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Trip Length: |
6 Days / 5 Nights |
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Dates 2010: |
May 2nd | May 30th | July 4th | August 1st
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Price (USD): |
$3,985 (pp dbl.occ.) |
Personalize This Tour
** All our tours can be modified, including length, level of activity and type of accommodations.
Know as the garden of France the Loire Valley is an enchanted land of architectural wonders but also fine dining and delectable wines. Loire wines tend to exhibit characteristic fruitiness and the Loire Valley is France's third largest wine region. Its historic towns such as Amboise, Blois, Chinon and its world famous castles such as Chenonceaux, Azay-le-Rideau and Chambord make it an outstanding destination if you are looking to step back in time and discover some of France's finest work of art.
During the medieval times the Loire Valley was the ground of Kings and nobles like Joan of Arc, Francois 1 and today the Loire Valley is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site and accounts for more than 300 chateaux. Our Loire valley bike tours can be tailor made around your needs and desires and our team will work hand in hand with you to make sure you vacation is a success.
Day-By-Day Highlights
 Meet in Tour and shuttle to the charming town of Amboise. Gather for a welcome drink and bike fitting session in the hotels garden.
Cycle to Chenonceau and meet with a guide who will shares details of the chateau richly appointed interiors, vast galleries and dazzling artwork. Before our first dinner, you may choose to visit the Clos Luce, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and see the designs and models for his many creations or relax at the hotel.
 Shuttle to the chateau of Sache, famous for being famous French writter Honore de Balzac estate. From there, start a pleasant ride through the countryside and visit of the chateau d'Azay le Rideau, one of France's most beautiful castles and a jewel of renaissance architecture. The chateau is located on an island in the middle of the Indre River.
In the afternoon get back on your bike for a lovely ride through the French country side and your hotel the chateau de Brou, a chateau with only 12 rooms located on a 100 acres park.
 Today's route takes you through a variety of medieval villages including the town of Crissay-sur-Manse also listed as one of France most beautiful villages. There you enjoy lunch and taste some of the region finest vintages overlooking the French countryside.
This evening you and your new found friends sit down for a delicious meal in the dining room of your hotel a 15th century chateau. Before your michelin star dinner you may choose to take a swim in the hotel heated swimming pool or meander through the hotel grounds.
 Pedal through the Chinon Forest to the Château Ussé, a 15th-century castle believed to have inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty. Take a self guided tour of the chateau considered as one of the magnificient in France.
In the evening you get discover the town of Chinon known for its red wines as much as its turbulent history and castle. Dinner is on your own that night you have a chance to choose among the many brasseries & restaurants the town offers. For sure our guides will be glad to make recommendations.
 Cycle from the town of Marcay to Saumur famous for being the host of the French national horse ridding school (le cadre noir). On the way you get to discover some stunning troglodytes villages including Cande st Martin listed as one of France most beautiful village, where we will get together for lunch.
This evening make yourself at home as you are invited to dine with the owners for our celebration dinner in the residence dinning room.
 This morning and after a final breakfast together at the hotel Chateau des Verrieres, your trip leaders drive you to the Tours train station at around 12 PM.
From there you have the choice to either take the train back to Paris and fly back home after a memorable week in the Loire Valley, or you may choose to stay some more time in France and do some more sightseeing.
Download Itinerary (Loire Valley)
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Hotels in the Loire valley
Located within walking distance form the chateau d'amboise, this charming hotel with a delightful garden dates back to 1107 and offers luxurious rooms housed in an elegant Renaissance house.
Each of the bedrooms are different and beautifully decorated, including stone and marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, beamed ceilings and carved woodwork.
Between Chinon, Azay le Rideau and Loches, on the road to the Vallée des Rois, this authentic 15th century château is hidden in a 100-hectare park.
Once inside, guests can discover this beautiful hotel, which combines a subtle mixture of the past and present, an oasis of poetry, calm, and luxurious comfort. The terroir cuisine mixes tradition and innovation, with a romantic setting that is perfect for a candlelit dinner.
This perfectly restored 15th century fortress has preserved its architectural origins. Turrets and secret passageways attest to the medieval origins of this relais & chateau member. Marcay (2 nights) lies near Chinon where Joan of Arc met King Charles VII.
The chateau elegant rooms which bled wood panelling and authentic furniture also offer every modern comfort.
Conveniently located in the historic centre of Saumur and dating back to the 19th century, "le chateau des Verrières" is a magnificient example of Napoleon II style architecture with carved oak panelling, painted ceiling, beautiful 19th century furniture and luxurious bathrooms.
Peacefully set in a four acre park, the chateau has nevertheless kept its private mansion atmosphere, with its authentic decoration and its period furniture.
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