In This Section
- 2010 Bicycle Tours
-
North America
- New York:
- Keuka Lake Wine Trail
- Cayuga & Seneca Lakes Wine Trail
- Classic Central New York
- The Historic Erie Canal
- Mississippi:
- Natchez Trace & Ante-Bellum South
- Texas:
- The Hill Country
- Vermont:
- The Champlain Valley
- Vermont Extreme: Extreme Champlain Valley
- Canada:
- Historic Quebec - La Belle Province
France: The Chateaux of the Loire Valley
Renaissance Chateaux, Fine Dining & Beautiful Cycling
7 Days – 6 Nights
Tour Price - $3,449.00, 6 nights
(includes 5 dinners, 1 picnic lunch/
wine tasting, all breakfasts)
Tour Dates 2010 -
June 13-19
September 20-26
Bicycle Rental - Complimentary Trek bicycle, fully equipped for touring
Single Supplement - $600.00
Arrival - Tours train station
Departure - Blois train station
Cycling Level - Moderate
Terrain - Flat to rolling terrain on a daily basis, with a few moderate hills
as we cycle among the tributaries of the Loire.
Our Loire Valley trip invites the epicure! Fine wine, excellent cuisine, superb accommodations entice and delight the senses. The Loire, known as the playground for French nobility, offers us their legacy of more than 100 chateaux, ranging from fortified castles to elegant Renaissance mansions. Not only will we visit a number of them, but they will be our home for all six nights!! You’ll likely feel like a noble too, enjoying this region’s natural beauty and pleasant microclimate, as we begin with a two night stay at the luxurious four star Domaine de la Tortiniere. Other hotels include the Chateau de Breuil, and the four star Manoir St. Thomas. We invite you to call us for a detailed price comparison.
Fairy tale chateaux, picturesque countryside, rolling vineyards and the backdrop of the Loire River are splendid reasons to cycle here. You’ll also marvel at art treasures and architecture of the feudal, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. History will accompany you throughout your trip with echoes of Charles the VII, Joan of Arc and Leonardo da Vinci.
This tour is suited for all riding levels. The terrain includes both flat and rolling sections, with moderate daily cycling distances. Our route follows the most scenic and traffic-free country roads, and you can opt to shorten or lengthen many of the rides. We’ve thoughtfully designed the rides so you’ll have ample time to enjoy all of the wonderful sites.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive via train in Tours. Bicycle fitting; warm- up ride. Introductions followed by a sumptuous French meal. Lodge at four star Domaine de la Tortiniere.
Day 2. Today we visit two chateaux, both Azay- le-Rideau & Villandry. Enjoy a wine tasting this evening or just relax by the pool. (30 or 43 miles)
Day 3. A pleasant ride through farm country today taking in Chateau de Nitray for lunch and a wine tasting. Optional visit to the mysterious Chanteloup Pagoda. Lodge in the heart of Amboise. (22 or 43 miles)
Day 4. Enjoy a stunning ride through the Loire Valley to Chateau de Chenonceau perched over the River Cher. Save time for an afternoon visit of Chateau d’Amboise or The Clos Luce, former manor home of Leonardo da Vinci. (25 or 31 miles)
Day 5. Morning visit of Chateau de Chaumont and then head on to Montrichard for lunch. This afternoon you may opt to visit the caves of Monmousseau for a taste of traditional method sparkling wine. (18 or 40 miles)
Day 6. A morning ride to Chateau de Cheverny. Lunch in Bracieux and then finish with a breathtaking ride to colossal Chambord via a forest road. (22 or 38 miles)
Day 7. A short transfer into Blois will surely prompt photo opportunities. Depart via train from Blois.