Touring around Tours, France offers a fantastic way to experience the region’s unmatched charm, especially through full-day tours that blend culture, history, and gastronomy. The area’s rich array of options makes it easy to tailor your day to your interests. For wine lovers, the Loire Valley is an unbeatable destination, packed with renowned vineyards and legendary castles. We particularly like the Full Day Loire Valley Wine Tour with lunch, which combines wine tasting with a gourmet picnic, and the guided e-bike trip to Chambord, perfect for those who want to explore actively. Both tours deliver authentic experiences rooted in local traditions, along with plenty of scenic beauty.
In this guide, we’ll highlight two excellent full-day tours in Tours: one for wine enthusiasts and another for adventurers who prefer cycling and outdoor exploration. Each offers a distinct way to enjoy the Loire Valley, whether you’re after wine, castles, or fresh air.
1. Full Day Loire Valley Wine Tour with lunch: Vouvray & Chinon
This full-day wine tour presents a deep dive into the Loire Valley’s celebrated vineyards, with visits to Vouvray, Bourgueil, and Chinon. At around $328 per person, it offers a balanced mix of tasting, touring, and relaxing. Led by a passionate guide, you’ll explore three different wine estates where you can sample up to 20 wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling varieties. One highlight is touring the wine cellar caves carved into local tuffeau limestone, a signature feature of the region’s winemaking history.
What makes this tour stand out is the “Farm to table” gourmet picnic lunch, which is included and offers a true taste of local produce paired perfectly with your wine. The guide’s commentary is tailored to your knowledge level, making it ideal whether you’re a novice or a seasoned oenophile. Guests often praise the intimate visits and the chance to taste wines directly from the estates, gaining insights into the region’s winemaking traditions.
This tour is perfect for those looking to savor the flavors of the Loire Valley in a relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn about the region’s wines. The 9-hour experience balances wine tasting, cultural exploration, and a delicious lunch—all in a small-group setting for a more personalized experience.
Bottom line: If you love wine and want a comprehensive, guided experience with excellent food, this tour is a top choice that offers great value for its all-inclusive price.
2. From Tours: Full-Day Guided E-Bike Tour to Chambord
For around $216 per person, this e-bike tour invites you to discover the Valley of the Kings in a lively, active way. It lasts about 9.5 hours and is ideal for travelers who prefer exploring outdoors rather than sitting in a vehicle. The tour begins at the Tourist Office in Tours and takes you through Chambord forest, famous for its lush greenery and peaceful trails. The highlight is the visit to Château de Chambord, a sprawling castle often considered the crown jewel of the Loire’s castles.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of guided visits and self-directed exploration on comfortable electric bikes. You’ll stop at the Villesavin castle, a charming family castle, where you can enjoy a bucolic snack under a linden tree—an experience that feels truly authentic. The bike ride itself is manageable for most fitness levels, making it suitable for families or casual riders.
On this trip, you’ll get close-up views of the Chambord forest, making it a perfect choice if you want to combine outdoor activity with cultural sights. The guided visit of Château de Chambord provides fascinating insights into its architecture and history, making this a well-rounded day for those who like a bit of adventure with their sightseeing.
Bottom line: This tour offers a mix of outdoor activity, castle history, and scenic beauty, ideal for active travelers and families wanting a full immersion into the Loire’s natural and cultural landscape.
How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour in Tours
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and preferred pace. If wine tasting and culinary experiences are your priority, the Loire Valley Wine Tour offers a structured, taste-focused day with expert guides and a gourmet picnic. If you prefer being outdoors and active, exploring Chambord by e-bike provides a flexible, scenic experience with less focus on wine but plenty of castle and nature encounters.
For a more leisurely day with food and wine, check the wine tour’s availability early, especially during the harvest season. Conversely, if cycling and outdoor scenery excite you, the e-bike tour is a fantastic choice, especially during spring and summer when the weather is nice.
Both tours are excellent ways to see the Loire Valley beyond just the castles, revealing hidden layers of the region’s culture. Be sure to book in advance, especially in peak tourist months, to secure your spot on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Tours France offers an impressive range of full-day tours, whether you’re after wine, castles, or outdoor adventures. The Full Day Loire Valley Wine Tour with lunch gives a delicious taste of the region’s vineyards, perfect for wine connoisseurs or those who enjoy gourmet food. Meanwhile, the guided e-bike trip to Chambord appeals to travelers seeking a more active, nature-filled day with plenty of scenic views. Both are highly rated and provide authentic, memorable experiences.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, wine-centered day, go for the wine tour—don’t forget to reserve early! For those who prefer being on the move and exploring at a brisk pace, the e-bike trip is hard to beat. Either way, these tours will deepen your appreciation of the Loire Valley’s beauty and history. We recommend pairing your choice with comfortable footwear and a camera—you’ll want to remember these vistas long after your trip ends.
