Picturebook scenery, turbulent history, and the ultimate hedonistic gastronomy combine in a river valley that today is an exercise in harmony. From cavemen to merlot, religious wars to pressed duck, the caressing of the senses is constant.
Fortified castles look down from hiltops - or maybe you do, watching the lazy bends of the Dordogne River stretch before you in a summer haze.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Adjust to the bikes at your own pace with a short ride through the vineyards. Wend your way past all the famous wine properties of the region - Cheval Blanc, Petrus, and the rest.
(B) (D)
Day 2:
On today’s route: Castillon-la-Bataille, where the 100 years war came to an end... Dig for remnants of British soldiers, or just have some escargots bordelais for lunch (snails in red wine). We meet the Dordogne river today, and follow it to St-Foy-la-Grande, an old fortress town on the banks.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
You’re in paté de fois gras and truffle land. Stop in Monbazillac to visit the castle and buy a bottle of the sweet and delicious local wine. Bike lots of miles, eat lots of heavy food, drink lots of great red wine, bike lots of miles, eat lots of great food, drink lots of heavy red wine
(B) (D)
Day 4:
This is our last day in the vineyards, which thin out as we head east. Limeuil is one of the “prettiest villages in France” (self-proclaimed). And there are lots of river views, plus caves, and an aquarium.
(B) (D)
Day 5:
Beautiful ocher cliffs stretch your neck upwards as you bike the deep valleys of the Vézčre Valley. Woods, cliffs, potters and artisans using the regional clay replace grapes and geese.
(B)
Day 6:
Climb the hills to ancient La Roque-Gageac, to the castle at Castlenaud, and to pretty Beynac. A collection of the region’s most interesting towns to choose from, all well pre-dating Columbus! Or just explore Sarlat, our home for a second night.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
Our last day in the Dordogne Valley: a short ride down to the river, and then a bucolic ride along the water to Souillac. Castles line the water, and when they don’t it is because the imposing white cliffs are towering over the road.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Departures in 2008: May 17, July 5 and September 6.
Trip price includes the bike!
Optional Single Supplement: $450
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
