Compare Cycle the Loire Valley by Intrepid Travel vs French Canal Voyage by Barge: Discover Alsace-Lorraine by Road Scholar

Day 1 Blois

Bonjour! Welcome to Blois – the gateway to the Loire Valley beautifully situated on the banks of the Loire river. With no activities planned today, you are free to arrive at any time, but ensure you can make an important 6 pm welcome meeting with your group leader and fellow cyclists. Before then, Blois is free for you to explore. Why not head to the Chateau Royal de Blois, or the serene St Vincent de Paul Church, or simply wander the old streets of this charming provincial city.

Day 2 Blois

This morning you’ll begin your cycling adventure through the Loire Valley. After a quick a bicycle fitting, then take a leisurely ride along the banks of the serene Loire River on a dedicated bike-only path to the small riverside town of Saint-Dye-sur-Loire. From here turn inland and ride along narrow tree-lined country roads to the palatial Chateau de Chambord. This beautiful palace, commissioned by Francois I and whose design was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, is a sight to behold, with a central structure adorned with multiple chimneys and sculpted capitals on its terraces. After you’ve explored the palace and its manicured gardens, cycle back on quiet roads and past flat pasture and return to Blois for the evening.

Day 3 Amboise

This morning, consider the option of visiting another grand building: Chateau de Cheverny. If you would like to take a visit inside, please let your group leader know the day before, as earlier travel arrangements are necessary to take this optional visit. Your cycling begins by riding along the plateau and down to the Cher River, where you’ll arrive at Chateau de Chenonceau, and this one’s pretty special. The chateau is set over water, spanning the Cher River, with its gardens to one side of the banks. You will have included entry to explore this beautiful building, admiring the perfect gardens, classic features and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s true fairy tale stuff. After your visit, cycle through the Amboise Forest, re-joining the Loire River at your stop for the evening: the delightful riverside town of Amboise. If you want to see some more chateaux, why not head to Chateau du Clos Luce, the place where Leonardo de Vinci spent the last three years of his life. It is currently a small museum, with grounds that show some working models of his designs and is within walking (or cycling) distance of the main town.

Day 4 Villandry

Continue to hug the Loire River as it gently makes it way downstream to the Vouvray vineyards. This wine region is almost exclusively dedicated to chenin blanc, and with its naturally high acidity, the wines produced here age very well. Stop in for a vineyard visit, then continue cycling on to Tours, cutting across the river on your way to the Chateau de Villandry – arguably the Loire Valley’s most famous chateau. Wander through the vast gardens of perfectly curated gardens and the beautiful U-shaped castle. With time to explore, be sure to stop and smell the roses in these beautiful surroundings.

Day 5 Saumur

Be ready for a longer - but not overly challenging - day of cycling (approximately 60 kilometres). Begin your ride from Villandry along the banks of Loire River to the Château d'Ussé that Charles Perrault took as inspiration for his castle in the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Opt to visit the castle and grounds before continuing cycling downstream through two beautifully classic French villages – Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau – both perched on the riverside. In Montsoreau cycle past the old troglodyte part of the village where you can see homes, doors and windows cut directly into the cliff before finishing your ride ion the charming town of Saumur. Park your bike and take to the water on a short but sweet small boat river cruise – remember to toast the moment with an include glass of exquisite local wine. The evening is free for you to explore Saumur’s cobblestoned streets, visit a sparkling wine cellar, or try out one of the fine-dining options in the medieval centre. Today’s ride is mostly flat, but be sure to enjoy a restful evening before another cycling day tomorrow.

Day 6 Angers

Continue your ride down France’s longest river – the Loire. Ride from Saumur alongside the river for around 20 kilometres, then head inland to Brissac-Quince, home to the tallest chateau in all of France. From here, descend gently towards the Loire River and to tonight’s destination: the beautiful and historically significant city of Angers. This evening, perhaps gather your cycling group together for dinner – tonight is definitely cause for celebration.

Day 7 Angers

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. However, if you wish to spend more time in Angers, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Strasbourg, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Strasbourg

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

After you check in to the hotel and get your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Chartered Exclusively for Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. There will only be Road Scholar participants aboard the vessel. All port stops and field trips are subject to change as weather and river conditions may affect the itinerary. River conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Therefore, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Additionally, the time available in each port is set by the cruise line and the cruise line reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program in each port, and this may mean that free time in port is limited. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will give lectures and provide expert commentary throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

We will walk to a local restaurant and order plated meals from a select menu with beverage choices of a glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase. In France, restaurants take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can take their time and enjoy every bite. It is customary for servers to wait until everyone has finished their dish before clearing the table and bringing out the next course. Meals are accompanied by complimentary bread (“pain”) and water (“eau” or “l’eau”) so you need not ask for them. It is customary to fill wine glasses no more than half full to allow the wine room to breathe. When you have finished your meal, you may indicate to the server by placing your utensils together on the right hand side of your plate.

Day 3 Strasbourg Walking Field Trip, Palais Rohan & Museums Strasbourg

Walking up to 3 miles, standing up to 2 hours; cobbled stone streets, inclined terrain, even and uneven ground.

We will head out with a local expert on a walking field trip to explore this place where people have lived for thousands of years. We will focus on the section of Strasbourg called “La Petite France” and visit the cathedral famed for its beauty.

We will continue our exploration and walk to the Palais Rohan, former residence of the Prince-Bishops of Strasbourg. It was designed by the principal architect to the king of France and is regarded as one of the finest structures of the 18th century, virtually unchanged since its completion in 1742. Today, it houses the Archaeological Museum, Decorative Arts Museum, and Fine Arts Museum. After an introduction by our Group Leader, we will have time for a self-directed study to see what interests each of us most. We will return to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, yogurt, fruit, breads, jam and butter, juices, coffee, tea, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine or soft drink and water; other beverages available for purchase.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, beer, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Strasbourg Field Trip, Transfer to Lagarde, Embark Barge Lagarde

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 67 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to 2 miles during scheduled activities; cobblestone streets.

We will check out and store our luggage at the hotel in a safe room (porterage service will be provided by the hotel). We’ll then meet a local expert who will lead us on another walking field trip to learn more about the city of Strasbourg.

We will have some time for independent exploration before transferring to the barge. You might like to see more museums, or simply sit at a café, sip a beverage, and watch the passing parade. We will regroup at a designated time and place, board a motorcoach, and ride to Lagarde where the barge is docked. After boarding and getting your cabin, take some time to freshen up and relax. We will gather when announced for the crew’s orientation on safety and ship regulations.

At leisure. The barge will remain docked in Largarde overnight.

Hotel buffet.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Aboard the barge, we will have a 3-course meal with beverage choices of select wines and beer, fruit juice, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Lagarde to Xouaxange, Sarrebourg Xouaxange

Stepping on/off the barge. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven terrain.

We will gather aboard the barge for a lecture by Group Leader on navigation and the history of the Alsace-Lorraine canal. As we continue our journey towards Xouaxange, we will pass through the Réchicourt lock, one of the largest in France, and on into lakes.

We will stop en route to Xouaxange for a walking field trip with our Group Leader in Sarrebourg at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. It was once an imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire and has rich historical diversity. We will visit its church that features unique stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.

At leisure. The barge is scheduled to arrive in Xouaxange and dock after midnight.

Aboard the barge, the self-serve breakfast buffet offers a rotating variety of choices.

Aboard the barge, we will have a 3-course meal with beverage choices of select wines and beer, fruit juice, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Aboard the barge.

Day 6 Xouaxange to Lutzelbourg, Inclined Plane, Glass Works Lutzelbourg

Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets, uneven terrain. Standing for up to 2 hours; even and uneven terrain.

As we glide towards Lutzelbourg, the Group Leader will give us a lecture on the people and history of Alsace-Lorraine that was settled thousands of years ago by Celts. It was later taken by the Romans who prized its agriculture. After the Roman Empire, the area was controlled by Germanic and Frankish tribes, then the Holy Roman Empire, then the Habsburgs, then France. After the Franco-Prussian war of 1871, the German empire annexed the region. After World War I, it reverted to France but Germany took control again during World War II before returning to the French fold. While such tumult was at times calamitous for the people who lived here, it resulted in a richly distinctive cultural heritage that lives on today.

We will encounter the Saint-Louis-Arzviller “inclined plane” — a lift built in 1969 that moves boating traffic nearly 150 feet (45 meters) up or down the hill, thereby avoiding a series of 17 locks. This remarkable feat of engineering is the only transverse boat lift of its kind in Europe. We will step off the barge in Arzviller for a field trip to a local “cristallerie” — a crystal workshop specializing in the art of hand blowing and cutting crystal. This business, located at the foot of the incline, has been family operated for over 25 years. The tradition of glass works in the region goes back to the medieval period.

At leisure. The barge will remain docked in Lutzelbourg overnight.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Day 7 Lutzelbourg to Saverne, Châteaux de Lutzelbourg & Haut Barr Saverne

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven and slightly inclined terrain, unavoidable steps at castle.

After arriving in Lutzelbourg, we will set out on a walking field trip to see the partly reclaimed ruins of a castle originally built in the 11th century. At an elevation of 980 feet (298 km), it has views of villages in the Zorn Valley.

For our next field trip, we will visit the Château de Haut Barr (Hohbarr in German), situated at an altitude of more than 1,500 feet (460 meters). For this reason, it has often been called “the eye of Alsace.” The original structure dates from c. 1000 CE, but was abandoned in 1770.

At leisure. The barge will remain docked in Saverne overnight.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Day 8 Saverne to Waltenheim, Kochersberg, Alsatian wines & beers Waltenheim

Walking up to 2.5 miles, standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven and slightly inclined terrain.

We will disembark the barge and enjoy a walking field trip of Saverne with a local expert to explore this relatively unknown but charming town. Among its highlights are the Grand Rue and Place de la Licorne (Place of the Unicorn) — the town’s emblem — Taverne Katz dating from 1605 with its façade of sculpted timbers, the 12th-century Notre Dame Church, and the Récollets Monastery founded in the 14th century.

Free time on board. As we go along, we will see the charming villages of Hochfelden, and Schwindratzheim.

At leisure. The barge will remain docked in Waltenheim overnight.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Day 9 Waltenheim to Strasbourg, Free Time Strasbourg

Walking up to 1 mile, standing up to 1 hour; uneven and inclined paths.

We will depart by motorcoach and make our way through the beautiful Kochersberg region with its rolling hills, lush fields, and quaint villages with half-timbered homes. With an expert, we will explore the Maison du Kocherberg museum, where we will learn about local history and traditions, and have the chance to see antique and modern objects from the area. Continuing on by motorcoach, we will go to Hochfelden to visit the Villa Meteor. With an expert, we will uncover the family history of the Meteor’s and their brewery from 1640 to present day. Additionally, we will learn about beer making and even have a chance to taste some local brews.

As we sail along, we will gather for a lecture by our Group Leader on the four different appellations of Alsatian wines and the vineyards they come from. Our lecture will culminate in an opportunity to taste the wines and learn how to differentiate among them.

We will float through Strasbourg’s old town, centerpiece of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site known as the Grande-Île. At its heart is the renowned Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, more than a thousand years old. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge, share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 10 Program Concludes In Flight

Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Aboard the barge. This concludes our program.