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This cycling tour of the Loire
Valley is a combination of Amboise area sites with those of
western Touraine such as the Abbey of Fontevraud and Saumur.
The lodging is superior Grandes Etapes Francaises hotels providing
the highest level of comfort throughout the tour. Included are
the Choiseul, Chateau d'Artigny, Le Prieure, Domaine de Beauvois.
Deluxe loire valley chateau hotels such as these offer exclusive
gourmet dining and all the finest amenities. On this cycling
tour you are a king and can stay ahead of those unbelievable
meals with charming country rides. From Amboise, the itinerary
includes the famous chateaux, famous vineyards, gardens, and
abbeys of the region.
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"We chose the Loire Valley
tour which is beautiful scenery and the Castles are unbelievable.
This was our first trip abroad and Discover France made it so
easy and stress-free." - D. Lingle, Loire |
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Day
1 Arrive in Amboise, near Tours, and the hotel Le Choiseul.
If you need private transfers from St Pierre rail station we can provide
that. Settle in and visit the town, especially the Clos Luce and the
chateau. This charming town is a great place to walk around and prepare
for your rides. (D)
Day 2: Leaving the next morning on your bicycle ride you will have the chance to see the chateau of Chenonceau, depicted above. This site is famous for its Renaissance style and the story behind the kings court it served. After you can ride on to the medieval village of Montrichard and enjoy the small vineyard routes in return to Amboise. Dinner on your own tonight. 37 km. (B)
Day 3 Depart for the vinyard country of the famous appellation of Vouvray. You will go to the Chateau de Valmer and can see its beautiful Italian gardens. Continue on to your countyside lodging, the Domaine de Beauvois near Luynes. 55 km (B,D)
Day 4 starts with a taxi transfer with bags and
bikes to the Abbey of Fontevraud. You can visit this site, known as
the largest monastic city remaining in Europe. Continue on to Saumur
where you can visit the chateau. Overnight at the Le Prieure near
the Loire River. 31 km (B,D)
Day
5 excursion tour to the troglodyte village of Rochemenier,
a very complete site showing how former inhabitants of the region
lived. Return to Le Prieure, dinner on your own. 44 km (B)
Day 6 starts again with a taxi transfer to the chateau
and gardens of Villandry. Before riding you can take your time to
visit this wonderful garden - one of the most famous in France. After,
you can ride to the Chateau of Azay le Rideau, a classic Renaissance
style chateau alongside the Indre river. You arrive at the Chateau
d'Artigny in Montbazon, your deluxe lodging for the last night. 35
km (B,D)
Day 7 departure after breakfast; a private transfer can be arranged to the rail station or downtown Tours. (B)
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Price: 1589 euros per person, double occupancy.
Single supplement: 660 euros.
The trip includes:
Take the Virtual Hotel Tour! 4 stars Grandes Etapes Francaises
hotels, all breakfasts, all but 2 dinners, route maps and cue sheets,
daily bag transfer, emergency technical support with bilingual local
contact, orientation upon arrival. We also include free travel planning
to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers,
and more.
Hotels: Le Choiseul, Domaine de Beauvois, Le Prieure, Chateau d'Artigny.
Visit www.francegetaways.com
to see details.
Bike Rentals: 140 euros (click to view) Trek 7200 hybrids. We also offer Eddy Merckx road bikes, Gara model for a supplement. To see specs and images of this bike, see www.eddymerckx.be
Additional Night in Chateau d'Artigny: TBD/double room Breakfast included.
Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido
shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.
Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See
Booking Terms and Conditions.