Travel Type
Guided Tours
Duration
7 Days/6 Nights
Country
France
Exotik Experiences by Intrepid Travel
Since 1989, Intrepid Travel has been redefining the way we explore the world, creating meaningful, positive change through unforgettable small group journeys. From active adventures to comfort and premium experiences, there’s a style (and budget) for every type of traveler. Imagine immersive travel in over 100 countries, intimate groups of 12–14 participants and the insight of a passionate English-speaking local leader bringing each destination to life. Authentic. Responsible. Unforgettable. Now you may contact your travel advisor to arrange your Intrepid departure while benefiting from the full range of Exotik Journeys services. These include personalized assistance, flight arrangements with stopover options, and the possibility to combine additional destinations or countries. We can also help you create a private group experience tailored to you, your family, or your friends.
Tour Specifications
– Group size: 1 to 15
– Minimum age: 14 years old
– Style: Original (Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time.)
– Theme: Cycling
– Physical rating: 3/5 (This trip will raise your heart rate. Moderate physical activities are included, and a good level of fitness is required.)
Inclusions
– 6-night accommodation in double occupancy in tourist class hotels 3* or similar
– 6 meals: 6 breakfasts
– English-speaking guide
– Bicycle rental (e-bike option available, subject to availability) and support vehicle
– Visits as per itinerary
Exclusions
International flights and airport taxes – Visa if required – Airport transfers – Gratuities to hotel, guides and drivers – Lunches and dinners – Beverages – Optional excursions – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Additional Information
Please note that you can book thousands of experiences from Intrepid Travel itineraries via Exotik Journeys. There are different travel styles (basix, original, comfort, premium) as well as varying levels of physical activity (from 1 to 5), suitable for every type of traveler. Please ask your travel agent to contact Exotik Journeys for more information or to make a reservation.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN BLOIS
Bonjour! Welcome to Blois, the gateway to the Loire Valley beautifully situated on the banks of the Loire River. With no activities planned today, you are free to arrive at any time but ensure you can make an important 6 pm welcome meeting with your group leader and fellow cyclists. Before then, Blois is free for you to explore. Why not head to the Chateau Royal de Blois, or the serene St Vincent de Paul Church, or simply wander the old streets of this charming provincial city.
Accommodation : Blois for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 BLOIS
This morning you’ll begin your cycling adventure through the Loire Valley. After a quick a bicycle fitting, then take a leisurely ride along the banks of the serene Loire River on a dedicated bike-only path to the small riverside town of Saint-Dye-sur-Loire. From here turn inland and ride along narrow tree-lined country roads to the palatial Chateau de Chambord. This beautiful palace, commissioned by Francois I and whose design was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, is a sight to behold, with a central structure adorned with multiple chimneys and sculpted capitals on its terraces. After you’ve explored the palace and its manicured gardens, cycle back along quiet roads through flat pastures and return to Blois for the evening. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local chocolatery for a tasting before heading back to Blois, adding a delicious treat to your scenic ride.
Cycling distance: approx. 42 km / 26 miles, mostly flat then undulating away from the river, with approx. 160 m / 525 ft of elevation gain.
Meals : Breakfast
3
DAY 3 BLOIS - AMBOISE
This morning, consider the option of visiting another grand building: Chateau de Cheverny ($). If you would like to take a visit inside, please let your group leader know the day before, as earlier travel arrangements are necessary to take this optional visit. Your cycling begins by riding along the scenic plateau before descending to the Cher River, where the iconic Château de Chenonceau awaits. This enchanting château stretches gracefully across the river, with its elegant architecture and manicured gardens creating a storybook setting. Rather than exploring inside, you’ll glide beneath the bridge in a kayak, enjoying a unique perspective of the château from the water, surrounded by the serene beauty of the countryside, a truly magical and unforgettable experience. After your visit, cycle through the Amboise Forest, rejoining the Loire River as you arrive in the charming riverside town of Amboise for the evening. Upon arrival, enjoy a wine tasting to unwind and sample some of the region’s finest offerings. If you’d like to explore more châteaux, consider visiting Château du Clos Lucé ($), where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. Now a small museum, its grounds showcase working models of his ingenious designs and are within easy walking or cycling distance from the town center.
Cycling distance: approx. 68 km / 42miles, mostly flat with a couple of small downhill sections, with approx. 350 m / 1150 ft of elevation gain.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Amboise for 1 night
Optional Excursions :
Chateau de Cheverny ($)
Chateau de Chenonceau ($)
Chateau du Clos Lucé ($)
4
DAY 4 AMBOISE - VILLANDRY
Continue to hug the Loire River as it gently makes it way downstream to the Vouvray vineyards. This wine region is almost exclusively dedicated to chenin blanc, and with its naturally high acidity, the wines produced here age very well. Continue cycling to Tours, cutting across the river on your way to the Chateau de Villandry, arguably the Loire Valley’s most famous chateau. Wander through the vast gardens of perfectly curated gardens and the beautiful U-shaped castle. With time to explore, be sure to stop and smell the roses in these beautiful surroundings.
Cycling distance: approx. 51 km / 32 miles, mostly flat, with approx. 210 m / 690 ft of elevation gain.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Villandry for 1 night
5
DAY 5 VILLANDRY - SAUMUR
Be ready for a longer, but not overly challenging, day of cycling. Begin your ride from Villandry along the banks of Loire River to the Chateau d’Ussé that Charles Perrault took as inspiration for his castle in the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Opt to visit the castle and grounds ($) before continuing cycling downstream through two beautifully classic French villages, Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, both perched on the riverside. In Montsoreau cycle past the old troglodyte part of the village where you can see homes, doors and windows cut directly into the cliff before finishing your ride ion the charming town of Saumur. Park your bike and take to the water on a short but sweet small boat river cruise. Remember to toast the moment with an include glass of exquisite local wine. The evening is free for you to explore Saumur’s cobblestoned streets, visit a sparkling wine cellar, or try out one of the fine-dining options in the medieval centre. Today’s ride is mostly flat, but be sure to enjoy a restful evening before another cycling day tomorrow.
Cycling distance: approx. 64km / 40 miles, mostly flat with a couple of small inclines, with approx. 180 m / 600 ft of elevation gain.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Saumur for 1 night
Optional Excursions : Chateau d’Usse ($)
6
DAY 6 SAUMUR - ANGERS
Continue your ride down France’s longest river, the Loire. Cycle from Saumur alongside the river for around 20 kilometres, then head inland to Brissac-Quincé, home to the tallest chateau in all of France. From here, descend gently back towards the Loire River and on to tonight’s destination: the beautiful and historically significant city of Angers. Upon arrival, enjoy a cheese tasting at a local fromagerie, savoring some of the region’s finest flavors. This evening, perhaps gather your cycling group together for dinner, tonight is definitely cause for celebration.
Cycling distance: approx. 57 km / 35 miles, mostly flat with a couple of small inclines, with approx. 310 m / 1010 ft of elevation gain.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Angers for 1 night
7
DAY 7 DEPARTURE FROM ANGERS
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time.
Meals : Breakfast
ORIGINAL CATEGORY HOTELS (APPROX. 3* EQUIVALENT)
Accommodation in the original category, equivalent to 3-star properties. These hotels provide comfortable, clean, and well-located stays with essential amenities. The focus is on practicality and local character rather than luxury, ensuring a pleasant and authentic experience throughout the journey.
| Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | Land Package |
| Fixed departures 2026-2027 **1 departure per month on Saturdays. Please contact your travel agent for more details** | Double Occupancy |
| July, 2026 | 3070 |
| September, 2026 | 3195 |
| October, 2026 | 3070 |
| April, May, 2027 | 3185 |
| June, July, 2027 | 3035 |
| August, 2027 | 3185 |
| September, October, 2027 | 3035 |
| Supplements | |
| Single occupancy or solo traveler | On request |
| Optional excursions | On request |
Product Code: Intrepid (AMXL)
*These are standard rates; however, promotions are available throughout the year. Please contact your travel agent for the latest offers and special deal.
Special Booking Conditions:
– Non-refundable deposit of $500 per person due at the moment of reservation.
– Non-refundable final payment due 60 days prior to departure.
Special notes
Please note that you can book thousands of experiences from Intrepid Travel itineraries via Exotik Journeys. There are different travel styles (basix, original, comfort, premium) as well as varying levels of physical activity (from 1 to 5), suitable for every type of traveler. Please ask your travel agent to contact Exotik Journeys for more information or to make a reservation.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Cycle the Loire Valley – Detailed itinerary
Cycle the Loire Valley – Detailed itinerary
