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SELF-GUIDED - France
Cycling in the Loire Valley
Chateau de Chissay
Grade: A
RIDE PROFILE Av. daily distance: 30-40 km (19-25 miles) depending on routes chosen No. of days cycling: 6 (2 optional rides) Vehicle support: none whilst riding, luggage is transferred between hotels for you. Terrain and route: the suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads past villages, farms, vineyards, woodland and alongside rivers. There are no significant ascents or descents. Alternative routes are available on most days. Recommended min. age: 14 (see Family Adventures brochure page 37 for similar holiday with lower min age). TRIP DETAILS Group: self-guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided. Accommodation: 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities, and some have pools. Food: all breakfasts and 5 dinners included.
A relaxed week of self-guided cycling amidst the beautiful scenery, chateaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley
T
he Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches, the hunting grounds and lodges of kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire Valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling. Collectively they are known as Vins de Touraine. Vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher Rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Start Amboise (accessible by train from London, see dates and prices box). 2 Ride to the riverside town of Montrichard via the spectacular chateau of Chenonceau on the River Cher - or rather, in the River Cher: its moat is part of the river and its arches reach across to the far bank. 3 Cycle through quiet villages of the Sologne to Bracieux, with optional stops at the Chateau de Fougeres, and the grander Cheverny. 4 Free day. Today is free to relax in the village or cycle through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord - an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase. 5 Riverbank ride following the lazy Loire to Chaumont-surLoire passing a 16th century castle and the pretty village of Les Montils.
8 DAYS
6 Free day. Today is free to visit the chateau in town standing high above the river, cycle along the riverbank to the mediaeval city of Blois or explore the villages to the south on optional rides. 7 Cycle to Amboise. The final day in the saddle cycling across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There is time to visit the Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town. 8 End Amboise. Take onward travel to London if booked.
Chateau de Chambord
Trip code LSR " 8 days Sat or Wed No Local Payment Start Amboise day 1, end Amboise day 8 ¤ Start any Saturday or Wednesday from 15 March to 29 October 2008 ¤ All dates £599 ¤ Prices based on 2 persons sharing: compulsory single supplement £110 ¤ Supplement for single traveller £165 ¤ Prices are Land only and do not include travel from London ¤ Return rail travel from London to Amboise, prices from £100 ¤ Low cost flights to Tours available with Ryanair. Allow ¬50 for taxis to Amboise and back. ¤ Insurance £26
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BIKE HIRE
France: 21 speed Gitanes bikes ¬80,
paid locally
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FOR TRIP NOTES AND AVAILABILITY ENTER THE TRIP CODE IN THE SEARCH BOX ON THE EXODUS HOME PAGE
To book call 0845 863 9626 or visit www.exodus.co.uk
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