Biking through a Loire Valley Wine Tour

Day One

• Morning arrival at the Tours or St. Pierre des Corps train station and private transfer to your first cooking class at a local cooking atelier. (Try to arrive by 9 am!) The chefs of the boutique Atelier are all passionate about French cuisine and will show you the secrets of their craft. You will met in les Halles (a covered market), where the chef will assist you in choosing the ingredients you will cook with later. Then, return to the workshop for the cooking class, followed by the meal. Lunch to follow based on your efforts, of course with Loire Valley wines.
• Next, private transfer to your hotel in Amboise, home for your Loire Valley biking tour. Explore the town on your own a bit, perhaps with a visit to the nearby Clos Lucé, the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci.
• This evening, meet for a bike orientation. You will be provided with a quality bicycle or e-bike, detailed maps, theft protection, handler bag, complete flat tire set, helmets, itineraries, and 2 bags, directly at your hotel.
• Dinner on your own and overnight.

Day Two

• After breakfast, start out on your first Loire Valley bike tour, a flat and easy ride.(We recommend you download the Geovolo app – Geovolo is a free app, to create your bike itinerary).
• You will pass by the Parc Mini Chateaux before reaching the grounds of the Chateau of Chenonceau, one of the most famous Chateaux of the valley. Chenonceau is also called the “Chateau des Dames,” for the great female figures who lived there, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Be sure to check out its beautiful gardens. You will have time to visit the Chateau if you like before getting back on your bike. About a mile from the Chateau you will stop and park your bikes, then finish the morning’s journey by canoe. This 2-hour canoe ride will lead you under the castle itself.
• Lunch on your own.
• Bike back to Amboise for a visit of the Royal Castle of Amboise, formerly the residence to Charles VIII, and a young François d’Angouleme, who would become François I. Discover this perfect example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance architecture. Make sure to see the Saint Hubert Chapel, which holds the grave of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Dinner at your leisure.
• Overnight.

Day Three

• After breakfast, depart on your Loire Valley wine tour by bike. You have different options, you can see them with the Geovolo app.
• Your Loire Valley bike tour will focus on the Vouvray vineyards. Head for the other side of the Loire River and explore the gentle, verdant landscape on your way to your first winery in the Vouvray area, where you will enjoy a tasting in their cellar. Discover the various appellations, from the dry and austere to the sparkling. (We can provide an indication of additional wineries to visit on request. Tasting fees are around 19 euros per person, not included.)
• Return to Amboise via the Montlouis wine appellation region.
• Dinner at your leisure.
• Overnight in Amboise.

Day Four

• After breakfast, head out on your Loire Valley bike tour. You can choose between the routes on Geovolo App
• Today follow the Loire River for your visit of the Chateau of Chaumont. Originally built in the 10th Century, it was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt in the 15th Century by Charles I of Amboise. Among its former owners are Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers, and, later, Madame de Staël. 
• Lunch on your own in Chaumont.
• Bike back to Amboise through calm and peaceful country paths.
• Dinner on your own.
• Overnight in Amboise.

Day Five

• Breakfast check out.
• Private transfer back to Tours, where you will meet the chef for your next cooking class. You will prepare a menu including a starter, main dish, dessert, and tasting (local wines included). Lunch will follow based on your efforts.
• After lunch, private transfer to the train station. A bientôt!