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Cycling
Overview
 GuidedSelfGuided
Cycling in:
Europe
Canada
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The Chateaux of the Loire Valley
Loire
France
This guided Loire Valley trip invites the epicure! Fine wine, excellent cuisine, superb accommodations entice and delight the senses. The Loire, known as the playground for French nobility, offers us their legacy of more than 100 chateaux, ranging from fortified castles to elegant Renaissance mansions. Not only will we visit a number of them, but they will be our home for all six nights!! You’ll likely feel like a noble too, enjoying this region’s natural beauty and pleasant microclimate, as we begin with a two night stay at the luxurious four star Domaine de la Tortiniere. Other hotels include the Chateau de Breuil, and the four star Manoir St. Thomas. We invite you to call us for a detailed price comparison.
Fairy tale chateaux, picturesque countryside, rolling vineyards and the backdrop of the Loire River are splendid reasons to cycle here. You’ll also marvel at art treasures and architecture of the feudal, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. History will accompany you throughout your trip with echoes of Charles the VII, Joan of Arc and Leonardo da Vinci.
Highlights
Domaine de la Tortiniere, Azay-le-Rideau & Villandry Chateaux, Chateau de Nitray, Chateau de Chaumont, Loire Valley, Montrichard, Clos Luce, Monmousseau, Amboise
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Biking Tour
Meeting:
Tours
Airport:
Paris
Transfer:
Paris to Tours by train (not included)
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations, 5 dinners, 1 picnic lunch/
wine tasting, all breakfasts. Complimentary Trek bicycle, fully equipped for touring
| A | 2013 | 7 day trip | 7d / 6n | $3749 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Tours Train station included - drop off Blois train station
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$0
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2013
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Single supplement
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$600
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Rates do not include:
Some meals, gratuities
Day 1. Arrive via train in Tours. Bicycle fitting; warm- up ride. Introductions followed by a sumptuous French meal. Lodge at four star Domaine de la Tortiniere.
Day 2. Today we visit two chateaux, both Azay- le-Rideau & Villandry. Enjoy a wine tasting this evening or just relax by the pool. (30 or 43 miles)
Day 3. A pleasant ride through farm country today taking in Chateau de Nitray for lunch and a wine tasting. Optional visit to the mysterious Chanteloup Pagoda. Lodge in the heart of Amboise. (22 or 43 miles)
Day 4. Enjoy a stunning ride through the Loire Valley to Chateau de Chenonceau perched over the River Cher. Save time for an afternoon visit of Chateau d’Amboise or The Clos Luce, former manor home of Leonardo da Vinci. (25 or 31 miles)
Day 5. Morning visit of Chateau de Chaumont and then head on to Montrichard for lunch. This afternoon you may opt to visit the caves of Monmousseau for a taste of traditional method sparkling wine. (18 or 40 miles)
Day 6. A morning ride to Chateau de Cheverny. Lunch in Bracieux and then finish with a breathtaking ride to colossal Chambord via a forest road. (22 or 38 miles)
Day 7. A short transfer into Blois will surely prompt photo opportunities. Depart via train from Blois.
This tour is suited for all riding levels. The terrain
includes both flat and rolling sections, with moderate daily cycling
distances. Our route follows the most scenic and traffic-free country
roads, and you can opt to shorten or lengthen many of the rides. We’ve
thoughtfully designed the rides so you’ll have ample time to enjoy all
of the wonderful sites.
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Meeting:
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Tours
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Airport:
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Paris
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Train station:
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Tours
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Transfer:
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Paris to Tours by train (not included)
Meeting: Tours train station
Departure from Blois train station
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Level:
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 Easy to Moderate
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Moderate cycling tour - Flat to rolling terrain on a daily basis, with a few moderate hills as we cycle among the tributaries of the Loire.
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Participants:
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Min
4
participants
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Max
14
participants
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This tour is suited for all riding levels. The terrain includes both flat and rolling sections, with moderate daily cycling distances. Our route follows the most scenic and traffic-free country roads, and you can opt to shorten or lengthen many of the rides. We’ve thoughtfully designed the rides so you’ll have ample time to enjoy all of the wonderful sites.What's Included* Use of bicycle (Trek hybrid or road bike) * A non-regimented, “cycle at your own pace itinerary” with an average of 30-50 miles per day with the option of additional or fewer miles. * Lodging in select country inns & hotels. * Daily breakfast & dinners (fewer dinners for some tours; see individual tour descriptions and prices). * Free transfers and long term parking. * Full van support. * Detailed maps, route descriptions, and cultural information on a daily basis. * Most commercial transportation within the country of most tours. (See daily itineraries for specific transfer information). * Friendly and experienced multi-lingual guides. * Expert bicycle mechanics. * Guided tours of selected historical Destinations visited. * Pre-departure information packet includes: tour specific info., reading list, packing list, training suggestions, riding tips, etc. * T-shirt. * All bicycles come equipped with trunk bag; rear rack; water bottles; lock; pump; spare tube; odometer/computer.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport NoteFranc. more
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderate cycling tour - Flat to rolling terrain on a daily basis, with a few moderate hills as we cycle among the tributaries of the Loire.
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
4
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Max
14
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This tour is suited for all riding levels. The terrain includes both flat and rolling sections, with moderate daily cycling distances. Our route follows the most scenic and traffic-free country roads, and you can opt to shorten or lengthen many of the rides. We’ve thoughtfully designed the rides so you’ll have ample time to enjoy all of the wonderful sites.What's Included* Use of bicycle (Trek hybrid or road bike) * A non-regimented, “cycle at your own pace itinerary” with an average of 30-50 miles per day with the option of additional or fewer miles. * Lodging in select country inns & hotels. * Daily breakfast & dinners (fewer dinners for some tours; see individual tour descriptions and prices). * Free transfers and long term parking. * Full van support. * Detailed maps, route descriptions, and cultural information on a daily basis. * Most commercial transportation within the country of most tours. (See daily itineraries for specific transfer information). * Friendly and experienced multi-lingual guides. * Expert bicycle mechanics. * Guided tours of selected historical Destinations visited. * Pre-departure information packet includes: tour specific info., reading list, packing list, training suggestions, riding tips, etc. * T-shirt. * All bicycles come equipped with trunk bag; rear rack; water bottles; lock; pump; spare tube; odometer/computer.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
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The Chateaux of the Loire Valley
Tour Code:
ZZ-CABK02
7 days /
6 nights
~$3,749.00
Dates: June, Sept
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Paris
Activities:
Cycling, sightseeing
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
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