* About the location: The Loire is rich not only in medieval, Renaissance and classical chateux, it has an abundant production of agriculture. From the superb salmon in the Loire River to the valley's Atlantic side, which produces grapes for wonderful wine, you will be treated to incredible food and drink. Amboise is located on the banks of the Loire and in the center of vineyards. This charming town, nestled between impressive chateaux, has a colorful main market street reserved for pedestrians, and the essence of a provincial French town is captured in this lively thoroughfare. Unlike some of the commercial towns of the Loire valley, this is still a real Renaissance town, its beauty attracting many celebrities (Mick Jagger owns a small chateau in the area). Blois is a little town with a famous château, which is piece of living history, and enjoys a scenic setting on the right bank of the Loire.
* About the bike riding: The Loire Valley is a very scenic and pastoral location for easy to moderate bicycle riding. This is a self-guided riding tour, and you will be equipped with all the necessary equipment, maps and itineraries.
* About the lessons: Your lessons will be with two outstanding Michelin chefs. Chef Christophe Cosme, of restaurant "Au Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs," was trained in fine restaurants throughout France. Chef Garanger, of "Le Medicis", was trained in Michelin star restaurants in the Loire valley, Paris and Burgundy. Both will lead you in hands-on lessons in the cuisine of the region.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 5 miles.
* Check-in at your 4* Chateau hotel in Amboise. Amboise is a Royal city located in the center of the Loire Valley, where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last years of his life at the invitation of King Francois 1st. The quality bicycles, maps and equipment will be ready for you at the hotel. You will be provided with a local contact should you need assistance.
* For this first day, we recommend a visit of the city and its monuments. You might Consider the Chateau of Amboise, built in the 15th and 16th centuries. This authentic royal castle introduces Italian style to the Loire valley; you can breathe in the past in this historical place thanks to the presence of an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furnishings. In the Saint-Hubert chapel, the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci has recently been elegantly restored.
* Or, perhaps a visit to Chateau du Clos Lucé. This Manor was the last residence of the Leonardo Da Vinci. You will discover in the Manor and the gardens some of his inventions, such as the helicopter, the parachute, the mobile bridge, and the tank.
* To end the afternoon, you are welcomed at the "Caves Duhard" winery. This winery faces the Loire River and is located between the center of Amboise and your hotel. The winery was established in 1874 and specializes in mature Loire Valley wines. Of course, you will get to taste the new vintages after a visit of the cave!
* Gourmet dinner at the hotel, with accommodation in a Prestige room of the Chateau.
Day 2: 20 miles.
* After a hearty breakfast, you will head toward the center of Amboise and follow the bicycle signs towards Chenonceaux, cycling on quiet roads though the forest and vineyards. Chenonceau is certainly the most romantic Chateau of the Loire Valley. It was once offered by King Henry II to his Mistress Diane de Poitiers, and you can appreciate the quality of its Renaissance furniture and French gardens.
* On the way back to Amboise, take the opportunity to stop at the "Mini Chateaux" park, where you can explore the Loire's most prestigious castles in miniature. The exceptional quality of the reproductions, laid out among trees along a route stretching for 1.5 kilometers, allows you to enter another dimension, venturing right into the historical heart of the Loire Valley.
* Gourmet diner at the hotel, accommodation in a Prestige room of the Chateau.
Day 3: 21 miles.
* Check-out after breakfast (your luggage is transfered to Blois).
* Your first cooking lesson is scheduled for 4:00 pm in Blois, so time your day accordingly. Friday is the market day in Amboise, where you likely want to stop in town to shop and discover local specialties. Then head toward Blois, which is located by the Loire River, east of Amboise, 35 kilometers away. Follow the Loire River on the South bank in the direction of Chaumont in Loire. Cross the River in Chaumont to the North side of the bank and continue toward Blois on the cycling road by the river.
* Ideally you should check in to your accommodation ("La Petite Fugue," or or "Le Medicis") by 3:30 pm.
* At 4.00 PM you are welcomed by the Chef of "Au Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs," a 1* Michelin restaurants less than 100 meters away from your luxury guest house. The Chef, Christophe Cosme, was trained in excellent restaurants in France such as Bernard Loiseau 3*Michelin "Martinez" in Cannes, "Le Palais in Biarritz," and "Royal Club Evian." The recipes depend on the season and on the fresh products available at the market. The cooking lesson ends at 6:00 pm. You may return to your guest house for a little rest.
* Dinner is booked at the gastronomic restaurant "Au Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs," and you may confirm the time for dinner at the end of the cooking lesson.
Day 4:
* It is Blois market day! Take the opportunity to discover the magical ambiance of a French Market.
* After the market, free time in Blois to visit the Royal Chateau and Magic Museum or to shop.
* Your three-hour cooking lesson starts at approximately 4:00 p.m. at Le Médicis. You will prepare a complete three-course menu consisting of gourmet recipes based on seasonal ingredients.
* Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of the dishes you have prepared.
* Dinner to follow and overnight.
Day 5:
* Breakfast and end of the tour.
(An extra day and night is possible on request to cycle towards the world-famous Chateau of Chambord. Chambord was the very first Chateau of the Valley to be proclaimed by UNESCO as a world heritage. It was ordered in 1519 by King Francois the 1st to Leonardo Da Vinci and his architects. The circuit is 30 miles long. Dinner, aperitif, wines and night at La Petite Fugue available to round out the day. Please inquire for price.)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Four nights 3* and 4* accommodations
- Two hands on cooking classes
- All dinners
- High quality bicycles, maps, and equipment
- Transfer of luggage and on site assistance
* Note: Wine not included with meals.
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