bordeaux to toulouse cycle

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1 A holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands. There s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want. explore europe your way TRIP COST Joining Bordeaux : $1590 Trip Concludes: Toulouse All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS Electric Bike Supplement - subject to availability: $110 Single Supplement: $390 Single Traveller Surcharge: $590 As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if a single room is required or a single traveller supplement if you are travelling solo*. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single rooms The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. *The single traveller surcharge is only available on trips deemed suitable for solo travellers. It is usually more expensive than the single supplement due to the extra cost for luggage transfers and organisation. IMPORTANT NOTES DN1 - This trip also runs in reverse beginning in Toulouse and ending in Bordeaux. TRIP NAME: TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: BORDEAUX TO TOULOUSE CYCLE CAN 7 DAYS GRADE: MODERATE 3 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED CYCLE ACCOMMODATION: 6 NIGHTS IN 3 STAR HOTELS OR CHARMING GUESTHOUSES DATE DETAILS: bordeaux to toulouse cycle DAILY FROM 1 APR TO 24 OCT Garonne Valley Bordeaux France Moissac Toulouse highlights Travelling from Bordeaux to Toulouse by bike Cycling through the stunning and diverse landscapes surrounding the Canal de Garonne Visiting walled towns and pretty villages enroute Admiring the distinctive architecture of Toulouse the trip Together with the Canal du Midi, the Canal de Garonne connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in what is known as the Canal des Deux Mers (Canal of the Two Seas). The canal is lined with diverse landscapes of vineyards, groves, orchards, and villages with numerous works of art and historical monuments. On this self guided cycle across southwest France, you will take in the important cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse, and the many beautiful vineyards, valleys and villages in between. Cycling along canal ways, past locks and medieval towns, there is ample time to take a picnic and visit vineyards en route to your nights accommodation in a charming guesthouse or family run hotel. Page 1

2 itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive in Bordeaux Day 2 37mi) Day 3 34mi) Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 detailed itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 bordeaux to toulouse cycle Cycle along the Garonne River and in the Entre-Deux-Mers region (50-60km/31- Join the greenway at the beginning of the Canal de Garonne (25-55km/15.5- Discover bridges, aqueducts and lakes en route to Moissac (60km/37mi) Cycle into Toulouse (64km/40mi) Arrive in Bordeaux Make your way to your hotel in the heart of Bordeaux, world renowned wine capital on the banks of the Garonne River. meals: NIL Cycle along the Garonne River and in the Entre-Deux-Mers region (50-60km/31-37mi) The cycle route today allows you to discover the enchanting Entre-Deux-Mers region along 55km of cycle track/greenway and lanes. Starting in Bordeaux alongside the Garonne River and its beautiful landscaped quays, there s a choice of trails that wind through the hillsides of the Entre-Deux-Mers, through the magnificent fortified walled towns of Creon and Sauveterre de Guyenne. Finally you cycle along small roads surrounded by vineyards to reach your hotel. Overnight in the Entre-Deux-Mers. Join the greenway at the beginning of the Canal de Garonne (25-55km/ mi) Today there s a choice of route as you reach the beginning of the Canal de Garonne and follow the greenway, alternating between vineyards and forests. This stage can be a little shorter and easier than other days, with plenty of time to stop and admire the sites along the way. The emphasis today is on immersing yourself in nature. Overnight in Marmande or surrounds. The tour continues through the rich valley of the Garonne among a landscape of vineyards and orchards. The route is especially lovely between Buzet and Meilhan-sur- Garonne. Along the cycleway lined with large plane trees, you will then pass through Buzet-sur-Baise, Le Mas d Agen and many other pretty villages to reach the peaceful thirteenth century village of Serignac sur Garonne. Overnight in Sérignac. Discover bridges, aqueducts and lakes en route to Moissac (60km/37mi) This stage of the cycle is one of the most beautiful, with highlights such as the canal bridge on the Baise, the Agen Auvillar aqueduct, Lake Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave and finally Moissac. From your accommodation, you can cycle along the canal and enjoy the quiet and splendour of panoramic views where the Canal de Garonne and Tarn River meet. Overnight in Moissac. Page 2

3 DAY 6 DAY 7 Cycle into Toulouse (64km/40mi) This last section of the Canal de Garonne emphasizes the charm of rural villages in Tarn-et-Garonne, dominated by churches built in the Gothic style of Toulouse. You can visit Montech, valued for its marina and its unique water slope. A very peaceful stage, shaded by plane trees, before you cycle into the heart of the city of Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed the Pink City because of its distinctive clay brick architecture. There is plenty to see in Toulouse, starting with its famous Place du Capitole. Overnight in Toulouse. after breakfast. itinerary at a glance Toulouse to Bordeaux (2) Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Note: Arrive in Toulouse Cycle into Moissac (64km/40mi) Discover bridges, aqueducts and lakes on the way to Serignac (60km/37mi) Cycle along the greenway through stunning rural vistas (25-55km/ mi) Cycle to Bordeaux through the Entre-Deaux-Mers region (50-60km/31-37mi) detailed itinerary: Toulouse to Bordeaux (2) DAY 1 Arrive in Toulouse Make your own way to the first hotel in Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed the Pink City because of its distinctive clay brick architecture. There is plenty to see in Toulouse, starting with its famous Place du Capitole. meals: NIL DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 Cycle into Moissac (64km/40mi) This first section of the Canal de Garonne emphasizes the charm of rural villages in Tarnet-Garonne, dominated by churches built in the Gothic style of Toulouse. You can visit Montech, valued for its marina and its unique water slope. Discover bridges, aqueducts and lakes on the way to Serignac (60km/37mi) This stage of the cycle is one of the most beautiful, with highlights such as Lake Saint- Nicolas-de-la-Grave, the Agen Auvillar aqueduct and the canal bridge on the Baise. Today you can cycle along the canal and enjoy the quiet and splendour of panoramic views where the Canal de Garonne and Tarn River meet. This afternoon you will reach the peaceful thirteenth century village of Serignac sur Garonne, where you will stay overnight. As you leave Serignac sur Garonne you will pass through Buzet-sur-Baise, Le Mas d Agen and many other pretty villages. The cycling today continues through the rich valley of the Garonne amongst a landscape of vineyards and orchards. Overnight in Marmande or Saint-Marthe (approx 10km between towns). Page 3

4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 Cycle along the greenway through stunning rural vistas (25-55km/ mi) Today there s a choice of route as you reach the beginning of the Canal de Garonne and follow the greenway, alternating between vineyards and forests. This stage can be a little shorter and easier than other days, with plenty of time to stop and admire the sites along the way. The emphasis today is on immersing yourself in nature. Overnight Frontenac. Cycle to Bordeaux through the Entre-Deaux-Mers region (50-60km/31-37mi) The cycle route today allows you to discover the enchanting Entre-Deux-Mers region along 55km of cycle track/greenway and lanes. Today you will cycle alongside the Garonne River and its beautiful landscaped quays. The trail winds its way through the hillsides of the Entre-Deux-Mers through the magnificent fortified walled towns of Creon and Sauveterre de Guyenne. Overnight in Bordeaux. after breakfast in Bordeaux. inclusions 6 breakfasts continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices 4 dinners usually 3 courses with regional specialties featured 6 nights in 3 star hotels or charming guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities Luggage transfer Information pack including route notes & maps per room booked Hybrid rental bike including lock, repair kit, helmet, handlebar bag and pannier Emergency hotline items not included Travel to Bordeaux and from Toulouse Lunches daily and all beverages, dinners on days 1 and 6 Entrance fees to museums, chateaux, parks and archaeological sites, wine tastings Items of a personal nature Tour guide this is a self guided trip Travel insurance mandatory getting there BY CAR BY TRAIN BY AIR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: com Bordeaux has regular services from points throughout France and there is a direct train from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux St Jean which takes 3H10. For any information & reservations please contact us. Your closest airport is Bordeaux. If you are travelling from outside of Europe it is likely that you will need to fly into Paris CDG airport. From here you can catch the train to Bordeaux. A direct train from the airport takes between 3 and 3.5 hours. trip grading - moderate The route mainly follows the Voie Verte along the canal, which is mostly flat and easy and free of car traffic. The first section from Bordeaux mostly follows a cycle track and there are some hilly sections. Overall, the cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 25 to 64km/15.5 to 40mi. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. Page 4

5 dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. a note on our self guided adventures Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again. joining instructions Three weeks prior to your departure you will receive your final documents, these include your tour voucher and hotel list. On arrival you will receive the following: Route notes and maps Your bike bordeaux to toulouse cycle fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS CLIMATE France Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. The trip runs between April to October during the European Spring, Summer & Autumn. The months of June August are busy times with temperatures ranging between 5 18 degrees Celsius (41 65 Fahrenheit) in Spring and Autumn, and degrees Celsius (59 77 Fahrenheit) in Summer (sometimes higher). Page 5

6 MIN GROUP SIZE 1 how to book To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). UTRACKS / World Expeditions has access to pre and post accommodation and competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS /World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at slide shows invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND MAY SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office. Page 6

7 AUSTRALIA Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) F: (02) Toll free: Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:- Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide (Thor Travel) For address and office phone numbers visit NEW ZEALAND Level 1, High St Auckland CBD PO Box Auckland City 1143 T: (09) F: (09) Toll Free: CANADA - OTTAWA 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: F: Toll Free: contact@utracks.com UNITED KINGDOM 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: F: T: (Ireland) info@utracks.com is a division of the World Expeditions Travel Group Page 7