Discover the Royal Valley as you cycle along the majestic Loire River and
explore its thousand treasures -- its historic heritage, châteaux, peaceful landscapes,
and rural gastronomic delights.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Individual arrival in Orléans. Take some time to explore its historic
center after you check in at your comfortable hotel.
Day 2 - Orléans to La Ferté St. Cyr (30 km): The green pastures, ponds, and forests of the Sologne region, along with its charming village, are your companions for today's biking.
Day 3 - La Ferté St. Cyr to Blois (40 km): Today's route is a journey through France's rich historic heritage, highlighted by Chambord, widest castle in the Loire Valley and a masterpiece of the Renaissance period.
Day 4 - Blois to Amboise (45 km): Bike through forests and vineyards to the Château de Chaumont, overlooking the Loire River. then on to Amboise with its royal château and the Clos Lucé, last home of Leonardo da Vinci.
Day 5 - Amboise to Tours (50 km): Explore the vineyards of Montlouis before you reach the Château de la Bourdaisière. Arrive in Tours in the afternoon, with its old medieval center.
Day 6 - Tours to
Azay-le-Rideau (40 km): Today's first stop is Savonnières and its grottos. Proceed to
Villandry, famous for its formal gardens, and Saché, house of novelist Honoré de Balzac.
Finally you arrive at Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance jewel set over the Inde River.
Day 7 - Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon (33 km): Bike to Langeais and its 15th century château built in the style of a typical medieval stronghold. Visit Ussé and the castle which inspired Perrault's famous fairy tale, "The Sleeping Beauty". Arrive in Chinon in the later afternoon.
Day 8 - Chinon to Saumur (40 km): Before leaving the medieval city of
Chinon, take some time to visit its numerous wine cellars to sample the red wines
appreciated since the time of Rabelais. Continue on to Fontevraud Abbey, largest monastic
city in Europe and burial site for Richard the Lionhearted and other members of the
Plantagenet family. Your goal today is the lovely town of Saumur.
Day 9 - Saumur to Angers (60 km): A quiet day of biking through gentle countryside and vineyards. Reach the quiet city of Angers in the late afternoon.
Day 10 - Angers to Orléans: The one-way second-class train ticket for you and your bike is included in the price of your tour. Individual departure.
Trip includes:
- 2* family-style hotels, all rooms with private facilities
- breakfast each day
- luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- maps, route descriptions & tourist literature
- emergency support
- local VAT
- train fare from end of tour to beginning point for you & your bike
- Optional 18-21-speed rental bike with saddlebag, water bottle, repair kit, anti-theft device
- Optional helmet rental
Level: moderate (terrain) to challenging (length)
Prices & Departures for 2005
| Available March-October | 10D/9N Daily |
| Per Person in Double | $1010 |
| Per Person in Single | $1355 |
| Bicycle Rental | $140 |
| Helmet Rental | $25 |
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PRICE REDUCTIONS FOR CHILDREN:
Up to age 4 sharing room with parents: 50%
Age 5-12 years sharing room with parents: 20%
Age 5-12 years sharing room with another child: 10%
(Subject to change)
