6 days tour

Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Upgraded

Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Upgraded

This tour includes:

Others

Route directions and maps Luggage transfers between hotels Luggage transfers between hotels Local bike hire

Meals

All breakfasts are included The Loire prides itself on itโ€™s cuisine. It is refined country cooking, not heavy but rich in flavours and textures, drawing on the great garden of the Loire valley. Fruit and vegetables abound. Asparagus, artichokes, button mushrooms, cherries and strawberries from the Loire are transported to kitchens throughout France, which demonstrates the quality of the produce. These all provide delicious accompaniments to the duck, venison and wild boar dishes (all hunted locally) and served in sauces using wines from the local vineyards. Fish also features in abundance. With three wide, gently flowing rivers passing through the region, freshwater fish appear on most menus. โ€™Sandreโ€™ (pikeperch) and breme (bream) are especially popular and are usually served in a beurre blanc sauce - made with shallots, butter, dry white wine and vinegar. The majority of the cheese found in the region is goatโ€™s cheese. We suggest trying Selles-sur-Cher from the neighbouring Blesois region. Desserts are often based on the fruit from the local orchards. They include โ€™tarte tatinโ€™, a yummy caramelised upside-down apple pie - the invention of two absent-minded sisters in their attempt to salvage a dessert they had dropped on the floor. The Loire is undoubtedly one of Europeโ€™s finest wine producing regions with many of the separate wine areas producing red, white, rose and sparkling wines. Distinctive whites include Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Vouvray and Muscadet; for reds, try Chinin, Bourgueil and Saumur. Anjou is by far the most popular rose.

Accommodation

HOTEL MERCURE, BLOIS Guests have free access to the fitness centre and wellness area, including indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Free WiFi is available in all hotelโ€™s areas. All the air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Wi-Fi access. A seating area and a courtesy tray with tea and coffee are also provided. Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Guests can have drinks and cocktails at the Wine Not? hotel bar. โ€™Le Quaiโ€™, the hotel restaurant, features regional cuisine made from seasonal products. Room Upgrade Possibility to upgrade your last night in Blois in a 5* hotel with a gastronomic dining experience HOTEL AU CHARME RABELAISIEN, AMBOISE Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien is a charming 18th-century hotel nestled in the historical heart of the city of Amboise. Make sure you also take the time to relax in the heated, outdoor swimming pool or on the sun terrace. The spacious rooms with antique furniture are a haven of tranquility and provide a great feeling of relaxation in a warm atmosphere. Both rooms are equipped with high-standard bathrooms (jet showers, bathtubs, etc.) A wellness area with hot tub, sauna and fitness room is also available at the property. Free WiFi is provided throughout. AUBERGE DU BON LABOUREUR, CHENONCEAUX This 18th-century country inn is located in the centre of Chenonceaux, just 500 m from the Castle of Chenonceau. It offers an heated outdoor swimming pool during summer and winter and Scandinavian baths. Guest rooms are elegantly decorated and are equipped with air conditioning and a TV with satellite channels. Each room has a private bathroom including bathrobes and slippers. Free Wi-Fi is available. You can stroll around the peaceful garden setting before dining in the gourmet restaurant. Auberge du Bon Laboureur also features a bar with an extensive wine list and a buffet breakfast is served every morning, which can also be enjoyed in the guestโ€™s room. RELAIS DES 3 CHATEAUX, CHEVERNY Founded in 1850 to welcome voyagers travelling on foot, by horse and by car. The ancient stables are still visible in the current restaurant area, they could shelter up to 100 saddle and draught horses. It soon became one of the main relay stops between Blois and Romorantin. In order to perpetuate the tradition, the restaurant has kept the original name of Les Trois Marchands : The three Merchands. An additional curiosity about the history of this building: The part that adjoins the church was a former convent. Located in the heart of Cour-Cheverny, is now a days engaged both in keeping up its history and in preserving its conviviality spirit. This charming four stars hotel has been fully renovated and offers all the comfort of modern facilities. The atmosphere evokes the Renaissance style: curved shaped designed furniture, warm tones of the tapestries together with handcraft made lights respect the refined style of the charm typical of the Loir Valley.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Visas and vaccinations โ€” Single accommodation (available on request, compulsory supplement) โ€” Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date) โ€” Transfers for Land only (available on request at additional cost)

Guide

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Flights

International flights are not included

Transport

Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by our local representative. They are often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it, but may wish to charge you for this service. You will be pedaling under your own steam but the emergency number for our local operator is in the trip notes if you need assistance.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycling The Chateaux Of The Loire - Upgraded

  • Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In Blois
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Arrival In Blois

      Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.You stay at Hotel Mercure

  • Day 2 Day 2: Blois To Amboise (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Blois To Amboise (Breakfast)

      Cycle through nice tiny villages to Chaumont-sur-Loire and its spectacular chateau, which hosts the International Garden Festival (May-Oct). Then continue on the โ€™Loire a Veloโ€™ cycling tracks before arriving at the charming town of Amboise where the greatest Kings of France lived.Visit the flamboyant Royal Palace and the elegant Clos Luce, a C15 manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last few years of his life. His workshops house 40 giant models of some of his most spectacular creations, the first plane, helicopter and tank, and the beautifully landscaped gardens bring life to his botanical drawings and geographical designs.You stay at Hotel Charme Rabelaisien

  • Day 3 Day 3: Amboise To Chenonceaux (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Amboise To Chenonceaux (Breakfast)

      Gentle pedalling through the vineyards of Montlouis sur Loire will bring you to the superb Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous arches majestically spanning the river. Described by Flaubert as floating โ€™on air and waterโ€™, itโ€™s arguably the most beautiful of all the Loire landmarks. This chateau was the scene of a famous rivalry in French history: that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiersโ€™s garden, then the Catherine de Mediciโ€™s one. Take a breath, under the shadow of one of the huge park trees, at the rhythm of the river murmur which will tell you stories about these 2 rival women.You stay at the Hotel Bon Laboureur

  • Day 4 Day 4: Chenonceaux To Cheverny (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Chenonceaux To Cheverny (Breakfast)

      Ride along the peaceful riverbanks of the Cher to the medieval town of Montrichard. Leaving the Cher Valley and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Chateau de Fougeres-sur-Bievre a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century.Then, discover the famous sumptuously furnished Chateau of Cheverny. Inhabited by the same family for over 6 centuries, the Chateau, its gardens, its labyrinth and its Tintin exhibition will give you an unforgettable experience.You stay at Relais des 3 chateaux

  • Day 5 Day 5: Cheverny To Blois (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Cheverny To Blois (Breakfast)

      Cycle to the prestigious and largest Chateau de Chambord, a real masterpiece of French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms. Dreamed up by Francois I to cement his power in stone, the Chateau de Chambord is an unparalleled architectural exploit. Among the numerous innovations in Chambord, the double helix staircase is without a doubt one of the most remarkable. This staircase, which allows for two people to walk without crossing paths, has always fascinated visitors. Then, ride along the Loire riverbank before arriving in Blois. You stay at the Hotel Mercure Possibility to upgrade your last night in Blois in a 5* hotel with a gastronomic dining experience

  • Day 6 Day 6: Leave Blois (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Leave Blois (Breakfast)

      Depart Blois after breakfast.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 12 / Max: 80

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required