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Discovery of the Tourraine area
of the Loire Valley, famous for wines and castles, riding your
bike in the heart of the vines and magnificent chateaux!
Consider the sights: 15th & 16th century Gothic and Renaissance architecture following in the footsteps of the great kings of France. The last home of Leonardo da Vinci, exquisite and complex gardens, and several with beautiful rivers as backdrops. Every turn in the Loire is a feast for the eyes! You can visit wine caves, museums, churches, and artisans at work. Or simply enjoy a cafe, a croissant, and a garden! The terrain is wonderful for bicycle riding - mostly flat to rolling - and is filled with rivers, trees, and colors. |
"The biking tour of the
Loire Valley was one of the most incredible experiences of my
life. Everything was so well organized. From the selection of
accommodations to the luggage being at each hotel when we arrived." - L. Tongue |
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Day
1 is arrival day in Tours, and the hotel at Joue Les Tours,
which will allow you a chance to settle in and then visit the city.
Tours is a large city compared to the villages you will visit, but most
interesting perhaps is its old town. Also, there is good shopping in
Tours, and some important history to discover. Orientation at 7pm and
dinner in the evening. (D)
Day 2: Leaving early from Joue les Tours you will travel along some quiet lanes before arriving at Villandry, a famous chateau and 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 Chateau d'Artigny. 58km (B,D)
Day
3 the tour then continues to Montrichard, but not without
first visiting along the Indre stopping at one of the most charming
chateaux, Chenonceau, stretching over the Cher River itself. This
famous chateau 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
in the forest. 43km (B,D)
Day 4 goes to Amboise, a last bastion of Leonardo
Davinci, and a magnificent town set alongside the Loire River. This
is a big day with much to see and do, if you choose to take in all
that Amboise has to offer. You can save some for tomorrow as well.
In Amboise, you can shop, visit the chateau, the Clos Luce, or other
site such as the Parc Mini-Chateaux. 45km (B,D)
Day 5 is departure day. You have time to explore
Amboise more this day before going. Trains leave from Amboise or a
taxi to St Pierre des Corps will get you to the TGV and to Paris quickly.
(B)
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Price:1110 euros per person, double occupancy.
Single supplement: 315 euros.
The trip includes: All accommodations are in chateau properties varying from 3-4 stars lodging, all breakfasts, all dinners except day 5, route maps and cue sheets, daily bag transfer, emergency technical support with bilingual local contact, orientation upon arrival. We also offer travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more. .. Take the Virtual Hotel Tour!
Hotels: Chateau de Beaulieu, Chateau d'Artigny, Chateau de Chissay, Chateau de Pray.
Bike Rentals: 90 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.