BORDEAUX & DORDOGNE: VINEYARDS, VILLAGES AND TIMELESS TREASURES

After breakfast, depart on a full-day small group wine tour to the Médoc, one of France’s most admired wine-growing regions. Travel along the famous Route des Châteaux, passing prestigious estates and vineyards that have made this region legendary. Visit selected wineries, discover the winemaking process, and enjoy commented tastings designed to introduce you to the elegance, aromas, structure, and refined character of Médoc wines. Along the way, admire the landscapes of celebrated appellations such as Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe. Enjoy time for lunch on your own in Pauillac before continuing with additional winery visits and tastings. Your guide will share insight into the region’s history, terroir, and traditions, including the important role of Bordeaux wine merchants and the famous Place de Bordeaux. Return to Bordeaux for an evening at leisure. (B)

After breakfast, depart for a full day excursion to Saint-Émilion, one of the most picturesque and celebrated wine regions of Bordeaux. Travel through rolling vineyards and scenic countryside to the Right Bank, renowned for its prestigious Grand Cru wines. Begin the day with visits to selected classified wineries, where you will learn about the winemaking process, grape varieties, oak aging, and the unique terroir that gives Saint-Émilion wines their character. Enjoy commented tastings at each estate, with your guide available throughout the day to answer questions and share local expertise. Continue to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site beautifully set among vineyards and limestone hills. Enjoy a guided walk through its charming streets and admire its historic landmarks, including the Romanesque cloister and views of the famous monolithic church. Time will be available for lunch on your own and personal discovery. In the afternoon, visit another classified winery for a final tasting before returning to Bordeaux. (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel in Bordeaux to Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the Dordogne region. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy time at leisure to begin exploring the old town, known for its golden stone buildings, lively squares, restaurants, markets, and beautifully preserved historic center.(B)

After breakfast, enjoy a gourmet walking tour of Sarlat, a town famous for its market and exceptional regional specialties. Stroll through the medieval streets with your local guide and discover the flavors of the Dordogne, including foie gras, local cheeses, Bergerac wines, walnut specialties, duck delicacies, truffle products, and traditional sweets. Enjoy time for lunch on your own before continuing with an afternoon excursion through the Dordogne Valley. Visit the beautiful village of Domme, classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” and admire its remarkable views over the valley. Continue to La Roque-Gageac for a peaceful cruise aboard a traditional gabarre boat, offering a scenic perspective of the river, castles, villages, and landscapes of the Dordogne. The day concludes with a visit to Beynac, a dramatic medieval village crowned by its impressive castle overlooking the river. Return to Sarlat for the evening.(B)

After breakfast, depart on a full-day excursion dedicated to the prehistoric heritage of the Vézère Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage area renowned for its extraordinary cave art and archaeological treasures. Visit the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies, often considered the world capital of prehistory. Discover important Paleolithic artifacts, tools, carvings, and remains that provide fascinating insight into early human life in the region. Continue to La Roque Saint-Christophe, an impressive troglodytic site carved into a limestone cliff above the Vézère River. Explore the terraces, shelters, and reconstructions that reveal how communities lived in this remarkable natural setting from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. After time for lunch on your own, visit Lascaux IV, the International Center for Parietal Art. This state-of-the-art museum presents a meticulous replica of the original Lascaux Cave, allowing you to admire the famous Paleolithic paintings of bulls, horses, stags, and symbolic signs while learning about the techniques and meaning behind this extraordinary prehistoric masterpiece. Return to Sarlat for the evening. (B)

After breakfast, depart for Rocamadour, one of the most spectacular villages in France. Dramatically built into a cliff above the Alzou Canyon, Rocamadour is known for its medieval houses, sanctuaries, fortifications, and sweeping views. An important pilgrimage site on the route to Santiago de Compostela, Rocamadour is home to the sanctuary of Notre-Dame and the revered Black Virgin. Enjoy time to explore the village and admire its breathtaking setting, where history, spirituality, and natural beauty come together in unforgettable fashion. (B)

Morning transfer to Bordeaux railway station or airport. (B)