Self-Guided Cycling: Loire Gastronomic Cycling - France Holiday

Essential Information

Trip Profile

Average daily distance: 32km (20 miles).
No. of days cycling: 5 including 2 optional rides.
Vehicle support: A local representative is a phone call away should you need assistance whilst riding, luggage is transferred between hotels for you.
Terrain and route: the suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads with a few sections on dirt roads. The terrain is mainly flat so ideal for first timers or those who have not cycled for a while.

Accommodation

All hotels have been specially selected for their warm welcome, location and regional cuisine. They are classed as premium based on these specifics in addition to the star rating. On this trip we use two 3-star hotels and one 4-star hotel with a swimming pool; all have en suite facilities.

Food

6 breakfasts and 6 dinners included. This is a gastronomic tour so the food it central to your experience.

Reality Check

Cycling conditions This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Grade: A (Please see the introductory pages of the Cycling Brochure for more important information on classification and grading).

Please note that the average distance given here is the average of the shortest routes. Alternative routes, which are longer distances, are also shown in the detailed route notes that are provided before departure.

Normal group size and age

Self guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided. Local representative on hand to assist if needed. Minimum age 14.

Icons explained

Self-Guided trips are only available to cycling enthusiasts in Europe. These holidays are the perfect choice for those who like to travel independently and at your own pace, yet still benefit from our quality research, back-up and support. We'll arrange your accommodation, provide you with detailed maps and route notes, and transport your bags from one hotel to the next.

If you can ride a bike and enjoy gentle exercise then these are an ideal introduction to a cycling holiday. Unfortunately no routes are entirely flat, so expect some short climbs and descents. Maximum daily height gain is approximately 250 metres and daily distances rarely exceed 50 kms (32 miles), often any longer days are optional.

Exodus is always looking to improve our current itineraries and to offer something different. With many new trips this year, there is something unique and different to try every year.

Special Interest: For those who have a passion for archaeology, food, flowers, languages or yoga. Solar eclipse and Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) departures and specialist conservation holidays are also included.

Relaxed Itinerary: A range of itineraries seeking out intriguing and off the-beaten-path destinations in a little extra comfort!

Cycling: Our cycling holidays come in all shapes and sizes; from gentle self-guided trips in the Veneto, to tackling the High Atlas in Morocco, or exploring the length of Vietnam.

Culture: Let Exodus show you a different side to many of the world's greatest cultural attractions.