On the paths of kings past, you will retrace their steps as you ride to the 15th century Chaumont sur Loire Castle, the Amboise Castle, Chenonceau, the “Castle of the Ladies”, and 17th Century Cheverny castle, Chambord Castle, the largest of Francois I. This ride will allow you to immerse yourself into the wonders of Renaissance life.

Day 1:
Transfer from the Blois train station to your hotel next to the station.

Day 2:
You will ride through fields towards the banks of the Loire River near Cande sur Beuvron. After a picnic on the grounds of the Chaumont sur Loire castle, you will learn ote the quarrel between Queen Catherine de Medicis and her rival Diane de Poitiers, mistress of King Henry II over this 15th century fortress. Meadow trails will then lead the ride to Rilly sur Loire where you will spend the night in Chaumont. 

Day 3:
Your trail will take your along vineyards and grain fields to the verdant Amboise forest where you will visit the Château d’Amboise, the site of the origin of the French formal garden castle. After a picnic lunch in the courtyard, your horse will carry you to the picturesque Herserie castle where you will dine and lodge.  

Day 4:
You will ride along the banks of the beautiful Cher River. Lunch will be enjoyed in the Château de Chenonceau and the gardens of Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. Catherine spent a fortune renovating this château for her spectacular parties. The first fireworks display in France took place here to the mark the crowning of Catherine’s son, Francis II. Your ride will continue along the river to Château de Nitray. This château’s pretty rose garden and large landscaped garden à l’anglaise, is entrance to one of the most beautiful paths in Tourraine, followed in times past by Chopin, Balzac and Georges Sand. Then the ride continues across the rolling landscape covered with renown vineyards of the Touraine appellation to Montrichard .

Day 5:
The ride begins along the river Cher to the Roman vestiges of Thesee. Wine tasting and lunch at a wine producer follows. After an invigorating gallop along scenic trails, you will arrive in Chemery where you will lodge in a 12th century medieval castle.

Day 6:
You will follow ancient forest trails for a picnic on the 15th century Cheverny Castle grounds.  Your horse will then carry you to quaint village of Bracieux where you will spend the night at Hotel du Cygne.

Day 7:
The ride will journey through the estate lands of the Chambord Castle for a picnic and visit. The buidling was deemed a precursor to Versailles because of its immense dimensions. The day ends at Saint Gervais la Foret near Blois.

Day 8:
After breakfast, transfer to Blois train station for your journey home.

Dates: June 10-17, June 17-24, August 24-30, September 1-8
Length of ride: 6 days
Meeting point: Blois train station
Ability level: Walk, trot, canter
Horse: French cross breeds
Group size: 5 – 8
Saddles: English
Non-riding activity: Golfing
Hotel/s: 3*** Chateaux and Bed and Breaksfasts
Price per person:$2,220 p.p. double, $275 single supplement

*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in Euros. The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.

Includes: 6 nights accommodations, 4 days guided trail rides, all meals, horse, tack, guide, luggage transfers, transfer to and from train station, tax and tours.
Not included: Air fare, transfer to Château de I’Isle