Getting to know Tour in two days isn’t about speed, but about the right sequence. Divide your itinerary into a compact first day and a more packed second day, leaving some time to spare before your next bus. In the plan below, the attractions are grouped together so that you spend less time travelling and more time exploring the city itself.
The itinerary isn’t tied to any specific journey or season. Before you set off, check opening times, booking rules and any changes to transport timetables; in France, make sure to allow extra time for changes, pedestrianised areas and possible queues at museums.
Day one: exploring the city centre
Start at Place Plumereau: as you walk, get a feel for the distances, the pace of the city and the available transport options. The next stop is Saint-Gatien Cathedral. It’s best to leave some time between them for a coffee or lunch, rather than filling the gap with yet another museum.
Set a rough end time for the first day before you set off. Allow plenty of time for dinner and the return journey, checking the last public transport services and making sure you’re heading in the right direction to the stop.
Day two: the main attraction and a relaxed finish
Make the Basilica of Saint-Martin your main stop in the morning. Check the official website and entry rules, and after your visit, head to the Loire embankment. It’s a good idea to plan a longer stop for lunch on this day and set aside an hour with no set itinerary.
End the day in an area from which you can easily reach your departure point without changing transport. Check the boarding address against your ticket and the transport operator’s notifications, rather than just the station marker on the map.
How to draw up a realistic budget
First, identify your essential expenses: accommodation, transport from the stop, meals and a ticket to your main destination. Divide the remaining amount between small purchases and a contingency fund; a combined travel pass is only worthwhile if its itinerary matches yours.
What to prepare before arrival
- a screenshot of your ticket, the arrival address and the entrance to your accommodation;
- bookmarks for Saint-Gatien Cathedral and the Loire riverfront on a downloaded map;
- a fully charged power bank, water and a compact raincoat;
- a backup route to the bus without complicated changes.
Useful links
To help you prepare, also read about how to plan your first day after a long coach journey, offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone, and how to find a hotel from the coach stop. You can check coach routes and travel options on RedRay. Check the latest visitor guidelines and events calendar via the official French tourism portal and the official websites of specific attractions. Sources verified on 6 September 2026.
Questions and Answers
How should I plan my 48 hours in Tours?
Spend your arrival day exploring the city centre and open spaces, and the morning of the following day at attractions that require a ticket. Keep the last few hours free before your journey home.
What should I do with my suitcase before check-in?
Ask your hotel or apartment if they offer early luggage drop-off. Alternatively, use an official luggage storage facility with clear rates, a receipt and convenient opening hours.
When is a travel pass worthwhile in Tours?
A travel pass makes sense if you’re making several long journeys in a single day. If your route takes you through the compact city centre, compare the cost of the pass with two or three single tickets.
Which stops on the route should you confirm in advance?
Check the time slot for the Basilica of Saint-Martin, the rules for entering with a rucksack and how to collect your ticket. Also, confirm the exact address of your next bus stop.