Discover the heart of France's château country with enchanting Loire River cruises and invigorating cycling tours from Tours.
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is synonymous with regal châteaux, verdant vineyards, and the gentle flow of France's longest river. From the historic city of Tours, gateway to this magnificent region, a wealth of experiences awaits, blending the romance of river travel with the freedom of two-wheeled exploration. Loire River cruises offer a unique perspective, gliding past willow-lined banks and historic villages, providing unparalleled views of the château-strewn landscape without the need to navigate. These excursions range from leisurely daytime voyages to more immersive multi-day journeys, often including gourmet meals and guided commentary on the region's rich history and culture. Complementing the tranquility of the river, cycling tours in the Loire Valley allow for a more intimate connection with the countryside. Imagine pedaling through sun-drenched vineyards, stopping to sample local wines, or cycling along dedicated, flat towpaths that hug the river's edge. Tours and their surrounding areas are perfectly suited for cycling, with well-maintained routes connecting renowned landmarks like the Château de Villandry and the Château de Langeais, as well as charming smaller estates and local producers. Whether you prefer to explore independently with a rented bike or join a guided group, these cycling adventures provide an active and engaging way to absorb the timeless beauty of the Loire.
Discover our top picks for loire river cruises & cycling tours in Tours

Join this exciting 4-hour highlights bike tour of London and see the city's iconic landmarks with one of our local, experienced tour guides! Cruise past Big Ben, dive into Parliament’s history, and experience the changing of the guard with the whole family. Explore Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and Westminster Abbey, all while hearing fascinating tales. Plus, your adventure doesn’t end there—add a Thames River Cruise package to your experience! After cycling through London’s royal past, relax and enjoy a serene cruise along the beautiful Thames, taking in London’s most famous riverside sights.

Experience the very best of the Loire Valley with our unforgettable 4.5-hour electric bike tour. This guided adventure along the picturesque Cher River leads you directly to the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, offering a perspective few travelers ever see. This unique tour masterfully blends active discovery and captivating history. On your e-bike, you will effortlessly cruise through stunning riverside scenery, passing charming, authentic villages and traditional houses. Your knowledgeable local guide will bring the region to life, sharing historical secrets and pointing out the ancient landmarks that define this UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey culminates in a moment of pure bliss: a gourmet picnic lunch featuring delicious local cheeses and a crisp bottle of regional wine. Savor this royal feast with a picture-perfect view of the stunning château. It’s the most rewarding way to capture the romantic essence of the Loire Valley! Note: Interior château visit not included.

Discover charming villages and islands surrounding Hoi An as you explore the area by boat and bicycle. You’ll weave through Hoi An’s back streets and ride through country lanes to small towns before taking to the waterways on a boat cruise. Afterwards, enjoy a warm welcome meal at a local restaurant. Receive personal attention from your local guide on a private tour.

A trip to Mekong Delta to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and the rich culture of the vibrant southern Delta region. Boating down the river to experience the local life, fishing port, fishing floating house, enjoy the local folk song music and seasonal fresh fruit.

Visit highlights of Yangshuo including Yangshuo countryside cycling, West street, and a short Li-River bamboo boat ride on Li-River from Xingping to Nine Horses hill then back to Xingping again with this private Yangshuo day tour. You will be picked up and dropped off from your Guilin or Yangshuo hotel/Yangshuo Yulong park gate. Highlights: 1.Bike through the marvelous Yangshuo Countryside 2.Follow your expert guide and see locals working the rice fields, and stop in quaint local villages 3. Short Li-River cruise from Xingping to Nine horses hill around one hour on the boat & Visit the 20RMB note view. Note: The child less than 7 years old or 1.2M can NOT take this small boat. The Senior people more than 70 years old can NOT take this small boat.

A trip to Mekong Delta to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and the rich culture of the vibrant southern Delta region. Boating down the river to experience the local life, fishing port, fishing floating house, enjoy the local folk song music and seasonal fresh fruit.

Discover the daily lives of Hoi An's farmers and fishermen during this interactive tour, which includes a countryside bike ride and river cruise. Highlights • Explore the local way of life for Hoi An's farmers and fishermen • Enjoy a water adventure as you paddle the Thung Chai round basket boats on the river • Fish with the locals and savor delicious seafood onboard • Cycle through rice paddy fields and visit an organic vegetable farm garden

Discover Huế’s beauty on a curated small-group tour: visit the incense village, enjoy lunch and cycling in Thuy Bieu, cruise the Perfume River, and explore Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial City. • Ride a scenic heritage train over the Hai Van Pass with sweeping coastal views. • Capture colourful photos at Thuy Xuan, Huế’s iconic incense village. • Cycle through pomelo orchards and traditional garden houses in Thuy Bieu. • Cruise the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, Huế’s most famous Buddhist temple. • Explore Huế Imperial City and walk in the footsteps of Vietnam’s last rulers.

The four night Yangtze River cruises by Victoria Cruise take advantage of the best experiences available with the least hurry – a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. As we cruise upstream from Yichang to Chongqing, both the modern and the ancient are on offer, from the cutting edge technology of the Three Gorges Dam to the untouched beauty along the otherwise inaccessible wilderness.

This is a unique tour of Paris that allows you to visit the famous palace of Versailles and also to enjoy the one hour seine river cruise with recorderd commentary. Paris is beautiful but it's challenging to visit Paris in a short period. When it comes to visiting the palace of Versailles it's one hour drive from Paris. Our Expert driver will pick you up from your hotel in Paris and bring you to the palace of Versailles where you will enjoy a trip with audio guide inside palace of Versailles. After the visit our driver picks you up from the palace of Versailles and drops you at Port de la Bourdonnais opposite Eiffel Tower which is the starting point and ending point of one hour seine River Cruise with recorded commentary. We have included the tickets for Seine River Cruise and the palace of Versailles. This is a 4-5 hours trip including one hour seine River Cruise. After the cruise you will make your own transportation arrangements for return to the hotel.

Take a cruise along the Li River and enjoy the stunning and picturesque scenery along the way on this full-day tour from Guilin. Then, bike through paddy field and orchards surrounding the mountains, and get a fascinating insight into life in rural China. During this tour, you can: 1.Enjoy a relaxing and picturesque cruise along the Li River on this full-day tour from Guilin 2.Hop on a bike and take a wonderful cycling tour through the beautiful Yangshuo countryside 3. Has more than 7 options Yangshuo tours for you after the Li-River cruise tour.

Admire the stunning karst scenery of the Li River and visit Yangshuo on a full-day tour from Guilin. After a convenient hotel pick up, board your cruise, listen to the commentary from your private tour guide, admiring the stunning karst peaks and watch farmers in the fields and cormorant fishing rafts. After lunch on board the boat, disembark at a small village, spend the afternoon to explore over 1000 years old Jiuxian Ancient Village, enjoy a leisure walk or cycling around to admire amazing landscape along the Yulong River. This private tour including entrance fee, lunch ,cruise ticket and door-to-door hotel transfers. You can choose to end your tour in Yangshuo or return Guilin.

Cycle the stunning 34km Roxburgh Gorge Trail by eBike. Experience the breathtaking landscapes along the mighty Clutha Mata-au River, featuring dramatic cliffs, rolling farmland, and lush native bush. Highlights include historic gold mining relics along the trail, a scenic Clutha cruise on a jet boat that connects an impassable area of the trail, and the impressive Roxburgh Dam which is witnessed at the end of the trail at Roxburgh Hydro Village. This trail can easily be combined with other Central Otago cycling routes to make for more of a multi-day adventure. - 34km Grade 2-3 cycle trail; previous biking experience essential - Explore the quaint town of Clyde for morning tea before heading on to the trail - Speedy river cruise on the Clutha adds another perspective to the tour - Easily combine with other trails for an extended cycling adventure

One of the best ways to see the Loire Valley is on a bike, so will be taking you on a slow cycle ride beside the mighty Loire River, our tour will give you an insight to life and times of this area. Stopping along the way discover a pilgrim church that pre-dates Lourdes and one of the few places that Champagne is made outside of the protected area. There is also a chance to vist a troglodyte village on our way back from our tastings. You will get to learn the significance of Saumur as a city and its place in history. The places we will degust the wine are the pinnacle of this region and stepped in history. Without giving too much away the Chateau we visit has been in the same family since 1655. You will get the opportunity to buy the wine from both places. In between the tastings we will stop for a well earned picnic French style. We have been around the area for 20 years so while meandering along on our bikes we can give you an insight to the rest of the region.

TOUR PROGRAM : 8:00a.m: We Will pick you up at Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Then, Depart to My Tho City, It lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands. Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation. Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop. Have lunch at local restaurant. Next, Cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta (If You Cant Cycle,You can Relax with Hammock) Return to Your Hotel. End trip.
Experience the iconic châteaux and picturesque landscapes of the Loire Valley from both water and land.
Tours serves as an ideal base, offering easy access to a wide array of river and cycling excursions.
Choose between relaxing boat journeys or active cycling adventures to suit your travel style.
Gain insight into France's rich history, architecture, and viticulture through guided tours and commentary.
Discover tours ranging from short half-day trips to multi-day immersive experiences.
Find options for various budgets, making the Loire Valley accessible to a wide range of travelers.
These tours offer a serene way to witness the Loire Valley's grandeur. Cruises typically depart from ports near Tours and sail along the majestic river, providing panoramic views of historic villages, lush countryside, and occasionally, glimpses of famous châteaux from the water. Options range from short, scenic excursions to longer voyages with onboard dining.
Explore the heart of the Loire Valley at your own pace on a bicycle. These tours often focus on well-marked cycle paths, including the 'Loire à Vélo' route, connecting various châteaux, vineyards, and charming towns. Guided tours provide local insights, while self-guided options offer maximum flexibility.
For a comprehensive experience, consider tours that blend both river cruising and cycling. These itineraries might involve a morning cruise followed by an afternoon cycle, or a multi-day trip that incorporates elements of both. This allows for a well-rounded exploration of the Loire's diverse offerings.
Tours vary significantly, from 2-3 hour scenic cruises to full-day cycling adventures, and multi-day packages that can last up to a week.
The Loire Valley enjoys a temperate climate. Summer (June-August) is warm and pleasant for outdoor activities, while spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Pack layers and rain protection, just in case.
Cruises can range from small, intimate boats to larger vessels. Cycling tours often operate in small groups for guided experiences, or offer self-guided options where group size is not a factor.
Typically includes boat passage or bicycle rental. Guided tours may include a guide, entrance fees to some sites, and sometimes, a picnic lunch or wine tasting. Always check the specific tour details.
Tours usually depart from central locations in Tours or from designated ports along the Loire River. Specific meeting points and times are provided upon booking.
Prices vary widely. Short river cruises might start around €30-€50 EUR per person, while full-day cycling tours with rentals and guides can range from €70-€150 EUR. Multi-day packages will be significantly higher.
Book popular châteaux visits in advance, especially during peak season, even if they are not part of your tour.
Consider a multi-day cycling tour to truly immerse yourself in the Loire Valley's charm and visit multiple châteaux.
For river cruises, choose a tour that offers commentary in your preferred language to fully appreciate the historical context.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, as many tours involve exploring châteaux and towns on foot.
If opting for a self-guided cycling tour, download offline maps or rent a GPS device for navigation.
Many tours offer wine tasting experiences; this is a great way to sample local Loire Valley wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
Check the seasonality of tours. Some river cruises may operate less frequently outside of the main tourist season (April-October).
Don't hesitate to ask tour operators about customizable options, especially for longer cycling or cruise packages.
A: Not at all! Many cycling tours in the Loire Valley are designed for all levels, with flat routes and options for electric bikes to make hills easier. Some tours even have shorter, more leisurely routes.
A: Direct river cruises from Tours that visit numerous châteaux on the same trip are less common. Most cruises offer scenic views from the water or focus on a specific stretch of the river. You'll typically need to combine cruises with land-based tours or cycling to visit multiple châteaux.
A: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal, offering pleasant weather for cycling and cruising with fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is also popular but can be hotter and busier.
A: Some longer river cruises, especially those that are multi-day excursions, will include meals. Shorter scenic cruises might offer an option to purchase food and drinks onboard, but it's not always standard.
A: Yes, it's highly recommended, especially for guided tours or if you need to rent a specific type of bicycle. Popular routes and peak season dates can fill up quickly.
A: Comfortable, casual clothing is perfect for river cruises. Bring a light jacket or shawl as it can be breezy on deck, and wear comfortable shoes in case you disembark to explore a village.
A: Absolutely! Many cycling and some cruise tours in the Loire Valley incorporate stops at local vineyards for wine tastings, allowing you to sample the region's renowned wines.
A: Reputable tour operators usually have contingency plans. This might involve rescheduling, offering an alternative route, or providing a partial refund depending on the tour's policy and the severity of the weather.
Explore the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering rich history and stunning châteaux.
Discover Tours' charming old town, vibrant markets, and the serene banks of the Loire River.
Enjoy easy day trips to world-famous vineyards and fairytale castles from this central French hub.
Immerse yourself in centuries of history, from Romanesque art to Renaissance architecture in Tours.
Savor authentic Touraine cuisine and local wines at traditional bistros and lively cafés.
Experience the relaxed pace of life and genuine hospitality that defines this beautiful French city.
France experiences a predominantly temperate climate, with variations across its diverse regions. Expect mild, wet winters and warm summers in the north and west, while the south enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
May, June, and September offer the most pleasant weather across much of France, with warm temperatures, lower rainfall, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
July and August are the busiest months, characterized by warm to hot weather, long daylight hours, and a vibrant atmosphere, especially in coastal and tourist hotspots.
The winter months (November to March) are generally cooler and wetter, with fewer tourists and lower prices, making it ideal for city breaks and experiencing local culture without the crowds.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Explore the charming villages surrounding Tours, uncovering their unique history, local flavors, and picturesque landscapes on expertly guided day excursions.
Explore France's fairytale castles with convenient tours departing directly from the historic city of Tours.
Immerse yourself in the artistic and architectural splendor of the Renaissance with expertly guided tours in Tours, France.
Discover the rich culinary heritage and exquisite wines of France's Loire Valley with expert-led food and wine tasting experiences in Tours.
Step back in time with expertly guided walks through the historic heart of Tours, uncovering centuries of rich medieval heritage and architectural marvels.
Getting around Tours is quite manageable. The city center is very walkable, allowing you to easily explore the old town and main attractions. For longer distances or visiting surrounding areas, the local Fil Bleu bus and tram network is efficient and affordable. Consider purchasing a multi-day pass for convenience. Renting a bicycle is also a fantastic option, especially for exploring the scenic riverside paths. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing services operate, though they might be less common than in larger cities. Planning your routes in advance can enhance your experience getting around Tours.
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