Country: France

From the majestic Boulougne forest to the vineyards of Val de Loire, you will follow the footsteps of Louis XII and Catherine de Medici.  You will ride across rolling hills and fields of sunflowers to the steps of the most magnificent chateaux in France. Your experience in the Loire Valley is one that most tourists are not privy to.  This special horseback riding vacation features overnight accommodations in chateaux, castle and hotel giving you a feel for all that the Loire Valley is and has been over its incredible and long history. 

Itinerary:Day 1: Sunday
Transfer from the Blois train station to Château des Grotteaux, near Chambord.
Day 2: Monday
After riding through the majestic Russy forest, you will enter the front path of the Château de Beauregard. Your guide will lead you to Beauregard’s famous Gallerie de Illustres untouched since the 17th century. You will then ride through the countryside to visit Chaumont garden or Château de Cheverny. You will enjoy a gourmet dinner and accommodation at the newly renovated Château de Grotteaux, the smallest of the great castles.
Day 3: Tuesday
You will ride through the Boulogne forest to the Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley’s largest castle constructed by King Francois I so he could be near his mistress the Comtesse de Thoury. Then your trail will take you to the small 16th century, Château de Villesavin considered to be the gem of Loire Valley. You will end your evening with delightful entertainment at Château de Blois.
Day 4: Wednesday
Transfer to charming Château de L’isle near Chenonceau.
Day 5: Thursday
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. Wine tasting and a visit to the local caves is your afternoon entertainment.
Day 6: Friday
Your trail will take your along vineyards and the Amboise forest to Pagode de Chanteloup, which features a delightful garden and Chinese style pagoda. After lunch on the Pagode’s lawn, you will travel to Château d’Amboise, the site of the origin of the French formal garden and then to the last house of Leonardo da Vinci, Clos Luce. A gourmet dinner in Amboise and a night show at Château de Chenonceau completes your wonderful day.
Day 7: Saturday
After breakfast, transfer to train station for your journey home.

Dates: Sunday through Saturday, July 7 - 11,  August 15 -21, October 3 - 10.
Length of ride: 4 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:$2,892 p.p. double, $804 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