L'Oliveraie L'Esprit du Vin

Loire Valley Cycle - 6 Day

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6 days (Blois)

Destinations visited: France, Blois, World

Grading:

introductory to moderate

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

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USD$1,190

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Visit the vineyards and chateaux of the Loire valley at your own pace

The Loire River was once the highway between the Atlantic and the heart of France. Its valley was known as the 'playground of kings' - a neighbourhood of impressive châteaux and vast fortune. Travelling by bicycle is a great way to experience this world famous Valley. While pedalling at a relaxed pace, you'll discover the best this region has to offer, keeping away from the main tourist route to explore the lesser-known gems of the Loire. We take time to soak up the medieval charm of Blois and discover picturesque Amboise overlooked by its impressive fortified chateau. We cycle through countryside crisscrossed with vineyards, duck farms and orchards and the remnants of feudal hunting forests. Our route proves the Loire Valley lives up to its reputation as the 'garden of France'

Highlights

Cycling through the heart of the Loire Valley
Exploring the many grand Chateau’s
Experiencing the market places and rural delights of the region
Enjoying the culinary specialties
Sampling some of the many excellent wines in local ‘caves’

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Blois

On your arrival in Blois, make your way to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive, we recommend you take a walk around the town which is known for its light facades and blue roofs, its pedestrian streets gracefully preserving the flavor of lost centuries and its serene atmosphere.

Day 2 Cycle to Amboise (44km)

The cycle route follows a quiet road through the forest and vineyards of the Mesland appellation until you reach the Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire that proudly overlooks the Loire River. It is worthwhile stopping here, and the grounds are usually open to the public. The Chateau itself is famous for its luxurious stables, and there is often free wine tasting at the base of the driveway. The cycle continues through the countryside, admiring some beautiful vineyards and past a duck farm, before arriving at the picturesque town of Amboise on the south bank of the Loire River, where you will stay overnight in a small hotel in the centre.

Day 3 Cycle through the Cher Valley to Montrichard (40km)

The cycle route takes you to the famous “Château de Chenonceau” which straddles the Cher River in five distinctive arches. It was this chateau which was promised by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers, but following his death the Queen, Catherine de Médicis made her swap it for Chateau Chaumont. The charming town of Montrichard is a little further down the river and makes a great base for the evening.

Day 4 Pass through vineyards to Chitenay (40km)

You leave behind the Cher Valley and enter the Touraine area via the chateau of Gué Péan and the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th Century architecture. Your nights accommodation is at a charming rural hotel with a lovely garden, complete with Badminton court.

Day 5 Cycle to Blois via the famous Château of Cheverny (49km)

During this last stage of the cycle, you have the opportunity to discover the famous sumptuously furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord with its 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis the 1st. We return to our original hotel in Blois.

Day 6 Trip concludes Blois

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Additional Information

Inclusions

5 breakfasts, 5 dinners (does not include drinks) – breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 to 4 courses which include some regional specialties.
5 nights accommodation in a 2 star hotel on a twinshare basis. All rooms have private facilities.(option to upgrade to 3 star hotels 3 out of 5 nights – supplement applies)
21 speed bike equipped with luggage carrier, helmet, rear panniers, pump, anti-theft device and repair kit
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
Detailed route instructions and maps
Tourist information pack

Summary

HOTELS

Trip Main Activities

SELF GUIDED CYCLE

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Cycle helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, sandshoes and sun hat. (A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

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from
USD$1,190

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