Bordeaux and The Dordogne: Jewels of the South West

Seven night tour based in Bordeaux and Sarlat (3 nights in Bordeaux and 4 nights in Sarlat), with daily excursions to some of the “Jewels of the South West": The magnificent Dordogne Valley, a full day tour to the wine producing region of the Medoc as well as discovering the UNESCO site of Saint-Emilion. Your accommodation is in the brand new luxury 5 star Regent Grand Bordeaux, opened in 2008 in the very centre of Bordeaux opposite the Grand Theatre.  In Sarlat you will stay in the 4 star beautifully appointed Hotel Clos la Boetie. Best day for Arrival is Sunday.

Day 1: Arrive into Bordeaux.

Private car pick up at the airport or rail station and transfer to the Regent Grand in the centre of Bordeaux.
Evening free to discover Bordeaux.

Day 2: Morning Free

Depart at 2pm for a 4.5 hour tour to Saint Emilion Village. Saint-Emilion is one of the oldest wine areas of the Bordeaux region. The medieval city, the vineyard and the landscape are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enjoy a short walking tour in the village. Optional wine tasting in a cellar in the village. Free time to discover the village. Overnight Bordeaux.

Day 3:

Depart at 10am for a full day tour to the Medoc. Visit and wine tasting in 2 prestigious classified growth chateaux . Then follow the castle road to admire some of the most famous chateaux such as Margaux, Palmer or Beychevelle. Lastly head for “La Winery” set in the heart of a 26 hectare park to end with a wine tasting session. Overnight Bordeaux.

Day 4:

Morning transfer to Sarlat. At 2pm depart for a tour of some of the most beautiful villages of the Dordogne: La Roque Gageac, Beynac and Domme. Enjoy a Gabarre boat ride along the Dordogne river. Return to Sarlat and overnight at the centrally located 4 star Hotel Clos la Boetie.

Day 5:

Depart at 9am for a full day tour, first stop the Padirac abyss, visit includes a boat ride on the underground river. Then proceed to the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour. Visit the sanctuary and free time for lunch. Return to Sarlat via the gardens of Eyrignac Manor.

Day 6:

Depart at 9am for a full day tour to the Quercy region. Visit the authentic cave paintings at Pech Merle. Then visit the lovely medieval village of St. Cirque Lapopie where you will have time to wander the streets full of many galleries and craft shops. Free time for lunch. Depart to Sarlat via Cahors famous for its only remaining medieval fortified bridge.

Day 7:

Free time in the morning if it’s a Saturday you can visit the famous Sarlat markets, one of the most colourful in France. Depart at 2pm for a 4.5 hour tour to discover the most beautiful villages of the Lot. You will visit Carennac and Loubressac, both classified as “Most beautiful villages of France”. Also a visit Bretenoux castle is included. Overnight Sarlat.

Day 8:

Transfer to train station at Souillac for departure.

Jewels of the South West including Bordeaux and Sarlat Inclusions:

• Transfers on day 1, day 4 and day 8 by private car
• 3 nights accommodation at The Regent Grand Bordeaux
• 4 nights accommodation at Hotel Clos la Boetie Sarlat
• Breakfast daily
• All tours as mentioned in the itinerary conducted in a share mini van
• All entrance fees to castles and monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
• Boat rides as mentioned
• Tours are conducted in a 7 seat mini van with driver/guide
   

Rates are available upon request. Please advise; number of people travelling, dates of travel and accomodation preferences.