Self-drive tour: The Loire Valley

Upon arrival in Caen, drive south to Amboise, where you’ll spend the next four nights.

Your private driver-guide will meet you at your hotel ready for a full day of wine tasting in the Loire Valley. You'll visit several wineries, including cycling through one winery's expansive, cave-like cellars, pausing to taste white and sparkling wines from the region.

Today, you’ll drive to two of the Loire Valley’s medieval chateaux — the lesser-known Chaumont-sur-Loire and the renowned Château de Chambord — to learn about the expansive history of the two buildings. You’ll get to see the double helix spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci at Chambord.

Cruise up the River Cher towards another chateau – Château de Chenonceau, where you can immerse yourself in the turbulent history of this grand building. You’ll cruise under its 16th-century arches before exploring its interior. Later this evening, soar through the skies on a sunset hot air balloon ride.

Leave the Loire Valley and drive north back to Caen for your onward ferry back to England.