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Cycling Holiday - Loire Valley Castles Deluxe
Thumbnails
Chateau of Villandry
Chateau de Chenonceau
Chateau de Chenonceau
Amboise
Loire Valley
Detailed maps and step by step itineraries included
France

Cycling Holiday - Loire Valley Castles Deluxe (Tour code: 11725)

Starts and Ends
Amboise to
Saumur
Travel Periods
01 Mar 24 - 31 Oct 24
Experience
Travel Style
Active Holiday Packages
Explore the Loire Valley from Amboise to Saumur, cycling past breath-taking castles and gardens such as Chenonceau, Villandry along the way.

Highlights

detailed Road Book allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip! It boasts colour maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions!

The SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 Bike (or equivalent) features a sporty "trekking" geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 27 speed transmission and integrated front and rear lights, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.

Cycle at your own pace (Self-guided), stopping when you see something truly remarkable or if you simply want to rest and recharge.

Explore Clos Lucé where the great painter, architect, engineer and scientist Leonardo Da Vinci lived for the last 3 years of his life

Why not take time to see the Château de la Bourdaisière, blossomed in the middle of a 55-hectare park with remarkable species, including collections of cedars, sequoias, chestnuts and oaks

Situated in the heart of the Regional Natural Park Loire-Anjou-Touraine, Bréhémont is a picturesque village of 800 inhabitants overlooking the Loire

Visit Chinon Vineyards, where wine cellars have been awarded the prestigious "Caves d'Excellence"

Discover the Chateau of Villandry, one of the most classic chateaux from the Renaissance period

7 days
From
AUD 5,090
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

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Only $100pp deposit to Book Now

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Overview

This Loire Valley Cycling Tour offers the perfect itinerary for rejuvenating both mind and body. The tranquil waters of the Loire, Indre, and Cher rivers flow through the heart of this scenic region known for its vineyards, orchards, and magnificent castles. The flat-to-rolling terrain is perfect for cycling and is filled with trees and colours. For many visitors, the Loire Valley conjures images from the fairy tales of childhood.

This tour starts in Amboise, an important cultural town with both a castle and historical sites. The cycling tour will take you to chateaux such as Chenonceau and Azay le Rideau, and also Chateau d'Artigny - one of the most famous in the whole of France. You will also cycle through some important wine regions and have the chance to explore some well-known gardens. All the best of the Loire Valley by bicycle!

Peace of mind booking plan
  1. ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
  2. ENTIRE AUD Prices
  3. ENTIRE Change of Mind
  4. ENTIRE Industry Accredited
  5. ENTIRE On Ground Support
  6. ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

2 nights in Amboise - Hotel Le Choiseul - 4*
1 night in Veigne at Hotel Domaine de la Tortiniere - 4*
1 night in Luynes at Chateau de Beauvois - 4*
2 nights in Saumur at Chateau de Verrieres - 5*
Hybrid bike rental
10 meals included - 6 breakfasts, 4 gastronomic dinners at your hotel
Orientation in person with local guide
Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
1 GPS for every 1-3 people
All luggage transfers
Comprehensive trip literature
Technical and emergency support available at all times

Map Cycling Holiday - Loire Valley Castles Deluxe

Average / Day : Distance : 47.44 Km
Elevation gain : 374.00 Metres

Cycling Holiday - Loire Valley Castles Deluxe

Day 1 Amboise

From Paris, you can take the TGV to Saint Pierre des Corps and then a taxi to Amboise. Transfer on your own and settle into your hotel and visit the town.

Amboise is a small town with much to see and do. If you arrive early enough, take the time to visit the nearby Château of Clos Lucé or the Royal Chateau of Amboise. The Chateau of Clos Lucé is accessible with a short walk outside the main centre of Amboise (well sign posted), best known as being the house where Leonardo da Vinci was invited to live by King Francois I - Leonardo lived here from 1516 to the time of his death in 1519. Orientation in the evening and gourmet dinner in your deluxe hotel tonight.

Overnight in Amboise at Hotel Le Choiseul.

Dinner
Amboise
Loire Valley and Amboise

Day 2 Amboise Chenonceau Castle Chissay en Touraine Civray de Touraine Amboise

Option 1 :36 Km                      Option 2 :  53 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 279 Metres  Elevation gain 2 : 415 Metres 

A short and moderately flat ride will take you through the forests and laneways of the Amboise countryside passing by the Parc Mini Chateaux (great for kids) and then dropping by the fabulous Chenonceau Castle is a must. You can also add an optional canoening trip from the small village of Chissay-sur-Cher to the famous Chenonceau Castle (see the optional extras).

Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the 16th Century over the Cher River and improved by Catherine de Medicis. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. For the long option you will continue on to Montrichard, La Genaudière and St. Regle before returning to Amboise.

Overnight in Amboise at Hotel Le Choiseul.

Breakfast
Amboise → Chenonceau Castle → Chissay en Touraine → Civray de Touraine → Amboise
Chenonceau Castle

Day 3 Amboise Village of Montlouis & Vineyards The Château de la Bourdaisière Montbazon Veigne

Distance 1 : 42 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 314 Metres 

Start riding on a nice paved bike lane in the middle of the vineyards of Montlouis. Then you have the opportunity to visit the Chateau Bourdaisiere. Before reaching your deluxe lodging, you can visit the Donjon of Montbazon.

Overnight in Veigne at Hotel Domaine de la Tortiniere.

Breakfast, Dinner
Amboise → Village of Montlouis & Vineyards → The Château de la Bourdaisière → Montbazon → Veigne
The Chateau de la Bourdaisiere Gardens

Day 4 Montbazon Azay le Rideau The Château de l'Islette Bréhémont The Château of Langeais The Chateau of Villandry Savonnieres Luynes

Option 1 :  49 Km                     Option 2 : 53 Km                    Option 3 : 69 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 290 Metres  Elevation gain 2 : 300 Metres  Elevation gain 3 : 450 Metres 

You start with a nice ride through the rolling countryside to the site of the castle of Azay le Rideau (option: visit the Chateau of Villandry). Situated along the Indre River, this is one of the most classic chateaux from the Renaissance period. You will then cross the Loire River to discover the Chateau of Langeais. Then, you will start cycling toward Luynes with a nice and relatively long countryside ride. 

Overnight in Luynes at Château de Beauvois.

Breakfast, Dinner
Montbazon → Azay le Rideau → The Château de l'Islette → Bréhémont → The Château of Langeais → The Chateau of Villandry → Savonnieres → Luynes
The Château de l'Islette

Day 5 Luynes The Château d'Ussé Chinon Fontevraud Abbey Turquant Saumur

Option 1 : 34 Km                   Option 2 : 46 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 625 Metres  Elevation gain 2 : 308 Metres 

Your day starts with a taxi transfer to the wine town of Chinon. Chinon is famous for its castle; dating back to Joan of Arc and medieval times. From Chinon, you will have a leisure ride toward the famous and historic Abbaye de Fontevraud. This double monastery dates back to the year 1110. It is still a functioning abbey and open to visitors. After your visit, continue to your hotel nearby with gourmet dinner.

Overnight in Saumur at Château de Verrières.

Breakfast
Luynes → The Château d'Ussé → Chinon → Fontevraud Abbey → Turquant → Saumur
The Château d'Ussé

Day 6 Saumur

Distance 1 :45 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 385 Metres 

Visit the town of Saumur and its Chateau: the great Chateau de Saumur stands high above the town. The Saumur Castle was originally built in the 10th Century by Thibault le Tricheur, Comte de Blois, as a fortified stronghold against Norman raid. The loop tour today takes you to Montreuil Bellay Chateau. Return to the same hotel.

Overnight in Saumur at Château de Verrières.

Breakfast
Saumur
Chateau of Saumur

Day 7 Saumur

You can take your time getting started in the morning, enjoy breakfast and depart at your leisure.
 

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel Le Choiseul

Amboise
Located at the edge of the Loire and at the foot of the Royal Castle of Amboise, homeland of Leonardo da Vinci, the hotel Le Choiseul is a charming house typically from Tours built in 18th century. The hotel enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the Valley of Loire castles. Le Choiseul has 30 rooms of 5 different categories, from the most elegant apartment to the most delightful room. They offer pleasant views over the Italian garden, the Loire and the Château d'Amboise.

Optional Extras

Electric assisted bike rental

Upgrade to a Scott Sub Tour Eletric-Ride 10 or the Cannondale Mavaro HS City (or similar).

With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometres with no worries.Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride.

Included with your bike rental :

  • Helmet
  • Lock
  • Hand pump
  • 2 spare tubes
  • Rear pannier
  • Toolkit
  • Tire levers
  • Patch kit
  • 1 souvenir water bottle
  • Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request

Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Canoe Ride

Canoeing down the Cher

This 6-km route will lead you from the small village of Chissay-sur-Cher to the famous Chenonceau castle. The canoe ride starts at 3:30pm with a shuttle up river. Please don't be late since you'll miss the shuttle. You'll still have the opportunity for canoeing but you'll have to paddle up river which will slightly change your itinerary.

Note: No Chissay - Civray on Monday and Tuesday, but only rides between the base and the castle of Chenonceau

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Official language
French
Local currency
EUR

Our hotels or B&B provide amenities that are ideal for active vacations, located in easy walking distance to downtowns, restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritise family-owned, authentic accomodations over large chains. If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another hotel similar in category.

Blackout dates may apply during festive season.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
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How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
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For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

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Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

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