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Castle of Love & Fairytale along the Loire River - From Blois to Angers
offered by supplier M09630 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 20
people
Destination(s):
France
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 620 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 620 Euro (EUR)
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Where can you bicycle by Sleeping Beauty's Castle? The real one, not the Disneyworld version? How about the "Castle of Love?" No amusement park will come close to the Loire Valley, an area so rich in historic and architectural heritage that the whole region has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bicycling is the perfect way to discover and explore these treasures! We've kept the mileage to a mininum to allow to visit and experience these sites... A wonderlful week-long cycling trip to the past!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Blois
Arrive in Blois, starting point of your discovery tour of a fascinating region once favored by French Kings who outdid each other by building outstanding castles and chateaux in the 14th and 15th centuries. Some of these jewels will be yours to discover in the next few days. Check-in at your hotel. Bicycle fitting. Leisure time to explore the city of Blois. Overnight in Blois.
Day 2: Blois - Amboise
You will start your bicycle tour riding between woods and vineyards before reaching the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire. After visiting this remarkable chateau and its impressive collection of furniture and tapestries, get back on your bike and follow the guide! The Loire River! It will lead you to Amboise where the magnificent royal castle should not be missed. Besides being the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, it also houses an impressive collection of Gothic and Renaissance furnishings. Also in Amboise is Clos-Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Overnight in Amboise.
Day 3: Amboise - Tours
This leg will allow you to bicycle through the vineyards of Montlouis, an area that produces a wonderful bubbly white wine. Further on, you will pass by a charming small chateau, a love nest used by King Henri IV and his mistress Gabrielle d'Estrées. Overnight in Tours.
Day 4: Tours - Azay-le-Rideau
After breakfast, you'll head to Savonnières and its "Grottes Pétrifiantes" ("Petrifying Caves"). Once used as quarries, these huge caves are now the stage for a fun trip through an amazing underground landscape! Villandry and its famous gardens is your next must-see site that should not be missed! Saché is the next chateau on your route. It was Honoré-de-Balzac's home during his most productive years. Azay-le-Rideau, one of the most outstanding castles of the Loire Valley will conclude this day's memorable ride. Overnight in Azay-le-Rideau.
Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau - Chinon
Following our detailed directions, you'll ride to Langeais, a 15th century fortress that houses an exceptional collection of tapestries and works of art. Riding on, you'll reach the fairyland castle of Sleeping Beauty in Ussé--the real 15th century castle that inspired Charles Perrault. Chinon built on the Vienne River will welcome you for the night.
Day 6: Chinon - Saumur
You'll probably want to take a stroll and explore medieval Chinon before getting on your bicycle! Unless you choose to visit the wine caves and sample the famous Chinon wine! The imposing Abbey-de-Fontevraud founded in the 12th century, one of the greatest monastic settlements will provide a welcome stop before cycling on to the pretty city of Saumur. Overnight in Saumur.
Day 7: Saumur - Angers
This final ride will take you to the lovely city of Angers and its towering medieval castle: King Rene's Castle of Love" houses a very interesting tapestry museum. A highly recommended visit. Overnight in Angers.
Day 8: Departure from Angers
After breakfast, depart Angers at the time of your choice.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price: 620 euros per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement is 215 euros.
This price includes:
- Accommodations in 2- and 3-star properties
- Daily breakfast
- Meeting with our local representative on Day 1
- Luggage transfers
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets
- Tourist information
- All taxes and service charges
This price does not include:
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Expenses of personal nature
- Insurance
- Rental bike. Hybrids are available at the rate of 95 euros per bike
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
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, ext: 09630
