Click to See:  Tour Price - Departure Days - What's Included - Reserve this tour

The Itinerary                          Return to Top

Day 1 - Tours

We rendezvous at Tours in time to enjoy an optional ride along the banks of the Loire river. This evening we'll enjoy our champagne reception and our get-acquainted dinner featuring the various wines of the Loire Valley.

Day 2 -  Tours - Montbazon

Cycling through a rolling landscape covered in Vineyards, we'll come upon Chateau Villandry and its unbelievably beautiful color-washed gardens. Then a few kilometers farther, we'll discover the lake-bound Chateau Azay-le-Rideau. Pedal on to Sache, Balzac's home. This evening we'll join our balloonist friends and ascend into the French sky following the evening breeze wherever it may take us; perhaps over the verdant Loire Valley or across the Beauce Plain or over Chenonceau itself for a one-of-a-kind view of the chateau. Landing with the setting sun, well uncork a bottle of champagne and toast our pilot and each other - a superb flight we will long remember.

Day 3 - Montbazon - Chenonceau

Today is a lazy day of cycling on tiny, quiet country roads past Chateau Mont Poupon on the way to Chateau Chenonceau, a glorious structure spanning the Cher river, perhaps the most beautiful of the Loire Valley chateaux. It was the home of King Henry II's mistress for many years. When you have seen the chateau and used up all of your film, cycle into town. We'll spend the night in this quiet little French village, a favorite of the King.

Day 4 - Chenonceau - Chaumont

Cycle north through beautiful vineyards with stops for winery tours and tastings. Visit the Chateau Amboise and the home of Leonardo De Vinci and his nearby burial site. Pedal along the bank of the Loire River to Chateau Chaumont, one of Ben Franklin's favorite places.

Day 5 - Chaumont - St Dye

A day of cycling on country lanes through tiny villages to chateau Cheverny. After lunch, we will ride through a dense French forest until we reach Chateau Chambord, which is so large it will take most of the afternoon to explore it well. It is in a park as big as all of Paris! When you have finished exploring, pedal on to our hotel for a gala "Farewell" evening.

Day 6 - St Dye

A leisurely breakfast before your return to Paris. But, before you leave, visit Chateau Blois. It is one of the most intriguing chateaux in France and the home of Catherine De Medici, from where she controlled Europe..

Overnight Itinerary:   Tours - Montbazon - Chenonceau - Chaumont - St Dye

Average daily miles = 29                                                   Return to Top

GUIDED ORIGINAL TOUR - 6 DAYS

TOUR # FRB-10003/I - INN TOUR - $3650*  

2 and 3 star hotels, air conditioned with bath ensuite

Single Supplement $450

                                                                                                     Return to Top 

Includes 4 dinners

TOUR # FRB-10003/C - CHATEAU TOUR - $4625*

 3 and 4 star hotels, air conditioned with bath ensuite

Single Supplement $525

Includes all dinners

Bicycles are included at no extra charge

*Ballooning is optional at extra charge

Tour Departure Dates:

        Inn Tour: June 15, 

Chateau Tour: Aug. 31

What's Included:                                                                                                   Return to Top

• Free use of an 21-speed WorldVentures bicycle.

• The best hotels each night in the class chosen.

• Breakfast every day.

• At least five dinners.

• One gourmet picnic lunch.

• Free WorldVentures T-shirt and water bottle.

• Luggage transferred and in your room every day.

• Roomy, fully equipped, nine-passenger van with bicycle roof racks and on-board water, juices and fruits.

• All rail, bus and ferry tickets during the tour.

• Walking tours of selected cities guided by a local host.

• Experienced, supportive tour leaders.

• Detailed maps and directions for each day's ride.

• Cultural information packet.

• "Bon Voyage" kit telling you what to bring and other travel tips.

• All tips and gratuities.

What's Not Included:

Airfare is not included in the price of the tour. Other expenses not included in our land tour rate include, but are not limited to, telephone, dinner beverages, entrance fees, unspecified transfers and items of a personal nature such as laundry, insurance, and food and beverages other than those specified.

                                                                                                                            Return to Top

Free Use of Bicycle:

WorldVentures bicycles are 21-speed, good quality, lightweight and well-maintained. You are welcome to use one at no charge on tours.

Trip Information:

Upon confirming your reservation, we will send you our "Bon voyage" kit. It contains many useful bits of travel information, including what to expect on the tour, how to get and keep in shape, bicycle touring techniques, passport and visa requirements, a suggested list of clothing and things to pack, hints from previous tour members, a guide to road signs, and other information. About 30 days prior to departure, you will receive a cultural information packet and an itinerary of hotels, complete with their addresses and phone and fax numbers, so the folks back home can keep in touch

Accommodations:

EarthVentures plans its trips based on double occupancy of rooms. If you are traveling alone, we will make every effort to provide a roommate if you request it. If a roommate is not available, one-half of the single supplement will be charged. It you request a single room, the full single supplement will be charged.