Compare Lake Garda & the Wines of Italy by Just Go! Holidays vs Cycle the Loire Valley by Intrepid Travel

Day 1:

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France.

Day 2:

Continue to our hotel in the Lake Garda area.

Day 3: Scenic Lake Garda

We enjoy a scenic tour around Lake Garda, one of Italy’s most spectacular lakes, admiring the magnificent views and elegant period villas, beautiful towns and villages dotted along its shoreline.

Day 4: Verona & Soave

We head first to Verona, one of Italy’s oldest cities. Forever associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Verona has much more to offer than the legendary balcony that lovers flock to from all over the world; the ancient Roman amphitheatre and majestic Piazza Brà are just some of the many must-see sights here.  Next is Soave, a small town enclosed by its medieval walls and dominated by its castle. It is also famous for the wines that come from the surrounding vineyards and we enjoy a visit of one of the local wine cellars followed by a tasting of these lovely wines.

Day 5:

Day at leisure

Day 6: Optional excursion to Venice (51)

Join us for an optional excursion to explore the unique city of Venice. Lining the canals are grand palazzos, many of them dating back to the 14th century, while other attractions include St Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs and of course the gondolas that ply their trade up and down the waterways.

Day 7: Valdobbiadene & Villa Sandi

We travel to Valdobbiadene, famous as the capital of the sparkling prosecco wine, set in lovely wine-producing countryside. We visit Villa Sandi, a beautiful Palladian-style villa where for generations the ancient tradition of winemaking has been handed down from father to son. After a visit of the villa and underground cellars, we are treated to a chilled glass of prosecco. Afterwards, there’s time at leisure in Valdobbiadene before heading back to our hotel.

Day 8: Bardolino

This afternoon we visit Bardolino, located on Lake Garda’s eastern shore. Once a fishing village, this popular resort is well known for the production of the famous Bardolino wine that comes from the surrounding vineyards and we are treated to a visit of the traditional cellars followed by a tasting of wines and local cheeses.

Day 9:

Travel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.

Day 10:

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.

Day 1 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.

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 on quiet roads and past flat pasture and return to Blois for the evening.

Day 3 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 plateau and down to the Cher River, where you’ll arrive at Chateau de Chenonceau, and this one’s pretty special. The chateau is set over water, spanning the Cher River, with its gardens to one side of the banks. You will have included entry to explore this beautiful building, admiring the perfect gardens, classic features and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s true fairy tale stuff. After your visit, cycle through the Amboise Forest, re-joining the Loire River at your stop for the evening: the delightful riverside town of Amboise. If you want to see some more chateaux, why not head to Chateau du Clos Luce, the place where Leonardo de Vinci spent the last three years of his life. It is currently a small museum, with grounds that show some working models of his designs and is within walking (or cycling) distance of the main town.

Day 4 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. Stop in for a vineyard visit, then continue cycling on 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.

Day 5 Saumur

Be ready for a longer - but not overly challenging - day of cycling (approximately 60 kilometres). Begin your ride from Villandry along the banks of Loire River to the Château 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.

Day 6 Angers

Continue your ride down France’s longest river – the Loire. Ride from Saumur alongside the river for around 20 kilometres, then head inland to Brissac-Quince, home to the tallest chateau in all of France. From here, descend gently towards the Loire River and to tonight’s destination: the beautiful and historically significant city of Angers. This evening, perhaps gather your cycling group together for dinner – tonight is definitely cause for celebration.

Day 7 Angers

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. However, if you wish to spend more time in Angers, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).