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Cycling In The Loire Valley
offered by supplier M16296 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 4
- 10
people
Destination(s):
France
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Walking Tours
Season: May - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 1170 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1170 US Dollar (USD)
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The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches, the hunting grounds and lodges of kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling. Collectively they are known as vins de Touraine. Vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Start Amboise (accessible by train from London, see dates and prices box).
Day 2: Cycle to Montrichard. The first grand building of the trip is one of the best: the chateau of Chenonceau on the river Cher or rather, in the river Cher: its moat is part of the river and its arches reach across to the far bank.
Day 3: Cycle to Cour Cheverny. Pass a 16th century castle, then follow the Cher valley east through a landscape of farmland and villages to moated castle of Chemery before completing the day's ride.
Day 4: Free day. Today is free to relax in the village, visit the beautiful chateau in Cour Cheverny or cycle through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord - an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase.
Day 5: Cycle to Chaumont-sur-Loire. Return to the Loire valley and there is a number of options today. For the more energetic an excursion to the mediaeval town of Blois provides a historical diversion or alternatively take the more direct route to the hotel.
Day 6: Free day. Today is free to visit the chateau in town standing high above the river, cycle along the riverbank to Blois or explore the villages to the south on optional rides.
Day 7: Cycle to Amboise. The final day in the saddle and cycle across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There is time to visit the Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town.
Day 8: End Amboise. Take onward travel to London if booked.
- Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 30-40 km (19-25 miles) depending on routes chosen.
- Number of days cycling: 6 (2 optional rides).
- Vehicle Support: None whilst riding, luggage is transferred between hotels for you.
- Terrain and route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads past villages, farms, vineyards, woodland and alongside rivers. There are no significant ascents or descents. Alternative routes are available on most days.
- Recommended min. age 14 (please see Family Adventures holiday Trip - Code: FVD for similar holiday with lower min age).
- Support Self guided. Luggage is transferred whilst cycling, route notes and maps are provided.
- Accommodation: 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities, and some have pools.
- Food: All breakfasts and 5 dinners included.
- Compulsory Single Supplement: from $236.00
- Trip Reference: LSR
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
Walking Tours
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