A Taste of Bordeaux

MÉDOC & SAINT ÉMILION WINE REGIONS, BIARRITZ, SARLAT AND THE MIDI-PYRÉNÉES - Uncover the delights and secrets of the south west of France on this very special tour. Enjoy wonderful cuisine, bask in the warmth of the Atlantic coast in stylish Biarritz, and marvel at the prehistoric art of the Lascaux Caves and the mighty medieval stronghold of Carcassonne. This tour would of course not be complete without a taste of what Bordeaux is perhaps most famous for today - the majestic wines of Médoc and St Émilion …..Enjoy a taste of the real France!

Day 1: Bordeaux

Saturday - Today arrive at your leisure and take a little time out to settle in at your hotel before tonight's first dinner with your travelling companions. (D)

Day 2: Bordeaux | Médoc Wine Region | Bordeaux

Sunday - Bordeaux is internationally renowned for its wines which are considered to be amongst the best in the world. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007, Bordeaux’s historic sector offers stunning classical and neoclassical architecture, charming squares, and fantastic museums and art galleries. This morning your guide will introduce you to some of the highlights of Bordeaux before we head out of the city and in to wine country. We venture through Médoc, one of the largest and most recognised wine regions in France. Here, you will have the opportunity to try exceptional local wines and learn about the history of this region. This evening you are free to enjoy Bordeaux at your leisure, perhaps eat at one of the many bistros or stroll along the riverside promenade. (B)

Day 3: Bordeaux | Bayonne | Biarritz

Monday - This morning we travel to Bayonne, the cultural capital of the Basque country. This beautiful fortified city is rich in history, heritage and culture. Explore its narrow lanes lined with distinctive colombage houses, a perfect example of Basque architecture. We then make our way to the nearby beach resort of Biarritz, one of Europe’s most stylish cities. Resting on the French and Spanish borders, Biarritz has plenty of charm and appeal, offering fine beaches, medieval churches, and numerous museums. (B.D)

Day 4: Biarritz

Tuesday - Today is a day of rest and relaxation for you to enjoy the attractions of this delightful corner of France. You might want to spend the day on the beach, or perhaps explore the attractions of the area in more depth and delve into its Basque heritage. Watch a fast-moving game of pelota (a local ball-game which has been played down the centuries). Or maybe do a little shopping followed by a long, relaxing lunch by the Atlantic ocean, sipping a glass of local wine and watching the world go by while listening to Euskara, the ancestral language of the Basque people. Whichever you choose, enjoy a wonderfully relaxing day as you look forward to the rest of your trip.(B)

Day 5: Biarritz | Midi-Pyrénées

Wednesday - This morning we depart Biarritz and head east stopping in Pau, a charming town with an impressive castle. The Château de Pau was founded in the middle ages and has links to King Henri IV, Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. We then travel further east through the peaceful Midi-Pyrénées region, stopping at villages along the way to try local cuisine before arriving at our characteristically rustic accommodation.(B.D)

Day 6: Midi-Pyrénées | Carcassonne

Thursday - Today we travel to Rennes-le-Château, the mysterious town which has become something of a place of pilgrimage since The Da Vinci Code. A real treat is in store as we continue our journey to Carcassonne, a mighty fortified city which stands majestically on a hill overlooking the landscapes of the Languedoc and the distant Pyrénées. Explore this magical town at your leisure, discover its history, local cuisine and wines or simply enjoy the scenery. From the Bastide Saint-Louis to the medieval walled city, Carcassonne offers a wealth of monuments to visit and explore. (B)

Day 7: Carcassonne | Albi | Sarlat

Friday - This morning we make our way to the historic city of Albi, located northeast of Toulouse on the banks of the Tarn River. This small town is famous for its 13th century gothic cathedral, the Sainte Cecile Cathedral of Albi, reputably the largest brick building in the world. Not to be missed is the Toulouse Lautrec museum, housing the world's largest collection of this celebrated post-impressionist painter's works. We continue on to Cahors, home to the famous 14th century Pont Valentre Bridge. Due to its historical role as a defensive bridge it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here we drive to the delightful town of Sarlat, our base for the next three nights. (B.D)

Day 8: Sarlat

Saturday - Sarlat is one of the most beautiful cities in France: an architectural gem built in the golden stone of the surrounding countryside; it has stood the test of time despite a long and troubled history. Today we visit the old town lined with impeccably restored stone buildings. One of its highlights is the Sarlat Market, recognised as one of the best markets in France. Sample regional cheeses, breads, cakes, pastries, truffles, foie gras, wines and brandies - the choice is endless! This afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure, relax over lunch, enjoy a glass of local wine or stroll down the medieval lanes. (B)

Day 9: Sarlat | Vézère Valley | Sarlat

Sunday - Today we go further into the Dordogne, a beautiful region full of chateaux, medieval towns and villages. We head first to the Lascaux Caves, which contain some of the oldest and finest prehistoric art in the world. We continue our explorations as we move on to the delightful village of Les Eyzies, in the heart of the Vézère Valley. Les Eyzies is surrounded by caves and contains several important archaeological sites. Here, we visit the National Prehistory Museum, which houses one of the world’s most complete collections of prehistoric artefacts. For an unforgettable glimpse into our distant past, follow the ‘Royal Road’, which winds between the river and the rocks.(B.D)

Day 10 Sarlat | Saint Émilion | Bordeaux

Monday - Before we make our way back to Bordeaux we visit the impressive Château de Castelnaud, standing high over the valley of the Dordogne. Built in the 12th century, this fascinating castle has a dramatic history. We then travel to Saint Émilion, an attractive little town of yellow limestone with narrow streets and old timber-framed houses. Surrounded by vineyards this region is renowned for its reds and you will have the opportunity to taste local wines before we make our way back to Bordeaux where our tour comes to an end. (B)

Saturday departures:

2013: May 25; June 8 & 22; July 20; August 10 & 31; September 14 & 28.