CASTLES OF THE LOIRE - FRANCE

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Ride along the routes of Kings from times past. Starting at Blois we visit its superb castle before discovering the castles of Chaumont sur Loire, the residence of Catherine of Medici, of Chenonceau, called the castle of the Ladies, of Cheverny at the start of the Sologne region, and of Chambord, the most immense of them all. You will overnight one night in the castle of Chemery. This castle, dating from the 12th century, has a medieval atmosphere, and there you will enjoy a candlelit dinner washed down with wines from the Loire Valley. Along with faster than average riding on fit Anglos Arab horses, this is a journey of discovery not to be missed.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride only price 2009: £1,359 Departure dates 2009: 5, 12 Jul; 8, 2, 16 Aug; 3, 10 Oct. Approximate riding time per day 4-6hrs Riding ability required confident at a walk trot and canter Group size 1-8 Meeting point (getting there) Hotel St Jacques, Blois There are frequent trains from Paris to Blois (2hrs) or Tours to Blois (under an hour). Transfer the hotel is a 50 metre walk from Blois train station. Flight guide London - Tours from £50 with Ryanair London - Paris from £90 Single supplement 2009: none if willing to share, otherwise £225

SAMPLE ITINERARY - CASTLES OF THE LOIRE

Day 1
Arrival and transfer (not included) from Blois station to Hotel St Jacques. Please note check in is not until 15.00. The hotel is situated about 50 metres from Blois train station.

Day 2
After breakfast at 8am we prepare the horses and depart around 10 o’clock for 15th century Chaumont castle. We stop for a picnic on the banks of the river Beuvron. After the picnic and siesta we visit the castle and arrive at our hotel for the night, La Haute Borde, at the end of the afternoon. 4 hrs riding.

Day 3
Breakfast at 8 o’clock again and today we ride alongside the Loire River to reach the forest of Amboise where we visit the castle there. After a good afternoon ride we spend the night at the small castle La Herserie. 5hrs riding.

Day 4
Breakfast at the usual 8 o’clock, leave around 9.30 riding in the direction of the famous castle of Chenonceau, complete with renaissance architecture. The days are now starting to take on a pleasant routine of leisurely breakfast, morning ride along varying terrain at all paces, extended picnic (brought by a vehicle) with comfortable seating and shade provided, short siesta, castle visit, more riding before reaching our destination. Today time in the saddle is about 5 hrs.

Day 5
Breakfast at 8 o’clock, then leave riding in the direction of Montrichard. We picnic close to the castle Gué Péan. In the afternoon we continue over the hills to the castle of Chemery, built in the 12th century. Dinner in the old castle and overnight in medieval surroundings. Now that we are becoming fitter we enjoy about 6 hrs riding in the day.

Day 6
Breakfast at 8 o’clock, then we head for the castle of Cheverny through the forest. We visit the castle after the picnic, arrive at Bracieux at the end of the afternoon where we spend the night at hotel du Cygne. 6 rhs riding.

Day 7
Breakfast at 8 o’clock, head towards the castle of Chambord where we stop for a picnic and a visit. We end the day at Saint Gervais la Foret, near to Blois. We spend the night at hotel St Jacques. 6 hrs riding. 

Day 8
With a new appreciation of the castles of the Loire and the history of this fascinating area, not to mention stunning pictures and memories, you leave for the train station after breakfast about 9.30.

Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The weight limit for this ride is 18 st/253 lb/115 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All meals, wine with dinner, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, translator, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary, water bottle on day 1 which must then be looked after and filled up for consecutive days.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Transport to the meeting point, International travel, single supplement if required, alcoholic and canned drinks other than wine with dinner, items of a personal nature and gratuities.

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