Our luxury vacation to the Loire Valley of France blends the region's best bicycling routes, hiking trails and waterways into one awe-inspiring, well-rounded leisure adventure. In the evening we blend excuisite culinary experiences with regional excellence in castle accommodations. The Loire, once home to Kings and Queens, is a place rich with history. At the end of the 16th century when the aristocracy ceased to exist, the land of royalty became what it is known as today, a tranquil and majestic reminder of the past scattered with delightful, fruitful vineyards. From the dungeons turn wine cellars to the caves along our trails, our guests will explore like the royalty that once used to live here.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Our journey today begins in the spirit of the region as we experience our first wine tasting before hiking towards Amboise. This evening our castle accommodations have had such pretigious guests as King Charles VII, Louis XI and Charles de Gaulle.
(D)
Day 2:
We combine bicycling and canoeing today as we approach Amboise from another direction. After our float down the Loire, we explore both the Chateau d'Amboise and the home where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3:
Our guests will float through the massive limestone arches of Chateau de Chenonceau, one of the most stunning of the Loire chateaux. After a private tour of the castle, originally influenced by five powerful women during the 15th & 16th century, we pedal through the French countryside to Montbazon where we find our second castle abode.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4:
After departing Chateau Azay le Rideau on foot, you'll find that we can stay off the beaten track and still find a good meal - a delicious lunch awaits us at l'Etape Gourmande, Pepas a la Ferme, where the proprietors still make their own goat cheese. The breathtaking gardens of Chateau de Villandry are just a short walk away.
(B) (D)
Day 5:
Our peaceful ride takes us along the Indre River to the Chateau d'Usse, the castle that inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty. In Chinon, we will be staying in the lovely Chateau de Danzay, with its lavender-lined cloister and inviting, tapestry-covered walls.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 6:
We'll explore the narrow cobblestone streets of Chinon where Joan of Arc first set foot on her fateful quest. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring or to do some shopping.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
We'll ride through vineyards on our way to Bourgueil. Explore the Abbey, founded in 990, and savor one last stop at the boulangerie-patisserie before departing for home.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The single person price reflects trip reservations made 90 days or greater before the actual tour start date.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
Hiking & Trekking
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