With its lovely countryside dotted with magnificent castles, vineyards and charming villages, the Loire Valley is an ideal destination for active vacations due to its gentle terrain and many sites.
Follow in the footsteps of the great kings of France through this region and discover the extensive and exquisite gardens at Villandry. You can also explore the magnificent Gothic and Renaissance architecture of the 15th & 16th centuries and hike through wine country of Chinon and Saumur and finally visit the impressive Fontevraud Abbey.
These are just a few reasons the Loire Valley is one of France's most revered regions. Every turn in the Loire presents a feast for the eyes, and the many chateaux offer exquisite gardens to explore. The flat-to-rolling terrain is perfect for hiking and is filled with trees and colors.
Itinerary
Day 1 | is arrival day in Tours, and the hotel at Joue Les Tours, which will allow you a chance to settle in and then visit the city. Tours is a large city compared to the villages you will visit, but most interesting perhaps is its old town. Also, there is good shopping in Tours, and some important history to discover. Dinner and night in a chateau hotel. (D)
Day 2 | transfer by taxi after breakfast to Villandry where you can spend a lot of time visiting these fantastic gardens. There are 3 different superposed terraces and a variety of species and design. From here you walk to Azay le Rideau where you can visit this important castle and charming village. (17km) (B,D)
Day 3 | After breakfast, transfer to Rigny Usse, and at Usse visit the famous "sleeping beauty" castle - the actual site that inspired the fairy tale. Then walk through the forest of Chinon to the famous wine town of Chinon. A medieval town, it is on the edge of the Vienne river and is well known for excellent red wine. Dinner on your own tonight. 19 km hiking. (B)
Day 4 | after breakfast, begin hiking from Chinon to Fontevraud Abbey. Travel through vineyards to this most famous and largest monastic city remaining in Europe. 17 km hiking. (B,D)
Day 5 | after breakfast, transfer by taxi to Turquant, where you will begin your hike through vineyards until you reach the larger town of Saumur - also a famous wine appellation. Visit the chateau and enjoy a great night as your last. 11 km hiking. Dinner on your own. (B)
Day 6 | Departure after breakfast. Trains from Saumur possible, as well as extended stays.
Details
Hotels include: Chateau de Beaulieu, Grand Monarque, Diderot, Pieure St Lazare, Anne d'Anjou.
The trip includes: [Virtual Hotel Tour] Included in this package are 2-3 star lodging, 3 gourmet dinners and all breakfasts, arrival orientation, taxi transfers mentioned, route maps and cue sheets, site information, bag transfer, local bilingual emergency support, and technical support. We also include travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more.
Additional Night Tours: 205 euros/double room breakfast and dinner included.
You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!
Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!
Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.
Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.
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