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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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Meeting:
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Tours
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Airport:
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Paris
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Transfer:
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Paris to Tours by train (not included)
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations, 5 dinners, 1 picnic lunch/
wine tasting, all breakfasts. Complimentary Trek bicycle, fully equipped for touring
| A | 2010 | 7 day trip | 7d / 6n | $3499 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Tours Train station included - drop off Blois train station
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Meeting: Tours train station
Departure from Blois train station
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.
Meeting:
Tours
Airport:
Paris
Train station:
Tours
Transfer:
Paris to Tours by train (not included)
Meeting: Tours train station
Departure from Blois train station
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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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Passport and Visa Requirements:
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. . more
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*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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
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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:
|
|
(2
to
2
out of 5)
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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 |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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The Chateaux of the Loire Valley
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