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Let the tranquil waters of the Loire, Indre, and Cher rivers soothe you - body and soul - on the Loire Chateaux tour. Starting in Joue Les Tours, a suburb of Tours, you'll travel through the heart of this region's vineyards and orchards, experiencing some of the most picturesque scenery France has to offer.
Among the sights you'll see are the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, the medieval treasure of Chenonceaux, and many exquisite and complex gardens, including the one at Villandry. Every turn in the Loire is a feast for the eyes. If you tire of chateaux, the charming villages offer a more casual atmosphere. Visit wine caves, museums, churches, and artisans at work. Or simply enjoy a croissant in a quiet cafe or garden. The flat-to-rolling terrain is perfect for cycling and is filled with trees and colors. For many visitors, the Loire Valley conjures pictures from the fairy tales of childhood.
Itinerary
Day 1 | is arrival day in Tours/Joue les Tours, which will allow you a chance to settle in and then visit the city. Tours is a large city compared to the villages you will visit, but most interesting perhaps is its old town. Also, there is plenty of good shopping in Tours, and some important history to discover. Orientation at 7pm and gourmet dinner tonight in your chateau. (D)
Day 2 | Depart Joue les Tours, cycling toward Azay le Rideau, and the famous gardens and chateau of Villandry. You will travel along quiet lanes before arriving at Villandry, where you can spend some time exploring and admiring the lush gardens. Afterward, you may picnic along the river, before riding on to Azay le Rideau. 36km (B,D)
Day 3 | the tour then continues to Sainte Maure en Touraine along the Indre stopping at along the way to visit one of the favorite stops of novelist Honore de Balzac in Sache. But, before leaving Azay Le Rideau, time must be devoted to discovering this architectural masterpiece of a chateau. The ride is a pleasant and quiet ride through forests and along the river. 39km (B,D)
Day 4 | It's on to the countryside for a visit to the royal chateau of Loches which is overlooked by its fortress and the old walled city on the hilltop. A fascinating site, within the walls you will find an ancient church and the dungeon of Foulques Nerra. Other famous characters such as Joan of Arc, Agnes Sorel, and Charles VII were influential here. 37 km (B,D)
Day 5 | takes you to the Chateau of Montresor, a privately owned and maintained masterpiece. Then to the town of St. Aignan, which is set along the banks of the Cher river and has many interesting visits including the crypt in the 11th century cathedral. Stay 1 km away in Noyers sur Cher. 46km (B,D)
Day 6 | and the next stage is through the heart of the Cher valley, including vineyards and orchards, stopping at Chenonceau. This stage through the countryside allows you to take your time and see the other local sites along the way. A famous town with an imposing ruin of a dungon, Montrichard sits along the banks of the the Cher and then on to Chenonceau the famous castle spanning the Cher River. 35km (B,D)
Day 7 | Travel to Amboise, home to a lovely chateau and Clos Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life. Before leaving, take some time to visit Chenonceau and learn about its history between the feuding dames Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis. Amboise offers much to see and do as well, so get there early after a beautiful tour through the countryside. 42 km(B,D)
Day 8 | is departure day from Amboise. You can take some time to visit the town this morning, and then depart by train. (B)
Details
The trip includes: [Virtual Hotel Tour] excellent 3 star hotels (incl. B&Bs, and chateau hotel) with private shower and bathroom, all dinners except day 8, all breakfasts except day 1, daily baggage transfer from hotel to hotel, detailed guide maps, cue sheets, tourist information, local emergency technical support, orientation upon arrival. We also provide travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more. Hotels: Chateau de Beaulieu, Grand Monarque, Les Hauts de Ste Maure, Cordeliers, Clos du Cher, Bon Laboureur, Clos d'Amboise.
Bike Rentals [Click for image] 155 euros Trek 7200 hybrids. We also offer Eddy Merckx road bikes, Gara model for a supplement. To see specs and images of this bike, see www.eddymerckx.be
Additional Night Tours: 205 euros/double room incl. breakfast and dinner.
You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!
Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!
Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.
Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.
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