Exodus-Itinerary-SelfGuided-EBTC_DIGITAL

EDMONTON BICYCLE &
TOURING CLUB WOULD
LIKE TO INVITE YOU ON
A SELF GUIDED BIKING
ADVENTURE IN FRANCE!
Want to go your own way on a self-guided cycling
holiday in France? Edmonton Bicycle & Touring Club
in conjunction with Exodus Travels and Sue Flemming,
Adventure Travel Specialist are organizing fabulous
self-guided trips to join this fall. You can choose from
one of our specially featured trips or choose from
several other self-guided options from Exodus Travels.
Take advantage of our special $150 discount per trip
if booked prior to 31 March, 2016. Please note that
these trips feature small boutique accommodation
so space is extremely limited and is based on a first
come, first served basis.
DORDOGNE GASTRONOMIC
SELF-GUIDED CYCLING –
PREMIUM
September 24-October 2
From $2,495* pp land-only
From $2,345* if booked by
March, 31 2016
SELF-GUIDED CYCLING IN
PROVENCE & THE LUBERON
October 6-13
From $2,305* pp land-only
From $2,155* if booked by
March, 31 2016
SELF-GUIDED CYCLING
IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
October 6-13
From $1,885* pp land-only
From $1,725* if booked by
March, 31 2016
The Dordogne is set apart by its
dramatic scenery characterised by
steep sided river valleys and ancient
villages. Pedalling along the banks
of the Dordogne and Vezere rivers,
this self-guided route meanders
down quiet lanes, through ancient
woodland, magical villages and
uncovers hidden chateaux. As an
area known for exquisite cuisine, this
trip is filled with gastronomic meals
giving you a taste of the best local
delicacies, while the excellent hotels
offer swimming pools, local charm and
comfort allowing you to completely
unwind at the end of each day.
Provence is renowned for welcoming
cyclists to its quiet roads, rolling
lavender fields and picturesque hilltop villages. As a self-guided cycling
destination it couldn’t be more
perfect. This route takes us along the
Durance River, passing through the
picturesque market towns and quaint
villages of Forcalquier, Cucuron and
Cavaillon under the shadow of the
Luberon National Park. Amid the lush
colours of the lavender fields we make
our way towards the majestic Mont
Ventoux, with the option to take on
this mighty mountain, rewarding you
with spectacular views across the
plains of Provence.
The Loire valley is an ideal place to
enjoy a gentle self-guided cycling
holiday. Extraordinarily ornate
chateaux dot the countryside and
provide regular interludes to the
cycling. Riding distances are kept
short so you can take as much time
as you like exploring each one,
taking you back to a time of kings
and noblemen. The picturesque
countryside offers the perfect setting
for idyllic picnics adding to the
relaxed freedom of this trip. Each
evening we stay in friendly, family run
hotels and you can round off your day
with some of the best food and wine
France has to offer.
Please note that single supplements are compulsory for all self-guided trips. Contact us for rates. All trip prices include local bike rental, however
pedals, clips, seats, etc. can be brought if desired. Please bring your own helmet.
DORDOGNE
GASTRONOMIC
SELF-GUIDED
CYCLING –
PREMIUM
September 24-October 2
From $2,495* pp land-only
From $2,345* if booked by
March, 31 2016
HIGHLIGHTS
• Taste gastronomic cuisine
• Cycle through dramatic scenery
• Stay in excellent hotels with pools
Cycle through dramatic river valleys,
mediaeval villages and past fairytale chateaux. The Dordogne is
BRIVE-LA-GAILLARDE
AURIAC-DU-PERIGORD
set apart by its dramatic scenery
characterised by steep sided river
MONTIGNAC
valleys and ancient villages. Pedalling
along the banks of the Dordogne and
LASCAUX
Vezere rivers, this self-guided route
meanders down quiet lanes, through
SALIGNAC
ancient woodland, magical villages
and uncovers hidden chateaux. As an
LES EYZIES
area known for exquisite cuisine, this
SARIAT
trip is filled with gastronomic meals
CARLUX
BEYNAC
FENELON
DOMMO
SOUILLAC
giving you a taste of the best local
delicacies, while the excellent hotels
offer swimming pools, local charm and
comfort allowing you to completely
unwind at the end of each day.
FRANCE
DORDOGNE
PAGE 2
ITINERARY
• 8 nights hotels, all rooms en suite
• 7 days cycling (including 3 optional rides) with
luggage transfers
• 90% quiet tarmac roads, 10% dirt roads and cycle tracks
• Gently undulating throughout
DAY 1 (SEPTEMBER 24, 2016)
If you have arranged to join the transfer we will pick you
up from Souillac train station and take you to your hotel.
Souillac is a bustling town, with an impressive Benedictine
abbey, good shops and an excellent mechanical toy
museum. It is considered the gateway to the Dordogne and
our hotel is right in the centre if you fancy a wander and
pre-dinner aperitif.
DAY 2 (SEPTEMBER 25, 2016)
There are two ride options today. The easier of today’s
choices takes you west along the Dordogne Valley, with
the possibility of a lunch stop at the fabulous Chateau
de Fenelon - there’s a fine collection of armour, arms
and objets d’art dating from 15th to 18th Century. The
alternative, more challenging route, takes you across the
river via Carlux, and on through lovely wooded countryside
to the little village of Ste Nathalene. Either way, you’ll
arrive at our hotel which is set in 3 acres of pine woods
overlooking the Sarlat Valley. Ride Approx. 35km or 37km
depending on the route chosen.
DAY 3 (SEPTEMBER 26, 2016)
Today is a free day to relax and the setting of the hotel
lends itself perfectly to this. Alternatively, we recommend
taking a trip into Sarlat itself. The capital of the Perigord
Noir and snugly nestled between the Dordogne and Vezere
rivers, Sarlat is almost too pretty to be true. This was the
old regional capital. The Vieux Quartier is an astonishingly
beautiful jumble of widely varying architectural styles, and
virtually all pre-17th Century. A self-guided historical audio
walk is available from the tourist office, and there’s a lively
market on a Wednesday and Saturday. If you are feeling
a little more energetic you could also cycle to Domme, a
fantastically positioned bastide town set on the banks of
the Dordogne against a backdrop of wooded hills, or La
Roque-Gageac, spectacularly nestled within a cliff, with a
vertical drop down to the Dordogne valley. Picturesque
alleyways and a mix of simple farmers’ dwellings alongside
noble residences lead you to the village church built into
the rock face. If these options take your fancy then the
details are provided in the route notes. Optional Ride
approx 33km.
Day 4 (September 27, 2016)
Two ride possibilities. Head through the rolling countryside
of the Perigord Nord, or follow the Dordogne to Beynac,
end the day in Les Eyzies. You have a choice of routes again
today. You can either head west, cross country, through the
rich green rolling countryside of the Perigord Nord to the
village of Meyrals with its traditional Perigourdine houses.
The alternative route takes you down to the Dordogne
river taking in Beynac with its impressive fortified castle. It
is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, its
cobbled streets and squares are still home and workplace
to many artisan and craftsmen, and there are lots of hidden
galleries. The ride then continues along the banks of the
river to St Cyprien, this lively village with its 12th Century
abbey is a great lunch stop. Your final stretch takes you
up through wooded glades and past the Roc de Cazelle
troglodyte cave village and on to the prehistoric capital,
Les Eyzies. Our hotel here is set in lovely tranquil gardens
and has a private swimming pool. Ride Approx. 30 or 45km
depending on the route chosen.
DAY 5 (SEPTEMBER 28, 2016)
Les Eyzies is waiting to be explored and today you have the
day off the bikes to make the most of this popular village.
Set in the heart of Perigord, standing proudly between the
imposing cliffs and the Vezere gorge, Les Eyzies receives
over 600,000 visitors a year. Renowned for its gastronomy
and prehistory, the village and the surrounding area offer a
wealth of hidden caves, prehistoric art and archaeological
treasures. The honeycombed shelters and caves transport
you back in time to when men once lived and practised
magic within the caves. If you choose to take the circular
ride it will then take you through the magnificent Vezere
Gorges and back via the Abri du Cap Blanc where you’ll
find the only remaining frieze of prehistoric sculptures in the
world open to the public. Option Ride approx. 29km
DAY 6 (SEPTEMBER 29, 2016)
This morning starts with a fabulous freewheel down to
the Vezere river and on to visit La Roque St Christophe,
containing five floors of caves in terraces. It is the oldest
and largest cave site in western Europe, providing shelter
over the centuries from marauding Vikings, persecuting
Catholics in the Wars of Religion, to hiding places for the
Marquis from occupying German forces in World War II. The
ride will then continue onto the pretty village of St Leon
with its charming 12th Century church and lovely riverside
picnic spots. The afternoon then offers easy cycling to
Auriac-du-Perigord where our hotel offers a warm welcome,
wonderful food, a lovely pool and walled rose garden. It is a
true hidden gem! Ride approx. 31km or 37km.
PAGE 3
DAY 7 (SEPTEMBER 30, 2016)
Today is free to explore the pretty mediaeval village
of Montignac. We suggest wandering up to the ruined
chateau, once a fortress owned by the counts of Perigord.
There is little left of the actual building as it is said that
locals used the stone to build their own houses, but the
site offers fantastic views. It is then worth heading off to
the nearby Lascaux II caves, ranked as the number one
prehistoric site in Europe. Discovered in 1940 by four
children looking for their dog, the caves display an amazing
collection of more than 1500 cave paintings. What you visit
now is a life size replica cave as the original was closed in
1963 to protect the 20,000 year old original. Once you have
had a good look around you can return to the tranquility
of the hotel, its gardens, shaded verandas, swimming pool
and sun terrace which are perfect for relaxing and soaking
up the summer sun. Option Ride approx. 16km
DAY 8 (OCTOBER 1, 2016)
Your ride will head first via the tiny farming village of StAmand-de-Coly with its impressive abbey and on through
wooded glades to Salignac. From here, we recommend a
short detour to the Manoir d’Eyrignac, its impressive 18th
Century gardens are rated the best in France. The cycling
is then lovely and flat through open country, past chestnut
groves, maize fields and masses of sunflowers, perhaps
stopping off at charming St Genies with its 14th Century
chapel. Roll on through traditional Perigord villages such as
Eyvignes and Eybenes, worth making a brief stop for the
church and manor, before heading down into the Borreze
valley. We will then return to Souillac. If you have time then
you may wish to make a visit to Vieille Prune Distillery. Ride
Approx. 49 or 56km depending on route chosen.
DAY 9 (OCTOBER 2, 2016)
We have arranged for a transfer back to the train station.
See the joining information for more details.
Full trip notes available at:
http://www.exodustravels.com/ca/assets/pdf/tripnotes/85730.pdf
PAGE 4
SELF-GUIDED
CYCLING IN
PROVENCE &
THE LUBERON
October 6-13
From $2,305* pp land-only
From $2,155* if booked by
March, 31 2016
HIGHLIGHTS
• Cycle through colourful Provencal
villages
• Ride rolling hills and lavender fields
• Climb Mont Ventoux
Cycle through colourful Provencal
villages and the chance to climb Mt
Ventoux. Provence is renowned for
welcoming cyclists to its quiet roads,
rolling lavender fields and picturesque
MONT VENTOUX
SAULT
GORGES DE
LA NESQUE
AVIGNON
CAVAILLON
ST-SATURNINLES-APT
APT LUBERON
MONTAGNE
DE LURE
FORCAUQUIER
hill-top villages. As a self-guided
cycling destination it couldn’t be more
perfect. This route takes us along the
Durance River, passing through the
picturesque market towns and quaint
villages of Forcalquier, Cucuron and
Cavaillon under the shadow of the
Luberon National Park. Amid the lush
CADENET
FRANCE
PROVENCE
colours of the lavender fields we make
our way towards the majestic Mont
Ventoux, with the option to take on
this mighty mountain, rewarding you
with spectacular views across the
plains of Provence.
PAGE 5
ITINERARY
• 7 nights in 2 and 3-star hotels These are a variety of
charming traditional buildings including an authentic
provincial farmhouse or ‘Mas’ of the 18th Century. All
rooms are en suite and some hotels have swimming pools
•6
days cycling (including 2 optional rides) with luggage
transfers
• 100%
on quiet tarmac roads
• Undulating
terrain, with the option to climb Mt Ventoux
DAY 1 (OCTOBER 6, 2016)
You should aim to arrive any time before dinner. Our
preferred hotel is located 600m from the train station. If
you arrive before 1800hrs you should collect your bike
from the bike shop, otherwise it will be delivered to your
hotel. Cavaillon is one of the biggest agricultural towns in
France and is well known for its production of Charentais
melons between May to September. After moving from
its original position on St-Jacques hill the town became a
prosperous Roman colony in its present site. If you follow
the picturesque path to the top of the hill you will have a
wonderful view of the week’s riding to come, from Mont
Ventoux to the Luberon.
DAY 2 (OCTOBER 7, 2016)
Follow the flow of the River Durance before the first climb
of the day through the historic villages of Merindol and
Lauris. Sitting atop a rocky ridge, Lauris offers superb
panoramic views across the Durance valley. The afternoon’s
ride passes through one of the most beautiful villages
in France. Nestled between vineyards, olive groves and
almond trees Lourmarin’s winding narrow streets reveal a
world of typical Mediterranean architecture. Continue to
the Provencal village of Cucuron, at the foot of the Grand
Luberon. Ride Approx. 37km.
DAY 3 (OCTOBER 8, 2016)
A series of short descents and climbs will take you as far
as the peaceful community of La Bastide-des-Jourdans.
The remains of the 13th Century Chateau dominate the
skyline and this is a perfect place to buy supplies for the
afternoon’s ride. A short steep climb of 200m provides
breathtaking views as far as the Alps (on a clear day) as you
ride over the Luberon mountain range towards the market
town of Forcalquier. Ride approx. 58km.
DAY 5 (OCTOBER 10, 2016)
Ride through rugged terrain and isolated hamlets towards
the Observatoire de Haute Provence: its white globe
will be visible in the distance as you climb towards the
village of St-Michel-l’Observatoire. It is a 5km round trip
to visit the observatory, which is primarily an astronomical
research facility. A gradual climb offers stunning views
across the plains of Provence, and the hilltop village of
Simiane-la-Rotonde is a welcome break from the morning’s
efforts. Continue to the lively town of Sault, which acts as
a basecamp for the gruelling ride to the summit of Mont
Ventoux. Ride approx. 54km.
DAY 6 (OCTOBER 11, 2016)
For a relaxing day, ride a circular loop through the Nesque
Gorges to some of the most beautiful places in Provence or
enjoy a gentle circular route exploring the villages north of
Sault. For the ultimate challenge you have the opportunity
to climb almost 1200m to the summit of Mont Ventoux, a
legendary section of the Tour de France for over a century.
Whilst you are able to turn back at any time and there is
a restaurant along the way, the view from the top is well
worth the effort. In clear weather the vista stretches from
Mount Viso on the Italian frontier to Mont Blanc. Ride
approx. 50km.
DAY 7 (OCTOBER 12, 2016)
At the beginning of the day there is a short climb to the Col
de la Liguiere, then cycle south across the Vaucluse Plateau
and west to Cavaillon through scores of delightful villages.
The highlight of today is the ochre-red village of Roussillon
with its colourful old buildings and mediaeval streets. Ride
approx. 67km.
DAY 8 (OCTOBER 13, 2016)
End Cavaillon .
Full trip notes available at:
http://www.exodustravels.com/assets/pdf/tripnotes/85749.pdf
DAY 4 (OCTOBER 9, 2016)
Explore the narrow streets and shady squares of
Forcalquier. Once the capital of Haute Provence during
the Middle Ages, it is now a thriving market town with
a wealth of architecture from the elegant 13th and 15th
Century houses to the Chapelle Notre Dame de Provence.
Alternatively ride a loop to the foot of the Lure Mountain
and the village of Saint-Etienne-les-Orgues amid clusters
of woodland and cultivated fields. Ride approx. 44km.
PAGE 6
SELF-GUIDED
CYCLING IN
THE LOIRE
VALLEY
October 6-13
From $1,885* pp land-only
From $1,725* if booked by
March, 31 2016
HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit magnificent UNESCO chateaux
• Cycle along quiet country lanes
• Eat and drink excellent local food
and wine
Relaxed cycling in the fairy tale setting
of the Loire valley. The Loire valley is
an ideal place to enjoy a gentle selfguided cycling holiday. Extraordinarily
ornate chateaux dot the countryside
and provide regular interludes to
BLOIS
CHAMBORD
the cycling. Riding distances are
kept short so you can take as much
time as you like exploring each one,
CHAUMONT
-SUR-LOIRE
taking you back to a time of kings
COUR-CHEVERNY
TOURS
and noblemen. The picturesque
countryside offers the perfect setting
for idyllic picnics adding to the
relaxed freedom of this trip. Each
evening we stay in friendly, family run
NITRAY
CHENONCEAUX
CHISSEAUX
hotels and you can round off your day
with some of the best food and wine
France has to offer.
FRANCE
LOIRE
PAGE 7
ITINERARY
• 7 nights in 2 and 3-star hotels: A variety of charming
traditional buildings, all with en suite facilities
• 5 days cycling (including 1 optional ride) with
luggage transfers
• 80% quiet tarmac road, 20% cycle tracks
• Mainly gentle cycling with no significant ascents
or descents
DAY 1 (OCTOBER 6, 2016)
Enjoy an evening stroll along the River Cher, to find a
viewpoint of the beautiful Château de Chenonceau. Dinner
is included so expect plenty of flavours of the Loire, and
the opportunity to taste some of the local wine.
DAY 2 (OCTOBER 7, 2016)
Head west along the Cher valley through the delightful
riverside towns of Bléré and Athée-sur-Cher. Take the time
to visit the 16th Century Château de Nitray with its beautiful
gardens and wine-tasting opportunities before heading
on to the lively town of Amboise. The town still retains it’s
mediaeval feel and has plenty of quaint cafés and bars to
enjoy a drink in before dinner. Ride approx. 39km.
DAY 3 (OCTOBER 8, 2016)
Today is free to enjoy all that Amboise has to offer. Visit
the château and Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence, Le
Clos Lucé. On Fridays and Sundays there are local food
markets you can visit, or take a walk along the river for
numerous photo opportunities.
DAY 6 (OCTOBER 11, 2016)
Enjoy a day around Cheverny, which is criss-crossed with
quiet country lanes, and green, easy to follow ‘chateau
a velo’ routes. We provide routes to visit Chateau de
Beauregard, and Chateau de Villesavin, but there are many
other routes you can follow if you wish.
DAY 7 (OCTOBER 12, 2016)
Head south back to the river Cher through vineyards
and sunflower fields. Head through Thenay and
Montrichard before arriving at the spectacular Château
de Chenonceaux – the most romantic and beautiful of
all the Renaissance châteaux. The back to your hotel in
Chisseaux. Ride approx. 41km.
DAY 8 (OCTOBER 13, 2016)
End Chisseaux.
Full trip notes available at:
http://www.exodustravels.com/ca/assets/pdf/tripnotes/87929.pdf
DAY 4 (OCTOBER 9, 2016)
The route starts following the Cisse and continues on to
the château at Monteaux before arriving in Chaumont
with time to explore the château and its gardens. Ride
approx. 38km.
DAY 5 (OCTOBER 10, 2016)
Your route takes you through the pretty village of Les
Montils before heading to the Château de Beauregard.
You then follow a loop around Cour-Cheverny to take in
the Château de Cheverny and Château de Troussay. Ride
approx. 26km.
PAGE 8
PLEASE READ EXODUS’ FULL BOOKING CONDITIONS BEFORE REQUESTING CONFIRMATION:
www.exodustravels.com/ca/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3. CANCELLATION (LAND-ONLY)
•C
ancellation 56 days or more prior to departure will result
Note: The $150 discount is available on the quoted
in loss of deposit, unless transferred to a new booking
prices until March 31, 2016. From that point forward, full
for a different trip departing within 3 years of the original
price for each trip will apply. All prices quoted include
accommodation, local bike rental, meals (as outlined),
all transportation and listed activities and a tour leader
departure date.
• Cancellation between 56 and 42 days before departure date
will result in loss of 50% of the trip cost.
throughout. International flights are not included.
•C
ancellation between 41 and 28 days before departure will
1. BOOKING
•C
ancellation between 27 and 15 days before departure will
result in loss of 60% of the trip cost.
To confirm your space on this trip, we require a nonrefundable deposit of $300 per person or full payment
within 56 days of departure, along with the following
result in loss of 80% of the trip cost.
•C
ancellation between 14 days or less before departure will
result in loss of 100% of the trip cost.
passenger details:
• Full name as it appears on passport
DOCUMENTATION/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• Date of birth
It is the sole responsibility of the traveller to ensure that
• Passport number
proper documentation is in place. All countries require a
• Passport issue date
valid passport, with a minimum of 6 months’ validity. Contact
• Passport expiry date
your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa
• Nationality
requirements.
• Existing medical conditions
• Dietary concerns
TRAVEL INSURANCE
• Emergency contact details
Adequate and valid travel insurance is mandatory for all
clients while on one of our tours. You are strongly advised
2. FINAL PAYMENT
to insure yourself against possible risk that may occur and
Remainder of payment is due no later than 56 days prior
in particular to ensure that you have sufficient insurance
to departure.
in respect of dependent relatives on whom your trip may
depend. You are required to carry proof of insurance with
you and produce it if reasonably requested by Company
employees or suppliers; failure to do so may result in your
being prevented from participating in certain activities
without the right to any refund.
PAGE 9
INTERESTED IN BOOKING A TRIP? FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW.
Trip name(s)
Number of travellers
Lead Traveller
Title
First name
Last name
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Date of birth
Gender
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Emergency Contact Name
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Address
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Do you require a quote for medical / cancellation / interruption insurance?
YES
NO
*All of the above information is required to confirm your booking.
PAGE 10