France Cycle to Chateau

Welcome to the city of light (and love): Paris. We'll meet and greet this morning before receiving our metro pass, which will let us whizz around the city all day, free of charge. Then it's time to get exploring. Your expert trip manager will advise you on the best patisseries, museums and bars around. You just have to pick which ones you want to fit in! We'll regroup together this evening in the dreamy, oh-so-chic neighbourhood of Montmartre, where you can opt for a classic Parisian dinner as we overlook the twinkling city below.

Today we'll hop on a train from Paris to Orleans, where we'll pick up our trusty bikes. Then we'll set off, cycling around 60km from Orleans to Blois (stopping off for lunch on the way). Blois is a gorgeous medieval village adorned with elegant chateaus and vineyards. We'll take an orientation through the village, admiring the architecture, before grabbing dinner and settling in for the night. (B)

This morning we'll cycle from Bloise to Amboise, the beautiful final resting place of Leonardo Da Vinci. After our 36km ride, we'll enjoy a well earned lunch on the banks of the Loire. Then we'll take an orientation tour, admiring the spectacular Chateau and checking our Da Vinci's house, before checking into our accommodation. Then we've got some free time to stroll the storybook streets and get stuck into the world class dining. (B)

Today we've got a relaxed 25km cycle to Tours. Tours Another impressive medieval city, this bustling place has a lively student scene and some more gorgeous architecture. We'll take an orientation tour before a free evening to check out the local nightlife. (B)

After breakfast this morning we'll take a short stroll to St Pierre des Corps station, where we'll hop on a train to Lyon. From here we'll hop on a coach to our showstopping finale... Did you know we owned a 16th-century castle? We might have mentioned it once or twice…ok quite a lot. But can you blame us? Set within the rolling hills of the Beaujolais wine region, the legendary Contiki Château stay has been wowing travellers for decades. And the best part? It’s exclusively for you. After a welcome drink and lunch, the options are endless. Stroll the vineyards, go wine tasting, do yoga on the lawns, take a dip in the pool, play pool, gaze vacantly out of the palatial windows...not bad options, we're sure you'll agree. (B/L/D) Stay: Contiki Chateau

Another day filled with dreamy activities awaits. After breakfast an included yoga class will kick off the day in the right way, then we recommend taking a hike in the vineyards, stopping for a classic French picnic, naturally. Finally, after a farewell feast (with plenty of Beaujolais wine to wash it down with), it's time to end on a high. Hit the Chateau bar, get your boogie on in 'la cave' and make it a night to remember with our farewell party. (B/L/D)

One final breakfast to shake off last night's cobwebs, then we'll transfer to Lyon Airport where the trip ends. Make sure you swap details. Anyone for cycling in Croatia next summer? (B)