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Renaissance Castles of the Loire
Loire
France
An exploration of the famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Visit Chambord, Chenonceau, Saumur and Chinon! The ride is designed for travelers looking for a relaxed getaway with plenty of time to sight-see, take memorable photographs and be spoiled by the mouth watering French cuisine! Overnights are at exquisite castles and manor houses, each with its own charm and history.
This riding tour leads you around and inside some of the most famous Loire castles without the tourist crowds. Guided by locals, you will enjoy the pleasure of riding in all the beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley, and will have the privilege to arrive on horseback to the doors of the impressive castles. You will have the time and the pleasure to visit each castle each stop unique; sometimes it will be a guided tour, other times include a garden festival, a horse show, a wine tasting or a visit to explore on your own. Taste and experience the French "art de vivre"!
You will stay 6 nights in private castles, have dinner with the owners, taste the gastronomy from the Heart of France in excellent gourmet restaurants, enjoy picnics with foie gras, and discover several shows in the castles at night. Tailor made, this luxury program is limited to eight riders per departure.
# 3: Chambord and Chenonceau - 4 riding days
# 6: Saumur, Abbaye de Fontevraud, Chinon - 5 riding days
There are also shorter 3 night getaways available for those with less time to spend in the area:
# 4 Samur & #5 Chinon (Tour Code: IT-LOESC-2)
On the shorter trips you will stay all 3 nights in the same private castle, have dinner with the owners, taste the gastronomy from the Heart of France in gourmet restaurants, enjoy picnics with foie gras, and discover several shows in the castles at night. Tailor made, this luxury program is limited to eight riders. The combination of the shorter itineraries will let you experience excellent riding with overnights at either of the two wonderful castle accommodations.
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Meeting:
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# 3: Blois
# 6: Saumur
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Airport:
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Paris
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Transfer:
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Take a taxi from Blois or Samur train stations (depending on your itinerary #).
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations in private castle or manor house, all meals with wine (limited), (4 or 5 riding days, 4-6 hours per day), all entrance fees and evening shows.
| A | 2010 | 7 day trip, AP Itin 6 Saumur, Chinon - 5 riding days | 7d / 6n | €2075 | $2950 |
| Single supplement | €450 | $640 |
| B | 2010 | 7 day trip, AP Itin 3 Chambord, Chenonceau - 4 riding days | 7d / 6n | €2075 | $2950 |
| Single supplement | €616 | $875 |
Rates Note:
Entrance fees to the castles and wine with meals (limited) are included.
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Meeting at the Chateau - take train from Paris
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Arriving by train: From Paris Austerlitz train station- there are departures to Blois and Saumur almost every hour. Travel time from Austerlitz is approx. 1 ½ to 2 hrs. It is a 15 minute taxi ride from Blois or Saumur train stations (arrival station depends on your itinerary #) . Please take taxi on your own upon arrival.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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05/09
- 05/15
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP Itin 6 Saumu...
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5
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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06/13
- 06/19
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP Itin 6 Saumu...
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5
/8
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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07/11
- 07/17
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP Itin 3 Cham...
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5
/8
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Sold Out
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| B |
2010
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08/15
- 08/21
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP Itin 3 Cham...
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5
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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09/12
- 09/18
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP Itin 6 Saumu...
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5
/8
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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10/03
- 10/09
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP Itin 3 Cham...
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5
/8
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Shuttle service from Paris airport (pay locally).
Seven Day Itinerary #6
Saumur, Abbaye de Fontevraud, Chinon = 5 riding days
Day 1: Arrival and transfer (not included) from Saumur train station to Château de Beaulieu in Saumur. Dinner and briefing at the castle.
Day 2 : Champigny cellar - Montsoreau - Abbaye de Fontevraud
AM - 2 hours on horseback
We start the ride from the Chateau de Beaulieu through vineyards with a magnificent view of Chateau Saumur to the Champigny Troglodyte Cellars. The arrival on horseback to the troglodyte cellars is an unforgettable experience! Here we will have some great wine tasting followed by a gourmet lunch in a local restaurant.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback.
We ride inside the Champigny Vineyards and then along Loire river to Chateau de Montsoreau, which inspired the well known French writer Alexandre Dumas for his book "la dame de Montsoreau". Dinner and night in Chateau de Beaulieu.
Day 3 Chateau de Brézé - Abbaye de Fontevraud
AM - about 2 hours on horseback
We ride through the vineyards and the countryside to Chateau de Brézé, where we will stop for lunch in the old stables of Chateau de Brézé. After lunch a guided visit of the Chateau.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
Again we ride through the vineyards and through the gorgeous countryside and forests until we reach the Abbaye de Fontevraud. A magical entrance on horseback to the abbey. If we have time we will visit the abbey inside. Dinner and overnight is inside or near the Abbaye.
Day 4 :Abbaye de Fontevraud - Chateau de Ternay
AM - about 2 hours on horseback.
This morning we ride in french traditional countryside to Chateau de la Roche Martel, a private and historical chateau where we are welcomed by the owners for a picnic and visit.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback.
Ride in the countryside and woods to private Chateau de Ternay. A cordial welcome by the Count and Countess of Ternay - 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, on soft trails we will ride to Chateau d'Ussé - the sleeping beauty castles. Lunch in Ussé.
PM - about 2 hours on horseback
Unforgettable long canters along the Indre River and through the cool forest trails and orchards we reach Azay le Rideau. 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 and the most wonderful gardens of the Loire, where we will have an exquisite lunch.
PM - we visit the famous gardens and the castle.
We return by car to Chinon, where Joan of Arc met Charles VII "le gentil dauphin", on the south bank of the river. Free time for shopping or visit the Chateau of Chinon. Dinner and overnight in Chinon.
Day 7: Breakfast and departure.
Transfer (not included) to TGV Tours Saint Pierre des Corps station. (need a reservation)
**please note this itinerary is only suitable for riders able to do long canters
Seven Day Itinerary #3
Chambord + free day on Day 4 + Chenonceau = 4 riding days
Day 1 Arrival at the Chateau des Grotteaux for 3 nights- We meet and have dinner together - briefing of the ride
Day 2 Chambord - Villesavin
AM - About 2 - 3 hours on horseback.
After a good breakfast, we leave to the Château de Chambord. We ride first in the countryside, then through the forest of Boulogne - a good time of rising trots and canters. As we enter the park of Chambord we have a good ride along the old wall of Chambord
and then the Charles IX trail brings us straight to the Chambord Castle. We will see a horseshow on the grounds or visit the Château de Chambord.
PM - About 2 hours on horseback.
We ride through the Boulogne Forest towards Villesavin - a Renaissance castle which tends towards a certain classicism. The simplicity of its façade is dazzlingly graceful and harmonious. We have a guided visit of the castle and afterwards dinner in a gourmet restaurant and a night show in château de Blois. Accomodation back at the Chateau des Grotteaux.
Day 3 Beauregard - Chaumont sur Loire or Cheverny
AM - About 2 hours on horseback.
We enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the 18th century dining room in front of the fireplace. Around 10 AM we leave on horseback through forests paths in the Forest of Russy for a one hour ride with trots. We arrive at the castle of Beauregard by the main entrance - an unforgetable experience! We visit the famous Galerie des Illustres, intact since the 17th century, which displays the painted portraits of 320 great figures of the court and high-ranking foreign characters, showcased around the two portraits of the King and the Queen. This long room has kept its beautiful old Delft tiles and its ceiling painted with lapis-lazuli powder. We leave Beauregard for a nice ride in Russy Forest again (trot, canter, gallops) to our picnic with delicious foie gras in the forest.
PM - about 2 or 3 hours on horseback.
We continue our ride through the countryside, along riverbanks and Cheverny vinyards. Our destination is either Château Chaumont or Château Cheverny. We will visit the Chaumont Garden Festival or tour Château de Cheverny. Gourmet dinner and overnnight at the Chateau des Grotteaux.
Day 4 Moving day and free time for sightseeing. Afternoon arrival at the Chateau de l’Isle near Chenonceau for 3 nights - dinner and trip briefing. The chateau is located in the middle of a 14-acre park along the Cher River, this is a Tourangelle authentic home
of the 18th century. The welcome is friendly, simple and warm. We will enjoy the comfort of the pretty and cozy rooms, the quality of the various dishes that will be crafted for us by the well known Chef, and the exceptional scenery in the middle of the Tourraine wine region.
Day 5 Chenonceau - Nitray
AM - 1 hour on horseback
After breakfast we leave on horseback for a marvelous ride to the north bank of the Cher River and discover Chenonceau. Arriving at approx 11:30 at Chenonceau, we leave the horses and make our way to visit the Chenonceau Castle and have lunch.
PM - About 3 hours on horseback
Through the very location and conception of the Chenonceau Castle emerges a feminine influence that makes it so peculiar. We leave around 2 PM for a superb ride along the river Cher to Chateau de Nitray. We enter on horseback and visit the outside grounds of the castle and admire its very fine renaissance architecture, the rose garden, and the newly restored dove cot. We then visit the caves and wine cellar and museum, rounded off with a wine tasting. Evening gourmet dinner at our Castle de'Isle accommodation.
Day 6 Pagode de Chanteloup - Amboise
AM - About 2.5 hours on horseback.
We leave around 10:00AM from our castle to Pagode de Chanteloup for a 2 hour ride in the countryside, vineyards, and the Amboise Forest. A great picnic with foie gras and a cordial welcome wait for us in front of the Pagode. Only remaining vestige of the sumptuous castle built by the Duke of Choiseul, minister of Louis XV after the model of Versailles.
PM - About 1 hour on horseback
We leave at 3:00 PM after the visit of the Pagode of Chanteloup for a short ride through the forest of Amboise; ride in front of the last place of Leonardo da Vinci - Le clos Lucé - and arrive on horseback to the majestic old entrance of Amboise Castle. Magic!
We have a private guided visit of the Amboise Castle. Evening gourmet dinner outside in Château de Pray and night show at Chenonceau - overnight in our Chateau d'Isle (or similar).
Day 7 Departure after breakfast!
**Programs may be changed according to seasons and weather.
For Info on Shorter Trip Options -
See Renaissance Castles Getaway (IT-LOESC-2):
Meeting:
# 3: Blois
# 6: Saumur
Airport:
Paris
Train station:
Itin. # 3 Arrive: Blois, Departure: Amboise.
Itin. # 6: Arrive: Saumur. Depart: TGV - Tours Saint Pierre des Corps Train Station
Transfer:
Take a taxi from Blois or Samur train stations (depending on your itinerary #).
Arriving by train: From Paris Austerlitz train station- there are departures to Blois and Saumur almost every hour. Travel time from Austerlitz is approx. 1 ½ to 2 hrs. It is a 15 minute taxi ride from Blois or Saumur train stations (arrival station depends on your itinerary #) . Please take taxi on your own upon arrival.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Mixed Selle Francois and Anglo Arabian.
Itinerary 3 : mixed breed horses.
Itinerary 6 : arabian horses.
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Pace:
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4-6 saddle hrs. All paces:
Itin #3 : 70% walk, long trots, short canters
Itin # 6 : 50 % walk, long trots, long canters. You need to be able to maintain at least long posting trots and canters..
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate and Good Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
10
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
8 riders
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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 quiet and generous. Your trek companion is chosen for you according your riding level, height and weight. Excursions are coached by state certificated staff. You can choose to ride only half a day if you prefer.
Please note - if 10 riders request to do the ride - all will be in double room accommodation - singles will not be available. Otherwise, single occupancy is available with the payment of a single supplement.
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
Mild most of the year. The Loire is often the line of demarcation in France's weather, between the Northern climate and the Southern. It is a climate considered the most pleasant of northern France, with warmer winters and, more generally, fewer extremes in temperatures, rarely exceeding 38 °C (100 °F).
The general atmosphere is relaxed during your ride. Please bring some smart casual clothes for dinner.
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra film and batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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irene lipetsker
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10/1/2007
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sheryl griffin
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3/15/2007
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lynn dompe
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5/25/2006
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations are in private castles which the owners still live in and they will be your host during your stay. It is a very personal and authentic way to get a feel for the local culture. They offer a breath-taking outlook over the Loire Valley and insight into its 18th century Renaissance history. You will enjoy the magic of old-stone dwellings, of hundred-year-old trees, and of the Lords' and Counts' authentic and cordial welcomes...
Meals: All meals are provided. Wine with meals (limited).
Sample Menus:
Lunch : assiette cavalière - blancs de volailles à la crème d'estragon, gratin de pomme de terre - fromage - dessert - wine and coffee -
Dinner : menu du terroir -Terrine de Carpe de Sologne sur un coulis de vin rouge de Cheverny - Navarin d'agneau de la ferme de "la Faubonnière" et sa garniture - l'assiette de fromage de chèvre - feuilleté de pommes caramélisées aux saveurs du terroir et sa glace pain d'épices - wine -coffee
This trip includes
some wine with dinner.
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 quiet and generous. Your trek companion is chosen for you according your riding level, height and weight. Excursions are coached by state certificated staff. You can choose to ride only half a day if you prefer.
Please note - if 10 riders request to do the ride - all will be in double room accommodation - singles will not be available. Otherwise, single occupancy is available with the payment of a single supplement.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Mixed Selle Francois and Anglo Arabian.
Itinerary 3 : mixed breed horses.
Itinerary 6 : arabian horses.
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Pace:
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4-6 saddle hrs. All paces:
Itin #3 : 70% walk, long trots, short canters
Itin # 6 : 50 % walk, long trots, long canters. You need to be able to maintain at least long posting trots and canters..
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate and Good Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
10
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
8 riders
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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 quiet and generous. Your trek companion is chosen for you according your riding level, height and weight. Excursions are coached by state certificated staff. You can choose to ride only half a day if you prefer.
Please note - if 10 riders request to do the ride - all will be in double room accommodation - singles will not be available. Otherwise, single occupancy is available with the payment of a single supplement.
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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Renaissance Castles of the Loire
Tour Code:
IT-LOESC
7 days /
6 nights
~$2,950.00
Dates :
May to Oct
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English
Horses:
Mixed Selle Francois and Anglo Arabian...
Pace:
4-6 saddle hrs. All paces:
Itin #3 : ...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Paris
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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