The Loire is the perfect region to discover by bike. Outside of the fact that it is a beautiful region of the country as well as having a great infrastructure of flat untrafficked roads and cycling paths, there is such an abundance of fantastic sites to see. Magnificent castles and towns are generally within an easy ride from each other which makes it easy to experience the richness of the region on two wheels. The only difficulty becomes having to choose which sites to spend the most time at, in order to be able to fill your eyes and your senses with as much of this "Playground of the Kings" as possible! Before embarking on your biking trip you will be fully briefed and equiped with maps, route notes and restaurant recommendations and any bike adjustments will be made. Then you can take off and discover the wonders of this region on this self-guided biking tour.

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

There are so many things to do and see in Paris it is hard to know where to start! Within the city you can choose from any number of private guided tours - of neighbourhoods or places of interest such as the Louvre or with a focus on architecture. Consider a few hours with a personal shopper, or a guided tour in a vintage car through one of the neighbourhoods. If you are interested in doing something further afield consider a day trip to Chatres, Giverny (known because of Monet's paintings), Versailles, Normandy or Burgundy. A fun way to spend an afternoon is by hot air balloon - this is possible to do in the Parisian countryside. Please ask your Sale Advisor if you are interested in any of these optional tours and activities.

Paris takes on a different hue at night and, with many of the magnificent buildings aglow which make it is possibly the best time to admire the beauty of the city. There are plenty of options to choose from for evening entertainment including an early evening wine tasting in a beautiful, airy Parisian loft of a French sommelier located close to the lively Marais district, a dinner cruise, a cabaret show, dinner in the Eiffel tower followed by a night-time cruise, or an evening tour of the city with many of the historical buildings aglow.

The Bel-Ami Hotel (4*) is found in the heart of Paris, on the left bank and in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres district, and is a stylish, contemporary design hotel which uses simple lines and bright, open spaces to maximum effect. Flattering lighting, natural materials and warm colours are added to provide an atmosphere of relaxed modern luxury. The hotel is within walking distance of the Seine, Latin Quarter, fashionable boutiques and piano and jazz bars. There is good public transport nearby.

Overnight at Bel-Ami (4*).

Your English speaking professional guide will meet you at your hotel for a tour of the local's Paris. As well as showing you the highlights of Paris (the city is very accessible on foot) your guide will tell you the history of the city and show you the city from a local's point of view.

NB: If you have a specific area of Paris you would be interested to explore let us know and we can request a specialist guide, along with adding a Metro Pass where necessary.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

This evening, after being picked up from your central hotel by coach, you will be escorted by an assistant and transferred to the Eiffel Tower, where you can view Paris from the first floor during your own private dinner at the restaurant Eiffel Tower 58. Dinner includes an aperitif, three course dinner, coffee and your choice of either 1/2 bottle of wine, mineral water (50cl), a beer or soda. Your assistant will then help you board the boat for your cruise along the river Seine, while you admire the monuments and bridges of the city known as the 'City of Light'.

Overnight at Bel-Ami (4*).

Tours is the capitol of the Indre-et-Loire département, on the lower reaches of the river Loire, between Orléans and the Atlantic coast. The buildings of Tours are white with blue slate (called Ardoise) roofs. Tours is famous for its original medieval district, called le Vieux Tours. Unique to the Old City are its preserved half-timbered buildings and la Place Plumereau, a square with busy pubs and restaurants, whose open-air tables fill the center of the square. The cathedral of Tours, is a spectacular centerpiece, and was begun about 1170.

Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.

Enjoy the train ride from Paris to Tours. There are typically numerous trains departing throughout the day, some of which are direct. Direct train travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

You will be met by our trip manager at the train station and be transfered to your first hotel.

At your hotel, you will receive your welcome package complete with maps and route notes and a list of restaurant recommendations. You will also have your bike adjusted if needs be by the trip manager. Once you are all set, you can explore Tours before your first dinner at leisure. The town's 12th century cathedral, with its gothic flamboyant facade is impressive, but also simply wander through old Tours, with its half-timbered houses and lively pubs and cafes.

The Hotel L'Univers**** is a 4-star hotel located in the city center of Tours. This hotel a unique place charged of History. Rockfeller, Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, Clémenceau, Gambetta, King Mohamed V, Antoine St Exupéry were among the famous guests the Hotel L'Univers Tours has greeted in the past. The Hotel L'Univers has 85 non-smoking rooms, 8 of which are suites. All the rooms are very spacious, and have a bureau and relaxation space. All the hotel is air-conditionned and the rooms are well-equipped with satellite TV and radios, bureau space, WiFi access, mini-bars, trouser press to make for a comfortable stay. Local specialities and French cuisine is served in La Touraine Restaurant in the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel de l`Univers (4*) .

The village of Langeais is within a site classified as World Cultural heritage of the Humanity proposing numerous playful and cultural activities, in this frame where peace and sweetness reign Touraine, you can visit the curiosities of the region: castles, museums, the cellars of Bourgueil, Chinon, Vouvray and more.

Your ride today will take you to the famous chateau and gardens of Villandry. This Renaissance castle is definitely overshadowed by the world-famous and exquisite gardens, considered by some to be the most beautiful in France. There are four different gardens in the grounds; the water gardens, ornamental flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and symbolic gardens. After taking time to visit, cycle on to Azay le Rideau, site of the chateau by the same name. Not one of the largest castles of the Loire, it is one of the prettiest, with the mix of Italian Renaissance style that was so popular, and the charm of a French castle on the water.

The Chateau de la Rochecotte(4*) is located right in the heart of the Loire valley between Tours and Saumur and boasts a magnificent 10 hectare landscaped garden. The aristocratic house dates from the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries, is charged with history, and consists of a main building with two wings each sheltering an enchanting interior courtyard framed by the surrounding hills. The large main stone facade hides two very beautiful dining rooms on the first floor, as well as several lounges of different styles and a Napoleon III library. The spacious rooms are pleasantly decorated in a XVIIIth century style with contemporary notes with a tendency towards the baroque. The property also has a large heated outdoor swimming pool, a very beautiful row of lime trees runs straight to the Castle, located at the edge of a forested domain. On the gastronomic side of things, you are sure to appreciate the delicious dishes served in the restaurant.

Overnight at Chateau de la Rochecotte (4*).

Chinon is a picturesque and historical town of Chinon is located on the banks of the river Vienne, 45 kilometers south of Tours in the heart of Touraine, which is called the "Garden of France. It was once the residence of the King of England, Henry II Plantagenet, when that part of France was under English rule.  The town boasts a magnificent castle above the town and river.

Today’s ride takes you through the countryside towards the Cher River which you follow up to Langeais. You soon reach the Château d’Ussé, the enchanting castle of Sleeping Beauty. Pass through the woods and the vineyards of the Chinon area – wine tasting is possible and recommended en route, in this region which is famous for its red wines! You arrive in the medieval town of Chinon with its enormous fortress overlooking yet another river, the Vienne River.

The Chateau de Marcay(4*) dates back to the 15th century and is in fact built on the ruins of an 11th century fortress. The property spans over 15 hectacres and includes outbuildings and a park planted with trees and vineyards. The castle has been operating as a luxury hotel since 1973 and has a total of 32 rooms. Some of the rooms have views to the park while others give onto the main courtyard. The rooms have been decorated in the Haute Epoque style. There is a gastronomic restaurant on site where cooking classes can also be arranged. Staying here, you will truly feel like a King or a Queen!

Overnight at Chateau de Marcay (4*).

The historic town of Saumur is located between the Loire and Thouet rivers, and is surrounded by the vineyards of Saumur itself, Chinon, Bourgueil, Coteaux du Layon, etc. which produce some of France's finest wines.

Across the peaceful countryside where famous medieval French author François Rabelais spent his youth, you reach the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the biggest abbeys of western Christendom. Discover the exceptional sites of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, two of the nationally rated Most Beautiful Villages of France. Ride across the Saumur-Champigny vineyards where wine tasting is recommended! This evening before your dinner, explore charming Saumur and its Château overlooking the Loire River.

Peacefully set in a four acre park, right in the midst of Saumur, the 10 bedroomed Chateau Verrieres(4*) has managed to retain its private mansion atmosphere, with its authentic decoration and its period furniture. Within a short walk, you will discover the pedestrian streets in old Saumur, historical houses built in tuffeau stone, and the lively activity of its traditional Saturday morning market. Every room is tastefully furnished and offers guests a and restful stay. The walls are fabric lined in material of the best quality and design while the high ceilings give a sense of space and luxury. The large windows allow light to flood into the bathrooms and the original ceramic tiles were commissioned for the chateau and are now reproduced by the manufacturer. There is no restaurant on site, but you are within a stone's throw of a number of options within the town of Saumur.

Overnight at Chateau de Verrieres (4*).

Avail of a private transfer between Saumur and Tours today. The journey should typically take about one hour.

Enjoy the train ride from Tours to Paris. There are typically numerous trains departing throughout the day, some of which are direct. Direct train travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to the city centre and 2 hours to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).