley Day from Tours : Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Winery
This 9-hour tour (rated 5.0/5 from 23 reviews) offers a blend of castles, gardens, and vineyards. You visit Azay-le-Rideau, the stunning gardens of Villandry, and end with a wine tasting in Vouvray. The guide shares local insights, and the small group ensures a personalized experience.
Guests highlight the variety and seamless flow of the day, making it a great choice for travelers who want a well-rounded Loire trip.
Bottom Line: All-in-one experience mixing castles, gardens, and wines with expert guidance, ideal for a full day’s exploration.
15. Loire Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Tours : Vouvray Wine Tasting
This 4.5-hour, small-group tour (rated 4.5/5 from 54 reviews) focuses on Vouvray’s white and sparkling wines. You visit underground caves, meet a local winemaker, and learn proper tasting techniques. The tour emphasizes terroir and the wine-making process through tasting and conversation.
Reviewers love the educational approach and the ability to sample around 10 wines. It’s perfect for those wanting a shorter, more focused wine experience.
Bottom Line: A concise, educational wine tasting tour ideal for wine aficionados and those pressed for time.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour in Tours
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a full immersion in castles and architecture, the Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle is ideal. For wine enthusiasts, multiple options like the Morning Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing or the Loire Winery Tour with Tastings are excellent choices, depending on whether you prefer a quick tasting or an in-depth exploration.
For travelers seeking adventure, the Hot-Air Balloon Ride offers jaw-dropping views, while Segway Tours are perfect if you want to explore a town with a twist. Budget-conscious visitors might prefer the Chateau Gaillard tickets or shorter tours, whereas those looking for a full day of activity should consider the Loire Valley Day from Amboise with multiple highlights.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, to secure spots on popular tours like the balloon ride or private castle lunches. Each experience offers a different way to enjoy the Loire Valley’s famous scenery, history, and wines—so pick the one that excites you most.
To sum it up, whether you’re after castles, wines, aerial views, or a mix of all three, the Tours region packs enough variety to satisfy every traveler. From the detailed guided castle tours to lively wine tastings and quirky adventures, each of these top-rated experiences promises a memorable stay. To ensure a smooth trip, plan and book ahead—these tours fill up fast, especially in peak season.
