Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Saint Pierre des Corps-Tours TGV station, located only 1h from Paris by train. You can also take a train to Amboise directly, about 2h from Paris. Transfer on your own to Amboise and settle at your deluxe family run hotel. Orientation and bike set up at 6:00pm. Dinner on your own.

Day 2 | Ride To Vouvray Vinyards: A quiet bike tour on the other side of the Loire through gentle, verdant landscapes, far removed from the main roads - visit the Ecomusée du Pays de Vouvray for a presentation of wine growing and wine making in the 19th century as well as associated trades. Back to Amboise - cycling of 45km (B)

About Vouvray wines: Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region and it produces splendid wines from the dry and austere to the richest dessert wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines.

Day 3 | Amboise to Cheverny. The Loire, Touraine’s First Lady, will be your guide for a gentle bike tour via the stables and gardens of the Chaumont-sur- Loire XVIth century castle and the «Tintin» Château of Moulinsart at Cheverny, famous for its kennels and trophy room. Then cycle on to your 3* hotel outside of Cheverny in a quiet country setting, dinner included. 47km (B,D)

Day 4 | Loop ride to Chambord. A flat ride will take you through the alleys of the 5000 ha Domain of Chambord to the most fabulous Unesc World heritage listed jewel of the Loire. An equestrian show in the stables of the Maréchal de Saxe or a barge tour along the castle may complete your visit. Return to the same hotel for dinner and the night. 60 km (B,D)

Day 5 | Cheverny to Chenonceau. A scenic ride will take you to the Cher river valley and the Château de Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the XVIth century over the Cher river and improved by Catherine de Medici. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. As you overnight in Chenonceau you may enjoy a Son et Lumière Show. Dinner included at your 4 star hotel. Ride distance is 46km (B,D)

Day 6 | Chenonceau to Azay le Rideau. The charming Cher and Indre Valleys guarantee nice quiet routes through colourful landscapes which will take you to the scenic small town of Azay-le-Rideau. There, you can visit the Musée Maurice Dufresne, with its private collection «Yesterday’s toys, Today’s dreams» and the amazing collection of restored vehicles. The Château of Azay-le-Rideau is one of the most elegant creations of the early Renaissance. The Son et Lumière Performance «The imaginary world of Azay-le-Rideau» guarantees a nice evening walk. 60km cycling, followed by charming lodging and dinner in the town. (B,D)

Day 7 | Loop tour around Azay le Rideau. Today's ride will take you to vineyards of Chinon. Via the banks of the Loire river and the Château d’Ussé we reach the wine area of Chinon «Town of History and Art». Chinon offers various points of interest such as the XVth century Eglise Saint Etienne and the Eglise Saint Maurice with its XIIth century bell tower. The imposing medieval fortress with fine tapestry collection, Joan of Arc museum and medieval weapon systems offers a nice panoramic view. This route can be extended by a visit of the Château and gardens of Villandry – a unique example of Renaissance architecture and gardens -. Optional routes from 35-85 km riding to see Chateau of Usse. Return to same hotel and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 8 | is departure day from Azay le Rideau. Transfer options back to Tours possible by taxi or nearby train from Langeais. (B)

Details

The trip includes: [Virtual Hotel Tour] excellent 3 & 4 star hotels with private bathroom, all breakfasts and most dinners (4) as shown, 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.

UPGRADE: deluxe 4 star hotels and chateaux hotels: Le Choiseul, Chateau de Breuil, Bon Laboureur, Chateau d'Artigny. Upgraded rate: 1645 euros/person.

Bike Rentals: [Click for image] 105 euros; Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included. Merckx racing bikes available also see Cycling Classics for specs under Rental Bikes.

Scott Sportster P3 hyrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!

Additional Night Amboise: 126 euros/double room incl. breakfast.

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.