This Loire Valley cycling tour -- the luxury option to the Chateaux Tour -- offers the perfect itinerary for rejuvenating both mind and body. The tranquil waters of the Loire, Indre, and Cher rivers flow through the heart of this scenic region known for its vineyards, orchards, and magnificent castles. The flat-to-rolling terrain is perfect for cycling and is filled with trees and colors. For many visitors, the Loire Valley conjures images from the fairy tales of childhood. This tour starts in Joue Les Tours, a suburb of Tours, and its itinerary includes the famous Chateaux of Cheverny and Chambord.		"We chose the Loire Valley tour which is beautiful scenery and the Castles are unbelievable. This was our first trip abroad and Discover France made it so easy and stress-free: I would highly recommend them and use them again for another Cycling Vacation." - D. Lingle, Loire

Day 1 Arrive in Tours and the hotel in Joue Les Tours. Settle in and visit the city. Tours is a large city compared to the villages you will visit, but most interesting perhaps is its historic old town. Also, there is ample opportunity for good shopping in Tours. Orientation at 7pm and gourmet dinner in your chateau tonight. (D)

Day 2: Leaving early from Joue les Tours, you will travel along some quiet lanes before arriving at Villandry, a well-known chateau, and its even more famous gardens. Moving along, you encounter another famous chateau at Azay le Rideau. The day is not finished though, as we continue on to Montbazon and the luxurious Chateau d'Artigny. 58 km. (B,D)

Day 3 Depart for Montrichard, but not without first riding along the Indre and stopping at the Loire Valley's most romantic chateau, Chenonceau, which stretches over the Cher River itself. This famous castle is where Henri II and Catherine de Medicis and Diane de Poitiers played out their love stories. The tour continues on through the vineyards of the region to Montrichard and a lovely chateau-hotel set in the forest. 43km. (B,D)

Day 4 is an excursion day with a chance to visit several different chateaux and sites. Options exist for 36 or 61 km, but of course you could always stay at the hotel and swim or play tennis! The excursions pass through the countryside and offer the chateaux of Montresor (The Chateau of Montresor is a privately owned and maintained masterpiece.) and Montpoupon. A stop to taste wine could be in order this day as well! You return to the same hotel this night. (B,D)

Day 5 takes you to the heart of the Sologne region near Cheverny. Along the road the itinerary passes some fascinating sites such as the Chateau de Gue Pean, Pontlevoy and its abbey, and Fougeres sur Bievre and its chateau. You may also stop at a mushroom producer and view the underground growing rooms. The chateau hotel tonight is a charming country setting with elegant restaurant under dynamic new management. 44km (B,D)

Day 6 is another excursion day - or day of rest for those who prefer to stay at the hotel. But, be advised: this day offers some of the most spectacular sights of the trip! You will ride out to Chambord, the largest of the Loire chateaux with 440 rooms and 365 chimneys. Learn all about Francois I and his obsession with this enormous structure. There is also available a visit to the privately owned Chateau of Cheverny, doable by foot or bike. This historic site is beautifully designed with gardens and dog kennels for traditional hunts. If time allows, you can also take in two other smaller, but charming chateaux. 57km (B,D)

Day 7 takes you from Cheverny to Amboise, a last bastion of Leonardo da Vinci. First stop: a visit to Chaumont sur Loire, the magnificent chateau set alongside the Loire River. This is a big day with much to see and do. In Amboise, you can shop, and visit the chateau, Clos Luce, and other sites such as the Park Mini-Chateaux. 44km (B,D)

Day 8 is departure day. Spend time exploring Amboise, and after you can catch a train from Amboise or nearby St Pierre des Corps.. (B)

The trip includes: Take the Virtual Hotel Tour! 3-4 star chateaux lodging, all breakfasts, all dinners, route maps and cue sheets, daily bag transfer, emergency technical support with bilingual local contact, orientation upon arrival. We also include free travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more.

Hotels: Chateau de Beaulieu, Chateau d'Artigny, Chateau de Chissay, Chateau de Breuil, Chateau de Pray.

Bike Rentals: 115 euros (click to view) Trek 7200 hybrids. We also offer Eddy Merckx road bikes, Gara model for a supplement. To see specs and images of this bike, see www.eddymerckx.be

Additional Night in Tours: 205 euros/double room Breakfast and dinner included.

Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.

Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.