From the prestigious Loire River and its Royal châteaux, hiking via the
green Sologne forest, to the famous Touraine Vineyards, you will enjoy the richness of the
Loire Valley area: a rich artistic and historical heritage combined to incomparable
flavours !
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Blois Do not forget to explore the town with its typical pedestrian
streets and its château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French
architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.
Day 2: Blois - Bracieux (21 km): Departure for a walking stage through the forest to reach
the pretty village Bracieux situated on the doorstep of the Sologne area.
Day 3:
Excursion to Chambord (22 km). Walking excursion to the prestigious Château of Chambord,
the widest Château of the Loire Valley, built under King Francis the First, and its
Forest Estate covering more than 5500 hactares. Return to Bracieux for overnight.
Day 4: Bracieux - Chitenay (19 km): Walk in the direction of Cheverny, well known for its
Château, still inhabited by descendants of the original owners. Then on the charming
village of Chitenay.
Day 5: Oisly - Montrichard 15 (20 km): Transfer by taxi to Oisly (included in tour price).
Leaving the Sologne area through the vineyards, you will reach the Cher Valley and the
villages of Bourré and Montrichard. Overlooked by vineyards, these typical villages are
renowned for their underground mushroom industry.
Day 6: Excursion to Chenonceaux (29 km): Following the Cher River, this excursion will
bring you to Chenonceaux, famous for its Renaissance chateau spanning the river and still
steeped in memories of the famous ladies in French history: Diane de Poitiers and
Catherine de Medicis.
Day 7: Montrichard -
Amboise (20 - 22 km): Leave the Cher River to join the Loire River. You will cross the
forest of Amboise before reaching the charming town of Amboise where you will have the
opportunity to visit the Royal Château (where lived the most important Kings of France)
or the Parc Leonardo Da Vinci, last home of Leonardo da Vinci sheltering an astonishing
collection of models representing the fabulous inventions of this Renaissance genius.
Day 8: Individual departure from Amboise.
Trip includes:
- accommodation in 2** hotels, all rooms with private facilities
- daily breakfast
- 5 dinners
- transfer by taxi on Day 5 from the hotel to Oisly
- luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- maps, route descriptions & tourist literature
- emergency support
- local VAT
Level: easy. The region is hilly but there are no prolonged ascents or descents and few steep gradients.
Prices & Departures for 2006
| Available March-October | 8D/7N Daily |
| Per Person in Double | $750 |
| Per Person in Single | $985 |
| Extra Night Accommodation in Blois | Includes breakfast, VAT |
| Per Person in Double | $85 |
| Per Person in Single | $125 |
 |
|
(Subject to change)
