Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne & the Vézère

Day 1

We depart home area and make our way to Dover for our short ferry crossing to Calais, We continue through France and make our way to Orléans making suitable comfort stops. Time to relax before our evening meal.

Day 2

After breakfast we continue our journey through France’s most picturesque and historically rich regions, from the historic heart of the Loire Valley to the dramatic landscapes of the Dordogne. We make suitable comfort stops along the way and arrive at our hotel with time to freshen up and unpack before our evening meal.

Day 3

Today we visit Souillac, a hidden gem in the Dordogne valley. A delightful destination nestled along the banks of the Dordogne river. The Pont de Lanzac, an old stone bridge spanning the Dordogne River, provides picturesque views of the town and its surroundings. It is a charming spot for a leisurely walk and a great photo opportunity. Take a walk around the market* and try one of the excellent restaurants where we can enjoy regional delicacies accompanied by fine local wines. In the afternoon we head to Martel for our railway journey on a steam locomotive or a powerful diesel train from Martel and an experience a 8 mile round trip where we ascend more than 260 feet providing us with wonderful panoramic views of the Dordogne valley. We return to our hotel afterwards for our evening meal.

*Market dates correct at time of brochure print.

Day 4

Today we make our way along the Dordogne to La Roque-Gageac for a picturesque cruise along the river Dordogne to the Castelnaud bridge on a gabare, an authentic reproduction of an 18th-century boat that was once used to transport wine, wood, fish and salt along the river. We can learn about the history and traditions of the area as we take this hour long cruise. An audio guide is available in English. Afterwards we visit Sarlat-la-Canéda, often referred to as the jewel of the Périgord Noir, a beautifully preserved medieval town dating back to the 9th century, flourishing around a Benedictine abbey. A glass elevator in the bell tower offers spectacular city views. One of the biggest weekly markets in the Dordogne region is held here all day on Saturday*. Time to obtain lunch, explore the shops and attractions around the pedestrianised town centre before returning to our hotel.

*Market dates correct at time of brochure print.

Day 5

After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure. Our hotel is conveniently situated in the historic centre of Rocamadour, allowing us to easily explore the village’s narrow streets, ancient buildings and the delightful shops.

Day 6

This morning we travel to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, situated in the Vézère Valley, known as ‘The Prehistoric Capital of the World’ and is celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of prehistoric sites, caves, and museums, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Browse the weekly market* and shops and obtain lunch in one of the many restaurants before we continue to Gouffre de Padirac to see the magnificent cave system. We begin our journey by descending into the chasm via a combination of stairs and elevators, reaching a depth of 75 meters (246 feet). The dramatic entry into the abyss is an awe-inspiring start to the adventure. At the bottom of the chasm, an underground river flows through the cave system. We can embark on a boat ride (extra cost) along this river, guided by knowledgeable boatmen who share insights into the geological formations and history of the caves. We return to our hotel afterwards for our evening meal.

Day 7

After breakfast we say farewell to Rocamadour and make our way back to Orléans making suitable comfort stops.

Day 8

We depart our hotel after breakfast and return to home area making suitable comfort stops before our return ferry crossing

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included