WORLD-CLASS BICYCLE TOURS

WORLDVENTURES

SELF-GUIDED BICYCLE TOUR FRANCE

Cycle by Day... 

 

Live Royally at Night

 

 

 

The Loire Valley      

Five Day Luxury Tour of the Loire Region

 

Discover the Three Rivers - The Loire, Indre & Cher River Valleys

In the heart of a tranquil and beautiful area, planted with vineyards and orchards, blessed with manors and chateaux, we propose to you a journey cycling along the rivers Loire, Indre and Cher to discover the splendid scenery of the Loire Valley chateau country while all along the way you spend your nights and enjoy your dinners in chateau hotels and old manor houses experiencing life much as they did.

This is a luxury self-guided bicycle tour with accommodations in beautiful 3* & 4* Manors and Chateaux.

Tour Profile: The cycling is easy with a few long hills. It is mostly on quiet country roads but traffic is unavoidable when entering the sites of the monuments and chateaux.

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Day 1 - Arrival in Joue les Tours.

Tours confirms its pace as the undisputed capital of the Loire Valley. Don't miss the chance to explore its historic quarter, with its half-timbered houses, and especially the Place Plumereau!

You will be met by your hotel host who will fit your bicycle, present your tour book and answer any questions you may have.

Dinner and accommodation in a 3* Chateau Hotel..

Cycling along the Indre valley and reach the Cher Valley presenting an opportunity to explore the most beautiful of all of the chateaux Chenonceau, built across the river Cher. This spectacular structure was the home provided by King Henry II for his favorite mistress, Diane del Poitiers, who, at the time was the second greatest power in the country. Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitier's garden, then the Catherine de Medicis' garden to compare. Upon his death the Queen, Catherine De Medici, threw Diane out and  insisted  she  move to  Chaumont.  She detested Chaumont and never spent much time there. Take a breath , under the shadow of one of the huge park trees, at the rhythm of the river murmur which will tell you stories about these two rival women.

Dinner and accommodation in an unclassified Chateau Hotel - Similar to 3* Category.

Day 4 -  Chissay - Amboise      (45km/28 miles)

After a day of cycling through the countryside along troglodyte sites such as wine cellars and mushroom cellars, you will reach the nice city of Amboise with its chateau overlooking the Loire river and where lived the most important Kings of France. Amboise was the final home and resting place of Leonardo di Vinci. He spent the last seven years of his life here at the invitation of Queen Catherine De Medici. Models of the many drawings of his inventions have been built and are on exhibit. The Chateau Amboise has a sound and light pageant during the summer months that is a spectacle of color and history with a cast of hundreds of local citizens participating.

Dinner and accommodation in an unclassified Chateau Hotel - Similar to 4* Category.

Your last stage cycling through the countryside and vineyards of Montlouis, where you will discover the the numerous Caves producing the sweet white and sparkling wines famous to the region. Continue in direction of Gabrielle d'Estree manor house who was King Henry IV's favorite mistress. The Chateau de la Bourdaisiere, a 14th century chateau built by Francois 1st, will charm you with its astonishing owner "The prince gardener" who will enjoy guiding you through its amazing tomatoes conservatory and medicinal plants. Finish this stage by reaching the city of Tours to discover the old quarter with its typical half-timbered houses.

Departure upon arrival at Joue les Tours.... or you may book an extra night and go home tomorrow.

Overnight Itinerary: Joue les Tours - Montbazon - Chissay -Amboise

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•     HOTELS - Accommodations 2 nights in 3 star and 2 nights in 4 star manor and chateau hotels. All rooms have private shower/bath and toilet in the room.

•     MEALS - All breakfasts and dinners are included. Lunch and beverages are not included.

•     BAGGAGE -Baggage is transported each day to the next hotel.

•     DOSSIER - On the first day of the tour you will be given maps, road book, fact sheets and  tourist information.

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EXCLUSIONS: The insurance, the transfers from and to the airport, the beverages, the lunches, items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry.

BICYCLES - 21 speed men's and ladies' bikes, equipped with two saddlebags, a high visibility jacket , an anti-theft device, a map holder, a helmet and a repair kit. Adjustment by a cycling specialist.

IN CASE OF BREAKDOWN - We do not intervene for flat tires. However, should any breakdown occur that prevents the completion of the days journey we will make repairs on the road. A phone number will be provided. All other types of necessary repairs that do not make cycling impossible will be repaired at the hotel each night.