Cycle the Loire Valley

The adventure starts in Blois, a charming small town on the banks of the Loire river. If you have time, make sure to explore the cobbled streets and beautiful gardens here. We meet at 6. 30pm for a welcome briefing and group dinner, a good chance for us to get to know each other a little better and discuss the adventures to come. Stay: Novotel Blois Centre Val del Loire (or similar) (D).

We leave Blois and follow the Loire river on cycle paths to the village of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, a port town used during the construction of the Château de Chambord. We cross the expansive castle estate until reaching the chateau itself. Built under the reign of François I, it is a true masterpiece of the French Renaissance movement.

After free time in Chambord, we continue cycling through the Sologne region taking quiet roads and paths before returning to Blois. Stay: Novotel Blois Centre Val del Loire (or similar) (B).

Today we follow the Loire à Vélo through tiny villages to the fairytale castle of Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, which dominates the Loire river and the little town, before reaching the city of Amboise and its royal chateau. Here we visit the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci lived for the last three years of his life. There is free time to explore the history of the great man. Before going to the hotel, we stop for a wine tasting in a Loire cellar. The sommeliers will show you tasting techniques and let you sample five wines, including an old vintage. They will explain how to match food and wine, and present the products with a gourmet selection from an aperitif plate to accompany the tasting. Stay: Best Western Le Vinci Loire Valley (or similar) (B/L).

Today we follow the river once more, before cycling up the banks to reach the Vouvray vineyards, which are lined with troglodyte houses. These beautiful cave-like homes carved into limestone have been used for hundreds of years as dwellings by the locals. We can also admire private Renaissance castles, such as the Château de Valmer. After lunch, Maison Brédif welcomes you to the majestic site of its 10th-century troglodyte cellars for an exclusive visit. After discovering this heritage, you are welcomed in the Pavillon Fines Bulles, a warm and welcoming house for a tasting of five wines. We then transfer by minibus to Chinon (approximately one hour) ; on the way, we see Château de Chenonceau, which majestically spans the river Cher. Here there is free time to explore this stunning property and beautiful gardens. Stay: Rive Sud Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

Today's cycling takes us to the little church of Notre Dame, hidden in the village of Rivière, where we see magnificent 11th-century murals. We continue to Château du Rivau, which looks like it's been plucked from the stories and legends of the Middle Ages, before riding through the most prestigious Chinon vineyard of Cravant les Côteaux. Once back in Chinon, we enjoy a cellar visit for another wine tasting. From the first wine to the finest cuvées, the grapes are harvested with the greatest care by hand. With no chemical yeast, no chaptalisation and no other additions, the grapes are slowly transformed into wine that reflects the land in which they come from. In this unusual place, where wine breathes, you can taste all the estate's vintages. Stay: Rive Sud Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

Today is the week's longest cycling day as we follow the Loire à Vélo to the village of Candes-Saint-Martin (where you can visit the magnificent 12th and 13th-century collegiate church) and the beautiful village of Montsoreau. We have time to visit Fontevraud Abbey before cycling mostly uphill past troglodytic sites and vineyards before arriving in the historic town of Saumur. Stay: Le Londres Hotel (or similar) (B/L/D).

Our cycling adventure across the Loire Valley ends after breakfast. However, if you'd like to spend more time exploring this beautiful part of France, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).