Loire Valley Family

France | 7 days - 6 nights | from $3,398 / adult $2,718 /Child

Trip Summary:

Only a few hours from Paris lies the delightful Loire Valley. The rich history of this region and magnificent sites make it a perfect choice for all travelers. Gentle terrain makes it pleasurable for cyclists of all abilities. In this part of France you will find grand chateaux, scenic river views, quaint towns, and top-notch cuisine. Participate in an easy bicycle tour along the valley, exploring the castles, vineyards, woodlands and agricultural fields that give this region its air of sophistication.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 1 THE DAY TO DAY

Day 1: Blois

After meeting in the morning in Paris, we transfer to the river town of Blois, where we mount our bicycles and steer towards the Château de Chambord, nicknamed the "Versailles of the Loire" • Admire its stunning silhouette as you get nearer, then tour the castle for an in- depth look • This evening, join your fellow travelers and guides for a delectable welcome dinner • (L, D) Overnight at Hotel Mercure

Day 2: Amboise

Experience a relaxing day near the Loire River, cycling through vineyards and forests, maybe stopping en route for a wine tasting in Mesland • Visit the turreted Chateau du Chaumont, and learn about its colorful past when Catherine de Medici was its resident • Take in the animated atmosphere of the town of Amboise and its former Royal Castle • Roll into your hotel overlooking the Loire, and spend some relaxing moments in or by the side of the pool before dinner • (B, D) Overnight at Chateau de Pray

Day 3: Loches

Today's bike route takes you to Chateau de Chenonceau, with its graceful, refined Renaissance features • After touring the castle and the formal gardens, pass fields of sunflowers on your way to Loches • Visit the Loches chateau once captured by Richard the Lionheart, or the royal apartments where Joan of Arc changed the course of history • These historical sites bring the past to life! • Discover the old town of Loches, with its crooked streets and alleys, and find a restaurant to suite your tastes • (B) Overnight at Hotel Luccotel

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Day 4: Azay-le-Rideau

Begin your day with a visit of the weekly farmer’s market in Loches, where your guides will do the shopping for a picnic lunch • Later, fields of asparagus and other vegetables line our route as the lazy river reflects the beauty of the countryside • Soak up the breathtaking views while we picnic besides the water in Cormery • Today's highlight along the route is the chateau of Balzac, the famous writer of the Romantic period • Once in Azay – our home for two nights - discover the Chateau as it is mirrored in the tranquil waters that surround it • After a drink and a rest, gather with the group for yet another delicious meal • (B, L, D) Overnight at Hotel le Grand Monarque

Day 5: Azay-le-Rideau

Today's loop ride first leads to the chateau of Ussé, the inspiration for "Sleeping Beauty" • Bike through forest to reach Chinon, site of France's first parliament, and walk in the steps of Joan of Arc • In the afternoon, choose to taste some of France’s marvelous wines before biking or being shuttled back to Azay-le-Rideau • Have dinner at a restaurant of your choosing before visiting a nighttime sound and light show at the chateau (later in July & August only) • (B, L) Overnight at Hotel le Grand Monarque

Day 6: Tours

As we follow the course of the Loire upstream, you’ll encounter more magnificent chateaux set amid fertile landscapes • Try a pastry at the patisserie opposite of the medieval castle in Langeais • Visit the Chateau de Villandry and its imposing gardens, before proceeding on newly laid- out bike trails to the city of Tours • End your fabulous day with a marvelous farewell dinner at your delightful chateau • (B, D) Overnight at Chateau de Beaulieu

www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 3 Day 7: Paris

After our last breakfast together, you will be transferred to a Paris airport for your departure home, or to your hotel in Paris • Before heading for Paris or elsewhere in France, you can also choose to spend some time in the vibrant town center of Tours • (B) No overnight

**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

Cycling: Day 1: 27-41 miles; Day 2: 31-43 miles; Day 3: 29-50 miles; Day 4: 29-38 miles; Day 5: 23-46 miles; Day 6: 27-37

Discovery: In Amboise, marvel at the models of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions at the Clos Lucé, where the master spent the last three years of his life. Walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc when you explore Chinon, and hear how this courageous young girl was able to change the course of French history. Before heading out on the day the tour ends (and if time allows), spend some hours in Tours. There’s a lot to do in this lovely town of St. Martin, and it’s only an hour by TGV train to Paris (in which case we will transfer your luggage to your hotel in Paris).

Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history and daily sightseeing and route options. Each route has been carefully planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.

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DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1: Hotel Mercure

Located along the Loire River within easy walking distance from the town center of Blois, Hotel Mercure is a modern, recently renovated hotel. It features the Quai St Jean restaurant, as well as a bar, indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam bath. Each room has tea and coffee-making facilities.

Night 2: Chateau de Pray

Chateau de Pray is a place full of European charm and character, and is surrounded by woods and gardens. This 16th century Renaissance chateau houses a collection of antique oil paintings, hunting trophies, and a paneled drawing room with a fireplace. The rooms are decorated with four-poster beds or canopies, often with pieces of furniture dating back to the 16th- 18th century. The hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, elected "Table de qualité" by Alain Ducasse, offers Loire cuisine and menus of excellent quality. (On the occasion the restaurant is closed, we shall be dining at the equally superb Restaurant Le 36.)

Night 3: Hotel Luccotel

Set above the medieval town of Loches, this hotel offers an indoor pool, a sauna, a surrounding park, tennis courts, and boules, playroom for children, and a game room. Its restaurant Les Terrasses is well-known in the area and invites you to discover fresh and innovative cuisine, using local produce. It also boasts an excellent selection of wines from the Loire and other parts of France.

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Nights 4 & 5: Hotel le Grand Monarque

This ancient post stage from the 18th century is now a charming boutique hotel. Dark tones and exposed beams are set off by the white stonework. The rooms are individually decorated

with charm and character. This hotel offers you a pleasant stay and relaxation and its courtyard, with its centennial trees, is an oasis of peace. Its restaurant offers honest, genuine French cuisine.

Night 6: Chateau de Beaulieu

Recognized for the beauty and charm of its 18th-century architecture, Chateau de Beaulieu is an oasis of tranquility, hidden away in the countryside, and has welcomed guests for rest and relaxation since it became a hotel in 1976. You’ll nevertheless be near the bustling old town of Tours. The chateau and its bedrooms are attractively decorated in traditional French style. You’ll also enjoy the terrace and surrounding park as well as the Magnolia Spa.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 6 Arrival and Departure

Prior to the trip, arrive at your own convenience in Paris. On Day 1, we will meet you in the lobby of Grand Hotel Bedford (8th arrondissement) in Paris at 8:30 a.m. After a transfer to Blois, the cycling begins. After breakfast on Day 7, we take you to the airport, train station, or the hotel of your choice in Paris (three hour transfer).

2015 Trip Price Trip Length Host City from 7 days/6 nights Paris, France Dates $3,398 / adult Airport Code: 6/21 - 6/27 ($580 single CDG or ORY 7/19 – 7/25 supplement) 8/16 – 8/22 $2,718 / child

Reservations & Availability 1-800-575-1540 [email protected]

What Our Guests Say

 “Just an awesome time that I wish never ended! I loved both of our guides, Axel and Dennis! Each had their own approach and both worked hard to keep us safe, tuned-in and laughing.”– LaJuanda D., Kingstowne, VA

 “We enjoyed our trip immensely. We returned to our busy lives and realized how much of a long-term benefit vacationing with Austin is. I love having Austin take care of us. Then we can go home to take care of our lives!” – Im-Jung K., Porter Ranch, CA

 “With Ron as your guide there’s always something unexpected that makes the trip so special and memorable. Everything was great!” – Don H., Greensboro, GA