Cycling the Chateaux of the Loire - Upgraded
Cycling the Chateaux of the Loire - Upgraded
$2210
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating cycling journey through the enchanting Loire Valley, exploring its majestic chateaux and picturesque landscapes. This upgraded tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with traffic-free lanes leading you through vineyards, forests, and fields of poppies and sunflowers. Discover the architectural splendor of the Renaissance Chateau de Chenonceau and the grand Chateau de Chambord, the largest in the Loire Valley. Immerse yourself in the charm of wine villages and royal towns like Blois, while enjoying luxurious accommodations in selected 4-star hotels. Delight in the region's renowned cuisine and wines, with all continental breakfasts included. High-quality bikes and luggage transfers ensure a seamless experience as you pedal along the scenic Loire à Vélo tracks. This unforgettable journey promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from the historical intrigue of chateaux to the tranquil beauty of the Loire's landscapes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Blois
Location: Blois
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure
Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.You stay at Hotel Mercure
Day 2 : Blois To Amboise
Location: Amboise
Accommodation Name: Hotel Charme Rabelaisien
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycle through nice tiny villages to Chaumont-sur-Loire and its spectacular chateau, which hosts the International Garden Festival (May-Oct). Then continue on the 'Loire a Velo' cycling tracks before arriving at the charming town of Amboise where the greatest Kings of France lived.Visit the flamboyant Royal Palace and the elegant Clos Luce, a C15 manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last few years of his life. His workshops house 40 giant models of some of his most spectacular creations, the first plane, helicopter and tank, and the beautifully landscaped gardens bring life to his botanical drawings and geographical designs.You stay at Hotel Charme Rabelaisien
Day 3 : Amboise To Chenonceaux
Location: Chenonceaux
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bon Laboureur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gentle pedalling through the vineyards of Montlouis sur Loire will bring you to the superb Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous arches majestically spanning the river. Described by Flaubert as floating 'on air and water', it's arguably the most beautiful of all the Loire landmarks. This chateau was the scene of a famous rivalry 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 the Catherine de Medici's one. 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 2 rival women.You stay at the Hotel Bon Laboureur
Day 4 : Chenonceaux To Cheverny
Location: Cheverny
Accommodation Name: Relais des 3 chateaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ride along the peaceful riverbanks of the Cher to the medieval town of Montrichard. Leaving the Cher Valley and enter the vineyards of Touraine via the Chateau de Fougeres-sur-Bievre a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century.Then, discover the famous sumptuously furnished Chateau of Cheverny. Inhabited by the same family for over 6 centuries, the Chateau, its gardens, its labyrinth and its Tintin exhibition will give you an unforgettable experience.You stay at Relais des 3 chateaux
Day 5 : Cheverny To Blois
Location: Blois
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycle to the prestigious and largest Chateau de Chambord, a real masterpiece of French Renaissance period with its 440 rooms. Dreamed up by Francois I to cement his power in stone, the Chateau de Chambord is an unparalleled architectural exploit. Among the numerous innovations in Chambord, the double helix staircase is without a doubt one of the most remarkable. This staircase, which allows for two people to walk without crossing paths, has always fascinated visitors.
Then, ride along the Loire riverbank before arriving in Blois.
You stay at the Hotel Mercure
Possibility to upgrade your last night in Blois in a 5* hotel with a gastronomic dining experience
Day 6 : Leave Blois
Location: Blois
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Blois after breakfast.
What's Included
-
All continental breakfasts
All continental breakfasts are included in the tour package.
-
Route directions and maps
Route directions and maps are provided for the cycling tour.
-
Transfers for Flight inclusive
Transfers are included for those who have booked the flight-inclusive package.
-
Luggage transfers between hotels
Luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.
-
High Quality Bikes
High quality bikes are provided for the cycling tour.
What's Not Included
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
-
Visas and vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
-
Single accommodation
Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.
-
Solo traveller supplement
A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is travelling on a departure date.
-
Transfers for Land only
Transfers for land-only bookings are available on request at an additional cost.
Food
All breakfasts are included The Loire prides itself on it's cuisine. It is refined country cooking, not heavy but rich in flavours and textures, drawing on the great garden of the Loire valley. Fruit and vegetables abound. Asparagus, artichokes, button mushrooms, cherries and strawberries from the Loire are transported to kitchens throughout France, which demonstrates the quality of the produce. These all provide delicious accompaniments to the duck, venison and wild boar dishes (all hunted locally) and served in sauces using wines from the local vineyards. Fish also features in abundance. With three wide, gently flowing rivers passing through the region, freshwater fish appear on most menus. 'Sandre' (pikeperch) and breme (bream) are especially popular and are usually served in a beurre blanc sauce - made with shallots, butter, dry white wine and vinegar. The majority of the cheese found in the region is goat's cheese. We suggest trying Selles-sur-Cher from the neighbouring Blesois region. Desserts are often based on the fruit from the local orchards. They include 'tarte tatin', a yummy caramelised upside-down apple pie - the invention of two absent-minded sisters in their attempt to salvage a dessert they had dropped on the floor. The Loire is undoubtedly one of Europe's finest wine producing regions with many of the separate wine areas producing red, white, rose and sparkling wines. Distinctive whites include Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Vouvray and Muscadet; for reds, try Chinin, Bourgueil and Saumur. Anjou is by far the most popular rose.
...more ...less
Accommodation
Experience the charm of the Loire Valley with stays at the Hotel Mercure in Blois, Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien in Amboise, Auberge du Bon Laboureur in Chenonceaux, and Relais des 3 Chateaux in Cheverny. Enjoy amenities like heated pools, wellness areas, and gourmet dining, with options for room upgrades.
Mode of Transport
This tour offers high-quality bikes for cycling through the scenic Loire Valley, with luggage transfers between hotels. Transfers for flight-inclusive packages are included, while land-only transfers are available on request at an additional cost.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of bicycles are provided on the tour?
High quality bikes are provided for the cycling tour.
-
Are luggage transfers included during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.
-
Is there an option to upgrade the accommodation during the tour?
Yes, there is a possibility to upgrade your last night in Blois to a 5-star hotel with a gastronomic dining experience.
-
What kind of breakfast is provided during the tour?
All continental breakfasts are included in the tour.
-
Are there any wellness facilities available at the accommodations?
Yes, several hotels offer wellness facilities. For example, Hotel Mercure in Blois provides access to a fitness centre, indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien in Amboise offers a wellness area with a hot tub, sauna, and fitness room.
-
What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau de Chambord, the Royal Palace in Amboise, and the Chateau of Cheverny.
-
What is the culinary experience like in the Loire Valley?
The Loire Valley is known for its refined country cooking, rich in flavors and textures. The cuisine includes local produce like asparagus, artichokes, and mushrooms, as well as duck, venison, and freshwater fish. The region is also famous for its goat's cheese and desserts like tarte tatin. The Loire is a renowned wine-producing region, offering a variety of red, white, rose, and sparkling wines.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Monday - Saturday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Monday - Saturday
Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Monday - Saturday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 24, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 01, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025Monday - Saturday
Apr 28, 2025 - May 03, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 04, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 05, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Cycling the Chateaux of the Loire - Upgraded
6 Days Starting and ending in Blois, France
Visiting: Blois, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Cheverny
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C05LX
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements