CHARMS OF THE LOIRE VALLEY Independent cycle trip 2014 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS The kings of France once resided in the Loire valley, and enjoyed its splendour and prosperity while time slowly passed by. Appreciate the charms of this valley by wandering from châteaux to vineyards and enjoy the charming overnight locations during your trip. Take the time to explore the magnificent Loire region by bike and at your own pace.

ITINERARY:

1st day: Arrival in Beaugency On the banks of the Loire River and still overlooked by its imposing 11th century dungeon, Beaugency has conserved the charm of a small medieval city. Dinner and accommodation in 3* hotel

www.walkersworld.co.nz

www.cycling-europe.com

2nd Day : Beaugency – Cour Cheverny |Cycling 55 km Leave the Loire River for a 1st stage through Sologne area before reaching the prestigious Château de Chambord, a true masterpiece of the French Renaissance boasting no less than 440 rooms, built during the reign of Francis 1st in the heart of a well-preserved natural site. Continue to Cheverny and its elegant château, remarkable for its sumptuously furnished apartments. Dinner & accommodation in 3* hotel

Chateau de Chambord

Chateau de Cheverny

3rd Day: Excursion to Blois | Cycling 47 km As you cycle through numerous charming villages, you reach the Loire river banks and the lively town of Blois. This idyllic town is worth visiting for its old quarter and its château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Then return through the forest of Russy. Dinner & accommodation in 3* hotel

Town of Blois

Chateau de Blois

www.walkersworld.co.nz

www.cycling-europe.com

4th Day: Cour Cheverny – Amboise | Cycling 50 km Ride through the Cheverny vineyards to discover the small fortified Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, then the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire overlooking the Loire River. Arrive in Amboise, a charming town where the greatest kings of France lived and where you can visit the final residence of Leonardo Da Vinci : the Clos Lucé Manor House. Accommodation in 3* hotel and dinner in a local restaurant

Amboise

Clos Lucé Manor House

5th Day: Excursion to Chenonceaux | Cycling 38 km + option 8 km After crossing the Amboise forest, reach the famous Chateau of Chenonceau straddling the Cher River, which 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 each ladies’ landscaped vision, and marvel at the castle’s inspiring architecture. Accommodation in 3* hotel and dinner in a local restaurant 6th Day : Departure after breakfast.

Amboise Forest

Chateau de Chenenceau

www.walkersworld.co.nz

www.cycling-europe.com

2014 PRICES AND DATES GRADE: EASY TO MEDIUM. SOME FLAT CYCLING & ROLLING HILLS DEPARTURE DATES: Any day between the months of MARCH & OCTOBER 2014 TOUR COST: Rate per person Extra night on half board basis in Beaugency Extra night in B&B basis in Amboise

In double room : Single supplement :

€ 988 € 200

In double room : Single supplement :

€ 105 € 39

In double room : Single supplement :

€100 € 40

Bike hire

€ 80

There is an additional supplement for the arrangement of luggage transfers when cycling alone: €40 TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:  Accommodation: 5 nights in charming, good quality hotels (3 nights 3* & (2 nights in 4 *)  5 breakfasts  5 dinners  Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel.  Maps, itineraries and tourist information.

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:  Drinks, lunches and personal expenses.  Rental bike and helmet  Personal bike transfer from Amboise to Beaugency  Train ticket for return transfer  Luggage transportation on last day

BIKE & HELMET 21 speed men’s and ladies' bike, equipped with two saddlebags, a high visibility jacket, an antitheft device, a map holder, a helmet and a repair kit. Adjustment by a cycling specialist.

www.walkersworld.co.nz

www.cycling-europe.com

GETTING TO BEAUGENCY: Beaugency (La Chap station) is located 20km north of Blois, and is easily reached by Train from Paris Austerlitz station (1.30 minutes trip)

Book through: Ph: (09) 4867473 Fax: (09) 484-0091 Email : [email protected]

www.walkersworld.co.nz

www.cycling-europe.com