Page 17 - World Expeditions: Active Europe - Sherpa Expeditions

HOTEL / GUESTHOUSE / B&B TOUR CODE: JLV
Explore vineyards and chateaux as you walk through
history in the Loire Valley
The Loire, France’s longest river, glides peacefully between the grand
chateaux and vineyards that line its banks. This is the historic heart of
France, its Valley of the Kings. There are so many chateaux and historic sites
to visit, so many wines and fine meals to enjoy that the pace of our walks is
leisurely, like the gentle undulating terrain that is as easy on the legs as on
the eyes. The novelist Balzac said he loved Touraine as an artist loves art,
and we are sure that you’ll adore it too. Our route takes in the chateaux at
Amboise, Chenonceau where the castle spans the River Cher, and Azay le
Rideau. Explore the vineyards and taste the wines of Touraine, Chinon and
Saumur or visit the Gardens of Love at Villandry. The walks in the valleys of
the Indre, the Cher and the Vienne are as gloriously peaceful and rewarding
as the man‑made attractions of the Loire valley.
Vineyard Trails of the Loire
8 DAY SELF GUIDED WALK GRADE 2
Walking through vineyards in th e Loire Valley | D Da rra ult
Saumur St-Benoît-la-Forêt
Amboise
France
EXPLORE EUROPE YOURWAY
HOTEL TOUR CODE: ULV
An inspirational journey by bike from the heart of the Loire
River Valley to the rugged Atlantic coast
An epic cycle journey of over 500km following the banks of the Loire
River from Orléans to the Atlantic Coast, following the new cycling path
'Loire à vélo'. Discover the royal valley as you cycle along the majestic
river where thousands of treasures await including numerous chateaux,
wonderful landscapes and regional gastronomic delights. Discover the
charms of the Western part of the Loire valley: from Angers all the way
to Le Croisic. A chance to visit the typical countryside of vineyards and
chateaux, of salterns and marshes, and to finally 'take the plunge' into
the Atlantic Ocean at Le Croisic.
Cycle the Loire ‑ Orléans
to the Atlantic Coast
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive in Orléans 2 | Cycle to Beaugency (26km) 3 | Cycle
via Chambord to Blois (46km) 4 | Follow the Loire River to Amboise (39km)
5 | Explore Amboise, cycle to Tours (25 or 31km) 6 | Cycle via Villandry to Azay le
Rideau (41km) 7 | Continue past chateaux to Chinon (32 or 35km) 8 | Cycle past
the abbey of Fontevraud toSaumur (36or 48km) 9| Followthe river and continue
through vineyards en route to Angers (57km) 10 | Cycle via the confluence of the
Loire and Layon rivers to Montjean or Ingrandes sur Loire (37km) 11 | Continue
along the banks of the Loire to Champtoceaux (40km) 12 | A contrast from the
rural landscapes to the city of Nantes (32km) 13 | Cycle along marshland to St
Brévin (59km) 14 | Continue to Le Croisic (46 or 50km) 15 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 14 breakfasts, 14 dinners Ξ 14 nights in 2‑3 star hotels on
a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3‑4 star hotels ‑ supplement
applies) Ξ luggage transfer Ξ information pack including route notes, maps and
tourist information per room Ξ 21 speedmens or ladies bike (electric bike available
on request ‑ supplement applies) equipped with
two panniers, helmet, anti‑theft device,
bike computer, map holder and repair kit
Ξ taxi or bus transfer from St Brévin to
St Nazaire Ξ emergency hotline
NOTES: See our website for our new
cycle route ‑ 7 days, Nevers to Orléans.
15 DAY SELF GUIDED CYCLE GRADE 2
Orléans
Le Croisic
Angers Amboise
Saumur
France
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive Amboise 2 | Walk through the Foret
d'Amboise to Chenonceau (4hrs) 3 | Transfer to Reignac, then walk
along the valley to Montbazon (6-7hrs) 4 | Walk along the banks of
the Indre to Azay-le-Rideau (5.5hrs) 5 | Visit the chateau of Azay, then
continue to the tiny village of St Benoit-la-Foret (7-8hrs) 6 | Visit the
Jeanne d'Arc museum, then cross the river Vienne and walk to the abbey
of Fontevraud (4hrs) 7 | Walk to Montsoreau, at the confluence of the
Vienne and the Loire, continue through vineyards to Saumur (5hrs)
8 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners Ξ 7 nights accommodation in a
mixture of 2‑3 star hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite
facilities where available Ξ luggage transfer Ξ information pack including
route notes & maps Ξ emergency hotline
| 17 >> for detailed trip notes visit >> utracks.com
DATES 2015
EveryWednesday, Friday & Sunday
from 15 Mar to 24 Oct
Joining Amboise
DATES 2015
Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct
Joining Orléans