Tour Duration: 6 day(s) Group Size: people Destination(s): France Specialty Categories: Bicycle Touring Season: January - December Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: Yes Minimum Per Person Price: 670 Euro (EUR) Maximum Per Person Price: 670 Euro (EUR)

The easy pace of this route will allow for ample time to visit some of the architectural-wows that dominate this special region so dense in Renaissance masterpieces. Your bicycle holiday takes place on quiet roads from Chenonceaux, wending along the Loire River through vineyards, peaceful countryside, and castles upon castles, exuding a storybook aura that few areas can match! This region is so rich in places of interest that it's been deemed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Hop on the bike and enjoy...!

Day 1: Arrival in Tours. Transfer to Chenonceaux. Arrive in Tours by train at the time of your choice.. Tours is well serviced by high-speed TGV from CDG in approximately 2 hours (no change of train is required in Paris). From the Tours train station, we will transfer you to your hotel in Chenonceaux where our local representative will brief you about your tour, outfit you with bikes, and give you all the necessary materials. Overnight in Chenonceaux

Day 2 : Loop Chenonceau - Chenonceau via Amboise (approx. 35 km or 22 miles) Although our afternoon suggested ride is short, it is certainly not devoid of interest! Two of the Loire Valley's most monumental masterpieces Chenonceaux and Amboise will not be the only highlights! Make sure you don't miss the fascinating permanent exhibit at Leonardo da Vinci's Clos Lucé where the genius mind spent the last part of his life and where you may be revealed some of his secrets…

Day 3: Chenonceaux - Tours (approx. 35 km or 22 miles) Some of the riding will be done on the very well-signed bike-only "La Loire à Vélo" greenway,-a gigantic project that links Angers to Orleans, 250 km or 160 miles apart-and some on quiet roads through the vineyards of Montlouis, a small wine-producing area known for its wonderful bubbly white wine. Further on, you will pass by a charming small chateau, a love nest used by King Henri IV and his mistress Gabrielle d'Estrées, before arriving in Tours with enough time to wander through the numerous sites and museums of this widely acclaimed "Town of Art and Culture."

Day 4: Tours - Azay via Villandry (40 km or 25 miles) What a day in store! After breakfast, you'll ride along the Cher River to the Renaissance chateau of Villandry and its unusual and magnificent gardens… Visually stunning! A memorable picnic spot! If the idea of picnicking is not appealing, you can instead opt for a three-hour lunch at an outdoor café. Remember that as a self-guided rider, you're free to plot the day around your specific interests and desires. You will lodge in the village of Azay, a few pedal steps from its Renaissance castle which can be explored on your way to your hotel.

Day 5: Azay - Tours Via Sache (35 km or 22 miles) The inspiring Saché castle, Honoré-de-Balzac's home during his most productive years rates as one of the do-not-miss attractions of this itinerary. A short visit will allow for an easy-paced afternoon of souvenir shopping, museum visiting, or writing envy-producing postcards to family or friends.

Day 6: Departure After breakfast, depart Tours at the time of your choice.

Airfare is not included in the tour price. Pricing: This package has been priced at 670 euros per person in double occupancy. Single supplement is 240 euros This price includes: 5 night-accommodations in 2- and 3-star properties Daily breakfast 3 dinners (drinks are not included) Meeting with our local representative on Day 1 Marked maps and/or cue sheets Luggage transfers Assistance if necessary All tax and service charges This price does not include: Lunches Drinks Travel insurance Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the price of 85 euros per bike.