The Plan: Day 1: Pick up in Bordeaux at 14:00 for van transfer to Tremolat. Optional pickup at the train station in nearby St. Emilion – a charming golden cobble-stoned town, famous for macaroons as well as for exceptional wines. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfasts) Le Vieux Logis, Tremolat; or Hotel La Metairie, Mauzac Day 2: 29, 62, or 83km/18, 39 or 52 miles; flat or hilly options Cycle from Le Bugue to the ancient and lovely town of Limeuil at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers, then on through Le Bugue to Les Eyzies de Tayac. Visit the famous Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, with its awe-inspiring prehistoric paintings. Return to Tremolat for an exquisite dining and lodging experience. BL Same lodging Day 3: 54km/34 miles Ride to pretty Vitrac and the clifftop village of Domme, via St. Cyprien and riverside Le Rocque Gageac, with its homes beneath and carved right into cliffs at the water’s edge. A visit to medieval Sarlat is optional. Rest in an exquisite hotel where every room has an eagle’s view of the river below, or a magnificent country estate, where you can choose to dine in superb French style. BL Hotel de l’Esplanade, Domme; or Domaine de Rochebois, Sarlat Day 4: 58km/36 miles Ride to the fortifies vertical town of Rocamadour, following the banks of the Dordogne. You’ll stop at the magnificent Montfort Castle panoramically overlooking a bend in the river below. Stop in Souillac to see the amazing bas-relief carvings in the cathedral and visit Les Grottes de Lacave, before finding the secluded hotel where you’ll rest for the next two nights. BLD Domaine de La Rhue, Rocamadour Day 5: 63km/39 miles loop ride Early visit to La Gouffre de Padirac, a magnificent cave system partially explored by boat, then cycle to Loubressac, one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Carrenac. Return via St. Sozy and Meyronne. These are all outstandingly charming villages, surrounded by gorgeous farm estates, and filled with beautiful old stone architecture steeped in historic charm. BD Same lodging Day 6: 70.5km/44 miles Cycling on exceptionally quiet roads. Morning exploration of the medieval village of Rocamadour, which houses the Christian relic scholars believe is the body of Jesus’ friend Zacchaeus. Leaving Rocamadour, meander through quiet rural countryside to the valleys of the Lot and Cele Rivers, where beautiful houses are perched on the sides of cliffs, and farmland abounds. BL Château de Mercues, Cahors Day 7: 87km/54 miles Cycle downstream to visit to Les Grottes de Peche Merle and its 25,000 year old paintings (that’s not a typo!). Continue to the fantastic village perchée of St.Cirq-La Popie and back, enjoying the quiet and pretty roads and towpaths on the banks of the Lot River. Afternoon transfer to your château for a sumptuous final night with dinner. BD Same lodging Day 8: Morning departure, and transfers to the train station at Montauban, about 45 minutes away. Testimonials: "You have provided me with one of the finest vacations I have ever had; one that exceeded, in many ways, my very high expectations. The route was far more beautiful, interesting, and less difficult than I had imagined… Your attention to dietary requests was superb." (Steven Grossman, Chicago) Notes: Start: Bordeaux train station. 14:00 day one. TGV (high-speed train) from Paris CDG airport takes 3½ hours 
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