Cycling the Chateaux of the Loire - Upgraded

Cycling the Chateaux of the Loire - Upgraded

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8 Days From

$2780

Cycling the Chateaux of the Loire - Upgraded

8 Days Starting and ending in Blois, France

Visiting: Blois, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Cheverny

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07LX

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Group size:

2 - 6

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Activities:

Cycling, Walking, Wine Tasting

From: $2780 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 21-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. Highlights include the majestic chateaux of Amboise and Chambord, and the rich Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau. You'll pass vineyards, sunflowers fields and pretty, sleepy villages, before pedalling gently along shady riverbanks and out through open countryside abundant with wildlife.



On each cycling day, you'll have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes you - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world.



Enjoy the sweet and peaceful 'Art de Vivre' in boutique hotels and relax with a glass of local wine by the pool.

Highlights

  • Perfect for cycling through traffic-free lanes, majestic forests, vineyards, and fields of poppies and sunflowers.

  • Explore the Renaissance Chateau de Chenonceau and Chambord, the largest chateau in the Loire Valley.

  • Discover the history and culture of pretty wine villages and charming towns, including royal Blois.

  • Cycle through tiny villages to Chaumont-sur-Loire and its spectacular chateau, hosting the International Garden Festival.

  • Visit the Royal Palace and Clos Luce in Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked.

  • Ride along the peaceful riverbanks of the Cher to the medieval town of Montrichard.

  • Discover the famous Chateau of Cheverny, with its gardens, labyrinth, and Tintin exhibition.

  • Cycle to the prestigious Chateau de Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance period.

Itinerary

Expand All

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.You stay at Hotel Charme Rabelaisien

Day 3 : At Amboise

Location: Amboise

Accommodation Name: Hotel Charme Rabelaisien

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.Alternatively cycle to wine capital, Vouvray, famous for their fine white wines and explore the troglodyte caves en route. Here you'll find wine tasting possibilities and the option to visit Chateau de Valmer where King Charles VII once stayed.You stay at the Hotel Charme Rabelaisien

Day 4 : 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 5 : 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 Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre a small fortified castle which perfectly illustrates the local building arts of the 15th century.You stay at Relais des 3 chateaux

Day 6 : At Cheverny

Location: Cheverny

Accommodation Name: Relais des 3 chateaux

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. Alternatively, cycle to the Chateau in Beauregard famous for its Portrait Gallery. Then continue your excursion to the rich and mysterious 'Sologne' with magnificent landscapes: beautiful forests sheltering game, ponds at every crossroads and small private chateaux hidden behind their vineyards or groves.You stay at Relais des 3 chateaux

Day 7 : 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



Room Upgrade

Possibility to upgrade your last night in Blois in a 5* hotel with a gastronomic dining experience

Day 8 : 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.

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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 are the responsibility of the traveler.

  • 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 traveling on a departure date.

  • Transfers for Land only

    Transfers for land-only bookings are available on request at an additional cost.

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 in these elegant, historic accommodations.

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.

Mode of Transport

This tour offers high-quality bikes for cycling through the scenic Loire Valley. Luggage transfers between hotels are included, ensuring a hassle-free journey. Transfers for flight-inclusive packages are provided, while land-only transfers are available upon 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 during 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.

  • Can I request extra nights at the hotels?

    Yes, extra nights can be arranged, but you need to contact the tour provider for details.

  • Is WiFi available at the accommodations?

    Yes, free WiFi is available at all the hotels included in the tour.

  • 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

Jane Holdaway (Google Reviewer)  

Had an exceptional holiday with...

24-Mar-2025

Had an exceptional holiday with Exodus during which we travelled extensively around Sri Lanka and got a real taste of the country and the people who live there. The itinerary was packed with interesting trips and activities and all of the hotels were very comfortable. We had an excellent local guide who looked after our group brilliantly and became a friend by the end of the tour. This was not the cheapest tour we looked at but we don't regret a penny spent on it because of the quality and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend Exodus!

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Roger Wells (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

12-Feb-2025

We have just returned from a 2 week Exodus trip to Egypt, Alexandria to Aswan. We had a great time, enjoyable company, with an excellent guide, Sayed. All worked out as described. The 3 day Red Sea extension was relaxing. Even the train journey, Cairo to Aswan, was a great part of the experience

Sian Anstey (Google Reviewer)  

I have just returned from...

31-Mar-2025

I have just returned from the most fabulous cycling holiday to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It was without doubt the best holiday you could ever wish for. Excellent in every possible way. Thank you Exodus. I just can’t decide which holiday to do next.

Damian Cannon (Google Reviewer)  

We've been on several group...

21-Mar-2025

We've been on several group trips with Exodus to destinations such as India and Jordan where we'd rather let some one else do the organising. In all cases these trips have been excellent with wonderful guides and well designed itineraries. We have always returned with happy memories. In cases where things have gone wrong Exodus have never disappointed us with their service. During one case our plane was diverted at the start and we joined the tour 3 days late. But despite this Exodus organised everything, including a driver, required to let us catch up. Equally during the pandemic our trip was cancelled twice and in the end we decided to take a full refund which Exodus handled properly. Having just returned from our latest trip we're already considering where we can go next. It's possible that we wouldn't bother to use Exodus in Europe because we can organise everything ourselves but further afield we'll definitely be travelling with Exodus again.

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$2780 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025
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Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
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Sunday - Sunday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025
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Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025
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Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$2780 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$2780 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit for 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, 90 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 120 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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