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Self-Drive Chateaux and Champagne
Thumbnails
Champagne vineyards
Chateau of Azay le Rideau
Chateau of Chenonceau
Chateau of Cheverny
Chateau, Loire Valley
Epernay
Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
Reims
Royal Castle of Amboise
Verzenay
France

Self-Drive Chateaux and Champagne (Tour code: 11799)

Starts and Ends
Paris to
Reims
Travel Periods
01 Apr 24 - 31 Oct 24
Experience
Travel Style
Independent Holiday Packages
Step back in time as you visit the Chateaux of Loire Valley and visit the Champagne region with its renowned Champagne houses.

Highlights

Take a guided tour of Chateau Chenonceau, where its unique architecture seamlessly blends with Renaissance Gardens, offering unparalleled beauty.

Sensorial visit and Vintages' Odyssey followed by a wine tasting class led by a sommelier in Amboise!

Iconic Tour of Grand Maison of Veuve Clicquot

Enjoy a guided tour of the Cathedral of Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

5 days
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

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Only $100pp deposit to Book Now

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Overview

Indulge in an exquisite wine tasting experience and visit the most renowned chateaux of the beautiful Loire Valley. Skip the line entry to Chateau Chenonceau and take in the timeless beauty of the centuries-old estate. Admire the stunning French Renaissance architecture of Chateau Chambord, the largest chateau in the region and be astonished by the majestic Royal Chateau of Amboise.

Then, your journey will continue to Reims, famous for the production of Champagne and for its the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, one of Europe's most important Gothic structures. Take part in a small group to discover the well-known Champagne Houses in region like the Grande Maison of Veuve Clicquot and many more.

Peace of mind booking plan
  1. ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
  2. ENTIRE AUD Prices
  3. ENTIRE Change of Mind
  4. ENTIRE Industry Accredited
  5. ENTIRE On Ground Support
  6. ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

2 nights in Tours at Hotel de l'Univers - 4* or similar
2 nights in Reims at Hotel de la Paix - 4* or similar
Car Hire Credit of $500 (5 Days rental)
Daily Breakfast
Full day Small Group Tour (max 8 pax) to Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord, Les Caves Ambacia Wine tasting
5 Wine tasting in Amboise included
Small Group (max 8 pax) Tour Reims Cathedral, Veuve Clicquot, Tour & tasting at a family domain
Parking space included
Entry tickets and tastings at Veuve Clicquot and at a family estate

Day 1 Tours

Pick up your car at the depot in Tours and drive to you hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay in Tours at Hotel de l'Univers or similar.

Parking spot included.

Tours
Chateau of Amboise

Day 2 Tours Chenonceau Amboise Tours

After breakfast, meet your English speaking driver guide at your hotel and start your full day small group tour to Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia Wine tasting.

Guided Tour of the Chateau of Chenonceau. The unique architecture of the Chateau of Chenonceau makes it one of the most exquisite Chateaux in the Loire Valley. Nicknamed "The Ladies Chateau", the castle of Chenonceau is related to important French women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. The magnificent Renaissance Gardens around it make it even more spectacular.

Transfer to Amboise for the lunch (not included). We highly recommend to have lunch at Caves Ambacia. Caves Ambacia welcomes you in its restaurant "l'Oppidum" where you will discover typcial Loire Valley products such as Cheeses, Delicatessen and Fishes.

Les Caves Ambacia, the Loire Valley Wine Experience! Sensorial visit and Vintages' Odyssey followed by a wine tasting class led by a sommelier (5 wines including 1 vintage Vouvray wine).

Transfer to Chambord.

Guided tour of the Chateau of Chambord. Drive to the Estate of Chambord, a national game reserve as large as the city of Paris. The Chateau de Chambord (guided tour) is a unique monument by its architecture and proportions. Leonardo da Vinci probably took part in the conception of the project. With more than 400 rooms and its double spiral staircase, the Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley.

Drop-off is at 06:00 PM at the Tours Tourist Office.

Overnight stay in Tours at Hotel de l'Univers or similar.

Parking spot included.

Breakfast
Tours →Chenonceau → Amboise → Tours
Chateau of Chenonceau

Day 3 Tours Reims

After breakfast, start your scenic drive to the Champagne region (approximately 4.5 hours).

Welcome to the beautiful city of Reims and check in your hotel.
We suggest that you stroll through the storied streets of Reims: many sites, monuments and museums evidence the rich history here, from the Gallo-Roman to modern times, including the fabulous Art Deco period. 

Overnight stay in Reims at Hotel de la Paix.

Parking spot included.

Breakfast
Tours → Reims

Day 4 Reims Champagne Region Reims

After breakfast, you will join a guided small group tour of Reims, City of Coronations.

Your day will start at 09.15am by sightseeing the vibrant City Centre, a place full of charm, layers of unique history and regional culinary delights.

Then, enjoy a guided tour and tasting at world famous Grande Maison de Champagne Veuve Clicquot* (Visit includes: Discovery tour with 1 glass of Champagne). Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin is a Champagne House founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot and grew to fame thanks to Madame Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin. You will learn about this young widow who pursued a vision, built an empire and not only became a legend in her own time but still helps women entrepreneurs to this day - “the Grande Dame of Champagne". Take a journey into the heart of this House, its heritage, its savoir-faire. And discover its unique Roman chalk-cellars and their process of making Champagne. At the end of the tour, enjoy a tasting of one glass of Brut Yellow Label cuvée. 

Continue with a guided tour of the Cathedral of Reims, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of Europe's most important Gothic structures. You will be captivated by the enormity, the hypnotizing stained glass windows and the exceptionally rich statuary. 

Then we'll leave the city and drive through the Grand Cru vineyards on the Mountain of Reims, where the Scenic Route of Champagne winds its way between fields of barley, vinyards, forests and picturesque villages such as Verzy, Verzenay and Mailly. Realm of the Pinot Noir varietal, the Mountain of Reims is known for its special "terroir" that gives Champagne much of its power and character. We'll take a tranquil, picturesque pause in such a vineyard to take it all in with our own five senses.

In the heart of the Champagne’s Vineyards, you will be welcomed at a beautiful Champagne Grower's Family Estate. More that 4000 family winemakers contribute to the prestige of Champagne, keeping the Tradition alive from generation to generation with a common goal: the true expression of Champagne. After lunch, we'll stroll to the production site to see how Champagne is made: the press, the winery's vats and barrels, the chalk cellar, the labelling machine. The lovely afternoon will finish with another tasting of 2 glasses of different Champagne wines from the same Family Grower, and a glass of  their Ratafia (a sweet liquor made with Champagne brandy mixed with grape juice and aged in barrel). After heartfelt goodbyes we'll gently return you to the city of Reims around 5.30pm.

Overnight stay in Reims at Hotel de la Paix.

*If an unforeseen circumstance arises affecting the Veuve Clicquot tour, it may be replaced by one at the House of Mumm, Pommery or Taittinger.

Parking spot included.

Breakfast, Lunch
Reims → Champagne Region → Reims

Day 5 Reims

After breakfast, check out and dropp off your car at depot in Reims.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel Le Choiseul

Amboise
Located at the edge of the Loire and at the foot of the Royal Castle of Amboise, homeland of Leonardo da Vinci, the hotel Le Choiseul is a charming house typically from Tours built in 18th century. The hotel enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the Valley of Loire castles. Le Choiseul has 30 rooms of 5 different categories, from the most elegant apartment to the most delightful room. They offer pleasant views over the Italian garden, the Loire and the Château d'Amboise.

Hotel De La Paix

Reims
Right in the heart of Reims, magical capital of the Champagne region, you’ll find the Best Western Hôtel de la Paix. This island of calm is located just a stone’s throw from the shops and the Cathedral. Between old stones & and new design, the Best Western Hotel de la Paix welcomes you with 169 fully equipped and air-conditioned modern bedrooms full of charm.

Additional information

Official language
French
Local currency
EUR
  • FLEXI CAR HIRE CREDIT: This self-drive package includes a $500 ($100/day) Flexi Car Hire Credit. This provides the flexibility of selecting a vehicle based on your own preferences and requirements. As each location has vehicle limitations, please speak to our team for options. 
  • Order of Tours can be modified depending on days of travel. If an unforeseen circumstance arises affecting Veuve Clicquot tour, it may be replaced by one at the House of Mumm, Pommery or Taittinger.
  • Adult tour only, no children accepted under the age of 18
  • We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit. The package price is based on 4-star accommodation.

Blackout dates may apply during festive season.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
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For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

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Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

When experience matters
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