Cycle the Loire Valley

Cycle the Loire Valley

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7 Days From

$4875

Cycle the Loire Valley

7 Days Starting in Blois and ending in Saumur

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MLV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $4875

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

From magnificent chateaux steeped in Renaissance history to world-renowned vineyards, the Loire Valley is a dream destination for a gentle cycling adventure. On this trip, we ride sections of the Loire à Vélo, a scenic cycling route tracking the Loire river past orchards, vineyards and small villages. Starting in Blois and finishing in Saumur, we take in a host of architectural treasures, including the fairytale Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and the river-spanning Château de Chenonceau, not to mention enjoying multiple wine tastings along the way.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here.

Highlights

  • Visit a wine cellar in the town of Amboise for a tasting session

  • Explore Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci lived for the final years of his life

  • Marvel at fairytale castles including Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château du Rivau

  • Sip wine in the vineyards of Vouvray and Chinon

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start In Blois; Welcome Dinner

Meals Included: Dinner

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. There will be a welcome briefing and group dinner in the evening, where we meet each other for the first time and discuss the adventures to come.



Accommodation: Hotel le Monarque (or similar)

Day 2 : Cycle From Blois To Château De Chambord

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.



Accommodation: Hotel le Monarque (or similar)

Day 3 : Cycle From Blois To Amboise, Wine Tasting In Amboise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.



Accommodation: Hotel Le Blason (or similar)

Day 4 : Cycle From Amboise To Vouvray; Wine Tasting In Vouvray; Transfer To Chinon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.



Accommodation: Hôtel de France (or similar)

Day 5 : Excursion To Château Du Rivau And Chinon Vineyards

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.



Accommodation: Hôtel de France (or similar)

Day 6 : Cycle From Chinon To Saumur

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the weeks 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.



Accommodation: Hôtel Anne d'Anjou (or similar)

Day 7 : End In Saumur

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • Meals
    6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners are included.



For breakfast, the hotels offer a wide choice of cereals, fruit, cheeses and cold meats and a selection of drinks (tea, coffee, milk and fruit juice).



Four picnic lunches are included, prepared by the guide or assistant guide. Picnics are an important part of a day’s cycling, and we’ve selected a few products from the Loire Valley for you to try during your stay: rillons from Touraine, rillettes from Tours and goat cheeses (Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, Selles-sur-Cher, Valencay) accompanied in moderation by Loire wines. We are committed to offering quality regional products on this trip, chosen whenever possible from local producers and including a proportion of organic food. We also aim to reduce packaging (particularly plastic) and recycle what remains.



The two dinners are taken in a restaurant with a set menu comprising a starter, main course and dessert. The restaurants were selected to help you explore French gastronomy, including local specialities.



Vegetarians can be fairly easily accommodated in this area of France; however, vegans may find the variety of dishes available is rather limited.

Accommodation

Each hotel offers a unique character and is ideally situated to provide you a memorable experience. The hotels that we usually use are listed below.



Blois (two nights): The Hotel le Monarque is just over a five-minute stroll from Blois castle and not much further from the Loire river.



Amboise (one night): The Hotel Le Blason is set in a 15th Century house in the heart of Amboise. This house of character delivers a cosy atmosphere with modern comforts.



Chinon (two nights): The Hotel de France, part of the Best Western group, is a superbly restored 16th-century residence in the centre of Chinon and was the birthplace of writer Francois Rabelais. This romantic hotel combines comfort and warmth with tradition, all just steps from the cobbled streets of a city with a tremendous historical and cultural heritage.



Saumur (one night): The Hotel & Spa Anne d'Anjou, set at the foot of the Chateau of Saumur whilst also overlooking the Loire river. The on-site wellness centre features a jacuzzi, sauna and a heated outdoor pool.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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