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Bike/Barge France Loire Valley Route offered by supplier M19758 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 8 day(s) Group Size: 1 - 18 people Destination(s): France   Specialty Categories: Bicycle Touring   Barging   Season: April - September Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: No Minimum Per Person Price: 1334 US Dollar (USD) Maximum Per Person Price: 1500 US Dollar (USD)

This area, approximately 100 kilometers in length, offers a landscape with slightly rolling hills and a mild climate. During the summer it is dry but never too warm. The Loire Valley region also knows a rich history and culture. The many impressive castles and small villages make this cycling holiday a unique experience. Of course you will get a taste of the fine Loire wines during this holiday!

Tour Details:
- Route: Gare du Nord > Cours-les-Barres > Aprémont > Ménétréol > Beaulieu > Briare > Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses > Rogny > Paris.
- Dates: April 28, May 5, 12,19, 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, August 4, 11, 18, 25, and September 1, 8, 15, 22, 2012.
- This tour books very quickly - plan as far ahead as possible.
- Standard tour price $1,334.00 per person/double occupancy cabin.
Ask about discount for full payment at time of booking; dependent upon current exchange rates.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1, Saturday: Halfway the afternoon you leave from Gare du Nord by coach to Cours-les-Barres. You arrive in the beginning of the evening at the ship where you meet your tour leader and the crew and settle in. Subsequently dinner will be served aboard.

Day 2, Sunday: Cycle trip: ± 50 km. From Cours-les-Barres you cycle to the town of Aprémont. You may visit the 12th century castle and its fabulous gardens. After that we cycle on to the beautiful town of Nevers. The trip ends again in Cours-les-Barres.

Day 3, Monday: Cycle trip: ± 55 km. First we sail in the morning to the village of Beffes. The cycle trip takes you to La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the centre, you have a splendid view over the town and its Notre Dame church. Then you enter the region of the Pouilly Fumé wines. In Ménétréol, situated under the Sancerre vineyards, you will be given the opportunity to try some wine.

Day 4, Tuesday: Cycle trip: ± 50 km. For a start you visit Sancerre and then take a picturesque route right across the Sancerre vineyards. Your cycle ride continues and passes several wine villages that are situated in an impressive and attractive scenery. The trip ends in Beaulieu, the stop for the night.

Day 5, Wednesday: Cycle trip: ± 40 km. By bicycle you pass the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and the aquaduct that will take you over the river Loire later on. After St. Brisson, where you pass a nice castle, you start your way back to the barge, while enjoying the fresh forest air in the Fôret de St. Brisson. In the evening you cross the river Loire through the magnificent aquaduct and stop for the night in Briare.

Day 6, Thursday: Cycle trip: ± 45 km. First you have some time to explore Briare. The cycle trip leads to the castle Pont Chevron which is picturesquely situated at a small lake. Via Ouzouer-sur-Trézée you go right across an area with some lakes to the 16th century castle near Bléneau. Your trip ends in the village Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its seven historical locks.

Day 7, Friday: Cycle trip: ± 50 km. The barge will stay in Rogny. Today you will cycle to the market in Châtillon-Coligny, from where the trip continues to the castle in La Bussière. Via Escrignelles the tour ends back in Rogny.

Day 8, Saturday: In the morning you may wish to go for a stroll. At approximately 11:30 hrs. your guide and crew will say good-bye and you travel by coach back to Paris.

Note: Tour itinerary subject to changes).

Tour Includes:
- Stay aboard in double cabin (8 days/7 nights)
- Full board (breakfast+packed lunch + 3-courses dinner)
- Tour leader
- Visit to castle
- Visit winery
- Information booklet
- Bicycle with 21 gears and cycle bag
- Transfer Paris/Gare du Nord-Barge v.v.

Tour Excludes:
- Journey to and from Paris Gare du Nord
- Bicycle insurance of 17,50 Euro paid on board
- Excursions not in program
- Drinks on board (other than water, milk, juices, tea, coffee)
- Gratuities for crew at your own discretion.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Most tours qualify for a per person discount (based on current exchange rate) when you book and pay in full at time of booking.

Price per person/double occupancy: $1,334.00.

Price Includes:
- 7 nights accommodations aboard barge
- Full board (breakfast + packed lunch + 3-courses dinner)
- Coffee and Tea on board
- Services of local guide
- Route description with map
- Use of 21-speed bicycles with panniers
- Transfer between railway station in Paris and start and end of barge trip
- Several excursions
- Credit card fee
- Booking fee.

Price Excludes:
- Airfare
- No helmets are provided, please bring your own
- Excursions not in program
- Bicycle damage insurance of 17,50 EUR paid on board
- Drinks (other than water, milk, juices, coffee & tea)
- Transfer between airport and Gare du Nord (North station) in Paris
- Gratuity for the crew.

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Also see tour packages in:
Europe   France   Outdoor: Land Rambler   Bicycle Touring   Barging  

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