Rates Note:

Transfer and Other Charges:

Saumur to Villandry (iti. 6)  - Subject to changes
Saumur -  Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chinon - Villandry (5 riding days)

Day 1: Arrive
Arrival and transfer (not included) from Saumur train station to Château de Beaulieu in Saumur. Check-in after 4:00pm. Dinner and briefing at the Chateau de Beaulieu at 7:00pm.

Day 2: Champigny cellar - Chateau de Montsoreau 
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
This morning we set off riding from our chateau passing local vineyards and magnificent views of the Saumaur château until we reach the Champigny troglodyte (cave) cellar where we partake in an unforgettable wine tasting (according to the season). Represented are some of the most illustrious labels from this great wine producing region.  Following the wine tasting we gather for a gourmet lunch in a nearby restaurant.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
In the afternoon we ride another two hours along the Champigny vineyards and along the forest to chateau de Montsoreau, which inspired well known French writer Alexandre Dumas for his book "la dame de Montsoreau". Dinner and overnight at Château de Beaulieu.

Day 3: Chateau de Brézé - Abbaye de Fontevraud
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
We will ride through the vineyards and the countryside to the Chateau de Brézé, where we will stop for lunch in the old stables.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
After the visit, we ride again through the vineyards, the gorgeous countryside and forests until we reach the Abbaye de Fontevraud. We enjoy a magical entrance on horseback to the abbey which was once, before the French Revolution, the richest and most important monastery in France. During the 12th century this abbey gained great prestige and was supported by the Plantagenet family, Counts of Anjou and Kings of England. The church here is as majestic as a cathedral and was edified at the start of the 12 century. Its Roman façade was renewed in 1504 in a more flamboyant style but converted back to its original state in 1901 under the guise of architect Lucien Magne. Dinner and overnight at Domaine de Mestre, which is the old farm of the abbey.

Day 4: Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chateau de Ternay
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
This morning we ride in the traditional French countryside to the Chateau de la Roche Martel, a private and historical chateau where we are welcomed by the owners for a picnic and visit. This chateau has undergone a lot of construction throughout the years, but the main buildings of the 15th century remain: an entrance through fortified walls and a wooden gallery, inscribed to the Registrar of Historic Buildings.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
In the afternoon, ride in the countryside and woods to private Chateau de Ternay. We receive a cordial welcome by the Count and Countess of Ternay. This castles was built in 1439 but became property of the Ternay family in the early 19th century. Important restoration work was completed from 1861 - 1884 and a renowned feature is the Gothic vault, known for its exceptional decorative carvings. Dinner and night in Chateau de Ternay.

Day 5: Chinon - Ussé - Azay le Rideau
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
Through the forest of Chinon, we ride on soft trails to the Chateau d'Ussé - the sleeping beauty castle, called so for its majestic towers. First fortified in the eleventh century, this castle was once the stronghold at the edge of the Chinon forest. It is a gem of Flamboyant Gothic style mixed with Renaissance motifs, with its completion taking over two hundred years and spanning the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Affects from all eras are evidenced in its completed state. It is in this greatly historical setting that we enjoy lunch.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
In the afternoon, unforgettable long canters along the Indre River. Traveling through the cool forest trails and orchards we reach Azay le Rideau. Transfer and visit of Chinon. Night in a medieval hotel of Chinon.

Day 6: Azay le Rideau - Villandry
AM - about 2.5 hours on horseback
In the morning we ride to the Chateau de Villandry, known for the most infamous gardens of the Loire, where we will have an exquisite lunch. Completed in 1536, Chateau Villandry was the last of the large chateaus built in the Loire Valley during the Renaissance, so it is only fitting we spend our last day here.
PM -
We spend the afternoon visiting the wonderful garden and Chateau de Villandry before a transfer to the imposing but impressively private Chateau de Gizeux. where three generations of the Laffon family live. We are warmly welcomed while we explore this new castle before settling in for dinner an our overnight.

Day 7: Breakfast and departure
Transfer (not included) to TGV Tours Saint Pierre des Corps station.

Please note this itinerary is only suitable for riders able to do long canters and may be changed in small amounts due to weather and seasonal conditions.

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Beauregard to Amboise (iti. 3) - Subject to changes
Chambord - Beauregard - Chenonceau - Amboise (4 or 5 riding days)

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to Relais de Chambord for 2 nights. Check-in after 4:00pm. Dinner and briefing at 7:00pm.

Day 2 : Beauregard - Cheverny
AM - about 2 hours 15 on horseback
Beginning of the ride to chateau de Beauregard by the countryside and vineyards. We have the privilege to enter by the front path of the chateau : an unforgettable experience! We have a visit of chateau de Beauregard, and we discover his famous "gallerie des illustres", intact since XVII century. Picnic with foie gras in chateau de Beauregard.
PM - about 1 hour 30 on horseback
We leave to chateau of Cheverny on horseback by the countryside and Cheverny vineyards. Visit of Château de Cheverny. Gourmet dinner and night at Relais de Chambord.

Day 3 : Chambord
AM - about 3 hours on horseback
Beginning of the ride to Chambord by the countryside and the Boulogne forest. Arriving to Château de Chambord on horseback : Royal lunch in Chambord.
PM -
Visit Chateau de Chambord*. Transfer to Blois. Dinner and night at Coté Loire, charming guest house in front of Loire river in Blois. Night light show** of chateau de Blois.

* horse show in Chambord not included.
** light show in Blois ends in September 29 in 2019.

Day 4: Free day
Transfer to charming Chateau de l'isle near Chenonceau for 3 nights. Dinner, briefing and night in Chateau de l'isle.
Option B (continued): Ride for 2.5 hours in the country side of Sologne to medieval chateau of Fougères sur Bièvre. Visit of the medieval château of Fougères sur Bièvre lunch in Fougères sur Bièvre. Afterwards, we ride for 3 hours to Chaumont sur Loire in the country side until Candé on Beuvron, then folowing the Loire river to renaissance château of Chaumont sur Loire. Visit of renaissance château of Chaumont sur Loire or garden festival. Transfer to chateau de l'Isle near Chenonceau. Dinner and night in chateau de l'Isle.

Day 5 : Chenonceau - Nitray
AM - about 1 hour on horseback
Beginning of the ride to Chenonceau from chateau de l'isle by the banks of the beautiful Cher river. Visit of chateau de Chenonceau, and gardens of Catherine de Medicis and Diane de Poitiers. Lunch in chateau of Chenonceau.
PM - about 3 hours on horseback
We have a wonderful ride along the Cher river to chateau de Nitray. We discover Chateau de Nitray from our horses, and have then a visit of the outsides of the chateau, caves and have a wine testing. Gourmet dinner at the Chateau de l'isle.

Day 6 : Pagode de Chanteloup - Amboise
AM - about 2 hours30 hours on horseback
Beginning of the ride from chateau de l'isle to Pagode de Chanteloup by the countryside, vineyards and the Amboise forest. We discover Pagode de Chanteloup on horseback and have our picnic with foie gras in front of the Pagode. Visit Pagode de Chanteloup and his little museum.
PM - about 1 hour on horseback
We ride to chateau d'Amboise by the old town of Amboise - Special arriving to Chateau d'Amboise on horseback by "la porte des Lions", the medieval king's door! We have then a private guided visit of the very historical Château d'Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. Dinner and night at chateau de Pray, a famous gastronomic restaurant of Amboise.

Day 7 : Departure
Breakfast at chateau de Pray - Departure

**Itineraries are subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.

For Info on Shorter Trip Options -
See Renaissance Castles Getaway (IT-LOESC-2):

Tours area 

Seasons
The Loire region benefits from a mild climate created by mild breezes blowing in from the Atlantic. The Loire is often the line of demarcation in France's weather, between the Northern climate and the Southern.

You can expect frequent showers in the spring months, whereas the summer brings humid heat. The balmy autumn season produces brilliant red and gold foliage, and lively festivals take place in many towns and villages to celebrate the grape harvest. A damp chill settles over The Loire Valley in winter, and many of the chateaux close for the season.

Accommodations
Saumur to Villandry (iti. 6): This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations. You will be staying in 5 different locations total.
Beauregard to Amboise (iti. 3): This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations. You will be staying in 4 different locations total.

Description
Accommodations are always located close to the castles we visit and combine the charm with comfort. You will be staying mainly in 4-star chateaux and some charming 3-star hotels. 17th century Renaissance: you will enjoy the magic of old-stoned dwellings, of hundred-year-old trees, and sometimes the Lords' authentic and cordial welcome. Comfortable and refined twins rooms with private bathroom are waiting for you. Many of the accommodations offers a heated swimming pool. WIFI is available at all locations. Laundry is not available.

Accommodation Itinerary

Saumur to Villandry (iti. 6) 
Night 1 & 2: Château de Beaulieu
Built in the 18th century, this castle is recognized for the beauty and charm of its architecture, and is designated a Monument Historique. The château and its bedrooms are beautifully decorated in charming French style. Also, you’ll be able to enjoy the heated swimming pool, the Billiards Room, and the terrace.

Night 4 & 5: Chateau de l'Isle near Chenonceau 
The 3-star Hostellerie du Château de l’Isle is an 18th century mansion set within a 14 hectare park. This domain offers 12 comfortable rooms in a traditional setting with a country landscape as a backdrop. You can stroll around the wooded park, the perfect setting for a relaxing break.

Night 6: Chateau de Pray
A mile west of the town center, this château from 1224 resembles a tower-flanked castle on the Rhine. This castle hold 19 unique rooms with comfortable furniture and TVs. There is a swimming pool and Michelin starred restaurant onsite. 

Please note that hotels and guesthouses are subject to change!

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7. We offer you a taste of genuine gastronomy from Heart of France : picnics with foie gras, traditional food of the region, possibility of dining in a Michelin star restaurant, and gourmet dinners in private chateaux. You will taste and experience the French art de vivre. All gourmet meals with 2 glass of wine included.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Mixed Selle Francois and Anglo Arabian. Itinerary 3 : mixed breed horses. Itinerary 6 : arabian horses.
Pace:		iti 6: fast - 5 riding days from 4h to 6h per day in the saddle iti 3: moderate - 4 riding days from 3 to 4h per day in the saddle.
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate +
Age:		Min 10
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

The choice of the horses for this ride has been motivated above all, by the strong desire to ensure you enjoy your trip in total safety. The horses are of mixed breeds and are quiet and generous. Your trek companion is chosen for you according your riding level, height and weight. Excursions are coached  and led by state certificated staff. You can choose to ride only half a day if you prefer. 

Itinerary #3 
Pace: moderate - 4 riding days from 3h to 4h per day in the saddle.
For riders who want to combine horse riding with visits of the most famous chateaux of the Loire.

Itinerary #6
Pace: fast - 5 riding days from 4h to 6h per day in the saddle.
This is a trip best suited for experienced riders that ride on a regular basis and are comfortable and in control of their horse at long and fast canters.

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.