LOIRE VALLEY Cycling · 7 Days

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LOIRE VALLEY Only 1 hour south of Paris lies a region that since the Renaissance has been a favorite of kings and the aristocracy; the Loire River valley is dotted with fine chateaux, vineyards, and some of the most beautiful (and gentle) cycling routes in France. Our tour visits the most magnificent chateaux, the extraordinary gardens of Villandry, but also leaves time to explore the subtler aspects of a region that has much to offer.

Tours

Located just one hour south of Paris there are frequent train connections

Day 1 Your hotel is included on arrival day on this tour; we have a walking tour of the historical district planned at 4:00 and then dinner at a favourite bistrot at 7:00.

Day 2+3 Amboise

Cycling from Tours, we’ll ride east along a quiet road winding through vineyards to Amboise, with its impressive castle and charming village. Leonardo da Vinci lived here and we’ll visit the museum in his former home. On our second day we’ll cycle to Chenanceaux where we’ll enjoy a guided visit of one of the most magnificent chateau in France.

Day 4 Veigne

Riding west we’ll stop for lunch at a curious castle whose owner has a passion for growing tomatoes (his garden has 500 varieties); we’ll enjoy lunch here before continuing on

· A ride you will never forget: our bike path along the Loire River. · A sumptuous picnic on the grounds of one of the grand chateau. · Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.

ITINERARY Getting there

Only Great Explorations · Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.

through forests and sun-flower fields, making our way to Montbazon. Here we’ll stay at a former mill that has been turned into a charming hotel, with a restaurant that is outstanding. A long option on this day will offer a chance to ride to the gardens of Villandry.

Day 5+6 Chinon

Following one of the tributaries of the Loire, we’ll enjoy some of the best riding in the region, stopping to visit Château de Sache, where the writer Balzac resided. In Azay-le-Rideau we’ll visit the impressive château that is the ‘jewel of the Loire Valley’ followed by a sumptuous picnic nearby. In Chinon, we’ll stay in the medieval center at a hotel that is warm and welcoming. On our last day of cycling there are options to cycle past popular vineyards along quiet cycling roads or a longer option to Richelieu. As on all of our trips, we’ll have a celebratory feast at a distinctive restaurant near our hotel for final night.

· Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups. · We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Trip Dates

2017 May 22-28 June 12-18 June 18-24 August 14-20 Aug 28- Sep 3

2016 May 23-29 June 13-19 June 19-25 August 15-21 Aug 29- Sep 4

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

Trip Size



8-16 participants

Total Days

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart

Tours/Chinon

Day 7 Depart at your leisure from Chinon train station.onward travel.

Tel: 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.great-explorations.com

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HOTELS

Temperature in Tours, France Hôtel L’Adresse

Hôtel L’Adresse

Tours

Ideally located in the ancient Place Plumereau historical and cultural area with restaurants and shops. This 18th Century house, combines modern comfort and style with antique details.

(Avg. Daily High) °C °F April 14 57 May 20 68 June 24 75 July 25 77 August 25 77 September 22 72 October 17 63

Le Clos d’Amboise,

Le Moulin Fleuri

Le Moulin Fl

This 16th century manor house is situated in a large French-style landscaped park with a pool and fountain, enclosed by ancient stone walls in the heart of the old town. The spacious rooms offer the highest standards in comfort and ambience with original wood flooring, fireplaces and ancient paneling. Enjoy breakfast in the Rabelais room boasting period woodwork and a unique 18th century Versailles wood floor.

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Amboise

mboise,

Le Clos d’A

Veigne

Stay in a sixteenth century mill, situated in the centre of a large park, on the Indre River. Each room has exposed beams, rustic furnishings and boasts river and garden views. The restaurant here is one of the best in the entire region, using fresh produce from the market in traditional ways.

Hôtel Diderot Chinon

This charming hotel, built in the 15th century and located in the historical center of Chinon is distinctive with friendly owners. Recommended by Guide de Charme and the top-rated Chinon hotel of Trip Advisor.

Hôtel Diderot

Tel: 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.great-explorations.com

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Activity Level

PARIS

Moderate 20-40+ miles daily Van supported

Terrain

TOURS

3 days flat, 3 days are gently rolling

What’s included in cost? Paris

Tours

Amboise

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Tel: 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.great-explorations.com

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OUR GUIDES Our guests tell us time and time again that our guides are what set us apart from other companies. Caring, knowledgeable, athletic, articulate and fun-loving, each one is a natural leader… Here at Great Explorations, we are tremendously proud of our guides. A diverse group of passionate and charismatic professionals, they have the local know-how and expertise to make your vacation incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s fitting your bike, arranging a one-of-a-kind activity or being your personal interpreter, our guides wear many hats with ease. They are intimately familiar

with their travel regions, having either lived or traveled there extensively. Comfortable speaking the local language and knowing all of the off-the-beaten track secrets, our guides ensure you’ll have the journey of a lifetime. Our website features detailed bios on some of the more than sixty guides who lead trips for us worldwide.

OUR BICYCLES The majority of our bicycle fleet are Cannondale bikes; Cannondale is the premier bicycle manufacturer in North America and Europe.

Cost

Land Cost (current year): US $2550 Includes 6B/2L/5D Single Supplement: US $640 Bike Rental: $180

Ready to reserve? ·C  all or email Travel Advisor with any remaining questions and to reserve your space 1.800.242.1925 · Reserve your flights to and from the region · Book your night before hotel, if necessary · Consider travel insurance Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at [email protected] or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Our Cannondale hybrid bikes in the Loire Valley are new Quick Speed 2 performance hybrids with components as follows: Frame: aluminum; carbon forks Crank: Shimano 105; 5700 50/34 Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 5700 Tire: 700 x 28C Saddle: Cannondale Quick Speed Ergo Racing bikes (dropped handlebar) are available ‘on request’; if your preference is for racing bikes, please indicate on the registration form and we will let you know if availability exists for your dates. All bikes come with pump, tire levers, spare tube, water bottle carrier etc. Hybrid bikes come with handlebar bags and rear racks; racing bikes, come with map case but not a rear rack. We tune each bike prior to your arrival so that it is ready to ride for you.

Tel: 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.great-explorations.com

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ACCOLADES “This tour was pretty easy and beautiful. The routes Randonnée chooses are great - small quiet back roads. The self-guided tours are great, this was my second one. Amboise and Azay Le Rideau hotels were outstanding.” Amy H. - Jamaica Plain, MA

“Everything was great. We loved the wonderful villages and countryside, seeing places we would never see otherwise. The Area Manager was just lovely.” Alice B. - Becket, MA

“This was the perfect tour for our family. The kids loved the castles, and we felt safe on the roads you chose, especially enjoyed the cycling paths along the Loire River. I think the kids favorite moment was the chocolate tasting you suggested in Amboise. Tony I LOVED Domaine Tortinierethank you for suggesting the upgrade.” Tony & Sue M. - Chicago, IL For additional testimonials, please visit www.great-explorations.com/testimonials.

Tel: 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.great-explorations.com