Walk into the heart of Angers for a private tour of its old historical downtown. Explore the cathedral, the medieval fortress with its unique apocalypse tapestry and the many examples of fine Romanesque architecture including the abbeys at Saint Aubin and Ronceray.

Bike along traffic-free cycle trails leading through ancient slate mines and abandoned open-air quarries of Trélazé. Ride to the outskirts of Saumur where we’ll stop for a visit in one of the famous sparkling wine cellars followed by a tasting. Reconvene later for a cruise down the Loire in a traditional wooden boat.

Ride through the vineyards of Saumur-Champigny wine appellation, stopping en route at the small vineyard Le Clos d’entre les Murs to witness a vine-growing technique so unique it has been classified as a heritage monument. Continue on to the village of Fontevraud for lunch and a guided visit of the town’s monumental abbey.

Ride from the village of Montsoreau through the Vienne River valley to reach the medieval town of Chinon. Pause for lunch at a traditional restaurant and embark on a guided discovery walk through the narrow cobbled streets of the town. Later, enjoy a wine tasting before dinner in the royal dining room of Clos de Chavigny.

Cross the Vienne River and pass the wine-growers villages of Cravant les Coteaux and Panzoult to reach Crissay-sur-Manse. Pause for lunch before riding to Villaines-les-Rochers, a village famous for its basketry. Later, visit Azay le Rideau, a château set on an island in the middle of the Indre River.

Visit the spectacular Renaissance gardens of the Château Villandry this morning before lunch at l’Étape gourmande. This afternoon, explore Chenonceau Château, Amboise Château, Chaumont-sur-Loire or the Clos Lucé (where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last two years of his life).