Join us for an adventure through Aquitaine - Bordeaux and Dordogne. This vast region of France offers a unique and varied landscape of verdant river valleys, enchanting castles, picture postcard villages and prized vineyards. In this journey you will walk in the footsteps of history to discover the cave paintings of early men in Lascaux and the fortified medieval castles and towns built by English kings when they ruled the region. Along the way you will enjoy a succulent traditional cuisine and savor prized wines.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Saturday: Arrival in Bordeaux and check in at our hotel in the heart of the city. Afternoon at leisure for some exploration on your own or relaxation. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner in town. (D)
Day 2, Sunday: Bordeaux.
Today we will start with a guided visit of Bordeaux's historic center. We will learn about Bordeaux's Golden Age in the 18th century when the city was re-designed to be the classical masterpiece we know today.
Highlights on the tour include: Cathedral St. Andre, Grand Theatre, Place des Quinconques, Quartier Saint Pierre, Chapon Rouge and the Quays. After lunch in a traditional restaurant we will have free time in the afternoon to explore Bordeaux. Evening and dinner at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4, Monday: St. Emilon/Sarlat.
We will depart after breakfast to discover the medieval perched village of Saint Emilion - a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit the Eglise Collegiale and its cloister, Cloitre des Cardelier, Tour du Roy, Eglise Monolithe and catacombs. Free time for lunch and a stroll along its cobblestone streets lined with inviting wine cellars and shops. In the afternoon, we will continue with a visit of cellars and vineyards of St. Emilion AOC.
The tour will continue on to the Dordogne region to the town of Sarlat la Caneda. Upon our arrival we will take a guided stroll through this picturesque town lined with well preserved Medieval and Renaissance architecture. Check in at our hotel in Sarlat which will serve as a base for our discovery of the Dordogne. Dinner in our hotel. (B, D)
Day 5, Tuesday: Prehistoric Caves of Lasaux/St. Amand de Coly/ La Roque St. Christophe
After breakfast we will depart for a discovery of some of the most beautiful villages of France. We will stop in Saint Genies followed by St. Amand de Coly characterized by its fortified abbey. We will then head to the Lascaux II cave to admire the faithful reproductions of the original prehistoric cave paintings found nearby.
After lunch in a country restaurant we will continue with a visit of La Roque Saint Christophe, steep limestone cliffs over the Vezere River poked with crevices that have served as shelters from Prehistoric times through the Middle Ages and Renaissance. We will return to Sarlat for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 6, Wednesday: Sarlat/Dordogne River Valley
This morning we will enjoy some free time to discover the lively market of Sarlat and its bounty of produce, gastronomic specialties and local crafts. In the afternoon, we will go on a tour of the picturesque Dordogne River valley lined with many cliff- top castles like Castelnaud and Beynac. We will stop at the picture postcard village of Roque Gageac and visit the suspended gardens of Marquessac where we will enjoy stupendous panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley. Return to Sarlat for the evening. B/D
Day 7, Thursday: Rocamadour/Martel/Domme
Today we will depart for Rocamadour, a revered medieval pilgrimage site and today a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. We will delight at the views of the village hanging on its cliff and we will walk down the narrow medieval alleys to the shrine to the Black Virgin. We will stop for a visit of local cheese maker before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon we will stop in Martel, a pretty little town with well preserved medieval architecture. Our final stop for the day will be Domme. Surrounded by ramparts overlooking the stunning valley below, Domme is considered to be one of France most beautiful villages. Evening and dinner at leisure in Sarlat. (B, L)
Day 8, Friday: Monpazier/Monflanquin/Chateau de Biron
Our exploration today will take us on a tour of the fortified bastide towns of Purple Perigord such as Montpazier founded in 1234 by England king Edouard 1st and Monflanquin. After lunch in a farmhouse we will continue with a visit of the magnificent Chateau Biron that was owned by the same family from the 12th through the 20th century. Return to Sarlat for a farewell diner and lodging. (B, L, D)
Day 9, Saturday: After breakfast we will transfer to Bordeaux where the tour will end. (B)
*These rates are subject to availability and currency fluctuations. - Single supplement: $800
- Flight arrangements to any city can be arranged. Extra days in Paris, Bordeaux and beyond can be arranged.
B= breakfast; L: Lunch: D= Dinner
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Includes:
- 7 nights accommodation double occupancy
- Daily breakfasts
- 9 meals (5 dinners and 4 lunches)
- Transportation by comfortable mini-coach throughout Wine
- cheese and walnut oil tastings
- Professionally guided tours by local expert guides
- Professional and bilingual tour leader at your disposal throughout the trip
- Taxes
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Cultural Journey
Food & Wine
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