Riviera Travel Dordogne

– Return flights or Eurostar, and transfers
– 7nts in 3 / 4* accommodation
– Selected meals: Daily breakfast and 5 dinners
– Programme of daily tours and visits
– Services of an expert tour manager
– Checked luggage

– Travel through the Dordogne Valley on a traditional boat
– Visit Beynac, fortress of Richard the Lionheart
– Guided tour of the 13^th Century city of Carcassonne

Day 1 – Arrive in Sarlat
Fly to Toulouse or Carcassonne, or travel by train via Paris to Souillac. From these locations, transfer by coach to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 – Sarlat & Lascaux
This morning, take a walking tour to discover the fascinating history of Sarlat. During the tour, you’ll see stunning medieval buildings including the Cathedral of Saint Sacerdos. In the afternoon, travel to the cave of Lascaux, home to almost 2,000 Upper Palaeolithic paintings. While here, visit the International Centre for Cave Art, which houses an exact copy of the caverns, giving you the chance to inspect the images.

Day 3 – Rocamadour & Marqueyssac Gardens
Follow the picturesque river Dordogne to the village and monastery of Rocamadour, hewen from the rocks overlooking the river. A pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages, this eclectic village is yours to explore. Then, journey to the gardens of Marqueyssac, a formal garden that offer stunning panoramic views of the river

Day 4 – Beynac & La Roque-Gageac
Heading further along the river today, see the great fortress of Beynac, once captured by Richard the Lionheart. The village here is regarded as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages’ in France. A short drive then takes you to Domme, a walled town offering stunning views, medieval buildings and charming market.

Later on, drive to pretty riverside village of La Roque-Gageac. Once here, board a traditional ‘gabare’ boat for a short sail on the river.

Day 5 – Cahors
Bid farewell to the river and travel to Cahors, seeing its splendid bridge spanning the river Lot. Then continue through the countryside to Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights.

Please note, on some departures, you may stay in Albi instead

Day 6 – Carcassonne & Free afternoon
Today explore the town of Carcassonne, with its magnificent citadel, turrets and battlements. The guided tour takes you through the history of the city before you have the afternoon free to explore or relax.

Day 7 – Albi
Take a guided tour of the medieval city of Albi, dominated by a fine gothic cathedral. Learn about the city’s history as the centre of Catharism and see the mural of the Last Judgement. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. You may choose to visit the museum dedicated to artist Toulouse-Lautrec.

Please note, for the departures staying Albi, days 6 and 7 will operate in reverse.

Day 8 – Return home
At the appropriate time, transfer back to the airport or station for your journey home

This Signature Tour includes everything from the Classic Tour as well as the following:

Day 6:
– Take a scenic drive to the Chateau de Pennautier for a private tour of the wine cellars, with an opportunity to taste some of the produce. After, enjoy a late lunch in the restaurant.

Day 7:
– Enjoy an exceptional dining experience at the Michelin star restaurant, La Barbacane.

Plus, enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group of 25 or fewer guests.

For dates and prices, please enquire or call 0808 258 4751

La Couleuvrine Hotel, Sarlat

The La Couleuvrine hotel used to be part of a medieval fortress. Dating back in parts to the 13th Century, the hotel is full of character.  The hotel has a restaurant, bar, and terrace. The en suite rooms are comfortably furnished, many with original features. All have a TV and free wifi.

Best Western Le Renoir, Sarlat

Previously a distillery, the small family run Best Western Renoir hotel is ideally located less than less than 500 metres away from the centre of medieval Sarlat.

Hotel Le Compostelle, Sarlat

The hotel has a bar, lounge area, terrace and outdoor heated pool, plus a sauna and gym (local charges may apply). The en-suite contemporary rooms have recently been refurbished and have all the facilities you would expect such as air-conditioning, minibar and tea & coffee making facilities.

Mercure Carcassonne La Cite

The hotel offers contemporary rooms in pastel colours and of very good quality. The restaurant looks out onto the tasteful terrace from where you can enjoy views of the old city over a refreshing drink.

Le Donjon, Carcassonne

This three-star superior Hotel Le Donjon which consists of three separate medieval houses. This has been a superb restoration programme with each room being different thus reflecting the 15th century features of each wonderful building. The quality is extremely good with traditional terracotta tiles, exposed wood beams and stonework all combined with the features of a modern hotel

Fact File

• Currency: Euro
• Flight time: Approx. 1 hr 45 mins
• Language: French
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Country: France

Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter France however must have a valid passport.

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic