Tours is a charming city in France, located in the heart of the famous Loire Valley. Here you can find many castles, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque landscapes. Here is how you can spend three days in Tours and its surroundings:
Day 1: Exploring Tours
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Morning:
- Cathedral of Saint Gatian: Start the day by visiting the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of Saint Gatian, which impresses with its stained glass windows and architecture.
- Museum of Fine Arts: Next to the cathedral is a museum featuring collections of European paintings and sculptures.
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Day:
- Old Town (Vieux Tours): Stroll through the narrow streets and cobblestone. There are many medieval houses, shops, and cafes here.
- Place Plumereau: Consider stopping here for lunch. It is one of the most picturesque squares where you can enjoy the atmosphere and try local cuisine.
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Evening:
- Loire River: End the day with a walk along the Loire River embankment. The sunset here is especially beautiful. You may want to take a river cruise.
Day 2: Exploring the Castles of the Loire Valley
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Morning:
- Château de Chenonceau: Visit one of the most famous castles in the Loire Valley. Known for its romantic appearance and beautifully maintained gardens, it will enchant you with its beauty and history.
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Day:
- Château d'Amboise: Next, you can visit Amboise. This castle sits on a hill overlooking the river and the city. This is also where Leonardo da Vinci's tomb is located.
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Evening:
- Château du Clos Lucé: In Amboise, you can end the day at the home-museum of Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci lived in his final years. His inventions and works are exhibited here.
Day 3: Leisure and Relaxation
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Morning:
- Botanical Garden of Tours: Take a stroll through this beautiful garden, enjoying the morning freshness and the variety of plants.
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Day:
- Wineries of the region: Visit one of the local wineries for a tasting of famous Loire wines. It could be Mamontam, Véas, Chambertin, Chenonceau, Beaujolais, or others.
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Evening:
- Dinner at a restaurant with traditional French cuisine: Return to Tours and enjoy dinner, tasting local specialties such as foie gras, goat cheese, or rillettes.
This itinerary will allow you to enjoy the best that Tours and its surroundings have to offer. Make sure you have enough time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of each of these places!
