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HIGHLIGHTS

A quick look about this trip!

DURATION

6 DAYS

COMFORT

LANGUAGE

RATING

Visit and explore Blois
Cycle through forest and vineyards to the Chateau of Chaumont
Explore the beautifully furnished Chateau of Cheverny

ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP

Primary:	Road Cycling
Other:	Rainforest, Urban Exploration, vineyard, Local Culture

$1295USD

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TRIP MAP

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Cycling the Loire Valley (self-guided)

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TRIP OVERVIEW
TRIP ITINERARY
NUTS & BOLTS

Rich in history and architecture, the Loire Valley epitomises French values and virtues. With its arterial rivers, elegant towns, grand chateaux, excellent food and crisp, fresh wines, it is a paradise for both the French bourgeoises and visitors alike. The terrain is flat and the cycling easy. Starting and ending in the charming town of Blois, on the Loire River you will follow village roads past vineyards and through forests that spill out onto the grand estates. The classic Chateau de Chenonceaux, with the River Cher flowing gently under its elegant arches, is arguably the most graceful. The 440-room Chateau de Chambord is testament to the extravagant whims of its owner, King François I, who was fond of describing it as a ‘small hunting lodge’. You’ll be enchanted by this self-guided cycling adventure.

Day 1: Blois

Your trip starts with your arrival in the town of Blois. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving and departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transport's minimal carbon emissions. We suggest arriving early to make the most of exploring the charming town of Blois. Your bike and helmet will be waiting for you at the joining hotel. After settling in to your hotel, we suggest taking a stroll along Blois’ paved streets, which are punctuated with staircases, and visiting its wonderful château - once home to French kings including Louis XII, Francois I, Henry III and Henry IV. It was at this very chateau that Joan of Arc came in 1429 to be blessed before heading off to drive out the English from Orleans. This building is a perfect example of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century. Meals included: 1 dinner

Day 2: Blois - Amboise

Today you embark on your first day of cycling. Setting off from Blois, you follow small countryside routes until you reach the chateau of Chaumont, which overlooks the Loire River. In this majestic park there is a ‘garden festival’, where contemporary garden designers display their work in an English-style garden. Your route then continues towards Amboise, a royal city where Leonardo da Vinci lived during his final days. Through the superb garden of Clos Lucé, you can discover the prestigious history of the region and see models of the various machines designed by Leonardo. Amboise is your base for the next two nights. (Cycling - 44 km) Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 3: Amboise - Chenonceaux - Amboise

After crossing the forest of Amboise, you reach the famous chateau of Chenonceau (spelt differently from the village - Chenonceaux) that straddles the Cher River. Here s played out one of the most famous rivalries in French history - that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers‘s garden, then in Catherine de Medici’s one. Take a breath, under the shadow of one of the huge trees in the park and listen out for the rhythm of the water in the river murmur, while you absorb the stories about the rivalry of these two powerful women. In the afternoon you ride back to Amboise. (Cycling - 38 km) Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 4: Amboise – Cheverny

Today you ride on routes through the countryside and via typical villages to reach the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th century building art. Along the way you encounter some small private chateaux set in lush surroundings such as Chateau de Troussay, before arriving at your final destination - the famous Chateau of Cheverny. (Cycling - 50km) Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 5: Cheverny – Blois

During this last stage of your cycling adventure you get to discover the famous and sumptuously-furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château of Chambord – one of the most prominent in the Loire Valley. With 440 rooms and built during the reign of King Francis I, this is a real masterpiece of the French Renaissance period. You then continue on your way and return to Blois. (Cycling - 40km) Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 6: Blois

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast in Blois. Meals included: 1 breakfast

TRIP INCLUDES

Luggage transfers
Detailed route notes
Maps

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE

Arrival & departure transfers
Departure taxes
Visas
Travel insurance (compulsory on all trips)
Meals (unless stated in itinerary)
Drinks
Additional tours or activities
Entrance fees
Taxis/transport (if opting out of riding stages)
Tips
Items of a personal nature

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Did you know that you can customize this trip?

Customizing a trip is a great way to:

Change anything about the itinerary you don't like.
Change the size of the group or make this a private tour.
Change the duration or departure date of the trip.
Because we use the local operator, this customization usually won't cost you extra!

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<center>
        <h1 style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px; color: #604c3d;">Cycling the Loire Valley (self-guided)</h1>
    </center>
    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; color: #928164;">Rich in history and architecture, the Loire Valley epitomises French values and virtues. With its arterial rivers, elegant towns, grand chateaux, excellent food and crisp, fresh wines, it is a paradise for both the French bourgeoises and visitors alike.</div>

<div style="margin-top: 10px;border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-image: linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -o-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -moz-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -ms-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);

background-image: -webkit-gradient(
		linear,
		left bottom,
		left top,
		color-stop(0.2, #F3F3F3),
		color-stop(0.81, #FEFEFE)
	);
	background-color: #FEFEFE;">
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                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">DURATION</div>
                                    <div style="font-family: 'alice'; font-size: 18px; color: #7a9ebf; padding-top: 10px;">6 <span style="font-size: 10px;">DAYS</span></div>
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                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">COMFORT</div>
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                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">LANGUAGE</div>
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                                        <img src="/Content/Images/FlagIcons/us.png" />
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                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">RATING</div>
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                                        <span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span>
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                        <div style="font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; margin-top: 20px;" id="Div1">
                            <ul><li>Visit and explore Blois<li>Cycle through forest and vineyards to the Chateau of Chaumont<li>Explore the beautifully furnished Chateau of Cheverny</li></li></li></ul>
                        </div>
                    </div>
                    <div style="margin-top: 10px; padding: 10px;border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-image: linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -o-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -moz-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -ms-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);

background-image: -webkit-gradient(
		linear,
		left bottom,
		left top,
		color-stop(0.2, #F3F3F3),
		color-stop(0.81, #FEFEFE)
	);
	background-color: #FEFEFE;">
                        <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; color: #604c3d; text-align: center;">ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP</div>
                        <table cellpadding="5" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;">
                            <tr>
                                <td><span style="color: #544741;">Primary:</span></td>
                                <td><a href="/search/for/Road%20Cycling/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Road Cycling</a></td>
                            </tr>
                            
                            <tr>
                                <td><span style="color: #544741;">Other:</span></td>
                                <td><a href="/search/for/Rainforest/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Rainforest</a>, <a href="/search/for/Urban%20Exploration/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Urban Exploration</a>, <a href="/search/for/vineyard/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">vineyard</a>, <a href="/search/for/Local%20Culture/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Local Culture</a></td>
                            </tr>
                            
                        </table>
                    </div>

<div style="border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-image: linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -o-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -moz-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -ms-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);

background-image: -webkit-gradient(
		linear,
		left bottom,
		left top,
		color-stop(0.2, #F3F3F3),
		color-stop(0.81, #FEFEFE)
	);
	background-color: #FEFEFE;">
                        
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 1: Blois
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        Your trip starts with your arrival in the town of Blois. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving and departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transport's minimal carbon emissions. We suggest arriving early to make the most of exploring the charming town of Blois. Your bike and helmet will be waiting for you at the joining hotel. After settling in to your hotel, we suggest taking a stroll along Blois’ paved streets, which are punctuated with staircases, and visiting its wonderful château - once home to French kings including Louis XII, Francois I, Henry III and Henry IV. It was at this very chateau that Joan of Arc came in 1429 to be blessed before heading off to drive out the English from Orleans. This building is a perfect example of how French architecture evolved between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.
Meals included: 1 dinner
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 2: Blois - Amboise
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        Today you embark on your first day of cycling. Setting off from Blois, you follow small countryside routes until you reach the chateau of Chaumont, which overlooks the Loire River. In this majestic park there is a ‘garden festival’, where contemporary garden designers display their work in an English-style garden. Your route then continues towards Amboise, a royal city where Leonardo da Vinci lived during his final days. Through the superb garden of Clos Lucé, you can discover the prestigious history of the region and see models of the various machines designed by Leonardo. Amboise is your base for the next two nights. (Cycling - 44 km)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 3: Amboise - Chenonceaux - Amboise
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        After crossing the forest of Amboise, you reach the famous chateau of Chenonceau (spelt differently from the village - Chenonceaux) that straddles the Cher River. Here s played out one of the most famous rivalries in French history - that of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Diane de Poitiers‘s garden, then in Catherine de Medici’s one. Take a breath, under the shadow of one of the huge trees in the park and listen out for the rhythm of the water in the river murmur, while you absorb the stories about the rivalry of these two powerful women. In the afternoon you ride back to Amboise. (Cycling - 38 km)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 4: Amboise – Cheverny
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        Today you ride on routes through the countryside and via typical villages to reach the medieval chateau of Fougère sur Bièvre, a perfect example of traditional 15th century building art. Along the way you encounter some small private chateaux set in lush surroundings such as Chateau de Troussay, before arriving at your final destination - the famous Chateau of Cheverny. (Cycling - 50km)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 5: Cheverny – Blois
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        During this last stage of your cycling adventure you get to discover the famous and sumptuously-furnished Château of Cheverny before reaching the prestigious Château of Chambord – one of the most prominent in the Loire Valley. With 440 rooms and built during the reign of King Francis I, this is a real masterpiece of the French Renaissance period. You then continue on your way and return to Blois. (Cycling - 40km)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 6: Blois
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast in Blois.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
	                </div>
                    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/b8ad40aa-ad6e-4f09-9a57-32041e39ea01.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/34cda94d-9b44-4711-8fb4-7fe3b64ab745.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/1f5ed309-b59e-4653-a630-9fca7cc708ec.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/8d53a09a-6544-4e96-8e3c-c68a1dfa419b.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/595514f6-41c9-4df3-82f2-bded14603a9a.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/d0895352-7e0c-4c74-81c2-c8ab3a70ca95.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/71b45387-aec2-4cf9-b71c-4b55fad23e92.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/dec5a4c8-c984-4c59-8eb6-afdfa3d7167d.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/dcc955f1-ad99-4242-a4e5-aef8b3d8b0f1.jpg" />

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